A few questions from a DVC newbie

[BostonDisneyKid]

I recently signed a P & S for DVC from a reseller but have not yet "closed" on 370 point at OKW with an August use year (scheduled close date of 5-17-04). I understand how the use year and 7-11 clause works but have a couple questions I am hoping some of the more experienced DVC'ers can answer.

Do the DVC bookings follow trend with the regular Disney "seasons" and does this effect advanced booking times?

Meaning do I need to book ASAP (7-11 rule) to book a package during high volume seasons and what is the likelihood of getting the desired location and dates during these time periods. Also for an "adventure season" (off season) booking would I need to book immediately (7-11 rule) or is it not so critical during those time periods to get your desired location & dates.

Also, do most of you DVC members use the grocery shopping feature available or are there alternatives which DVC'ers prefer?

 

[new_yawka]

Classicly "Busy" times at WDW will also be busy at DVC resorts and you will want to book as far in advance as possible. A couple of times of year DVC is busier even though WDW as a whole may not be (e.g., October Food and Wine Festival and first week of December). These times you should also expect to book as far in advance as possible.

It is a good rule of thumb to book as early as you can no matter when you might like to go.

As for groceries, we always make a run to the grocery store (Publix is our favorite), but we have this flexibility because we always have a car. If you will not be renting a car, you should take a car service from t he airport. Most of them are very acustomed to making a stop at one of the local supermarkets befor heading on to the resorts.

Congratulations. We wish you and yours years of magical Disney vacations!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by BostonDisneyKid
I recently signed a P & S for DVC from a reseller but have not yet "closed" on 370 point at OKW with an August use year (scheduled close date of 5-17-04). I understand how the use year and 7-11 clause works but have a couple questions I am hoping some of the more experienced DVC'ers can answer.

Do the DVC bookings follow trend with the regular Disney "seasons" and does this effect advanced booking times?

Meaning do I need to book ASAP (7-11 rule) to book a package during high volume seasons and what is the likelihood of getting the desired location and dates during these time periods. Also for an "adventure season" (off season) booking would I need to book immediately (7-11 rule) or is it not so critical during those time periods to get your desired location & dates.

First of all, congratulations on your pending purchase and welcome home!

Assuming that by "regular Disney seasons", you mean the times the parks are crowded, the answer is not really. With a few notable exceptions, it is actually esier to book WDW DVC accomodations during the spring break and summer peak seasons, than it is to book during most of the "non-peak" seasons. October, November and December, along with the two weeks surrounding Easter are arguably the most difficult to secure at the 7 month window. (It's rumored that a standard view studio for New Year's Eve at the BWV is the most difficult of all, LOL).

Since OKW is the largest DVC resort, you will often find availability there when there is none at the smaller resorts.

Keep in mind that some room types are difficult to secure all the time. Examples of those include the Grand Villas (3 bedroom units) and standard view and Boardwalk view rooms at BWV. To be sure of reserving any of those, you need to reserve as soon as the 11 month window opens.

Many think (me included) that it is a good idea to book at your home resort at the 11 month window or as soon as you are sure of your dates, and then if you want to stay elsewhere, attempt to switch at the 7 month window. Many times you will be successful and if not, at least you will have a place to stay. This is the reason you are advised to "buy where you want to stay the most."

All that said, there are many reports of getting accomodations on short notice. Availability changes frequently, so you really just never know. You also have the option of using the waitlist process. (For me, that is just too stressful - I need to book airfare quite a bit in advance to secure a decent rate out of MSP).

Also, do most of you DVC members use the grocery shopping feature available or are there alternatives which DVC'ers prefer?

We either stop at a grocery before we arrive (if we are renting a car) or make arrangements with a towncar service to stop at one. Most towncar services offer a 1/2 hour stop at a grocery for no additional charge. Have not personally used the grocery service - the prices are higher than I want to pay considering the other options we have avaiable to us.

Best wishes -

 

[PamOKW]

Availability is similar to the demands at the regular resorts -- i.e., Christmas, Easter, Spring Break are all very popular. However, there are also some times that are more unique to DVC -- Early December for one. Points are low, the decorations are up, DVC Condo Association Meetings and many Internet Group meetings are held at this time -- it's very popular for DVC'ers. Also the Food & Wine Festival in the fall has become very popular for DVC'ers to book -- especially at the BCV and the BWV.

The best rule of thumb is to try to look ahead for the year and decide when you might want to travel. As soon as you think the odds are good you'd want a trip, go ahead and make a reservation. You can always change your plans later (as long as you keep an eye on the calendar for banking deadlines, etc.)

If a resort isn't available when you first call, go on the wait list and give that some time work. In most cases, it will come through.

You used the word "package". Just wanted to remind you that you aren't dealing with package plans with DVC. You are booking the accomodations. You might also want to weigh your options for tickets. DVC offers a discount on the length of stay pass but for DVC folk who return to WDW regularly, this is not usually the best choice.

I always have a rental car and make a quick trip to one of the nearby grocery stores myself to stock up. It's more cost effective and gives a greater variety of choice. There are several grocery stores very close to DD -- only a 10-15 minutes trip from most DVC resorts.

 

[BillPA]

First, welcome to the DIS.
DVC peak times are NOT the same as the WDW resorts. As the first 2 weeks of Dec are among the busiest times at DVC, where the hotels are often 'empty'. Often you will find space readly available in the summer at a DVC resort. Still, if you know when and where you want to stay at the 11 month/ 7 month time, book it. You can change it later if needed, but keep in mind the cancelation and banking rules. If you are looking for a peak DVC time, and you are not flexible on the room size and location, then book day-by-day at the 11/7 month point. Also most of us will make a home resort reservation at the11 month mark, as a back up, knowing we will try for another resort at 7 months.

You will find this site has many experts, and everyone enjoys helping with questions, so ask away.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

First off, Happy Easter (to all who celebrate).

Thank you all for the warm welcome and valuable insight. I already feel at home and appreciated the sincere greetings and reponses. You all seem like a great group of folks (on this BBS and DVC members alike) and am glad I am becoming a part of it. I know I was getting a home away from home with my purchase but didn't realize I was getting an extended family as well. My mouse ears off to you all!!! Thanks again!!!

 

[Pa@okw95]

DVC members are far more savvy when it comes to travel to WDW. They go far less in the summer, much more apt to go in the fall, and especially the weeks before Christmas. Christmas is when even DVC members go tilt and want to go down there. There is not much difference in the Spring (President's week through Easter is usually very busy.

 

[Disney Doll]

There are times during the year when the whole place is busy...DVC and regular resorts. DVC also tends to be busy at the times others have already pointed out.

I would "second" the advice that if you are not renting a car, then book a grocery stop when you book your car service from the airport to WDW. If you have a list and move fairly quickly, you can do it in 1/2 hour. Try not to over buy groceries...we always do and end up giving unopened stuff to folks who are checking in as we are checking out!!!! Or else the housekeeper has a party in our room after we leave!!!! LOL!!!!

I always book at my home resort at the 11 month window when I know 11 months in advance that we are going. I then try to change at the 7 motnh window if I so desire. I like being sure I have a place to stay!!! Our home resort is OKW also, and you will love it there! Rooms are nice and big, it's nicely laid out if you enjoy walking, there is really not a bad view in the whole complex as far as I know, if you do have a car you can park it right near your room,..it's sort of condo-style with exterior entrances rather than hotel-style with interior entrances off hallways. Olivia's is a decent reaturant, and they have a cute little bar near the main pool and a snack bar near one of the quiet pools. They are going to be building a slide at the main pool this fall, which should be a nice addition. We've owned there since 1997 and have never regretted our purchase!