Do you have to book FAR in advance for the DVC resorts? Is a last min. trip possible?

[edk35]

Being that we have yet to plan our first DVC member trip (just got back onthe 31st).....I was wondering ....can you get into these DVC resorts last min. for a impromtu quick trip.....at a not so busy time of year?

 

[castleri]

The answer is maybe but don't count on it. I have managed a couple of times at not so busy times of the year and some that really surprised me. It really depends on what size unit you are looking for, and just how particular you are about which resort you stay at. I was lucky this year and got extra days at SSR in a studio for Jan 1,2and 3 with just a couple of weeks notice. Last year I got a 1 BR at OKW with just a days notice in April. If you are very flexible and not talking about really busy times it is possible. If you will only stay at VWL or BCV don't plan on it. Welcome to DVC and hope you have many enjoyable trips.

 

[MinnieFan4ever]

We just booked a March trip and got a studio no problem. It really is a hit or miss kind of thing. Sometimes we are lucky, and other times we are not.

 

[byoung]

Got a mid Dec at OKW (studio) in early Nov.

 

[Deb & Bill]

October through Jan 1, it would be very difficult. In Sept or early May or the rest of Jan, you might get lucky. Don't plan on getting a GV or Boardwalk view with only a short time ahead. Don't plan on gettting BCV for summer less than 6-7 months out. OKW and SSR are larger and you might find something there during those less busy times.

 

[NEVERENOUGHWDW]

We booked early last week for a 4 night stay and returned last night so it is possible. Good Luck!

 

[mikesmom]

I called This past Monday for a Tuesday check in. I requested 1 bdrm, any resort available. Got SSR. So, certainly possible if you are not fussy and it's not a really busy time.

As a matter of fact, DVC probably got me a room when cash would have been a problem. The International Bulders Show is in town. It's so big there are over 20 "official" hotels, including 8 different Disney hotels and all were completely booked solid.

 

[childsplay]

I agree that the time of year will play a big role in whether or not you are successful, along with flexibility in terms of resorts, but it also depends on what you consider "last minute". Last minute, meaning two weeks prior to arrivial is not going to be nearly as successful as Last minute, meaning two months prior to arrrival. I know some find it strange, but after being part of DVC for 8 years I now consider anything under 4 months "last minute".

 

[CarolA]

Well as the queen of last minute (calling from the airport is pretty last minute) I have been totally locked out very few times. Flexiblity is the key! I have been willing to take any resort and generlly will go to a 1 bedroom over a studio if needed.

 

[La2kw]

October through Jan 1, it would be very difficult. In Sept or early May or the rest of Jan, you might get lucky. Don't plan on getting a GV or Boardwalk view with only a short time ahead. Don't plan on gettting BCV for summer less than 6-7 months out. OKW and SSR are larger and you might find something there during those less busy times.

I just got BCV for 14 nights at 5 months out for this July.

 

[jacksmom]

I just added on today a studio @ SSR for 4 nights to our exsisting trip to begin on Feb 28th!

 

[kimberh]

Last Aug, on a two day notice, I got Boardwalk Studio preferred view for one day. I needed this to add to a trip that I was making during the 'free dining period' offered by Disney through Central Reservations. I also made my ADR's for 3 days for every restaurant that I wanted in addition to the reservation that I had already made.

 

[JWG]

My mom was able to get a stuido at SSR for this past Sunday night with no problem and only booked 2 weeks out. Though, BWV was her first choice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Remember, too, that any available DVC inventory is turned over to CRO to sell at 60 days out.

 

[spiceycat]

Being that we have yet to plan our first DVC member trip (just got back onthe 31st).....I was wondering ....can you get into these DVC resorts last min. for a impromtu quick trip.....at a not so busy time of year?

depends.

although with DVC getting bigger and bigger each year. Last minute reservation can get easier. there are more and more cancelations.

so if you get told sorry. and you are driving not flying - try again 31 days before you want to leave.

most of the cancelations would have to be done then - or the points go into holding.

don't forget to use the wait list!!!

 

[Cinderelli]

We called on a Saturday morning and checked in later that afternoon in a 1BR SSR villa just this past July. We did a similar trip the previous summer, but called a few days out. We've also had luck getting a SV BWV Studio for our anniversary in May a few years back. We called a day before and snagged it. The time of year really makes a difference.

I wouldn't count on it being available. We feel lucky we were able to get what we did.

Lissa

 

[PottersMom]

but at 7 months out, you shouldn't expect to have any problems, right? We travel only in the spring and fall- our work doesn't allow us to take vacation during the summer or b/w nov and Jan. We are buying a HH contract, but plan to stay in orlando a lot. we shouldnt have too much trouble if we book 5-7 months in advance, right?

 

[Deb & Bill]

but at 7 months out, you shouldn't expect to have any problems, right? We travel only in the spring and fall- our work doesn't allow us to take vacation during the summer or b/w nov and Jan. We are buying a HH contract, but plan to stay in orlando a lot. we shouldnt have too much trouble if we book 5-7 months in advance, right?

As long as you are flexible with where you want to stay.

 

[edk35]

I just got BCV for 14 nights at 5 months out for this July.

Wow a July trip huh??? How is the weather and crowd level then? Our very first trip to WDW was in July .......it was hot. I don't remember the crowds but nonetheless we fell in love with WDW.

 

[La2kw]

Wow a July trip huh??? How is the weather and crowd level then? Our very first trip to WDW was in July .......it was hot. I don't remember the crowds but nonetheless we fell in love with WDW.

We always go in July. It's hot and humid, and yes there are crowds. However, everything is running at full capacity and there are rarely ride closures during the peak season. We hit the parks at opening and with fastpass, have rarely waited more than 10-15 minutes or so for a ride. We have been so many times, we always take mid day breaks. We also avoid evening EMH, and rarely do the morning ones, since those parks seem to be the most crowded that day.