January Booking Hair Brained Scheme and questions...

[xipetotec]

So we're DVC members taking on the daunting task of going first week of January. Unfortunately, we decided on this too late, and there are a few days in the middle where we could not book. ( we're on waitlists and what not, but it's looking like a *super* booked period ). So we might just book cheap hotels for those nights.

Thing is, I'm worried about THOSE filling up as well. *currently* I can only book out those days if I book starting Dec 31st because January is not valid for a start date yet.

So:
1) When do January dates typically open up?

2) And this is where the hair brained scheme comes in. HOW EASY is it once a standard reservation has been made to add/remove days ? That is to say, if I want to guarantee three days in January ( 4,5,6 ) and I can book TODAY from Dec 31-Jan 7. Can I DO that, then just cancel Dec 31-Jan 3 when the January dates are open?

 

[mickeynut1]

So we're DVC members taking on the daunting task of going first week of January. Unfortunately, we decided on this too late, and there are a few days in the middle where we could not book. ( we're on waitlists and what not, but it's looking like a *super* booked period ). So we might just book cheap hotels for those nights.

Thing is, I'm worried about THOSE filling up as well. *currently* I can only book out those days if I book starting Dec 31st because January is not valid for a start date yet.

So:
1) When do January dates typically open up?

2) And this is where the hair brained scheme comes in. HOW EASY is it once a standard reservation has been made to add/remove days ? That is to say, if I want to guarantee three days in January ( 4,5,6 ) and I can book TODAY from Dec 31-Jan 7. Can I DO that, then just cancel Dec 31-Jan 3 when the January dates are open?

1. Rates for 2018 should be out sometime this summer, most likely July-August (but could be as early as June).

2. This was easy to do in the past, but Disney has changed that policy, making it harder to drop nights. In order to drop nights, the shorter stay must be available for you to modify your reservation. You can book the longer stay now, but it's not guaranteed you can shorten it later as the shorter stay must be available as a new reservation.

 

[xipetotec]

Ah. So really no point in doing it at all then . Well that's good to know! I will wait until I can book outright on the days that I need thanks!

 

[disneyjanet]

Ah. So really no point in doing it at all then . Well that's good to know! I will wait until I can book outright on the days that I need thanks!

You can book them already just not on the website. If you call you can book. For example I booked Jan 2, 2018-Jan 9, 2018 over the phone.

 

[mickeynut1]

Ah. So really no point in doing it at all then . Well that's good to know! I will wait until I can book outright on the days that I need thanks!

After I posted, I forgot that you can call and book RO as far as 499 days out. You will be quoted the highest rate for 2017, with a required deposit of 1 night's room rate + tax. Your reservation will automatically be adjusted once the new rates are released. However, if you want a package or want to book online, you will have to wait until the rates come out.

 

[xipetotec]

Alright, ALSO good to know. I guess I will be calling it in then.

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yep, you need plan B to get something for Jan 4-6 since that is the marathon. So many DVC owners participate in Run Disney events. Plus you have the Expo starting on Wednesday, the 5K on Thursday, 10K on Friday, Half on Saturday and Full on Sunday. We booked our OKW nights months ago and even then the Friday night was not available for Near Hospitality House area (we didn't need HHA).