Problems gettting ressies for Dec 27-Jan 2

[flyingcat2003]

Is anyone having trouble getting ressies for Dec27-Jan 2 @ 7 months? I called today and can't get a week (studio or 1 br) at any resort for the whole stay. I would have to change resorts 4 times to make this trip. The member services rep mentioned that more rooms might open up soon at BLT or AKKV if more contracts aren't sold soon. Anyone ever heard of this? Another thing, she mentioned I could pay cash for one of the nights I was missing at SSR. IF SSR has cash rooms at 7 months, why can't I book it now with my DVC points? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I plan to call MS everyday to see if things change. I don't mind changing resorts twice in 6 nights or maybe even 3 times but 4 is a little much even for this HUGE WDW fan.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Cash rooms I believe are not taken from DVC inventory that you would reserve with your points. They are from the room inventory that Disney allows the general public to reserve and is not declared for DVC.

We reserved at AKV at 11 months with no problems and then just the other day decided to change and split our stay over Christmas/New Years between AKV and BLT. I guess we just got very lucky.

As Disney continues to declare new units as construction progresses at Kidani and BLT, I'll bet the reservations will open up. I'd definitely try and waitlist, but probably reserve cash in the meantime just to ensure you have a place to stay.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Thanks for the info. I will try waitlisting for BLT or AKK. I was under the impression that SSR and OKW were DVC only resorts and only offered cash rooms for under 30 days arrival.

 

[*KeepMovingForward*]

Thanks for the info. I will try waitlisting for BLT or AKK. I was under the impression that SSR and OKW were DVC only resorts and only offered cash rooms for under 30 days arrival.

There are always a number of units that Disney holds back for central reservations. Non-members can go on Disney.com's site and reserve any dvc property on cash through CRO well beyond 30 days. I think you are thinking of when Disney releases any rooms that were for DVC members that were not reserved on points-they release those additional rooms to CRO at 30 days prior.

 

[LIFERBABE]

NYE normally sells out within hours of opening at most resorts. SSR and OKW dont last much longer.

Definitely waitlist because SSR, BLT and AKV have alot of unsold inventory that will gradually be released as the units sell.

 

[Deb & Bill]

In the future, make a reservation at your home resort at 11 months out. Then see if you can change it at 7 months out. Just one reason to buy where you wouldn't mind staying if you couldn't get anything else.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Bummed!

 

[tjkraz]

There are always a number of units that Disney holds back for central reservations. Non-members can go on Disney.com's site and reserve any dvc property on cash through CRO well beyond 30 days.

To add a little more info, what is described above is a function of DVC members' ability to use points outside of the 10 (?) DVC resorts. When a DVC member uses points for something like a Disney Cruise, Disney is then able to turn the member's points into DVC villas offered thru CRO. It goes something like this:

1. Member gives points to DVC and receives cruise.
2. DCL provides cabin for member and receives $$$ from DVC.
3. DVC then uses the member's points to set aside rooms for rental thru CRO. The proceeds from those cash bookings offset the $$$ paid to DCL.

Technically DVC does "hold back" rooms, but that process is initiated by a member's desire to use points outside of the program. It's not just a devious method of short-changing members.

Disney can also rent rooms which have not yet been sold to members. BLT appears to be only 30-40% sold. Disney still owns the rest of the building and can rent out 60-70% of the rooms to cash guests.

And as previously stated unbooked DVC rooms can also be given to CRO. That happens 60 days out, not 30.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Thanks for the info.

 

[drusba]

For the future just be aware that there are times of year when it is difficult to get anything 7 months out. Christmas week is number one in that category. In fact, New Year's Eve is the highest DVC demand night of the year and the rest of the week is a close second. Moreover, for that week you really need to call 11 months out to assure getting what you want at your home resort because if you just wait until 10 1/2 months out you can find what you want already gone.

Other times of year when you may face issue of potentially nothing available at seven months out include the two Easter weeks, other holiday times, first two weeks of December. Other times are also busy and it can be hit or miss such as Oct (particularly for resorts near the Epcot wine festival) and many spring break weeks other than the two Easter. It is always safer to book within 11 month window and then try to switch if you want something other than your home resort.

For both BLT and AKV, there is some chance of getting something as time progresses because as they sell more units, more reserve time becomes available to members. However, best to be on a wait list if you want that kind of luck.

 

[rcortese711]

Yep we noticed the lack of availability too. Our home resort is BLT so we booked that right away for a 2 bdrm Dec. 27-Jan. 3. We booked that about 2 months ago and were put on a waitlist for the 31st. Luck was on our side and we got our waitlisted room.

We wanted to change over to AKV but when I called yesterday, they didn't have anything open. We're just lucky that we're somewhere. I though that with the economy the way it is, there would be more available, but I guess not. I'm sure things will open up for you. Though I can imagine the waitlist being large, like other posters have mentioned, units will open up. Have a good holiday!

 

[LIFERBABE]

This thread does bring up a good point. For those that plan to travel during the peak times like NYE, you pretty much have to be resigned to staying at your home resort(s) once the declarations are complete.

NYE you have to book at 11 months at your home and there will be very little movement for non home resort stays once the units have sold due to the number of owners on the waitlist as well. With the limits on waitlists, it's going to be even tougher.

Something to consider if you plan on travelling this week regularly and dont like your home resort.

We have SSR and AKV for Christmas/NYE stays and we use our BCV/BWV for Food and Wine.

 

[flyingcat2003]

We will be there. Just a lot of moving around. We are going to waitlist for BLT or AKV hoping that something pops up.

 

[kaffinito]

I just canceled BLT from Dec 31 -Jan 2 for a 1 bdr lake view room.

 

[flyingcat2003]

Just an update member services told us that Dec.30 will be the hardest day to get. The only thing they had open was a studio at OKY. The 31 seems to be fine. So far we have BCV for the 27,28 we can't get BCV for the 29. OKW is open the rest of the week except for the 27,28,29,30. So has of right now it looks like we might have to change rooms on the 29,and 30. Wow thats a lot of moving.

 

[flyingcat2003]

I just canceled BLT from Dec 31 -Jan 2 for a 1 bdr lake view room.

I'm so sorry you had to cancel. Thanks for the heads up.

 

[flyingcat2003]

WOOHOOO!!!
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. I've called MS 3x a day for the last two days trying to get ressies for Dec 27- Jan 2. We were only able to get rooms for about 2 days before we would have to change resorts. I don't mind resort hopping but I didn't want to have to go to 3 resorts. Anyway, I called this morning and once again...nothing. I called again this afternoon @ about 4pm and was able to get the first four nights at the AK. I will still have to call again on the 31st to resevere the last two nights but that is okay with me. I don't know if rooms open that frequently or if it all depends on the MS rep you get when you call. By no means was any of the MS reps rude but some were more willing to help and make the reservations to meet your needs while others were just rattling off available rooms.

I heard that the MS reservation line was going to be down on May 31 from 9am-10am so no one call during this time

 

[LIFERBABE]

WOOHOOO!!!
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. I've called MS 3x a day for the last two days trying to get ressies for Dec 27- Jan 2. We were only able to get rooms for about 2 days before we would have to change resorts. I don't mind resort hopping but I didn't want to have to go to 3 resorts. Anyway, I called this morning and once again...nothing. I called again this afternoon @ about 4pm and was able to get the first four nights at the AK. I will still have to call again on the 31st to resevere the last two nights but that is okay with me. I don't know if rooms open that frequently or if it all depends on the MS rep you get when you call. By no means was any of the MS reps rude but some were more willing to help and make the reservations to meet your needs while others were just rattling off available rooms.

I heard that the MS reservation line was going to be down on May 31 from 9am-10am so no one call during this time

Congrats!!

I dread moving, especially that many times.