How full does VB get over Presidents' Day weekend?

[pumpkinboy]

I am interested in you, my fellow DVCers' experiences at VB over Presidents' Day weekends, whether this year or maybe last. In particular, I am interested in How full is the VB resort over that weekend? and also How difficult might it be to get Ocean View inn rooms at the 7 month window?

Being your typical DVC Überplanner here, and getting ready for that 11 month window for next February. My DW has been saying for over a year now that she'd like to do VB for the beginning of our February break in 2006, and bring down my folks or maybe my brother & his family. So, planning here, we're gonna need 2 Ocean View inn rooms for that time, but yet all of our points are at BWV and SSR. I could chance it and wait for the 7 month window, but how nervous should I be about getting shut out? (or just having a long nervous wait on the waitlist) Should I be trying to score some VB points so I can reserve at the 11 month window? (or at least within it)

Thx in advance for your experience (or even speculation).

 

[Mahusky]

We just spent last (2005) President's Day weekend at Vero. The resort was entirely booked. We were VERY VERY lucky made last minute (January 05) arrangements and the waitlist lottery came through. This was for a garden view room for most of the week and Ocean view room for 1 night.

I think in the 7 month window you will be fine.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Thx MA Husky (now would that be NorthEastern or UConn?), that is very reassuring. I wonder, was the pool very full then? I'd imagine when the resort is, the pool is likely to be. And how was the weather?

With the uptick in domestic travel and the weak dollar, I am still nervous about leaving things to chance until the 7 month window. Can anyone else reassure me?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Pumpkinboy, here's as much Pixie Dust as it takes to make it come true for you!!!

Bobbi

PS. Alas, no guarantees, and I have March UY and almost no '06 VB points left. Or are you looking to do a VB add-on?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Thx Bobbi. I actually had a few transferred into my account to hedge my bets. Planning on the weekend nights for cash (crossing fingers it will be available; CMs told me it would, but want to be sure), then getting the weeknights we are sure we want to be at VB for those VB points at 11 months.

I'll be interested if others have some more insight on occupancy at Presidents Day, and how soon it books up.

 

[lisareniff]

Hey Pumpkinboy! It looks like we are on the same wavelength. We are going to try for Vero for President's week '06 as well. Mind if I tag-along on your thread?? I was just trying to figure out our game plan since we only have that points at BCV. My DH wants break from Disney! Can you imagine that?? I'm thinking we will just chance it an try at 7 months... and go on the list. Anyone have a clue about getting a 2 bedroom?

 

[Mahusky]

Pumpkinboy,

UCONN all the way!!

As far as the pool, in my opinion it wasn't that full. I have been to Vero in the Summer (August) and if you were not at the pool by 9:30/10:00 there was slim pickings for seating. And the pool always felt crowded. I was concerned, when I heard the resort was full (Pres. Weekend), but overall the pool felt less busy. 9:30/10 still plenty of seating and didn't feal that I was fighting for pool space.

I think generally, the Feb crowd is older and lots of baseball fans coming and going to Spring training.

 

[pumpkinboy]

Well, thank goodness for those Dodger fans then, sticking to baseball rather than competing for pool chairs! Thx for the feedback MA Husky (of the UConn sort).

Lisa, you're braver than I am waiting for the 7 month window. I am gonna use those transferred points to grab the Sun & Mon of Pres. Day wkend, get the Fri & Sat for cash, and chance the Thurs before and the Tues after. AT the same time, I am still gonna make us ressies at WDW for the nights I am leaving to chance, just so we will have someplace to go in case we are not able to get all the nights we want (and in case I can convince DW that we should have a little more park time - unlikely, but possible if unable to get VB for those nights).

Now, if only we could get some more folks who have done VB over Presidents' Day recently...

 

[lisareniff]

Lisa, you're braver than I am waiting for the 7 month window. I am gonna use those transferred points to grab the Sun & Mon of Pres. Day wkend, get the Fri & Sat for cash, and chance the Thurs before and the Tues after. AT the same time, I am still gonna make us ressies at WDW for the nights I am leaving to chance, just so we will have someplace to go in case we are not able to get all the nights we want (and in case I can convince DW that we should have a little more park time - unlikely, but possible if unable to get VB for those nights).

I don't know if I'm all that brave. DH really, really doesn't want to do WDW next year, but I may reserve a few nights without him knowing, for my comfort. Still trying to figure it all out. DH and I have a little 3 night getaway planned for Vero in May (WITHOUT the kids) that my help us decide. Our other thought is to rent a house in Captiva for that week -- our vacation place before WDW.