Reservations difficult on short notice

[mitros]

The biggest problem we have found over the years since we joined in 1991, is that the DVC doesn't work very well for folks that cannot make their plans many months out. My DW works for the Sheriffs dept. and we can rarely make reservation a long way {6 months or more} into the future. Because of her job, most of the time we have to make our plans a couple of weeks before we go. DVC does not lend itself well to this type of activity. We have always felt that this was due to the amount of owners versus space available, and I am talking ANY time of the year.Just a thought for people in the same position that are planning to buy into DVC.

 

[spiceycat]

sorry you have had problems

I have found availablity at 2 months if you are flexibility. One year I tried 9 days and got something.

but if you have to go a certain week in the summer - or even worst the first two weeks of December then yes you will have problems

have you tried to ask MS if anything in that month that you need is availability - or is she assigns a week and you have to have that week???

I sure hope this is not true - I have several points in holding that I must use at 60 days or less or lose - so I hope to make reservations next month for March.

have you tried the waiting list - with a day by day request and not getting in touch with you????

 

[vgaskin]

So far we haven't had that problem. We are not big planners, normally do our vacations at 6 months(maximum) to 2 months notice. We got our 2 bedroom at the Beach Club(the only place we wanted to stay) the week of thanksgiving(supposed to be the busiest) at 6 months out and we just booked a 2 bedroom at Hilton Head for March, 3 months out. Got everything we wanted.

Maybe if you had an idea when you wanted to go and you are using that year's points, you could book it just in case because as long as you cancel within 30 days, your points go back just as normal. That way you have the room if you can get off, if not, then you haven't lost your points. Hope this helps.

 

[pmcpmc]

this year normally quiter periods are busier.
Perhaps its the new owners at SSR booking space until the resort opens.
very litttle left most resorts January and February

 

[littlestar]

Wow, a couple of weeks before you go. That is short notice! I'd be a nervous wreck trying to get everything organized.

We've planned two months out before (when we first joined) and gotten Old Key West. Also took a spur of the moment trip at Vero last summer and got availability in an Ocean View inn room at about 7 weeks out. It was by a slim margin, though. I think we got the last room.

Some friends of ours who own at Boardwalk joined us in October 2002 at VWL and managed to get a studio on a weeks notice. They thought they were going to have to change rooms one night, but the resort ended up working it out so they could stay put.

 

[spiceycat]

boy - ya'll had we worried - I call MS to ask about availability for studios at OKW for the first and second week of March - there is plenty!!!!

Now I didn't ask about Jan or Feb - I can't go then - work!

the time we went on little notice 9 days was in Sept - low time - and yes we did forget a lot of needed stuff - but hey that is what Walmart is for.....

I needed a pickup and DVC is that!

 

[mitros]

I'll be honest, it doesn't happen ALL the time ; maybe we have had luck with 1 time out of 10, but that's it. We have tried wait lists, for us , they have NEVER worked. Also, I think pmcpmc has a really valid point regarding people buying into SSR and using their new points for other resorts, which kind of proves my point about selling more shares then they have places for people to stay. We have never been able to get into BCV, and we were able to get WLV one time. Right now, we have 50 points left over and our use year starts in March, which means I have to bank the points by Wednesday or lose them. I have NOT been able to get anything at any resort except for a grand villa at OKW between now and the end of April, which is as far out as we are able to book. I have said this a number of times on these boards, and it is getting worse as years go by, that they are selling more memberships then they have room for. Which of course makes me wonder how Disney can say business is off. Maybe it's just another excuse to lay off more CMs.

 

[spiceycat]

as I say MS told me today that there are studios at OKW for March!!!!

go try for one!

I can't until next week - my points are in holding....

 

[FriendsOfEeyore]

As far as the SSR owners go... Didn't they receive some incentive to buy early, like 100 points.

But other than that, I don't think that SSR owners can even book their points prior to their building opening (with the first bldg opening May 17).

It is impossible for DVD to sell more points than they have available. By the laws of vacation clubs and timeshares, they have to have the inventory to even sell the contract. I understand that the points might be a "grand villa" but the planning aspect is what is really hurting you.

Now, you live in FL, so I would think that it would be easier for the you swing in for random short stays.

Also, if you are going to lose the points, why not book a GV for one night and spurlge. Could you trade out to another WDW property?

We have not been home as of yet, but I have no problems booking the resort that we want for the dates that we want for the size of unit that we want.

Here's hoping that you find a nice dvc vacation stay soon.

 

[TonyS20]

Originally posted by FriendsOfEeyore
As far as the SSR owners go... Didn't they receive some incentive to buy early, like 100 points.

But other than that, I don't think that SSR owners can even book their points prior to their building opening (with the first bldg opening May 17).

When we purchased into SSR, we were given $10 off/point and our 2004 points. We could not book a stay until after May 17; therefore, I don't think the current unavailability is due to SSR.