DVC question - Boardwalk or...?

[JimmyDisney]

If I buy points at a cheaper resort, how hard is it to get reservations at Boardwalk (my favorite DVC resort) if I plan on going off-season (Sept, Oct, Jan?)
What I mean is being able to reserve a stay at Boardwalk using my Vero Beach points?

Thanks in advance for your help !
Jimmy

 

[CarolMN]

You probably will not be able to reserve a standard view or a guaranteed Boardwalk view room - those generally book up before the 7 month winodw opens even in the off season.

IMHO, you should be able to get a Preferred view room for the other times you mention if you call as soon as the 7 month window opens. October will be the most difficult of the three months you list. The EPCOT resorts are very popular during EPCOT's Food and Wine Festival. Be prepared to use the waitlist (and it's always a good idea to have a back up plan. That's harder to do if your home resort is VB or HHI). Keep in mind that what is considered "off season" for the park attendance is not always off season for DVC reservations.

Some people here believe that as SSR sells out, there will be a lot more competiton for the smaller resorts - VWL, BCV & BWV. So far, most report success at the 7 month window (unless they want a Grand Villa/Beach Cottage anywhere, a standard or guaranteed BW view at BWV, or VWL from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day). There are a lot more SSR units planned, though, so it may indeed become more difficult to book at the 7 month window.

FWIW, be sure to consider annual dues - VB currently has the highest, and that is not likely to change anytime soon.

Best wishes -

 

[QuiltTeddy]

You probably will not be able to reserve a standard view or a guaranteed Boardwalk view room - those generally book up before the 7 month winodw opens even in the off season.

When did "guaranteed Boardwalk view" become an option? It's my home and I thought all requests were only requests, no matter where you make a reservation. Now I'm confused.

 

[DaveT1]

I think you should check out the maintenance fees for both resorts and also weigh not having to buy as many points by being able to get standard view rooms. The general advice here is usually buy where you want to stay the most. A quick check BWV is about $10 a pt resale more than VB, that's not alot for a good size contract. Someone else will tell you for sure but i know the dues are more at VB, looks like .47/pt.

 

[SoCalKDG]

When did "guaranteed Boardwalk view" become an option? It's my home and I thought all requests were only requests, no matter where you make a reservation. Now I'm confused.

At least 6 months ago. They have 3 catagories.

Standard View
Preferred BW view
Preferred View.

Preferred views cost the same, standard view gets you a discount.

I'm currently booked for a studio in April for BW view, then a 1 bedroom next Jan. for standard view. I like the extra options, plus the location. Thats why I'm a BWV owner.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Unless you're really not picky about when you go and where you stay, I'd strongly suggest that you at least buy at an on-site DVC Resort if you intend to primarily stay at WDW. Within that scope, certain times of year and room-types can be more difficult to get at the 7 month window.

 

[QuiltTeddy]

At least 6 months ago. They have 3 catagories.

Standard View
Preferred BW view
Preferred View.

Preferred views cost the same, standard view gets you a discount.

I'm currently booked for a studio in April for BW view, then a 1 bedroom next Jan. for standard view. I like the extra options, plus the location. Thats why I'm a BWV owner.

I know the views that are available...but the poster said "guaranteed". That's what I didn't think possible. In fact, my reservation for December is "Preferred Boardwalk View", but think it's only a request and not a guarantee.

 

[brittsmum1998]

it sounds like you will get a 'boardwalk view' than, they changed to a reservation basis for boardwalk view...they even have a waitlist

 

[JimmyDisney]

Thanks everyone, that is what I was wondering.
Jimmy

 

[tjkraz]

I know the views that are available...but the poster said "guaranteed". That's what I didn't think possible. In fact, my reservation for December is "Preferred Boardwalk View", but think it's only a request and not a guarantee.

I think the change occurred in mid-to-late 2003. Boardwalk View is now a guaranteed category.

The notation on your reservation refers to the fact that you have a room in the "Preferred View" category (as opposed to "Standard View.")

 

[QuiltTeddy]

Geeze, now I"m really confused. (So that means we will definitely get the Boardwalk view?)

 

[CarolMN]

There are now two categories of Preferred view rooms at the BWV - this is a fairly recent change. One category is Preferred - Boardwalk view. The other is Preferred - Pool/Garden. Both cost the same number of points.

If your confirmation says Boardwalk view, you will get a Boardwalk view (unless something unexpected / out of the ordinary happens). I consider it a guarantee, although I suppose there isn't anything that's 100% guaranteed in this world (except maybe death and taxes, LOL).

Best wishes -