Setting Expectations

[PadensAtTheCastle]

We passed ROFR right before Thanksgiving and hopefully will close shortly after the 18th. From what I understand, that means we should get points mid to late January (if not a little earlier). I want to set my expectations on what should be available at different times. We have two trips planned: First week of June, 4-5 days in 1 bedroom and 4 days in a 2 bedroom, and the first two weeks of December in a 1 bedroom. Hoping to stay at Animal kingdom resort view. Plan B for the June trip is Saratoga either full or half stay. I assume Saratoga 4.5 months out should still be available. But what is my likelihood to get AKV 10 months out for the first week of Christmas and 4.5 months out for June with a 1 bedroom and then 2 bedroom?

 

[pzw90]

Have you looked at any of the historical availability calendars?

https://dvcfieldguide.com/availability-tables
https://www.dvchelp.com/page/how-do-the-charts-work

 

[zackiedawg]

I'd guess no problem for getting Saratoga at 4-5 moths out for June. For AK, you should still have a shot for June since you're looking at 1 or 2 bedroom - if you're flexible with Kidani or Jambo. 10 mouths out for first week of December could be challenging.

 

[VGCgroupie]

It really can vary by so much. You may have your points sooner than you think which is nice. Nobody can really say what might be available and it's not worth worrying about until you have points.

2 bedrooms are harder everywhere than 1 bedrooms. Also, when you get your points just because something is unavailable doesn't mean it wont become available, people cancel all the time especially after 7 months.

 

[PadensAtTheCastle]

I've seen the calendars, but they mostly show 11, 7, 5, 3, 1, months and I'm looking at 10 and 4. But I hadn't found the DVChelp calendar. I like how they breakdown the months more. Thank you.

 

[eticketplease]

Also, when you get your points just because something is unavailable doesn't mean it wont become available, people cancel all the time especially after 7 months.

Shameless plug .....

https://www.disboards.com/threads/i-am-coining-the-term-dvc-slots.3966688/

 

[VGCgroupie]

Shameless plug .....

https://www.disboards.com/threads/i-am-coining-the-term-dvc-slots.3966688/

I am playing slots right now actually. Back and forth between windows all day DISboards, work, slots.

 

[PadensAtTheCastle]

Right now, we are many states away and have young kids, so last minute trips arn't an option now. We'll definitely be using the 11 month priority booking. But I love reading about everyone playing slots and the fun trips people are taking.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Right now, we are many states away and have young kids, so last minute trips arn't an option now. We'll definitely be using the 11 month priority booking. But I love reading about everyone playing slots and the fun trips people are taking.

In my experience. Right at 11 months things book and right at 7 months as well. People have FOMO and book and then reassess and make final plans. So just saying if it's not there dont fret it could come up for you.

In the time being I would look at the point charts and various room layouts so you know which rooms and views will work for your point budget and family size.. Resort view AKV is harder to get than Savanna View simply due to it being lower points to stay. But if you are willing to stay at SSR I think you will be able to book something no problem.

 

[sndral]

I've seen the calendars, but they mostly show 11, 7, 5, 3, 1, months and I'm looking at 10 and 4. But I hadn't found the DVChelp calendar. I like how they breakdown the months more. Thank you.

AKV 1 br. first week of December at 10 months…I’m thinking you have a decent chance, especially if you’re willing to upgrade to savanna view & want to stay at Kidani.
We’ve owned at AKV several years & often visit in Dec. & although I always book exactly at 11 months because I prefer Jambo where there are far fewer DVC villas, it’s not the crazy must walk a studio to get a resort view hunger games you see at some other resorts. At AKV our fierce competition is over value & concierge villas .
Actually w/ your closing timeline you may even close & have your points loaded before your 11 month booking window opens.
Most likely to be available are Kidani savanna view (105 - 1 br. villas,) Kidani resort view (65 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo savanna view (33 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo resort view (34 - 1 br. villas - but fewer points,) Jambo value (10 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo concierge (5 - 1 br. villas.)
Jambo may be especially challenging next Dec. if they haven’t yet finished the refurb..

 

[PadensAtTheCastle]

AKV 1 br. first week of December at 10 months…I’m thinking you have a decent chance, especially if you’re willing to upgrade to savanna view & want to stay at Kidani.
We’ve owned at AKV several years & often visit in Dec. & although I always book exactly at 11 months because I prefer Jambo where there are far fewer DVC villas, it’s not the crazy must walk a studio to get a resort view hunger games you see at some other resorts. At AKV our fierce competition is over value & concierge villas .
Actually w/ your closing timeline you may even close & have your points loaded before your 11 month booking window opens.
Most likely to be available are Kidani savanna view (105 - 1 br. villas,) Kidani resort view (65 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo savanna view (33 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo resort view (34 - 1 br. villas - but fewer points,) Jambo value (10 - 1 br. villas,) Jambo concierge (5 - 1 br. villas.)
Jambo may be especially challenging next Dec. if they haven’t yet finished the refurb..

We are looking at kidani so good to hear it’s less competitive. I’ve also budgeted our points that one of the two trips next year can be savanna and the other resort.