last minute reservation stories

[lisaviolet]

Hi DVCers,

I know that it is the norm to need months and months out to secure a reservation.


But I would love to hear about some recent and surprising last minute availablities.

If so, which DVC resort? What time of year? Which type of unit?

Curious. Thanks.

 

[KelNottAt]

I've been trying to use up some reservation points. Finally got rid of the last of them last week. Here's what happened:

My coworker mentioned she was making a day trip to WDW from Tampa. I said, "Oh, why not stay overnight and then maybe see USO on day 2." She thought that sounded great, but since she's totally not a planner and never even KNEW WDW hotels were any good , was clueless how to get a WDW hotel 5 days in advance. I made a call to MS, got her in POFQ for 17 pts, and she was thrilled. Since we're friends, I only charged her the cost of my dues. So I broke even on points I wasn't gonna be able to use and made her family very happy at the same time.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We added a studio for Labor Day at OKW once the day before.

 

[mrsminniemouse]

We had two weeks at VWL in a 2 bed this May. We only booked 5 weeks before departure. I was amazed to find availability for all resorts except BCV. Usually we book at 11 months but we had done an add on and decided we could fit in an extra trip. It was great!

Mandy

 

[Daitcher]

This isn't last minute but it still might apply. I got a Beach Cottage at Vero Beach for the first week of October (7 nights) at the 7 month window. I didn't call day by day either. I felt it was worth mentioning because I was told it couldn't be done in any season as the cottages are so limited in number. I was thrilled to say the least.


DAVE

 

[ForeverFriends M&M]

We reserved a Stuido at OKW on July 1 for 3rd and 4th. When we arrived we were upgraded to a one bedroom, our choice of buildings. Thats what made us become DVC members. We figured if they treated us so good once, maybe they might forget to clean out the fridges of the last guest next time

M&M

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

We booked two nights the day before check in this past June and when we checked into SSR we had our choice of locations.

 

[Ali and boyz]

This isn't last minute but it still might apply. I got a Beach Cottage at Vero Beach for the first week of October (7 nights) at the 7 month window. I didn't call day by day either. I felt it was worth mentioning because I was told it couldn't be done in any season as the cottages are so limited in number. I was thrilled to say the least.


DAVE

IS IT HARD TO GET A 2BR AT VB AT THE 7 MONTH WINDOW say in JULY

 

[Cruelladeville]

I just called to get a studio for next weekend, one week from now!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I got a BW view studio at BWV for 2 nites in August at 5 weeks out. Can't wait to see it! I also got a standard view studio (only wanted it for 1 nite) in December, also at BWV, 7 months out.

 

[beaker]

Just called MS today for a studio at BWV Aug 21-26th they only had the 24th. They did have OKW and SSR but my sister is already staying at BWV and we wanted to stay near her. I may try again on monday.

 

[lisaviolet]

Holy cow!!! Good stories!!!

 

[goodcook5]

we decided to take ssr or okw when we called since they are most often available. We checked on bwv and bcv and no go. Then she said "hold on a minute while I check something" She said she had to get permission to combine 2 rooms available and it was done at vwl! I've never stayed there. can't wait to take the friendship boat to mk.

 

[DonnaL]

We got a studio at SSR this past May during Flower and Garden Festival at about six weeks out.

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

We booked a one night at the Grand California in CA in the morning for a stay that same night. This was a few months ago though. We just decided we wanted to go one morning and we called Member Services just to see and lucky us got a room. Headed right down and checked in!

 

[Dean]

IS IT HARD TO GET A 2BR AT VB AT THE 7 MONTH WINDOW say in JULY

Not in my experience. Summer is actually a somewhat slower time at VB than Xmas to Easter. While there will be success stories, remember that it is DVC's policy to turn over most or all inventory to CRO at the 2 month window for rental. Thus I wouldn't count on reserving on points within that time.

 

[caribn7]

We called Member services about 9:30 am on June 1st to see what they had available that night. We got a studio @ OKW for 2 nights and the room was ready when we arived about 2 hours later!

 

[Cinderpals]

I was able to book almost all of my holding points from a resale contract for our 6/2-6/6 Star Wars Weekend Trip at the BCV and 1 night at SSR in less than 7 weeks. It was our 1st stay at one of our 2 home resorts- BCV. Had been waitlisted for the usual Thurs & Sun nights, but both came through.

I booked combo BCV studio 2 N and BCV 1 bdrm 6N for our August Stay. I had been waitlisted for the 24th for the BCV studio. It came through within 2 weeks of being waitlisted. Originally had been booked til the 28th for studio, but my DH decided that he really wanted a 1 bdrm for more nights. Called this week and was able to get all of my days changed. Cost me more points, but if DH is happy, I can buy more DVC points down the road!

Booked Christmas Vacation for 23rd through 1/1. My BD is 31st! BWV 1 bdrm** Found flights

Booked my Spring Break vacation all at the BCV 1 bdrm for all 9N. Found flights too! Used a lot of points!!

I'm currently planning last minute Anniversary/Wine and Food Festival holiday with just DH 3N at BWV studio** booked 2N, waitlisted for last night** Need Pixie Dust
Flights found*

Booked my friend 50 point vacation at OKW during her Solo-trip to WDW & Wine and Food Festival for 3 nights! She will be watching my kids and dog during our Anniversary Trip

 

[FOTM_Ring_Bearer]

We were able to add a night to our stay while we were there. Our reservation was from June 26 (Sunday) to July 2nd (Saturday). On Thursday we decided to stay an extra day. We did have to move from a standard view to preferred, but we did get to stay at the BW.

 

[kcashner]

I got a studio at OKW for Jan 1-4! I'd had a family emergency and had to move a cruise reservation...thought there would be no hope for WDW before the cruise. I was wait listed for awhile, and finally it came thru on Dec. 27.