So, what's the TRUTH about DVC?

[Carl]

Is it that you actually can not use it (other than at OKW) anytime except the summer months or other unpleasant times? The more I read this board (AFTER I have made the mistake of purchasing a resale,) the more obvious it is becoming that anytime that I'd want to go to WDW is a time that is going to be unavailable or at least VERY difficult to get. I don't really like to try to plan my vacations a whole year in advance, but generally like to go in November - NEVER in summer months. Am I really going to have to call every day, day-by-day in December the year before, to be able to get a 5 day stay in November? And then not even be sure of getting it? Hey! This is supposed to be a vacation, not a strenuous exercise in patience and stress. Did I just purchase at the wrong time, or has it always been this difficult?

[robinb]

The truth? Yes and no. The truth is that it can be difficult to get into the WDW resorts at the 7 month window around Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, Easter and President's Week. In addition, it can also be hard to get into BWV around the Food and Wine festival in November.

What is your home resort?

[Carl]

I do NOT want to go to Disney at Christmas (at least during the crowded time,) at Easter, or Thanksgiving, or President's Week. Nor do I want to go when it is HOT - which lets out the summer. I DO want to go in November and possibly May.
My home resort is BVW. I DID do enough research before purchasing to know that I'd have an 11 month (which as I understand it, means from the 11th up to the 7th month) advantage at the home resort. I have no desire or interest in any DVC other than BCV, VWL, or BWV. I bought DVC for LOCATION, not for the luxury. I did NOT do enough research to know that November would be difficult to get. While I am asking - is May also difficult to get? Although, I have to admit, May would be a very LOW second choice to November, because of the temperatures at that time of year.

[POOH&PIGLET]

We are staying for 13 nights in late October / early November. When we booked the trip, last December, I only called once and had no problem getting a one bedroom at VWL for the entire stay.

If you know when you want to go at 11-months out, it shouldn't be a problem.

[Richyams]

Basically at BWV the only time you would need to call day by day is for a standard view or a grand villa. Other than that, one call at the end should do fine.

May is a less busy month for DVC, especially at BWV.

[Carl]

So what you are saying is, that I might as well bank my points for this year and wait till December of 2002 to book for November 2003. Or, just put it on the market and write off DVC as "not for me." Then, use the money I recover from the sale and book an All Star for November of 2002 or December 4-8 for Dis Con of 2002. I don't think that (other than DVC) I'd have any problem booking either of those times right now.

[Carl]

"May is a less busy month for DVC, especially at BWV."
I can imagine that might be true. Walking all the way around that unshaded boardwalk in the May sun probably is not a very attractive thought.

[POOH&PIGLET]

"Is it that you actually can not use it (other than at OKW) anytime except the summer months or other unpleasant times?"
No.

"Am I really going to have to call every day, day-by-day in December the year before, to be able to get a 5 day stay in November? And then not even be sure of getting it?"
If you are calling in December, you shouldn't have to call day-by-day, unless, as Rich says, you are calling for a standard view or a grand villa. If you call at the 11-month window, you should be able to get what you want.

[mikesmom]

Carl:
Have you actually TRIED to get a reservation? Or are you just going by hearsay?

We've owned for 3 years. Our "home" is at BWV. We've had reservations in May and June consistently. We've booked everything from studios to 2 bdrm, depending on the number of family going with us. I've never had a problem booking what I wanted when I wanted it. I have NEVER called day by day. Until this year, we have never used a waitlist. I have never had to adjust my travel days. The only time we've even had to go to another resort was when we did very last minute plans - changed ressies by a week because of at home issues. Very last minute means 2 weeks out. We've also had to do wait list this year when doing BWV for this year in November. However, we tried to book at about 6 1/2 months out and picked the week that simultaneously had Soap weekend, Jersey Week and the Food & Wine Fest. Even then, the waitlist came through. By the way, last year we booked that same week at 10 months out and had NO problems.

It's possible if you've just bought in and are only now trying to get into an Epcot resort for the 1st 2 weeks in November that you might not get in. It may take a while for you to get in the swing of things going forward.

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Carl
I don't really like to try to plan my vacations a whole year in advance, but generally like to go in November - NEVER in summer months. Am I really going to have to call every day, day-by-day in December the year before, to be able to get a 5 day stay in November?

I'm sorry that there wasn't availability this year for DisCon and November at the time you were able to make your first ressies. (IIRC, your resale closed well after the 7 month window opened for those times). It definitely IS difficult to get a ressie for the more popular times if you cannot not use the 11 month / 7 month windows. As Richyams posted, you should be able to get a ressie at BWV in November with one phone call if you use the 11 month window.

Given that you prefer to vacation in November, if you really are unable (or unwilling) to plan 10-11 months in advance, then IMHO, you will not be happy with DVC. DVC does work best for those who are able to plan 10-11 months in advance.

Best wishes,
Carol

[Chuck S]

If you want to go in the "off season" and cool temperature, what about January or February? You'll still have a vacation, even if it is a month or so later than you originally planned?

[melk]

We just bought our resale and knowing that we've missed our 11-month window, did not even try to book for the beginning of December. From these boards I know that early December is a busy time for DVC, although not for WDW in general. But we just booked a 1BR at VWL for the week before Thanksgiving with no problem. I am not concerned about not getting a reservation for early December next year (if we choose to go then) because we will be able to book it at 11 months out. If that's when you like to go to WDW, then you would have to take advantage of your 11 month window.

[Poohnbuki]

From reading your posts, it appears that all you have done is get mad after reading this board. Have you even tried to make a reservation? My wife and I have made reservations within 4 months of traveling and have been able to book a room. Yes, sometimes it is not easy to book during the busy times, but that is the price you pay for having a "Timeshare" that allows you the flexibility to travel any time of the year. Have you thought about looking for some timeshare that books a block of time every year? From the sounds of it, that is what you are looking for.

Good Luck

[spiceycat]

early December for that last 3 years it is hard to get a DVC resort - there is a bunch of things going on and the annual meeting of the DVC is also in this time period - all the parks are having their special Christmas entertainment and the Dis con is also in this time period. the parks crowds are low. Thanksgiving - the weather is great most kids get off that week or for at least 3 days and the crowds are low (for a holiday). These are the only two times I have heard of that is a problem. May is generally not (but if WDW comes up with something for that time period - who knows). The other weeks in November (except for the last - because it is like the first two in December) are not a problem - or haven't been. If you know that you want these weeks go aheard and make your reservations as soon as possible - if you change your mind - you change your mind - I change my DVC reservations all the time - this is not a problem.

I am sorry that you couldn't get what you wanted - but get MS to put you on a daily wait list - you should be able to get your reservations that way.

Of course I love OKW so staying there is not a problem for me - if you like PI or DD it is really better than the BWV, BCV or VWL.

[robinb]

I feel like I'm playing "Blue's Clues!" here. Now where is my handy dandy notebook?

Let's see if I've pieced it together correctly.

(1) You bought a resale at BWV and closed sometime in the last month.
(2) You like to go in November and May.
(3) You tried to book for DISCON at the end of November, but BWV is booked.
(4) Now you're bummed.

In the words of a famous Science Fiction writer:

Don't Panic!

http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/hitchguide.gif

Many people think they can plan 7 - 11 months in advance, but they cannot. Put yourself on the waitlist and make backup plans. Others will cancel and you will get your room. Go ahead and bank your points into the next use year if you have to. You can always borrow back from the next use year.

[KNWVIKING]

CARL...

In one of your threads you stated that you don't like to plan your trips and in another thread you state you plan to go in May and Nov. Kinda sounds like a plan.

I always go in May & Nov/Dec, (between thanksgiving and Christmas) and have never not gotten what I wanted using the 11 and 7 month windows and I've stayed at all the resorts. The system does work with very little planning.

I've never tried to get a "last minute" type ressie but I've read tons of posts here from people who were pickle'd tink because they got in on short notice.

I think you just need to give it a little time. You made a good investment.

[vacationman]

What's the big deal about the heat - you live in Houston, Texas!!!

By the way, I have yet to have problems booking a room for my vacations. Either I am flexible about where to stay and what room size to get, or I use the waitlist.

[Carl]

OK, I paniced. I just got off the phone with MS and booked Contemporary Resort for Dec. 2-5. Now I have 2 days of Dis Con that I will be there and was able to use my 2002 points. It cost me 112 points for those 4 days, so not a really sensible use of my first year's points, but I'll book in December for NEXT November or December (if I enjoy this December's visit,) and get better use of my DVC points - I hope.
Do you think I was foolish for doing this?
Oh, btw, I have Dec 6 and 7 waitlisted, just in case something opens up. I thought 2 days were more likely than the whole 5 days. The CM says that she thinks it is unlikely, though, that I will get the waitlisted days.

[Chuck S]

Actually, I don't think the 112 points is unreasonable, and a good alternative IF that is the time you want to go, only you personally can decide if it is a good use of points for you. I like the Contemporary and the convenience of the monorail...although we've always stayed at OKW since buying in.

[Kelly&John]

You don't sound very happy about your decision to buy into DVC. I could always use some more BWV points if your interested in selling:D

Just kidding! I'm sure you'll enjoy your DVC membership.

Kelly

[caverill]

I know it has been said repeatedly, but DVC does require planning at least 10 months ahead to ensure you have a place at your home resort.

We have been members for two years and gone during President's week both years. We had no problems getting a room and even got a Std view this last year.

Planning ahead and remembering to call it the main key. If you wait too long, you may not get what you want.

Last year we also booked a room at VB at the 7 month mark, which in effect opened up two nights at BWV since we used that as our fallback option at the 11 month window.

I believe you will be very happy with DVC in the future. Try it one more year and then make your decision.

[doubletrouble_vb]

I don't know about the Discon issue but I do know I called a few days after the 7 month mark and had no problems getting into BCV for a studio. Actually I have yet to book anything as far ahead as 11 months yet. When I want to stay at VWL after Thanksgiving or early December that will be the one time I will do it....maybe next year! It sounds like a good idea.

I think for future reference you might try the waitlist and do backup cash reservations somewhere...I'm guessing but you could then convert the cash reservations to points if you get too close to your travel date and the wait list hasn't come through. Using points is an expensive way to go tho'.

One thing you didn't say was what size unit you were trying to book.

[sgtdisney]

We have been members since 1992 and rarely plan any vacation more than 6 months in advance. I have never done anything at the 11 month window. That being said, I can only remember one time when I wanted to get a room throught the DVC that we couldn't and that was around spring break one year. The problem there was I was trying only about 2 months out. (Long story, but we got invited to a wedding in SoFla and I wanted to spend a couple of days at Disney..) I will have to say that we are members at OKW and always stay there. Perhaps it is is more difficult at BWV, I have never tried so I don't really know.. Maybe BWV will become a little easier when BCV is going full steam?

[Richnj]

WE love to go in Nov. also. Never had a problem. Our last stay in Nov. was in a Grand Villa. We had no problem in getting our request on the fist try( 11 mounth window).

[KLR-wlv]

I've been a DVC member for a little over a year and have gone on 2 vacations using points - both times with a waitlist coming through. I got into a std view 1 br at BWV in the beginning of December after about 2 months on the waitlist (and I called for that reservation about 4 months out...). So don't assume the waitlist won't work out.

[Disney Doll]

Truthfully, Carl, DH and I have always gone at off times of the year(October, January) and have never had a problem booking 11 months out. I would guess that if you aren't trying to book Thanksgiving week(which you say you aren't interested in doing), you shouldn't have a huge problem.

[Carl]

To answer the question about what I waitlisted, I had asked for a studio, either preferred or standard view, either at VWL, BWV, or BCV. I had asked for Dec 4-8. When I called today, I told the CM that I was new and really needed her advice. Should I continue to stay on the wait list or should I book Contemporary Resort. She said "Just a minute and I'll check." She came back and said that she saw little chance for my wait list to come through. She then warned me that if I booked CR I could not cancel it and book a DVC resort. I asked her how long I would have to use the points in holding for a non DVC and she said until the end of my use year. So, what I did was book CR for Dec 2-5 for 28 points per day and change my wait list to Dec 6 and 7, still for any of the three. She had no comment about whether I'd have a chance at getting that. She did say that the 30 points I had remaining would be enough, if the wait list came through. I'm not sure that is correct, because the two days I have wait listed are Friday and Saturday. I might have to borrow a few points from next year. She had also told me that CR for Friday or Saturday was 50 points per day.

[CarolMN]

Actually, you'll need 44 points (40 if you get a standard view at BWV) if the waitlist comes through - Fri & Sat nights in a studio are 22 points each during during Adventure Season. (But borrowing14 points doesn't sound too bad, does it)?

You must be booked in a garden view at the CR. Weeknights are 28 points each for that and weekend nights are 50 points each.

Hope the waitlist comes through for you!

[Carl]

I thought so. I don't know why she did not pick up on that. Yes, it is a Garden View. Do you know anything about that? I have never stayed anywhere at the Contemporary. It is not in the main building, is it? How far is it to walk into the building to the monorail? Is it closer just to walk to the MK?

[CarolMN]

I've never stayed at the CR, either (though I'd like to someday). You'll probably get a lot more info on the CR room types and locations if you post your questions on the Resort Board.

[erikthewise]

Carl,

Can you explain why you say you bought DVC for *location* when the only ones you're interested in (VWL, BCV, BWV) are directly adjacent to perfectly good deluxe resorts? Surely there was some factor other than location involved!

As another new member I can sympathize with the difficulty of using your first year's points. I think the keywords are "waitlist" and "banking". Don't feel that you have to use your points at CR.

[dbkelly]

Carl,

I hate to hear that you are having trouble. I have never had any problems. I can't understand why you are having them for November. It must be the dis-con (whatever that is). The bottom line is that you should not have any problems except for the holiday times noted before. I don't know if you remember, but I booked you a reservation and I believe it was only a few months out.

Try calling MS everday and see if that helps. I was on a waiting list once for a few days and I called each day. I think they note that you are calling everyday.

Hang in there!

Doris

[Carl]

By "location" I meant either near (walking distance or boat) to MK or Epcot. And, of course, PRICE is also what I had reference to. Ability to lock in at $100 or less per night those conveniently located deluxe resorts. There is no way I would EVER have paid $200 + per night to stay anywhere, close, deluxe or not. In other words, I did not purchase DVC to just to get deluxe resorts at a decent price. The MAIN reason I bought was to get Epcot or MK resorts at a reasonable price. I have no interest in OKW, HH, or any other DVC other than the 3 that are Epcot and MK resorts.

[Carl]

Yes, Debra, as I wrote to you, the rental from you is what made me decide to purchase DVC. And, yes, the fact that we were able to book it 3 months out is one of the reasons I felt that it might work. However, that is the first time I ever went in Feb. and I really did NOT enjoy it. I liked BWV, but NOT the weather. Two very harsh cold fronts came in during my visit. I would never go in Jan or Feb again. It is a good thing that I did enjoy BWV and the Dolphin, because that is where I spent 50% of the time - in the rooms.
What I have been complaining about is that AFTER I bought the resale I began reading on here that November is a very difficult time to book DVC, and that is my preferred month to go. The only reason I was booking in Feb for this year was that I was in a Little Theater production during the month of November this year. Thanks again for renting to me.

[PamOKW]

It must be the dis-con

Last year was the first DIS Con. It's a convention of people who post here on the DIS....the granddaddy of DIS meets.

[Regina]

Last year, we were able to book a one bedroom at VWL for the end of November (DIS CON), a month and a half ahead of time.

Not panicking is excellent advice.

[patbscrooge]

:smooth: Carl, we have belonged to DVC for about 3 years and have not had any trouble booking our rooms at all. We usually go for the one bedroom standard at BWV and like to go in November (the weekend before Thanksgiving) and - believe it or not - Easter weekend. If I call at the eleven month window, there's usually not a problem. I got Easter weekend this year and only called six months out. I'm going for a short visit next month and was able to get VWL two weeks ago after being waitlisted for 2 days. I've gotten on the wait list for unplanned visits and it has come through for me every time. Can't guarantee it, but people cancel or change their plans every day. Hang in there, DVC is great!

I have stayed at the Contemporary in a Garden Room. My family loved it. You can be a distance from the monorail however since the Garden Rooms are in the wings set off from the main building. Depending on which wing you're in it might be quicker to walk to MK. The bathrooms are huge!! You can watch the Electric Water Pageant from the boat dock every night and there are numerous dining options in the hotel and at the other resorts on the monorail (not to mention Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness). Hope you like it too!

Pat

[manning]

Carl, don't worry, be happy. Go with flow. Nine years ago I was somewhat like you. Then I got real sick and didn't know if I would see tomorrow. I said to hell with it, life is too short to worry about everything. My dad use to say "worry about only the things you can control and you will realize that there is very little in life you can control". You just might find out you will get the dates you want, more times than not. So pick up that phone, start dialing and ENJOY LIFE!!!

[Cinderelli]

We were able to snag a studio at VWL last year for the Sat - Wed before Thanksgiving. We only called a few weeks out and got the ressie (no wait list involved). I think you'll find that you'll be able to get what you want.

Enjoy your DVC!

[Bill K]

I must be different, I never had a problem with ressies @ my home BWV in November..

[Carl]

Ah, but Bill, try getting the first week of Dec there now, and this is 7 months out.

[DeeP]

Carl,
I know you bought your DVC membership at BWV for the excellent location and it is frustrating to try to book at your home resort only to be told there is no room, but maybe with the opening of BCV it will be easier to get a villa in this location now that there are 2 DVC resorts. I also love BWV and it is the best resort at WDW for my family but we have had to stay at OKW before when we could not get a room at BWV or VWL and we still had a nice trip. I know OKW is not the resort you prefer but it is still a nice resort and you will still be at WDW during the timeframe you want, just a thought. I hate to see a new DVC member so frustrated and disillusioned over their purchase, this should be a happy time for you!

[Carl]

Dee, what makes you think it will get any better? BCV is already open for the time frame when I want to go, and nothing is available. And, remember, they are still selling points at BCV. All the people who purchase from here on out will be that many more people competing for the same rooms - which already are all booked up without them in the mix.

[robinb]

All the people who purchase from here on out will be that many more people competing for the same rooms - which already are all booked up without them in the mix.

Not true. For every person who buys into BCV more points are released from the developer point pool into the DVC point pool. That means that more rooms are released.

[WDWguru]

WDWguruDH just called this morning and booked a 2 bedroom at BCV for 10/31-11/5. (We had a 1 bedroom at BWV 10/27-30, decided to add on and bring some family down.) Now, VWL and BWV were full up but we did get in! So, that's good news for those looking for Epcot area during Food & Wine fest this year.

If anybody needs a 1 bedroom preferred at BWV 10/31-11/2, we just cancelled that part of our trip this morning to move to the larger unit. Go for it!

[Carl]

"If anybody needs a 1 bedroom preferred at BWV 10/31-11/2, we just cancelled that part of our trip this morning to move to the larger unit. Go for it!"
Won't the wait list suck that one up before anyone could call in and get it?

[WDWguru]

Oh, probably, but it never hurts to let folks know. Maybe the wait list will only take a couple of the days and someone else can use the others. I've seen others post here when they cancelled or changed ressies, so just thought I'd do the same.

[Bill K]

Your probably right! I think it would be tough getting Dec not using the 11 month window...