VWL Early December...

[stevelee]

Hi Everyone...

Just got my membership number and got onto the DVC site this morning. We are looking to go early december next year for the christmas stuff that happens down there.

I have booked in my home resort saratoga, for 7 nights Dec 2-9. Since it is our first time down my wife really wants to try one of the other resorts as well. She would love to go to Wilderness Lodge. Could anyone with that as a home resort take a peak at availability around the dec 2-9th give or take a few days, and let me know if anything in a studio or 1br even still exists? I just want to know if there might be a chance for me to switch a few days at 7 months. I know this is a very popular resort at christmas.

Thanks in advance

Steve

 

[disneynutz]

Against forum rules and a waste of time. Availability can change from minute to minute but I will say the VWL is a popular resort at Christmas and it is a small resort, 2 strikes against finding availability.

That being said, you never know. Buying at your favorite resorts is the only way to improve your chances.

Bill

 

[chalee94]

from the stickied FAQ thread:

Questions about "What are my chances of getting a reservation" should be asked on the DVC Member Services Forum. We do ask that requests about availability for specific dates NOT be asked or answered since such availability can (and will) change. General availability questions like "What are my chances of finding a SSR Studio at 7 months for late August" are welcome on the DVC Member Services Forum.

i can tell you generally that VWL for all of Dec can be very very tough to get.

early dec in particular is one of DVC's busiest seasons for booking ahead. here is more information:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2919467

 

[drusba]

Welcome to DVC. And now welcome to one the DVC realities: its high demand times do not correlate with Disney in general high demand times. The week you intend to go is, in fact, the higherst DVC demand week of the year (Christmas week is only second, second week of Dec is third). At 7 months out, the only things usually left open for a week in early December are SSR and possibly, but not definitely, OKW and AKV standard and savanna view. Your chances of getting VWL or any near park resort are slim to none. Even "just a few days" are unlikely but chances if any will be better for a 1BR, which are usually the last to go.

 

[stevelee]

thanks everyone!

 

[sleepydog25]

What everyone said is true; however, if you don't get your VWL request (and I will also add that it isn't likely), don't forget to go on the waitlist as things can and do open as the dates get closer. I am a real life example. A few years ago after we bought VWL (resale, closed in May), we got what was available (SSR) and waitlisted for VWL. Keep in mind you can be on two waitlists simultaneously. Over the course of the next four and a half months, specific days and blocks of days continued to open until we finally had all our days at VWL in a 1BR. The last piece didn't fall into place until less than two months before our trip. So, it can happen.

That being said, we did buck the odds. However, you mention wanting to switch a "few days," so I'm assuming that means you would be open to the idea of resort hopping. If you are flexible with your plans and willing to switch, then I do believe something will come open at least for a couple of days if you diligently follow up on your waitlist. We called every few days just to make sure. Good luck!

 

[deedisneydream97]

Seems like the studios go quicker than the one bedrooms for that time of year. I would say make sure you are at your computer right at the 7 month mark....things happen (VWL owners want to try VGF, Boardwalk, etc., BW owners want to try AKV...etc.). Maybe you can do a split stay. Or call member services when they open....sometimes I find it easier to deal with someone on the phone if I am not satisfied with the on-line system. If you can't get in, try to plan a VWL "resort" day and spend the day there enjoying the decorations, their counterservice place and top it off with dinner at Artist's Point (love that place). Depending on times, and if all DVC members are still allowed use of TOTW at BLT lounge, take the boat over to the Contemporary and walk over to BLT to see the MK fireworks. Not sure what the rules are right now for TOTW lounge or what they will be in the future.

I totally understand how you would like to stay at VWL. We purchased SSR direct when they first opened and paid way too much PP (also own BWV, VWL and BLT). We have never stayed there, except for one week....and that was because of the incentive they had at the time when you bought a certain amount of points at BLT (free stay at SSR). We have always been able to use those SSR points for less busy DVC times at our other resorts....and have used them for Aulani twice (again during less busy DVC times).

Good luck....and welcome to DVC. We've never been sorry for the $$ we've spent on points.

 

[stevelee]

Thanks Sleepydog & deedisneydream97

Yup i will be onlline at 7 months and see if i cant pick up a couple of nights somewhere early december. It was always the plan to do a splt stay, and VWL is one place we have never stayed so figured why not ask, and see what people thought the chances might be.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[sleepydog25]

Thanks Sleepydog & deedisneydream97

Yup i will be onlline at 7 months and see if i cant pick up a couple of nights somewhere early december. It was always the plan to do a splt stay, and VWL is one place we have never stayed so figured why not ask, and see what people thought the chances might be.

Thanks again everyone!

Sounds like a great plan. Best of luck!