SOG overflow, and Mod vs. Value

[sukhakuli]

This is my first post here. Im a little overhwelmed. This will be our 4th trip to Disney, and we usually stay at SOG. This time my parents are flying in to vacation with us and our 2 year old and newborn. I know, we're nuts!

I have to book this pretty last minute because I'm expecting a baby next month and we are planning on going the first week of May. I need to keep our travel plans as flexible as possible in case there are complications or whatever. Normally I have no trouble getting rooms at SOG, even though I usually book close to our vacation date, but this time they are sold out. So I'm looking into the overflow rates, which are pretty decent. Do the overflow rates sell out quickly, and what are the cancellation policies?

I can't seem to figure out what resort to stay in though. What is the big difference betwen a moderate resort and a value resort?

We are also Annual Pass holders, but I'm gathering from reading this forum that we shouldn't hold our breath, right? I'm booking this room on the principle that every dollar saved on the resort is a dollar spent elsewhere in the World.

 

[BuckNaked]

I would decide on a resort and book quickly. I had an overflow rate for late June at POP ($74/night), but had to change my dates to earlier in June. SoG had no overflow rates for that time, so now I'm booked at POP for rack rate.

 

[MELSMICE]

The difference between the 2 is room size & amenities.

--The rooms are a touch bigger at the mods.

--The mods have some sit-down restaurants, the values have food courts.

--The mods have themed pools, the values do not.

--I'm not familiar with the bus service at either

--the values are usually louder that the mods because there seem to be more kids at them.

IMO, I think it would be worth checking the AP rates - it's can't hurt, ritht?

Good luck with your decision & I would also book very soon.

 

[sukhakuli]

Thank you. This is why I'm trying to decide between the value and Mod. now. I just assumed that we'd stay at SOG again, and never gave the other resorts a second thought. I now know that I need to get this settled. If it turns out we have to cancel, do you know what the policy is? Are they more leanient if it's a medical reason, which would be the onely reason we would cancel this trip. I promised my daughter we'd go in Feb, but I was too far along to go. I really would feel like a terrible mom if we cancelled Disney AGAIN because of the new baby. Later this summer is out of the question due to some unforseen circumstances.

I should mention that if we stay at a value resort I'm pretty sure we want Movies. My daughter is really into Toy Story, and as soon as she saw that giant Woody she flipped out. I just love 2 year olds; they are so full of magic.

 

[MAGGIED]

We have used the overflow rate to stay at the POFQ - we loved it there - my kids really loved the theme pool with the water slide.... the resort is small, quiet and there are plenty of green areas for your daughter to play. If I couldn't get SOG I would go bak to the french quarter - good luck with the new baby!!!

 

[GeorgiaAristocat]

Another advantage of the moderates (as I understand it, but have not personally experienced) is that all the moderates are now supposed to have mini-fridges in the room. (Someone correct me if I am mistaken). I would have found that crucial information if I was traveling with two that age (Oh, that's right, I HAVE two that age!) Something to keep in mind . . .

 

[IWANNAGOBACK!]

I agree with MAGGIED, POFQ would be a great choice especially if you are that pregnant. The resort is small so it's not a far walk to the pool the food court ect. The poll is perfect for a little one, actually I think some older kids feel it's "for little ones". Also its connected to PORS foe a quick change of
surroundings and the boat to DTD is a great plus! Anyway enjoy!!!!!

 

[javaj]

Overflow reservations are similar to room-only reservations through WDW. Cancellation policy for overflow reservations is 7 days, you get a full refund of your deposit if you cancel at least 7 days prior to check-in. 1 night's deposit per room is due at the time of reservation, and balance is due at check-in.

We're staying at the Poly this May with a $214 overflow rate. Overflow ressies go quickly, so book right away, even if you aren't sure. Last July we got a quote of $134 for CR standard wing for December, but it was gone within days. We were happy though because we took CR tower instead for $179!

 

[sukhakuli]

I have another question, can you get a villa or cabin with the overflow rate?

 

[Junebugwv]

We've stayed at SOG and it has it advantages (price and large rooms) but our favorite is POFQ. The renovated rooms are beautiful and you can't beat the ease of walking around. In 2003 the kids and I took a fun 10 day trip and stayed at ASSports, CR and WL. Then in 2004 we stayed at POFQ (for the 3rd time) and SOG. All Stars was themed great for my grade school age boys, but the small room and LONG walks are not something I would recommend with a newborn and toddler (if you have a choice).
One question I have about your situation. Are you saying that SOG is FULL for the first week of May? Do you know what the overflow rates are at mods?

 

[javaj]

Just depends on whatever is available that day. They download the rates daily. Our Poly dates are 5/21 to 5/31 and there were no rates for CR or WL. I didn't ask about other resorts. BTW did you specifically ask for rates at the hotels you're interested in? Because their rates are very specific to each hotel, not to the level of hotel values/mods/deluxes. For instance, they might have a rate for AsSp, a different one for Pop, but none for AsMo.

Good luck!

I have another question, can you get a villa or cabin with the overflow rate?

 

[mjmcca]

I am not surprised that SOG is full that week. It is the start of the celebration. I would be surprised if there is any availability on property as it gets closer to the begining of May.

 

[esk]

I called last week to ask about overflow rates (waited 25 minutes for someone to answer, grrrrr!) and there were villas available for my week in May --- Boardwalk 1 Bedroom. It was 40% off the rack rate and I can't remember how much. She also had some other rates, like GF for $211 a night.

I asked her how long to wait and she said if the AP rates don't come out, they expect a lot of cancellations and so 30 days before my trip, check with her again because then a whole bunch of rooms should open up because that is the cancellation date? Does that make any sense? It did to me at the time

We are also going to be there in May with a newborn and 3 year old and I can tell you, NO WAY would we stay in one room with the 4 of us. We MUST have a separate bedroom/whatever to put the kids down for naps and nighttime. That isn't even counting in-laws! We've stayed in an OKW 2 bedroom with another family (was WONDERFUL) and WLV with just us. Both were great.

Have you looked into Armed Forces Vacation Club? (try on the internet) You can get a 1 bedroom condo off property for $249 a week. Very nice property and great price......and the driving distance about the same as some Disney resorts.

That said, we're staying on property because we like it better. BCV so far, and still waiting for that AP rate. Or may call SoG again for hopefully an overflow villa rate.

 

[sukhakuli]

I called last week to ask about overflow rates (waited 25 minutes for someone to answer, grrrrr!) and there were villas available for my week in May --- Boardwalk 1 Bedroom. It was 40% off the rack rate and I can't remember how much. She also had some other rates, like GF for $211 a night.

I asked her how long to wait and she said if the AP rates don't come out, they expect a lot of cancellations and so 30 days before my trip, check with her again because then a whole bunch of rooms should open up because that is the cancellation date? Does that make any sense? It did to me at the time

We are also going to be there in May with a newborn and 3 year old and I can tell you, NO WAY would we stay in one room with the 4 of us. We MUST have a separate bedroom/whatever to put the kids down for naps and nighttime. That isn't even counting in-laws! We've stayed in an OKW 2 bedroom with another family (was WONDERFUL) and WLV with just us. Both were great.

Have you looked into Armed Forces Vacation Club? (try on the internet) You can get a 1 bedroom condo off property for $249 a week. Very nice property and great price......and the driving distance about the same as some Disney resorts.

That said, we're staying on property because we like it better. BCV so far, and still waiting for that AP rate. Or may call SoG again for hopefully an overflow villa rate.

That's good to know. I checked today and there were rooms. I'll just keep checking back. But I am going to look into the rates for a 2 bedroom villa/cabin. Since we're paying close to $100 a night per room it might be a good deal.

The part about needing 2 bedrooms for the 4 of you made me laugh. We all sleep in the same room at home, I can't imagine getting 2 on trips. In fact, it's a luxury having 2 beds in the room, that way we split kid duty and I don't get kicked or snuggled for a whole night!

 

[weregoingtodw]

Just a few things -

1) Did you check availability on the website, or on the phone? Rumor has it that they show as being booked on the website before they're totally full.

2) If you have unlimited long distance and/or extra cell phone minutes, calling the 407 number rather than the toll-free number gets an operator much quicker (this won't always work for reservations, but they'll at least check availabitility for you, and I've had them change an existing ressie for me).

3) If SoG is totally booked, did you ask them about their suites? They have a few that might work for a family situation like yours.

Hopefully you can get in!