Booking DVC as a non-member through Disney

[Kanga1]

Mods, feel free to move this if not in the right place.

We will be staying 18 nights next summer and are contemplating a DVC resort. We may also have a couple of extra family members join us midway through our trip and leave before we do. Could someone please answer a few questions?

1) How far in advance can I book a non-member room? We are just short of 10 months now and it will let me pull it up in reservations online.

2) Is there a max number of nights I can book a DVC as a non-member? I need 18 nights.

3) We would like to book a 1 bdrm and then expand it to a 2 bdrm when my my extra family arrives. Can I book a 1 bdrm/2 bdrm/1 bdrm stay without changing rooms?

4) I hoping to get an AP discount when they come out. Can I also add the dining plan to this even though it's DVC?

5) My MIL is 84. She can walk very well, but can't do stairs. Which DVC would be best for her?

Thanks so much.

 

[snykymom]

Mods, feel free to move this if not in the right place.

We will be staying 18 nights next summer and are contemplating a DVC resort. We may also have a couple of extra family members join us midway through our trip and leave before we do. Could someone please answer a few questions?

1) How far in advance can I book a non-member room? We are just short of 10 months now and it will let me pull it up in reservations online. You can book it as soon as it will let you. The rooms that Disney books for cash are kept separate from the rooms that DVC members book for points.

2) Is there a max number of nights I can book a DVC as a non-member? I need 18 nights. I believe there is a limit of 14 days on a reservation, but you can see if it will let you get the full 18 days. Or you can call and ask.

3) We would like to book a 1 bdrm and then expand it to a 2 bdrm when my my extra family arrives. Can I book a 1 bdrm/2 bdrm/1 bdrm stay without changing rooms? No. You will need to book separate reservations for the first 1 bdrm, the second 2 bdrm and the last 1 bdrm stays. While it may be possible to stay in the same suite that then expands to 2 BR, it is unlikely. (But booking separate reservations will eliminate the 18 day issue!)

4) I hoping to get an AP discount when they come out. Can I also add the dining plan to this even though it's DVC? Yes. The room is DVC, but you are booking as a regular resort guest, not a DVC member. AP holders can book the dining plan without buying additional tickets.

5) My MIL is 84. She can walk very well, but can't do stairs. Which DVC would be best for her? AFAIK, all the DVC resorts have elevators.

Thanks so much.

See responses in red above. I'm also booked into a DVC 1 BR on an AP discount, paying cash. We will also get daily mousekeeping, which DVC members on points or those renting points don't get.

 

[twinboysmom]

OP, if you decide to book OKW, the majority of the buildings do NOT have elevators. You will need to mention that you will need an elevator or a first floor room when booking and I am sure they can accommodate this. It is the only dvc that I could potentially see a problem with for your mil.

 

[ccgirl]

Mods, feel free to move this if not in the right place.

We will be staying 18 nights next summer and are contemplating a DVC resort. We may also have a couple of extra family members join us midway through our trip and leave before we do. Could someone please answer a few questions?

1) How far in advance can I book a non-member room? We are just short of 10 months now and it will let me pull it up in reservations online.

2) Is there a max number of nights I can book a DVC as a non-member? I need 18 nights.

3) We would like to book a 1 bdrm and then expand it to a 2 bdrm when my my extra family arrives. Can I book a 1 bdrm/2 bdrm/1 bdrm stay without changing rooms?

4) I hoping to get an AP discount when they come out. Can I also add the dining plan to this even though it's DVC?

5) My MIL is 84. She can walk very well, but can't do stairs. Which DVC would be best for her?

Thanks so much.

Let's see, I will try to answer all of your questions. One clarification first. You are booking a Villa, not a DVC room. The Villas are separated out into two different and distinct inventories. Those that are rented out thru WDW as cash rooms, in your case, and those that are booked with DVC points to DVC owners.

1. You can book as far in advance as it will let you. You are not limited to the 11 month window since you are not a DVC owner.

2. I believe it is 14 nights but I am not positive. I would try an online like booking to see if it would let you.

3. The chances of staying in the same room are slim to none. They will try to fill the rooms. Not all 1 Br's are "expanded" either. Some are dedicated one bedrooms and don't "expand".

4. It is treated just like a hotel room reservation. So, if you have an AP and book an AP only room rate,you can add the dining plan. If you book any other rate, you would also need to add on park tickets and make it a package reservation in order to add on dining.

5. I would speak to reservations and let them know about the difficulty with walking. They will to accommodate you as much as possible.

I hope this helps.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You will need three different reservations. The two bedroom will need to be a lockoff if you want to try to stay in the same location. You will need to ask when you check in to be blocked into the same one bedroom site with the studio locked off while you are in the one bedroom portion.

Since DVC members cannot book before 11 months out, you probably won't be able to book any sooner than that.

 

[mkoerner]

Have you thought about looking into renting points for that long of a stay? Definitely cheaper than paying cash. As others have said, you will probably need 2 reservations.