Q For VGC Owners/Frequent DL Guests re Potential WL Success

[keishashadow]

We've been very lucky in being able to book VGC at the 11th month mark for all our visits to DL since it's been open (spring, summer, winter).

Was surprised to find myself shut out even trying to walk the reservation for the beginning of October.

In addition to the Halloween festivities, discovered that Gay Days is scheduled during our visit. Our only issue is the potential influx of crowds, told it tends to be very busy over that long weekend unlike the small blip in attendance at WDW when we have visited during that unofficial event. We have already committed to this trip, cancelling our BWV stay for the same time period. We will smile and be happy we are there, but trying to plan realistically.

I found the group rate and booked the DLH. Seems to be a good deal, going by existing rack rate it's over half off. The GC priced out approx. at a 35% discount. We have stayed at the DLH a few times before the last renovation and always enjoyed it and usually find ourselves at the tiki bar there a few times each trip. I have no idea what the discount model is for the onsite hotels at DL for this time period. Currently, 25% seems to be the best rate thru the spring publicly available.

Unsure whether it's worth tying up points to waitlist at the VGC or if we would even have a snowball's chance for a studio at this point via WL. Would use the same points for a possible bonus trip winter/spring of '16 (dependent upon receiving the necessary vacation approval) in that case and already in the start of the 11 month window.

Was hoping those familiar would be able to advise. Any hints for that time frame most welcome.

 

[justkeepswimmin]

I am an owner at VGC and had success getting a late reservation by stalking the website. I have heard that waitlist requests are filled in batches once per day (rumored to be in the late night hours) but availability online appears to be in real time so this is a chance you could catch an opening that way like I did.

As you said, October has become an extremely busy time at DL due to 'Halloweentime' festivities and also lots of kiddos who have year round school schedules in AZ and California are on fall break. We are in AZ and my kids get 3 weeks off in the fall. Lots of families use this time to travel to Disney so I really think that can have a big impact on crowds too.

 

[DisneyHeather]

I think it wouldn't hurt to waitlist. I have a 2 bedroom booked that same weekend at VGC.

As far as a wait list coming through I had a wait list for a Saturday this May because my moms are going for the 5K and the wait list just came through last week. Personally I was shocked as I was really thinking a studio on a Saturday wouldn't come through at all for her. So I say wait list it and if it comes through great and if it doesn't then at least you still have a room at DLH.

 

[keishashadow]

thanks, didn't think of fall break, our area still does the traditional summer break only

 

[hjgaus]

Can you use your points to rent out a hotel room? I know its not the best use but if you only need a few days in a pinch it may work out.

 

[keishashadow]

Can you use your points to rent out a hotel room? I know its not the best use but if you only need a few days in a pinch it may work out.

I could but point requirements are so high that way. I went ahead and booked the DLH, all in approx. $900 for 4 nights (including a Friday & Saturday) using the group rate. Room is run of the house sort and won't be assigned until a day or so pre-check-in but we are flexible since only two of us.

I did WL this morning, but if I decide to utilize the points elsewhere will cancel.