Short Notice Rooms

[vipmn]

Hi,

Looking to purchase at OKW about and wondering how hard/easy it is to book a studio or one bedroom on short notice such as 3 or 5 days out?? I am not locked into any resort but would just like to get a room at DIS for a lot of short 3/4 day trips.

Thanks for the help

 

[bobbiwoz]

It won't be easy at certain times of the year, maybe not even possible in early December, October, I'm not really familiar with all of the busy times.

Plus Members Service isn't opened on weekends, so you can't call Saturday or Sunday.

There have been threads regarding "What is the shortest time between booking and the ressie," and some have called from the drive down to get a room, there are some shorties.

If you can't ever book ahead more than that, I don't think it's for you.

Bobbi

 

[Deb & Bill]

I agree with bobbiwoz. Owning DVC takes some advance planning. Studios often go first. Smaller resorts book up fastest. Special views book up quickly. Sometimes you might find something, but to count on it all the time? I wouldn't.

 

[CarolA]

I do some of both. I have booked my trips for next year. I have a few points left and I will occassionally try for a quick visit.

If you are willing to stay ANYWHERE especially on weekends you can normally get something (I have more expereince doing weekends then weekdays) I assume that since some members refuse to "waste" points on weekends, I can get those rooms they won't take.

Now I am also willing to stay offsite or at a Mod or Value if I can't get a DVC room (I do offsite if I can't get an AP rate, I refuse to pay rack rate!)

 

[ticofan]

Maybe I'm crazy but I have had great luck with last minute ressies. Last year I went twice getting the rooms the same day I was arriving. My husband works for an airline so we often find ourselves "stuck" in Orlando.

Although I don't think I would buy DVC planning on short notice trips, I don't think I have ever not been able to get a room when I wanted it. I think the worst time I had was trying to get those first two weeks in December on short notice. My experience is that after the wait list goes off, if you are just persistent in calling everyday I have always gotten a room. (Although I haven't always gotten the Beach Club when I wanted it. I usually ask for and get a studio.)

Ticofan

 

[vipmn]

thanks for the quick response! Really don't care where we stay but I gotta believe that they would have a room available somewhere in DVC except on the really busy times .

I don't like to go during the busy seasons such as at Christmas & Easter nor spring break so hopefully rooms would open up.

Was looking to buy a home in celebration but could not justify the overpriced homes that are available there, so DVC seemed liked a great idea! no fuss, no muss just buy the 500 points on resale and invest the rest of the $$$$!

 

[DebbieB]

I was able to get a studio at BCV for 2/2 about a week before. BWV was soldout.

 

[Daitcher]

Are you talking about a cash ressie or points ressie? Cash ressie, no problem. I just booked a studio on cash 6 days out this February. Points, don't count on it but if you are wiling to stay anywhere you'll likely get something.

DAVE

 

[wdw1972]

I was looking for a studio the last weekend of January this year - at about 2 weeks in advance. Nothing was available anywhere, although I could have had a 1br at Saratoga (I declined - it was a Fri/Sat and therefore way too many points for a solo trip). I ended up at All Star Sports for $49/night instead.

I called last Friday and was able to book a studio at Saratoga for 3 nights beginning this Friday. Nothing was available at OKW, which surprised me since they're usually the last to fill.

I had the weekend of Feb 3rd booked at VWL and was able to push it back to Feb 10th less than a month in advance (studio). I was surprised to find availability in Feb at such a small resort, so it just goes to show you never know. Short-notice bookings if you have a specific resort in mind are probably more likely to NOT happen, but if you're flexible on the resort and your stay is mostly Fri/Sat nights then your odds improve.

 

[gppnj]

My recent trip to WDW got messed up because of the blizzard. I called on a Monday and was able to get a day at OKW for that Wednesday. I can't say that this is typical, but it's certainly possible.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I called last Friday and was able to book a studio at Saratoga for 3 nights beginning this Friday. Nothing was available at OKW, which surprised me since they're usually the last to fill.

I think DVC resorts are becoming more popular for those trying to escape the cold/snowy winters of their perspective states. I know dh and I plan on the majority of our stays being in Jan & Feb once we eventually don't have to revolve around my children's school schedule.....which is still a long way off. Wish we could escape during the winter now, but it's tough taking the kids out of school.
I've had trouble getting last minute ressies at OKW (or any DVC resort) in Oct, Nov, Dec and holidays. I've had luck getting somewhat last minute ressies for stays at most DVC resorts during the summer.

 

[Disney Doll]

I've had good luck with "last-ish" minute (3 weeks out) reservations. The couple of times I've done last minute, I've gotten a room at OKW. Not a problem, because it's my home resort and I love it there.