Boardwalk Villas at 7 months?

[Divamomto3]

Hi all....
This is my first "big" DVC vacation. In August, DH and I stayed at SSR in a studio for 4 nights to check things out. We loved it and loved DVC. In August 2005, we're doing a big trip with our 3 kids. So far, I have 5 nights booked in a 2 BR at SSR, then we move to the Boardwalk Inn for 3 nights over the weekend on a cash ressie. Then we will hopefully move down into the Boardwalk Villas for 3 more nights, but right now those 3 nights are booked at SSR because I booked at my 11 month booking window to make sure I had something. Do you think I will have trouble getting a 2 BR villa at BWV August 21-23 booking at the 7 month window? Should I book day by day? I know standard view is hard to get, but I'm fine with a Boardwalk view. (I think I actually prefer that.)
Any suggestions or experiences booking BWV at 7 months in mid to late August?
Thanks DVC'ers!

 

[Granny]

I think at that time of the year you have an excellent chance of getting BWV at the 7 month mark. As to whether you'll be able to get Standard View or Boardwalk View, that might be a little tougher.

Personally, I don't like calling day by day to switch reservations, only to make the original ones at the 11 month mark. So I'd wait until check out date minus 7 months and try to switch all three days at one time. That way, it's an "all or nothing" proposition and you don't have to worry about getting 2 days but not the third.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

As is usually the case, I agree with Granny. You will get something but chances are it will not be a standard or Boardwalk view.

HBC

 

[pentex]

I own at OKW and have gotten BWV time we want it at the 7 month window, including during very high times, like Christmas week last year when we had an awesome view.

I am sure you'll get in!

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

We've booked BWV 3 times at the seven month window (even 5 months out). I'm sure you will get a room, but I doubt it will be a standard.

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by Happy Birthday Cat
As is usually the case, I agree with Granny. You will get something but chances are it will not be a standard or Boardwalk view.

HBC

If it's not a standard or a boardwalk view, then what is it considered? Is it a "preferred" view and then what point category do they charge you? I only would want to pay the higher points if it were a guaranteed Boardwalk view.

 

[donald...really]

There are three categories at BWV - Standard (front of hotel/parking) - Boardwalk (looking out at the Boardwalk) and Preferred (looking at the pools). The Boardwalk and Preferred views are the same point value. The Boardwalk and Standard views book very quickly and are not usually available at the 7 months, but you never know.

 

[lenshanem]

I got BW view studio 7 months out for June before. Good luck!

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by lenshanem
I got BW view studio 7 months out for June before. Good luck!

Thanks!!!

 

[MagikMom]

I had no problem at all booking my stay at BWV 7 mo. out. I went in august also.









Oct. 2004 SSR
Aug. 2003 BWV
Oct. 2002 All Star Sports/BCV
March 2001 All Star Sports

 

[pumpkinboy]

Another thing you might want to investigate is whether you can switch your BWI ressie to a BWV cash ressie over the weekend, and see if you can't get the DVC discount (25%). We were able to get our weekend nights for our upcoming trip during Food & Wine for cash with DVC discount at about 9 months out. Plus we're able to keep the same Std view 2BR from Weds when we check in thru Mon when we check out (using three different ressies, no less, just all linked together in the system).

I second the motion to skip the day-by-day reservation making and just go for all-or-nothing when you switch ressies. You clearly want all three days together, so if it's available, take it, otherwise waitlist for the entire time.

Good luck!

 

[crisi]

Keep in mind that the preferred view points are the same as you'd pay to look at the woods at VWL or the quiet pool at BCV. In other words - its the BW views that are the bargain - not the preferred views where you are paying for something and not getting it. And standard view points are a real bargain. The other "attached to Deluxe resorts" DVC resorts all have the same Preferred View point structure.

Also keep in mind that while its possible to book SV or BWView at 7 months, there are a relatively small percentage of these rooms overall at the resort. BW Owners often chose the resort specifically for the ability to book SV rooms and/or the view. So while lots of people have done it, I wouldn't set hopes on it.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by crisi
Keep in mind that the preferred view points are the same as you'd pay to look at the woods at VWL or the quiet pool at BCV. In other words - its the BW views that are the bargain - not the preferred views where you are paying for something and not getting it. And standard view points are a real bargain. The other "attached to Deluxe resorts" DVC resorts all have the same Preferred View point structure.

Also keep in mind that while its possible to book SV or BWView at 7 months, there are a relatively small percentage of these rooms overall at the resort. BW Owners often chose the resort specifically for the ability to book SV rooms and/or the view. So while lots of people have done it, I wouldn't set hopes on it.

ITA!

 

[Divamomto3]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
Another thing you might want to investigate is whether you can switch your BWI ressie to a BWV cash ressie over the weekend, and see if you can't get the DVC discount (25%). We were able to get our weekend nights for our upcoming trip during Food & Wine for cash with DVC discount at about 9 months out. Plus we're able to keep the same Std view 2BR from Weds when we check in thru Mon when we check out (using three different ressies, no less, just all linked together in the system).

I second the motion to skip the day-by-day reservation making and just go for all-or-nothing when you switch ressies. You clearly want all three days together, so if it's available, take it, otherwise waitlist for the entire time.

Good luck!

Would I go through CRO for the cash ressie for BWV like I did when I booked my BWI room? Or am I supposed to be doing everything through member services? Is member services only for our points ressies? Sorry for the newbie questions...but that's what I am!

 

[pumpkinboy]

Originally posted by Divamomto3
Would I go through CRO for the cash ressie for BWV like I did when I booked my BWI room? Or am I supposed to be doing everything through member services? Is member services only for our points ressies? Sorry for the newbie questions...but that's what I am!

Perfectly reasonable question; no need to apologize there.

You can and should do it all thru MS, as they are the only ones who can link it to your previous and subsequent ressies. PLus they are alos the only ones who can get you the DVC discount (25%, if available). So do it all thru the great folks in MS.

Just to note, rack rates at DVC resorts will likely be more than points cost, if you assume $10 a point to rent the extra ones (except at VB where it is almost always cheaper to pay cash on the weekends, even at rack rate). But, cash ressies with DVC discount are more cost effective than weekend night points prices.

Another thing to remember about cash ressies made thru MS is that they will take a credit card number for the ressie, but you do not actually pay anything until checkin.

Good luck with the planning!

 

[snoopyandpooh]

I own OKW and booked BWV at 7 months this August with no problem.

 

[poohj80]

Originally posted by pumpkinboy
We were able to get our weekend nights for our upcoming trip during Food & Wine for cash with DVC discount at about 9 months out. Plus we're able to keep the same Std view 2BR from Weds when we check in thru Mon when we check out (using three different ressies, no less, just all linked together in the system).

When you have linked reservations like this (we do at HHI for Thanksgiving), do you have to check-out and check back in each time or when you check in do they just consider it one reservation?

 

[pumpkinboy]

When they link the ressies, they are still individual ressies from their system's perspective, so yes, you do have to check out and check in again but you don't actually have to move or gather up your stuff. All you have to do is go down to the front desk (some time when they are less busy) and officially check in and out. Yeah, it's a bit of a hassle, but it beats paying weekend point costs.

Good luck all!

 

[mikeymars]

Originally posted by donald...really
There are three categories at BWV - Standard (front of hotel/parking) - Boardwalk (looking out at the Boardwalk) and Preferred (looking at the pools). The Boardwalk and Preferred views are the same point value. The Boardwalk and Standard views book very quickly and are not usually available at the 7 months, but you never know.

Donald, the fat lady in Ohio thinks it's time for you to change that outdated signature......