How busy is DVC in October and May?

[MemphisTN]

We are purchasing a resale and closing is scheduled for the 20th.

We are getting some 2005 points that need to be used by December. My son's school has a few days off in early October and we were thinking about going to WDW then to use the 2005 points. If we aren't in the system for another week or two, what are our chances of being able to make a reservation for October, the resort isn't that important for this trip?

Then we are thinking about going back right after school lets out mid May 2008. How busy is it that time of year? We will be members at the BWV and should be in the system in time to take advantage of the 11 month booking window for May.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[TheBeadPirate]

I'm waitlisted for October now, but I'm holding out for BWV or BCV. For my dates there was only availability at SSR. There shouldn't be any problems for May, especially with the 11 month booking.

 

[MILLZ]

Those are the times my wife and i love to go park crowds are down and the weather is great.

 

[Cruelladeville]

I just came back from BW last week, and I swear that everybody on this board lies about May! It was quite crowded, and the weather was HOT! We had 90 degrees nearly every day! I really expected that May was basically empty, but not so! I tried to reserve for May 5 months ahead, and everything was full--that should have been a warning. Then I tried to get reservations for dinner, and had to do a lot of rearranging to get my dinners, but at 5 months I couldn't get several of the restaurants. Kids were everywhere, you would never know that school was still in session. I have seen less people in the summer!

The Flower and Garden Festival was great, though! I liked it even better than the Food and Wine Festival in October--which was also 90degrees,by the way. It was the only time that the pool temperature was tolerable. We also did the Illuminations Cruise, too, and that was terrific, well worth the money. We plan to try to do that again the next time we go down.

If someone can figure out why it was so crowded this year, please let me know so I can avoid the crowds next year when I go.

 

[DVCAmy]

Cruella,

I know what you mean! I went to Disney once in May and there were record temps everyday! It was the worst trip for us so I always avoid May. LOL! Now I know it won't always be like that in May but I'm much happier there in Nov and Jan.

Amy

 

[Starr W.]

We just got back last Wednesday and thought it was great! Weather was beautiful. Had no problem getting on rides(did FF Soarin', which we got for after lunch). I didn't have any bug problems.

Now as for kids, our district had 5/8 off, so they just missed 5/7(we did a long weekend trip).

Did our initial ADR's in December(when I booked Thanksgiving, MS said she could take care of it for me). We did tweak them about a month later when our waitlist came through.

I would definately go again in early May!

 

[dsneygirl]

I'll report back in a few days on May. Our last May trip was in 2005 and it rained (not just the usual afternoon shower) but rained almost every day. But the crowds were low. Hoping for better weather this week.

We went the first week of Oct 2006 and it was not crowded at all.

 

[DVC Grammy]

Now that Disney has both the F & W in the fall and the F & G in the spring, neither is a very low-crowd time. Both events have become increasingly popular, and since both are in Epcot, the resorts around there are also becoming more requested (even if just for convenience). Right now, it's probably more difficult to book either BCV or BWV in October than in May, especially at BWV if you want either a standard or BW view.

I agree with the previous posters who have noted the larger-than-expected crowds in May. We went at the beginning of this month and found the parks crowded.

For this year, you shouldn't have a problem getting a reservation at either OKW or SSR in October if you book soon, but in the future, if you want to get BWV during F & W, the sooner you can book within that 11-month window, the more you can be assured of getting what you want.

 

[shelleyz]

I am waitlisted for October 6-9 for a studio @ SSR. There were no studios at any of the DVC resorts. I booked a 1 bedroom @ SSR. I think the lady on the phone said a 1 bedroom at SSR was the only thing available.