Another DVC question from a Newbie

[DisneyAunt]

I have been considering DVC. I plan on making last minute trips...mostly likely during off season. Has anyone had difficulty getting rooms about a week or two in advance?

Thanks

 

[Beca]

Yes....DVC can be difficult to get at MANY times of the year on short notice. Since each season is assigned a "points" value, a lot of the cheaper times go VERY quickly, as does Christmas, NYE, Food & Wine fest, Spring Break and MANY other times.

If you are frequently a "short notice" person...DVC may not be for you. But, then again...often there are not ANY rooms at WDW in general 1-2 weeks out. But, DVC people tend to be "obsessive planners". I think that is for two reasons. First, we love all things Disney and planning makes us happy!!! And, second...owning at DVC will make you an obsessive planner. If you want the days you want, at the resort you want...you plan!!! (Plus, you have to figure out how to best "use" your points).



Beca

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree with Becca. It can be very difficult, but not impossible if you are willing to take chances and know that you might not get anything on that short a notice.

 

[CarolMN]

At 60 days ahead of arrival, DVC often makes any rooms not booked for points available to CRO to rent to the general public for cash. Most of the cash generated from that practice goes back to DVC and is used to reduce the operating budget / maintenance dues. It's called "breakage income" on the annual statements/budgets.

DVC members can still book rooms during that time, but they are competing with the general public. That's why it can be especailly difficult to book a room on very short notice.

Also, as Beca implies, "off season" for the parks / WDW in general is not always the same thing as "off season" for the DVC resorts. For example, even though summer is considered a busy time for the parks, it is usually easier to book a DVC room in the summer (June, July & August) than it is in October, November or December.

Best wishes -

 

[tjkraz]

I don't believe it would be wise to buy into DVC with the intention of booking 7-14 days in advance.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Are you saying MOST of your trips would be last minute???? If that's the case, I agree DVC might not be for you. When I said "take your chances" I didn't realize that would be your usual plan. Because inventory can be turned over to cash ressies in the last 60 days, you might have lots of difficulty. Also, low seasons in the parks are not necessarily low seasons at DVC.

 

[spiceycat]

the summer time - I don't think you will have a problem

the food/wine festavial - you might

early Christmas season - starting thankgiving to Dec 19 - I would think you would have a problem (so forget this time)

other times - just depends - don't use this year as a guide - the new celebration 50th anniversay - already has a lot of people going in May/June that don't generally go then.

Sept - I don't think you will have a problem

May - the garden/flower festavial is going on - but remember that some schools let out before May 31 - so I would say the first two weeks - you could probably find something.

January - use to not be a problem - but this year it was.

it just depends upon flexibility you are and if you can take what is offered.

I always go for a studio - but sometimes the only thing left is a 1-bedroom - would you take this? if yes - then you might be okay

also sometimes there is nothing on WDW property - however VB and HH can be available - would you consider them? if yes - then again I think you could make it work.

 

[DisneyAunt]

I don't plan on going last minute everytime. But because of my job...sometimes I like to be spontaneous and escape and have some fun. I will probably plan more trips now with the family.

I was just wondering if doing last minute trips would work with DVC.

One more question....How long are banked points good for?

Thanks

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I was just wondering if doing last minute trips would work with DVC.

One more question....How long are banked points good for?

It really depends on the time of year. It won't work during holiday periods or high use seasons (like early December) but you may get something during slower times Like September and parts of January). But if you are flexible, that helps a lot.

Banked points are good for one year and can only be used within the one year period. They can't be banked agin or borrowed against.

HBC

 

[Pluto4Pres]

I called yesterday and got a 2BR at OKW for this weekend. I asked for any resort available and that's what I got. I wouldn't plan all my vacations this way though. But as long as you're flexible, last minute off-peak stays are available.