What Happened?!

[CurtisCandy]

We're planning a trip to WDW in December '09. I'm extremely excited, even thought it's so far off, particularly because we're planning to stay at the Poly for the first time.

I've been monitoring the package prices for December of this year, just to get a handle on what to expect next year.

All of a sudden, the prices for dec. 6-13 have exploded!! In recent checks, the first two weeks of December were roughly the same rates. Now, out of the blue, the Poly is not available for 6-13 and the resorts that are available have skyrocketed.

For instance, I compared the Contemporary for Dec. 6-13 and Dec. 13-20. For our group and preferences, 13-20 would cost about $4700. The 6th-13th comes in at $8600!! The week prior to the 6th only comes in at about $5400.

Is there a possible explanation for why this week suddenly took off? Could it be a snafu in the booking section of the site? I don't see anything special listed for that week. I'm just curious, as this may effect which week I opt for in '09.

 

[vleeth]

That does seem odd, especially since the first couple of weeks in December are value season. I'd call and ask.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Since WDW has not released their rates for 2009 how were you able to find out these prices? I can't even put in any dates for 2009 on their website when checking for availability.

 

[Maine-iac]

Since WDW has not released their rates for 2009 how were you able to find out these prices? I can't even put in any dates for 2009 on their website when checking for availability.

The OP was looking at prices for this year to get an idea for next year.

 

[J and R's mom]

My guess is it was a mistake of some sort.

But if not, it's probably because the first two weeks of December have actually become more popular since those weeks come so highly recommended now-a-days.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

The OP was looking at prices for this year to get an idea for next year.

Oh ok, so my mistake to the OP for not noticing where that part was mentioned.

 

[Joshua_me]

Often times, when you are booking *that* far in advance, the rates are, for some reason, through the roof...

You'd think it would be a deal to book early, but at Disney it usually is not...

Why is this ? I have NO idea, but I've learned to never make ressies more than a year ahead of time...

The rates you were quoted are outrageous.

 

[EnnEss]

I'm fairly certain you're looking at various room categories and just reading off the website what it gives you. I bet those numbers are right, but they're for higher room categories.

 

[luvdisney24]

EnnEss is right. You are not comparing the same room category.

At the CR, from Dec. 6 - 13 they only have a Garden Wing - 1 Bedroom Suite or a Garden Wing - Hospitality Suite which are both VERY expensive.

If you look at Dec. 13 - 20 the first room category to come up is the Garden Wing - Garden View which is one of the least expensive room categories at the CR.

 

[mickeynut1]

EnnEss is right. You are not comparing the same room category.

At the CR, from Dec. 6 - 13 they only have a Garden Wing - 1 Bedroom Suite or a Garden Wing - Hospitality Suite which are both VERY expensive.

If you look at Dec. 13 - 20 the first room category to come up is the Garden Wing - Garden View which is one of the least expensive room categories at the CR.

Keep in mind, too, that Dec. 13-20 will still be higher in total cost compared to Dec. 6-13 (even with pricing the same room category) because Dec. 19th starts holiday pricing (as opposed to value pricing up to and including Dec. 18th). December 13-19 is priced at the value rate and the night of the 19th is priced at holiday rate, which drives the total price up a couple hundred dollars, especially at the deluxe resorts.

 

[jalaine]

Wow! We're staying at the Poly those same exact dates this December...the 6-13. We booked in January I think and I don't know a comparison for the prices b/c we booked a whole package with tickets and dining...But I just HAD to check on their site after reading this, and you're right...they're showing NO reservations available that week at the Poly...yikes! We booked then b/c it's supposed to be an awesome time to go, but no crowds...now I have to stress about everyone else having the same exact idea I hope it's a mistake!

 

[mickeynut1]

Wow! We're staying at the Poly those same exact dates this December...the 6-13. We booked in January I think and I don't know a comparison for the prices b/c we booked a whole package with tickets and dining...But I just HAD to check on their site after reading this, and you're right...they're showing NO reservations available that week at the Poly...yikes! We booked then b/c it's supposed to be an awesome time to go, but no crowds...now I have to stress about everyone else having the same exact idea I hope it's a mistake!

Pop Warner is that week, but they stay at the All Stars with some overflowing into POR/POFQ, so that shouldn't have any effect on the Poly . It may just be booked with people wanting to get a trip in before the mad Christmas rush ? I wouldn't stress too much about it as I'm sure it won't be too bad. We are booked at the WL the week before Christmas and I'm not expecting mad crowds to start until the last day or two of our trip when everybody is coming in to be there over Christmas . So don't worry too much.....you'll have a great trip as Disney is awesome during the holidays .

 

[Bradensmom06]

I had the same problem recently. I have been looking at dates for Sept. 08 to get a base for a trip in Sept. 09. I've written down exactly what I've been putting in (room cat., # of days, tix, Dining, etc.) and the prices. The last time I went to check a price (one day difference) my price had jump about $1500. Soooo, I wonder if it was a glitch in the system or did the prices just jump as the dates got closer.

 

[Tess]

I believe the 6-13 was offered as a "Bounceback Rate" period for the Polynesian. We had the Bounceback offer when we were there last week and I'm pretty sure those December dates were on the offer. It was a pretty good discount for the time period and that could explain why the resort is booked. Of course, the Polynesian is usually fairly well booked no matter what the season. It's quite popular with its loyal clientele.

 

[DISNEY1975]

We're planning a trip to WDW in December '09. I'm extremely excited, even thought it's so far off, particularly because we're planning to stay at the Poly for the first time.

I've been monitoring the package prices for December of this year, just to get a handle on what to expect next year.

All of a sudden, the prices for dec. 6-13 have exploded!! In recent checks, the first two weeks of December were roughly the same rates. Now, out of the blue, the Poly is not available for 6-13 and the resorts that are available have skyrocketed.

For instance, I compared the Contemporary for Dec. 6-13 and Dec. 13-20. For our group and preferences, 13-20 would cost about $4700. The 6th-13th comes in at $8600!! The week prior to the 6th only comes in at about $5400.

Is there a possible explanation for why this week suddenly took off? Could it be a snafu in the booking section of the site? I don't see anything special listed for that week. I'm just curious, as this may effect which week I opt for in '09.

Im going Thanksgiving week. I too could not get the Poly and got 2 rooms at CR. I kept calling back and eventually got into the Poly...a large convention just cancelled.

My sister is staying at the GF. She also called the first available day to call and book a room. Most of her resort was also full, so she is in some "wing" of the GF, not main house as she would like to be. Until today, she is still in the wing. Nothing has opened up.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

Dec. 7th thru the 14th was also the dates that Disney offered the PIN codes for. I used one for my trip this year. And I'm sure that I'm not the only person to get one and book a trip. We weren't even planning to go this year until I got the e-mail with the PIN code.

 

[Maine-iac]

Dec. 7th thru the 14th was also the dates that Disney offered the PIN codes for. I used one for my trip this year. And I'm sure that I'm not the only person to get one and book a trip. We weren't even planning to go this year until I got the e-mail with the PIN code.

I got a pin code and am going Dec 11-16. I couldn't pass it up.

 

[DisneyMagic73]

Someone said that Dec 6-13 is POP WARNER week? What is that? Do the parks become really crowded with kids etc? Feedback would be great...thanks!

 

[CurtisCandy]

EnnEss is right. You are not comparing the same room category.

At the CR, from Dec. 6 - 13 they only have a Garden Wing - 1 Bedroom Suite or a Garden Wing - Hospitality Suite which are both VERY expensive.

If you look at Dec. 13 - 20 the first room category to come up is the Garden Wing - Garden View which is one of the least expensive room categories at the CR.

Yup, that solves that mystery! What a dope I am for not realizing it was different rooms.

However, it is interesting that the first week in December has sold out (at the Poly), while there are many room selections to be had yet for the second week. I'm gonna keep an eye on this to see how long it takes for the second week to sell out. - Maybe it'll be a good indicator for which of the two weeks will be a bit less crowded next year?

Sorry for putting out the distress call on the varying rates when I was comparing apples to oranges... Of course, with the price of fuel for delivering produce, that difference could end up in the thousands per apple, too!

 

[hercamore]

You might consider arriving the week after Thanksgiving (like the Sunday). We did this last year, and wow, value season starts that day, low crowds , xmas decor up, good weather.

We hope to do it again in 09.