Help with DVC at Christmas

[Feigned]

Hey guys! My family is rather new to the Disney Vacation Club (we just joined back in September 2005) and we have been thinking lately of planning a trip to Disney the week of Christmas, specifically 12/24 to 12/30. I know this is a really busy and popular time of year, but we'd really like to go for the holidays and due to my sister's and my own school schedule, we can't go any earlier than this.

We own at Saratoga Springs, but my mother is really interested in staying at Old Key West for Christmas. We would want to get a 1 bedroom villa. From experience, do you think it is hard to get OKW at 7 months out for Christmas week? Would I have to call day by day to make sure that each day is available?

I would be fine with staying at Saratoga Springs and booking it right now just to avoid having any problems with getting the days/room we wanted. Do you think it would be smart to book SSR right now and then see the availability for OKW at 7 months and cancel our reservation if they have the availability? I don't know if this would be rude to hold over a room with the possibility to cancel. I know OKW is a pretty big resort, but since I don't have any experience in booking for Christmas, I didn't know how fast the resorts fill up at 7 months (I know VWL book up quite quickly for then).

Thanks for any help! We've never gone at Christmas and since this whole DVC thing is pretty new, I figured I would just ask for opinions.

 

[Chuck S]

I would do exactly as you suggest, book SSR now then try to switch to OKW at 7 months. I do not think it is rude, it isn't like you'd be holding a SSR ressie up to the last minute then switching few weeks before your ressie. 7 months is plenty of time to allow other members to take your SSR ressie if OKW is available for you. As you said, that is a very popular time at Disney, and it is better to be safe than sorry.

 

[OKWJan]

That is exactly what I would do too - book SSR and then try to get OKW. Even if OKW is not available when you check, go on the waiting list. Your chances would be very good of it coming through, but if not you always have SSR. Both resorts are great.

Jan

 

[dvc guy]

We have done that with OKW the past 6 years. We own at Boardwalk, but really
love OKW. We have never had a problem moving to OKW at the 7 month window even over Christmas.

 

[byoung]

I agree book SSr then change to OKW. Don't think you will have any problem getting OKW at the 7 month.

 

[Feigned]

Thank you for your help everyone! I am going to book either tomorrow or Wednesday.

How is OKW at Christmas in terms of decorations and such?

 

[Chuck S]

Thank you for your help everyone! I am going to book either tomorrow or Wednesday.

How is OKW at Christmas in terms of decorations and such?

Compared to the resorts that are both regular resorts and DVC villas, the decorations are more sparse at OKW. There is no "grand lobby" like the regular hotels. They do decorate and play Christmas music. Poinsettias and displays are in front of the General Store, a nice tree is in the lobby. There are some large garlands along the walkway between Olivias and main check-in. The lamp poles are decorated and I've seen some garlands on the bridge. Sort of a colorful, Florida holiday theme.

 

[jdvm]

....and you need to start thinking about how you'll decorate your baclony!!

 

[Feigned]

For those who have stayed at (or visited) Saratoga Springs around Christmas, how do the decorations compare? Should I put off an OKW trip for another time?

Oh decorating my balcony should be fun! I love putting up Christmas decorations! Has anyone gotten one of the Disney trees for their room (the ones you get to keep)? Are they worth it?

Thanks for your help!

 

[Feigned]

I made my reservation for Saratoga Springs today! Yay!

I just have one more question (hopefully): When I want to call up and change my reservation to OKW, can I call up each day to cancel SSR for that day and add OKW for that day? Or do I have to call at the end of the trip, cancel all at once, and book all at once? Thanks for the help!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

You can call day by day but ask the CM at MS how it looks for all of your time before starting to cancel days. That way you will know if it's available for your whole trip or not.

We love WDW at Christmas. Have fun planning.

HBC

 

[Feigned]

You can call day by day but ask the CM at MS how it looks for all of your time before starting to cancel days. That way you will know if it's available for your whole trip or not.

We love WDW at Christmas. Have fun planning.

HBC

Excellent. Thanks for the tip. I will certainly keep that under consideration.

Anyone have opinions on OKW vs. SSR during Christmas?