Three-Bedroom Villa Question

[AnnieMouseMom]

Hi all,
Does anyone know whether it's possible to book a three-bedroom villa if you're not a DVC member? I keep looking on the Disney website to book one for a group in late 2021 or early 2022, but they seem to all be booked up. (Particularly interested in Bay Lake but am flexible). Many thanks for any insights you might have!

 

[Fangorn]

There are very few Grand Villas across all of the DVC resorts. They are very popular and are usually booked within minutes of the booking window opening. Those rooms will almost never be available for Disney to sell prior to 60 days before check in (that's part of the DVC rules). If a Grand Villa is available for cash booking, it is unlikely to appear before that 60 day mark.

Steve

 

[DebbieB]

It’s too early for DVC rooms for late 2021. You may want to look into renting points.

 

[Marionnette]

Hi all,
Does anyone know whether it's possible to book a three-bedroom villa if you're not a DVC member? I keep looking on the Disney website to book one for a group in late 2021 or early 2022, but they seem to all be booked up. (Particularly interested in Bay Lake but am flexible). Many thanks for any insights you might have!

There aren't a lot of grand villas. SSR has quite a few (36), while VGF only has a few (6). Some, like BWV GVs, are difficult to book unless it's your home resort because there are only 7 of them and they have low point requirements compared to the others. It's rare to see them available for more than a random single night at 7 months.

Most of the villas that DVC makes available to CRO for cash bookings to non-members are 1BR villas with some studios. GVs, if any are available, are usually used for guest recovery, magical upgrades for guests staying only a night or two, or V.I.P.s.

My advice to you would be to start looking for a DVC member with a ton of points to rent and get them lined up now. Late December is a very popular time for families to book GVs and late December 2021 bookings will take place in late January 2021 (11 months in advance). I think it might be the only way you're going to get a GV at BLT, especially if your plans include Christmas week/New Year's Eve.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You may have to pay a premium for a member to walk the reservation if you are looking at the holidays in 2021/2022. It might be a lot cheaper to book a three bedroom villa at Bonnet Creek instead of DVC. Those are usually available for cash reservations.

 

[Marthasor]

Hi all,
Does anyone know whether it's possible to book a three-bedroom villa if you're not a DVC member? I keep looking on the Disney website to book one for a group in late 2021 or early 2022, but they seem to all be booked up. (Particularly interested in Bay Lake but am flexible). Many thanks for any insights you might have!

Yes, it's possible, but it's too early for the time frame you are hoping to go. If you do not want to rent points, I would suggest starting to call WDW around the 11 month prior mark and keep calling. The only thing likely to be available, however, will be something at SSR at rack rate. If you are not interested in SSR and want to save some money, renting points may be the way to go. Just read the terms and conditions very carefully as they will not be as flexible as booking directly through WDW. You will probably find more availability if you are willing to book a 2-bedroom villa plus a separate studio or 1-bedroom and willing to split your party up a little. Swan/Dolphin also has some suites that can be configured as 3-bedrooms and would be far cheaper.

 

[chrispgross]

I definitely agree you should rent points. It is how we first got into DVC and are now owners. I look at VERY random times within 7 months and often see 3 Grand Villas available, but not all the time. The Timeshare Store rents points, and I don't think they charge any differently based on the resort. It might be a good place to start.

 

[Blondie58]

You should check point totals. A two bed and a studio afford the same number of beds and baths for fewer points. In fact, the studio also has a pull out queen sofa at GFV. Request accommodations near one another.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Or book two family suites at Pop Century or two cabins at Fort Wilderness.

 

[Blondie58]

Or book two family suites at Pop Century or two cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Until May 2019 I had only ever stayed at the Grand Floridian or The Contemporary. I traveled alone to WDW for the Garden Show and decided to stay at Pop Century. I LOVED IT. I think your suggestion is a great one. All the rooms have been recently updated. My room was pristine. I know they may be "builder grade" and CR of GF may be considered custom but it depends on what exactly someone is looking for. I love they now have the gondolas too.

 

[hp_lovecraft]

You may have to pay a premium for a member to walk the reservation if you are looking at the holidays in 2021/2022. It might be a lot cheaper to book a three bedroom villa at Bonnet Creek instead of DVC. .

The last couple years, we paid a premium to walk in a reservation for an OKW GV+H. There are only 2 at OKW. All other grand villas are much more expensive, so getting one of those 2 were important. It was well worth it, and the process very simple.

Before that, we had booked the Presidential Suites at Bonnet Creek. The suites were a bargain, and absolutely stunning. But over the years, the BC buses became fewer and fewer, until basically nonexistent. That was a deal breaker. We would have to rent 2 cars, and use uber/lyft when we separated. It was a headache. You also loose all the other disney benefits, but we would rent a single night at wherever, to get whatever.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Or book two family suites at Pop Century or two cabins at Fort Wilderness.

Pop Century does not have Family Suites. Art of Animation does.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Pop Century does not have Family Suites. Art of Animation does.

Just shows how familiar I am with the value resorts. I know they have them one of the All Stars, but I don't think they are open yet.

 

[Ross Kratter]

Just shows how familiar I am with the value resorts. I know they have them one of the All Stars, but I don't think they are open yet.

That’s All Star Music. The only All Star resort that has a reopening date set is Movies on February 9.

 

[Sandisw]

I just want to mention to be sure to check out and understand the rules and terms for renting. A grand villa stay will be quite expensive, even renting.

Most rentals are non refundable and non changeable. You have to be sure you are comfortable with that. This year, things didn’t turn out well and really highlighted risk of renting.

Of course, as mentioned, I’d keep checking with Disney after the 11 month window opens but I do think BLT may be difficult to get as December is a very popular DVC time.