I am reserving a room for mid-November and there is almost zero availability. 5 months out and I can barely get a room!

[WDW_Ding]

I have learned a few things from the interesting feedback I have read here. Thanks to all for that.

I've been with DVC since 2009 (BLT) and this certainly isn't the first time I have noticed that booking 4-5 months out is harder than it used to be.

I do realize that the points charts favor the fall, but the point of my post was that it has really gotten to the point where it is nearly impossible to book 7 days in a 1BR at even 5 months out. I guess this isn't shocking news to many of you, but when I step back and think about it, considering what I paid to buy in and what I pay in annual dues, having to book at 7 or 11 months out seems like a hardship. It wasn't something that was necessary when I bought in and now it feels a little like DVC has changed the terms of the arrangement. Of course, they absolutely have not; DVC never promised easily booked room at 5 months out or later, but it is hard to avoid feeling a bit duped at this point, since booking at 7 or 11 months out is practically a must and booking later than 7 months is a total crapshoot.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I have learned a few things from the interesting feedback I have read here. Thanks to all for that.

I've been with DVC since 2009 (BLT) and this certainly isn't the first time I have noticed that booking 4-5 months out is harder than it used to be.

I do realize that the points charts favor the fall, but the point of my post was that it has really gotten to the point where it is nearly impossible to book 7 days in a 1BR at even 5 months out. I guess this isn't shocking news to many of you, but when I step back and think about it, considering what I paid to buy in and what I pay in annual dues, having to book at 7 or 11 months out seems like a hardship. It wasn't something that was necessary when I bought in and now it feels a little like DVC has changed the terms of the arrangement. Of course, they absolutely have not; DVC never promised easily booked room at 5 months out or later, but it is hard to avoid feeling a bit duped at this point, since booking at 7 or 11 months out is practically a must and booking later than 7 months is a total crapshoot.

One of the main things that stood out to me way back when I was looking at DVC, which was not too far ahead of you, was a comment or two of how so far DVC was fairly easy to book relative to other timeshares at the 7 month window and that it should not be expected to continue. I took that to heart when looking to purchase. I'm sorry to hear that the same info didn't make it your direction. Several veterans also related how timeshares in general come with a tradeoff of needing to book early. When you consider that Disney itself continues to add more items that book further out - dining at 6 months, FP's at 60 days, tours 6 months and other event bookings like wine seminars and so on so far in advance it also makes sense that room bookings push out further too as there isn't much sense booking the other stuff if you don't have a room and it's getting more difficult to book the other things if you're not doing it right when the windows open. The booking windows were pretty up front too -11 month home resort and 7 month non-home resort. Windows that definitely caught my attention to investigate more.

 

[crisi]

I have learned a few things from the interesting feedback I have read here. Thanks to all for that.

I've been with DVC since 2009 (BLT) and this certainly isn't the first time I have noticed that booking 4-5 months out is harder than it used to be.

I do realize that the points charts favor the fall, but the point of my post was that it has really gotten to the point where it is nearly impossible to book 7 days in a 1BR at even 5 months out. I guess this isn't shocking news to many of you, but when I step back and think about it, considering what I paid to buy in and what I pay in annual dues, having to book at 7 or 11 months out seems like a hardship. It wasn't something that was necessary when I bought in and now it feels a little like DVC has changed the terms of the arrangement. Of course, they absolutely have not; DVC never promised easily booked room at 5 months out or later, but it is hard to avoid feeling a bit duped at this point, since booking at 7 or 11 months out is practically a must and booking later than 7 months is a total crapshoot.

I've been with DVC since 2002. When I first joined this board, probably within few months after my first purchase - probably back before BCV was available for booking, there was a post from someone who wanted to go in mid December and was trying to book 3 months out - and there was no availability - not even at OKW (!). I remember specifically he was going to HAVE to use his points at the Contemporary - because that was when he needed to travel and his points were going to expire. I also remember specifically that he got no sympathy from the board - In 2003 (maybe around then) December was a busy time and three months out was an unreasonably short expectation to book a timeshare. I think he decided (but this I am not sure about) to sell his points, since he expected to be able to book short term.

I don't think your expectation was reasonable in 2009. And if having to book more than seven months out is a hardship - you have been fortunate - ten years of ownership means that you'll have - and I hate saying this - a good investment over ten years when you sell - good vacations at a reasonable cost, and the points are worth more than what you bought them for.

Expect it to get worse, not better, if you continue to hold your points.

 

[jerseyduke]

One thing I have thought about is that Disney is now selling riviera points which can be used anywhere immediately but there is no riviera hotel until mid December. How does that work?

Pretty sure They can not book until the hotel is open. (Trying to remember when I bought the VGF prior to it opening, and I think that is how it was) I remember nothing being available to me until 10/23/13 even though I had points in June.

I could totally be misremembering, that was like 6 WHOLE YEARS ago

 

[sleepydog25]

I have learned a few things from the interesting feedback I have read here. Thanks to all for that.

I've been with DVC since 2009 (BLT) and this certainly isn't the first time I have noticed that booking 4-5 months out is harder than it used to be.

I do realize that the points charts favor the fall, but the point of my post was that it has really gotten to the point where it is nearly impossible to book 7 days in a 1BR at even 5 months out. I guess this isn't shocking news to many of you, but when I step back and think about it, considering what I paid to buy in and what I pay in annual dues, having to book at 7 or 11 months out seems like a hardship. It wasn't something that was necessary when I bought in and now it feels a little like DVC has changed the terms of the arrangement. Of course, they absolutely have not; DVC never promised easily booked room at 5 months out or later, but it is hard to avoid feeling a bit duped at this point, since booking at 7 or 11 months out is practically a must and booking later than 7 months is a total crapshoot.

I highlighted one sentence above. No, they haven't; however, they have grown to the point where what they used to say was possible is often highly doubtful. Can you make a reservation at 7 months at another resort? Sure, and I know the DVC reps push that point. . .without broaching the aspect that anymore it has become increasingly difficult to do so. To turn a phrase, we are victims of their own success.

 

[crisi]

I highlighted one sentence above. No, they haven't; however, they have grown to the point where what they used to say was possible is often highly doubtful. Can you make a reservation at 7 months at another resort? Sure, and I know the DVC reps push that point. . .without broaching the aspect that anymore it has become increasingly difficult to do so. To turn a phrase, we are victims of their own success.

The ease at which you can do so will always depend on the variables. I do not anticipate a time where everything locks down tight eleven months out and there is no movement. I suspect that if you are flexible and happy with SSR or Kidani, able to book multiple room sizes, and traveling during non-busy DVC times, you will be able to get a reservation at another resort. I think getting HHI in February isn't ever likely to be hard at seven months. But there is a huge difference between seven months and five months, and a huge difference between SSR and VGC.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

Pretty sure They can not book until the hotel is open. (Trying to remember when I bought the VGF prior to it opening, and I think that is how it was) I remember nothing being available to me until 10/23/13 even though I had points in June.

I could totally be misremembering, that was like 6 WHOLE YEARS ago

Times flies. Lol. I remember walking through the GF lobby and the dvc guy selling VGF grabbing us and telling us we were not smart not buying into dvc. Every day he said the same thing to us! It was tempting...I think that was 7 or 8 years ago because our now 11 year old was “free” that year (I think that is 3 or under).

 

[bumbershoot]

The West Coast is screwed and it's totally unfair.

Eh...it’s nice for when you’re doing online checkin for a Disney cruise lol.

when I step back and think about it, considering what I paid to buy in and what I pay in annual dues, having to book at 7 or 11 months out seems like a hardship. It wasn't something that was necessary when I bought in and now it feels a little like DVC has changed the terms of the arrangement

I bought at bay lake in 2009 and have always felt amazingly lucky when I get something good at 7 months or shorter.

One of the main things that stood out to me way back when I was looking at DVC, which was not too far ahead of you, was a comment or two of how so far DVC was fairly easy to book relative to other timeshares at the 7 month window and that it should not be expected to continue. I took that to heart when looking to purchase.

Yep.

Several veterans also related how timeshares in general come with a tradeoff of needing to book early.

My mom and stepdad owned RCI, and tried from as far out as you can try, to get me a timeshare spot for a trip I took after grad school. Never got it. So, yep.

 

[Wakey]

As well as what Fred says: Ever decreasing circle. Just as you've now been 'caught out', you'll be looking earlier next time. And then so will someone else.
I believe walking is even getting more popular now with the new amendment system, albeit at 5 months that didn't impact you.
In fall frenzy you need to be booking bang on 7 months. If you done that, especially with 1 beds, there would have been very good choices including probably Boardwalk.
If travelling fall frenzy even in 1 beds you need to be booking at 7 months. Even then studio choice will be OKW and AKV, with possibly a few other resorts. 1 beds will have much more choice as I say but it goes quickly.

 

[Deb & Bill]

As well as what Fred says: Ever decreasing circle. Just as you've now been 'caught out', you'll be looking earlier next time. And then so will someone else.
I believe walking is even getting more popular now with the new amendment system, albeit at 5 months that didn't impact you.
In fall frenzy you need to be booking bang on 7 months. If you done that, especially with 1 beds, there would have been very good choices including probably Boardwalk.
If travelling fall frenzy even in 1 beds you need to be booking at 7 months. Even then studio choice will be OKW and AKV, with possibly a few other resorts. 1 beds will have much more choice as I say but it goes quickly.

I wouldn't even depend on OKW or AKV at seven months any more for a studio. Plan on a one bedroom exactly at seven months out.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Most of DVC is in Eastern Time. Someone would be inconvenienced no matter the booking time - west coast, Aussies, UK, east coast. Having the time align to customer service staffing and the bulk of resorts is as reasonable as any other approach, if not more so.

And we all know IT could not stagger times by resort.

 

[kniquy]

Does anyone know why this has changed so drastically? Is DVC selling too many points? Is there just some sort of trend where people are booking farther in advance?

Well this is during a very high demand DVC time, points are low, the holiday parties are going on, food and wine is going on. Kind of a perfect storm. Anyone who wants to book during mid Sept to mid Jan better book at the 11 month mark especially if you want a studio. At 7 months you should have a good shot at getting a 1 or 2 BR. Wait any longer and you won’t have anything or only SSR.

If you were talking about other times of the year you would have a fairly good selection of rooms, but again studios will be hard to come by.

I have only been a member since 2015, but have figured out you need to plan ahead or you will be shut out or left with little to choose from.?

Unfortunately DVC doesn’t lend itself to the last minute (6 months or less) planner.

 

[Vader-was-framed]

My wife and I always thought one of the best ways to spread out the current point system is to make ssr more desirable. So basically build a storm a long bay type pool their and then people will be flooding the place and have a reason to own there. Just saying

 

[jlb727]

My wife and I always thought one of the best ways to spread out the current point system is to make ssr more desirable. So basically build a storm a long bay type pool their and then people will be flooding the place and have a reason to own there. Just saying

I think the refurb will really help with that. The planned rooms look beautiful.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Most of DVC is in Eastern Time. Someone would be inconvenienced no matter the booking time - west coast, Aussies, UK, east coast. Having the time align to customer service staffing and the bulk of resorts is as reasonable as any other approach, if not more so.

And we all know IT could not stagger times by resort.

Online should be midnight which much more inconvenient/ fair to everyone. Customer service could remain the same.

 

[robinb]

Online should be midnight which much more inconvenient/ fair to everyone. Customer service could remain the same.

Meh. It’s one day you have to get up early. Not really a big deal.

 

[Wakey]

My wife and I always thought one of the best ways to spread out the current point system is to make ssr more desirable. So basically build a storm a long bay type pool their and then people will be flooding the place and have a reason to own there. Just saying

Agree with this, but it’s the cost I suppose. What it really, really needs (after room refurb) is the main building revamping and the 1980s Golf Club like Turf Club totally revamping, and a destination bar putting in, instead of a hole in the wall, maybe even an outdoor restaurant like the one at Copper Creek. The main building still has an air of repurposed Disney Institute about it (and I love SSR).
With the room refurb and if they sorted out the main building, it would be much more desirable, but a storm along bay pool would really set it apart.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Online should be midnight which much more inconvenient/ fair to everyone. Customer service could remain the same.

Online starts at midnight, call at 8et?

That would go poorly.

 

[crisi]

My wife and I always thought one of the best ways to spread out the current point system is to make ssr more desirable. So basically build a storm a long bay type pool their and then people will be flooding the place and have a reason to own there. Just saying

That idea has been popular here since SSR was announced. But Disney would much rather have you spend dollars to go to a water park than hang by your pool. Its another one of those "what's in it for Disney" questions that needs to be answered before Disney does anything - balancing demand among resorts is a Disney neutral at best. It should also be noted that OKW owners paid the capital costs to install their pool slide after the fact a dozen years ago - SSR owners could be in for a huge capital costs, and then a huge increase in dues (SAB is an expensive pool to run and insure).

 

[CarolMN]

...........It should also be noted that OKW owners paid the capital costs to install their pool slide after the fact a dozen years ago - SSR owners could be in for a huge capital costs, and then a huge increase in dues (SAB is an expensive pool to run and insure).

Are you sure? My understanding was that Disney paid for the initial installation of the OKW slide, but Members are responsible for ongoing operating & maintenance expenses.