Frustration with making a reservation

[rnorwo1]

This is our first time to use our DVC points, and I just made a reservation for October. I was surprised that I was unable to find two studios in my first four choices and had to go with SSR. Is it usually that difficult to make reservations 6 months out, or is it that October is a very busy time of the year?
Also, can anyone tell me what the best area in SSR is for young kids, ages 1 to 8? The representative suggested Congress Park, which she said was near the main pool. Any other thoughts?

 

[IggyLans]

Grandstand is nice, has its own pool, and is close to the main pool.


BTW, which resorts were you trying to get? If any by Epcot, F&W is going on, so I'm assuming they're booked.

 

[JimMIA]

There are certain times when <7 month reservations are very difficult. One of those is the Food & Wine Festival period at either of the Epcot resorts (BCV or BWV).

Another very tough time at any resort is after Thanksgiving through New Years, especially the low points season through the middle of December. Points costs are low, and there are a lot of holiday decorations/events going on.

 

[iluveeyore]

Did you waitlist the resorts you wanted first choice? Sometimes rooms are booked and then changed when other members are waitlisted or change plans.
SSR is a beautiful resort - Congress Park is closest to Downtown Disney (3 minute walk) and has its own pool. The closest area to the main pool is the Springs and a quick walk to the main hall.

 

[rnorwo1]

Grandstand is nice, has its own pool, and is close to the main pool.


BTW, which resorts were you trying to get? If any by Epcot, F&W is going on, so I'm assuming they're booked.

I tried BLT (knew that was a pipe dream), VWL, and AKL first. I'm sure SSR is a great resort, I would just like to try others and was hoping that it would not always be the case that it would be so difficult to get in. Next year I'll try around Mardi Gras, hopefully that will not be as bad.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I tried BLT (knew that was a pipe dream), VWL, and AKL first. I'm sure SSR is a great resort, I would just like to try others and was hoping that it would not always be the case that it would be so difficult to get in. Next year I'll try around Mardi Gras, hopefully that will not be as bad.

If Mardi Gras is already 11 months away, people will already be booking their home resorts.

Bobbi

 

[oakmanner]

It's been said many times on this board but here goes...

DVC works best for people that can plan and book at the 11/7 month windows. And for certain times of the year such as those mentioned in PP you must be on the phone with MS as soon as it opens to secure the resort you want. Even then there are no guarantees.

If your booking at the 7 month window you may need to utilize the waitlist to secure your ressies.

We prefer the Grandstand section of SSR. Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You really need VWL points to get VWL for the holiday season, but sometimes you can still get some days exactly at 7 months out.

 

[Dizny Dad]

. . . . . . .
Also, can anyone tell me what the best area in SSR is for young kids, ages 1 to 8? The representative suggested Congress Park, which she said was near the main pool. Any other thoughts?

Congress Park is not a great place for little ones looking for the best pool. I do like the quiet pool at Congress Park, but to be where the kids would enjoy the most "kid focused fun", ask for the Grandstand or the Springs.

The Grandstand has a great pool with kid stuff to attract their attention, a drink station, snack are available, laundry facilities, Hot Tub, Adult libations, etc.

The Springs is the closest to High Rock Springs, the signature pool for SSR. With all of the stuff listed at the Grandstand pool, add an easy entry area of the pool (like walking into the ocean), large theme water slide, and adjacent to the Carriage House.

Have a magical time!

 

[DisneyWalker44]

is it that October is a very busy time of the year?

October is probably the second toughest month to book DVC (after December). One thing you will learn is that there is a bid difference in availability between 7 months and 6 months (or even 6 1/2 months).

 

[Brave teacher]

I tried BLT (knew that was a pipe dream), VWL, and AKL first. I'm sure SSR is a great resort, I would just like to try others and was hoping that it would not always be the case that it would be so difficult to get in. Next year I'll try around Mardi Gras, hopefully that will not be as bad.

You may want to get started with booking for Mardi Gras. I made my ressie for next Mardi Gras a couple of weeks after this year's Mardi Gras trip. The holiday also falls the same time as President's Day next year, so there will be plenty of people around.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Studios go first and are much harder to get. Maybe trying for a 1BR might be more successfull at the 6 month mark?

 

[n2mm]

I bought points at BWV specially to stay at BWV in October. October and early December are two tough times to get certain locations at the 7 month window. You may get lucky if you call exactly at the 7 month openning, but as a general rules some resorts are tough to get in October.

 

[zimboys]

Is the difficulty in just the "newer" resorts or all? OKW

 

[dianeschlicht]

The main difficulty is wanting VWL. It is a very small resort, so less available to begin with, and then trying to book multiple studios at less than 7 months out is another issue. October is busy for DVC in general. Most people really enjoy the Food and Wine Festival, and a LOT of folks take advantage of the MNSSHP. It does book up October pretty quickly. ALso, there are some places that have school holidays during that time frame. Mostly for teacher's conventions etc. It's a very popular time for people with school age children to visit WDW.

 

[mstec]

Also, can anyone tell me what the best area in SSR is for young kids, ages 1 to 8? The representative suggested Congress Park, which she said was near the main pool. Any other thoughts?

I would not stay at Congress Park if you have little ones. It has a great view of Downtown Disney but it's pretty quiet there and has a "quiet pool" which is very nice, but I don't believe it's zero entry and not really designed for little ones. You definitely want to be near the main house ie. the feature pool, at THE SPRINGS or (although I've never stayed there) the GRANDSTAND I believe has it's own "feature" pool, so that's another kid-friendly location. I'd request either of those 2.

 

[Dean]

The bottom line is DVC can tough under 7 months any time of year. Wait list for the two top resorts you can realistically expect. Don't waste your time on BWV BW view or Standard view or similar specialty rooms/categories. You may get it later but if not, you have a room.