beach club villas

[disneymom1980]

We are planning a trip in January (sorry) 2005 and would like to stay at the Beach Club Villas. We are not Disney Vacation Club members (although we hope to be someday). I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this resort is harder to get into than the other villas and when we should begin talking to a travel agent or booking the trip ourselves (how far in advance).

Thank you

 

[Sara1026]

Hi Disney Mom!

I recently asked a question about the weather in December and SAB and found out in the process that the BCVs are very busy in December.

We aren't BCVers, either, so I had no idea about how these things work. I'm getting the impression (and someone PLEASE correct me if I'm wrong here) they don't release the villas to CRO to be reserved by non BCV guests until about 6 months out, and if DVC people reserve all of them, then none would be available.

You might want to consider renting someone's DVC points for your stay-- it can be a good deal to do it that way, and if you rented from someone who has BCV as their home resort, they could make your reservation 11 months in advance.

 

[pstepka]

We are at the BCV right now and LOVE IT. I recommend renting points from a DVC member...it's MUCH cheaper than renting direct through Disney, plus you get extra perks (free valet parking, for one!)

Pam

 

[Carrieberry]

Definitely rent points. The owner can make your reservation this upcoming February for a January stay and you will pay far less than paying through CRO. We rented points last December at BCV and (we are doing it again this upcoming January at OKW )saved a ton, plus we got to stay in one of the best resorts on property. WE LOVED BCV! I think the way it worked out, it cost us $785 for 5 nights or $157 a night for a studio. Since there is no tax or anything, this was about the price of a moderate with no discounts including tax, and we got to stay at BCV! I highly recommend both renting points and the BCV.

 

[Connears]

I am DVC member with home resort at OKW. I got BCV this June at 7 month window. I would highly recommend renting from a DVC member whose home resort is BCV to get your reservation at the 11 month window. The DVC rent/trade board here on DIS is great. I rented to someone for the first time this summer and it was very easy with no problems on either end. I'm quite sure some DVC member would be glad to help you out!
Connears

 

[DemoBri1]

I would highly recommend renting points from a DVC member as well. Nov-Jan are very busy DVC times and thus it will me much more difficult for non-DVC members to get rooms at this time, especially at the smaller DVC resorts such as BCV and WLV.

On the other hand, the YC and BC resorts should be fairly open along with the BWI at this time. It kind of works in a fashion that when DVC is busy the regular deluxe resorts are not and vice-versa.

Brian

 

[Deb & Bill]

Remember, that technically, renters are NOT entitled to the DVC member discounts, free valet parking, etc. But that's not to say you won't get them. Just don't plan on it and be pleasantly surprised if you do.

DVC points are released to CRO 60 days out. With BCV about totally sold out (if it isn't already), that doesn't leave very many unit for the general public.

But if a DVC member trades their points out for the Disney Cruise or some other Disney accomodation (than a DVC resort), those points become available to the general public. So if a BCV member decides to take the cruise or stay on points at the AKL (for example), their points become available (that is, a unit equivalent to their points).

Depending on the number of people in your party, the maximum occupancy is 4 plus one child under 3 in a studio or one bedroom. Or 8 plus one child under 3 in a two bedroom.

 

[pstepka]

My key card said Member on it -- I got all the perks a member gets. The DVC member who rented me the points made the reservations under her name and put my name as the guest. We got 10% off dinner at Cape May (which was delicious!!! (we went two nights in a row), and free valet parking, also.

I'll have to say -- it was the best vacation we've ever been on. My husband is now talking about becoming a member because he loved the BCV so much!!!

Pam

p.s.
Thanks again to my DVC friend who was SO very accommodating and helpful!!!!!!

 

[TIdoublegaER]

My key card said Member on it -- I got all the perks a member gets.

I think this is what happens the majority of the time, but you could always get that one cm who is a stickler and won't put it on there.

I did just want to make one comment about DVC member discounts. There have been several times (not always) at restaurants and shops that I have been asked to provide my DVC member card, in addition to my room key that said member on it. I have always had my DVC member card with me, so I don't know if they would have denied me the discount or not if I didn't have it. I suppose you could just say "I forgot it at home" and hope they give it to you anyway.