Booking Rooms

[VINN127]

I have to ask!!!

We were interested in becoming DVC members but wanted to rent first. We have tried on 3 occasions to rent points for what were supposedly slow times of the year. We tried 3 monthe out and have never been able to find availability. I GIVE UP!! Is booking really this bad all the time? How do you owners cope? Do you all plan your vacations a year in advance? What happened to spontaniety?

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

We've only been DVC members since 12/00, but have not had problems booking what we want. Perhaps renting puts more restraints on your choices? I don't know, I haven't rented. But, there are many posts about members successfully booking the dates they want, where they want.

 

[Chuck S]

What are "slow" times for WDW as a whole are often busy times for DVC resorts because our point usage is cheaper. Also, it depends on which resort you want to book. Personally I've been lucky and haven't had any trouble booking/changing ressies even 2 months out, but I know I'll have trouble some day.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by VINN127
Is booking really this bad all the time? How do you owners cope? Do you all plan your vacations a year in advance? What happened to spontaniety?

Honestly, DVC works best if you are able to plan in advance, especially if you can plan 11 months in advance. Sure you can get DVC accommodations 3 months before a trip (except in busiest seasons), but I think most people in DVC plan their trips pretty well in advance.

You will read here many posts of those who have successfully booked right up to a week before they leave. But the vast majority book earlier, I suspect.

Many of us do not live near WDW so spontaneity is not really as much of an issue. I'm sure others will jump in to indicate they do many "spur of the moment" trips as well.

Of course, many DVCers also have their vacations planned two or three years in advance. We find planning to be therapeutic for the times between visits "home".

 

[CRobin]

I think you need to understand that DVC members are working "on a clock". We have specific banking and borrowing rules for that annual allotment of points, and a much stricter cancellation policy, therefore, advance planning is required. Two of the onsite resorts are sold out, which means that the rooms are theoretically booked at 96% occupancy year round (4% held by the developer for maintenance, etc.).

Having said that, being flexible is they key. If you HAVE to have a 1 bedroom, standard view at resort X arriving on day Y and departing on day Z, you are going to put ourself in a much more restrictive reservation environment than if you say "I'll take a 1 bedroom, any on site resort, for this week or that one, and I'll move in the middle and take my chances with a waitlist".

I don't find DVC any more restrictive than before I was a member, and could not get YC/BC ressies @ 6 months out for the fall. I have booked 8 ressies, so far, within 7 months.