Can you still get most reservations at 6 Months ?

[RayRing]

We have had very little problem getting reservations when and where we want, even at 6 months out. Then again, we usually stay off season, so we don't know how hard it is to get reservations where and when we want, for higher demand seasons, at 6 months.

Can individuals with experience booking reservations during higher demand seasons provide input on how hard it is to get what you want. Is it only in Premier Season that this is an issue, or is it more like half the year.

Below I have indicated why I am looking for this information.



We are looking to get additional points.

We currently have enough points to stay in a 2 bedroom, at any resort, for all but the Premier Season, for 5 days (no Friday or Saturday).

We would like to increase our point count, so that we can go from 5 (cheap) nights, to a full week (and maybe an 8th or 9th day), for all but the Premier Season. We are a family of 4, so if need be, we could always stay in a 1 bedroom, but it is hard to give up that second bedroom (and especially the second bathroom).

I was originally thinking that I would just get more points at OKW for my current use year. That would make keeping track of points very easy.

Then I read multiple times on this forum, that you should buy, where you stay (because you can book at 11 months).

We have stayed the last three years at either BWV or BCV. We do not rent a car, OKW is really nice, but it feels so far away from everything (especially if we leave at night to go out to eat somewhere else).

So I started thinking about resale at BWV or BCV, or from Disney at SSR. The problem I am struggling with is that we are not going to double are points when we add on. So even if I combine two years of the second contract, that would not give us enough points for our full week (for some seasons). It could still be done, it would just take more effort, and a lot more planning.

Sorry for the long post, but I would rather do this right, then do this over.

Thanks.

 

[mikesmom]

What you need to realize is that "off season" for WDW is rarely off season for the DVC resorts. The entire end of the year from October 1st thru New Years has become problematic. First the Food & Wine Fest kicks off (particularly challenging if you want BCV or BWV), followed by Thanksgiving, then Early December which attracts DVC people because of the holiday festivities and low points, ending with the Christmas season. That whole period is actually more difficult to obtain than the summer months.

Now the good news is, if you get a resale, that the point values during that period are lower. You should be able to manage a full week with less points than in summer season.

Now, at 6 months, you will almost always get something. If you use the waitlist, you will more often than not get the resort you want (as long as you get on the list fairly early). However, if you want to always guarantee the resort of your choice at any season and are not well tolerant of a nerve wracking waitlist, then buy where you want to stay.

 

[tjkraz]

If it were me, I'd be inclined to add-on at another resort. Even if you aren't getting enough points to use banking / borrowing to book the entire stay at 11 months, book as many days as you can and then get the rest at 7 months. It's a lot easier to waitlist for 2 or 3 nights and it is for 8 or 9 consecutive.

Also, I'd put a priority on booking the weeknights at 11 months. The weekends don't book nearly as quickly, and I can't see you having big problems adding on the weekends at 7 months.

DVC will pretty much force you to keep the same Use Year for your add-on, so that's not a concern. Yes, you may have to do some juggling between the two contracts, but that's an issue to address once or twice per year.

The tough decision to make is BCV / BWV vs. SSR. You'll pay $89 per point to add on at BCV / BWV via DVC, but only $85 for SSR and get the additional 12 years. Sounds like your travel habits points you toward BCV / BWV, but gosh it would be tough to leave those extra years on the table (at a lower price, too.)

Glad you're the one spending the money, not me.

If you can float it, resale would certainly be the most economical way to go for BWV / BCV.

 

[RayRing]

Thank you very much for the information.

You guys keyed right in on the issues I am having and have offered some great insight.

I have been looking into resale's (that is how I got my original points years ago).

Up until now, I had only been looking at OKW. I will now start looking at BWV and BCV

I would only try a Home Resort Add-On through Disney if I was going to get between 25 to 50 points.
I am thinking that a resale will be about $80/point (w/points, closing costs, maint fees), and SSR direct from Disney would be $85/point (with the current $10 discount).

So I have two sets of decisions

Disney vs. Resale

SSR vs. BWV / BCV or OKW

I will try to look at the decisions using these priorities.

1) Do I want a Second Home Resort
No, Stop - by OKW Resale
Yes, Pick SSR or BWV / BCV as my Second Home Resort

Additional thoughts
SSR will give an additional 12 years
BWV/BCV are walking distance to Epcot and MGM (if your up to the hike) and a boat ride to Epcot and MGM
SSR is walking distance to DD Disney

Sadly, I am no closer to making a decision. However, I now have a good framework to assist me in making it.

If I missed any major points, or anyone else has input, I would welcome it.

 

[tjkraz]

I'd stick with BCV or BWV if that's where you want to stay.

The biggest challenge may be getting the right Use Year / number of points (especially if under 150) to meet your needs.

Good luck.

 

[Beca]

Well, here's my two cents...

First, I am still unclear as to how many points you have, and how many you are adding on. But, here's a thought...would you be adding-on enough points to stay using entirely your add-on points if you used three years' worth of points instead of two? That could make your decision very easy for you, as then you could purchase at BCV or BWV and know that every third year you could book at the 11 month window. You could plan to use these points at the time of the year which is hardest to book, and use your OKW points for different times of the year, on different years.

Also...remember that, although things might be easier to book at the 6 month window right now...there are NO guarantees as to how easy it will be to book 5 years from now. So, if you are buying for one year...you're fine. But, if you are buying "for the long haul"...no one can answer that question for you. It is the risk/gamble that you will have to decide for yourself. My gut is this...by the time SSR is completed, and the "new" DVC is begun (I am SOOO hoping for CRV), there will be SOO many members that getting into BCV, or getting a standard or boardwalk view at BWV will be difficult to do. I think if you want them (even during off DVC times), you might find yourself having to call day-by-day at the 7 month window...and sweating a bit when you call. The resorts will NEVER be more "booked" at the 7 month window then they already are (unless owners begin trading ressies because of these issues)...so, it is just a matter of being dilligent. Now, if you DIDN'T call day-by-day, or wanted a std/bw view, or VWL over Christmas...those are concerns. Also, I totally forsee a time when EVERYTHING from Oct. to Dec. fills up VERY quickly (esp. if hurricanes become a "problem" in Aug/Sept, and people begin to defer vacations to that time of year).

Good luck with whatever you decide,



Beca