Availability for GFV Owners

[Pluto1976]

So, we are extremely close to becoming DVC members and purchasing at GFV. We are a small family and will always want a GFV studio and one of my biggest apprehensions right now is that we will have difficulties getting the dates we want every year even as owners at GFV.

We are most interested in 7 to 10 days in mid-August in a GFV lake/std. view studio, and an adults only stay for 3-nights in May/June timeframe. We are huge planners and can book at the 11-month mark, but I have read some reports of VGF owners not being able to get the dates they want for GFV studios.

Is this the norm? Could you report on your experiences with these timeframes?

Also, what is everyone's experience for the 3-nights May/June timeframe? We are more open to BWV, BCV, and AKV during this timeframe.

Thanks!

 

[drusba]

There are a total of 47 studios at VGF and the demand for them is high. Nevertheless, for the times you mention you should not have an issue getting one 11 months out as long as you do it exactly 11 months out and as long as current demand patterns remain the same. Mid-August and May to June are DVC low to moderate demand times. Where VGF studios have thus far shown a risk of disappearing before 11 months out are during very high demand times in October, November, December, and marathon weekend in Jan (late Sep through marathon weekend in Jan is actually DVC's high demand season at WDW, while the rest of the year is low to moderate).

As far as the May/June time frame for BWV, BCV and AKV at 7 months out, BWV pool/garden is always open, but usually not boardwalk or standard view except for 1BRs. BCV is also open much of the time but a risk otherwise around the Memorial Day weekend and the Stars Wars weekends in May and June. AKV savanna and standard view is invariably open during that time but there is little chance of getting value at 7 months out and essentially no chance for club level.

 

[Sandisw]

I am a VGF owner, and I don't think that the times you mentioned should be an issue, right at 11 months. I have been successful getting a studio, in early August, at the 7 month mark (with my BWV points).

 

[skier_pete]

I've been surveying studios in all the parks for about 8 months now. Based on the dates you mention (mid-August and I assume late-May/Early June you should have no problems at the 11 month mark. The trouble lies from late-September through the end of the year, when the studios are snapped up immediately.

My guess is overall this will mitigate after a few years as owners decide they want to try other locations. (It probably will always be a difficult resort to get into, but not AS difficult - I picture it ending up similar to Beach Club.) Right now all owners want to stay there, and most want to stay in Oct-Dec.

 

[Kebby]

Have you looked into buying a fixed week? You will be garunteed your week in August, and then can check availability. If the room you like is available, you can pull out the points and book the regular way- or for any other resort or time you want.

 

[JasonMouse]

This thread is telling me when I make my 'is DVC worth it' calculations, use say 17 points per night instead of 9...