Dec 2019 - Jan 2020 booking at BLT

[ray3127]

We are new to DVC and have some BCV & BLT points. We are staying at BCV in June on our first DVC stay, then are planning a trip to BLT over New Year's next year. Not positive on dates, but likely something like Dec. 28 to Jan. 4. I know this is an extraordinarily popular time and wanted to know if any had experience booking this time of year on a regular basis at BLT.

A trip like this is the main reason we purchased the BLT points to begin with... We plan to be at Disney over Christmas or New Year's just about every year and want to stay at BCV or BLT. I consulted the predicted availability post before purchasing and it seems we should be fine, but any concerns (or tips) from anybody? We are somewhat flexible on studio or 1BR, would likely prefer a lake or theme park view to the standard.

Do I need to worry about walking a reservation (really don't want to)? It looks like the standard view goes first, so if we don't want that anyway are we fine? I will book immediately at 11 months, of course. Any advice is appreciated, thank you!

 

[drusba]

If booking 11 months out, you should be fine with lake view but risk that you may not get standard or theme park view. with a lesser risk if seeking 1BR. Standard is usually the only one at risk at 11 months out in the last quarter of the year but, particularly for time around Dec 31, theme park view may also be at risk including by potentially being booked full before Jan 28, your 11 month date.

 

[Frederic Civish]

I don't know about BCV, but I can tell you that at BLT, the Standard Views will often book out in mere seconds, at the 11 month window, for busy seasons, such as Food and Wine and through the end of the year. Other views such as Lake View and Magic Kingdom View are usually available for at least WEEKS after the 11 month window, though that might change. At Animal Kingdom (which you didn't ask about), Value and Concierge Rooms ALL book out nearly instantaneously, on most days at the cusp of the 11 month window.

 

[bobbiwoz]

This year is the first time we are staying in a lake view two bedroom because the standard views were booked at 11 months out. I bought BLT specifically for NYE and 4th of July time, and have not been shut out in the 5-6 years we have owned there.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've not seen any issue with lakeview studios or 1BR's at 11 months that would indicate a need to walk, even for New Years.

Walking is pretty much for small room categories - especially if they are the low cost ones such as standard view BLT. AKV concierge and value fall into that and BWV standard view during busy times.

 

[ray3127]

Thanks for all the feedback! Sounds like we are just fine as long as we aren't set on Standard view. That's what I thought, but these posts really helped ease my mind. Excited to book in about a month.