Advice for next Easter ressie at VWL

[Granny]

My DD's have an extended Easter break next year, so of course we are looking to go to WDW at that time. We are looking at an Easter Sunday check-in with a Friday check out (4/20-25).

Since this is such a high point period (Premier Season), we want to stay in a studio at our home of VWL.

Here's where I need the advice. Is this such a crowded time that I should do a day-to-day ressie, starting on May 21 this year? That is a Tuesday. And if I do that, 11 months from the check-out date is a Saturday, so I'd have to wait until Monday to do that day.

To complicate things, we will be at WDW that Monday that would be 11 months from the final check out date. Do we still use the 800# from there, or is there a local number?

I know Easter break is a busy WDW season....wasn't sure how bad it was for DVC ressies since it is such a high point period.

Thanks for any advice you guys can pass along.

 

[Regina]

Definitely do the day by day. It's the Premier season because it's so popular. Just as there are owners who only travel during low point dates, there are those that travel only during peak times.

I don't know of a local number. I'd call the toll free number that Monday.

 

[CarolMN]

I'd go with a day by day ressie, also. I have had to make reservations while at WDW. IIRC, I just called the hotel operator and asked to be transferred to Member Services. Other than having to wait until 9 am to make the call, it was easy! You are not charged for calls to MS.

Enjoy your trips!

 

[Granny]

Regina & Carol,

Thanks for the advice. I guess I'll be doing the day-by-day ressie thing then.

I was kind of hoping that since the point values are so high that the busiest WDW season wouldn't line up with the busiest DVC season. Wishful thinking, I suppose.

Thanks again.

 

[RobDoc]

CarolMn's advice is great. There is no phone charge for an internal call while at Disney. Just dial "O" and ask to be transferred to DVC Member Services and it's not a local call- just an internal link.

The same thing applies for a call to another resort, for recreation information, dining or anything else within the Disney system. Don't give them a number to dial (they WILL complain about that- and probably not do it), but just ask to be transferred to the internal office.

Enjoy!

 

[Granny]

Doc and Carol....thanks for the tip on the internal call at WDW.

Have to wait until 9:00 am to make that call, so I know I'll get to sleep in at least one day this upcoming vacation!

My first two DVC ressies were very smooth, and this will be my first use of the day-by-day ressies. I guess like most people, doing something new and different causes a little anxiety.

Thanks to those on this board who provide the great advice. By the way, I wouldn't even know about the day-by-day ressie strategy if it weren't for these boards! It certainly doesn't show up anywhere in the sales literature!

 

[boardwalk prof]

While the day-by-day reservations sound intimidating, they are not. I needed to do this for an Easter vacation last year. It was very important for the family. DD and DS were marching at MK the Friday before Easter with their high school marching band. So, I just called each day and it was taken care of. I was especially worried because I was reserving a standard studio at BWV and trying to save points for this years vacation to celebrate DD high school graduation. So, I don't think getting a studio at WVL will be difficult. And what a wonderful opportunity to get your next trip home planned while you are already enjoying your home away from home.

Good Luck!

 

[Granny]

Thanks for the encouragement, boardwalk prof!

I know this is a really dumb question, but on a day-by-day ressie, I would call 11 months before the day after I check in, right? Because that would be the "check out" date for my one night ressie?

 

[Granny]

bump for response to my last dumb question

 

[Hilary]

Not dumb , and yes - you call the day of check-out for the one night you plan to book each time.

When you book the subsequent days, MS will link the reservations into one booking so you don't have to check-in and out each day!