Problem with my reservation--thoughts? Ideas?

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We're going to WDW for our first DVC trip in August. There are 6 of us, so we were looking for a 2BR. I booked 11 nights at BCV, 11 months out, no problem. We decided we wanted to try 3 nights at AKV, so at the 7-month window, I booked day by day.

I got the confirmation in the mail yesterday, and it turned out that we were put in a 1BR at AKL, rather than a 2BR. I immediately called MS, but there is no availability for 2BR at AKL. Of course, we're waitlisted, but I'm kicking myself that this happened. I have no idea where the misunderstanding was, and really, it doesn't matter now. I am hoping that, if a studio opens up for those days, that they can "add" it to our 1BR to make the 2BR.

So, worst case, we're in a 1BR with 6 people. Technically we can do it, as our youngest is under 3, but he'll be 2 1/2, so a "big" infant. Our other kids will be 13, 11, and 5. I wanted to hear from people who have put 5/6 people in a 1BR, and how it went. Will we be tripping over each other? We really hope to spend a fair amount of time at the resort. I'm concerned with naps for the little guy, as well as the various bedtimes. Any tips or suggestions to make us more comfortable?

FTR, my MIL is going to WDW with us, although she'll be staying in her own room. None of the kids wants to share with her (she snores really loud, and is a neat freak). But we could at least in theory send someone over to her room, if not to sleep, then maybe to change a bathing suit or watch TV or something.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't want to be in a 2 bedroom with 6 people. Beside space, there's only 1 bathroom. So, I would go to SSR for those three nights in a 2 bedroom if available, and waitlist for a 2 bedroom at AKV.

Bobbi

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We have zero interest in Saratoga. None, zip, nada. I know there are huge fans of the resort, not slamming it, but we really wanted AKL. Heck, we LIVE in Saratoga (the county, not the city). Plus, we invited MIL along specifically because we knew she would enjoy the theming of AKL. Since she's staying cash, her choice would be to pay cash for a Saratoga studio, or be at AKL without us.

 

[Alexander]

You probably aren't going to find many if any people who have put that many in a one-bedroom considering you can't do it at any other resort. Hopefully you have a one-bedroom with a fold-out chair (aka--not a value villa). Otherwise, you can't put 5/6 either.

You'll be crowded for sure!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Yes, we have Savannah view, so technically, the room can hold us. But you'd think they would have caught that we have 6 people listed. DH and I actually had discussed tryng a 1BR, but then decided we didn't want to be "cheap" about points on vacation, and then be miserable because we're on top of each other.

I'm really hoping the wait list comes through for us--I'm SO disappointed that this happened!

 

[Claire L]

Did MS not go through with you the numkber of points required for each night? If they did then surely alarm bells should of rung. Every time I ahve rung MS have gone through the points per night and the number left in each UY if the reservation uses a banked or borrowed UY.

I hope your waitlist comes through.

Claire

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

I don't specifically recall who said what. I've been trying to remember--I'm positive I didn't SAY I wanted a 1BR. My BCV nights were all in a 2BR. Since I had previously booked 11 nights in a BCV 2BR, the point count was pretty high--I don't remember if I had my spreadsheet in front of me where I ran several scenarios based on different views and # of nights at AKL (yeah, okay, I'm a tad obsessive...). Also, the point count would change from a BCV night to any of the AKL nights.

OTOH, when I called for BCV at the 11-month mark, I can remember them telling me, "Okay, you'll now use X points." I called day-by-day, and I remember keeping the point tally. I also called day-by-day on the AKL, and I don't know why I'm blanking.

 

[LisaS]

It sounds like you do some great preparation prior to calling so next time just be sure to have your spreadsheet in front of you when you call. That way, when they review your point status with you, you can catch any mistakes right away. The other thing I do is check my reservation on the members' website after I finish talking with MS. I like to see the confirmation right there and then that the resort, room type and dates are correct.

I am hoping that, if a studio opens up for those days, that they can "add" it to our 1BR to make the 2BR.

Did you waitlist for a 2BR or for a studio? Having a 1BR and a studio is not the same as getting a 2BR because there is no guarantee that they will assign you to connecting units. You could end up with rooms a few doors down from each other, or even half way across the resort from one another.

I do hope things work out!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

No, I'm waitlisted for a 2BR. I'm just hoping that, should someone cancel a studio, they could then use that to change my 1BR to a 2BR. That's MY thought, I didn't say that to MS, and I realize it may not be that simple. But when I called about the error, the CM was pretty distraught that this had happened, and that she couldn't fix it.

As I said, this was my first time using points, I was ultra careful when I did the BCV.

Worst case scenario, though, we have more points to use next trip--that wouldn't be horrible. I do hope the waitlist comes through.

 

[StayFLA]

No offense taken about SSR. I just bought there and my first priority is to relax at AKV savanna view for my first trip.

Ralph

 

[CarolMN]

In my opinion, you are wise NOT to add a waitlist request for a studio - if MS inputs the request incorrectly, you could lose the 1 bedroom.

FWIW, I don't think August is all that tough to get (relative to other months), so IMHO you have a very good chance of the waitlist coming through. Remember there are still quite a few 2 bedroom units left to declare into the condominium, so that increases the chances of your waitlist coming through.

Good luck!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

What a bummer!

Does your littlest one still fit in a pak n play? We set up our daughter's pak n play in the bedroom portion of the one bedroom for naps and it worked well.

I'm not sure about the 1 bedroom closets at AK ... but I've read on several TR's that people put the pak n play in the giant closet off the bathroom and use it like a tiny bedroom.

I'm guessing your 5 year old goes to bed earlier than the rest ... could you let him/her fall asleep in the king bed and then transfer to the sleeper when it is bedtime for everyone else?

I hope your wait list comes through, but if it doesn't, I think you will be fine for 3 nights.

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Yes, I would put DS2 in the crib, and I had already figured on putting DD5 in the king bed for the first couple hours, then moving her. Just because, how else could she sleep? And looking at the layout, the best place for the crib would be in the MBR, with the couch and chair open.

Fortunately, we were planning on having a lot of relaxing time during those days--visit AK 2 mornings, but otherwise hang out at the hotel. We've been to Boma a couple times, and are really looking forward to exploring all the hotel has to offer.

CarolMN--I hadn't thought about units not yet being declared--oh, that would be great if I was near the front of the line for new inventory!

I really hope the waitlist comes through. I'm sure we'll have a great time regardless.

 

[50 years Too!]

I can understand how disappointing it would be to think that you'll be in a two bedroom and find out that it is really a one bedroom.
However, I really think it's doable!
If the toddler can fit in the play & pack, the 5 year old sleeps with an older sib on the pullout sofa, and another older one on the chair, sleeping accomplished!
My concern would be the bathroom, but even that is doable.
I'd keep my fingers crossed for the 2 bedroom, be mentally prepared for the one bedroom, and not change resorts.

Deb