We travel last minute--does DVC still make sense for us?

[NaptownMom]

My husband and I are both lawyers. We tend to have unreliable schedules and generally book at most 2 months out. If we are very unlikely to ever book 11 or 7 months in advance, does buying in still make sense for us? I've been eying Hilton Head, which is a locale we have LOVED vacationing in the past, but seems hard to book outside of either owning or renting points.

 

[SL6827]

Personally I would say no. If you can't book or plan at least seven months in advanced, then you are risking it. I would absolutely not jump into DVC considering that.

 

[TCRAIG]

I agree - 90+% of the time - you won’t find any availability for more than a random day here or there at 2 months out

 

[zavandor]

Ony if you're somewhat local (short driving distance), you can (not-)plan with very short notice and you're happy to pick up cancellations of a day here and a day there at any resort. Someone retired in Florida and happy to do short resort getaway with very short notice could fit that description.
If you want longer stays and you're looking at a specific resort, DVC would be source of constant disappointment.

 

[MrsBooch]

Specific to Hilton head - unfortunately no. I just booked our annual spring break trip at 7 months out (I own at copper creek) and we always do a one bedroom there. At exactly 7 months - it was available. Today is a week after I booked so 6 months and change, I looked at the availability and only 2 out of 7 nights are now available. That’s definitely a tricky resort for last minute stays. I would say if you are wanting WDW, at two months something is usually open at either Saratoga Springs or Old Key West. You might have to stay at one resort a few days and then hop to another, piece the days available together for one trip (maybe) but there’s usually always something.

 

[AnnaS]

I would say no. If you want to travel to Disney - I don't think there are really any slow times. Maybe the first two weeks of September. There is always something going on.

Hilton Head - you might have some luck in the winter months......Spring to Fall? Even if you own there, you would need to book at least 7 months in advance. You might not even get a room if you wanted to pay cash during the summer months.

As far as WDW? I would just pay cash when you are able to pick up and go.

Good luck deciding.

 

[bookwormde]

i agree,as an owner no, but perhaps renting some last minute points can yield some bargains

 

[NaptownMom]

Thanks everyone!

 

[RoseGold]

DVC and last minute do not go together. This was true before there were millions of stray Covid points floating around, which will only make availability more challenging. I would not buy into this system unless you can book 11/7 months ahead.