7 month availability for Marathon weekend time?

[marros6284]

We just came back from our first stay at our home resort VGF and it was beautiful. I would however, like to check out different DVC resorts, and our next trip will also be from mid-week to mid-week for the marathon weekend in Jan '16. We're not really interested in AK, SSR or OKW since the only transportation is buses, we are mostly interested in BLT, BCV, BWV. Would love to hear what resorts other DVC members have had the best luck at getting for those dates that surround the marathon weekend. (usually the second weekend in January).

 

[drusba]

Marathon weekend is a very high DVC demand weekend. Based on reservations patterns for that time in Jan 2013, 2014, and 2015, it can be difficult to get rooms at 7 months for the Thurs through Sat night of Marathon weekend except for potential of 1BR at BWV pool/garden view, dedicated 2BR or GV at VGF, standard or savanna view at AKV Kidani, 1BR or dedicated 2BR at OKW, and anything other than treehouses at SSR. All others have a significant risk of one, two, or all three of those key nights being gone before 7 months out. Moreover, since VGF is your backup for that trip, you should consider it of possible importance to reserve exactly 11 months out if you are planning to get a studio as studios there are becoming more and more difficult to get at high demand times as the resort sells out unless you book 11 months out.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are running, you have to take a bus from BWV, BCV to get to the start. You can take the monorail from BLT to Epcot (changing at TTC).

You can't walk through Epcot before the park opens, especially without park admission.

 

[marros6284]

Thanks Drusba!

Your answer confirmed exactly what I was thinking. I am definitely going to make my reservation for a studio (or 2 studios, haven't decided) at 11 months and then see if anything is available in BW or BC at 7 month mark, but at least I will have my place in GF. We may have to wait until we can go another time of the year that is not quite so popular in order to check out some of the other DVC's. GF is gorgeous, staff was very kind and location is awesome being one stop on monorail from MK I am so happy we bought there!!