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

[edk35]

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.

Since we have become DVC members...I am thinking we might have to try a summer vacation. I know we are spoiled by going in Nov. and Jan. but it gets hard to fit those into our kid's school schedules. Just like you ....we avoid the EMH mornings and evenings and we feel we know the parks pretty well so we would probably do okay at more crowded times. Food for thought.

 

[newt1912]

I called 6 weeks out for a studio for week of March 11 and there was not a studio to be found. A 1BR was available but I only wanted a studio for a short trip over my daughter's college spring break for myself, my daughter and my niece. A studio was available for cash and even available using my son's CM resort discount but the price was still too high for me.

I ended up booking my daughter and niece at All Star Music and I have decided to stay home and visit my son another time.

I truly was surprised that a studio was not available using points.

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

We got off the Disney Magic on Nov 18th and did not want to go home (did not have to be back at work til Thursday!) So I called MS as soon as they opened (this was a Sat) and had my choice of SSR or OKW for the two nights we wanted in a studio

We had a great mini stay at SSR. Went to all four theme parks on Sunday

 

[mb168]

I had an opportunity to take a quick trip recently and wanted to try for President's Weekend since I was off but there was not a room to be had on site for cash even. So we went last weekend Fri-Sun. We booked the trip Friday Jan 26 for last weekend checking in February 2, so it's absolutely possible. You my have to stay at SSR or OKW but I'll take a trip to OKW over staying at home ANY day

 

[Lynne M]

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?

It depends very much on where you want to stay, and what time of year. In your case, you'll probably be fine at 7 months out in the spring (assuming you're not traveling around Easter) , or in September. October and November can be very tough because of F&W, that's a popular time to travel for DVC'ers.

As long as you're happy at OKW and SSR, you'll probably be fine with the shorter booking window. They fill up last because they're SO much larger than BCV, BWV or VWL.

If you have your heart set on staying at BCV, BWV or VWL, I wouldn't buy at HH. Look for a resale for the resort you like the best.

 

[PottersMom]

I think they are all lovely. We aren't picky about where we stay- usually stay at a value- so the DVC resorts will be a step up, even in a studio. We also have an employee discount at a very nice hotel offsite- meaning we can split our stay if needed. So if we use extra points to stay at a higher point resort or even hotel (Like the Poly) for only a few nights that won't bother us too much. We havn't closed yet, so this years planning is a little iffy- ok a lot iffy. We have no choice but to be flexible this year. I don't care where I stay, I'm just looking forward to my first trip "home". We aren't going at all in '08 and won't be back until '09- so I am really looking forward to this trip. I will have more time to plan for our "09 trip.