Brand new to DVC - couple of questions about booking

[ead79]

We just joined DVC (at AKV) this week, and I've got a few questions.

I saw day by day booking mentioned--will I need to do this at my home resort (AKV) to get the room type/view I want? If I do this, will they "combine" my reservations on the last day I call so I wouldn't have to check out/in each day of my trip? If it helps answer the question, we usually go during the first couple of weeks in December.

Are certain room sizes/views really hard to get at the various DVC resorts?

How easy is it to book at a resort other than your home resort at the 7 month window?

What time does Member Services open so I can call right on time?

Thanks for your help--we're anxiously awaiting our paperwork in the mail to get this ball rolling!

 

[Lauralei]

Depending on your room type. I don't think you should have a problem booking at the 7 month window. My home resort is SSR but I've only stayed there once. I go for 1 week during Presidents Week (one of the busiest times of the year). I always book a 1 BRV and I've stayed at BWV, WLV and this year I'll be staying at AKV, Savannah View. Just call right away at your 7 month window.

 

[chalee94]

I saw day by day booking mentioned--will I need to do this at my home resort (AKV) to get the room type/view I want?

it's safer, particularly for rarer room choices like the value studios or concierge level rooms at AKV.

If I do this, will they "combine" my reservations on the last day I call so I wouldn't have to check out/in each day of my trip?

you would tell them each day when you called back that you were adding a day to your previous reservation number.

If it helps answer the question, we usually go during the first couple of weeks in December.

points are low and decorations are up - december can be pretty busy for DVC resorts.

Are certain room sizes/views really hard to get at the various DVC resorts?

yes - standard view studios at BWV, Grand Villas and anything at BCV/BWV during food&wine for starters...

How easy is it to book at a resort other than your home resort at the 7 month window?

varies a lot. if you jump in exactly at 7 months and are willing to put up with a waitlist, i would guess most folks report success in trying other resorts. but it's not at all a sure thing and may get more difficult as more people buy into DVC.

if your heart is set on staying at a specific resort, you will always be advised to buy there.

What time does Member Services open so I can call right on time?

9am on weekdays, i believe.

 

[irenep]

Can I jump in here and ask another question about this?
I intend to book for October 2008 at BCV (during F&W) so will be doing it day by day. What happens when the office is closed e.g Sunday/Thanksgiving?- Can I book a day ahead or do I have to wait till it reopens and then book the day I missed?

 

[LisaS]

Can I jump in here and ask another question about this?
I intend to book for October 2008 at BCV (during F&W) so will be doing it day by day. What happens when the office is closed e.g Sunday/Thanksgiving?- Can I book a day ahead or do I have to wait till it reopens and then book the day I missed?

You cannot book ahead. On your next opportunity to call you would book the next two nights of your stay.

On your very first call, be sure to tell the MS CM that you are booking the first night of a day-by-day reservation. They will note your real check-out day and hold your confirmation letter until you have booked your final night.

 

[chalee94]

On your very first call, be sure to tell the MS CM that you are booking the first night of a day-by-day reservation. They will note your real check-out day and hold your confirmation letter until you have booked your final night.

oops - good point. i forgot to mention this.