Last Minute Travel Question?

[Krs1300]

We only live about 45 mins. from WDW. I am wondering what experiences you have had with making last minute reservations for a weekend or so. The only "planned in advance" trip we ever take is in December... for the rest of the year, we are sort of just going on a whim. Would I have a problem finding somewhere to stay at the last minute? It wouldn't really matter what resort it is... we just need a place to rest our heads.

We are saving for DVC now but this would be a huge game changer if DVC isn't a good option for last minute travel.

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[abdmom]

No timeshare is a good idea for last minute travel. With DVC, it's best to be able to plan 7-11 months in advance. Within 7 months, you have to be able to take what's left. That may mean your choice of accommodation is limited, and all or any of your dates are unavailable.

 

[Minniesgal]

DVC is a terrible option for last minute travel. We have bought several home resorts so we can always book at 11 months. Some times even 7 months is difficult.

you will sometimes get something for a short notice weekend but i would think more often than not you will be disappointed.

 

[Madhattr]

Just checked and next weekend is open at SSR

 

[Missyrose]

It could conceivably work if you:

*Like staying at SSR
*Don't mind "wasting" points on 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom when all you wanted was a studio
*Don't travel between late September and mid-January

All that being said, it seems like an expensive proposition to see if your experiment could work. Why not rent distressed points when you want to go? That way, you're only paying if there's something available.

 

[Krs1300]

It could conceivably work if you:

*Like staying at SSR
*Don't mind "wasting" points on 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom when all you wanted was a studio
*Don't travel between late September and mid-January

All that being said, it seems like an expensive proposition to see if your experiment could work. Why not rent distressed points when you want to go? That way, you're only paying if there's something available.

We still like the option to use it for other things and like I said... we do go every December, so being able to book 11 months out for that would help. I just wanted to see if we would ALSO be able to use our DVC points for last minute travel... not specifically for last minute travel.

I appreciate all of your help and responses!

 

[Missyrose]

We still like the option to use it for other things and like I said... we do go every December, so being able to book 11 months out for that would help. I just wanted to see if we would ALSO be able to use our DVC points for last minute travel... not specifically for last minute travel.

I appreciate all of your help and responses!

But that's just it, instead of buying a contract large enough for your December trips AND last-minute travel, have a contract that covers just the December trip. And for the last-minute travel rent distressed points. Why invest in additional points you may or may not be able to use. Now, if you were content to just bank any points you couldn't use for last-minute travel into the next year to give you a better view in December or a bigger villa, then that's a gamble that might work for you.

 

[Dean]

We only live about 45 mins. from WDW. I am wondering what experiences you have had with making last minute reservations for a weekend or so. The only "planned in advance" trip we ever take is in December... for the rest of the year, we are sort of just going on a whim. Would I have a problem finding somewhere to stay at the last minute? It wouldn't really matter what resort it is... we just need a place to rest our heads.

We are saving for DVC now but this would be a huge game changer if DVC isn't a good option for last minute travel.

Thanks so much in advance!

As noted, timeshares are generally not good for last minute. Sometimes it works out but often it doesn't. However there are some special situations. You can almost always get something decent in Orlando so having a non DVC timeshare might work well if you were gong short notice but mostly for a week. For just weekends and the like, cash is really the only reasonable options for most with a few specialty situations based on rewards programs. However, a small DVC package so you pickup the perks and use the points once every few trips (when you can get something) might be a reasonable option for some. I'm generally a planner but occasionally I'll come across a long weekend or similar and decide to do something on a whim. Usually it's for trips to the PCB, Destin, St. Augustine or similar. I also commonly have people who call and ask me about availability one location or another, always short notice. I have many options to look at which include Bluegreen, DVC, Wyndham, Marriott, II, RCI weeks and RCI points. There is often nothing or for Orlando, a full week which doesn't fit their needs. We just did a DVC trip short notice back in March and it worked out fine but only SSR was available. I also planned a long weekend over the recent holiday and got things a couple of months out then kept changing around as various options came open.

 

[a742246]

You may be better off signing onto David's or TSS newsletters for renting points. Every so often (every month or two) they rent distress points at 8 dollars a point, that is about costs for DVC owners. Being so close to WDW that may be the way to so for short notices.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

During popular times like Spring Break/Easter, Food and Wine, Marathon weeks, Christmas etc. you may find nothing is available! And at other times, you will have success as many posted, but with no choice of resort, or accommodation size.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[AmyB2006]

As already mentioned, DVC usually is not a good option if you are a last minute planner.

It could work, but you might find yourself more aggravated at having to make exceptions all the time because what you really want isn't available. If you don't care what's available, then you might be able to make it work.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I am the Queen of last minute booking..

There are things you have to accept.

1. You are not getting BCV, BWV, etc... you have a much better shot at AKV, SSR, OKW.
2. You may not get a studio, I often "waste" points on a 1 bedroom
3. You have to be flexible and keep working on the reservation. I often book one night and keep checking and use the waitlist.
4. you have to be willing to stay off site if you don't get a reservation

Others have told me I am "crazy' for using my points this way, but it works for me.

I am looking right now for just after 4th of July, I actually do have some options regarding where to stay, but I won't be at BCV, BWV, WWL, etc.......Now for me this is actually not the latest booking I have done (i have been known to call from the airport LOL!)

 

[hakepb]

I am the Queen of last minute booking..

There are things you have to accept.

1. You are not getting BCV, BWV, etc... you have a much better shot at AKV, SSR, OKW.
2. You may not get a studio, I often "waste" points on a 1 bedroom
3. You have to be flexible and keep working on the reservation. I often book one night and keep checking and use the waitlist.
4. you have to be willing to stay off site if you don't get a reservation

Others have told me I am "crazy' for using my points this way, but it works for me.

I am looking right now for just after 4th of July, I actually do have some options regarding where to stay, but I won't be at BCV, BWV, WWL, etc.......Now for me this is actually not the latest booking I have done (i have been known to call from the airport LOL!)

That's a pretty good summary based on the few times life threw a curveball and I wound up booking 3 or less months out.

At that point, last minute booking is a game, a very time intensive game. You will occasionally lose. It will result in nervousness and may increase your blood pressure... Its certainly not for everyone.

I'd imagine it may be more fun getting a cheap timeshare with a full RCI membership so you can access their last call deals.

 

[com_op_2000]

I am the Queen of last minute booking..

There are things you have to accept.

1. You are not getting BCV, BWV, etc... you have a much better shot at AKV, SSR, OKW.
2. You may not get a studio, I often "waste" points on a 1 bedroom
3. You have to be flexible and keep working on the reservation. I often book one night and keep checking and use the waitlist.
4. you have to be willing to stay off site if you don't get a reservation

Others have told me I am "crazy' for using my points this way, but it works for me.

I am looking right now for just after 4th of July, I actually do have some options regarding where to stay, but I won't be at BCV, BWV, WWL, etc.......Now for me this is actually not the latest booking I have done (i have been known to call from the airport LOL!)

I like your comments!
Mine for last minute reservations are for even shorter time lengths:
DW and I several times have been at DTD for the day and decided we wanted to stay the night. Called the resorts directly (back before MS was open on Sundays) or MS and checked in within 15 minutes.

OP, can you use DVC for last minute stays - yes.
Will it always work out the way you want - no. Be prepared for those occassions.
As others have stated be ready to stay only at the larger resorts, for last minute visits. If these conditions are acceptable to you then IMHO, you can make DVC work for you.

 

[Dean]

I am the Queen of last minute booking..

There are things you have to accept.

1. You are not getting BCV, BWV, etc... you have a much better shot at AKV, SSR, OKW.
2. You may not get a studio, I often "waste" points on a 1 bedroom
3. You have to be flexible and keep working on the reservation. I often book one night and keep checking and use the waitlist.
4. you have to be willing to stay off site if you don't get a reservation

Others have told me I am "crazy' for using my points this way, but it works for me.

I am looking right now for just after 4th of July, I actually do have some options regarding where to stay, but I won't be at BCV, BWV, WWL, etc.......Now for me this is actually not the latest booking I have done (i have been known to call from the airport LOL!)

If one owns and decides to approach it this way and accept the risks, that's their choice. Owning and using DVC this way is a much different issue than buying DVC with the intent of using it this way. Certainly anyone can make that choice but IMO the risks and negatives are far too great to make it a reasonable choice to buy simply for this purpose (short time planning).

 

[bakerworld]

We've done both last minute stays and planned - either way, as long as you're not 'picky' about venue it does work. Frankly, with the AP discount you can get some nice moderate room stays for cash which probably works out $$-wise.