More and more difficult to book?

[BethA]

Is it just my experience, or are others finding it more and more difficult to book at anywhere other than OKW and SSprings?

My family wasn't crazy about either of those--we did try them, and with not knowing way in advance when we can go, I seem to get shut out. I just tried for a July reservation--only those 2 available and i am going to try for Oct just for my younger son and I.

I guess if you can't get anything you can bank them, but I'm starting to find the whole process tiring. Waitlisting and wondering whether to buy a ticket or not. I am second guessing our decision to buy DVC--prior to owning--we have been members since 1999, I had no trouble making a reservation at any WDW resort for any time. Over the past years as members it seems to be harder and harder to get something--last 2 trips we tried the 2 available resorts, but my family does not want to return there.

Does anyone else find the process frustrating?
Beth

 

[Chuck S]

DVC has always worked best for those that can book 8 to 11 months out, and buying where you want to stay the most.

Do you own at OKW or SSR? If not you should consider booking at your home resort earlier than 7 months out from your ressie, you can always cancel the ressie if you aren't going to use it and re-book at OKW or SSR if your dates change. But earlier planning and use of the home resort priority window should help.

 

[Dean]

Not frustrating but expected. If one buys where they want to stay most of the time and books at 11 months out, there is little risk. Even at the 7 month window if one calls day by day and wait lists day by day if needed, there will likely be a high degree of success, esp if one booked home resort at 11 months out and has enough points to hold both reservations until the preferred one is completed.

 

[BethA]

We did buy where we wanted to stay--BWV and then WL--of course when BCV opened we'd love to stay there too. It's not like I bought OKW and then never want to stay there

Our schedules no longer allow us to book 11 or even 7 months out.I'm wondering if selling might be the best option for us.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I agree that, with DVC (or any timeshare), the early bird catches the worm.
This year we had to book somewhat late as well (my employer dragged their feet about approving my vacation dates !).
I called MS in early May to book for an early to mid Aug stay. Every DVC had availability for our dates (but BCV/VWL didn't have all of our dates. We would have had to waitlist for a few days or move to another resort). But SSR, OKW and BWV had all of our dates. We were looking for a 2 bedroom villa. So for only 3 months out, I didn't think this was bad at all. I was pleasently suprised in fact. Now I'm sure I wouldn't have been this lucky during Food and Wine or in early Dec. I've even had trouble getting OKW/SSR during that time period 3 months out. In 2004, OKW was completely sold out about 2-3 months prior for early Nov. You really do have to plan appropriately during busy DVC seasons.

 

[LIFERBABE]

You attempted to book a reservation for July 2006 and had a choice of 2 resorts. (attempting to be succinct, not harsh) that's less than 45 days out.

I wouldnt have expected to be able to string together any type of vacation at less than 45 days out at any DVC, so to me, this is good news.

The membership has increased dramatically in the last 3 years. SSR has added 26,000 members alone. The sleepy days of DVC are over. The secret is out and the newer buyers are more informed (thanks to the internet) and less likely not to use their points.

If you foresee only being able to book your trips at short notice (less than 5 months out) find the waitlist tiring, and have strong aversions to OKW and SSR then selling is the only option left. I like those options for a last minute vacation (and not so last minute), but if they would prevent you from vacationing, then what else is there?

Buying where you want to stay does not help you at all inside of 7 months.

DVC membership is going to continue to grow and BWV and BCV and VWL are not going to get any larger. The next resort is a couple of years from opening but if you dont own there, you may find yourself in the same predicament.

 

[Brucechen]

Is it just my experience, or are others finding it more and more difficult to book at anywhere other than OKW and SSprings?

My family wasn't crazy about either of those--we did try them, and with not knowing way in advance when we can go, I seem to get shut out. I just tried for a July reservation--only those 2 available and i am going to try for Oct just for my younger son and I.

I guess if you can't get anything you can bank them, but I'm starting to find the whole process tiring. Waitlisting and wondering whether to buy a ticket or not. I am second guessing our decision to buy DVC--prior to owning--we have been members since 1999, I had no trouble making a reservation at any WDW resort for any time. Over the past years as members it seems to be harder and harder to get something--last 2 trips we tried the 2 available resorts, but my family does not want to return there.

Does anyone else find the process frustrating?
Beth

I'll start by answering your question at the end. No, I don't find the process frustrating at all. There are certain ways to maximize your ownership and when used correctly those ways make bookings easy to come by. Those that can book 8 months or more are seldom dissapointed. 7 month bookings have always been succesful for me as well. SSR has about 26,000 members now. Wait until it is sold out and that number grows to 50,000 members at SSR. Many of those members will be competing regularly for the resorts with direct theme park access. After all isn't that what WDW is about, the theme parks? 7 month bookings will be a thing of the past at BCV and BWV and possibly VWL IMO.

That being said, your best option is to sell and sell NOW. I'd recommend renting the points to make a profit but not in your case. Seems MS and wit lists/multiple calls isn't your thing. Renting would up your stress levels. Strike while the resale values are still high and sel now. DVC or any other timeshare for that matter does not work well for those that cannot book well in advance. I've had trouble getting weeks with my Marriott 11 months out.

Good luck with the sale.

Bruce

 

[spiceycat]

i would make the reservation for OKW - then waitlist at BCV or VWL or BWV. the 31 days hasn't come up - so until it does the member who have reservations but aren't going have no reason to cancel.

call on the 31 or 30 days - I will surprised if you can't find something then....

oh I would call even if I got on the waitlist.....

but don't wait until 28 days - these cancellations go FAST.

also remember you are competeing with non-members. at 60 days all the unused villa go to CRO - no matter who owns them....

so at 65 days you might have gotten one of the resorts you want.

only you can decide if you want to sell. if you do - consider what DVC means to you and your family - will you miss your DVC vacations? then I won't sell. If you don't think your family will miss DVC at all - definitely sell it. Now why the market is hot.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

If you can't make ressie at 8 months then owning the BWV & WL holds no advantage and can be very frustrating especially since you actually bought where you wanted to stay back in 1999 and your MF are higher than OKW & SSR.

I just purchased BWV at a higher price ($9 per point) and got 12 years less than SSR and my MF are higher then SSR. If I wasn't able to stay at BWV I'd be very frustrated too since I spent more money just to be ABLE to stay there. SSR is a better deal (financially) and a lot of people are purchasing it and booking at other places and the resorts near the parks at becoming unavailable to the owners. You mentioned that you did not have this problem back a few years ago as the number of members were less.

I think you need to contact DVC and tell them that you are frustrated by this. DVC needs another DVC resort near a theme park to handle all the competition for the BWV, BCV and WL. If the next one is at Eagle Pines or somewhere not near a theme park BWV, BCV and WL owners will never be able to stay at their home resort without booking 8 months in advance. If the cost to buy in Now & MF were all the same at each resort than it wouldn't matter, but since BWV, BCV & WL owners are paying more than SSR and they can't book at their home resort is not right and its only going to get worse with more members.

DVC needs to know that they have a growing problem on there hands and that they need to respond to the owners.

I know alot of people will response that this is the great thing about DVC, that you can stay at other resorts. However, it shouldn't cost BWV, BVC & WL owners more to stay at SSR then it does for SSR owners. I'm sure that SSR is an awesome resort, but its doesn't have the location of the BW or BC or WL - It doesn't have SAB, you can't watch illuminations from your balcony etc. That's why I paid more to buy BWV. I hope I'm not dissapointed in 10 years.

 

[disneykid4ever]

We had no problems booking at VWL for January at 7 months out. Of course, I am an avid planner and we had been working on this for a year. Even though I am a new member, I would expect that trying to book at less than 7 months could present some limitations as to where we could stay. But seriously, it's WDW . . . what was so terrible about OKW and SSR that you would absolutely not stay there again, and worse yet, consider selling your interest in DVC? IMHO, no DVC accommodations could be so bad as to make me want to sell my interest. But hey, if the situation as it stands is not worth it to you then you should do what will make you happiest.

 

[Chuck S]

I think you need to contact DVC and tell them that you are frustrated by this. DVC needs another DVC resort near a theme park to handle all the competition for the BWV, BCV and WL. If the next one is at Eagle Pines or somewhere not near a theme park BWV, BCV and WL owners will never be able to stay at their home resort without booking 8 months in advance.

There never were any guarantees you could stay at your home resort, especially booking outside your priority window. They can even be fully booked during your priority window. This really isn't DVCs problem. The OP's lack of ability to plan early for a vacation is not DVCs responsibility. In fact, according to our documents the 11/7 month priority window could be shortened to an 11/10 month window at DVCs discretion. If I were the OP, I would book during my priority window for a time when they think they will be able to go and hope it works out. Just be sure they know for sure prior to their cancellation window so they don't lose points and have a chance to re-book, even if it is at another resort.

I agree I would be disappointed if I couldn't book my home resort of OKW, as I love that resort, I sympathize with the OP, but at the same time I know how the system works and would be happy to take anything available if I couldn't get OKW...even though I have no interest in staying at BWV or BCV, at least I would be at WDW. Remember the OP is trying to make a July ressie in June...what did she expect to be available? I'm actually surprised there is availabilty anywhere, considering any unbooked rooms were already turned over to CRO for cash ressies.

 

[byoung]

I got VWL at the 7-month in May with no problem one the first call.

 

[LIFERBABE]

Remember the OP is trying to make a July ressie in June...what did she expect to be available? I'm actually surprised there is availabilty anywhere, considering any unbooked rooms were already turned over to CRO for cash ressies.

I completely agree Chuck. And those reading this thread, really should look at when the the OP was trying to book. What's the purpose of the 11/7 month booking windows that are clearly spelled out in the POS? We are all part of the same system and it behooves all members to be aware that their home resort MAY not be available a month out.

Even if they held rooms for owners, this late in the game, the op still would not have gotten one.

 

[lizziepooh]

Do you anticipate ever being able to book further ahead? If not, it sounds like you should have a serious talk with the family. If they absolutely don't want to go on vacation if it means staying at OKW or SSR, then it sounds like maybe you should consider selling. Also, consider how you and DH feel about those resorts apart from the kids. Once the kids are grown and gone, would you two be happy staying there and/or would you be able to book further ahead at that time?

 

[Buckalew11]

This makes me glad that staying at any DVC resort is OK by me!! OKW is extremely appealing to me (might be my first stay!!) and SSR was lovely when we toured so I am happy I think I'll love each one of them for their positive reasons!!

 

[Dean]

We did buy where we wanted to stay--BWV and then WL--of course when BCV opened we'd love to stay there too. It's not like I bought OKW and then never want to stay there

Our schedules no longer allow us to book 11 or even 7 months out.I'm wondering if selling might be the best option for us.

Only you can decide what's best for your situation. However, I think most people that plan to travel higher demand times, want the smaller more in demand resorts and can't book at least 7 months out are better off selling or not buying in. And this potential lifestyle change is one of the reasons that I tend to recommend some not buy that most everyone else says buy. Unless DVC is a slam dunk for a potential buyer, they should not buy.

I just purchased BWV at a higher price ($9 per point) and got 12 years less than SSR and my MF are higher then SSR. If I wasn't able to stay at BWV I'd be very frustrated too since I spent more money just to be ABLE to stay there. SSR is a better deal (financially) and a lot of people are purchasing it and booking at other places and the resorts near the parks at becoming unavailable to the owners. You mentioned that you did not have this problem back a few years ago as the number of members were less.

DVC can not be held responsible for one's personal situation or changes in that situation.

I think you need to contact DVC and tell them that you are frustrated by this. DVC needs another DVC resort near a theme park to handle all the competition for the BWV, BCV and WL. If the next one is at Eagle Pines or somewhere not near a theme park BWV, BCV and WL owners will never be able to stay at their home resort without booking 8 months in advance. If the cost to buy in Now & MF were all the same at each resort than it wouldn't matter, but since BWV, BCV & WL owners are paying more than SSR and they can't book at their home resort is not right and its only going to get worse with more members.

DVC needs to know that they have a growing problem on there hands and that they need to respond to the owners.

I know alot of people will response that this is the great thing about DVC, that you can stay at other resorts. However, it shouldn't cost BWV, BVC & WL owners more to stay at SSR then it does for SSR owners. I'm sure that SSR is an awesome resort, but its doesn't have the location of the BW or BC or WL - It doesn't have SAB, you can't watch illuminations from your balcony etc. That's why I paid more to buy BWV. I hope I'm not dissapointed in 10 years.

How come. There is no growing problem. DVC promised a home resort priority of at least a month and it was 4 a month priority when everyone bought if there were 2 resorts in the system. They are fulfilling their end of the bargain. The higher costs for certain resorts are based on the fact it costs more to run those resorts than others. The owners at those resorts are appropriately paying the costs there. What if VB were to have had a Special Assessment due to the hurricanes, should they have spread that cost over all the members. Unfortunately there are a few uninformed people out there that would have wanted just that.

Unfortunately just a single smaller resort at somewhere like CR won't balance the system. It'd likely take some 4-500 units minimum to do so without EP, and another 300-400 units additional if EP comes on board. The potential is there to make a resort like SSR or EP so desirable that the trade balance won't be a problem or that it even helps correct the current imbalance. Unfortunately they missed that chance with SSR and I see no indication they would do a better job at EP. It would take some major upgrades to accomplish that feat due to the fact you're competing with smaller resorts that have an "unfair" location advantage. What things might raise demand enough to reverse the trade out imbalance you might ask. I'd say things like lower points, a pool so great everyone would want to stay there. Maybe some separate homes or duplex's on the golf course, possibly 4 BR lockoff's into two 2 BR. Maybe connecting studios strung together in the Inn to generate a 4 BR (2 BR with a studio on each end). Some might say a sleep 6 one BR but I don't see this as workable. Direct monorail access might be another option. I'm sure we could come up with a lot more.

 

[BethA]

With a son who played a lot of high school sports and now is entering college we don't have the freedom we did before to plan around set school schedules. he also now works, so that factors into play and my husband's employment has changed too. When we first purchased we always went at Easter and Thanksgiving and I was on the phone at the 11 month window, so i am well aware of how the system works. I wasn't looking for a lecture or a harsh reply, just wondering if i was the only here experiencing this problem and apparently i am. Some of you seem to take a very condescending approach on your posts and I have found that here before and am always hesitant to post on the DVC boards.

We had a bad experience at Saratoga--everything that could go wrong did and the staff did not care. we also do not like the location at all.
My husband and i did not mind OKW-the room size was great, but we didn't like the location and having to take a bus or a long hike to the main pool and restaurant. My teen doesn't like either and vacationing with a cranky teen is not worth it. I think since we have gone to WDW so many times he doesn't want to do it if he can't stay at a place he likes and I feel the same. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I would not stay at a Value resort but for those who enjoy them that is great and I'd never criticize them, nor would I criticize someone who wants to only travel if they can stay in a suite.

I appreciate the replys of those who offered helpful suggestions and information on selling. Thanks. We have loved being DVC members and i would hate to sell but if I can't get anything I am out of luck. this is not the only time this has happened and it wasn't always at a prime time. Last year I ended up using points to stay at AKL, but I hate to use so many for one night.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Wow, I don't care much for Bwv, but if it was the only thing available when I called at such a late date to reserve, I would gladly stay there as opposed to a Moderate or value! No comparison in my book. In would just be happy I was able to book at all.

If making a ressie last minute is a must, and you absolutely will NOT stay at SSR or OKW, then by all means...sell. Maybe a fixed week timeshare close to your home would be a better choice for you, because then you would always know you would be planning your vacation for the same week every year, and if it was close to your home, you woudn't have to stress about planning transortation etc.

We have a friend who did just that. She owns a minimal OKW contract which she uses every other year. She owns a fixed week timeshare within a couple hours of home on a week that she knows will never cause an issue, and she knows she always has that relaxing week where her kids have lots of lake activities etc to enjoy. Now that her kids are grown, she even lets them use the week with their friends. That scenario might be a better choice for you as well. Kind of gives you the best of both worlds.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

BethA: I was somewhat confused by your title: "More and more difficult to book?"

It wasn't apparent to me that you had previously had success booking on short notice at a DVC resort of your choice and now were having that problem. It looked like you previsouly could book well in advance at DVC and now that wasn't possible.

You indicated that you had no problem booking a non-DVC resorts prior to 1999 when you joined DVC, but again, I wasn't sure if these were last minute bookings or not.

In my pre-DVC days, I still remember booking at BWI in 1997 for early Nov. less than 2 months out. I did get my room, but it was at full rack rate and I had to do 3 reservations (and 3 check-ins) for the 4 nights I was staying because it was booked to capacity when I first called. So I just kept calling back (no waitlist) to grab dates that opened up.

And to answer your other question, yes I sometimes get frustrated with my ownership at DVC and the hoops that I need to jump thru to go where I want when I want to go. We booked for this Oct at 11 months out, but then rebooked at 8 months out for a smaller villa to squeeze in another trip and then booked at 6 months out to add some nights because we couldn't get the flights we wanted. We are still wait listed for those last nights. Its exhausting, but then I remember the effort (and expense) it took to book at BWI, so I hang in there.

It is sad but true that if you are prepared to pay rack rate you will have a lot more flexibility in staying where you want when you want to. DVC gives you a significant discount off rack rate, but it comes with some inconveniences.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Beachangel]

I don't find it more & more difficult to book, in fact I just booked my home resort, BWV, for Dec/NYE at the 7 month window. I was shocked to say the least. I book two visits per year at the 11 month window - August and Columbus weekend since those dates don't change in my vacation schedule. Last minute bookings I've done in the past has always worked out, but I read more and more posts where booking less than 7/11 window is difficult.