Reservations One Month In Advance?

[Orky15]

We're probably going to make the decision to join tonight... and we are planning a short weekend trip in January. Does anyone have experience getting a room less than 1 month in advance of a trip or is that lunacy?

We were going to stay at a non-DVC resort like the Poly or the YC, though we were considering the VWL. Would the location affect availability?

 

[Synonymous]

I was able to get a room on one week's notice in September. That, of course, was a highly unusual time. January is so slow, though, you probably have a good chance if you're flexible about where you want to stay.

 

[WDWguru]

We just decided to buy in a few weeks ago (VWL and BWV). I think your larger problem may be your closing timeframe. We were told we couldn't book anything with points until after our contract closes, which takes 4-6 weeks. You basically have to be in Disney's computer before you can book.

Were we misinformed? If so, I'd love to know when I can book for our April trip!! Our VWL is via Disney and we're using Magical Beginnings, but our BWV is resale and has banked points we'll be using for the ressie. Will it be 4-6 weeks before we're in the computer on both? Will the VWL contract be in sooner since it's through Disney? I'm unclear on how it works.

Thanks all!!

 

[Synonymous]

When we bought, about a year ago, we were told that we could make a reservation once they had our deposit, but couldn't stay until we closed. I believe we did take advantage of this.

 

[jel0511]

When you buy through Disney, you usually can obtain your member number within a couple of days of placing your deposit and make any reservations using only your current use year points (no borrowing allowed). If you plan on going to WDW before you close, you are asked to sign a sheet stating that you will pay the value of the accomdations if you fail to close. We made our first reservation the day after placing our deposit down, but we didn't get to WDW until about a month after closing. If you buy a resale, it's true that you can't make any reservations until usually a week after your closing. It's my understanding it takes that long for the transaction to make it to Disney's computers. I don't know about if you can get reservations for Jan, but if you're flexible when/where you want to go you might find something.

 

[Orky15]

Thanks for this help... I just spoke to our guide, and she said you can only use your points for your home resort before you close.

 

[EROS]

I'd ask your guide for assistance in making the reservations. If your home resort is "full" , the guides are able to wield a little "magic". Of course, since occupancy has been down somewhat over the last 3 months I wouldn't anticipate having too much of a problem.

It sounds like you've decided to buy through DISNEY. Did you give any thought to purchase of a resale instead??The savings could be substantial.

Have a great trip,

 

[GCM13]

Orky, I would double check on not being able to make reservations at resort other than your home resort before closing. We were able to get a 1 BDR at BWV over Memorial Day weekend just 4 days in advance. We decided to add on the amount of points it would take so we wouldn't have to borrow. Our home is VWL. We paid our deposit while we were there. We did have to sign a paper stating we would pay the room cost if we didn't close.