Considering DVC/Reservation Question

[JerseyBob]

My family and I are considering buying 150 points at the Beach Club. I've learned a lot from this great board and I am asking a few questions at a time. We went to Disneyworld for the first time this past April and look forward to going back. Because the children are in school and for other reasons, we probably would always be going during the week before Easter or the week after Easter which I realize are peak periods, but this is when our school district schedules its Spring breaks. However, I cannot always schedule our vacation plans at 11 months out. My question is how hard would it be to get a studio during this time period at the Beach Club at a little over 7 months out? Also would it be impossible to get any reservations at around 3 months out at any of the DVC Resorts at Disneyworld for this time? Thanks in advance.

 

[Caskbill]

Bob, no one can say for sure, but I would suspect that getting Spring break studio at 3-months would be very tough. At 8-months you would have a better chance. And even if it was full, a waitlist at 8-months would have a very good chance.

Remember, Spring Break and Christmas are the only two times of the year where DVC resorts are in Premier season.

Premier, the highest season, for DVC point charts is only 22 days per year, and 14 of those days are the week before and the week after Easter. (With Christmas being the remaining 8 days)

Also note that 7-days in premier season for a Studio at BCV requires 181 points so your 150 would not be enough.

If you did 6-days it's 138 points. (If only one weekend day, or 162 points if 4 weekdays and 2 weekend days) If you only do 5-days and make them all weekdays, it's 95 points.

For a BCV studio in premier season, weekdays are 19 pts/weekday night (Sun-Thur), and 43 points per weekend night.(Fri or Sat)

For comparison, in Adventure season, a Studio at BCV is 12 points/night weekdays, and 22 points/night weekends.

During high point periods such as Premier season, Studios seem to be more popular as people try to conserve points. Then they will get 1-B/R or 2B/R units during lower seasons. I for one am like this, getting only a Studio during high season (we go for New Year's Eve), and 1-B/R any other time.

For Example, probably biggest difference would be a 2-B/R at BCV, BWV (pref), or VWL during Premier season for 7-days (462 points), or getting a 2-B/R at OKW for 7-days during Adventure season (218 points).

For us, a Studio at VWL, BCV or BWV(pref) for 5-days (Sun-Thurs) in Premier season is 95 points. During Adventure season we can get a 1-B/R at OKW Sun-Thu for 80 points.

Post back if you have more questions.

 

[JerseyBob]

Thanks Castbill for your detailed reply. Can you explain what I need to know about the waitlist? If the waitlist comes through at the last minute, do I always have the option of turning it down if other plans have been made? Also I guess the closer reservations are made at the 11 month window, the better chances of getting a desirable room location?

 

[ToyStory Fan]

JeseyBob,

I'm not sure if this helps but, if you are certain you are going, but are struggling with which resort to stay at...you can always book at 11 months at your home resort, then at 7 months transfer the points over (day by day or all at once) to the resort you'd like to stay at.

As far as availability goes, I've had good experinces with waitlist and busy times at 3 months out or less. In many cases you may get lucky and get your 1st choice, but often times I have found that Old Key West will be a good fall back plan.

 

[Caskbill]

Originally posted by JerseyBob
Thanks Castbill for your detailed reply. Can you explain what I need to know about the waitlist? If the waitlist comes through at the last minute, do I always have the option of turning it down if other plans have been made? Also I guess the closer reservations are made at the 11 month window, the better chances of getting a desirable room location?

If a waitlist comes through but you can no longer use it, then simply turn it down. It will go to the next person in on the list. This will not affect you or your points in any way. They'll still be in your account.

At 11-months you can get just about anything you want. Although in some extremely popular times, things like a BWV Studio, standard view, may all go in a matter of a days or less.

But please don't get the impression ressies are hard to get. My initial reply was in direct response to your Easter dates which are some of the hard ones to get if you wait too long. (Waiting until 2 or 3 months out is too long). However, at other times of the year, villas are still available at a month or so, or even a week or so, out. If you can be flexible in which resort you want and what type of villa will work for you, then for probably 90% of the year you'll be just fine looking just a few months out, and in many cases, even less. The key is flexibility. A Studio at OKW instead of at BCV ok?, Your week is full, but the following week is ok? etc.

 

[Connears]

My home resort is OKW and had no problem getting 1 bdroom at BCV @7 month window for June 22-27 this year and similar time at BWV for 2 bdroom 2001. It is true that if you have your dates set, you can make the 11 month at your resort and then try to change at 7 months. All the dvc resorts are great! It is not a hassle getting resevations, even at peak times, if you plan. We have been members since 1994 and have really had no problems, except occasional minor date changes.

PS
(I am a college prof and can only do peak times:holidays/summer)
Connears

 

[WDWguru]

If you're worried, why not book the dates you think you'll want at 11 months out or as soon as you know the school schedule? You can always cancel later (no penalties if you do so 31 days out), but if nothing changes and you are able to get the dates you want, you're all set with your reservation.