So if Disney is less magical these days...

[jkh36619]

Because of staff and entertainment cuts, along with covid...Why aren't any spots opening up Dec 31- Jan 4.

 

[bama_ed]

I want to read some other replies first to see if my reasons are the same as anyone else's ........

Bama Ed

 

[Bishoparc]

I'm pretty sure they're leaving the Fort Reservations limited until closer to the date of the reservation. We've seen several times that reservations have opened up the week before a weekend or holiday. Keep trying. If you leave your dates set on the reservation page, you can actually bookmark that page and check it periodically. They still have campsites available for the 50th anniversary right now even.

 

[peabody58]

Personally DW and I found WDW very magical for us last week. Yes it's different, but for a couple of 60+ retires who love eating at Disney TS, enjoying a few rides and atmosphere and soaking in the resort theming, the lower crowds: we'll we're loving it. Three more trips planned through March.

 

[Stork]

Cost of upkeep and maintenance versus the lower revenue realized compared to other resorts or DVC venues.

 

[Teamubr]

I think there is a little truth to all the comments so far. They may still be holding back some sites, but Christmas to New Years is historically a crazy time at the parks and the Fort. I suspect there is still a supply/demand issue, even with a smaller number of people that would be trying due to Covid concerns. It is also possible that people are tired of being cooped up and picked the holidays as their chance to get out and do Christmas at the Fort.
Arc has a great point about sites opening up with in a few weeks of arrival dates. That could be Disney opening sites, but this is seen around most busy times with people making room (site) only reservations that can be cancelled up to the last minute. Many people will book a reservation very early (499 days early) for the "just in case" trip, but then drop it at the point they have to pay in full. I did that a few weeks ago for next year's 50th. I have 2 weeks at the Fort reserved right now, but it is only 50/50 that I will be keeping it. Many, many times people have tried for months to get the elusive extra day, just to have it open up a week or two out.

j

 

[FtW Mike]

Christmas thru New Years are extremely popular times at Ft W. We gave our TA our dates for this year over 2 years ago. Hint we will let her know in a few days what we want for 2022. Following New Years comes RACE WEEKEND again a popular time for the Fort. Also many Snow Birds come in right after the price drop a few days after NYD they also make their reservations as far in advance as they can.
All that said you can try piecing together a reservation by calling every day. A large number of people are not finalizing their plans due to COVID concerns till the last minute. We are looking at Thanksgiving to start in earnest on that front.

 

[tiggerdad]

Thats easily one of the top 4 weeks at WDW each year.

 

[jkh36619]

Yeah. I think something will open up closer to time. Doubt we'll even go to the parks. **maybe one day at EPCOT**

 

[bama_ed]

These are good answers.

I don't think Disney holds any reservations/capacity back. This timeframe in question is one of the highest demanded times in general (rates reflect that). It's my position that 99% of FW sites for this time of year are booked very close to the 500d/499n max window.

A portion of the Fort guest profile includes locals who book weekends WELL in advance and come in a couple times a year. We have a thread currently re: Tent Camping and the OP related how they were in 1500 and it was quiet Sunday into Friday and then BOOM! the loop behind them which had been empty (a Full - 1600?) exploded with people and noise all weekend long. See Post #1 I think the Full guests who ARE there midweek are offered sites in 2100 and the weekenders are put in 1600-1900.

A good number of the local/weekenders probably have AP's and those that don't socialize at the Fort. It appears that families and/or friends and/or neighbors make up a large part of the 2-3 night weekend influx guests who are there to socialize and party. They're not isolated, unfamiliar strangers camping around each other who sort of mind their own business and go around and do their own thing. And they want to see all the Christmas decorations at the sites that are usually still up during that time.

The other WDW resorts don't have that kind of frequently returning guests like the Fort does. Heck some hotels are still closed on property. But folks will come to the Fort even without park tix (like you are considering). Also you don't hear much of frequent AP holders who book a hotel room on property for their park visits or on property hotel stays with no park days - but FW guests do.

This year I think people sit on their reservations and then decide closer to their arrival date whether they still want to undertake the vacation given the cutbacks, financial hit, and when they might ever return (more so than in a normal year). I agree that cancellations will come up perhaps more frequently and can be snagged closer to time so if you have the flexibility to wait, there could still be an opening.

I hope you find your dates - so keep trying.

Bama Ed

 

[PaHunter]

Even with the cutbacks everyone still wants to return to Disney to see if the Magic is still there. It can be...for our trip, not much, but that was us. We managed to hit every park with a park reservation on the busiest day of the week in each one. It made for a bit of a frustrating week. There were some bright moments still.
Keep checking and hope there will be some pixie dust come your way.

 

[jkh36619]

Me too. Also hoping something opens up Mardi Gras weekend. Sat-Tues

 

[cxr]

LOl dont count on it i have been looking for thanksgiving week multiple times a day for a few months now

 

[jkh36619]

So are the back to the 500 day window now?

 

[bama_ed]

So are the back to the 500 day window now?

Good question.