Thoughts on rumor of only DVC/FW for rest of 2020?

[Ninjagrrl]

So, what's everyone's thoughts on this rumor?
It's being reported from both TA's and a couple of podcasts... I've seen one variation that it will be DVC/Deluxe/FW, but....

I am so conflicted about it. It doesn't seem reasonable, but WDW isn't known for always being reasonable, lol.
I have AKL booked after Thanksgiving and I am going back and forth on scrapping it and renting points instead. I just don't want to end up being moved to a DVC resort i HATE and have no choice, like is happening now. Or cancelled.
I'm an overthinker for sure. So I'm wondering what you guys are thinking.

 

[tjkraz]

Right now, it appears all cash reservations are being moved to DVC or Ft. Wilderness. I suspect demand is going to drive future decisions. If there aren’t enough people interested in visiting in 2020, it makes no sense to reopen more resorts.

If the virus situation remains manageable and more people start to travel in the fall, perhaps it will justify opening more. But even the deluxe / dvc resorts aren’t filling their hotel rooms at this stage. Little sense in reopening the likes of POP or CBR.

 

[Mzpalmtree]

But how are they going to be able to gauge if is there is enough demand to open more resorts if they keep new reservations locked or even after they open up new reservations if all that can be booked is rack rate deluxe villas? That alone drives down demand.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

But how are they going to be able to gauge if is there is enough demand to open more resorts if they keep new reservations locked or even after they open up new reservations if all that can be booked is rack rate deluxe villas? That alone drives down demand.

I think that's the point...
They need to keep occupancy low to keep the parks empty enough to reduce Covid spread.
They WANT people to cancel until they get to levels they can manage.

 

[Mzpalmtree]

I think that's the point...
They need to keep occupancy low to keep the parks empty enough to reduce Covid spread.
They WANT people to cancel until they get to levels they can manage.

I understand that. I was responding to the previous posters comment that demand would drive future decisions on resorts opening. To that end I think the demand is being artificially squashed a bit by what’s being done with resort availability.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

I think they will be watching the data on covid at the state and national levels to judge when they can start opening other resorts. But that's probably not going to happen until they see if we get a resurgence in the winter.
Which kinda lends credence to the rumor....

 

[Mzpalmtree]

I think they will be watching the data on covid at the state and national levels to judge when they can start opening other resorts. But that's probably not going to happen until they see if we get a resurgence in the winter.
Which kinda lends credence to the rumor....

I think you may be right about that and with what they have been doing seems to make sense even though it’s not what the consumer necessarily wants to hear when they are dreaming of an escape like a vacation. There no easy answers to any of it ☹.

As for your post thanksgiving trip to AKL, I wouldn’t rent points. You will have cancellation protection with your booking with Disney and it appears at least so far they are trying to find a room for displaced customers somewhere if you have your heart set on going. Many people have gotten burned renting points this year and as you’ve pointed out there is really no certainty as we go into winter that there may not be more issues. Plus if you want to keep your trip around the time frame you are already booked and you want a studio there is little to no availability. I hate giving off all this negativity. I hope you do get to go on your trip

 

[Ninjagrrl]

I appreciate your insights, don't worry!
I struggle bc we're definitely resort people - getting sent to SSR or OKW would be a big disappointment. We also travel with our son who uses a pediatric wheelchair - we don't book HA rooms bc the chair is small enough to fit in a regular room, and we try not to take that room from someone who needs it. We usually avoid huge outdoor complexes like SSR for this reason.

 

[Anna H]

I have a reservation at POFQ with passhopper tickets for August. Are we still at a point where people can still get bumped out for capacity issues? I'm trying not to plan anything or get excited in case we get pushed out altogether. We are pretty determined to go but... can't lie...we had our hearts set on that resort. Love it so much.

 

[tjkraz]

I have a reservation at POFQ with passhopper tickets for August. Are we still at a point where people can still get bumped out for capacity issues? I'm trying not to plan anything or get excited in case we get pushed out altogether. We are pretty determined to go but... can't lie...we had our hearts set on that resort. Love it so much.

I’d say the odds of POFQ being open in August are very, very slim. Right now they are relocating everyone to either DVC villas or FW. Not even the hotel rooms are being booked at deluxe resorts—just the villas. Most people with Value or Moderate reservations are being offered Saratoga Springs or Old Key West.

 

[Jess.stw]

they were testing the skyliner yesterday or today... I suppose that could be just for the Riviera resort, but it could also bode well for opening CBR or other skyliner route resorts

 

[skeeter31]

they were testing the skyliner yesterday or today... I suppose that could be just for the Riviera resort, but it could also bode well for opening CBR or other skyliner route resorts

They weren’t testing it though. They had to move the cars out of the holding pen in order to perform maintenance on the engine.

 

[Eric Smith]

So, what's everyone's thoughts on this rumor?
It's being reported from both TA's and a couple of podcasts... I've seen one variation that it will be DVC/Deluxe/FW, but....

I am so conflicted about it. It doesn't seem reasonable, but WDW isn't known for always being reasonable, lol.
I have AKL booked after Thanksgiving and I am going back and forth on scrapping it and renting points instead. I just don't want to end up being moved to a DVC resort i HATE and have no choice, like is happening now. Or cancelled.
I'm an overthinker for sure. So I'm wondering what you guys are thinking.

I would believe the DVC/Deluxe/FW rumor. That would provide enough rooms for the crowd levels Disney World is going to be reduced to for the rest of the year. I can’t see them just keeping DVC and FW open.

 

[Eric Smith]

I appreciate your insights, don't worry!
I struggle bc we're definitely resort people - getting sent to SSR or OKW would be a big disappointment. We also travel with our son who uses a pediatric wheelchair - we don't book HA rooms bc the chair is small enough to fit in a regular room, and we try not to take that room from someone who needs it. We usually avoid huge outdoor complexes like SSR for this reason.

If you did end up getting moved, I’d recommend calling customer service and telling them about your unique situation. I think they would do what they could to accommodate you.

 

[cel_disney]

So, what's everyone's thoughts on this rumor?
It's being reported from both TA's and a couple of podcasts... I've seen one variation that it will be DVC/Deluxe/FW, but....

I am so conflicted about it. It doesn't seem reasonable, but WDW isn't known for always being reasonable, lol.
I have AKL booked after Thanksgiving and I am going back and forth on scrapping it and renting points instead. I just don't want to end up being moved to a DVC resort i HATE and have no choice, like is happening now. Or cancelled.
I'm an overthinker for sure. So I'm wondering what you guys are thinking.

AKL-Jambi is a DVC Resort. Are you thinking that only the DVC Rooms would be open and not the regular rooms? I doubt that. I think you are all set!

I dont think I would not switch to points Unless there was a fire sale price and a guarantee you could get the room type you wanted.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

AKL-Jambi is a DVC Resort. Are you thinking that only the DVC Rooms would be open and not the regular rooms? I doubt that. I think you are all set!

I dont think I would not switch to points Unless there was a fire sale price and a guarantee you could get the room type you wanted.

Jambo is not open to dvc or cash guests at this point. They have no scheduled opening.

 

[Eric Smith]

Jambo is not open to dvc or cash guests at this point. They have no scheduled opening.

Jambo is bookable for DVC right now.

 

[Ninjagrrl]

Jambo is bookable for DVC right now.

Correct, however MS has told people that there is no opening date and people booking Jambo could be moved.

 

[Eric Smith]

Correct, however MS has told people that there is no opening date and people booking Jambo could be moved.

I’ve seen posts saying the exact opposite of that. I saw one person that said member services told them that Jambo would be open for their stay on July 3. That post was from yesterday.

 

[Anna H]

I’d say the odds of POFQ being open in August are very, very slim. Right now they are relocating everyone to either DVC villas or FW. Not even the hotel rooms are being booked at deluxe resorts—just the villas. Most people with Value or Moderate reservations are being offered Saratoga Springs or Old Key West.

Thanks. I understand the issues they face but the cons are really stacking up. I love the food and experience at FQ. I can't imagine everyone being stuffed in SS and OKW. Why are they only booking villas? Are they even modifying for people who will visit when the park is open yet? I was hoping more could be open by August.