7 month window - Flexibility

[eporter66]

I have read that the 7 month window can be difficult, but if you are flexible - does that make it easier? If we are willing to go one bedroom instead of 2, or not be picky about the view etc.... Even a studio?

Just wondering if any of you have called and just asked what was available at a particular DVC resort, rather than saying you want a 2 bedroom at BCV (or any resort for that matter)?

Just wondering

 

[MelissathePooh]

Anytime you have more flexibility your odds of getting a DVC at 7 mos out increase. The key is how flexible you are - do you care what resort you get and do you care what size accomodation you get. We wouldn't necessarily care what resort, although we would have preferences, but we do have limitations with what size room we can take.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

or not be picky about the view etc....

Don't get hung up on the view or it will lead to disappointment. As far as I know, the only guaranteed view at any DVC resort in WDW is the BWV, Boardwalk view and it will be very tough to get at 7 months. With everything else, the more flexible you are, the better off you will be.

HBC

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by eporter66
Just wondering if any of you have called and just asked what was available at a particular DVC resort, rather than saying you want a 2 bedroom at BCV (or any resort for that matter)?

I have called with my dates and started by is there a studio available anywhere. (This is generally 3 - 4 months out) The DVC CM's are some of the mot friendly around.

Sandy

 

[paults]

I had to change some ressies from 2 bedroom standard BWV to Studio boardwalk view at 5 months and got 5 of the 6 nts right then and I am wait listed for the 1 nt. Anything is possible

LIke someone else said don't get hung up on the view , just make sure you get a room where you want.

 

[Caskbill]

I would say that getting a resort at 7-months is impacted by these factors, in decreasing order:

1. Dates: Specific times of the year book up fast and may have slim pickings by the 7-month window.

2. Special Villas: OKW GV's are popular due to the low point structure and tend to go early. BWV Boardwalk view villas are popular. Same point structure as the regular preferred view but boardwalk view.

3. Limited villas: BVW Standard views have lower point structures, but are limited in quantities so go quicker.

4. Location: Epcot/MGM is popular and thus BWV and BCV are popular due to their proximity to those parks. VWL has a special draw of it's own, with boat service direct to MK.

5. Resort size: The fewer the number of villas available, the quicker they fill up. Thus VWL, BCV, BWV will go first. OKW, being the largest resort will have availability for the longest periods of time. SSR may eventually be similar, and if ever built, Eagle Pines may be in this category also.

6. Newness: For the next year or so, SSR will hold a certain draw because it is new. Many members, like myself, have stayed in all the DVC resorts over time. We're going to want to experience SSR also.

7. Everything else: Personal preferences by families. Things change all the time. Who know, perhaps the fact that pool hopping to SAB no longer applies, and OKW is putting in a slide, then OKW may become more popular than ever before. The larger accommodations there have always been a prime draw. Bottom line, if you can be flexible on dates and resorts, then you'll be able to find something somewhere at 7-month, always. In other words, I would be confident to guarantee you that whenever you call, at 7-months, you will find that not every villa in every resort has already been booked for all dates for the following 7-months, leaving absolutely nothing left.

In other words, at 7-months, there will still be plenty of choices still available to you. Probably not a BWV standard view Studio for New Year's Eve, but definitely a 2-B/R OKW villa for the 3rd week in January, or September.

 

[MinnieGi]

Now I've only made three DVC reservations but they have all been within the 7 month window and we have never had a problem. However we are also not picky and like all the resorts. When I call I always check with MS what type of rooms are available at the DVC resorts and then I decide. I even got a standard view at BWV reserved at just four months out for our February trip. If you are flexible I don't think you'll have many problems.

 

[childsplay]

It is my opinion (and experiecne) that if you are "somewhat" flexible with the two major variables (dates and accomadation type) your chances at the seven month window are excellent. If you throw in flexibility with the third variable, location, it is almost a sure thing. The fact of the matter is that there is no possible way that every room, of every DVC location, is full by the 7 month mark. Now, the longer you wait after the 7 month mark the lower the odds. Also, if you are not flexible in any of these areas, or only one of the three, then yes, it could be hard to book at the 7 month mark in some cases.
Example: If you call at 7 months and look for OKW Grand Villa probably not, but if you are willing to take a 2BR and a studio instead, probably.

 

[MelissathePooh]

Depends on party size as well. We are usually a party of 2 and several times when we've called for a last minute trip all that was available was a 2 bedroom. For the 2 of us its not worth the points.

I think most people look for rooms larger than a studio, but the more flexibility you have as to what size accomodation you want and how many points you have to use play a key role.