Just dropping in

[graphite1326]

We are going to Florida the first week of February. We are going down to visit my In-laws which is about 1-1/2 hours from WDW. If we get time we would like to spend a couple of days at the world. From what I have read this is not a busy time for WDW. Is it possible to "drop in" and get rooms on the property without making reservations?

 

[Pepper's Ghost]

Crowds at WDW are always thinner when the kids are in school. So with that said, the busiest times of year are Apr-Aug, as well as weeks around Christmas and Spring Break. By early Feb, although not the slowest time of the year, it should still be very slow. I'd say you wouldn't have a hard time finding a room on property.

However, I think reservations are free, so it couldn't hurt to make a reservation. Make sure you find out what the latest date is that you can cancel the reservation without being charged should you decide not to go for any reason.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Crowds at WDW are always thinner when the kids are in school. So with that said, the busiest times of year are Apr-Aug, as well as weeks around Christmas and Spring Break. By early Feb, although not the slowest time of the year, it should still be very slow. I'd say you wouldn't have a hard time finding a room on property.

However, I think reservations are free, so it couldn't hurt to make a reservation. Make sure you find out what the latest date is that you can cancel the reservation without being charged should you decide not to go for any reason.

You'll have to pay one night's deposit, so a reservation isn't entirely free.

I don't think you'll have trouble getting a room, but you'll pay the rack rate if you drop in. You can get one of the special rates if you book in advance.

 

[Pepper's Ghost]

You'll have to pay one night's deposit, so a reservation isn't entirely free.

Thanks for correcting me on that Nick. I wasn't positive of that, so I'm glad you had that info. Personally, I'd probably still make the reservation.

 

[Zummi Gummi]

Thanks for correcting me on that Nick. I wasn't positive of that, so I'm glad you had that info. Personally, I'd probably still make the reservation.

You're welcome!

And, I would make it too. It's fully refundable, and you'll get a better rate than if you just showed up to the front desk.

 

[Rob562]

Also, even if you're on-property, you'll want to call Central Reservations (407-W-DISNEY) rather than just going to the hotel directly without a reservation. The hotels cannot book rooms, even if there are some available.

If you did show up to a WDW hotel without a reservation, the Front Desk staff would bring you over to a house phone and connect you to CRO. After booking, you could then walk over to the desk and check in. (Not sure if there's any kind of a delay in the CRO system updating the hotel's system)

It's odd, but it's how the WDW reservation system is designed.

-Rob

 

[graphite1326]

Also, even if you're on-property, you'll want to call Central Reservations (407-W-DISNEY) rather than just going to the hotel directly without a reservation. The hotels cannot book rooms, even if there are some available.

If you did show up to a WDW hotel without a reservation, the Front Desk staff would bring you over to a house phone and connect you to CRO. After booking, you could then walk over to the desk and check in. (Not sure if there's any kind of a delay in the CRO system updating the hotel's system)

It's odd, but it's how the WDW reservation system is designed.

-Rob

Thanks for the info Rob.

How far in advance do you think? Month maybe, or more?

 

[tampabrad]

If you try to get a room while CRO is closed, they can book a room at the check in desks. They can actually book any hotel on property. I tried to walk-in to CS and was told they were full. CM booked me at POFQ and told me I had 30 min to get there and pay for the room or it would be cancelled.

Would never recommed just dropping in as you pay rack rate. Front desk CM DO NOT give any discounts.

 

[mp2bill]

You'll have to pay one night's deposit, so a reservation isn't entirely free.

I don't think you'll have trouble getting a room, but you'll pay the rack rate if you drop in. You can get one of the special rates if you book in advance.

Good points.