Qs re WBC checkin procedures

[keishashadow]

We've stayed but booked thru Hotwire in the past, this time thru Vacation Strategy

Hoping the experts could answer these questions:

1) Our flight gets in around 8 am. Expect we'd be able to reach the resort by 10:30 am at the latest. Is it worth stopping by the checkin desk to try and request a building/view then?

2) Otherwise we'd be closing down the parks, assume we'd get the leftovers. Is the desk 24-7?

3) Any recent success with '$20 sandwich' @ checkin to help up our chances of a great room? Standard procedure for us in Vegas. Did read a few older posts where people referenced doing it @ WBC. Not sure if it's acceptable thing in the area, don't want to ruffle any feathers.

4) if we do a grocery run pre checkin, is there cold storage available @ the resort pending checkin?

5) Other than reservation confirmation & photo ID, anything else required @ checkin? CC for incidentals or security deposit perhaps (not sure how that works going thru VS as to booking now that I think of it)?

6) Parking pass. I've read both need to stop by concierge desk for pass or just to park the car. Don't want to deal with hard sell if I can skip it but sure don't want the rental to get towed, what is the norm?

7) Does Amazon pantry or Now deliver to the resort? If so, does it go to the check in area? In past we've skipped grocery run all together using it for shorter stays and didn't have to deal with lugging cases of water/soda, etc.

8) We have a late flight out. Are there changing rooms I didn't notice by the pools JIK we want to sneak in a swim after checkout time?

 

[ibob52]

8) We have a late flight out. Are there changing rooms I didn't notice by the pools JIK we want to sneak in a swim after checkout time?

There is a restroom with a shower (or two) in the Main Building

the Main Building is the one that has the other *lazy river*

 

[KristinU]

I'm able to answer some questions - my answers in green below:

We've stayed but booked thru Hotwire in the past, this time thru Vacation Strategy

Hoping the experts could answer these questions:

1) Our flight gets in around 8 am. Expect we'd be able to reach the resort by 10:30 am at the latest. Is it worth stopping by the checkin desk to try and request a building/view then? I would...because of exactly what you note on the next line, I wouldn't want to get the leftovers late at night...might be an unfounded fear, but still...

2) Otherwise we'd be closing down the parks, assume we'd get the leftovers. Is the desk 24-7?

3) Any recent success with '$20 sandwich' @ checkin to help up our chances of a great room? Standard procedure for us in Vegas. Did read a few older posts where people referenced doing it @ WBC. Not sure if it's acceptable thing in the area, don't want to ruffle any feathers. I'm interested in hearing other responses on this...should I have been doing this???

4) if we do a grocery run pre checkin, is there cold storage available @ the resort pending checkin? Yes, definitely cold storage available at bell services (of course you'll want to tip accordingly)

5) Other than reservation confirmation & photo ID, anything else required @ checkin? CC for incidentals or security deposit perhaps (not sure how that works going thru VS as to booking now that I think of it)? Yes, CC for incidentals and security deposit...can't remember how much they put on then take off.

6) Parking pass. I've read both need to stop by concierge desk for pass or just to park the car. Don't want to deal with hard sell if I can skip it but sure don't want the rental to get towed, what is the norm? We just skip it, no problems in our three visits so far.

7) Does Amazon pantry or Now deliver to the resort? If so, does it go to the check in area? In past we've skipped grocery run all together using it for shorter stays and didn't have to deal with lugging cases of water/soda, etc.

8) We have a late flight out. Are there changing rooms I didn't notice by the pools JIK we want to sneak in a swim after checkout time?

 

[Beemitchcowski]

We arrived into MCO at 9:30 am....on our way I simply called and asked if by any chance if there is a room ready...I even asked if they take requests because we heard about fireworks view. They told us there is a room available with the view....we went straight there and checked in! Enjoy!

 

[lbwilliams]

I'm also interested in knowing if anyone has tips for getting a good room and skipping the hard sell. Our flight doesn't get in until 6:20pm unfortunately so we are looking at arriving at the resort around 7:45pm (Jan 5th). (1) Any suggestions for a good room that late at night? and (2) Can I really skip the parking pass desk?

 

[BigredNole]

I've only been there once. My advice is as follows:
1. The early you arrive the better
2. If it is not super crowded at the check-in desk the more likely to get a request filled.
3. The people at the check-in desk are extremely friendly. The friendlier you are with them the more likely they are to help with requests.
4. Be willing to not have a room ready to get what you want.
5. The check-in people do not do any hard timeshare sale. They simply guide you to stop at the parking desk. You do not need to go there because that is where the hard sell is.

Remember, the check-in people are limited to what is available/becoming available. The pickings get slim the later the day goes. The later you get there, the more you have to settle.

 

[Mickeymickey197555]

1) I checked in at 10:00 AM Christmas day and had my choice of 3 units
2)Yes
5) They asked if I wanted to put a credit card down for incidentals
6) I skipped the parking pass, key access for date so not necessary to get the pass

 

[mrzrich]

I get the parking pass.
I go to the desk alone. They are not allowed to sell to a married person unless their spouse is present. I say I am having a "Girl's trip" with my sister. They say thanks and give me the pass. I never get one phone call while I'm there. The parking pass people do not have access to the "Guest list" they have no way of knowing that my spouse is actually there the whole time.

 

[TwoMisfits]

I get the parking pass.
I go to the desk alone. They are not allowed to sell to a married person unless their spouse is present. I say I am having a "Girl's trip" with my sister. They say thanks and give me the pass. I never get one phone call while I'm there. The parking pass people do not have access to the "Guest list" they have no way of knowing that my spouse is actually there the whole time.

That is an awesome strategy. I'm gonna use it next time. My spouse is always waiting in the car with the kids, and I'm always honest about that, and I say he makes all the decisions so just give me the info and I'll ask him...and that gets me out of there quickly, but we still get a few calls. Next time, he just won't be there at all...

I will say, by pawning it to my spouse, I've seen offers higher than we ever got if we were both there...last time, they offered me $125 (after 1st offering me $100 and then hearing I'd take it to my spouse), which he still shot down b/c we don't do these anymore...best we ever got when we both showed up at the desk was $75 (although it could also be that it's been years since we've sat through these, so they know the lower incentive wasn't getting us there)...

 

[tjlamphere]

I'm able to answer some questions - my answers in green below:

I have never heard of the "$ 20 sandwich". I am too timid to try that...never have....and don't know if WBC checking workers are allowed under the table inducements....but we are hoping to go to WBC in early November (have not booked yet), so I will be looking for tips on getting the best room possible. Have been in Building 1 two previous trips, but want to try something down near the pirate ship pool this time.

 

[tjlamphere]

http://redirect.viglink.com/?format...Disney Discussion Forums - DISboards.com&txt=

 

[mrzrich]

I have never heard of the "$ 20 sandwich". I am too timid to try that...never have....and don't know if WBC checking workers are allowed under the table inducements....but we are hoping to go to WBC in early November (have not booked yet), so I will be looking for tips on getting the best room possible. Have been in Building 1 two previous trips, but want to try something down near the pirate ship pool this time.

Best way to ensure that you will be in building 6 is to book a presidential 1,2,or 3 bedroom unit. I believe they are only in building 6. 4 bedroom presidential suites can be in any of the buildings

 

[David Brent]

I'm excited since I've never stayed at WBC before. I'll be there next week. I booked the 4b presidential suite on eBay for around $120 per night. I'll be at MK the day of check in. I plan on getting my room keys, skipping the parking pass desk to head back to MK. I just have to decide when would be a good time to head there to check in. Having an AP, I feel allows me to try lots of different means of lodging.

 

[BigredNole]

My understanding is that all 4BR Pres suites are on the top floor of Building 6 only. The only difference will be which direction of view. Others can correct me if I am wrong. Assuming I am correct, I would not leave the park just to check-in. When you are done for the night, head over and get your room. You could even call over in the morning early to see which is available and request it.

 

[mrzrich]

My understanding is that all 4BR Pres suites are on the top floor of Building 6 only. The only difference will be which direction of view. Others can correct me if I am wrong. Assuming I am correct, I would not leave the park just to check-in. When you are done for the night, head over and get your room. You could even call over in the morning early to see which is available and request it.

No, 4 bedroom presidential can be in any building. The 1,2 and 3 bedroom presidentially are only in building 6

 

[tjlamphere]

I'm excited since I've never stayed at WBC before. I'll be there next week. I booked the 4b presidential suite on eBay for around $120 per night. I'll be at MK the day of check in. I plan on getting my room keys, skipping the parking pass desk to head back to MK. I just have to decide when would be a good time to head there to check in. Having an AP, I feel allows me to try lots of different means of lodging.

David, where did you get such a good rate for such a large unit? I am looking for something similar in early November, and I think that is a comparably slow time to your trip....I need to book the 4 BR Presidential unit ASAP and need some guidance. You found it on Ebay ????????????????? How far in advance did you book it???

 

[David Brent]

David, where did you get such a good rate for such a large unit? I am looking for something similar in early November, and I think that is a comparably slow time to your trip....I need to book the 4 BR Presidential unit ASAP and need some guidance. You found it on Ebay ????????????????? How far in advance did you book it???

I got very lucky. It was a last second trip I decided for my family January 11-13. I looked on eBay and just searched "wyndham bonnet creek january" and there were lots of January rooms for sale and I got lucky and found the date I wanted. I only needed 2 bedrooms so I don't need 4 bedrooms but it was the dates I needed, the price was good, and the seller was reputable.

 

[BigredNole]

The difference between booking far out and spur of the moment is that Platinum VIP members can get the rooms 50% off the point total. If there is upgrade inventory, they get free upgrades. For example, assume that 4BR Presidential unit is available, a 4BR Deluxe is 250,000 points and available. The Platinum VIP member can book the 4BR Deluxe for 125,000 points and get the free upgrade to the 4BR Presidential. The overall cost to the Platinum VIP member is about $400 and they sell it for $1200. They make $800 in it still.

 

[tjlamphere]

No, 4 bedroom presidential can be in any building. The 1,2 and 3 bedroom presidentially are only in building 6

I have a quote for a 4 BR Presidential for the first week of Nov., at a bit over $ 1,600....that is over $ 200 a night, and I see someone had gotten one for $ 120 a nite, and again, this is one of the slowest times of the year, so should I try to get a cheaper rate? I am 10 months out. But I am focused on the 4 BR Presidential unit....just trying to get the best price....even $ 150 a night would be good. I hope to check in around 10 AM on a Saturday morning (at least go to the Registration desk at that time) to try and get the best view possible.

 

[BigredNole]

Getting great deals at WBC depends on many factors. The most being time of year, inventory availability, and who you are going through.

For that time of year, a 4BR Pres is 231,000 points. This would be about $1500 - $1600. To get a rate lower, you need to work with a Platinum VIP member that can book the reservation, cancel it at the 60-day mark, and rebook. This would cost them half the points to reserve. However, you run the risk of someone else snagging the room in the few minutes it is put back in inventory. It is a risk, but low. Even if it got snatched up, there are options to be able to still stay at WBC. You could always get two 2BR units and the PlatVIP gets free upgrades inside 60 days.

Contact the people you are working with to see if they provide that service.