Availability in early December

[walkerford]

We recently had a death in our family and it really has made us realise that life is not a dress rehearsal and that you should without doubt live for today. With that in mind we have decided that back to the world is what we intend to do and the most likely time frame is early Dec. What are our chances of securing somewhere,we would only need a studio. Our home is VWL but we wouldn't mind any of the wdw resorts. Has we have never been at this time of the year if we can get in whats the weather/crowds etc like? Thanks in advance!*

 

[PamOKW]

Go for it but be prepared that you may have to work the "wait list" to get what you want. Early December is low on crowds and high on holiday cheer. Many DVC'ers have made this a regular time to visit WDW and book at the 11 month mark. If you're flexible as to choice of resort (and dates if possible), they can probably work it out for you. You've got the right attitude about making time for the important things, like family.

 

[Granny]

Has we have never been at this time of the year if we can get in whats the weather/crowds etc like? Thanks in advance!*

While early December is one of the "peak periods" for DVC reservations, the parks themselves should not be all that crowded. And the weather will be very mild, with average highs in December of 73 degrees and average lows of 51.

All the pools are heated, so you could still swim...but it will be quite nippy when you get out!


As Pam indicated, you can just call MS, and the more flexible with the resort you stay at even the dates, the better off you'll be.

Good luck to you!

 

[walkerford]

Thanks for the posts but there seems to be a difference of opinion! I have read on another post that there is no chance of early Dec anywhere. It is a little tricky from the uk as we obviously have to tie in with flights and its always a bit chicken and egg. Do we book a fight or the accommodation. Anyone have any definitive answers and if Dec is out what would be the closest to it for this year, we have quite a bit of flexibility as long as we can get a flight.

 

[Poorman]

I'll be calling down in 10 minutes I'll ask. What dates do you have in mind? What type of room?


Hurry back. Rich

 

[Poorman]

walkerford,
sent you a PM.

 

[lurontravel]

Walkerford,
I just changed my ressie from one at OKW (studio) to BWV standard view (studio) for Dec 13-16. I had no wait time at all, they happened to have it available when I called. I think that as long as you don't care where you stay, DVC is a LOT more flexible then most give it credit for. I know that there are no guarentees, but last year when we made last minute reservations (about 4-5 days in advance in late October (a very busy DVC time), we managed to get a studio at OKW for three nights. Initially, we had a reservation at 2 different locations for only two of the nights, and thought we'd just spend the Sat (or was it Sun?) in a regular hotel. As we persisted (b/c they do not do wait list in the 7 days prior to arrival) with many follow-up phone calls,and I know it gets expensive from where you all are, we got 3 nights at 3 locations, and eventually all 3 at OKW. So, give it a few tries, and I'm sure that you'll get what you need. The wait list also works wonders when you use it. You can be pretty sure that you'll get a room somewhere all of the nights, even if you have to move, and don't give up!
Enjoy your family!!!

 

[walkerford]

Thanks for everyones help. One last ?ion. If we book the accommodation but cannot get the flight what happens? Can we just cancel the ressie and if so what happens to the points? We will have to borrow approx 100 points to travel in Nov / Dec

 

[PamOKW]

I think Walkerford wants to use his membership, not rent points.

If you cancel borrowed points they cannot be returned to your original Use Year. They have to be used by the end of your current Use Year. If you cancel 31 days or more before the start of your reservation, all other points return to "normal" status and can be banked (if within the guidelines) or used for another DVC or non-DVC trip.

Why don't you call or e-mail MS and see what is available? That's a place to start.

 

[SalandJeff]

In 13 years of going to WDW, last year was our first trip in early Dec. It was wonderful, because all the decorating for the holidays is done, but the holiday crowd has not yet arrived. If you have never gone in December, try to see the resorts, especially the Grand Floridian.

I would suggest you try for the week of 12/7 or 12/14 rather than the first week in December. Thanksgiving is very late this year and Thanksgiving weekend runs into December 1 on Monday so I think this 1st week will be harder to book.

We had to waitlist for 2 nights and they did come through.

As for weather, it was on the cool side and POURED all day, every day we were there except one. We were told this was very unusual. We just threw on our ponchos and raincoats, we were very soggy, and we had a great time!

 

[DebbieB]

We went in early December in 1998 and stayed at CBR for a "one time christmastime trip". Haven't missed it since! Stayed in 1999 at Dixie Landings, then joined DVC, and then BWV for the past 3 years.

Weather is variable. 1998, 1999 & 2001 were perfect, high 70's/low 80's, no rain. 2000 was cold, low 60's during the day, into the 40's at night but no rain. 2002 was a mixed bag, some warm days, some cold, some rain days. One day it poured for over 24 hours straight, never stopped. Hopefully this year will be warm & sunny! We have reservations for Dec 6 to 12 BWV, made them at 11 months.

 

[JOC]

DebbieB,

We'll be at BWV Dec. 7-13. Maybe we'll see you there!

 

[Duchie]

While availability at the DVC resorts might be non-existant, what about the resorts? Do they get booked at this time, too? Although not perfect, it might be an alternative.....

 

[Simba's Mom]

Some people on other boards are talking about being SO disappointed about the Osborne Lights (yes, I'm disappointed too but not like some) that I've heard some people grumble that they're thinking of canceling their trip. Don't know if anyone really would because of the Osborne Lights, but lets hope for you that someone does.

 

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Duchie
While availability at the DVC resorts might be non-existant, what about the resorts? Do they get booked at this time, too? Although not perfect, it might be an alternative.....

When we stayed at CBR and Dixie, I made reservations in September with no problem, got a 20% off magic kingdom club (now Disney Club). They did not have AP rates in the fall back then.

I loved Osborne Lights but would never cancel because they are not there. There are so many other things to enjoy. In 2001, people were flipping because the first week of December was a media event for Walt's 100th Birthday, Pop Warner and short hours (post 9/11 cuts). Some cancelled because they feared big crowds and long lines. Turned out to be very empty, our best trip ever! We saw a taping of Millionaire and the Christmas Parade, celebs around the parks, perfect weather, low crowds. Those who cancelled, it was their loss.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Duchie
While availability at the DVC resorts might be non-existant, what about the resorts? Do they get booked at this time, too? Although not perfect, it might be an alternative.....

December weekends (Friday and Saturday nights) at the non-DVC resorts tend to book fairly quickly after the dates for MVMCP are announced. Many of the Florida residents like to visit during this time. You shouldn't have a problem reserving weekday nights for awhile yet, though. If you're thinking of going at that time, consider booking something soon. You can always cancel it later if your plans change.

I'm also disappointed not to see the Osborne Lights this year, but there are still plenty of other Christmas events to take in. I seriously doubt the lack of OL will change very many people's minds about going this year.

Early December is my favorite time to be at WDW. Like DebbieB, my first early December visit took place in 1998 and I haven't missed one since. If you go, be prepared to be HOOKED!