Does anyone else having DVC booking issues?

[levisfam]

We have been members for 3 years and are about to take our 5th trip. We always book at least 6 months ahead, but are generally not able to know our vacation schedules prior to 6 months. So that is the earliest we can book.

That being said, I have never ONCE been able to get a reservation that I would like (my first choice) in all 5 reservations! I have always had to either 1. switch to a different resort (one that always costs more points) 2. upgrade to a larger room (which costs you more points) 3. upgrade to a room with a "preferred view" (which costs more points) 4. change my travel dates (which can costs more points).. catch my drift here??? One time we even had to switch hotels during our stay because there was not one hotel that could accomodate us for one full week. We have been wait listed every single time for the hotel of our choice, but have not once gotten our wait list request.

And I promise you, we only travel during NON peak or holiday seasons. We only travel in late August or in the winter.

The final straw for us was today (June 16th) when I called to book a 7 night reservation for December 3rd (almost 6 months away). I was told that there is not one single studio, one bedroom or 2 bedroom available at any DVC resort in Orlando. We can't even switch hotels or anything. There is literally NOTHING available for 4 of the 7 nights! I even tried changing my dates a little and still NOTHING. And remind you.. Oddly enough, the first week of December in Orlando is considered (with DVC) the lowest season... So now we can't go at all

I am sure things would be different for us if we were able to book really far ahead, but we just can't.

I know that 6 months out booking is cutting it close, but it's not THAT close, geesh. For the couple of other people that we know with DVC, they NEVER seem to have the troubles that we do.. They either get their first choice or their wiat list... What's up with that? I've always been a member in good standing, etc.

So I'm surious if anyone else has had these issues? Or better yet, some advice on how to handle this situation?

 

[LouisianaDisneyFan]

There wasn't even something open at SSR for your travel dates? Is there a special activity going on for the days you cannot get? I find it very surprising that literally everything is completely booked this far out.

 

[levisfam]

Isn't it crazy??

I tried everywhere.. AKV, BCV, SSR, BWV, OKW, BLT, WL.. Nothing anywhere!!

The only thing I could think of was maybe the Christmas party has something to do with it?

Honestly, I have never heard of anyone having this trouble!!

I was thinking maybe I'l ltry back tomorrow to see if maybe it was an "operator error". I hate to think that though.

 

[azcanbhm2]

Don't they film for the christmas parade at that time? Might be some of it.

 

[Bill K]

not to that extent!!

 

[tjkraz]

The simplest answer is usually the correct one. You aren't getting the low-cost, high demand rooms simply because you are calling at least 5 months after tens-of-thousands of other dvc members. The fact that you cannot call more than 6 months out is unfortunate, but it means that many others have ample opportunity to book before you. First come, first served.

Sadly timeshares don't often work well for those who cannot book far in advance. Your only real choices are to find a way to change your booking routine or get used to taking what is left.

 

[Chic]

So I'm surious if anyone else has had these issues? Or better yet, some advice on how to handle this situation?

The first couple weeks of December is a very popular travel time for DVC members because the Christmas decorations are up, the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is taking place, and the DVC points required per night are very low. I'll admit that I'm a little surprised that not even SSR or OKW have any availability. I would suggest waitlisting a room at both SSR and OKW. I feel confident a room will come through at one of these resorts. I always book my reservations on the first day of the 7 month window and typically stay anywhere I want. Best wishes.

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

wow! i don't know what to think as we are new owners &
trying to figure out the norms.



before becoming dvc members, i never even read here. once i did,
there were all kinds of problems covering many things but i also felt
they were interconnected. therefore, i have serious doubts toward the
current dvc management.

one warning sign, is how quick some of the abusers think nothing
about taunting owners, "go ahead & report us"! is their rally cry.
also looking @ pictures of the damages being done @ blt.
[the walls , and gross stains on the couches/carpets have nothing
to do with poor quality, rather poor guests]



one thing pointed out by my wife, "maybe you should
start organizing the owners"? [ something i have done in doing
community projects in the past]. one major problem i see,
why do dvc limited owners to only one transfer instead of
more? you think they would want owners to work/trade &
develop positive relationships to strengthen their "common
bonds" & disney interests? an outside source mentioned
changing the booking window for owners. i try to figure out how
that would help dvc sales/ owners & cannot see one benefit.

i like to respond toward your observation. this seem shocking to
me, because of your expectations and past experiences. very, very
shocking. however, from what i been reading here the last 6 mos.,
i am not surprised @ all. dvc, currently is not doing enough to protect
owners from rampant renting and/ or large groups of renters, esp.
for the most desirable times to used dvc rooms. as far as i am concern,
...if you are unable to get a room then the first non-renter ( name
on the revs that isn't the owner) should be forfeited.

at the current moment, i don't think that will happened. however, i
do think if you seek out the sources that are causing this, then
the "solutions" will be also evident. and that will provide leverage toward
finding a room. [ i think it is sad, that non-owners have rooms & you
don't]. maybe you could do a questionnaire? { i can't see why any owner
would not support you }

from my vantage point, i see the need for 2 new rules. first, the name/s
on the revs can only be the owner/s until the 3 mos. period. the second,
if an owner decides to change another name on a revs. then they
could only do it @ the 3 mos period, & must "forfeit" their previous
"holding position." thus protecting all owners.

i believe information & documentation are useful tools in deciding the
actions dvc should rely on. fyi, if one looks @ some of the renter
sites....noticed? none of the requests are for big resorts?

 

[Brandis]

Being an owner since Oct. 2009, I have only done 2 bookings until now but both times got what I wanted in the end.

First booking I did was at 11 month out for a 2BR villa at our home resort BLT which I wasn't planning on staying this time because of the amount of points needed. I just wanted to make sure I have something just in case.

Then at the 7 month mark I called and pretty much got the choice of all resorts I wanted (Beach Club, Animal Kingdom Villas, Villas at Wilderness Lodge) except the treehouses but I wasn't counting on those much anyway. So I changed my reservation to Villas at Wilderness Lodge.

Second booking was about 3 month out for a studio. As I knew that most rooms probably were already gone that close to the stay, I sent in a request by online reservation form, giving 3 preferences: Beach Club, Animalk Kingdom, Boardwalk. Next morning I got an email back that they had still limited availability at Old Key West and some more studios at SSR. So I called them and said I would take what is left at OKW. She then said that she saw that something just opened up for a value studio at Animal Kingdom Villas and if I would like to take that one. Of course I said yes.

So even though I tried to book at a pretty short notice I still got what I wanted.

 

[Sandisw]

I just want to say that I am sad that you were not able to get anything. Early Dec is a very busy DVC time, one of the most popular as a PP mentioned due to low point demand and holiday decorations (but not yet busy from the holiday crowds).

Most do book this time exactly at 11 months to secure reservations. I hope you were able to put yourselves on a wait list as I think something will open up before then. I would also call again as I read a thread yesterday where someone's husband called and was told nothing but the wife called a few days later and there was availability at a few different places.

Here is pixiedust that something opens up!!!

 

[DebbieB]

That first week of December is one of the most popular weeks of the year for DVC members. I have gone 7 of the last 10 years. I always call right at 9:00am at 11 months. One time I booked a 1 bedroom standard view at BWV and forgot to call until around 2:00pm and was told I got the last one.

With over 100,000 DVC members, you really have to book early.

 

[n2mm]

That first week of December is one of the most popular weeks of the year for DVC members. I have gone 7 of the last 10 years. I always call right at 9:00am at 11 months. One time I booked a 1 bedroom standard view at BWV and forgot to call until around 2:00pm and was told I got the last one.

With over 100,000 DVC members, you really have to book early.

I agree. The few times I've gone early December I've always booked at the 11 month window and always glad I did. With the filming, pop warner (and folks trying to avoid them), low DVC points, holiday decor, and lots of other stuff, it's a busy time. We were there last year and the wait for the monorail while eating at the Poly was huge. The line went all the way pass Kona Cafe just to get on the monorail that night and there was NOT a party. I have no desire to go the first two weeks of December ever again. We were at the BWV and there was a Heisman thing going on, so that resort was packed. Years earlier we were at the AKL and that resort was packed with camera folks and celebs. I've read there is a D23 thing going on, but don't know the exact date, and it use to be the mousefest time of year and while they have disbanned, I'm sure there are still some smaller groups contining the traditions.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You mention that you don't go during high demand season, but December is high demand, partially due to the lower point costs and partially due to the season's decoration and activities going on.

Prior to 6 months out, preferably prior to 7 months out when you still have home resort advantage, take an educated stab at when you will be able to go and try to book something. You should have luck getting what you want. Even if you can't get the exact dates off, you will have a core reservation that just needs to be tweaked and it should be easier to get what you want.

Bobbi

PS. It seems that each year there is a date during that first weekend in December that has absolutely no availability. I tried making a reservation one year, and the date was a Sunday. I booked a cash room and moved to a value studio at AKV the next day. I got something, and I was glad.

 

[Lynne M]

A couple of key points here:

DVC, like all timeshares, is geared towards those who plan their trips well in advance, meaning 7-11 months out. In the timeshare world, 6 months is pretty short notice. Since most owners book at 11 months or 7 months, you're always going to be getting limited availability. Though, I would expect you'd be able to get SSR most times of year.....

EXCEPT early December. Disney low seasons are not the same as DVC low seasons, and you are trying to book the absolute busiest weeks of the year for DVC. Owners are camped out on the phones as soon as Member Services opens on the first day of their 11-month window. The resorts you're looking for were booked up in January.

I'm sorry you're having such a frustrating time trying to get a reservation for December. You can try wait listing, but there are an awful lot of people ahead of you. Consider it a lesson learned for the future...if you want to stay at a DVC resort in December, you really need to book at 11 months.

 

[DVC Mike]

The fact that you cannot call more than 6 months out is unfortunate, but it means that many others have ample opportunity to book before you. First come, first served.

I agree. There isn't a booking issue. It's just that, at the 7-mo window, all the resorts are open to all DVC owners to book, and the most desirable locations, views, point costs go first. Early December is very popular with DVC members.

 

[Crystal_27]

It honestly doesn't surprise me that you weren't able to book something - - maybe I'm uber-paranoid, but I would never try and book early December (which I understand is peak time for DVC owners because of the decorations and the (relative) low point cost) outside of 7 months). Also, with the addition of the new resorts (VGC and BLT), there are more people competing for the same rooms, and, when they can't get their first or second choice resorts, the trickle-down of other resorts begins and they start to sell out for bookings.

Still, I understand your frustration, and hopefully through the waitlists you will be able to secure something for your dates. Good luck!

 

[dianeschlicht]

That is one of the two most difficult weeks to get in DVC, so I wouldn't say it was a booking issue when you were actually booking rather late for a popular reservation time.

We have our December 1-8 ressie booked, and we booked it at 9 AM January 2. I don't take chances when it's that time period at DVC.

Could you possibly have done a booking that you might have modified in some way once you knew for sure when your vacation dates were? In other words, speculate a bit on getting your vacation time. You can always cancel and rebook if necessary.

 

[levisfam]

Thank you all so much for the valuable information. I didn't seem to be a "Debbie Downer".. I was just very frustrated. I obviously didn't realize that this was a very busy week in December. Even though I did try to change my dates without luck

I should mention (since I'm off my "rant" ) that we are very happy DVC owners.. Besides the constant booking issues. We have had 4 MAGICAL family vacations and are having our 5th in August. You certainly can't complain about that. The staff at DVC are always super friendly and helpful and they truly feel bad when you can't get what you want. They will spend forever searching all options for you. The resorts are amazing and you are treated like royalty as well. That being said, I'm not interested in joing some type of anti-DVC alliance or anything..

So, I guess we'll figure something out.... I really like the idea of wait listing for OKW or SSR. Those would have the best likelihood for havng availability.

Have a good day!!

 

[DMKEDM]

Sympathy, OP...and here's what has worked for us (DVC members since 2006, generally doing (for ourselves and/or friends) 5-6 trips/year:

1. Availability seems most limited at 5-6 months out...things seem to open up quite a lot at 3-4 months out. I have no idea why--but the availability issues we've encountered have always, w/out exception, occurred in the 5-6 months out time frame...

2. Other recommendations to book something that's likely (dates-wise) to work at 11-7 months out is a good idea...the only "cost" is the need to remember to cancel/change when you can finalize your dates...

3. The new wait list rules stink...the longer your wait list (in terms of number of nights), the less likely you'll get it (since an exact match at the time is required)...so starting with a "core" (e.g., 3 nights in the middle?), waitlist a couple of days on one end or the other, at a biggish resort or in a biggish category at a resort...and then make periodic calls to fill in a night at a time...this has always, w/out exception, worked for us...it's kind of a pain...but it works!

4. Pay some attention to high-demand time frames...school vacations, holidays, December (as noted, December at DVC is probably right up there w/spring break, 4th of July, and T-giving--and just below Christmas week itself--as busiest DVC times)...if you think you're going to want to travel during one of those times, definitely book a week--or even two if your points total allows it--at your home resort at 11-7 months out, and change to your desired resort right at 7 months out, and then finalize when you are certain of your travel dates.

The report that surprises me is that late August is a problem...late August (including Labor Day weekend) seems to me to be one of the easiest times of the year to get a reservation...I'd bet you a fortune you'll get your week then at 4 months out, if you call...I wouldn't bet so much as a penny on a week-long wait list working out, tho...so do be prepared to call...and to book "most" (number of nights) at first and then fill in missing nights as time goes by (waitlists will start to be much more effective for one and two night "chunks," too)...

In general, I do think the key is making a reservation for a week that you think is likely to work at between 11 and 7 months out...much easier to change something you've already got...add in a willingness to make periodic (possibly frequent) calls and your luck is likely to turn...

Good luck and here's a batch of pixie dust headed your way...

 

[dbs1228]

I tried to book BLT (home resort 1 bedroom any catagory for early Dec at 10 months and was told there was NOTHING! I ended up changing my dates for a week later and was able to get what I wanted but then again it was at a little over 10 months! A week later we had friends who wanted to join us and I called back to try to get a 2 bedroom instead and was told no go! I finally caved and called my guide since I recently joined (and added on) and have not asked him for anything (always had a problem getting him to call me back another story) and he was able to "move some inventory" and got me my 2 bedroom which I know was a 1 time deal.

I would do as someone suggested, I would waitlist for SSR and OKW and see if your WL comes through. I booked my DD at 5 months out for Aug 7 -14 and one day only SSR and OKW were available, next day when I went to make the ressie BWV studio was available so calling back also can work!