Hard to make reservations this year

[mitros]

Has anyone found it difficult to make reservations since the start of the 50th anniversary was announced? I have been reading on a few other sites that folks are having a hard time getting what they want on property. I'm wondering if this celebration is going to bring the resorts and theme parks back to high capacity. We have always thought that DVC was selling more memberships then they had room for. Especially during popular times like this 50th anniversary thing.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

We have always thought that DVC was selling more memberships then they had room for.

Legally they can't do that.

But I do think that the next year will be high capacity but not just because of the 50th anniversary. The economy is better and it's been a few years now since 9-11. People are ready to head back to WDW after a few years of not going.

HBC

 

[mitros]

Ei$ner/Disney/Legaly? I won't start a whole new thread on this subject, it's just the way we have felt for some time.......

 

[RobDoc]

In addition, DVC resorts tend to run at higher occupancy even during slower times for other WDW resorts, since they are sold out (except for SSR) and the owners are paying for the resort whether they use them or not.

As for the legal issues, DVC does take timeshare regulations very seriously- regardless how some may feel about the company.

 

[mitros]

OK, doesn't "sold out" equate to too many members, not enough places?There are certainly not 85,000 rooms for DVC members, but there are over 85,000 members. I have to wonder how many people are going to the non WDW resorts using their membership. I realize that I may be over simplyfing the process, but that comes from many disapointments since we joined in 1992, trying to grt a time period unless we call 11 months in advance at our home resort, or 7 months out for our non home resorts. Because of DWs job, and living in Florida, we usually can't plan that far ahead. Maybe I can suggest that unless a person can actually plan 7 or 11 months out for there vacations, they maybe should not join DVC.

 

[DVCLiz]

OK, doesn't "sold out" equate to too many members, not enough places?There are certainly not 85,000 rooms for DVC members, but there are over 85,000 members. I have to wonder how many people are going to the non WDW resorts using their membership. I realize that I may be over simplyfing the process, but that comes from many disapointments since we joined in 1992, trying to grt a time period unless we call 11 months in advance at our home resort, or 7 months out for our non home resorts. Because of DWs job, and living in Florida, we usually can't plan that far ahead. Maybe I can suggest that unless a person can actually plan 7 or 11 months out for there vacations, they maybe should not join DVC.

85,000 members don't need 85,000 rooms available to them, since all 85,000 members won't be at WDW at the same time, and they won't stay all year. DVC is absolutely not the best option for those who can't commit to vacation plans well in advance, especially if the DVC member has his/her heart set on a specific resort. It's not fair to blame DVC for your scheduling restrictions.

As for too many members, not enough places, that too is unfair. Each resort has a specific number of points available per year for members, and when those points are sold, the resort itself is "sold out." If every member stayed at his/her home resort and used all points in a year, there would still be some nights available for cash rental to others. It's just not possible for DVC resorts to be oversold. The points have to balance.

 

[RobDoc]

OK, doesn't "sold out" equate to too many members, not enough places?There are certainly not 85,000 rooms for DVC members, but there are over 85,000 members. ....

Do the math. There are 2051 rooms at the resorts now sold out. Multiply that times 365 to get the number of nights available for reservation each year. "Sold Out" means that DVC has sold the number of points needed to reserve all of the rooms over the course of a year. DVC even holds 2-4% of the rooms for renovation/maintenance to make sure that there is sufficient inventory to handle the need.

If you have some information that would support your contention that DVC is somehow violating state timeshare laws or federal interstate commerce laws then please feel free to mention it. If it's your feeling that some gross injustice has been brought forth then go ahead and report that to the proper authorities. They may want to see some evidence though.

 

[mikesmom]

There was a time when onsite hotel reservations were difficult to get, period. A time when getting a room at busy times had to be booked a year ahead, and you took what you could get, never mind even thinking there might be discounts available, that was a fantasy.

When 9/11 occurred followed by the economy drop, tourism took a big hit. Folks felt a crowded theme park was a terrorism target, others had no discretionary money to travel, people from other countries had more trouble traveling into the states. Disney and everybody else started discounting to get those rooms and the parks filled.

Now people have relaxed a bit, tourism is back, rooms are filling and rates are going up. Folks who weren't used to "the old days" are upset because they can't get a discount, others are astounded that rooms are sold out for the resort they want. The boost in tourism has rolled over somewhat even to DVC. In a way we have an advantage. I have never heard of someone who couldn't get a ressie if they reserved using their 11 month window. You are right, though, forfolks who can't plan ahead, DVC may not be a good idea. Frankly, for people who can't plan ahead often onsite WDW is not a good idea as it will be full and/or expensive.

 

[drusba]

As to the original question as to whether others are having any problems making reservations: we booked for June this year (leaving soon) at home resort (BWV) at 8 months out and got what we wanted (2BR boardwalk view) We got a 3 night stay in mid-May 2005 at BWV (studio preferred) by calling to make the reservation 2 days before leaving . Also in May, we booked the first week in January for BWV (2BR boardwalk view) and again no problem.

 

[CarolMN]

There was a time when onsite hotel reservations were difficult to get, period. A time when getting a room at busy times had to be booked a year ahead, and you took what you could get, never mind even thinking there might be discounts available, that was a fantasy.

When 9/11 occurred followed by the economy drop, tourism took a big hit. Folks felt a crowded theme park was a terrorism target, others had no discretionary money to travel, people from other countries had more trouble traveling into the states. Disney and everybody else started discounting to get those rooms and the parks filled.

Now people have relaxed a bit, tourism is back, rooms are filling and rates are going up. Folks who weren't used to "the old days" are upset because they can't get a discount, others are astounded that rooms are sold out for the resort they want. The boost in tourism has rolled over somewhat even to DVC. In a way we have an advantage. I have never heard of someone who couldn't get a ressie if they reserved using their 11 month window. You are right, though, forfolks who can't plan ahead, DVC may not be a good idea. Frankly, for people who can't plan ahead often onsite WDW is not a good idea as it will be full and/or expensive.

ITA. I can remember when it was customary to book an on site WDW resort 2 years in advance - never mind getting a discount. If you didn't have something nailed down at least a year in advance, forget about staying on site, LOL!

I also agree that DVC is not a good value for those who cannot plan at least 7 months in advance. Sure, it's possible to get reservations with less notice, but you sure can't count on it! And IMHO, it is definitely becoming more difficult to get into the BCV, VWL & BWV than it was before SSR came on line.

Best wishes -

 

[bicker]

Indeed, I think it is a combination of factors. The fact that economy is getting a little better (though that doesn't seem to be lasting all that long) is probably the principle driver. Also, I think on-site DVC members get wiser every year they're members -- get burned by the 7 month window once, and possibly lose points as a result, and you'll never forget to make your reservations in your home resort before the 7 month window opens. That's why the best advice you see given on this board is "But where you plan to stay."There is surely enough availability. The availability may be at HH or VB, or it may be for the off-season, but there is availability.

 

[crisi]

Do the math. There are 2051 rooms at the resorts now sold out. Multiply that times 365 to get the number of nights available for reservation each year. "Sold Out" means that DVC has sold the number of points needed to reserve all of the rooms over the course of a year. DVC even holds 2-4% of the rooms for renovation/maintenance to make sure that there is sufficient inventory to handle the need.

If you have some information that would support your contention that DVC is somehow violating state timeshare laws or federal interstate commerce laws then please feel free to mention it. If it's your feeling that some gross injustice has been brought forth then go ahead and report that to the proper authorities. They may want to see some evidence though.

Or multiply 2051 by 52 - the number of weeks in a year. That makes 106,652 "room weeks" available. While there are people who can - and do - stay for weeks at Disney, plenty of people only own enough points to take their yearly or every other year vacation for a week.

Certain times of year are always going to be more popular. Also, don't underestimate the "weird anomoly" - suddenly an inordinately large percentage of members want to go in October - or banked points from last year and borrowed from this year to take large family vacations. Where the patterns are consistant, room availability should be fairly predictible. But perhaps 2 years ago when Grand Gatherings was all over the parks a whole bunch of DVC members said "we should save some points and invite my sisters and their families!" With the fairly predictible patterns we already know that availability can be tough at certain times of year for short range planners.

DVC certainly sold more points than they have room for - for instance, not all DVC members who wanted to be at Disney for New Years 1999/2000 got to be. Every year the resorts are completely sold out in early December around the DVC meetings/Mousefest. But DVC didn't promise you a room on site at your whim.

And no, DVC isn't going to work for everyone. Short range planners are most likely to be disappointed.

 

[jcodespoti]

And no, DVC isn't going to work for everyone. Short range planners are most likely to be disappointed.

Agreed, and they told us that when we bought. But isn't that the case with most timeshares?


Joe in CT

 

[Y-ASK]

Ei$ner/Disney/Legaly? I won't start a whole new thread on this subject, it's just the way we have felt for some time.......

Sorry you feel that way but the good news is that you're not stuck! You can re-sell your timeshare and re-coup some of your money. And what's even better is that there is a re-sell market out there with buyers who want your property. You can then just pay cash and stay any where you want at short notice.

OK, doesn't "sold out" equate to too many members, not enough places?

No, I wouldn't say "too many members". Sold Out equates to no rooms available for the dates you desire to travel. I know for a fact that there are plenty of rooms available for the 1st or 2nd week in Jan. 06.

Because of DWs job, and living in Florida, we usually can't plan that far ahead.

Exactly why you should consider selling now while the markets hot. I would guess that more than 75% of DVC owners are out of state and would make another guess that over 50% plan their vacations well in advance.

Maybe I can suggest that unless a person can actually plan 7 or 11 months out for there vacations, they maybe should not join DVC.

A very prudent and excellent suggetion but it never hurts to call and ask if any thing is available for that short notice trip. Just don't get your hopes up and you won't be disappointed.

Y-ASK

 

[bicker]

Short range planners are most likely to be disappointed.

Agreed, and they told us that when we bought. But isn't that the case with most timeshares?

It surely is the case with points-based timeshares. With traditional timeshares, there is no such thing as "short-range" anything.

 

[seashoreCM]

Can't DVC members make reservations in any Disney resort for the same number of points that goes with the particular dates and the particular room regardless of resort occupancy (so long as the resort is not booked full)?

Maybe Disney may be on to something. Have a celebration every week. Gay days, Daytona days, New Hampshire days, etc. and unfortunately for the rest of us the crowd levels would be 8 and above (on a scale of 10 or on the scale the Unofficial Guide talks about).

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[Doctor P]

I wonder what, if any, effect the 100 point "bonus" promotion is having on room demand this year.

 

[bicker]

Can't DVC members make reservations in any Disney resort for the same number of points that goes with the particular dates and the particular room regardless of resort occupancy (so long as the resort is not booked full)?

No. Using DVC points at the regular Disney resorts exacts a heavy premium: Smaller rooms and fewer days for the same number of points.

Maybe Disney may be on to something. Have a celebration every week.

No question: Disney discovered starting with the 25th anniversary that they are best-off having a "celebration" of some sort every other or every third year. There is always something plausible to celebrate, and absolutely no down-side in structuring the promotional pitch for the year as a celebration.

 

[crisi]

Can't DVC members make reservations in any Disney resort for the same number of points that goes with the particular dates and the particular room regardless of resort occupancy (so long as the resort is not booked full)?

Moreover, DVC members can't even make reservations in their own home resort when there is availability under certain circumstances. Sometimes rooms have been turned over to CRO and MS can't get them back. CRO will show cash availability but DVC doesn't have member inventory available.

 

[CarolMN]

I interpret seashoreCM's post/question differently - Here's my answer:

As long as there is availability at the destination resort, DVC members can use points to book a non-DVC WDW resort (except we cannot book BC, BWI, WL or any of the values). There are no specific limits (other than availability at the destination resort) to the number of rooms that DVC members can reserve at those resorts

I do not think seashoreCM thinks that DVC rooms cost the same as rooms at the other WDW resorts. She just meant the points shown on the Disney Collection chart.

At least that is how I interpreted her post.

Best wishes-