WL Dilemma

[mask]

We (me, dh, 2 ds') will be arriving late Jan. 1 after a 650-mile drive (trying to squeeze some Disney magic in on the end of a road trip for other things). I have room-only , woods view bunk beds at WL, but am wondering if I want to pay WL rack rate when I know I'll be checking in so late and risking a less than stellar room assignment.

Also have an ADR at WCC that night, but from recent reviews I just don't want to drive all that way, walk in to what looks like a beautiful lobby and then start the trip with an inedible, greasy dinner and, possibly a last-choice room assignment.

I'm guessing holiday crowds will continue that week, since some schools won't be going back until the following Monday. I'm wondering if I should just "save" WL for some future trip when we can check-in earlier.

Any thoughts? I considered ASMu Family Suites, but they weren't available at the time I booked. My ever-growing, nearly 13-y-o is just too active of a sleeper to allow little brother to get any rest if they share a bed, so that limits some options that would normally work for 4 people.

I know there's no way to predict room assignments, etc., but I can't shake the feeling that I'm setting us a less-than-desirable scenario.

M.A.

 

[mma800]

What is wcc? Maybe I am up too early to recognize that restaurant.

We are also arriving for a late check-in (--9pm) at WL. We initially toyed with the idea of staying off property and them checking in the following day, but with our 3 kids (Satan, Lucifer and El Diablo) just getting settled once is work enough. We ended up getting that arrival night at WL as well.

As far as timing- you can make all the requests you want, and it MAY be available when you arrive. I have given up hope that the CMs will try to accommodate. They are just trying to get everyone out and everyone into each resort room with minimal fuss. They have never said to us, I know you'd like a "insert the blank" word, and I can give you a regular now, or if you wait an hour it will prob. be available. I think they do the best they can, but it is too hard to accommodate everyones requests- (squeaky wheel gets the grease, catch more bees with honey, you get what you get and you don't get upset etc...)

We have a WL deluxe club level inner courtyard view northern wing request. Perhaps a family that arrives at 6pm from the airport will get it. When we get there at 9pm, the view may be gone. Maybe that perfect room will be vacated late or the last to be cleaned and it will be waiting for us. I am planning to enjoy it no matter what view we get, but if there is a major problem, I've learned to handle it earlier rather than later.

I can say that sleeping arrangements are a toss-up. With our little angels, we just try to get them asleep. I always pack a twin air marrress (the cheap kind) just in case. Worst case- it stays in the closet. Best case- they sleep where they should, and I use it for an extra seat for all that quality TV watching while mommy showers. I am not sure about older kids, but I would have to guess they would spend much less time in the room, and a WL room would be a better option than AllStar. (amenities, pool, meal choices, etc)

Hope this helps a bit anyway.

We'll be there at WL for the 1st time in Jan too. Hope you have a great trip!!

 

[becky1960]

The rooms are usually assigned a few days out, so you would probably have the same room either way. WCC is a great resturant and we eat there every year even when we staying somewhere else. We have stayed at WL many time and it remains our favorite. Dont worry you will have a nice stay.

 

[msmayor]

When we were there two years ago, we had a standard view booked. Arrived at almost 6pm, not super-late but certainly later than most folks who want "really good rooms" arrive.

We were upgraded to an awesome courtyard view with bunks for the kids.

So arrival time doesn't always = bad room assignment.

 

[Marthasor]

When we stayed at Poly in December 2006, I had booked 2 GV rooms and had requested connecting rooms, Fiji, 3rd floor, marina side. We arrived at the resort after a very late flight, it was past 11 p.m. and . . . we got exactly what we had requested!!! Granted, we didn't check in on a holiday like Jan. 1 - it was mid-December, but you might end up being pleasantly surprised. I agree with the pp - when you arrive doesn't necessarily affect your room assignment

 

[mask]

Thanks for weighing in on this. I guess I really just wanted to "talk this out" with people who have "been there, done that." My guys love to go to Disney, but are content to leave the planning to me.

M.A.

 

[chickenskin]

When we arrive later in the day or evening we stay at a cheaper hotel outside of Disney the day before our package starts, this way we save money and get up early the next day and check in to our resort.