BRV reservation modification

[Stargazer65]

About a month ago I made my reservation for April at BRV, but availability was tight. I wanted a studio for a few days, but had to book a 1 bedroom. Stalked the site for two weeks, things seemed to get even tighter on availability. So I figured it is what it is and stopped looking, because I figured it would only get tighter as we approach 7 months. Then last week looked again, and bam…there was lots of availability all month long for everything. I modified and booked the studio on my preferred dates.

Anybody have a similar experience there, or elsewhere, or at other times? I was just curious why things would be so tight a month ago at 10 months, and now it seems wide open at 9 months. Was there something that changed at BRV specifically, or do you think that a lot of people impulse booked early then changed their minds later?

Note for responders: This is a philosophical question, no specific availability answers should be given. I think this falls within the allowed discussion per forum rules (I got taken to the toolshed once for forgetting this rule).

“We do ask that requests about availability for specific dates NOT be asked or answered since such availability can (and will) change. General availability questions like "What are my chances of finding a SSR Studio at 7 months for late August" are welcome on the DVC Member Services Forum.”

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Money is on them delaying the refurb again and yes I am bitter.

 

[Stargazer65]

Money is on them delaying the refurb again and yes I am bitter.

So you think they had it tight because of scheduled refurb. Then pushed off the refurb and opened up the rooms for reservation?

 

[CarolMN]

I also think it's the refurb. They blocked the rooms and then it was postponed - probably to move up the Poly DVC villas refurb.

FWIW, we complain when they don't block ahead of time and move us and we complain when they do block ahead of time and then have to postpone the refurb. We expect perfection, I guess.

 

[krybandt]

We had the same experience and believe rooms were blocked off for the refurb, but then plans changed. I never had trouble booking BRV ahead of 7months except this year.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

So you think they had it tight because of scheduled refurb. Then pushed off the refurb and opened up the rooms for reservation?

Yes.

And I am mad.

 

[CarolMN]

Yes.

And I am mad.

Understandable. BRV should have come before the Poly if they couldn't handle two at once. JMHO. YMMV.

P. S. I do like the Moana updates to the Poly hotel rooms. Hoping the Poly gets the Murphy pull down bed & the Moana soft goods for the refurb.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

VWL is the unloved stepchild at this point, and it is NOT OKAY.

 

[Stargazer65]

Well, I'm glad at least to get some background info. This was my first time booking VWL, and I wasn't sure what is typical.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Money is on them delaying the refurb again and yes I am bitter.

That was my first thought …
I thought I was the only one paying attention to VWL/ BRV Home Resort members since the beginning of Copper Creek .. That was never ending .
The official maintenance schedules ….how did SS get a full refurb before VWL/BRV? And now Poly and Grand Floridian taking over a building to build a new DVC .. That’s another crazy timeline.I am worried BRV is going to have to endure another long construction schedule.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Huge problem with their Soft/full refurb …Might have worked when the resorts weren’t filled to overflow year round and guests that have those “service” dogs … all kinds of extra stress on interior soft and hard materials in each room. And now they can’t even clean properly.
The 7/14 year maintenance plan is not working. It’s Florida, Mold is everywhere… I live in Celebration…you know the town Disney built.

 

[DL1WDW2]

Well, I'm glad at least to get some background info. This was my first time booking VWL, and I wasn't sure what is typical.

Sorry to go crazy on your question. The lobby and the resort is still beautiful to visit.

 

[Suzabella]

We're traveling later next year with friends who've never been to WDW. Figured we'd stay at our beloved BRV but not in the condition Disney has left the rooms. I'll book at 11 months but fully plan on changing that reservation to ANY other resort. I can't believe I'm saying this. There was a time when we would gladly trade our other 2 bedroom timeshare for a studio at BRV/VWL when trades were through II. The villas are tired and worn and I can't even imagine what they'll be like in a year. We waited a lot of years to hear "welcome home' at BRV and this is not what we expected from Disney when we purchased.

 

[bumbershoot]

I live in Celebration…you know the town Disney built.

My mom and stepdad lived at Country Walk Estates in Miami. The subdivision that Disney *had* built. At least Celebration wasn't flattened in a hurricane due to shoddy workmanship!

You mentioned mold. We went to Saratoga Springs after the last refurb. Closest I've figured out is that the room we got had been closed for a while, and we were the first guests. I have a *massive* reaction to mold and mildew. Also to offgassing of furniture/carpets/etc. I walked in, and for one second smelled the mold/mildew, and the next second my whole system was on the fritz. They got us into another 2-bedroom the next day, but by that next day all the females in my family were sick, and it remains the worst big family trip we've had.

I wonder if SSR has *worse* problems with mold/mildew than other resorts, and that's why they are doing it again?

 

[DL1WDW2]

So you think they had it tight because of scheduled refurb. Then pushed off the refurb and opened up the rooms for reservation?

I guess nothing will surprise me with manipulation) … of course they can say it was always scheduled for later… But why No availability for original poster and then … pick a day any day ….

Increase point charts and increase yearly maintenance… you are not going to beat them at this game… So oversold / affects availability. Enjoy for next 2 years and then Disney will have a struggle.



I will keep my BLT points no matter what tho! And if I won lottery Iwould prob be really silly and buy fixed week at Riviera.
Disney always wins…