I'm on the DVC Wait List - What are my Chances? Dec 4th week

[PHILCT]

Hello Everyone

I am new to this discussion board, I will appreciate any advice submitted to me.

I have been a DVC member for a 2 and 1/2 years now, my timeshare home site is the VWL. I often stay at OKW during my vacations. I hope to stay at both the BWV and the BCV in the near future.

I have had such good luck in the past when making reservations, they all came very easily. I probably have been lucky up to now.

When I tried to get a December 4th reservation, I was suprised to see how the availability was non existant for any sequential nights of reservations that week. I thought I had picked a week far apart from Thanksgiving, so it would not be busy,and families would not typically take their children out of school so close to Christmas. It would be awkward for me to change the vacation week's dates now. Next time I will be smarter and start with Disney DVC reservations first.

According to DVC reservations October November and December is extremely busy this year, as it was last year.

I am on a wait list at any of the DVC resorts for a 2 bedroom.
I was told my chances are 50/50 to get what I want.

I am considering waiting, and if I don't get what I am hoping for, waiting for specials to show up in October or November for that
week: Including the Swan and Dolphin, and other discounts I frequently check in Mousesavers.

Questions:

Do you have any recommendations on how often I should call back DVC?

What do you think my chances really are of getting something for that week of Dec 4th?

Is that week really something difficult?

Has anyone else had experiences with being on the wait list that were good or bad?

Should I instead try trading or buying points in the DVC rental forum instead?


Thanks,

Phil

 

[ceejay13]

I'm not sure what everyone else's experiences have been, but we were waitlisted for a 2 bdr at OKW a couple of years ago during that same week. In September we got the call to let us know we got exactly what we wanted. We are BWV and BCV owners but I was absolutely thrilled with our 2 bdr at OKW. It is one of the busiest times for DVCers but we'll see what others experiences have been. Best of luck to you.

 

[ILuvDVC2]

This time of year has become very popular because of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at MK, and because points are at "Adventure Season" rates. Many members use the 11-month reservation window for this time of year to ensure their acommodations. I'm not sure trading points will necessarily get you what you want, unless someone has to cancel an existing reservation.

Have you considered reserving two studio units instead of a 2BR? You can request that the rooms be near each other (BWV, BVC, VWL) or in the same building (OKW, SSR). You may be able to get this arrangement and still be waitlisted for the 2BR. If the 2BR comes through, you can cancel your reservation for the two studios. Just explain your situation to the DVC CM and get them "on your side." I find they are generally willing to find a solution that will satisfy the member.

Just a thought...

Good luck!

 

[yasuern]

Do you have any recommendations on how often I should call back DVC?
I have waitlisted before and they have always called when it came through and then I had 24 hours to call back and confirm the ressie or you can have them automatically put the ressie in for you with no call back needed - they will still call to let you know you have it.

What do you think my chances really are of getting something for that week of Dec 4th?
It is a busy time for DVCers to go to WDW - but never say never - Are you flexiable on the dates at all? Could you try the week before(some days would be in a higher point range)

Is that week really something difficult?
From what I have seen over the past 4 years is that the 1st 2weeks of December are VERY POPULAR for DVC(low points,MVMCP) This is our 4th year going at this time of year - I always book at the 11 month window.

Has anyone else had experiences with being on the wait list that were good or bad?
I have waitlisted a few times and it has ALWAYS come through - but i have always been willing to stay at any of the DVC resorts.

Should I instead try trading or buying points in the DVC rental forum instead?
Not sure if this will help you - have more points or trading points after the 7 month window - well all points are the same and can be used at any DVC resort to obtain a ressie.


Don't give up - At about 6months out I got a BWV 1bdrm Standard view for the week that included July 4th! without waitlisting!


Good Luck!

Sue

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by PHILCT
Hello Everyone

I am new to this discussion board, I will appreciate any advice submitted to me.

I have been a DVC member for a 2 and 1/2 years now, my timeshare home site is the VWL. I often stay at OKW during my vacations. I hope to stay at both the BWV and the BCV in the near future.

Welcome to the DIS and most especially to the DVC Forum! Don't be a stranger now that you've found us.

I have had such good luck in the past when making reservations, they all came very easily. I probably have been lucky up to now.

When I tried to get a December 4th reservation, I was suprised to see how the availability was non existant for any sequential nights of reservations that week. I thought I had picked a week far apart from Thanksgiving, so it would not be busy,and families would not typically take their children out of school so close to Christmas. It would be awkward for me to change the vacation week's dates now. Next time I will be smarter and start with Disney DVC reservations first.

According to DVC reservations October November and December is extremely busy this year, as it was last year.

As you now know, slow time at the parks and the rest of WDW is not always the same as slow season for staying at DVC. The time between Thanksgiving to New Year's is one of the more difficult times to book DVC accomodations. The 11 month window really makes a difference for booking this time.

I am on a wait list at any of the DVC resorts for a 2 bedroom.
I was told my chances are 50/50 to get what I want.

I am considering waiting, and if I don't get what I am hoping for, waiting for specials to show up in October or November for that
week: Including the Swan and Dolphin, and other discounts I frequently check in Mousesavers.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

Questions:

Do you have any recommendations on how often I should call back DVC?

Definitely call 31 days ahead of arrival if nothing has come through for you. You need to let MS know if you want to stay on the waitlist as all waitlists are "cancelled" at that time. People do cancel 31 days out if there plans aren't firm. Waiting any longer to cancel will result in their points going into the holding account. IMHO, that's when your best chance of getting the waitlist to work will occur.

All waitlists "expire" at 7 days ahead of arrival. You will have to call daily to check if you still want soemthing and it hasn't come through by then.

What do you think my chances really are of getting something for that week of Dec 4th?

Not very good. There are probably quite a few people ahead of you on the waitlist for some or all of your days. All DVC members have had a chance to book that time since May. That said, you never really know and MS did say 50/50, right?

Is that week really something difficult?

Yep!

Has anyone else had experiences with being on the wait list that were good or bad?

Didn't get the waitlist request I made, but it wasn't for this time. Actually, availability is so variable that it's hard to make predictions based on others' experiences. It is possible for the waitlist to come through and it does happen. MS will not even put you on the waitlist at all if it is 100% impossible for it to come through. People do report being refused a spot on the waitlist, but FWIW, I haven't read of it happening so far this year.

Should I instead try trading or buying points in the DVC rental forum instead?

That won't help you at all. Points are no good unless there is availability and you are already on the waitlist for the time. Anyone else who tried to book would encounter the same trouble you are having.

Exception: If someone already has a reservation that they are willing to sell to you (and you are willing to send them points or cash), that's different. Might be worth a post on the Rent/Trade Board to see if anyone has a ressie for your dates and can't go, but hasn't cancelled yet.

Thanks,

Phil

http://psmickey.smugmug.com/photos/5767506-L.gif[/IMG)] [/B][/QUOTE]

Again, welcome to the DVC Forum and good luck with that waitlist!

Early December is my favorite time to go - have been every year since 1998.

Best wishes -
Carol

 

[DebbieB]

I've stayed at BWV the first week of December the past 4 years, with a reservation for Dec 4 to 10 this year (1 bedroom BW view). As a BWV member, I always call right at 11 months, I've done day by day the past 3 years to make sure I get it (3 of the 4 prior years were standard view). When we checked in last year, they told us the hotel was sold out. It's a great time to go, all the christmas activities are in full swing plus it's adventure season, the lowest points season for DVC. I think the average non-DVC family who goes to WDW every couple of years or so, would not necessarily pick this time to go. But experienced DVC members who go often know this is a great time!

 

[PHILCT]

Thanks for your responses everyone.

This is a friendly place, thanks.

I will consider buying someone elses reservation or trading points for a reservation on December 4th or near it.

I am keeping my toes and fingers crossed. Ouch !
In the meanwhile I will watch for specials at the Swan and Dolphin as the time gets closer. I kind of feel as much as DVC may be sold out so much ahead of schedule, the other real dollar world is not.

Another question: (I have so many!)

What is DVC's attitude about making a reservation months ahead of schedule and then changing your mind?
Do some people just make reservations and then cancel within a safety zone of time?

For example I am thinking next year to reserve my own home site WVL 11 months ahead of schedule, and then if my preferred location comes up 7 months ahead of schedule switching to that reservation, if that is not considered unfair or unreasonable or doable.

Let me know if you think that is a good or bad idea?
Do you think it is unfair to do that?
Do members do that?

Thanks to all the replys and help so far.

This is a great place ! I love Disney.
I always picture myself working for Disney in my retirement.
I wonder how hot that Tigger costume is?

I am trying to learn the syntax of the place still, I just figured out I can post a general reply instead of a PM.

I haven't figured out what MS stands for? I was thinking Mouse Savers, but I know that isn't it?

I also love the countdown date java script things, can anyone tell me how to do that? I hope it isn't the literal java script code, still new to the HTML WEB stuff, but getting better.

Having just finished TACO BELL, I am wondering if I should be joining the Weight Watchers 25 LBS thingy?

Why is there a message length, am I being too "blabby"?

Thanks everyone,

Phil

 

[bobbiwoz]

Lots of people make a ressie at their home base at 11 months and try to change to another place at 7 months, so that's a good idea to do in the future.

MS Member services.

Pixie Dust for you!

Bobbi

 

[PHILCT]

MS was not in the abbreviations, I couldn't get that one.

Thanks Bobbie for the answer and the pixie dust !

 

[StormalongKay]

Hi Phil & welcome,

I too am relatively new at this and didn't realize the Dec popularity until I was already past the 7 mos window. I'm waitlisted for a 2BR at BCV & BWV for Dec 8 - 12 and I'm still waiting. As a backup, I reserved for the 2nd week of Jan just so we get to go - but I'd rather see the Christmas decorations (never have)! Lesson learned, I'll reserve Dec 2005 right at my 11 month window mark.

Anyway, I had the same idea about posting on the Rent/trade board about two weeks ago to see if someone had my dates and could no longer go. I offered to pay cash or transfer my points, but no luck. I suppose people who have ressies for Dec are either so happy that they do or don't have reason to cancel yet. But it can't hurt to get your request out there.

Good luck to you too and I hope we both get to DVC in the second week of December!

 

[PHILCT]

Hi Mary Kay

(Like the cosmetics?)

Good luck to you as well.

I have been looking at the rent board, there is a 1 bedroom for December 5th thru 12th Sunday through Sunday, at 12 dollars a point, and I have asked about the 5th thru 9th, leaving me short one day, and one bedroom.

I would take the living room couch, it would be very cool still.

I am hoping there are those who have made extra reservations, and may consider backing out of the extra reservation.
I am still crossing my fingers and toes.
I think the backing out might occur more closer to September and October for our dates.

The MGM OSBORNE Family Lights are incredible, please don't miss it at MGM, Disney didn't do it last year. Also do the Mickey Merry Christmas night at the Magic Kingdom, and have a more private experience that you can do during the daytime.

Thanks for the welcome,

Phil

 

[PHILCT]

Now to wait for the Member Services to call me back, and tell me I have a 2 bedroom.

 

[Laurabearz]

Phil! Welcome to the DIS and the DVC board!

I just wanted to wish you the best in securing your December ressie.

A lot of people reserve tough tickets (IE VWL in December, BWV or BCV in OCt-Nov Food and wine) 11 months out, then swicth at the 7 month window. Nothing wrong with that..... better to have a room, than no room at all.... as you have found out. It is not cheating.

I have gotten waitlists as late as 32 days out.... so hang in there, but like others have said, early December is prolly the hardest ticket out there, but if your open to any resort... you may have some luck!

Keep asking questions, that is what we live for here on the DIS!!!

BTW My Husband could give you a run for your money in the snoring dept! I feel sooooooooooo bad for anyone above us.....

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by PHILCT
....(snip).....I also love the countdown date java script things, can anyone tell me how to do that? I hope it isn't the literal java script code, still new to the HTML WEB stuff, but getting better...........

You can find out how to do the counters over on the Technical Support Board. It's so easy that even those of us who don't know what "java" is ( it's a special kind of coffee, right?? ) can do it!

Get your countdowns here!

 

[PHILCT]

Thank you Laura and Carol for your advice.
As well as everyone else.

I have gotten further with the "signature" stuff, so it seems pretty HTML oriented, and the date generator java script counter was very cool. Now I want to figure out if I can put multiple "gif" images side by side.

I guess all the DVC resorts are very popular. I have WVL as my home away from home destination. I was suprised how many people actually love it. I liked it a lot too, but I have not acutally stayed there yet. I was usually bringing so many people who needed to either not walk a lot, or wanted door to door car drop off service, or a dedicated 2 queen second bedroom, so OKW worked out, and I love it there. I have been stingy too saving points there on their more affordable 2 queen bedrooms and studios.

Now based on the fact I know how popular WVL it is, I might make a reservation in January for WVL for next December.

Ever since my friends got to walk around Boardwalk and see the BCV and BWV, they have fallen in love with the BWV, so I guess that is the place for me to try to try at the 7 month point.
I keep wanting to stay at the BCV for Stomalong Bay.

Has anyone ever stayed at both? Divided the people in your party into two places, and walked to meet each other:
BCV and BWV. I never can get 4 people in a studio, or 8 people in a 2 bedroom condo, it is usually half of that. I was thinking that I could request extra name id's for BCV 2 bedroom, and get everyone into the Storm along bay, with changing rooms in the 2 bedroom unit, but some sleeping at the BWV.

I only regret I didn't buy in the beginning year DVC came out with the current OKW site. I was told they even gave out annual passes in the beginning? Is that true?

Time for me to stop blabbing, and ponder lunch (Taco Bell) and
Baseball Games (Yankees/Red Sox).

Thanks Everyone

Phil

 

[rpink58]

Phil,
I have been in DVC since 94 and yes we would get two passes for every room we booked. So, when I booked a two bdr I recieved 4 passes. This was good until 1999. It was a nice perk and I used the heck out of it.

 

[DebbieB]

I only regret I didn't buy in the beginning year DVC came out with the current OKW site. I was told they even gave out annual passes in the beginning? Is that true?

They were not annual passes, they were good for length of stay based on the number of nights (not days, so you had to drop the first or last day). So if you stayed 7 days/6 nights on points, you got a length of stay pass for 6 days. Did not include AK after it opened.

 

[PHILCT]

Hi DebbieB and Rpink58

Sometimes I wish DVC members would get special perks on buying the park tickets, like either very special discounts on their annual pass, or offering them florida priced annual pass specials as a home away from home owners, maybe something like a limit of 4 per year. I feel like a Florida Homeowner?

Even if it is just for about 2 weeks a year.


Phil

 

[DebbieB]

I've been a member almost 5 years and members have constantly asked for pass discounts. There has been renewed hope lately that they may finally be offering something, there was a survey sent to a selected number of members in late June asking what discount they would prefer (unlimited magic, park hoppers, annual pass).