Christmas vacationers-Is DVC a fit?

[adrianna_sarah]

Is DVC right for us? We've been thinking so, but here's why I ask. We will almost always be vacationing at Christmas time and I see all kinds of postings regarding waitlists for December. Being military, this is the only time of year we can know that we will be on leave 11 or 7 months in advance. We get summer leave as well, but sometimes only get notice of the exact dates a month or two out. Location is not an issue, we would be happy staying at any of the DVC resorts, but having a 1 bedroom is very important. In talking with the salesman the other day, he was not giving me a firm answer as to whether anything would be available next XMas. I would expect not at the AKV with so many owners vying of the few finished units, but could I still get a 1 bdr. for a week at XMas if I called at the 7 month mark? What about getting a 1 bdr. for a week in the summer with only a months notice? I just don't want to spend all this money on points that we'll never be able to use because of our military schedule. Also, I know there is a chart somewhere online that shows what rooms cost in points at the regular Disney hotels. Anyone remember where?

 

[ChelleinNC]

I can tell you that we bought last summer (SSR) and made our Christmas ressie in August (4mths out). I was able to get a 1br at BWV for 12/15-12/23 without a problem. We would have liked to have gotten a 2br (to blow some developer points) but we didn't want to give up being in the Epcot area. 2brs were available at SSR & OKW, as were 1br.

If you're truly open to where you'll stay, I don't think it'll be a problem. It also seems that 2br's & studios are taken before 1br's.

Good luck with your decision

 

[ldo]

are you talking the week between Christmas and New YEars? If so, it is tough to book and also--it takes A LOT of points. You need to study a points chart and see if the Christmas times you need are in the higher points range--b/c DVC is quite $$$ to use for that time.
If you are on the front end of Christmas (say 12/15-12/23), then it should be easier to book and the points costs are very reasonable.
Summer is easier to book and the points cost is much less. I just booked 5 nights the last week of June and there were several choices for me (OKW, SSR, VWL and a few nights at BWV).
If you plan to vacation in summer, but you might have to cancel, then make sure to get a Use year that has a lot of flex. A June use year gives you a lot of flex b/c you can easily cancel summer 30+ days out and rebook for Christmas and if you still can't use that, you could bank your points.

 

[Coastie]

Don't forget the Shades of Green for the military. They have very large rooms that sleep up to 5. In addition, you can call and try for one of the family suites. Since the renovation, The Shades of Green has been VERY popular. You can reserve up to one year in advance on line.