New DVC Member and ANNOYED

[dianeschlicht]

I did just join and try booking for both vacations, however our guide made it seem as if there would be no problem at all scheduling these vacations even though it was outside of the 11 month booking window. I spoke with him and he said there is nothing that he can do for us as far as booking the rooms because the inventory is gone. I guess I am just shocked, not so much for the end of this month, but for December...who would have thought that the first week would be so busy?! Also I am worried because BLT isn't even sold out yet...so what happens when it does? Also I am lucky enough (well depending on how you look at it ) to live in NYS and there is actually a clause in the DVC contract that states you have 30 days to cancel membership instead of the normal 10. I really don't want to cancel it but I just am really sad.

First of all, your guide is a sales person. What they say sometimes has no resemblance to reality.

December is the single busiest and most difficult time to book at all DVC resorts at WDW. It's a low point season with holiday decor in full swing, and most members take advantage of both of those things to book their early December trips right at 9 AM at the 11 month booking window. Bear in mind though, that the 7 month window is coming up, and some will be changing reservations at that time, so being on the waitlist is a good thing. Waitlists are filled on a first come/first serve basis, so good that you are on it now.

I used to live in NYS, and I understand how you feel. I always noticed folks there get up tight a lot more easily about things like that. Just go with the flow, and I 'm quite sure your December dreams will come true. Remember that you can always try for a different resort than your home one at the 7 month window too. Try a 2 bedroom at OKW and you will use far less points and have far more space.

 

[suncup1225]

Wow everyone! Thank you so much for all of your help! I really am thankful for all of the helpful hints and tips that you gave me. I guess I didn't realize how busy DVC would be in December because as "normal resort guests" crowds seemed lighter, resorts less crowded etc. What we ended up doing was becoming flexible with our dates and booked for the second week in December. I guess I was used to more last minute planning and after our guide stated we would get reservations easily for December (we did tell him we were going this year) I thought it would be a piece of cake! Well it ended up all working out and now because of this situation you all have taught me so much! Thank you all for your help it really is appreciated!

 

[bumbershoot]

So glad it worked out!

I personally would leave a little message for the guide letting him know that his salespitch was absolutely not correct, to "help" him in the future so that his people are happier with him and don't request another guide when it's time to add on. But that might just be me.

 

[DenLo]

I don't if anyone has mentioned to the OP, in the future please don't forget that even if you can't get a villa at BLT you might be able to get a reservation at another DVC resort and waitlist for BLT. SSR, AKV and OKW are larger resorts and they often have rooms available on a short notice basis. Although March and December are pretty busy months.

Glad it worked out for you. And welcome home, BLT neighbor!

 

[BLTLDZ]

As others have said, as long as you plan ahead, you are good.

We too, are BLT owners.
Maybe this will give you some hope: EXACTLY at my 11 month booking window, I called MS, and booked two studio.standard view rooms at BLT. One for hubby & I, and one for my parents.

I intend to call at the 7 month window to try to switch over to beach club or boardwallk villas. So there will be two rooms open for somebody on the waitlist. (Providing we can get what we want). I am sure that there are plenty of BLT owners in the same boat. Hoping you get what you want!

And so it goes.

 

[cel_disney]

I'm glad you got a room for December!! We were there that first week in December in 2010 - it was packed! Its not only the member meeting - its the Christmas Parade taping weekend and typically Pop Warner week as well!

I'm sure you will have a great time that second week! Enjoy your first trip home in February!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Wow everyone! Thank you so much for all of your help! I really am thankful for all of the helpful hints and tips that you gave me. I guess I didn't realize how busy DVC would be in December because as "normal resort guests" crowds seemed lighter, resorts less crowded etc. What we ended up doing was becoming flexible with our dates and booked for the second week in December. I guess I was used to more last minute planning and after our guide stated we would get reservations easily for December (we did tell him we were going this year) I thought it would be a piece of cake! Well it ended up all working out and now because of this situation you all have taught me so much! Thank you all for your help it really is appreciated!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I'm at VWL for the second week in December. It's a great time to be there!

Bobbi

 

[Jonell]

If I were you I would book another resort and waitlist BLT. I didn't purchase at BLT and I thought after my first stay there it was a mistake. After staying in other DVC resorts I'm glad I went for the cheaper price per point resorts. BLT is great but not my favorite. You may be surprised that you would be just as happy staying somewhere else. Hope it works out for you.

 

[murmkc]

My primary (and perhaps only) DVC gripe is that you have to book the moment your arrival date is in the reservation window or there is a good chance you will be waitlisted. DVC is still more than worth it - but it is frustrating at times!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

What we ended up doing was becoming flexible with our dates and booked for the second week in December. !

and now you have learned the secret to making DVC work for you, flexibity both in dates and accomodations! We bought OKW because we loved OKW, I follow the school calendar and generally book at 9 or 10 months with no issues. Sometimes I book at 7 months, or even worse at 4 months, it's doable but I know at that point that I may not get OKW or the villa conf. that I prefer but I've learned that the objective is to get that vacation in and that each resort has something to offer!

DVC has yet to dissapoint me! Good luck to you and congrats on your DVC purchase!

 

[Anal Annie]

The other thing that is helpful when booking "last minute" (under 7 months) is to not only be flexible with your dates but with your resort. We like to resort hop anyway but when I call under 7 months I just start out by asking which resorts have availability for our dates and we pick from what's open.

 

[ccgirl]

Timeshare takes planning. It's not like the hotels where you can just call up and get a room (usually). As others have said, most members book their home resort 11 months out or 7 months out if it is not their home resort. December is already 9 months out so has been booked for two months. Are you flexible with your resorts? If you only want to stay at BLT you really need to plan in advance and book 11 months out. Good luck.

 

[TisBit]

Timeshare takes planning. It's not like the hotels where you can just call up and get a room (usually). As others have said, most members book their home resort 11 months out or 7 months out if it is not their home resort. December is already 9 months out so has been booked for two months. Are you flexible with your resorts? If you only want to stay at BLT you really need to plan in advance and book 11 months out. Good luck.

And something to keep in mind is that you should always book your home resort at 11 months, even if you plan on trying to switch at 7. This way you will always have a room for your vacation.

 

[CMOORE185]

And something to keep in mind is that you should always book your home resort at 11 months, even if you plan on trying to switch at 7. This way you will always have a room for your vacation.

I have been booking at 7 months for 10 years and never had a problem. There are certainly times when you need to book at 11 months to get exactly what you want, but with a few exceptions, there is always availability somewhere at 7 months.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I have been booking at 7 months for 10 years and never had a problem. There are certainly times when you need to book at 11 months to get exactly what you want, but with a few exceptions, there is always availability somewhere at 7 months.

For the most part, I also don't think having an 11 month reservation is necessary. It's just something to cancel and in the past, the desired reservation could be "gone" in the time it takes to cancel the old one. Maybe with the present system, that can't happen, but I lost the "new" and the "old" one time, and in the end, we had a vacation, but not the one we had wanted most.

Bobbi