Hey there, Norman! Welcome to planDisney, and Welcome Home, neighbor! I'm so happy that you've stopped by with your Disney vacation planning question!
How exciting that in less than a month, you'll be arriving to
Walt Disney World Resort, ready to begin your magical adventure! To me, there is nothing more exciting than arrival day. You can just feel the buzz of magic in the air as you explore your Disney Vacation Club Resort, scope out the nearby snacks and anticipate all of the fun on the horizon. I have waitlisted many Disney Vacation Club Resort stays, and while most have come through successfully, my last waitlist did not. However, I still had the most magical and memorable vacation, and I'm happy to help you do the same!
Norman, unfortunately, there is no way for anyone to know the odds of a waitlist coming through, but as someone who has been in the position of being on the waitlist many times, I do have some suggestions for you. My first suggestion is to embrace the idea of a "split stay," which means that you stay at two (or more) different Resorts during your vacation. My family and I actually love split stays and vacation this way almost every time we travel to Walt Disney World Resort. I love exploring the different themes of each Resort, enjoying the different dining options, having fun at the variety of pools and taking advantage of my current Resort's proximity to a theme park. It's like multiple vacations in one! I definitely suggest booking a room-only cash reservation, either in the same Villa accommodations you have booked or even at a different Resort, in order to have a definite back-up plan. Then, I suggest checking the
Disney Vacation Club website often to
search availability for the nights you have waitlisted. There is constant movement of reservations and availability on the website if you check often. I have had great success booking amazing split stays by searching availability several times a day. Also, I do suggest
calling Member Services a week before your trip just to confirm if your waitlist has come through or not. Wishing upon a star can't hurt, either!
Norman, if you do end up doing a split stay, did you know that Bell Services will move your luggage for you?! Just pack up, count your bags and hit the "Bell Services" button on your room's phone about 30 minutes before you are ready to head out. Bell Services will handle the rest! Just be sure to pack everything you may need that day, including medication, in your park bag, as the process of transporting your items could take several hours. Then, just go enjoy your magical day and the next leg of your pixie-dusted adventure!
Norman, I'll definitely be wishing upon a star tonight that your waitlist comes through, but even if it doesn't, I'm wishing you the most magical adventure! I'm also wishing you a lifetime of magical memories using your most magical Membership! Stop by any time with any of your planning questions.
I hope to see ya real soon,
Mandy