Reservations on DVC

[SC Princess]

I am thinking of buying and am wondering how hard it is to make spur of the moment reservations? Everything I'm reading says book 7 to 11 months in advance. What is I decide I want to go in a couple of weeks? Is that impossible?

 

[Lynne M]

It's not impossible, but you may find yourself being frustrated and disappointed pretty frequently, especially if you travel at busy times of the year (for example, Oct. through the end of the year).

Timeshares are really designed for those who can book far in advance, and if I couldn't book at least 7 months out, I probably wouldn't buy DVC.

In practical terms, you'll probably be spending most of your time at SSR and possibly OKW, as those are the two largest resorts. You'll most likely be shut out of the smaller resorts and popular views and locations. For example, it would be very unlikely that you'd ever get a club level villa at AKV, or a boardwalk view at BWV, or a MK view at BLT on short notice. BCV and BWV will be unavailable on short notice during the Food & Wine Festival. You'll never get VWL during the holiday season unless you book it at 11 months out.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

I have only been an owner since June.. But, I have found it to be not too bad as long as you are flexible.. For our first trip, I did plan 4 nights at OKW in a 1 bedroom- this was booked in June for late july stay. BUT, I did decide to start this trip a day early and was able to book a 1 night stay at AKV while I was driving on the way for that night. Also, I was able to add a day at OKW at the end- just called that morning when we decided to stay longer..

I am planning a solo trip In Oct. I had booked a BLT studio around August but my dates changed and when I called to cancel I was able to get a std studio at BW ( during F&W) for 2 nights. This was done around Sept 1st for stay Oct 26-27. Now, I have been trying to get a WL for BLT and that hasnt come through but I am quite happy with BWV for F&W.

Now, we live in Arizona and realizing on this past Thursday that the kids fall break and hubby's days off converged. We have decided to do a quick 3 day trip to DL.. Now, I did want VCG but not available but I was able to book 2 nights at the Paradise Pier hotel using points... The 3rd night we left open because we may go to San Diego.. This trip was booked 5 days out..

So, IMO, if you are flexible, it's doable.

 

[Deb & Bill]

It pretty much depends on the time of the year. Holiday time might be very difficult. Other times you might have one night here, two nights there, another night in a third resort.

Don't plan on getting your first, second or third choice spur of the moment.

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you are willing to take you chance on which resort or room type, it shouldn't be a problem. WE have made spur of the moment ressies the day before without a problem, and one of them was even for Labor Day itself.

 

[fers31]

While spur of the moment vacations are not impossible, if this is your normal vacation pattern, DVC definitely might not be for you. It really works MUCH better if you're able to plan.

 

[rcchello]

Most of the time the biggest problem getting a room on short notice is that the location or room type you want will not be available. My sister was forced into getting a one bedroom her last vacation instead of her usual studio - it ruined her view of studios. Now she needs that one bedroom

I must add that I once was locked out of DVC for one short notice attempt (about 3 days before) and could not figure why at an odd time of year I could not get a room. It turns out that there was a marathon that weekend.