Problems with booking less than 7 or 11 months

[JRDisneyFan]

We are thinking of buying 160 pts at BLT. Was wondering if anybody had any problems booking with short notice (less than 2 months) at any of the DVC resorts? We can't always plan 7 or 11 months ahead. We are really interested in buying but if it is nearly impossible to book on short notice, it may change our minds. Thanks.

 

[Chuck S]

DVC works best if you can book early. Holiday periods will be next to impossible to book at 2 months out. And DVC turns any "points" rooms not reserved by members over to cash reservations at 60 days out.

That said, it is sometimes possible to book less in demand time frames, like September, on short notice.

But if it is a necessity to regularly book upon short notice, DVC likely isn't your best choice.

 

[disneynutz]

There can always be an exception, but you usually will only find SSR or OKW available at 2 months.

Bill

 

[Sammie]

There can always be an exception, but you usually will only find SSR or OKW available at 2 months.

Bill

And at certain times of the year they won't be available at 2 months either.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If I were you, I'd just keep looking for Disney discounts instead of spending your money on DVC.

 

[stacy6552]

We've booked on short notice a few times. Once as short as 2 weeks and once we booked HHI on a Tuesday to check in the following Sunday (although I stalked that one so it doesnt really count). In the winter, I called about a Tuesday through Friday on the Monday before. We've always gotten a room, you just have to be open to wherever they have space. ON short notice you take what you can get. We've even split our stay, which is no biggie because Disney moves everything for you.

 

[nifferearly]

I called about 3 weeks before a trip last summer and got WL. Just called around 6/10 for 6/23 and had several choices (stayed at AKL). ALMOST got BLT for that trip, but I called at end of day and needed to discuss with family. It was gone at 9 the next morning! Probably went to a deserving waitlist....

As PP said, if you're not picky then I think you will often find rooms. BUT...I'm not sure I would pay the money for BLT if you rarely plan to book at more than 7 mos out. Might be better to buy resale at SSR at a much lower cost, since SSR and OKW are going to be available most often on short notice.

 

[lbaier]

Your willingness to be flexible in location and dates is key.

I am a DVC member and have the same issue of only being able to plan 60-90 days out - AND HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL.

My home resort is the Grand Californian at Disneyland. There are only (48) rooms and a VERY HIGH DEMAND. This is how I have been successful (and you can too!):

1) Call to make reservation with flexibility in mind (2-3 options).

2) If you can get ANY of the dates that you are requesting, BOOK THEM, and waitlist the remaining days. EVERYTIME I HAVE DONE THIS I HAVE RECEIVED MY FULL RESERVATION WITHIN 30 DAYS....That's been the last four trips.

3) Be prepared with a back-up plan though. You may need to book a cash room for a day or two on either end of your trip if you don't get your full waitlist request.

DVC takes a little work to make it happen each time (on short notice) - I admit! BUT, the savings are INDISPUTABLE. Just check the rack rates at any of the DVC resorts on Expedia.com and then compare the DVC pts at an average value of $10/pt....NO COMPARISON!!!

FINAL PIECES OF ADVICE:
1) YES, buy into DVC - it's worth it.
2) Don't buy A new contract from Disney if you are not going to take advantage of priority 7 or 11 month booking. BUY A DVC RESALE FOR A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN PRICE ($20-30 less per point usually....fewer years though).

 

[sweetdana]

Agree with the other poster, if you can be flexible on resort, days, and okay with split staying if needed, or paying cash for some of the nights if needed. It is worth it. Buy less points than you think you need, and see how it works, you can always add on later and you may end up with some cash RVSP, or studio instead of 1-bedrooms. Ect.

I got Memorial day weekend 5 nights, about 2 weeks out this year. I got 12-6 - 12-11 3 days out past Dec.
I also had to move a day to get all nights in 1 resort.

If your plans are Summer, Dec, Easter break.. this is not a good plan. As .. it may not work out.
G.L.!

 

[Dean]

We are thinking of buying 160 pts at BLT. Was wondering if anybody had any problems booking with short notice (less than 2 months) at any of the DVC resorts? We can't always plan 7 or 11 months ahead. We are really interested in buying but if it is nearly impossible to book on short notice, it may change our minds. Thanks.

Booking even at 7 & 11 months has gotten more difficult and should cont to slowly worsen for abut 2-3 more years. Short notice is difficult, even during slower times. The only rooms that should be empty at under 2 months are those are would otherwise go empty.

It is my opinion that someone who cannot plan at least 7 months out AND be realistic at that, should not join. That's not to say that there aren't those being successful that are outside my recommendations but the risk and costs are simply too great to risk it IMO.