What are my chances of availablity??

[BYC]

Hello! I have the opportunity to rent points from a friend. We are looking for 2 studios at Wilderness Lodge in October, 2014, for 5 adults. (Would really like a 2 bedroom, but 2 studios is cheaper) She said she can't book it until March because it's not her home resort (sorry, but I am completely ignorant about DVC) What I want to know is what are the chances of me actually getting 2 studios in October, if not booked until March?? How fast are they scooped up?? Thank you for your replies!

 

[magicaldisney]

Chances are definitely lower with it not being her home resort. What you should be doing is seeing if she is willing to book now at her home resort and then try switching at the 7 month mark. Keep in mind, if she is willing to do that, it could be more or less points for VWL than it is at her home resort and that is something she needs to keep in mind. If VWL would need more points would she be willing to let you use more? If VWL would need less points than her home resort, is she prepared to do something (use or bank) those now left over points?

 

[BYC]

Thanks for your response! From what I can gather, her home resort is Boardwalk. It looks like the point value is the same as for Wilderness. So, you think if I ask her to book now at Boardwalk, it would be easier for me to transfer to Wilderness at the 7 month mark?? also---do you know if I am still eligible to buy the dining plan??

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Thanks for your response! From what I can gather, her home resort is Boardwalk. It looks like the point value is the same as for Wilderness. So, you think if I ask her to book now at Boardwalk, it would be easier for me to transfer to Wilderness at the 7 month mark?? also---do you know if I am still eligible to buy the dining plan??

You would be eligible to buy the dining plan. Boardwalk is in high demand at that time of year. VWL is not in as high demand, so she has a good chance of getting a room at 7 months out. Getting reservations at Boardwalk will in no way make it easier at 7 months to get you 2 rooms at VWL, but it could ensure you have a back up place to stay if she couldn't get VWL. Are you planning on going a full week? The number of days affects how easy it would be to get the reservations.

 

[BYC]

You would be eligible to buy the dining plan. Boardwalk is in high demand at that time of year. VWL is not in as high demand, so she has a good chance of getting a room at 7 months out. Getting reservations at Boardwalk will in no way make it easier at 7 months to get you 2 rooms at VWL, but it could ensure you have a back up place to stay if she couldn't get VWL. Are you planning on going a full week? The number of days affects how easy it would be to get the reservations.

We are planning on Sat., Oct. 18-25.....7 nights.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Since you are looking at going during the F&W Festival, you may want to stay at BWVs instead of VWL. I own at VWL and love it, but we also own a BCV and always stay in that area for our October trips due to the F&W Festival. Nothing like walking out of the back of Epcot and being at your room in 10 minutes!

 

[magicaldisney]

Thanks for your response! From what I can gather, her home resort is Boardwalk. It looks like the point value is the same as for Wilderness. So, you think if I ask her to book now at Boardwalk, it would be easier for me to transfer to Wilderness at the 7 month mark?? also---do you know if I am still eligible to buy the dining plan??

As ptlohmysoul said, booking BWV won't make it easier to get VWL but if she can get BWV at 11 months at least you will have a room. If your heart is set on only VWL, then there is no reason for her to waste her time at the 11 month mark.

Also keep in mind something different with DVC is that the dining plan must be paid in full at least 48 hours before checking in.

There is no daily mousekeeping. Not a big deal, but something you don't want to be surprised about.

 

[DVC Sue]

I'm a WL owner. In my experience, F&W has NOT been difficult to book when I have looked. I would hate to give you bad advice, but I haven't had trouble.

Sue

 

[Nabas]

I agree with others.

Since your friend owns at BWV, have her book now there so you have something. BWV is lovely and, in October, is extremely popular due to the Food & Wine Festival (F&WF) at Epcot. (BWV is an easy walk to Epcot's World Showcase.)

If (big "if" for F&WF) your friend can book a "Standard View" 2-bedroom villa at BWV, that's 231 points per week.

Two Studios at VWL will cost 214 points.

The problem is, BWV "Standard View" Studios are gone by the morning exactly 11 months out during F&WF. Since BWV does not have dedicated 2-bedroom villas (a 2-bedroom is formed by combining a Studio and a 1-bedroom), this means that those also become unavailable right at 11 months.

Since you are staying beginning October 28, your friend needs to book this via the dvcmember.com website first thing tomorrow morning, right at 8 AM EST.