Last Minute DVC trips?

[momsgoofy]

How easy or likely is it that I would be able to book a trip using my DVC points with a relative short notice...say 4 weeks out?

We are planning to go home for the first time to SSR 12/17-24...going to call in the morning to start that day-by-day ressie thing...if MS says no problem for us to book the entire trip at once then we'll follow the MS plan.

BUT...I'm trying to sneak a trip in if DS's school has no snow days and gets out before Memorial Day...a few days at WDW or even Vero Beach or Hilton Head...I'm not picky! I just want to go...guess I've got a bad case of Cabin Fever. So, being new DVC members I've never tried a "last minute trip"...can you veteran DVC DISsers share your experiences?

Thanks!
Laura ºoº

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Last minute trips are possible but it depends on the time of year. Are talking about Memorial Day weekend? For that, I would call as soon as you have an inkling that a trip might be possible. Otherwise you may be in good shape.

When you call about the December trip, ask MS how things look for Memorial day weekend if that's what you want. Check on all of the resorts. It may give you a little peace of mind or it may let you forget it now.

Good luck.

HBC

 

[PamOKW]

The more options you have, the greater your chance of booking a trip on short notice. Sounds like you are up for anything. I'm confused about when you are looking to travel -- if you mean 4 weeks from now/early February I bet your chances are pretty good. I was just able to book in early March last week. But, I had no luck trying to get something for the week of President's Day (lots of NE school vacations).

 

[bongo59]

well i just booked the BCV this week for this weekends golf trip this past friday...........that is pretty short notice no????

 

[HookdonWDW]

As long as we're not picky about where we want to stay, we usually don't have a problem with last minute reservations.

And BTW momsgoofy - Four days is a last minute reservation, not four weeks!

 

[bongo59]

four weeks in my house is like serious planning!!!!

 

[Laurabearz]

37 days is our record

Since you are willing to go anywhere.... WDW, HHI, or VB then I say your chances are pretty good.

And from one Laura in Illinois to another...

Oh and I am calling tomorrow for our December 05 reservation also! 16th-23rd BWV

 

[Melrosgirl]

We did a short trip to Vero Beach with just 2 days' notice (March 2003).

We just tried to get 4 nights at BCV for the last weekend of April, but couldn't find a room at any DVC resort of our choice.

Just depends on luck really. It can be done though!

 

[mikesmom]

Last week I booked 4 days for the 1st week of february. A couple of years ago Dh (an accountant) and i seriously need a tax-season-is-over trip and booked a post April 15th trip on about a weeks notice. Three years ago we decided vacation hadn't been long enough and booked an extra 3 days trip at OKW for a time period beginning the next day (we were already there). We've had lots of luck with last minute stays.

Now that being said, for popular times like the first week of December or anytime during the Food & Wine Fest at BWV I wouldn't give it very good odds, but you never know!

 

[CarolA]

I think I have the record here. About 4 hours. LOL!

However, I was going to Disney and only wanted a studio and lots of time OKW has openings. Memorial Day weekend at a beach could be harder.

 

[ForTheLoveofDisney]

Well, I thought I was going to have the record until I say CarolA's post


We called on Friday, August 13th (that's right folks the day of the hurricaine) for Monday, August 13th - Thursday August 16th at OKW in a studio. We got it.

So, at 4 weeks you should be fine if you're not picky where you stay.

HTH

 

[momsgoofy]

37 days is our record

Since you are willing to go anywhere.... WDW, HHI, or VB then I say your chances are pretty good.

And from one Laura in Illinois to another...

Oh and I am calling tomorrow for our December 05 reservation also! 16th-23rd BWV

Wow! From one Laura to another in Illinois Back at ya!! I've never heard of Patrick IL...but can only guess it is in the Chicago area. We are in what I affectionately call..."one of the southern most Chcago suburbs"...Herrin. Actually if you've heard of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale...I'm a 10 minute drive.

I just made my first call this morning for our ressie...day-by day plan...at SSR...went smoother than I expected for my first time.

Yeah, I guess if we are flexible about where we want to be then it might just work out for us. We would be looking at June 1st as the earliest date. It just depends on DS's school calendar. As it stands now he's not finished until June 8, but IF...and that is a big one...there are no or very few snow days he could finish by Memorial Day weekend...which we can't leave then as we have a big family reunion to attend. But then we could hit the road...and we'd probably drive this trip unless I can find a cheap airfare. All of this is speculation and a lot of wishing by a mom who is really goofy and knows that I'm gonna need a break the way 2005 is headed.

So, thanks to all of my DVC DIS family...you give me hope. And hey, if I can swing it there's hope for a true last minute trip....just look at CarolA...you go girl!

Laura ºoº

 

[lts862]

What are the chances of adding an additional night to my reservation for my trip starting this Sunday? We are coming in a day early and would love to be able to just tack it on. Just made the decision....9AM tomorrow can't get here fast enough for me. Fingers crossed!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Some of the most fun and exciting trips are booked last minute, IMHO!

BTW, lots of DVC/DIS folks reside in the Chicago or Illinois area, including myself!

 

[Laurabearz]

Chicagoland DIS meet
THought I would post this here, since there seems to be a few of us from Illinois.

PatrickIL is a moderator here on the DIS (or was a mod) My firs DIS meet was at his house and when I map quested the directions I discovered I was 4.53 miles from his house... LOL

 

[HookdonWDW]

I think I have the record here. About 4 hours. LOL!

However, I was going to Disney and only wanted a studio and lots of time OKW has openings. Memorial Day weekend at a beach could be harder.

HA HA HA!!! I laugh at your puny 4 hours. We got our closest "last minute reservation" whilst watching the parade in the Magic Kingdom!!!

We had gone down to WDW, and my brother had generously putting us up at an off-site hotel. We had driven them to the airport, and had come back to see the parade before driving home. DH and I were talking, and we both suddenly thought "I wonder..." So I picked up my cell phone, and secured two nights in a studio at BCVs .

 

[Shamus]

The Vast majority of our reservations have been made less than 3 weeks prior to check in.

On a number of occasions we have even walked right up to the front desk without any reservations and been able to secure a DVC room with our points.

I guess that would be "THE VERY LAST MINUTE"

 

[threegoofys]

I think everytime we have been on a DVC vacation we have had so much fun that we have decided to stay an extra day, never been a problem, but we usually vacation during the off peak times. We laugh on our trips because we think the Cm's put bets on us when we check in or whether or not we will stick with our "original" dates. That's what makes DVC so nice because we have that option.

 

[Disney Doll]

About 2 or 3 years back, I called 3 weeks in advance to get 3 nights in a studio at OKW the first week of June.

Got it, no problem.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks all! When I spoke with MS this week while making the ressies for December 2005, I asked about the first of June 2005 and was told there was a fair amount of availability at all DVC homes except that HH was already full...so, there is hope! As soon as the school adjusts the calendar, I can call for a ressie! Woohoo! DS is hoping for VB...just wants to hang out at the beach. We'll see what happens!

Thanks again!
Laura ºoº