A soon to be DVC member - Question about availability

[sbeaulieu]

Hi, This is my first post. Over the past few days I have spent more time than I should admit reading everything I can about DVC on these boards. You guys are wonderful and I can't wait to read more and post more too!

My family and I (DH, DD4.5, and DS2) are planning on making a trip over my DH's Spring Break 2011 - 2nd week of March. It will be my kids first trip and our first trip since our honeymoon in 2004. We want to make this an annual thing because we both love Disney and wish we went more often.

So, we are really, really close to going the resale route with AKV. I realize that it will take 60-90 days once we start the process. Let's take worst case scenario and we aren't members until October. Will it still be possible to get a studio somewhere at a DVC resort, preferably AKV, at that late of a date? I won't even be picky about views at that point.

Ok...now I need to work on putting in an avatar and getting my post count up a little higher. Off to visit other parts of the boards.

 

[AirGoofy]

So, we are really, really close to going the resale route with AKV. I realize that it will take 60-90 days once we start the process. Let's take worst case scenario and we aren't members until October. Will it still be possible to get a studio somewhere at a DVC resort, preferably AKV, at that late of a date? I won't even be picky about views at that point.

Welcome aboard. We were able to make a 30-day reservation at SSR for Memorial Day Weekend last year, but not sure about October. If not, would you be willing to change resorts, i.e., 2 days at SSR, 2 days at OKW? If so, it may work for you.

 

[Silver Queen]

I think you may be okay. At least the second week in March isn't near the Easter holiday. SSR and OKW usually have some availability during non-peak times. If you can't reserve for AKV make a ressie for one of the other resorts and get on the wait list for AKV. Since we joined in 2008 we've been able to stay at four different resorts and have loved the experience. SSR is our home resort and we're very happy there, but we've also stayed at Kidani (love it!), VWL, and OKW. Good luck and welcome to DVC!

 

[wdrl]

Let's take worst case scenario and we aren't members until October. Will it still be possible to get a studio somewhere at a DVC resort, preferably AKV, at that late of a date? I won't even be picky about views at that point.

I think your chances of getting a studio are quite good. Working against you will be that Spring Break is a busy time at DVC resorts. But working in your favor is your flexibility. If you become a DVC member by October, your trip will be about 5 months away. OKW and SSR usually have availability at five months out, and it would not surprise me if AKV had some studios as well. Keep in mind that if your first choice in accommodations isn't readily available, you can use the waitlist process to see if something opens up before your trip.

By the way, when we bought a resale contract in August 2009, it took 54 days from the day we made our offer until our points were available for us to book a reservation.

Good luck in becoming a member!!

 

[cbnsoul]

I think there is a good chance you will close sooner. I know a lot of people on these boards, including myself, have closed in 5-6 weeks. At least then you would be calling to reserve a room a little sooner, increasing your chances to get AKV. We just closed about a month ago and I was very nervous about getting ANY reservation for October (about 3 1/2 months out) and got a split stay with AKV and SSR. (SSR was available to the entire time if I had wanted it). October appears to be WAY booked this year, as I imagine spring break times will be eventually so I think you would have a pretty good chance of getting AKV.

 

[sbeaulieu]

Thanks for the responses. I can't wait for March to come!

 

[missycj96]

I have had luck getting studios on relatively short notice. While there are never any guarantees, I find if you are flexible about your resort/view/ exact dates you should be able to get something that you will enjoy. You may have to call a few times. For example, last summer on about 2 months notice, I got 2 nights BCV, followed by a week at VWL - all studios. But I was flexible as to resort and dates. We always get studios because we have a small family.

I also booked BWV for this April (5 nights in a preferred view studio) on about 3 months notice. For Presidents week though, I called at exactly 7 months and had to waitlist to get BLT studio lakeview. At BWV, I could not get standard or boardwalk view. And at BLT, I have NEVER been able to get a MK view or a whole vacation in a standard view. But I find, I can always get something good. Besides, all the DVC resorts at WDW are great with their own unique charms.

 

[Disney Spaz]

I think you should be fine as Spring Break/Easter for many public schools is in late April this year.