SOG ? Reservations for June

[GJM]

We normally stay at SOG and I always make my reservations well in advance. DH has to go to school for 2 weeks in June so I figured I would take DS to Disney. I need 5 nights between June 19-28. They have some nights but not 5 nights together. Has anyone ever had luck getting a reservation this close to going if someone cancels and the dates become available or should I just give up and plan for another time.

Thanks,

 

[Disney Planner Mama]

if shades of green can't get you rooms when you want they should be able to get you an "overflow" rate at one of the disney properties -- they don't always volunteer this...It may be worth a call to find out. Their toll free number is 888-593-2242. In fact rates for the moderates can be less than SOG rates, at least for us

 

[Princess Mommy]

I agree, absoultely call them and ask for an over flow rate somewhere else.
When SoG was in renovations, we stayed at CR for something like $100 a night last January.
I can tell you June is booking up fast down there, so call SoG as soon as you can!

 

[GJM]

I did ask about the overflow rates. I guess because it would be just my DS & myself I feel better staying at SOG because it seems more familiar because we have been there before. (I guess that sounds weird) I will think about the overflow rates if I can't get SOG.

Thanks,

 

[lovemygoofy]

Some people are uncomfortable doing this but did you ask if the ADA rooms are taken? Some people prefer a bathtub to a shower and don't like the power squeezing bars as my dh likes to call them (from Larry the Cable Guy). I also would keep checking back because people can cancel at the last moment. You know how schedules are constantly changing for military people. When I had called about a reservation for June 26-Jul 2 at first there was nothing available for Category 2 and only like 3 rooms left for overflow rates and still more than I wanted to pay. Just keep calling back or try to book with Disney and hope a code comes out for cheaper prices.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

This happened to us. We tried to book three months in advance and were put on a waitlist. They called 2 weeks later and told us we had a reservation. This was 3 years ago though. I would book the overflow now just in case, but chances are that you will not need it. PCS, schools, training, deployment... all those things unique to our families that make for many cancellations at SOG!

 

[GJM]

Thats what I keep hoping that someone will cancel. The over flow rates they gave me for a moderate were $149 and a Value was $99. So far I have been calling everday and checking the web site.

I remember the first time we went there, they didn't have any rooms available so I gave up and we made reservations at CBR. One day about 30 days before our trip I figured I would call and just see if they had rooms and they did. This was our lst. trip to SOG and we were so worried about staying there because we had no idea what the hotel would be like. We fell in love with the hotel, I love everything about SOG. I don't miss any "Disney Magic" either by staying here, I love the peace and quiet after a long day at the parks.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

Also, just to add on. We had tried to book SOG for the holidays, but they were full. We received such a good overflow rate at the Animal Kingdom Lodge for the first 6 nights (compared to what others are paying), we decided to switch resorts and go for 5 more at the Grand Foridian (another good rate). When I called SOG they had had cancellations for the New Year's part and tried to twist my arm into staying there. We'd already decided to splurge, so I firmy insisted that they would have no trouble getting someone else to take the room. I think technically they are not supposed to book overflow unless totally booked. I didn't want to risk waiting as in 2 days (hubby in Iraq-had to wait to clear part 2 with him), we had lost the ability to book lagoon view. This ended up being okay because when SOG quotes you an overflow price they are not including tax (something we're not used to) and the price difference between garden view and lagoon view is pretty much the sales tax for the whole trip!

So we are on budget... sorta... the trip has just bigger and more magical than originally anticipated. We are big SOG fans ourselves, but this year is our year to splurge a little... okay, A LOT

 

[lovemygoofy]

I'm pretty sure that isn't overflow rate but regular rack rate. It could be that their overflow rates have met their limit and can now just book regular rates. Did you book anything just to be on the safe side?

 

[GJM]

No I didn't book anything. I guess if I can't get anything now, I will just go towards the end of the year. I just wanted to do a quick trip for a couple of days with my DS while DH is away.

 

[Avalanche]

I called to check on overflow rates for our two upcoming trips (July and December) and only rack rates were available. We've always been able to get a really good overflow rate (last Christmas had the CR for $139.) I think due to the increased crowds with the 50th celebration, they are not getting the volume of rooms for the overflow like they use to.

I now wished I had book the SOG when it was available. I waited thinking I would get a good overflow rate.

 

[adrianna_sarah]

I called to check on overflow rates for our two upcoming trips (July and December) and only rack rates were available. We've always been able to get a really good overflow rate (last Christmas had the CR for $139.) I think due to the increased crowds with the 50th celebration, they are not getting the volume of rooms for the overflow like they use to.

I now wished I had book the SOG when it was available. I waited thinking I would get a good overflow rate.

And I just booked these reservations last Monday! Sheesh! Just got in under the wire.

 

[baileybelle]

lovemygoofy...We booked sog in october and the only thing they had left was an ada room. We took it. What are the differences between an ada room and a standard room?

 

[Sleepy]

When I had called about a reservation for June 26-Jul 2 at first there was nothing available for Category 2 and only like 3 rooms left for overflow rates and still more than I wanted to pay.

Please help me understand this. You said upon your inquiry, there was nothing left in Catagory 2. My understanding was and is that the only difference in Catagory (1, 2 and 3) is the price based on your rank.....that ANYONE can take a room if it is available. Are you saying that now, they hold a certain number of rooms for each catagory? That does not seem fair. Last I heard, the only room differences for reservation was regular room and poolside. Is this what you were talking about?

 

[BuckNaked]

I would get on the waiting list and see if something opens up at the last minute.

 

[bdcp]

Several years ago we also were on the waitlist for Nov. and about 6 weeks before our trip we were called and offered rooms due to other cancellations. We ended up not going for financial reasons that time, but did go a couple of years later and booked 8 months ahead of time. Those on the waitlist can and do get in because just like other resorts, people book months in advance and either have to postpone or cancel trips due to a variety of reasons. Also, with the expansion to over 500 rooms, the number of rooms coming available to those waitlisted is higher. We're going back in Nov (without kids who are away at college) and booked last Nov. We love SOG and don't miss any Disney Magic. It's a convenient place to stay due to proximity to Poly and the monorail and it's a great value.

 

[lovemygoofy]

lovemygoofy...We booked sog in october and the only thing they had left was an ada room. We took it. What are the differences between an ada room and a standard room?

I was told the only difference in an ADA room and a regular room is that the bathroom has handles/bar at the toilet and that there is a shower and no tub. You might want to make sure about this.

 

[lovemygoofy]

Please help me understand this. You said upon your inquiry, there was nothing left in Catagory 2. My understanding was and is that the only difference in Catagory (1, 2 and 3) is the price based on your rank.....that ANYONE can take a room if it is available. Are you saying that now, they hold a certain number of rooms for each catagory? That does not seem fair. Last I heard, the only room differences for reservation was regular room and poolside. Is this what you were talking about?

Hi Sleepy,
Hows Italy?
I honestly don't know. At first when I asked for room availabilty the lady said nothing was open then I asked to specifically look under Cat 2. No, I didn't know if that made a difference but then she said that she had a room (ada) open. I always just mention Cat 2 because I thought maybe they have a certain amount designated for each Category but I really don't know.

 

[Sleepy]

My neck of the woods is not that fabulous (now I know why they call this place the Armpit of Europe). We deal with burning piles of trash everywhere and of course the ever so obvious friendly customer service women who stand along the side of the road all times of the day. Just part of life here. However, the weather is getting better (those CS women will be wearing even less) and the rain is less frequent. Spring is definitely here and everything is more beautiful. Looking forward to venturing farther from home so we can see the good part of Italy.