Panic Stricken - 1st time waitlister

[barb45]

I booked cheap flights - Spirit from Detroit $94 RT for 2 people. Only problem is you have to book immediately or lose the chance. So now I'm trying to get anything with points and nothing is available not even a regular room on points. They waitlisted me for December 5 - 8th (Friday to Monday) for a studio. What are the odds of getting something? Is there a way to increase my odds. Any advise is so appreciated because now I'm a wreck. I went from being excited to completely stressed out - again.

Thanks all.

 

[Weluvdisny]

Good luck and I hope your waitlist comes through!

Waiting is the hardest thing! We're on a waitlist too for BWV or BCV in November.

 

[chalee94]

dec is a super-peak time for DVC. hope it works out for you but i'd say odds are really, really low and you might want to reserve a hotel room somewhere just in case.

here's what december looks like for waitlisters...many of whom have been on the list since may or so...

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1724111

 

[JimMIA]

I would call MS to "check" on your waitlist occasionally. The reports of "Magic" suddenly happening are just too numerous to ignore

("Let me check...Hey, what do you know -- your waitlist just came through!")

That period is probably the hardest time of the year to get something, but it won't hurt to try.

 

[CarolA]

What rooms size did you waitlist? Did you waitlist ALL resorts?

My experience has been that A LOT of my waitlists clear. (And I never call)

However, I always include OKW and SSR and I also include Studio and 1 bedroom if I am really needing the room. My experience has been that 1 Bedrooms tend to clear MORE then studios. (Since I only book in advance on RARE occassions I get to do this a lot LOL!)

Of course I am also of the theory that Spriit is not going to last long.... the model has problems. They can't make ANY money flying you roundtrip for $94 so your room may not be your only issue IMHO!

 

[Mtnman44]

Get a back up reservation somewhere else. There are some particularly good deals at some of the Marriott resorts during that week, just FYI. I have a 2 BR reserved at the Grande Vista for $175. The 1 BR is only $125. It's not on property, but for a quick fun trip, it's better than nothing, right?

 

[barb45]

Ok - so I waitlisted at all the resorts for a studio. I didn't realize you could waitlist for more than 1 room size. I'll add 1 bedroom to it if that would help. I couldn't get a regular room either on points because they only release so many on points and they are all booked up too. What I don't understand is that they offered DVC rooms for cash??? What's with that - if they are available and they are all booked up why don't they let us have those?

I was really glad to get that Spirit flight - I joined the $9.00 club and they have these deals come up where they send you emails. You only have a few minutes to grab the flight or they are all gone.

I like the idea of booking somewhere else just in case but I'll be really really sad if I don't stay on Disney property - that's why I bought it in the first place. And if I have to stay somewhere else than Disney will lose my money on anything else because I won't do Disney at all then - I'll use the weekend to do some other things instead.

Thanks for the suggestions - any more will be greatly appreciated.

 

[BlakeNJ]

What rooms size did you waitlist? Did you waitlist ALL resorts?

My experience has been that A LOT of my waitlists clear. (And I never call)

However, I always include OKW and SSR and I also include Studio and 1 bedroom if I am really needing the room. My experience has been that 1 Bedrooms tend to clear MORE then studios. (Since I only book in advance on RARE occassions I get to do this a lot LOL!)

Of course I am also of the theory that Spriit is not going to last long.... the model has problems. They can't make ANY money flying you roundtrip for $94 so your room may not be your only issue IMHO!

I agree with adding a 1BR to your choice of room sizes--if points allow. I don't want to be a Debbie Downer but we wait listed for a studio last November during "Jersey Week" with no luck. I called almost every day to check. Even went day-by-day at 7 days. I had Pop Century booked as a backup with a code rate. We loved Pop and the kids thought it was great so it made it "hurt" less. Since you got a great deal on flights, why not book a value and it nothing comes through on DVC at least you have a place with a reasonable rate.

GOOD LUCK!!!

 

[CraftyMouse]

What I don't understand is that they offered DVC rooms for cash??? What's with that - if they are available and they are all booked up why don't they let us have those?

Those rooms are from a different inventory. DVC retains a percentage (4-5%) of each resorts points and can rent those rooms out. They also have the rooms that are available because some members chose to trade out or use their points elsewhere. I know it seems unfair, but it really is apples and oranges.

 

[zurgswife]

The first week of Dec is by far one of the most popular times for DVCers to visit. The back up ressie that is suggested should be made at a Disney hotel for money not a DVC resort unless you have the money out of pocket for that. Yet, I agree with CarolA. Spirit might not even be in business come December hence not having a room won't be a problem.

 

[barb45]

Ok - so I decided to book a 1 bedroom at SSR for the first night, 1 bedroom at VWL (which suddenly became available) and waitlisted the 3rd night for either a studio or 1 bedroom anywhere. Is this the best approach? Can you have 2 waitlists - for instance - is it possible to waitlist all 3 nights in a studio and then transfer the reservation I have now to the new rooms? This is soooo confusing.

 

[Laneychris]

I hope it works out for you.

 

[Donald is #1]

Ok - so I decided to book a 1 bedroom at SSR for the first night, 1 bedroom at VWL (which suddenly became available) and waitlisted the 3rd night for either a studio or 1 bedroom anywhere. Is this the best approach? Can you have 2 waitlists - for instance - is it possible to waitlist all 3 nights in a studio and then transfer the reservation I have now to the new rooms? This is soooo confusing.

Yes you can. In your case, I would:

1) wait list for all 3 nights at all resorts in a studio

2) wait list for 3rd night at all resorts in a studio or 1 BR

 

[barb45]

thank you Donald - you are #1! I will put the second waitlist on tomorrow. How does it work when you have 2 different waitlists going - if one comes through does it cancel out the other? I know they don't call you. Please let me know.

 

[CarolA]

thank you Donald - you are #1! I will put the second waitlist on tomorrow. How does it work when you have 2 different waitlists going - if one comes through does it cancel out the other? I know they don't call you. Please let me know.

Yes, when you clear one the others go away. I watch mine and if my first choice isn't what clears I call back and "re list"