Question from a brand new DVC owner

[Kygirls]

Hello, everyone. My family bought 180 points at SSR on Saturday while vacationing at WDW. I am planning my next trip already, and we are looking at going for the marathon again next year. I know I can book my home resort at 11 months, but I have a few questions. I am sure these answers are already on this forum somewhere, but I hope you will tolerate me asking again.

1) Is the marathon always the second weekend of January? I can't find the 2014 dates on-line anywhere yet.
2) Does my 11-month window open on the first day of my anticipated stay?
3) I know I need accommodations for at least 5, but perhaps up to 9 if my sister and her family come. Unfortunately, it's very difficult for my sister and brother-in-law to commit to anything 11 months in advance. If I book the treehouse at SSR at 11 months, can I "downsize" that reservation to a 1br if it turns out I don't need to accommodate as many people?
4) Can I book my home resort at 11 months, then see what else is available at 7 months and change that reservation?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DizBub]

Hello, everyone. My family bought 180 points at SSR on Saturday while vacationing at WDW. I am planning my next trip already, and we are looking at going for the marathon again next year. I know I can book my home resort at 11 months, but I have a few questions. I am sure these answers are already on this forum somewhere, but I hope you will tolerate me asking again.

1) Is the marathon always the second weekend of January? I can't find the 2014 dates on-line anywhere yet.
2) Does my 11-month window open on the first day of my anticipated stay?
3) I know I need accommodations for at least 5, but perhaps up to 9 if my sister and her family come. Unfortunately, it's very difficult for my sister and brother-in-law to commit to anything 11 months in advance. If I book the treehouse at SSR at 11 months, can I "downsize" that reservation to a 1br if it turns out I don't need to accommodate as many people?
4) Can I book my home resort at 11 months, then see what else is available at 7 months and change that reservation?

Thanks in advance!

Hello and Welcome!!

Not real sure about #1 but yes to #2 thru #4.

Enjoy your membership!

 

[ANGRebel]

Yes, the marathon is the second Sunday in january every year. We will be making our first trip as DVC members for the Marathon next year as well!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[drusba]

As to reserving, you can reserve up to 7 nights at 11 months out from date of arrival. You can reserve a Treehouse and later change to a 1BR if, and only if, the 1BR is actually available when you go to make the change. You can cancel your SSR reservation and switch to another resort at 7 months out for anything that is in fact open at 7 months out. That can be difficult at times and for some classes of rooms. For example, around marathon weekend which is actually a high DVC demand time, it is probable that you will not be able to find something at BCV at 7 months out and possibly not at BWV or BLT. Also if what you want is AKV concierge or value rooms, BLT standard view, or BWV standard or boardwalk view, you should own at the particular resort because those are usually difficult to get at 7 months out.

 

[Sandisw]

The key to switching any reservation is that there must be availability in order to do so because you are really canceling and then re-booking the new room.

And, if you are going to something that is less points, it must be done at least 31 days in advance of the points will go into holding. Once that happens, those points will expire at the end of the UY that the trip was scheduled, and can only be rescheduled for new trips 60 days or less from arrival.

Congratulations and welcome to the club!

 

[disbound09]

Congrat's SSR is is a great area. Be sure to check out the SSR lovers posts for some tips!

 

[The big Disney nerd]

Congratulations on your purchase! Just one work of advice from personal experience... the many stairs up to your treehouse are not the most fun after the marathon. Marathon weekend is busy, but usually have 1 BR at SSR available 7 months out.