Calling all DVC VWL planning veterans.

[WDWRR_ENGINEER]

Wow finally a DVC VWL owner.

We are planning our first trip home next Oct 08. We are inching closer to the 11 month booking window. My questions are as follows:

- Booking during this time of year? Should I do Day-by-day or wait until day after check out date to book. We are wishing for 1 bedroom dedicated villa, view of lake and pool, high floor 5th floor preferred and of course all rooms are none smoking I hope. Dates wanted 10/1-10/11 2008. Any other recommendations or do I have the room request covered?

- We will be celebrating our anniversary while down and wanted to know about the flag family thing they do at VWL some of the photos of the views are breath taking. How do you go about requesting to be one of the family’s is it done at check in or before like when you make requests for rooms? Also what time in the morning is it done?

Very excited to book our first trip home!

 

[kimberh]

Congratulations on becoming a VWL owner! This was my first DVC and next to AKV, my fav. Good news is, the one bedrooms don't book as fast as the Studios and two bedrooms, but if it was me for Oct, I would call day by day. This is the smallest of all the DVC's.
We have never been a Flag family, so I can't help you there. As for your room requests, they sound great to me, but remember that they are requests. Member Services will tell you that a Request is just a Request. You will not be guaranteed your request, not even with the hotel for that matter. The earlier you check in, the better chance you will have of getting your desired room.

Are you driving or flying? We use to arrive around 7 pm, now I try to arrive earlier to get a better view room...

It is wonderful staying at the villas, I just love it!

 

[salmoneous]

Remember that other than 1BR dedicated, everything else is just a request. It doesn't really matter when you book. You probably don't need to book day-by-day. But it never hurts - why take a chance?

As for your specific requests, you may want to prioritze them. There's exactly one dedicated 1BR on the 5th floor with views of pool and lake. If you can't get that room, what's most important. 5th floor? View of pool?

As for Flag Family - it's a request you make at check-in. I forget the exact time but I remember it conflicted with rope drop, so we've never asked for it.

 

[4Pluto]

What is a 1 bedroom dedicated? I thought a 2 bedroom dedicated is one that couldn't be split into a 1 bedroom and studio; what would a 1 bedroom be split into?

To the OP, you may already have this in hand, but I was surprised how hard it was to get into hotel restaurants without reservations. The wait for Whispering Canyon can be 3 hours on a weekday night. So make all the advance reservations you can comfortably make before you arrive!

Have fun.

 

[MLK-RI]

You request to be Flag family at check-in. We were finally able to secure a spot this last trip after many times having the list already booked.
You cannot get on the list until you check in,
The limit is 6 people in your party,
Our time (Sunday morning) was 8:00am, not sure if the time changes with the day or anything.

If you are lucky enough to gain a spot definitely bring your camera, the views are excellent.
Good luck!

 

[salmoneous]

What is a 1 bedroom dedicated?

A dedicated 1BR is one that cannot be combined with a studio to form a 2BR. It is always a 1BR.

 

[tink4ever]

Sorry but what is a flag family?

 

[Jazzybell]

Is the flag family thing something a couple without kids would enjoy doing? Or is this something geared to families with children?

Thanks!

Carole

 

[BevS97]

I wouldn't worry about whether the 1 bed is dedicated or not. We had both types recently, the one with the extra door really was no different to the dedicated one. There was just a door next to the tv which was shut and locked the entire time. It made no difference to us that it was there.

 

[Granny]

Sorry but what is a flag family?

One family gets to go up to the roof early in the morning and help raise the flag. MLK-RI provided a great photo of the view from there!

Is the flag family thing something a couple without kids would enjoy doing? Or is this something geared to families with children?

No children required, as far as I know. First come first serve. But it's harder and harder to get as the internet has spread this "secret". I've never been able to get my family for flag family in several trips to WL/VWL.

 

[Cinderella]

I asked at the front desk to do the flag family thing a few years ago, and they looked at me as though I was mad. Probably not many people asked if they could go up on the roof in those days.

It sounds like it's got really popular now so it probably is best to ask early. The views are amazing. I am scared of heights but I was just fine.

 

[spiceycat]

you are a bit too detailed.

your description only allows for 2 units

see the map
http://members.aol.com/InstImpres/wildernessmap.pdf - 5523 or 5533

I would made the request (if you can) to allow several maybe 10 choices?

about calling - don't think at that time you need to do day by day booking.

would book on each Saturday - since you are staying longer than 5 days

 

[WDWRR_ENGINEER]

Thank you very much.

I was looking for this map.

This will help greatly.

 

[50 years Too!]

WDWRR_Engineer,

You are going to love the villas.
Be sure to take a peek at the train in the lobby. (I assume from your name, you have an interest)!
You might considering requesting a corner room if one is available at checkin.
They are configured a little differently, with more windows. We loved it.

Have fun, Deb

 

[Muushka]

Hi WDWRR_Engineer

Say, did you know that there is a thread that you might consider taking a peek (peak?) at (in case you haven't already http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1283264
Lots of great information there. Good luck with your reservations.

And Welcome home! You have great taste id DVC resorts!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I checked in on Sunday, the 28th and the flag family was booked through November the 3rd.

Bobbi