Advice......

[bartty]

We have are reservation at SSR in a GV for 20-24th nov. A few issues have come up with family and now looks like we need to move it back a week

The question is how busy is dvc during first week in Dec?
Can I possibly get the GV again??
How are the parks that week?
How difficult is it to change a reservation and what are the penalties?
Should I rent the reservation and book with cash at the wdw hotels instead (because we're not sure what's going on with the extended fam)??


Any input would be much appreciated....

Thanks

 

[PamOKW]

The first week of December is not necessarily that busy in the park themselves but it is very busy in terms of DVC'ers coming to WDW. The points are low, the holiday festivities are in full swing, DVC holds their annual meetings and many on-line WDW groups also schedule meets at that time.

However, SSR is still new so I think you have a chance of getting the GV. You won't know until you call.

There is no penalty for changing/cancelling until you are 30 days from the check-in date. At that point, the points can only be used to make a reservation 60 days prior to travel. They can't be banked.

Something to keep in mind though, if you banked or borrowed points to make the reservation, they will have to be used by the end of the Use Year. You also need to keep your banking deadlines in mind if you won't be using your current Use Year points by the end of the Use Year.

 

[pogopossum]

we went to OKW first week in dec last year for six nights. sixth night was add-on during our stay, but the resort was nearly fully booked every night (over 95% capacity every night). we were on wait list at BCV and BVW as well and never got in. the parks were most crowded on the day of their designated ee, so if you plan to use ee then know that that park will be more crowded that day, might try the strategy of going to ee then moving parks after scheduled opening time, others have mentioned that day after ee parks tend to be least crowded. but it is very neat to be there with the holiday decor. the other thing that was happening is the taping of the christmas parade for tv was on fri and sat of that week so if you want to see the christmas parade before dec 20 or so then this is your chance. don't miss candlelight processional at epcot, ben vereen was the guest reader when we were there and it was quite moving. there is a dinner package available for this so that you can avoid the walk up line. have a great time, be prepared for cool mornings and warm afternoons, wore shorts and long sleeve shirt over tee shirt or jacket over shirt and was down to one shirt by afternoon.

 

[Pa@okw95]

You might not be able to get a GV at this late date-that time of year is very popular with DVC-the parks are empty that time of year. I learned a long time ago when it comes to planning a vacation with relatives that it is difficult for most of them to understand the 11 month deal with reservations and most never would make their reservations that far in advance. To put it another way, I almost got stuck with a GV once when relatives failed to react to my pleas to get airline tickets. They waited so long they had to fly all over the place to get there. It was a mess. Moral of story for me was, enjoy the DVC, and forget the relatives. I never invited those relatives back again.

 

[bartty]

Thanks for all the info. You are all right.... we should just enjoy our dvc!!! Can't wait to go home.