Trying to book a campsite, but Disney won't let me! (Unless I want to stay longer...)

[Disbug]

Hello, All! I am trying to book one night at Fort Wilderness for myself this week. (I plan to just camp in my van.) I am coming down to have my van assessed for repair at a specialty conversion shop and I wanted to go to the Magic Kingdom as long as I was in the area. I also wanted to scope out campsites since my entire family is coming back later in the month and staying 3 nights.

However, the website and the person in reservations will not let me book just one night for myself! The agent kept telling me it was 100% booked, which is not true because if you book 3 nights, it is available. I know about the throwaway campsite issues, but I am staying! Partly because of the cost (which is not cheap for just a campsite); but mostly so I can take the boat back from the MK late that night and get to bed. Is there anything that can be done? Rusty Scupper, are you out there? Do I need to try to book and then cancel the extra days? Arghhhhhh! I have a feeling I will just be driving back home late that night...

 

[peg110]

I think the biggest factor is WHAT day you are trying to book.

Obviously the Fort wants to book MORE and not LESS. If it's a busy time (okay, it's always busy but busier then normal time) they may require a longer stay. I think your best bet is to call back and get a different CM. Some CMs are willing (and perhaps even able) to do more then others.

Sadly, if you just rolled up and tried to stay for one night, you'd probably be able too. Planning it in advance and it's harder. Go figure... right?

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Rusty Scupper, are you out there?

1) Sorry I can't help. I am still in rehab facility after car accident (incapacitated),
. . . fractured ankle and two discs
. . . can't stand
. . . can't walk
. . . can't wheelchair
2) But, your problem is due to fewer one-day sites
. . . stops phantoms
. . . opens space for multi-day renters (more bucks)

 

[disneyseniors]

1) Sorry I can't help. I am still in rehab facility after car accident (incapacitated),
. . . fractured ankle and two discs
. . . can't stand
. . . can't walk
. . . can't wheelchair
2) But, your problem is due to fewer one-day sites
. . . stops phantoms
. . . opens space for multi-day renters (more bucks)

Rusty, so sorry to hear of your car accident. Hope you are feeling better soon. Your comments are always appreciated

 

[adisneyaunt]

Ouch!!!
Speedy recovery and feel better RustyScupper!!!

 

[Disbug]

1) Sorry I can't help. I am still in rehab facility after car accident (incapacitated),
. . . fractured ankle and two discs
. . . can't stand
. . . can't walk
. . . can't wheelchair
2) But, your problem is due to fewer one-day sites
. . . stops phantoms
. . . opens space for multi-day renters (more bucks)

Oh, Rusty! What a catastrophe! All the best for a rapid recovery and thank you for taking the time to answer... I do realize everything hinges on Disney Dollars, but sometimes.... *Big Sigh* it would be nice if you could just book an open site. (Especially since it's this week.) I think when it's close in the bookings should open up for whomever wants to book them.. But that's me. Thanks everyone!

 

[Hopefully]

1) Sorry I can't help. I am still in rehab facility after car accident (incapacitated),
. . . fractured ankle and two discs
. . . can't stand
. . . can't walk
. . . can't wheelchair
2) But, your problem is due to fewer one-day sites
. . . stops phantoms
. . . opens space for multi-day renters (more bucks)

So, So Sorry Rusty. Speedy healing

 

[tltay2005]

They are very inconsistent. My sister was just there this past weekend and she had to book each night separate. She had two one night stay reservations, two different type of sites, one preferred and one full hook up. She booked them 8 days prior. She then had to call several times to try to get two of the same site, No luck until the day before and a CM actually called her to let her know that she was able to combine the reservations into one with two nights in the full hook up. This proves it can be done. I think it just depends who you get on the other end of the line. Keep trying, you may get lucky.

 

[RoadTrippin for life]

We have had the same problem before, but we booked a 2 week vacation and got it with no problem and had every intention of staying 2 weeks, but we had RV problems and lost a week, needless to say we got there a week late and only stayed 1 week out of the two.
Thanks to the problem with the RV we had a shorter vacation. I have heard of people booking for longer and having reservations set only to change them later for less days.

I am not condoning people do that, I am just saying I have heard of it. You know how us campers talk.

A lot of people say the same thing, about having trouble getting reservations.

 

[peg110]

We have had the same problem before, but we booked a 2 week vacation and got it with no problem and had every intention of staying 2 weeks, but we had RV problems and lost a week, needless to say we got there a week late and only stayed 1 week out of the two.
Thanks to the problem with the RV we had a shorter vacation. I have heard of people booking for longer and having reservations set only to change them later for less days.

I am not condoning people do that, I am just saying I have heard of it. You know how us campers talk.

A lot of people say the same thing, about having trouble getting reservations.

Just be aware, while folks have done this in the past, for both legitimate reasons like yours as well as with the intentions of not staying the whole time (only to "Get" the reservation), they are starting to "Crack down" on this. So if you go and try and "Cancel" days on a reservation you may run into some resistance as well as a "Cancellation Fee".

 

[Jason Reedy]

What is a Throwaway and what is a Phantom??

 

[Disbug]

What is a Throwaway and what is a Phantom??

A throwaway site is one that is booked just to have the Magic Bands for an entire group. The renter has no intention of actually staying there. The benefits the renter wants includes free parking and the ability to book Fast Pass + in advance. I believe booking Phantom is the same thing?