Are they really booked already? About This Page:

[sarahchaarli]

My husband and I were hoping to take a second honeymoon to WDW this December (4-10) because we love Christmas and want to experience the parks during this time. But every time we've decided on where to stay, the hotel is booked. Our first choice was one of the deluxe resorts (except G. Floridian), but all the ones we pick are all booked (according to Disney's website). So, then we decided to settle for a moderate and we picked Coronado Springs (I love Mexicany decorations), but now it's booked too. Does anyone know if there are room blocks that are only accessible for Disney Visa Cardholders? Or, does anyone know if I'd have better luck if I just called Disney's travel company? This is supposed to be a "value" season, so I'm surprised that things have already booked up. Thanks in advance for your help.

[griffin]

I would try calling disney, to cover all your bases. I know things are getting booked up fast...that includes alot of the character breakfasts we were trying for Dec 5th!!

Good Luck

[bradk]

that's an interesting question... traditionally hotel rooms can be blocked and/or pre-sold. for example, i think travelocity (or expedia, one of those 2) will sell you a hotel room you can get simply by calling the hotel, but orbitz buys rooms and resells them so it's sometimes possible to get a room from them if the hotel says they're sold out.

I don't think Disney does this though.

as it is, they do run at a constant 90-95% occupancy rate year round so it really doesn't surprise me.

i just booked a trip a month out and the only thing available is csr, contemporary, gf and fw campgrounds

[Principessa_di_Fata]

I agree, call them to find out. And if they say they're booked, keep trying back daily. I really doubt they're booked THAT solidly. Someone will cancel or some rooms will open up. The time you're going isn't insanely busy, so you should be alright.

[WeRDisneyFanatics]

Would you consider any of the other mods besides CSR? I did a quick look online for your dates and I see that POR has rooms. I think that time frame is busy because of Mousefest/Pop Warner/Xmas Parade taping all falling somewhere within those dates. Good luck, I hope you find something you want!

[HeatherD]

Also, try a Travel Agent. We normally do things ourselves, however in this case, I think they can take a lot of legwork out of your hands by researching what is available and presenting you with your choices. So, rather than getting discouraged because each time you make a choice it isn't available, you can get excited about the ones you KNOW are available and go from there.

[TinkWink57]

Early December has become a VERY popular time to visit WDW. Also, Pop Warner and Mouse Fest groups usually visit around this time. We found that out the hard way last December when we were waitlisted at our home DVC resort, but the waitlist came through.

My suggestion, if you are not set on a specific resort, is to consider renting points from a DVC member. I know that many of the DVC resorts are booked solid (as our was last December), but I believe there may be availability at Saratoga Springs (because it is such a large resort). Failing that, how about one of the hotels near DTD? I know it is not a Disney hotel, but it is certainly close to WDW.

[eeyore8484]

Originally Posted by WeRDisneyFanatics

I think that time frame is busy because of Mousefest/Pop Warner/Xmas Parade taping all falling somewhere within those dates.

I agree. Add to the list all the discount codes that were released this week and it's no surprise. I would call them and find out for sure, though. You can always keep checking back as there are always cancellations. Good Luck!

[jimmymac]

Call Disney directly. That's a pretty popular time _ Pop warner, cheerleading contest, Mousefest. Good luck

[Caldercup]

Also, in times when they've historically had fewer guests, they also "open" fewer rooms at each resort (as a means of saving on staffing.) So, just because a hotel is "booked up" doesn't mean that the place will actually be overcrowded or crawling with people.

They do seem to release additional rooms when it appears that they have a need to, so I would definitely keep trying.

Also, I would recommend calling Disney and speaking with a good CM there. They can suggest other Disney resorts that do have availability for your timeframe.

While Mousefest will affect all resorts (spreading the "wealth" but not selling out any one resort) the week after your dates, the Pop Warner championships are going on during that week and will mainly just affect the values and one of the two Port Orleans resorts. Still, I don't see the resorts being sold out for that timeframe.

Try other "views" and see if shifting your dates by a day or two might make the difference.

Good luck!
Eileen

PS - do you know that there are currently some discounted room rates being offered for the next week in December? Try Mousesavers.com for more info -- Here's link to another PassPorter's post that lists the discount codes.

[sarahchaarli]

Thanks for the advice! (and so fast, too). I figured that there would have to be something going on (various conventions and things) to be booked up so quickly. Glad to know about Pop Warner and other groups. I did find that rooms for CSR are still available through Orbitz. If Disney Travel Company doesn't have anything available by phone, we'll just book through Orbitz. Has anyone else ever booked through Orbitz? I'm assuming you can still get Magic Your Way through them (i.e. bus from airport), but if not, someone please let me know. We don't want to have to rent a car or take a taxi.

What a great community - full of helpful information!

[Principessa_di_Fata]

Really good question - I'd imagine you still get the DME stuff no matter who you book through... right all? I never thought of that.

And Doh I forgot all about the groups coming in that week and stuff. Good luck - something will open up, I'm sure of it!

[lukeandbrookesmom]

Sometimes during busy seasons you need to just keeping calling each day to check for cancellations and new availability. I would also try moving the dates up or back a day or two if at all possible to see if that makes any difference. You could also try adding a day or two, or taking away a day or two. All these factors could make a difference with availability.

[DoubleWhammy]

I too was shocked when I called more than 2 months ago for a trip from December 2-8 at the Poly and found it to be booked. We had to be flexible with our dates and the CM helped us get in for December 11-17 at the Poly. Glad I called when I did though. Our fellow Passporters above are right...The weeks following Thanksgiving have become very busy. And it's mostly our fault. We love to share information with others who love Disney as much as us so we tell them when to go. And many say the week or 2 after Thanksgiving. I'm certainly guilty of it.

Hope you get the room you want. If you can, be flexile on dates. You'll have better luck.

[Jack's mom]

Wow, early December must becoming more popular than close to Christmas as I just booked December 20-24 and everything looked wide open still. Maybe that means more folks are going earlier.