What are my chances?

[Cant wait for Disney]

We are hoping to head down to the world in Nov or Dec 2012. What are anyone's opinions on our chances of booking WLV or BWV in early nov as opposed to trying for around Nov. 25-Dec. 6? I'm hearing that we would have trouble booking around late nov/early dec. Do you think our chances would improve by moving our date up a few weeks? We are wanting to catch xmas stuff so October would be less than ideal..of course, anytime at Disney is ideal!
thanks for any help!!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I've been able to get (almost) anything I've wanted at the most crowded times as long as I call right at the 7 month window. For example, we are staying at VWL from 12/22 - 12/30, and when I first called MS to book a 2 BR, I had my choice of resorts except for VWL. I could get all but the next to the last night, so I decided to book at BCV instead so we didn't have to change rooms. Two of our last 3 stays were at BCV, so weighing in late in the game, DH decided he'd rather stay at VWL. I called MS back (about 2 hours later), and a 2 BR was now available for all nights except the first. That was a much better option, so I went ahead and booked a studio (cash with DVC discount, as a studio was not available) and a 1 BR for the first night and wait-listed a 2 BR. About 3 months after I booked, my wait-list came through. I wasn't holding my breath, though, as Christmas is a super-busy time. It just happened to work out for us.

If you're flexible with your dates and/or room size, you probably have a pretty good shot. We never book studios, so I can only comment on 1 and 2 BR villas. Plan your alternatives in advance, so if your first choice isn't available, you can move right on to your next. You'd be amazed how quickly inventory changes from minute to minute when you're on the phone with them during peak booking windows.

Best of luck!!!

 

[Cant wait for Disney]

thanks so much Buckeyefan, that is really great info. We can be pretty flexible with dates but room size is harder. There are 5 adults (me, Dh, mr brother and parents) plus our DS so a one bedroom or studio would be a lot tougher for us. I guess for one night we wouldnt die though! I will be calling 9 am on the 7 month window and hoping for the best! I have emails going around asking everyone's thoughts on plans A, B, C, and maybe D haha . I dont feel like you can be too prepared!

 

[Pakey]

You cannot do a studio or one bedroom at either of these places with 5 people (unless one is under the age of 3) and you have 6. It's against the rules. You either need 2 studios or a 2 bedroom.

I would not count on getting BWV because Food & Wine would still be going on. If you decide to waitlist, the pool view is probably going to be your best chance of success there.

 

[joelnkelly]

What Pakey said, you cannot book a 1 bedroom or studio with more than 5 guests. I just made reservations this morning for GCV and we have 6 people going, the youngest being 3 and she told me the only way we could do it was either a two bedroom or 2 studios. We were lucky enough to get a two bedroom at the seven month mark there, so good luck with your bookings!

 

[Cant wait for Disney]

thank you to both of you, i did not know that. My DS will be 2 and a half by next fall so i'm guessing that would be ok for under 3? I cant imagine my dad agreeing to even one night in a studio or 1 bedroom so this is all most likely moot!
Also thanks for the heads up on food and wine. Is BWV the hot spot for that event? which weeks are f&w?
(a big thank you to everyone for being so kind about my ignorance...trying to learn more everyday!)

 

[Pakey]

thank you to both of you, i did not know that. My DS will be 2 and a half by next fall so i'm guessing that would be ok for under 3? I cant imagine my dad agreeing to even one night in a studio or 1 bedroom so this is all most likely moot!
Also thanks for the heads up on food and wine. Is BWV the hot spot for that event? which weeks are f&w?
(a big thank you to everyone for being so kind about my ignorance...trying to learn more everyday!)

The Food and Wine Festival is at the World Showcase at Epcot and it starts sometime in the last part of September (I think) and goes through mid-November. We usually go in October. BCV and BWV are definitely the hot DVC properties during that time because of being able to walk into/out of World Showcase. Members who own at these resorts book at 11 months and there's rarely availability for non-home resort bookings at the 7 month mark. You can waitlist at 7 months but if you are trying to get an entire week, it's doubtful you'd get your waitlist to come through.

Yes, your son would qualify as the under 3 but then you could only have FOUR adults plus your son. You said you'd have 5. Strictly against the rules (and you'd be so cramped you wouldn't want to do it anyway).

 

[Cant wait for Disney]

thanks Pakey- I was just wondering if BCV are big for F&W also since it is almost the same location as BWV. That's helpful to know.
Oh yeah I agree on not wanting to cram all the adults into a 1 bedroom even if it wasnt against the rules, i can not imagine!!

 

[Cant wait for Disney]

after all this research and great advice from my dvc friends here..there is a chance my brother cant make it for november and we might have to pick a different month!
January and February are being thrown around but since we are still learning, we dont know how that goes in the dvc world. Anyone have thoughts on those months? Points, crowds, availability? any help would be great for our planning. I'll be sure to let you all know how this turns out since you have been so very helpful to me and my family!
I hate having this all up in the air..i'm a planner!