D'oh

[yitbos96bb]

Decided to take a last minute trip in mid January... based on the availability report, I thought I'd be ok to get a room, I was wrong. It amazes that even in the slow season how booked DVC gets. The Only place with more than 1 night available was SSR and that was still missing my last night which I am currently wait listed for (it was only the night before I would leave and I do have friends in Orlando, so I'll just have to crash for a night). Just amazes me was all... especially given the promotions and tales of woe I keep hearing... unless Disney holds some of the Villas aside past a certain date.

 

[Pakey]

Due to low points, January has always been a busy month for DVC. We go every January and I'd say that the DVC resorts have always been full.

 

[yitbos96bb]

Due to low points, January has always been a busy month for DVC. We go every January and I'd say that the DVC resorts have always been full.

It seems I chose.. Poorly. Well it was a spur of the moment, and I did get most of what i wanted, albeit at SSR (wanted something less points). Hopefully there is a cancellation I can get my last day.

 

[Dean]

At 60 days excess inventory usually goes to CRO for cash reservations. Call back and see if they can recapture some of that time if applicable.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Decided to take a last minute trip in mid January... based on the availability report, I thought I'd be ok to get a room, I was wrong. It amazes that even in the slow season how booked DVC gets. The Only place with more than 1 night available was SSR and that was still missing my last night which I am currently wait listed for (it was only the night before I would leave and I do have friends in Orlando, so I'll just have to crash for a night). Just amazes me was all... especially given the promotions and tales of woe I keep hearing... unless Disney holds some of the Villas aside past a certain date.

Our Availability thread is designed to show what folks experienced when checking. It does not provide any concrete idea of what actually is available for reservations, other than for any given moment.

DVC is not designed as a "last minute" venue of travel. Timeshares in general require advance planning, and DVC is no exception. Congratulations on procuring SSR for January - very lucky indeed!

 

[yitbos96bb]

At 60 days excess inventory usually goes to CRO for cash reservations. Call back and see if they can recapture some of that time if applicable.

Interesting idea... what would you recommend I ask for specifically? I'm not 100% where to begin... just with MS or soemthing else.

 

[tjkraz]

The entire concept behind a timeshare is near 100% occupancy year-round. DVC sells enough points such that EVERY villa should be filled EVERY night of the year, less a modest 2% maintenance allocation.

Some periods have lower demand than others but timeshares combat that via the variable point charts. They charge more during high-demand periods like summer vacation and holidays, and charge less during slower periods to encourage folks to visit.

Generally speaking, a villa sitting empty for even a single night means that some member is not utilizing his/her points and allowing them to expire unused. Like CarolAnnC said, timeshares are not know for short notice booking success.

 

[Dean]

Interesting idea... what would you recommend I ask for specifically? I'm not 100% where to begin... just with MS or soemthing else.

Call and ask about availability. IF they tell you there is none, ask if there is a way to recapture breakage inventory. If you get no, call at least one or 2 other times.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I think the Availability Board is only good to find out what IS NOT available, not what IS available. And that still could be different.

 

[yitbos96bb]

I think the Availability Board is only good to find out what IS NOT available, not what IS available. And that still could be different.

Agreed. Just was surprised, but given the last day it was added too, I guess I shouldn't be. It doesn't matter, I couldn't get a seat with my FF award on Jan 18th, so I am just leaving on the 12th instead and they had availability that week.

No worries, I'm done with this thread... just was expressing some amazement yesterday at the differences between the two... just gave myself a case of false hope.

One bright note, Even though I know the DVC system nearly backward and forward, I did learn something new...the part about requesting the return of inventory was something I had not heard of and I thought I had heard it all... So thanks for that bit of info Dean... it was appreciated.

Thanks all... Please feel free to let this thread die.

 

[kristenrice]

If you only need one night, I would book through CRO. They are showing studios at OKW and SSR for only $163 a night for January 10 thru February 11.

Here's the link http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy10q2room&market=fy10q2room&int_CMP=WDW_Homepage_FY10Q2RoomOnlyFamValueOfferTile

 

[yitbos96bb]

If you only need one night, I would book through CRO. They are showing studios at OKW and SSR for only $163 a night for January 10 thru February 11.

Here's the link http://bookwdw.reservations.disney.go.com/ibcwdw/en_US/specialOfferDetails?name=Promo&promotionCode=fy10q2room&market=fy10q2room&int_CMP=WDW_Homepage_FY10Q2RoomOnlyFamValueOfferTile

Sadly, I am trying to go as CHEAP as possible... using my annual pass, DVC points and free flight, I just have to pay for food. I'm packing oatmeal for breakfast even.... I just need to get a way and reflect on some things and will visit a good friend while doing it... but I'm too old to sleep on the floor or a sofa, so I used my points for the room instead of staying at his house with his roommates.

Regardless, it doesn't matter... I switched my trip from Jan 13-18 to Jan 12-17 because Southwest had no standard awards seats on the 18th. I was able to add the 12th at SSR to my ressie. So all is good. Would have preferred OKW or something costing less points, but this close out, I was hoping for a little too much.