What are the chances of a Resort cancellation

[jmsvss]

I waited too long to make my reservations (less than 60 days for the week after Easter) and now I can't find any available on site resorts. I have a reservation at the Wyndham Palace. We've stayed there before and had a good experience but I was really hoping to stay on site at a moderate resort. Deluxe is too much for my "last minute" budget and I don't think the value resorts offer the amenities I would prefer.

So - my question -- What are the chances of a cancellation at a moderate resort that I could just fall into? I'm checking the WDW web site multiple times daily and I've been calling reservations weekly. Now I've become obsessed and I'm going to call at least a couple times a week. I'm I being unrealistic? Do you think they get cancellations?

BTW - Its just me, DH,and 11 yr old DD

 

[TLinden16]

Welcome to the DIS, Jmsvss!

Just keep on trying. You never know when something will pop up. You'll probably end up with rack rate, though.

Karen

 

[Lewisc]

Karen is right, there is a good chance you'll get something at rack rate.

Check the cancellation policy with your Wyndham reservation. Make sure you don't have a pre-paid rate that can't be cancelled.

 

[nwdisgal]

Have you checked Expedia and places like that? You might have to split your stay between a couple of onsite resorts.

 

[twocat]

The Disney website seems to be unreliable on availability. I'd call daily. If you do a search on this site, you can find the 800 number.

 

[eeyore45]

1-800-828-0228. (WDTC)


Dont forget Disney is celebrating the anniversary too, and if they arent showing availability, does that mean it will be really crowded? Wonder if there are conventions? Definately work the cancellation angle, keep calling.

I'm curious about expedia, if anyone's gone that route...

 

[Lewisc]

Where would be the worse place for you to stay? You could bid for a resort on PL and probably pay less than rack rate at a moderate but then you're stuck.

You could book a value resort and be able to upgrade to a moderate, if it became available, as late as the day you check in without any penalty. You might try to just book a few days. You could either move resorts or tell the desk you want to stay.

You could keep your Wyndham reservation but once you get to your cancellation date you'll lose your chance to move to a moderate.

 

[PolyHereWeCome]

Good luck and sending you some pixie dust that something nice opens up for you and your family.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Just don't give up. Just keep calling. I have cancelled a few times and I am sure I am not the only ones who does this. Sometimes things come up and people can't make it, so they cancel. Good luck and don't give up home. Sending you some ~*~*Pixie Dust*~~

 

[klmall]

I had a reservation for March 27 - April 5th at the Swan that I canceled earlier this evening. I had managed to get the Teacher Discount for some of the nights and less than rack rate for all the other nights.

We're going to stay at POFQ for the first part of the trip and in Orlando for the convention part so I won't need the Swan at all!

Hope it helps!

 

[kda]

Did you ask CRO to look at a variety of combinations for your stay --- ie, 3 nights at one resort and 4 at another. Perhaps you can put together a few nights on-site at the beginning or end at one resort and then keep calling to try to add to that. If you're willing to switch resorts once, you might have a better chance of accomplishing this (I'd never switch more than once in a short time period).

People definitely cancel or change their resort plans all the times. Especially check just before the time of the cancellation deadlines --- not sure what it is for packages since we never book one --- ??? 45 days out. And 5 days out for room only reservations. This has worked for us several times. Keep checking. Persistance almost always pays off, especially if you're not expecting to find a discount.

Good luck, and have a great trip!

 

[Nolcrest]

Like someone else mentioned - call everyday. Rooms do open up. I've done this before myself with luck. Don't give up!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Keep in mind that people who reserved packages must make their final payment 45 days prior to their arrival. There are always those whose plans change and they bail out before committing the final big bucks. With cancellation penalties being pretty hefty inside that 45-day mark, anyone sitting on the fence will usually cancel close to but before that time. Keep calling everyday but I think that your chances of success will increase in a few weeks.

 

[elf]

I posted here almost a week ago that I had to cancel my Easter trip. I cancelled my reservation at POFQ for that week as well the Dolphin. So keep trying.
I also cancelled a slew of hard to get PS's.
I tell you after planning the perfect trip, the whole cancellation thing was hard to do. It took a full day after we decided to cancel for me to call.
But immediatley planned May/June trip to compensate.

 

[jmsvss]

and very encouraging. For the person who asked about Expedia and for everyone's general info - I did look at Expedia and travelocity. They both listed the Disney Resorts. I went all the way through the booking process on several resorts only to be told at the very end that they weren't available. Icalled travelocity about this - since they were listing them, I thought maybe they had bought blocks of rooms. They told me that they always have trouble with the Disney resorts. They often show availability when in fact there isn't any. I'm thinking calling in is the only way. However; they are telling me there is no availability at ANY resort - not just the moderates. I'll keep trying.

To the person who mentioned the Swan - I've been looking at S & D as well as the other resorts - You do get all the same bennies of the Disney owned properties correct? I've always admired them from a distance. What are they like on the inside? My DD would love it!!

 

[klmall]

Click on the link at the top of this page and find the toll-free number and call. They will tell you if there are any nights available in either the Swan or Dolphin.

Be sure to ask about discounted rooms if you are a nurse, teacher or government worker.

We've never stayed in either but I walked through both on our last trip and was pleasantly surprised. You can book there and cancel up to 5 days in advance without penalty and then keep trying for a Disney resort.

There is also extensive info about both resorts in this forum including a FAQ.

Good luck!

 

[elf]

Also try calling S/D directly. When I cancelled the Dolphin I also had teacher Discount. They have a wonderful main pool. My 2 girls (now 5 & 7) love this hotel we've been going yearly. The Swan more intimate, smaller, quieter. THe Dolphin grander, very large could take 5-8 minutes to walk from one end to another. To me seems more active, a little closer to Grotto pool (depending on room location). Laundry is located in Dolphin as well as 24 hours Tubbi quick food/mini mart. With kids I found this hotel a bit more conveniant. But there are many differnt viewpoints on this.