Throwaway room (read post #2041 or #2710 before posting)

[doconeill]

I'm no programmer, but seems to me there must be a way to program the system to allow for split stays with a 60 day window, yet not allow the single night throwaway-

There's a vast difference between a guest who books 2 nights on site- 3 off-2 on and a person who books a single night and is never really there to spend their money, other than when they would be coming in off site anyway. Disney gets nothing in return for the 1 night stay they wouldn't get anyway other than $50 for a campsite. In return for that $50- they lose out on longer stay reservations. Not a win for them.

The quick fix- and the one I fear- is minimum night stays. Disney is famous for quick fixes.

I AM a programmer, and certainly there is a way. The problem is how do you distinguish from a throwaway vs. a legit one-night stay? You can't program the computer to be psychic. Yet. Of course, many people think we in IT _are_ psychic.

Any change will affect those who are legitimately using it. So the question is, how much do you want to affect them? That's the decision they would have to make.

 

[Roxy13]

Maybe Disney will decide not to offer FP+ at 60 days at all and change it to everyone regardless if onsite or offsite at 30 days. That way they can make both onsite and offsite ticked off equally .

 

[Laketravis]

My 60 day window opens up tomorrow.

We're staying on-site, split stay. First half for 14 nights/15 days, the second half 1 night/2 days.

We have 10 day park hoppers, and will be upgrading them to AP's when we get onsite.

So tomorrow, I'm pretty sure I'll only be able to reserve up to 10 days of FP within the first half 15 day on-site reservation window those tickets are tied to.

I'm curious to see how all of those variables will eventually interact with the ability to make/change/keep FP reservations once we convert those tickets to AP's.

 

[cakebaker]

Maybe Disney will decide not to offer FP+ at 60 days at all and change it to everyone regardless if onsite or offsite at 30 days. That way they can make both onsite and offsite ticked off equally .

I wouldn't expect that to happen.

1) Why would they want to make as many people unhappy as possible?
2) They want to encourage more on site stays- this wouldn't do it.

So for now, I think on site guests are safe with their 60 day window. Off site- who knows how long it will last, so you take your chances and hope.

 

[doconeill]

My 60 day window opens up tomorrow.

We're staying on-site, split stay. First half for 14 nights/15 days, the second half 1 night/2 days.

We have 10 day park hoppers, and will be upgrading them to AP's when we get onsite.

So tomorrow, I'm pretty sure I'll only be able to reserve up to 10 days of FP within the first half 15 day on-site reservation window those tickets are tied to.

I'm curious to see how all of those variables will eventually interact with the ability to make/change/keep FP reservations once we convert those tickets to AP's.

As it stands right now, you'll be able to pre-select up to 10 days worth at 60 days from check-in for your first stay, and can spread those out over the 15 days (I haven't heard if there is a cap to this other than the reservation length). If you didn't use all 10 days, then 60 days from check-in on the second part of the stay, you can then book the last two days.

Now, when you upgrade to an AP, it gets interesting. APs are currently capped at 7 days of outstanding FP+. You shouldn't lose any of your FP+ selections you pre-booked, but you will be unable to select any additional ones until you have less than 7 days outstanding. It is unclear to me if you will be able to CHANGE any.

 

[taramacey1]

Ive booked a night at Disney and the system has let me book fp for the remainder of my holiday one day at a time from 60 days not 30 days.

ive now read these will be cancelled when I check out but want to know if this has happend to anyone?

thanks

 

[itchin2go]

So, for anyone considering this option, I thought I'd update my progress.

Last night, I was able to book my FP+ selections for the first and second days of my vacation (check in and check out day of my "throwaway room").

(1) Those were the only 2 days that opened up, even though my tickets are for 6 days. (I expected this, BTW.)

(2) A&E weren't available. Neither was SDMT. (I sadly kind of expected this too.) In MK, the parades were out as well. In Epcot, Illuminations was the only thing not available. Everything else was available. With Soarin', for example, there were tons of good times available (EVERY time slot as far as I could see).

So, if you're booking the throwaway room to get A&E or SDMT, save your money and your time. I'm not sure there's much advantage to this tactic anymore.

I think the only advantage I had was in regards to ADRS. I was able to book the dessert party in MK for the date I wanted. However, I don't know if I would have the same result today, as it seems "180 + 10" is no longer the policy for ADRs. (It's 180 + length of stay.)

So, for my "throwaway room", I'm getting 2 days of free parking and 3 magic bands. I see no significant advantage in regards to ADRs or FP+ anymore. If getting the free parking and the magic bands makes it a wash for you, maybe give it a try.

I'm now mulling over whether to keep my reservation. I am going during Thanksgiving week, so it's a busy time (which was part of why I booked the room). I can't truly know what kind of FP will be available 30 days out. Then again, I'm not sure how much it matters for us, if SDMT is not an option. We go at rope drop and clear out by early afternoon, so most rides (except SDMT) would have minimal waits.

Just wanted to relay my experience, in case it helps anyone else.

 

[doconeill]

(2) A&E weren't available. Neither was SDMT. (I sadly kind of expected this too.) In MK, the parades were out as well. In Epcot, Illuminations was the only thing not available. Everything else was available. With Soarin', for example, there were tons of good times available (EVERY time slot as far as I could see).

Parades, fireworks and other similar events do not seem to enter the system until a lot closer to the date in question - looks to be somewhere in the 2 week range, but it isn't necessary a fixed time. You just have to keep trying on them. And obviously at that point a reservation won't help.

In addition, there is some anecdotal evidence that they release additional FP+ for attractions closer to the dates in question. There is a belief that more are released at 30 days, and there has been a lot of evidence that they release more just before the park opens that day to accommodate day trippers. However, this doesn't appear to be true for every attraction, and A&E/SDMT may be exempt.

I think the only advantage I had was in regards to ADRS. I was able to book the dessert party in MK for the date I wanted. However, I don't know if I would have the same result today, as it seems "180 + 10" is no longer the policy for ADRs. (It's 180 + length of stay.)

Correct...they appear to have changed it to be the length of stay, although I don't know when or whether they've officially stated the change.

 

[mesaboy2]

Parades, fireworks and other similar events do not seem to enter the system until a lot closer to the date in question - looks to be somewhere in the 2 week range, but it isn't necessary a fixed time. You just have to keep trying on them. And obviously at that point a reservation won't help.

In addition, there is some anecdotal evidence that they release additional FP+ for attractions closer to the dates in question. There is a belief that more are released at 30 days, and there has been a lot of evidence that they release more just before the park opens that day to accommodate day trippers. However, this doesn't appear to be true for every attraction, and A&E/SDMT may be exempt.



Correct...they appear to have changed it to be the length of stay, although I don't know when or whether they've officially stated the change.

I am not sure if this is still the case. And by that, I mean I really don't know.

I've read too many reports that guests were able to book them just like any other attraction recently, so I've modified my info to remove the weird scheduling quirks that at least were once there.

 

[nugov2]

So, for anyone considering this option, I thought I'd update my progress.

Last night, I was able to book my FP+ selections for the first and second days of my vacation (check in and check out day of my "throwaway room").

(1) Those were the only 2 days that opened up, even though my tickets are for 6 days. (I expected this, BTW.)

(2) A&E weren't available. Neither was SDMT. (I sadly kind of expected this too.) In MK, the parades were out as well. In Epcot, Illuminations was the only thing not available. Everything else was available. With Soarin', for example, there were tons of good times available (EVERY time slot as far as I could see).

So, if you're booking the throwaway room to get A&E or SDMT, save your money and your time. I'm not sure there's much advantage to this tactic anymore.

I think the only advantage I had was in regards to ADRS. I was able to book the dessert party in MK for the date I wanted. However, I don't know if I would have the same result today, as it seems "180 + 10" is no longer the policy for ADRs. (It's 180 + length of stay.)

So, for my "throwaway room", I'm getting 2 days of free parking and 3 magic bands. I see no significant advantage in regards to ADRs or FP+ anymore. If getting the free parking and the magic bands makes it a wash for you, maybe give it a try.

I'm now mulling over whether to keep my reservation. I am going during Thanksgiving week, so it's a busy time (which was part of why I booked the room). I can't truly know what kind of FP will be available 30 days out. Then again, I'm not sure how much it matters for us, if SDMT is not an option. We go at rope drop and clear out by early afternoon, so most rides (except SDMT) would have minimal waits.

Just wanted to relay my experience, in case it helps anyone else.

When did this change? I didn't see any info on that. So now people with a weeks vacation only get 180+7....that is awful if that is disney's new policy. The perks just keep on going

 

[doconeill]

I am not sure if this is still the case. And by that, I mean I really don't know.

I've read too many reports that guests were able to book them just like any other attraction recently, so I've modified my info to remove the weird scheduling quirks that at least were once there.

Alas, I have no way to test. I don't anticipate having tickets for a while.

 

[ghtx]

I don't think so - if you have enough ticket-days (which presumably you must have in order to have made the reservations in the first place) then your FPs shouldn't be canceled when you check out. I am assuming that your tickets are not part of a package?

 

[Canuckbiggs]

So, for anyone considering this option, I thought I'd update my progress.

Last night, I was able to book my FP+ selections for the first and second days of my vacation (check in and check out day of my "throwaway room").

(1) Those were the only 2 days that opened up, even though my tickets are for 6 days. (I expected this, BTW.)

(2) A&E weren't available. Neither was SDMT. (I sadly kind of expected this too.) In MK, the parades were out as well. In Epcot, Illuminations was the only thing not available. Everything else was available. With Soarin', for example, there were tons of good times available (EVERY time slot as far as I could see).

So, if you're booking the throwaway room to get A&E or SDMT, save your money and your time. I'm not sure there's much advantage to this tactic anymore.

I think the only advantage I had was in regards to ADRS. I was able to book the dessert party in MK for the date I wanted. However, I don't know if I would have the same result today, as it seems "180 + 10" is no longer the policy for ADRs. (It's 180 + length of stay.)

So, for my "throwaway room", I'm getting 2 days of free parking and 3 magic bands. I see no significant advantage in regards to ADRs or FP+ anymore. If getting the free parking and the magic bands makes it a wash for you, maybe give it a try.

I'm now mulling over whether to keep my reservation. I am going during Thanksgiving week, so it's a busy time (which was part of why I booked the room). I can't truly know what kind of FP will be available 30 days out. Then again, I'm not sure how much it matters for us, if SDMT is not an option. We go at rope drop and clear out by early afternoon, so most rides (except SDMT) would have minimal waits.

Just wanted to relay my experience, in case it helps anyone else.

I would respectfully disagree.

I was able to get SDMT for all 9 in our party at the 60 day window.

I was also able to get 2 more SDMT FPs about 15 minutes ago and I am 50 days out from the day.

If I didn't have a throwaway campsite I wouldn't have any of those.

Plus, I was able to have my pick of times for all my other FPs, to work with Optimized Touring Plans for each park.

But I also get 9 magic bands and parking for the cost of one campsite.

Plus I hope to secure at least one BOG FP Lunch reservation. Another thing not available without a throwaway.

It has been the best $60 I have ever spent at Disney.

EDIT: Just got another SDMT for Nov 14th (now have 3 for our family of 4). So 12 FPs for SDMT in total.

 

[Ronda93]

Apologies if this is already asked and answered a dozen times.

In this scenario I don't want need MBs. Would this work...

1. book room only for full stay, being sure to book enough rooms to accommodate your entire traveling party. Pay modest deposit.
2. secure a place to stay off site, like Bonnet Creek resort.
3, purchase tickets from third party seller, i.e., UCT, TicketsAtWork, AAA. Get those tickets in hand and link to MDE.
4. at 60 days make FP+ choices.
5. with more than five days to the beginning of your stay, cancel room only reservation. get refund.

Seems too simple.

 

[itchin2go]

I would respectfully disagree.

I was able to get SDMT for all 9 in our party at the 60 day window.

I was also able to get 2 more SDMT FPs about 15 minutes ago and I am 50 days out from the day.

If I didn't have a throwaway campsite I wouldn't have any of those.

Plus, I was able to have my pick of times for all my other FPs, to work with Optimized Touring Plans for each park.

But I also get 9 magic bands and parking for the cost of one campsite.

Plus I hope to secure at least one BOG FP Lunch reservation. Another thing not available without a throwaway.

It has been the best $60 I have ever spent at Disney.

EDIT: Just got another SDMT for Nov 14th (now have 3 for our family of 4). So 12 FPs for SDMT in total.

2 things:

(1) I was able to find a FP for SDMT for my check out day today (22nd). It was just for one person and only one time (early evening) was available. But that's more that I found last night, so maybe there's hope. Our first MK day is the 23rd, so that one FP on the 22nd would do me no good. I won't know until Wednesday (or Tuesday at midnight, I guess) whether I can snag something for our MK day.

(2) We're going Thanksgiving week. I have no experience with that week, but I'm told it's a busy time. That could be influencing the difficulty I'm experiencing in comparison to others. Of course, I thought since I was just booking for 2, that would balance it out. We'll see.

I'll keep trying for sure!

 

[Missyrose]

Just trying to get clarity. Before, if you booked a throwaway room, your FP+ reservation opened at 60 days out for check-in/check-out days, then (as long as you had tickets to cover additional days), you could book the rest of your FP+ reservations at 60 days out from each additional park day.

Did that change?

 

[doconeill]

Just trying to get clarity. Before, if you booked a throwaway room, your FP+ reservation opened at 60 days out for check-in/check-out days, then (as long as you had tickets to cover additional days), you could book the rest of your FP+ reservations at 60 days out from each additional park day.

Did that change?

No, it does not appear to have changed, other than when you reach your check-out date, the window immediately drops to 30 days. Early on I believe the reports showed that the window remained fix to the 60th day after checkout, until you reached 30 days again.

 

[cakebaker]

5. with more than five days to the beginning of your stay, cancel room only reservation. get refund.

Maybe I'm remembering it wrong, but I could've sworn I was told a throwaway room was one that was booked and paid for. Not cancelled.

I probably have a faulty memory.

 

[ckelly14]

Apologies if this is already asked and answered a dozen times. In this scenario I don't want need MBs. Would this work... 1. book room only for full stay, being sure to book enough rooms to accommodate your entire traveling party. Pay modest deposit. 2. secure a place to stay off site, like Bonnet Creek resort. 3, purchase tickets from third party seller, i.e., UCT, TicketsAtWork, AAA. Get those tickets in hand and link to MDE. 4. at 60 days make FP+ choices. 5. with more than five days to the beginning of your stay, cancel room only reservation. get refund. Seems too simple.

Yes, this will work, but you will find very few people discussing this. Most would feel this is "crossing the line" ethically.

By making a room only reservation for your entire trip, you are able to take advantage of ADR 180+LOS.

 

[itchin2go]

Apologies if this is already asked and answered a dozen times.

In this scenario I don't want need MBs. Would this work...

1. book room only for full stay, being sure to book enough rooms to accommodate your entire traveling party. Pay modest deposit.
2. secure a place to stay off site, like Bonnet Creek resort.
3, purchase tickets from third party seller, i.e., UCT, TicketsAtWork, AAA. Get those tickets in hand and link to MDE.
4. at 60 days make FP+ choices.
5. with more than five days to the beginning of your stay, cancel room only reservation. get refund.

Seems too simple.

Yes, this will work, but you will find very few people discussing this. Most would feel this is "crossing the line" ethically.

By making a room only reservation for your entire trip, you are able to take advantage of ADR 180+LOS.

IMO - this MIGHT work. I don't think anyone has posted that this *HAS* worked.

I think your ADRs would be fine, but I wouldn't go out on a limb and assure anyone that their FPs would be intact. Again, they MIGHT, but they MIGHT not. Just from a practical standpoint, I wouldn't chance it.