Studios availability?

[EwwBeverly]

Hello! I'm finally in a position to purchase DVC, but am concerned that I would have a hard time booking studios. I was hoping somebody could provide me with some insight into what the availability of studios at the various resorts is generally like. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[disneynutz]

Studios seem to be the most popular room size. Depending on several factors, expect to have occasional difficulty booking at 7 months at your non-home resort(s).

Bill

 

[EwwBeverly]

So would it be wise to buy smaller contracts at maybe two resorts?

 

[ToddyLu]

I think it depends on the resort and time of year you are planning. Expect concierge studios at AKV to be always extremely difficult to get, ( only 5), then also value studios are more difficult to get there ( need to book at 11 month window). Basically any studio that is cheaper on points will be more difficult...so if you are going for F&W or Christmas...be sure to book your studio well ahead of time at the 11 month mark. VWL will be difficult at Christmas due to decorations, BW standard difficult during F&W. Which resort were you planning on calling home?

 

[ToddyLu]

We have been owners since 2009 and have only booked studios ( AKV owners). I have been able to get value studios at AKV at 11 months ( two at a time several times) the only time I wanted them and wasn't able to get them was during first week of May at 7 months. We generally go first week of May, last two weeks of Oct and first of Nov. The trick to owning DVC is to be a planner and proactive about your vacations and get the room as soon as possible for your trip. You can always try to change at 7 months or waitlist...but at least you have home resort to fall back on.

 

[EwwBeverly]

Hello. Thanks for the replies. I was thinking maybe AKV, OKW, or the Boardwalk. If I book at the opening of 11 months, would I have a good chance at one of these resorts? I'm guessing that at the 7 month mark, if I tried to book away from my home resort it could be difficult to get a studio? If I was unable to book a studio buying DVC would not be financially reasonable for me.

 

[chalee94]

So would it be wise to buy smaller contracts at maybe two resorts?

Keep in mind that you cannot combine pts from different resorts until the 7 month window. Buying small at different resorts can make things more difficult.

Your best bet is to buy a contract at a resort you don't mind staying at and book at 10-11 months out. If you can't change resorts at 7 months, then it would still be a good stay.

OKW and AKV (sav or standard view) will usually be available at 7 months. Consider shopping for an OKW contract...

 

[CarolMN]

Hello. Thanks for the replies. I was thinking maybe AKV, OKW, or the Boardwalk. If I book at the opening of 11 months, would I have a good chance at one of these resorts? I'm guessing that at the 7 month mark, if I tried to book away from my home resort it could be difficult to get a studio? If I was unable to book a studio buying DVC would not be financially reasonable for me.

If you book at 11 months, I would be truly shocked if you couldn't get a studio at AKV, OKW or BWV.

Value & Concierge at AKV could be a tough reservation to book, but you are virtually guaranteed to get standard or savanna at either Kidani or Jambo if you book at 11 months. Those are almost always available at 7 months, too.

OKW is a virtual lock at 11 months as is Pool/Garden at BWV. Many times of the year, standard view and Boardwalk View at BWV are also relatively easy to get at 11 months.

IMO, you can choose your home resort purchase on other factors than availability at 11 months if your choice is between AKV, BWV & OKW.

Good luck!

 

[drusba]

If time you want is January or February, your possible issues with studios are as follows:

A. Issues at 11 months:

AKV club level: this is hardest to get and is gone even at 11 months out 70% of the year and thus can have 11 month issues during the entire time you are looking for with the best chance at 11 months out being the first two weeks of Feb and end of February after Princess half marathon weekend (those are among the lowest DVC demand times of the year).

VGF, AKV value and BLT standard view studios: can possibly have issues at 11 months out for first couple days of Jan and Thurs to Sun of marathon weekend. Otherwise, for holiday and Princess half marathon weekend (one immediately after Presidents' Day weekend), it can very important to book exactly 11 months out at 8 a.m. online.

BWV standard and boardwalk view: significant risk they could be gone Jan 1 and possibly 2 at 11 months out and some risk for marathon weekend in Jan.

Poly is yet an unknown but I supect it will be OK at 11 months out for the entire time.



B. Issues at 7 months in Jan and Feb

VGF studios not likely to be available anytime except odd days or two.

Poly is an unknown but likely to have issues first few days of Jan and marathon weekend and possibly the Princess half marathon weekend

AKV value, BLT standard view, BWV standard and boardwalk view will likely gone for much of the time but some chance of finding openings first two weeks of Feb or end of Feb after Princess half marathon weekend.

BCV and BLT theme park view: will likely be gone for first few days of Jan, wed to Sun of marathon weekend in Jan, and Princess half marathon weekend, and possibly during MLK weekend and Presidenrts' Day weekend, but otherwise should be open.

BLT lake view, BWV pool/garden view, and VWL: likely gone first couple days of Jan, marathon weekend in Jan, and possibly Princess half marathon weekend in Feb; otherwise should be open including holiday times.

AKV standard and savanna view and OKW: some risk of a night or two being gone marathon weekend in Jan but otherwise should be open.

SSR: open entire time Jan-Feb.



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[EwwBeverly]

Thank you everybody for the time you put into your replies...it'll definitely help!