Last minute trip?

[grd]

I am thinking of becoming a DVC member and was just wondering if anyone has some experiences with booking last minute trips.

From other posts I have noticed that most people book at least 7 months in advance to get the desired resort.

If I am more flexible with the resort, can I get reservations with 1 or 2 months notice. Maybe in early December or March or April.

I can would usually reserve in advance but may sometimes need to book with less notice.

 

[Granny]

First post, eh? WELCOME to the DIS boards!

DVC does not work BEST when used often for last minute trips. It does reward the planners, and frankly 11 month planning is required for many times of the year.

Being flexible about resorts is key to short range planning. Be prepared to be offered SSR and OKW most often as they are the larger resorts and fill up last.

Early December can be very tough at the 7 month window much less on short notice. Not saying that someone couldn't get lucky, but trying to book early December (a very popular DVC time of the year) on short notice will probably be problematic for most of the time.

March/April depend on when Easter falls or the large spring break periods. Otherwise, they are not as busy and can be reserved with relatively short notice.

I'm not sure that I'd recommend DVC to someone who isn't planning most trips pretty far out. Yes, there is success to be had but I guess I'm too conservative to want to roll the dice on reservations over the next several decades.

 

[spiceycat]

yea - April and March.

Dec - completely depends if someone cancels. the bigger DVC gets the more likely this will happen.

So never count on Dec - so you need to make your DVC reservation before your plane reservation (if you can on the same day).

Dec sells out early. but cancellation can happen at any time.

I like last minute trips myself - they are the BEST!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

DVC is not really for the last minute reserver. If you don't mind moving around from resort to resort (one day here, two days there, etc), it might work out. Mid Jan after the marathon, early may, late Aug, early sept are about the only times when there might be something available.

 

[spiceycat]

forgot a big one - you need to be flexible with your resorts and your dates.

Member service is great to help with this one.

if I can't get the week I wanted at first - they will look around and find me a week (okay 5 days) I can use generally in that month.

if you have to have a certain week - then it is best to do it at 11 or 7 month time.

if you are flexible - member service is great to work with - they do try their best to find you something!!!

 

[grd]

Thanks for the quick response.

It looks like it may not work out for my next trip since we are going with some that can't commit to a time yet.

The DVC still looks interesting for future trips when I can plan ahead.

I have seen post about member discounts when paying cash. How does this work? Is it a substantial discount.

It may be worth buying my DVC now with no points left until late 2008 and paying cash for my next trip and planning a trip for the following year using DVC points.

 

[spiceycat]

you can borrow 2008 points for this year.

so it might.

 

[grd]

Can I confirm a room is available before I borrow the points or do I need to borrow the points then try to book a room.

 

[CarolA]

Can I confirm a room is available before I borrow the points or do I need to borrow the points then try to book a room.

Member Services will tell you what is open and then tell you if you want it you have to borrow... so the points aren't borrowed until you say you will take what they can find.

 

[tomandrobin]

The past two years we have booked 3 trips under two months of our travel dates. Once was Memorial Day weekend, 4th of July week and end of August. We got a room each time with no waitlist. But you have to be flexible and take what they give you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for the quick response.

It looks like it may not work out for my next trip since we are going with some that can't commit to a time yet.

The DVC still looks interesting for future trips when I can plan ahead.

I have seen post about member discounts when paying cash. How does this work? Is it a substantial discount.

It may be worth buying my DVC now with no points left until late 2008 and paying cash for my next trip and planning a trip for the following year using DVC points.

DVC discounts are not always available. When they are, they are good for 25% off the rack rate of DVC rooms only. They usually are available when Member Services thinks the room will not be reserved using DVC points.