New DVC member can't get in anywhere!

[CandleontheWater]

I'm pretty bummed. I just bought into Saratoga Springs last week, and my agent assured me that I would be able to get something for Thanksgiving. I was planning on buying DVC resale, but since our salesperson told us we could get a place for our Thanksgiving trip and because of the incentives we decided to buy directly from Disney. I called today and there were no rooms available anywhere on property. I also asked the DVC ressie person if we could get into any of the hotels in the caribbean, or Vegas or even Vero Beach, and there was no availability anywhere! How early to you have to book your trips? I know that its only 6 months until Thanksgiving, but I figured somewhere in the DVC universe there would be a place we could spend the holiday. The person I spoke to also told me not to bother with waitlisting, because the list is a mile long and there is no way we could get a place. Is this really good advice?

 

[deej696]

Sorry your guide spoke on something that they really didnt know for sure, unless they had a reservation screen in front of them. I would definitely waitlist and then follow up from time to time about it. If I was a betting man I'd say something somewhere in dvc would open up. If not, well at least if you try to go next year you can book your home resort at the 11 month window and then you are all but guaranteed. Good luck, I cant think of a better place to spend thanksgiving!

 

[cobbler]

I am sure something will open up. Has the last bldg at SSR opened yet?

We bought in October of 05 and were able to snag a reservation for the week after Thanksgiving as soon as we were in the system. That was only 7 weeks out. Of course that was a year and a half ago.

I think something will open up.

 

[rigsby25]

Since your guide assured you that you could make a reservation for Thanksgiving, why don't you ask him/her to help you do it?

 

[littlestar]

Get on the wait list pronto. Maybe something will come in when the other Saratoga building opens up.

Yes, it's important to book at your 11 month window for holidays. Also, sometimes the only thing missing is a day. I sometimes book what I can get (like 3 days in a row) and then waitlist the rest and DVC adds it on when the waitlist comes in. Also, if I book late during holidays I've had better luck getting a 1 bedroom vs. a studio.

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

First, welcome home. Please don't let this disappointment diminish the excitement of joining DVC.

Holiday periods are tough, and the 11-month home resort advantage is a definite benefit. For really popular times - like Christmas week - you'll see posts about people doing day-by-day bookings. (Booking 1 night of a reservation exactly 11 months from the day. Then calling back the next day to add the next day on. And etc.)

You're trying to get into a holiday week a month after the reservations have been opened to everyone.

For other times of year you won't have to fight quite so hard to get in. In fact, if you were to try for a week later (after Thanksgiving), you'd probably get right in without any problems. Of course, it's not the same as being there to have your turkey with Mickey.

Put yourself on the wait list and cross your fingers. There's still a chance.

 

[Dean]

Since your guide assured you that you could make a reservation for Thanksgiving, why don't you ask him/her to help you do it?

I agree, there are often inventories that the guide can access that MS can't, these include undeclared developer inventory, inventory secured with points DVC has bought back or owns otherwise, even exchange generated inventory in some situations.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You might try asking which size unit has the smallest waitlist too. My guess is if you are thinking studio, you might as well forget it, but a 1 bedroom might be possible. I also agree with Dean to ask your guide. They can work some magic sometimes.

 

[kda]

Also, sometimes the only thing missing is a day. I sometimes book what I can get (like 3 days in a row) and then waitlist the rest and DVC adds it on when the waitlist comes in. Also, if I book late during holidays I've had better luck getting a 1 bedroom vs. a studio.

I agree. CMs I've spoken with have been very helpful and checked each resort for each day. That will identify which may have some days available and you could book those days and waitlist for the other(s). Try to be as flexible as possible. You're talking about a major holiday. Sure, it's a gamble, but there's time.

BUT, I'd still contact your guide first and ask them to help you.

Good luck!

 

[popstar7867]

Is it usually hard to get reservations for May which is a middle of the road time of year. I can't really book during the 11 month window now as I won't know my def work schedule for next year. This would be my first time booking. We just joined

 

[DebbieB]

Is it usually hard to get reservations for May which is a middle of the road time of year. I can't really book during the 11 month window now as I won't know my def work schedule for next year. This would be my first time booking. We just joined

Most of May is quiet. The dates around Memorial Day might be a little harder. Up until last year, I booked a week at OKW around Mother's Day at 7 months with no problem.

 

[Luigi's Girl]

We had the same problem when we first joined and our first trip as members was only a few months away. We could only get the first two nights at our home resort VWL so we used the rest of our points to stay at the GF which we assumed we would never be able to afford. That unfortunate circumstance gave us the chance to fulfill the dream of staying at the GF which I'm glad we did but, we love staying DVC much better.

 

[mufasa0505]

When did you call? AKV just opened for booking by non-owners yesterday, so maybe there is something there. Definitely call your guide, though.

Good luck!

 

[Tabetha]

I agree, get on a waiting list. I did that for last President's week and something came through relatively quickly at SSR (like within 2 weeks)
Thanks to all the juggling to get into VAK, something may have/will open up.

 

[byoung]

Sorry your guide spoke on something that they really didnt know for sure, unless they had a reservation screen in front of them. I would definitely waitlist and then follow up from time to time about it. If I was a betting man I'd say something somewhere in dvc would open up. If not, well at least if you try to go next year you can book your home resort at the 11 month window and then you are all but guaranteed. Good luck, I cant think of a better place to spend thanksgiving!

I agree.

 

[momof3poohlovers]

I am not sure of your dates or the size you are looking for but I just cancelled a ressie for a dedicated 2 bedroom at Saratoga Springs for Nov. 20th-26th. Now there's one less person on the waitlist!

 

[NancyDVC]

Get on the waitlist. With no preference for the size unit (one bedroom or studio) or resort you should be able to get something. I have been on the waitlist several times and got a call with a ressie for the dates I wanted but at another resort. All the resorts are very nice so any one of them would be lovely. Remember you can not trade out to another non DVC Disney resort if there is no availablity at the DVC resorts. When a member trades out to a non DVC Disney resort the DVC inventory is then 'exchanged' to the main reservation area and 'rented' to a non member for cash.

Try it you may be pleasantly surprised. Lots of people make ressies and then cancel or change them as their life changes.

Good Luck and don't give up!

Nancy

 

[kimberh]

Remember that people can cancel a reservation 31 days before it starts without penalty, rooms have a good chance of opening up then, as stated, get on the waitlist!!!! I have had very good success with it.

 

[TDC Nala]

Whoa, the guide guaranteed you a reservation for Thanksgiving in June? Don't know how they could possibly do that.

If you want to go on the waitlist...waitlist yourself for ALL the properties. Take the one that comes up first with all the nights you wanted. Don't make any special requests unless you absolutely need them. Then, if you prefer another resort, leave the waitlist active for that resort and you can switch if it becomes available.

 

[vonpluto]

Just booked 11/12-11/22 at OKW (1BR) this past Thursday. We wanted the first week of November, had most of it, and while hashing out the MS rep said, "Whoops, just lost the middle days". Action is fast and furious at MS!
Keep trying and good luck!