How hard is it to get DVC 7 months out?

[KelleyGirl]

My husband surprised me with a long weekend to Disney recently (isn't he sweet???). The purpose was to educate ourselves about DVC. We have been to Disney several times, but never to a DVC resort. We want to buy, and I was hooked on BCV. He wanted OKW. Our mini-vacation included stays at OKW, BCV, BWV, and a tour at SSR. To our surprise, we both really liked SSR, and we're in the process of buying. BUT, now I'm having second thoughts. What if our first trip to SSR proves we don't like it? How hard is it to get vacations at other DVC 7 months out? We usually travel the first few weeks of August? Thanks for your help. I have about 12 hours to decide...

 

[DisneyBill]

I really can't speak to the 7 month issue, but from other threads on these boards, I'd have to say the experience varies. Likely you'll always get some availability unless it is specific heavy travel/holiday dates or specific room types like a GV or maybe BWV std view.

I'm responding mostly because there isn't any way you won't like SSR, or any of the DVC resorts for that matter. Although SSR isn't our home resort, we've stayed there and feel the resort has strong merit. Plus you'll get more years of ownership with the phase II resort.

 

[caribn7]

I can't speak specifically about the first few weeks of August, but I have never had any trouble getting a room even on very short notice. I called MS this past june about 9am and we were in our room by 1pm the same day!

 

[DarthGoofy]

I called Monday to get a 2BR at BWV for the 16th of Sept. No Problems. Of course, September is low season. At times it will be relatively easy as long as you are flexible with your resort choice. At other times like early December, it may be almost impossible.

 

[dznyacct]

We are DVC members with VWL as our home resort. Besides VWL, we have stayed at OKW, BCV, BWV and Vero. Of course, all of these were booked at the 7 month window. I have never had a problem getting the resort I want (of course I'm a worry-wort, so I book them day by day!). Many of our stays have been over Christmas and Easter.

 

[KelleyGirl]

Thank you so much for your tips! I know this is a good idea for my family, but I just needed to hear from a few DIS experts. I am also a worry-wart, and will book the exact day I can. Knowing that another resort isn't impossible is all I needed.

 

[Caskbill]

One thing many people do is book their home resort at 11-months, and then at 7-months see if they can change over to a different resort. That way if you can't get what you want at the 7-month mark, you still have your original reservation to fall back on.

 

[CarolMN]

August is not one of the more difficult times to book DVC accomodations - at least it isn't right now, and I don't see that changing much in the future. If you call for a reservation when your 7 month window opens, you should be able to get what you want. BCV will be the most difficult - because of the pool complex.

Best wishes -

 

[bcvillastwo]

I am encouraged by the replies to the OP's question, what a great group of people.

Now for my two cents worth. First, as you already know I agree with the posts up to this point. Second, no one can say whether you will or will not have trouble at some point in the future when you try to make reservations at the 7 month window. But, my experience is much like those who have already posted. However, keep in mind that some times of the year are said to be more difficult than others (although we haven't had any trouble so far). Your flexibility is also important. I can recall one time we wanted to try BWV but nothing was available in the time period we wanted but the CM checked at WLV and something was available.

One final point, we have never had a problem when we call to make reservations. Every time the CM's have been helpful, accomodating, and when necessary they worked hard to find us something suitable. (Yes, I know that some people have had problems with the CM's taking reservations but fortunately that has not been our experience.)

 

[vascubaguy]

Well... I'm going to be booking a trip the last week of March '06 and wanted to stay in a std studio at BWV. I called the other day (of course I'm not at the 7mo window yet) to check availability and MS told me nada. Plenty of pref studios though. So I'm going to book an OKW studio and waitlist for BWV and keep my fingers crossed!

 

[Michael623]

It also matters if you're just looking to get a room anywhere or looking for specifics. I've called a week out and OKW and SSR was all there was available. That was fine for me but if you're looking for one of the smaller resorts it may be tougher.

 

[Blue&Gold]

Just be flexible, and wait-list your first choice resort!

 

[CharlesTD]

We have never had an issue getting any resort at 7 months we have never tried BCV but then we also don't ever plan on staying at that resort it just does nothing for us actually. But for VWL and BWV and OKW and now SSR we have been able to book the accomodation we wanted at 7 months and less without a waitlist. We have booked 1 bedrooms and studios at each of the resorts and as I said never had an issue at all.

 

[DVCJEN]

We own at SSR and just booked a 7 night stay at VWL for January. We love SSR but want to mix it up a little.

 

[EdDome]

We went in June this year after out Charley experience last August. I usually split time between OKW (our home) and any other DVC resort that fits our whim. I've never had any problem getting a reservation at the 7 month window for early August. Good luck!

 

[KelleyGirl]

Thanks everyone! Its nice to hear such positive comments. We bought SSR and know we will enjoy it there, and will look forward to other DVC when we can!

 

[Pluto 2]

7 months is easy i like to try the differnt resorts the first year i had dvc i went to my home resort the boardwalk in 2001. than in 2002 i switch my reservation to vwl, than in 2003 i went to bcv did not go to wdw in 2004, than in 2005 i switch to ssr. had no problem at anytime did not call day by day and all of my stays was for 12 nights. everytime was either july or august.

 

[CharlesTD]

All our stays are the first 2 weeks of Dec.

 

[lsutigger2]

We've always been able to get ressies at 7 months out. Usually in May & October.

Your mileage may vary!!

 

[jazzmanmgt]

I purchased SSR the summer prior to opening. I am a teacher and coach in CA and usually travel to WDW during the first 3 weeks of August annually. I just returned from WDW with my family. We got a 2br at OKW at 7 mos. Last year we went week 2 in August and split our stay between OKW and SSR. So far no problems for us in August. Good Luck with your decision.