Booking times

[ChiSoxKeith]

I'm considering buying into DVC for me and my family.....to book a vacation, how long ahead of time do you have book your vacation once you're an owner?

Essentially what I'm asking is, if I become a DVC member now, when, realistically would I be able to start using my points with a vacation. I realize that really big times of year (like spring break / holidays) would need to be booked ahead of the time.

Are there any good guides to read?

 

[mopee3]

We have read a couple of guide books about Disney but the best way to answer your questions is to talk to a DVC guide. We contacted ours (Bernard Lebeaupin 1 800-827-7196) in late 2006 and he would only call back ( a year later) when we asked him to call us. In other words no pressure. When we signed the papers he asked us where we and when we wanted to stay.
But remember this is through Disney not a resale. Resales people will tell you it takes on aveage 60 days to close and reserve a resort.

If I was you I would call Bernard and ask him your questions, nothing like talking to the horses mouth if you know what I mean.

Moe

 

[castleri]

I'm considering buying into DVC for me and my family.....to book a vacation, how long ahead of time do you have book your vacation once you're an owner?

Essentially what I'm asking is, if I become a DVC member now, when, realistically would I be able to start using my points with a vacation. I realize that really big times of year (like spring break / holidays) would need to be booked ahead of the time.

Are there any good guides to read?

If it is a really busy time like Christmas or Easter then you should book 11 months out - the earlier you can make your plans and book the better the chance or getting the reservation you want. Once you have made a deposit through Disney you can start making reservations. If you go the resale route you need to have the contract closed and then Disney has to get the points into the system in your name and then you can begin making reservations. If you want to stay at a resort other than the one you have your points at you cannot make a reservation for that until 7 months from when you want to check in. Once your points are in the system either way you could make a reservation for the next day if there is availability for what you want.

 

[DenLo]

I'm not sure that making a reservation at a DVC resort on short notice is much different that making a cash reservation through Disney. It will depend on the time of year and the crowds. During popular times or conventions are convening then it's harder to get a room. One difference is that when the DVC points are lower (Adventure Season) the DVC rooms book up. E.g. the first two weeks of December are Adventure Season and the villas book early, often at the 11 month mark. Also by trying book late you may have to take any resort that is available and you might not get the type of villa or view you want.

 

[huskies90]

If it is a really busy time like Christmas or Easter then you should book 11 months out - the earlier you can make your plans and book the better the chance or getting the reservation you want.

For Christmas week, will there be ANY availability for a studio at the 7 month mark? OKW, SSR for example? Or historically, everything is gone by then and you have to book at your home resort.

 

[Pakey]

It's really hard to predict. In 2005, we were able to get a 2 bedroom at SSR for Easter week at 6 weeks out. Other times, we have had no luck waitlisting at BCV at 7 months for December, May and October, even though I have 2 contracts at BCV.

Usually, SSR and OKW have some availability due to the sheer size of these resorts. If you are wanting to get VWL at Christmas, BCV or BWV during F&W, etc., you have to expect that there will not be availability at 7 months. There might be; you just shouldn't expect it.

Also, you have to factor in whether or not you are willing to change resorts, are you staying over a weekend, etc. The longer of a time period you are wanting to book (say 10 days vs 4), the harder it will be to get availability.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Went up to Woodfield Mall and visited the Disney Vacation Destinations store there over the weekend and I'm now a DVC member. Bought in to Bay Lake Towers and my first trip is already booked! Going to visit the new place and use up some points for a long Mother's Day Weekend. Talk about finding some magic!

 

[JohnnyB2]

Went up to Woodfield Mall and visited the Disney Vacation Destinations store there over the weekend and I'm now a DVC member. Bought in to Bay Lake Towers and my first trip is already booked! Going to visit the new place and use up some points for a long Mother's Day Weekend. Talk about finding some magic!

Congratulations and have a great tripGo White Sox

 

[bwvBound]

Went up to Woodfield Mall and visited the Disney Vacation Destinations store there over the weekend and I'm now a DVC member. Bought in to Bay Lake Towers and my first trip is already booked! Going to visit the new place and use up some points for a long Mother's Day Weekend. Talk about finding some magic!

Congratulations and WELCOME HOME!