OH NO! Please help calm my fear...

[snyderla]

We are having a Grand Gathering Oct 24-Nov1. We have 3 rooms booked at OKW 10/26-11/01 (2 studios and a 2BR). I didn't book the room for my sister yet, because until a week or so ago, she wasn't sure she could go. Her tickets arrived yesterday, so I called to book her room today. (I am borrowing points, so didn't want to do that until I knew for sure they would be used). Well, wouldn't you know it, no availability except for Friday night! I have asked to be placed on the waitlist.
Anyone been in a waitlist situation 60 or so days out? How did that turn out for you? I feel terrible for waiting, but she bowed out last minute when we had a Grand Gathering at Pop a few years ago, and I was afraid she would do it this time too. Now that she has over $1000 in tickets, I'm pretty sure she is going! And know I don't have a room for her. I didn't book another DVC resort because I don't want to bring 2009 points into my 2008 use year. (August)
Am I out of luck???
Any suggestions?

 

[CraftyMouse]

Since you are so close to your travel dates I would book a room at one of the Values for her, just in case the waitlist doesn't come through. October is a very busy time at WDW, particularly at the DVC properties, and the waitlists can get pretty long so I would have a backup plan, just in case. Honestly, I think you have a 50/50 chance, at best.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

 

[Chuck S]

It isn't your fault. Your sister is to blame. Given you are traveling during EPCOT Food & Wine, it is a popular time for DVCers, no matter which resort. Plus there may be some folks still using up developers points from the last promotion, where they were good everywhere, not just SSR.

Your sister has no one to blame but herself for the situation, she should have gotten the tickets or made a firm commitment much earlier. Your waitlist may come through, but do you have a back-up plan of any kind if it does not? I personally would tell her to book at POP on her dime, if it is available. You were very generous to offer to book her on points, given that she canceled last minute the first time. I wouldn't have made the offer. If folks cancel, unless it is a medical or other emergency, they aren't invited back. There are, so far, 4 people on my "never again" list.

 

[DebbieB]

Do you or anyone in your party have an annual pass? AP rates just came out. An OKW studio is $184 plus tax a night and is available for your dates. You could book it as a backup. The values are $74, moderates $114.

 

[snyderla]

I know I had good reason for waiting, but I still feel bad. I do feel a little better since reading Chuck's post though! DH & I have annual passes. I kind of makes me mad that there are rooms available for cash, but my points can't get me a room today. But I know that's a hot topic best left alone.
At least if I book cash at OKW as a back up, if I have to cancel before 6 days it is refundable. Another thought I had was trying to move the whole group to BWV standard view, but I bet it would be less likely to that I could get us all in at BWV than 1 room at OKW. Especially with F&W going on.

 

[DebbieB]

There's no way BWV rooms will be available. OKW and SSR rooms are usually the last available.

 

[flechette]

Well I can tell you not all of us with reservations at OKW are 100% sure we'll need them

I'm in a reverse situation - we have a studio booked for 10/26 to 10/31 and my sister may back out. I've asked for a firm decision by Sept 15th. I do completely understand why she can't confirm going and why she may not be able to make it. But I don't think it's unreasonable to expect you to know 6 weeks out what your situation is. She insists on treating this like a hotel reservation instead of a timeshare.

LOL should I contact you if she does back out?

Anyway - just wanted to say I do think your waitlist does have a good chance of coming on in. I doubt I'm the only one in this position

Good luck!

 

[Laneychris]

Good luck

 

[JimMIA]

I would not rely on the waitlist; I'd call every day, or every other day, to "check on my waitlist." There have been numerous situations where "Magic" has occurred and waitlists came through just as the CM checked for the caller.

Too many situations like that reported here to ignore.

 

[snyderla]

Thank you all very much. Flechette, that is exactly what I was afraid my sister would do! At least last time when she backed out, it was from a cash ressie and before the deadline. I hope things work out for both of us...
DebbieB, I was thinking of calling to see if SSR was available. At least it is close to OKW. The more I thought about calling on BWV, the more ridiculous the idea seems. No way during F&W is there going to be 4 rooms, including a 2BR available! Especially standard view.
JimMIA, I'm glad you mentioned that! I will check my vacation detail on the website daily and call every other day or so. And if nothing shows up before 30 days or so, I will include all DVC for waitlist. Does that sound like a good plan? I know if she has to pay cash for the room, she won't be able to go. I really want her & her family there. I hope and pray it works out.