Really Want To Stay At BWV - Any Help?

[Madi100]

We just bought SSR, and we are happy with that resort, although we haven't stayed there. I would not have any problem staying there. However, my DH and I are planning a trip for December '06, and it's an adult only trip. On our trip in '04 we spent two nights on the Boardwalk doing the different activities. We loved it and want to spend a lot of time there. I also want to do the Candlelight Processional and Fantasmic. While I'm sure that we will definitely visit MK and AK, I think this trip is going to be more focused around the adult activities at WDW. So, I think that the BWV would be the best choice for us.

When we took our tour, the guide made it sound like for the time we're going it would be no problem for us to get a room at another DVC. From reading here, it's not sounding all that promising. While I know we will have a great time on matter where we stay, I will be disappointed if we can't stay at either BWV (first choice) or BCV (second choice).

Since I've never made any type of reservation before with DVC, can someone please tell me what my best option is? I realize that I need to make a reservation 11 months out at SSR. Then do I just call at the seven month mark to try for BWV? What are my chances of actually getting a studio that day? I do not want to split a stay. Is it like making reservations at CRT where I need to get up and call the minute they open?

Thanks for the help. I don't like not understanding how this all works, exactly.

 

[CarolMN]

Your guide was wrong - Thanksgiving to December is the most difficult time to get a reservation at the smaller WDW DVC resorts (VWL, BCV & BWV). Busy times in the parks do not necessarily correlate to the ease of getting a reservation at one of the DVC resorts. I stay at the BWV (in a standard view room ) every year during late November/early December and I call day by day as soon as my 11 month window opens to ensure I get exactly what I want. Studios book more quickly than other room sizes.

It will be difficult - but not impossible to get a December reservation at the 7 month mark. IMHO, your best chance will be a Preferred View - pool/garden room at the BWV.

To have the best chance, you are going to have to call MS at 9 AM Eastern as soon as your 7 month window opens. You'll need to call day by day. If any of the days are not available when you call, get on the waitlist. If you follow that strategy, your chances of getting your BWV reservation are quite good.

Best wishes -

 

[AFMom]

I'll second that. I'd be sure to make the 11 mo res at SSR if you want to be sure to have a room there - and then try at the 7 mo mark for BWV. That's just the toughest time to get the 7 mo mark......

 

[jade1]

When we took our tour, the guide made it sound like for the time we're going it would be no problem for us to get a room at another DVC.

You wont, its called OKW.

 

[MrShiny]

What you probably want to do is book SSR 11 months out (to be sure of soething) then call exactly 7 months before your first date to see if you can switch. At that time, member services can give you an idea how hard it will be to get a room. You may need to check day by day, or it might be ok to wait until the last day (7 months before your check out) and switch the whole res.

 

[spiceycat]

so sorry!

but early Dec has always been very, very popular with DVC members - even back in the old days when there were just a few of us.....

that say would you consider later in Dec - yes I know the crowds are worst - but Dec 17 and after - you might be able to get.

the kids are out of school by then. the parks aren't packed that happens a little later - but they are certainly a bunch more people there than earlier in Dec.

closer to Christmas it gets worst.

 

[crisi]

Your best bet might be finding a BWV owner to trade points with. Or rent points from a BW owner and then rent your points out to cover the cost. Both early December and F&W can be tough for the Epcot resorts seven months out - and studios are the most popular room types. Certainly don't expect a standard view BW studio open at seven months (though you could get lucky). Several people posted being locked out of the Epcot area resorts completely calling right at the seven month window this year, even the waiting list didn't come through for them.

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

When making our reservation last year (Jersey week, Veterans day, last week F&W, Soap weekend...you name it the place was jammed...) we call well within the 7 month window. (5 months I think)

At first almost nothing was available. We went on the automatic waitlist and within a few weeks we had both BWV and BCV (we had wanted to try both).
If you don't manage to rent from a BWV owner, make sure that you waitlist each day individually. These waitlists come through much quicker that a block of nights.

We were initially frustrated but the eventual 10 day vacation (adults only) for F&W was wonderful.

Good luck