Same day reservations on the cheap?

[EpcotNerd]

Driving down to Disney, staying at Boardwalk. We don't know how far we'll get on our drive down and plan on making our hotel reservations for the night while on the road...if we do make it all the way down to Orlando, does WDW do any deep discounts for super-last-minute (aka same day) reservations if they have rooms available? If so, are there any websites other than the Disney website to look these up while we're on the road?

 

[Yarbogash]

AFAIK Disney does not. And last minute availability can be very tight.

Hotwire and Priceline do sometimes have last minute discounts but you need to know how to id the resort in their 'blind' options.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

No, they don’t. Disney resorts run at such a full occupancy to begin with, they don’t run specials like that to fill an odd day here or there.

If you plan to book same day, budget to pay rack rate.

 

[EpcotNerd]

Thanks. I don't mind staying off-site for the night, but a quick search now (4 months out) doesn't show a huge price difference between off-site and a value resort, we'll have to see what the scoop is as our trip approaches.

 

[momtosam]

Many years ago we were at DL and on a whim checked if there was availability for the GC that night
There was but they were charging full rate so we passed. I was pretty surprised

 

[kcpinwdw]

they are on hotwire on occasion. I have found the way to tell is first select the WDW part of the map, and then narrow the amenities to "airport shuttle." Only disney resorts offer airport shuttle (magical express) in that location. Values listed as 2.5 star (Pop can be a 3), moderates as 3-3.5, and deluxes as 4-4.5. I've seen Yacht Club on there for 200 a night before last minute, but i've also seen properties listed for above what disney wanted. So, warning, not always cheaper, and even following the tips you aren't guaranteed WDW resort.

 

[Lewisc]

Have you actually booked a Disney hotel on Hotwire? I think the amenity is airport shuttle, not free airport shuttle. Don't assume unless you make the booking.

 

[amie416]

I've been able to book Disney resorts last minute on LMTclub.com, but it will vary by availability. Google search for a free membership coupon code, I don't know that it's worth actually paying for a LMTclub membership and it should still be pretty easy to get a free one.

 

[etail]

A few years ago we had a weather change in Tampa area. Too cold for the beach meant we might as well head to Disney for a night. While they didn't have a last minute price (or day of in this case) they were able to see that I had a offer code on my name that they could apply. That worked well except for the shame of wearing grey magic bands...

 

[TIS Grandma]

That worked well except for the shame of wearing grey magic bands...

Oh Dear! DH and SIL both chose gray for our January trip!

 

[Yarbogash]

I've been able to book Disney resorts last minute on LMTclub.com, but it will vary by availability. Google search for a free membership coupon code, I don't know that it's worth actually paying for a LMTclub membership and it should still be pretty easy to get a free one.

That’s a good site. IMHO that’s the only travel site worth paying a membership fee for but yeah, you can usually find a promo code for free membership.

They frequently have prices similar to Hotwire or Priceline but on lmtclub you get the property name up front and most bookings are refundable. Don’t use their app; they have much more availability on their desktop version.

3 years ago they had a couple WDW resorts at the same fixed price for every day in December. For early December it was a little higher than booking direct but for late December it was way cheaper than the direct price.

 

[Oswin]

You might be able to get same day availability at Yacht Club, GF, or the bungalows at Poly. I've been able to get same day reservations for these during busy times of the year, just for single night stays.