How Far in Advance do you Book

[mistermouse]

Just wondering...Should be interesting to see how far in advance everyone plans...

 

[Denine]

We usually book somewhere in the 7 to 11 month timeframe, but not because of the resort we stay at. We only stay at OKW where we own. We book when we figure out when we want to go.
We do always have a vacation scheduled before we leave home for the current one. I need to know when I will get back "home"

 

[slimplaw]

We have only been members since Jan. But I have booked 3 times since then and was able to get a ressie.

 

[LarryM]

We always book at 11 months as I am competing at work for the weeks I want off. I also try for a good airfare at about 9-11 months.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We always book at the 11 month window, but once had to extend a trip due to an airline strike, and had no trouble doing that the day before we left home.

 

[rbuzzotta]

I haven't had the opportunity to book at the 11-month window yet (this Sept will be the first). We have booked when we know we will be going....have cancelled numrous times already due to schedule changes and have booked at the last minute just a few weeks back!!!!!!!

So, I guess my answer to the poll could be and will be: All of the Above.

 

[ILuvDVC]

I usually book at 11 months out, if it is a unit that is hard to get...like the Grand Villa at OKW. But, most of the time, I book before the 7 month window, and then do the weekend nights with my non-home resort points at the 7 month window. Seems to always work for me.

And then, there are times that I book 5 months out, and get it. You just got to love DVC!

 

[prncssjas]

Well, my situation is similar but still different. DH and I usually book early (at the 11 month window) but sometimes, we like spur of the moment trips when we find cheap airfare so we just book whatever is available--wherever that may be. Of course, we only consider these quick trips duirng the slower seasons, never during big holidays or summer. While it's nice to plan far in advance--it's great to have something to look forward to--it's also wonderful to be spontaneous!

 

[Credit Man]

Aug. will be our first trip we booked our home resort at 11 months and two non home resorts at 7 months.

 

[buckylarue]

We bought in last September and booked our December trip at that time. We booked this December's trip 11 months out to make sure we got our standard view 1br at BWV. On the other hand, we found a cheap airfare in early April for early May, and were able to get a studio at VWL in less than 4 week's notice.

 

[Raysplus1]

We always book at the 11 months. We tend to plan far in advance for our trips.

 

[msdis]

I would have to say all of the above too. One of the frustrating things about DVC is you almost have to book 11 months out to get exactly what you want in some situations and a lot of things change between now and then. We find our best planned trips happen about 3 months out. We booked 8 nights at BWV 8 months out for Oct. and now the whole entire trip has changed and we are MUCH happier with our new itinirary that will take us to VWL 1 night, then on 3-day magic, then back to VWL for several more nights in Sept. Because of the Sept. cruise special and air specials we never could have gotten these deals except as the dates get closer. We have always found that our best deals come at the last minute. I really hate being forced into taking something before it's all gone. We decided recently that we will not be looking to book at 11 months anymore. If the whole deal, whatever that may be, comes together on the spur of the moment than so be it, and if it doesn't, than it doesn't. NO MORE VACATION PLANNING STRESS! I realize everyone else plans differently but planning too far out works less than best for us.

 

[fireplug]

We are lucky enough to be able to plan way in advance so we use the full window of opportunity to book. We are already planning our time for 2003. We planned our seven day stay at OKW (starting 1/20/02) and 4 day Wonder cruise (1/27/02) in April. We are also thinking about the sailaway special cruise in Dec 2002 ($99.00 What a deal)

 

[Laurabearz]

Originally posted by msdis
If the whole deal, whatever that may be, comes together on the spur of the moment than so be it, and if it doesn't, than it doesn't. NO MORE VACATION PLANNING STRESS! I realize everyone else plans differently but planning too far out works less than best for us.

I love this about DVC! Right now, since my kids are so young I like booking 11 months out.... but when they get older and can travel a bit more indpendantly I look forward to saying ..... lets do something Disney .... and POOF we are gone!

 

[Kelly&John]

We usually book our "big trip" at the 11 month mark. However, I always watch the airline prices. Last month there was a great deal, so we booked at 3 weeks out. It was a wonderful long weekend.

I love the flexibility we have experienced so far with DVC!

Kelly

 

[ncligs]

For Presidents weekend, we always book at the 11 month window, since that is a very busy time at all the Disney DVC resorts. We also like booking our home resort 11 months out so we get all of our requests( which floor,bldg, non-smoking)

 

[loribell]

I booked our first trip home at 10 months, but I have already had to change it some twice and I'm afraid I may have to make another change this week. It is now only 3 1/2 months away.

I guess that's what I get for saying I had found the downfall to DVC, that being that I was 5 months out and had my trip all planned! I'll never say that again.

Anyway, we normally know that we will be going in June, possibly July, because of the kids sports. So it is usually easy for me to plan that far in advance. I just have to many people going with me this year.

Lori

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

The three trips we have booked so far have been at the 2-5 month time frame. A fourth trip (over the TG holiday) was booked at the 11 month window. And a fifth trip will be a reservation for the BCV in January. Now we have started to plan at the 11 month window to get what we want, and will change or alter as needed. I also love the option to book last minute. Vacation planning has filled many winter weekends.

 

[Tagrel]

Bought last August, and make the first trip home this August. Made a reservation at VWL at 11 months, and changed second week to BWV at the 7 month window with a short stint on the waitlist.

Can't Wait!!!

Next year we plan on a July trip, so I have to make our 11 month ressies while we are at WDW this year!

I like the sure thing of the 11 month window, and then moving reservation to another resort (if desired) at the 7 month window.

Gotta love the flexibility!

Tagrel