Difficulty in using DVC points at Fort Wilderness

[Never grew up]

For two years now I can’t seem to use my points at Fort Wilderness. I waited for the seven month mark to make a reservation ( as I was told I needed to) Now, when I called DVC said “no, you could have reserved at 11 months”. Although Disney has not released any Cabins or slips for 2019 and they don’t know if they ever will. We are only 5 months out. Am I the only one having a problem? Disney reservations needs to communicate with DVC a lot better and release their allotment sooner.

 

[disney junky]

Everything is provided reservations are being accepted. I don't know if the 11 month window would make a difference because the caveat is provided reservations are being accepted. I always assumed that any use of points outside of my home resort would be a lot riskier and at the mercy of Disney.

 

[Dean]

For two years now I can’t seem to use my points at Fort Wilderness. I waited for the seven month mark to make a reservation ( as I was told I needed to) Now, when I called DVC said “no, you could have reserved at 11 months”. Although Disney has not released any Cabins or slips for 2019 and they don’t know if they ever will. We are only 5 months out. Am I the only one having a problem? Disney reservations needs to communicate with DVC a lot better and release their allotment sooner.

You're likely better off renting and paying cash rather than using DVC points for a DC option. Cheaper and easier.

 

[disneynutz]

My understanding is that Disney's revenue accounting decides what rooms to make available to who and it is based on who pays more. Often rooms are made available to DVC only if they can't fill them with cash guests.

Bill

 

[CarolMN]

I'm not sure how many (if any) campsites are ever made available to DVC Members for points. They are very popular and do not last long once cash reservations are made available to the public. Apparently, they are still being reserved by those who want a head start on FP+ reservations, but are not actually planning to use the site.

FWIW, if you want a cabin, once the 11 month window opens, I'd call about once a week to try to reserve it. You do not need to wait until the 7 month window opens to use points for the Collections. You were misinformed.

Check out the booking guidelines for the Disney Collections on the Members' Website"

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/vacation-planning/how-to-book/disney-collection/

Make sure that the tab near the top says Disney Collections. Above link sometimes seems to land on the DVC Resort info.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Just because a point chart exists does not mean inventory will be made available for them.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

I didn’t know that Fort Wilderness was part of DVC.Is it?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I didn’t know that Fort Wilderness was part of DVC.Is it?

Disney Collection trade.

 

[southerngirl528]

For two years now I can’t seem to use my points at Fort Wilderness. I waited for the seven month mark to make a reservation ( as I was told I needed to) Now, when I called DVC said “no, you could have reserved at 11 months”. Although Disney has not released any Cabins or slips for 2019 and they don’t know if they ever will. We are only 5 months out. Am I the only one having a problem? Disney reservations needs to communicate with DVC a lot better and release their allotment sooner.

Because FT Wilderness campground is NOT a DVC resort, you do not have to have a "home resort priority" to book there. You should be able to try & book 11 months in advance as it is part of the Disney Collection as Auroraborealis said.

That said, there is a TINY, TEENY number of campsites available, nor more than a handful. By that, I mean my understanding is maybe 6 or so campsites that DVC members can even TRY to book. The odds are very slim to none, I'm afraid. As Dean and CarolMN have explained, for a campsite, you would be better off paying cash.

I have booked the Ft Wilderness cabin on my points in the past, but it's been a long time. (not talking about CCVC cabins, but the ones at the campground) I have heard from a few members that were super upset that they thought they would be able to book campsites, but it is a near possibility. No one should EVER buy DVC with the hopes of booking campsites IMO. Use those points for a nice DVC resort!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can estimate your points required on line, but there isn't any point chart for 2019, just 2018. So you would be limited to this year only. So the best there you can get is five months out at a max. All those Disney Collection stays are negotiated yearly by DVC and even then they could say no. Kind of like how it was with DCL a few years ago when DVC member couldn't book at all using points for several months.