Well, it's happening, can't get VWL or BCV at 7month window, and I own at both!!!!!

[TeresaNJ]

Wow! What will all the VWL and BCV owner's do now their resort is full in October? Surely not book into SSR and take away booking opportunities for SSR owners. No, surely not!

Well, I guess if they would sink that low, Halloween is in October, maybe they could wear a costume and mask so no one will recognize them as they go slumming.

Gee, I guess I should feel honored that your first post after joining in May 2004 is in response to my thread. No one feels staying at SSR is slumming. You people take things too personally. It is a matter of preference and taste. I personally do not like the BWV, just stayed there a few weeks ago, and am staying again the first week of June and am trying to switch resorts for that one.

I will just have to be disciplined enough to book my reservation at the 11 month window when I want to stay at VWL or BCV. I know I'll have no problem booking SSR at 7 months, so I don't have to worry about that one.

 

[chipscinderelly]

TeresaNJ - I really hope your wait list comes through!

Lest I be attacked (not by you - by the SSR haters) I will tell you we are SSR owners who are booked at BWV for 10/21 and then at BCV 10/26 forward. Normally we'd stay wherever available, however, this trip is not only the DVC member cruise but also our wedding on 10/28 at the Yacht Club. I am surprised that we are several pages into this thread and NO ONE has mentioned those dates sandwich the DVC Member Cruise which is probably also a reason it's been a bit challenging to get reservations around that time. The cruise is 10/22 - 10/26 and I know many members are staying pre or post cruise.

I am booking day by day and had to waitlist for the 26th for the types of rooms we want. I'm hoping well all come off the waitlist as others finalize their plans.

Best of luck to you!

 

[TeresaNJ]

SORRY!! Actually I edited out the qoute you listed before reading your last post. your right very ignorant. Besides your from Jersey you can't be all bad. But I'm sure most SSR owners will agree the fact that we are constantly bashed and blamed for everything that goes wrong at any DVC resort is getting old. My apologies to all who were offended. I'm usually very jolly

Thanks Fishermouse. I apologize for blaming the SSR members for my not being able to get my reservation at the 7 month window. You're right, it is equal to all of us at that time. I am mad at myself for not booking sooner. I have never blamed any member for anything that goes wrong at any resort. That's just silly. Who knows? Maybe I'll end up loving SSR, although my husband hopes not, as he's not ready to buy more points at this time!

 

[TeresaNJ]

Oh, good luck to you, chipscinderelly!! I'm sure you're wedding will be lovely. What a great time of the year to get married at Disney! We are staying October 22-28. I don't think I'm going to waitlist though. We'll just keep our SSR 2bedroom, and I'm switching over one of the studios from the BC for our daughter. My son is going to keep his at VWL and my sister is keeping hers at the BCV. I hate not having things finalized in advance, so the wait list will make me too nervous. Plus, this gives me a chance to try out SSR.

 

[skreger]

During last year DVC had a promotional incentive to people who added-on 120 or more points. It included 100 bonus points. It seemed to be a very popular incentive. All those bonus points DVC gave away are now being used and its taking a toll on availability, especially during popular event times.

TeresaNJ, I hope you have a wonderful vacation.

 

[Ms.Mouse]

Maybe we don't like all you other DVC's using our bus to get to DD. Sorry folks but I'm sick of all the whinners, Personally I would never stay at BW or BC to many snobs...

[/QUOTE]

Hey!!!!!!!!! Be nice now.... It's not nice to make hasty generalizations
I don't think I'm a snob at all. I can't tell you how hard I have to work to pay for my tiny 180 pts. at the BW (something I've wanted for years but couldn't afford it (and yes, I wish I had enough $$$ to have bought a few more points).AND the reason why I chose to pay more to be where I wanted to be is because I fell in love with the BW area and I never cared for the DTD/PI area.) I don't think that would make me a snob. As long as I can book in my 11 mo period, I don't care whether you come in to BW or not. If I don't book on time, so what, I get to stay at SSR, OKW etc.... what a hardship to leave the NE to come down to Florida and have to stay at another resort (even though I'd prefer my own).

 

[Dean]

And this is why we tell people to buy where they prefer to stay . I've posted a lot about SSR and the 7 month window, not because I am upset in any way, but simply because there are realities at work here. And actually I think it's a subset of the SSR owners that will end up getting the short end of the stick. IMO, we're already to the points where members are better planning their home resort reservations making less availability at the 7 month window FOR EVERYONE and there is increased competition at the 7 month window for the fewer available units. And also less availability even for a home resort for one that doesn't book day by day. And given that BCV, BWV & VWL have always been harder to book than the rest (with a couple of time and unit type exceptions) no reason NOT to expect this to get worse with more people in the system.

However, I think we'll see a major outcry from a subset of the SSR owners in a few years. Many that were sold on the 7 month window or bought assuming they would be able to consistently stay elsewhere will be upset. There will be slower times when it will work out and there are strategies for putting yourself ahead of the other people also vying for the 7 month window. IMO, these are simply realities. I've also predicted more and more of these threads of "I couldn't get what I want at 7 months" or even "I missed the 11 month window and now can't get what I want at my home resort".

 

[tomandrobin]

Hey, has anyone even mentioned the baby boommer effect! I have "friends" who are boomers, kids are finally out of the house. These "friends" seem to have alot more free time to stop and smell the roses.

Also, I agree with the post 9/11 crowds. I thought I read that the past year was the best in attendance since 9/11. And travel in general is way up.

 

[browniemtb]

I'm amazed at the reaction to this post. I agree that you should buy where you want to stay motto. We recently purchased and our guide explained that if you buy at SSR we still have the ability to get into the Epcot area at the 7 month window. She explain SSR costs less both up front and in dues, also F&F was going on. After explaining this to the DW we both decided to bite the bullet and buy BWV. Glad we did. I do believe that some SSR owners, not all, buy in to keep there costs down and book elsewhere...which is their perogitive. I've read some posts about people looking to buy into VB because the point cost was low but never really intend on using that resort. It comes down to planning and utilizing the 4 month advantage plus some luck. I booked a 1 bedroom at BWV with a 8 days before arrival...you just never know. Its going to get worse before its get better...thats for sure.
Brownie

 

[dvc-NE]

IMO, we're already to the points where members are better planning their home resort reservations making less availability at the 7 month window FOR EVERYONE and there is increased competition at the 7 month window for the fewer available units.

However, I think we'll see a major outcry from a subset of the SSR owners in a few years. Many that were sold on the 7 month window or bought assuming they would be able to consistently stay elsewhere will be upset.

Dean: What do you think the odds are that DVC will change the booking window, or maybe just change the booking window for MEGA resort owners? Matt

 

[crisi]

And actually I think it's a subset of the SSR owners that will end up getting the short end of the stick.

Its a subset of all owners who are getting the short end of the stick. I feel somewhat more sorry for a VWL owners who really likes BCVs - but it wasn't open when they joinged - than for an SSR owner who plunked down five figures without doing enough research to discover the resale market and this place.

I really believe that most of us are content at our home resort and can book before the seven month window opens or content anywhere as long as its Disney and can book at least three months out. Those people will have few problems - and I truly believe that is the VAST majority of us. The subset which is likely to be disappointed is people who prefer the smaller resorts, but who don't like their own home resort. And it really doesn't matter if you own VWL and hate it, but love the Epcot area, or own OKW but always want to stay at VWL, or are an SSR owner who likes BCVs.

The other thing I see happening is the conflict between people who bought where they want to stay, book early, and stick there, and the people who want the flexibility of moving around. If BCV is owned primilary by people who wouldn't dream of moving (like Beca), that further limits the availability there for people who think the program should be about moving around. It is an owners right to book early and not move - just like it is any members right to book any DVC resort once the seven month mark passes. But it always surprises me how many people think I should use my points in the way they think I should use my points.

 

[keishashadow]

Slightly OT but, here goes...

Based on my pesonal experience, DVC MS staff is discouraging members from booking day-by-day @ the 7 month mark. It was suggested that I wait untill the last day I wanted became available & then book.

Glad I didn't take that advice, since I'm still WL'd for 1st day on my linked reservation over Columbus day in October.

Interestingly enough though, there was a room avail. @ cash/DVC disc. that they offered me for that night. Yes, I did take it but, still hope the WL comes through.

Oh yeah, I kept my res. I made @ one of my home resorts too. IMO, it's strategic planning - although I've been accused of hogging a room I probably won't be using.

As for occupancy, obviously tourism is rebounding, especially @ WDW. I was unable to secure my 1st choice of accom. @ Deluxe resorts for late June & Oct. several months ago. Still waiting for AP rates (if any) for June but, the AAA's were mostly gone already.

Call it what you want/fault her planning, choice of DVC home resort, etc. The OP is disturbed that she didn't get the ressie she wanted. I would be too, regardless of why. Can't blame her for feeling upset. She doesn't need to rationalize/justify why she's unhappy, she just is.

 

[Dean]

Dean: What do you think the odds are that DVC will change the booking window, or maybe just change the booking window for MEGA resort owners? Matt

almost none because it doesn't matter. They have no reason to change it either way until maybe nearing 2042. It really doesn't matter if home resort or non home resort owners complain. Home resort has a 4 month advantage. None home resort had no guarantees.

 

[Dean]

Its a subset of all owners who are getting the short end of the stick. I feel somewhat more sorry for a VWL owners who really likes BCVs - but it wasn't open when they joinged - than for an SSR owner who plunked down five figures without doing enough research to discover the resale market and this place.

I really believe that most of us are content at our home resort and can book before the seven month window opens or content anywhere as long as its Disney and can book at least three months out. Those people will have few problems - and I truly believe that is the VAST majority of us. The subset which is likely to be disappointed is people who prefer the smaller resorts, but who don't like their own home resort. And it really doesn't matter if you own VWL and hate it, but love the Epcot area, or own OKW but always want to stay at VWL, or are an SSR owner who likes BCVs.

The other thing I see happening is the conflict between people who bought where they want to stay, book early, and stick there, and the people who want the flexibility of moving around. If BCV is owned primilary by people who wouldn't dream of moving (like Beca), that further limits the availability there for people who think the program should be about moving around. It is an owners right to book early and not move - just like it is any members right to book any DVC resort once the seven month mark passes. But it always surprises me how many people think I should use my points in the way they think I should use my points.

While everyone wanting to reserve at 7 months out is in the same boat, the sheer number and also percent of owners is going to be higher at SSR than certainly BCV, BWV and VWL. And I would agree that the percent that own those 3 resorts is likely a higher percent of owners who bought to stay there most of the time shifting the numbers even further. Plus, as I've noted previously, They really are a zero sum group for the most part. If one owns BWV and gets BCV at 7 months out, there is no additional availability. If they take OKW, SSR, VB or HH, that frees up a unit at the one of those 3. Many times if they don't get what they want, often at one of the other 2, they keep their existing reservation.

 

[fishermouse]

I will just have to be disciplined enough to book my reservation at the 11 month window when I want to stay at VWL or BCV. I know I'll have no problem booking SSR at 7 months, so I don't have to worry about that one.

Don't be so sure about SSR being available at 7 months year round. Right now it's still not sold out, plus lots of new folks feeling thier way around. The busy seasons will probably fill up in all the resorts, just like the hotels do. I can remember not long ago if you wanted to go to WDW during prime seasons you had to book at least a year out for hotels. DW and I travedl off season, kids are grown so there is no reason to fight the crowds. This may change if/when we get some grandchildren to take. I have a feeling sumer and special events are going to require the 11 month window no matter where you stay. For the smaller resorts you may have trouble getting the best dates long before the 7 month period. At that point it will be the larger resorts that have an advantage.. Hope I'm wrong! I'll be missing FW this year but you can bet next year I'll be booking at 11months. Going to HH this fall we had no trouble booking at 7 months... Hope everything works out for your trip.

 

[Dean]

Don't be so sure about SSR being available at 7 months year round. Right now it's still not sold out, plus lots of new folks feeling thier way around. The busy seasons will probably fill up in all the resorts, just like the hotels do. I can remember not long ago if you wanted to go to WDW during prime seasons you had to book at least a year out for hotels. DW and I travedl off season, kids are grown so there is no reason to fight the crowds. This may change if/when we get some grandchildren to take. I have a feeling sumer and special events are going to require the 11 month window no matter where you stay. For the smaller resorts you may have trouble getting the best dates long before the 7 month period. At that point it will be the larger resorts that have an advantage.. Hope I'm wrong! I'll be missing FW this year but you can bet next year I'll be booking at 11months. Going to HH this fall we had no trouble booking at 7 months... Hope everything works out for your trip.

I sure you're quite correct for certain room types (GV) and times of the year. However I think it's reasonable to expect SSR to be the last resort to book up at WDW, just ahead of OKW.

 

[dizmomof2]

The parks and resorts are definitely getting busier. Occupancy went up 11% in 2004 and a further 6% in 2005. Revenues went up 21% for the parks and resorts last year. (see, I did read the shareholders annual report )

I don't think that it is just DVC that's getting harder to book, I think it's the whole resort. With the economy turning around it is bound to get even busier.

 

[tomandrobin]

I don't think that it is just DVC that's getting harder to book, I think it's the whole resort. With the economy turning around it is bound to get even busier.

Seems we need a recession to get things back in order, I guess.

 

[crisi]

I sure you're quite correct for certain room types (GV) and times of the year. However I think it's reasonable to expect SSR to be the last resort to book up at WDW, just ahead of OKW.

Yep, its not a popularity question, its a supply question.

Not all DVC members plan 7+ months in advance. Not all of them plan six months in advance. Some take trips with two or three months notice. Because SSR has more supply, its most likely that it will be the resort that is easiest to book late.

This has been the case with OKW before SSR opened, and OKW will continue to have rooms available past the point that BCV does (speaking generally - there will be exceptions). It doesn't mean people don't like the resort, it just means that there are more of those rooms available.

People seem to want to take this personally. They think that because BCV books up early, it must be a superior resort. It doesn't necessarily mean that.

Let's say I have two bands playing at two venues. Both are equally popular bands. One is playing at a large Civic Center like venue. The other is playing at a venue with 1/4th the seats - like maybe an older concert hall. Which will book first? This is the problem some people have with DVC in this whole thing - the role of the concert promoter in this case was to find venues adequate for the bands popularity. In one case the venue may be too big and you can buy tickets the day of the concert. In the other case, the venue may be too small and if you didn't call the day the tickets went on sale, you'll be buying from a scalper.

Now popularity will make things more complicated - if the band in the small venue is much more popular than the band in the large venue - the promoter really misbooked. If the band in the small venue is more obscure than the band in the big venue, maybe they will both sell out at about the same time. But since we can't really measure popularity fairly around here, its (in my opinion) best to get rid of the noise and assume equal popularity. It probably isn't accurate (from watching posts here, I suspect BCV - slightly larger than VWL - is also slightly more popular than VWL - it appears to GENERALLY book faster and VWL seems to be a love/hate thing where BCVs has a more general appeal), but it keeps things from getting personal.

 

[Jen D]

The other thing I see happening is the conflict between people who bought where they want to stay, book early, and stick there, and the people who want the flexibility of moving around. If BCV is owned primilary by people who wouldn't dream of moving (like Beca), that further limits the availability there for people who think the program should be about moving around. It is an owners right to book early and not move - just like it is any members right to book any DVC resort once the seven month mark passes. But it always surprises me how many people think I should use my points in the way they think I should use my points.

Of course there is no reason for the two groups to be in conflict if everyone understands the booking windows, that everything is based on availability, and what the limitations of the program are.

People who loooove their home resort take staying at your home resort deadly seriously. I'll sometimes read here someone saying in a scandalized voice about another poster, or someone they met in the hot tub, "this person owns at XYZ resort and has never even STAYED there!" And I'm thinking.... um, so?

BWYWTS is important if you really want to stay at the same place everytime. For people like me who don't want to stay at the same resort for 40-50 years, it's "Buy Someplace You Like Staying." I would never have bought SSR if I didn't like it. But I admit I would probably never have bought into DVC if it hadn't been for the possibility of booking into other resorts as well. I don't think this is unique to me as an SSR owner, I know perfectly well from reading this board for five years that many people like staying at different resorts each trip.

I also bought with the knowledge that availability at the seven months can be limited so it is best to book home resort first, and to never count on any dates until you have the ressie in hand.

I'm sorry to keep posting about this, but I'm tired of feeling guilty for wanting to trade out occasionally. Besides, I'm going need everyone's advice if I'm going to auto-waitlist to get a ressie at VWL for President's Week 2007.