Travelling in the slow season

[dsneygirl]

One of the reasons DH and I were sold on DVC is that we like to go to WDW at off peak times. Our favourites are right after labour day, October and early Dec.

When travelling at these times are there more options at the 7month mark if we want to try another resort?

 

[Pa@okw95]

One of the reasons DH and I were sold on DVC is that we like to go to WDW at off peak times. Our favourites are right after labour day, October and early Dec.

When travelling at these times are there more options at the 7month mark if we want to try another resort?

You should have no problem in September after labor day, October and early Dec are popular times with DVC. What is popular for the normal population and what is popular for DVC members are not always the same.

 

[JimMIA]

One of the reasons DH and I were sold on DVC is that we like to go to WDW at off peak times. Our favourites are right after labour day, October and early Dec.

When travelling at these times are there more options at the 7month mark if we want to try another resort?

Well...ONE out of three ain't bad! You just picked two of the times when DVC reservations might be the most difficult at 7 months! Especially if you really want to stay at a particular resort. DVC's busiest times are not necessarily the busiest times for the rest of WDW.

Post-Labor Day shouldn't be too bad.

But the Food & Wine Festival is late-September to early November, so October is prime-time for the two Epcot resorts (BCV and BWV). You might do fine elsewhere if you're flexible (or own one of those resorts and can book at 11 months), but 7-month ressies may be tough.

Early December is prime time everywhere because of a) lowest points cost of the year, b) beautiful Holiday decorations everywhere, c) Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, d) the Osbourne Family Lights at MGM, e) the Candlelight Processional at Epcot, and f) DVC homeowners' association meetings.

 

[CarolMN]

Lots of other DVC members also like to travel at "off peak" times - probably for the same reasons you and your DH like to do so. As a result, it's often easier to book DVC accomodations during the busier times (for the parks) than it is for the slower times. Early December is one of the most difficult times to book at 7 months. October is easier than early December and right after Labor Day is one of the easiest times to book DVC.

My advice is to book your home resort as soon as your dates are firm and then try to switch at the 7 month mark. I don't think you will have a problem for your September or October trips (unless you want a Grand Villa anywhere or one of the Boardwalk or standard views at BWV). You'll probably have to use the waitlist for early December, but even that is possible - at least until SSR gets closer to sell out.

Best wishes-

 

[dsneygirl]

Thanks everyone for your imput. I don't think it will be any hardship to be at VWL in early Dec

 

[JimMIA]

Thanks everyone for your imput. I don't think it will be any hardship to be at VWL in early Dec

Nope. But unless you own there, that will be one of the toughest tickets in town!

If you don't own there, you may be okay at OKW or SSR. When I made ressies at OKW a few weeks ago, they had room...but the 7-month window had not yet opened for early December.

 

[lsutigger2]

I have not had problems booking at 7 months for Oct. Haven't tried for Dec yet but hope to one day. being flexible is key and be sure to call as soon as the 7 month window opens for the dates you want.

You'll love all the resorts and being a DVC member!!

 

[dsneygirl]

Nope. But unless you own there, that will be one of the toughest tickets in town!

We're in the process of buying resale at VWL

 

[AFMom]

Hi! We like to go at the same times. We went for the last week of Sept/first week of Oct 2004 - made resies 3 weeks out! First week of F&W Festival - here's what they had in 1 bdrms - BWV, SSR, OKW, & VWL. They even had Studios at BCV. This was for an 8 night consecutive stay. That said - it could have been a fluke! And I do know that VWL will be tough at Christmastime. Historically on these boards, what I've read is this - 7 mo's or less is tough at:
WLV in December (the decor is amazing)
BCV & BWV (?) at F & W and Flower and Garden (walking to Epcot)
BCV in general (everyone loves the pool)

There are probably other times - but these are the ones I've heard the most about.
Good luck!

 

[JimMIA]

We're in the process of buying resale at VWL

Right, and good luck with ROFR! However, for this year, bear in mind that you are already within the seven-month window when any DVC member can book VWL for early December.

 

[dsneygirl]

Right, and good luck with ROFR! However, for this year, bear in mind that you are already within the seven-month window when any DVC member can book VWL for early December.

Thanks.
We are going to try and sneak away for a quick October getaway but we're saving some points for Dec '06 and will probably take the IL's and get a 2 bedroom.