Room Availability Reality Check - Need Opinions

[Wendybird55]

Hi,

I'm going to be a first-time point renter. Friends are renitng us points for our upcoming vacation. The dates I'm planning are Aug 31 - Sept 5. Thier home resort is Saratoga Springs, but not my first choice.
So on Jan. 31 (7 months out) I will have my friend make my reservations. My first choice is Boardwalk Standard 2 Bedroom. How likely do you think I will get that for my dates?
I have 127 points. Any suggestions on what porperties are my best chances at getting? I can use the points different ways (though I wish I had about 30 more). I want to have a list of choices available for my friend in case my first choice is unavailable.
Has anyone noticed an easiet time of year to get the rooms you want with 7-month time frame than others?

Thanks for your help and opinions
Wendy

 

[DebbieB]

The 7 month timeframe goes by checkout date, not check-in. If they were to do a day by day, they could call on Feb 1 for the night of Aug 31 (which would check out Sept 1). If they called all at once, they could call on Feb 5.

You are checking in on Labor Day weekend, it might be hard to get a standard view. A preferred view might more likely be available, but more points. If you are looking to conserve points, try OKW or SSR.

 

[Wendybird55]

Wow! I didn't know you had to book 7 months from the LAST day of your trip! They don't make it easy for you do they?!!? I know I can get a 2-bedroom at OKW for the same points and from what I've been reading I think that may be the better bet. I obviously have time to figure out my options and choices.
I'm just so used to calling Disney reservations whenever i want and getting what I need, BUT it does cost more.
Have you ever stayed at OKW - is it a nice resort? Are there food places around and how easy is it to get to the parks? I know everything is by bus. Also, How's the pool?
I've stayed at Boardwalk, Beach Club & Yacht Club Hotels and like that area. I also like Wilderness lodge, but don't have enough points.

Thanks for your input.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would say your chance of a standard view at BWV will be impossible at 7 months out, and especially for a holiday weekend, as that one will be. I would try OKW or SSR also. BOTH of those resorts have excellent bus service, and you will do a LOT less walking than you will with staying at BWV. Also, the rooms are larger at OKW. You don't say what size unit you are booking. I also saw your other post about the number of points available from your friends. I would NOT ask them to borrow points from the next use year, because should you have to cancel or change your reservation last minute, it would put their points in serious jeapardy.

 

[bub]

Wendy (Wendybird - I like your name) -
I agree that Labor Day weekend could make it harder to get standard view.
We just reserved a 1-bedroom standard view for early August at the 7-month mark. Good luck!

 

[Wendybird55]

I like my name as well - I was named after Wendyin peter Pan, but the Mary Martin verions when it was on Broadway!

I'm looking for a 2-bedroom suite and have 127 points. If I figure correctly I could get it at Boardwalk Standard or OKW. Right now me, my husband, my 16 month old son (23 months at time of trip) and sister are going. I figure the 2 bedrooms will give us privacy PLUS my parents may want to join in and even if they do we can still fit everyone in the 2 bedroom (my sister will have to go from the 2nd bedroom to pull out sofa in livingroom!). Plus I think kitchen and livingroom will be good to have for my son. I know I can also use the points for 2 studios or they will even work for a one-bedroom and studio at OKW.

I know it's a holiday weekend but I've gone the week after labor day before and the parks were not crowded. I was able to go on rides like Splash Mountain 3 times in a row without lines to wait on.

It's just that I'm very appreciative of my husband's friends doing this for us I want to make it as easy as possible for them. I want to give her a list of options in preference in case something is not available.

When I book on property thoru Disney I never had probelms adding people to my reservation after it's made. I'm assuming if my parents decide to come at a later date I just need (or my friend) to inform DVC that there will be 2 additional adults in the villa - after all it's designed for 8 and we'll be 5 with a child. And there shouldn't be an addtional cost or points for the room. Right?

Thanks Again...Maybe I should do another one of the Vacation Club meetings when we go. At least I'll get a voucher for a free lunch or something!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Wow! I didn't know you had to book 7 months from the LAST day of your trip! They don't make it easy for you do they?!!? I know I can get a 2-bedroom at OKW for the same points and from what I've been reading I think that may be the better bet. I obviously have time to figure out my options and choices.
I'm just so used to calling Disney reservations whenever i want and getting what I need, BUT it does cost more.
Have you ever stayed at OKW - is it a nice resort? Are there food places around and how easy is it to get to the parks? I know everything is by bus. Also, How's the pool?
I've stayed at Boardwalk, Beach Club & Yacht Club Hotels and like that area. I also like Wilderness lodge, but don't have enough points.

Thanks for your input.

We have had 20-30 stays at OKW, and it is a special favorite of ours. The space and bus service can't be beat! It is also quiet and feels like you are in a vacation home instead of a hotel (we like that part best). We also own at Animal Kingdom Villas, and are looking forward to having the animals as part of our vacation experience. Even though the AKV resort is nice, we know from staying there before the DVC portion that we will miss that vacation home feel.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Just remember that BWV standard view is probably going to be very difficult if not impossible to book at the 7 month window. For that reason alone, I would do an OKW 2 bedroom. Also, if you have additional people coming mid trip, you will have to go down to check-in and have their names added to the reservation. You can do that when and if they arrive, but you will NOT be able to do that AND have the dining plan. The dining plan would have to be purchased for ALL occupants for the entire trip even if some members were only spending 2 days there.

 

[Figment2]

Also, member services will not talk to you. Any changes will have to be made by your friend.

Cyn

 

[shellbelle1971]

Thanks Again...Maybe I should do another one of the Vacation Club meetings when we go. At least I'll get a voucher for a free lunch or something!

DVC isn't like other timeshare pitches. I definitely recommend making an appointment with a guide (salesperson) while you're there if you're interested in DVC, but not for the freebies. The most you'll get are some free fastpasses and ice cream!