Can you check availability at DVC Resorts?

[Lawshark]

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to the DVC concept...but we're going to WDW arriving January 27th and checking out on February 2nd and the concept of "renting" DVC points sounds like it might be a great idea.

We went to WDW for the first time last February and stayed at WL and plan on going back there again. BUT...the Villas sound pretty nice too! We will have a DS who is 4 1/2 and another DS who will be 14 months...a studio with a kitchenette would be great.

From the WDW site I see that there IS availability...but is that from a different rental pool than the DVC points? Or, if there's availability to the general public does that mean that there IS availability through DVC points?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

[RobDoc]

Inventory at DVC resorts is controlled by two sources.

One is available thru DVC Member Services (MS) and members must use that entity for all reservations made using their points. MS can also make cash reservations (some may even be discounted) for members at DVC resorts.

The other source is Disney's own CRO. Disney retains 2-4% ownership at each DVC resort to maintain availablity for maintence and rehabilitation. When those rooms are not needed for those purposes, they are available to the public for cash reservations. In addition, when DVC members choose to use their points for non-DVC resorts and other programs, those points are converted into reservations at DVC resorts and also rented to the public thru CRO. This inventory is not availble to DVC members using points. In addition, 60 days before any date, any rooms not reserved by members using points are also released for cash reservations thru CRO.

There are often times when there may be availability thru CRO when there is no availability using points thru MS. Generally, the only time there is no availability thru CRO will be right at 11 months (the earliest time members may make reservations), but even there- some rooms may be available due to Disney's ownership.

At times like early Dec, the member availability is often taken quickly, but there may still be availability thru CRO up until check-in time.

 

[Lawshark]

Thanks for the reply. The setup you described makes sense...Disney is going to want to retain inventory to entice renters to move up to buyers.

Is there a way to check...online...whether there is availability through DVC members? Or do you simply reach a preliminary agreement with a DVC member to purchase their points...and then when they attempt to book you a reservation you find out if there's anything available?

 

[DebbieB]

There is currently no online system for DVC members to check availability. A member would have to call and check for you.

 

[RobDoc]

There is presently no way for anyone - DVC member or not - to check DVC availability online. Reportedly, that feature is coming for members, but others will not likely have access to that ability.

Non-members will always be dependent on finding a member to make a reservation in your name after negotiating terms comfortable for both parties.

Good luck!

 

[Lawshark]

Great! That gives me the final piece of the puzzle on how the whole DVC thing works. I understand that the process involves a bit of trust on both sides but it seems that a fairly well developed system has manifested.