What's the hardest resort to book?

[djp0630]

We loved BCV, is that the hardest to book since it's so small? I realize certain times of the year (F&W) make BCV & BWV harder to book, and early Dec, etc. But in general, what is the hardest resort to book? I know OKW &SSR(non-treehouses) are pretty easy.

 

[PAcpl]

I believe the hardest DVC resort to get into right now is Bay Lake Tower.

 

[leane]

I believe the hardest DVC resort to get into right now is Bay Lake Tower.

I agree. It is continually sold out. I can't even book a cash reservation for October through MS.

VB and HHI appear to be pretty difficult as well from spring - early fall.

 

[Granny]

We loved BCV, is that the hardest to book since it's so small? I realize certain times of the year (F&W) make BCV & BWV harder to book, and early Dec, etc. But in general, what is the hardest resort to book? I know OKW &SSR(non-treehouses) are pretty easy.

Are you talking about booking at 11 month or at 7 month? There are many challenging resort bookings if you don't own at the resort. In no particular order, these can be hard to get at 7 months:

HH in the summer
VWL in December (it's the smallest on-site DVC resort at WDW)
BWV Standard View or Boardwalk View during heavy seasons such as December or Easter.

On the other hand, we've booked BCV at the 7 month mark for the summer. I think most resorts are available at 7 months during the summer. So the question is really more about when do you plan on travelling?

You are correct though in assuming that, in general, SSR and OKW will be easiest to book as they are usually the last to fill up.

 

[TDC Nala]

Other than Bay Lake Tower (which is nearly impossible for anyone who doesn't own there to get into at anything but the slowest times), BCV or BWV during the Food & Wine Festival. At 7 months you might have more luck with BWV than BCV, it's a bit larger.

Another difficult one is AKV Club Level, all of those usually go to AKV owners because there are so few club level rooms.

 

[starbox]

I believe the hardest DVC resort to get into right now is Bay Lake Tower.

We booked Memorial Day weekend at BLT at 7 months w/no problem and no wait list.

The only reservations I have not gotten at 7 months is HHI in June/July and BCV for F&W.

 

[dclfun]

I also think VGC will become harder to get once the resort is sold out. I've not had a problem booking BLT at 7 months out and have also gotten BCV's this year during F & W at 7 months out, but then I'm pretty flexible with dates.---Kathy

 

[TDC Nala]

I also got BLT at 7 months in September but I don't even bother to try for December.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I also think VGC will become harder to get once the resort is sold out. I've not had a problem booking BLT at 7 months out and have also gotten BCV's this year during F & W at 7 months out, but then I'm pretty flexible with dates.---Kathy

Yup... Once some of the WDW vets experience DLR, I believe VGC will become a Member magnet at 7 months.
I'm happy I own there....

MG

 

[Disney grandma]

We were able to get a 2 bedroom at BLT over spring break (March 21 for five nights)

 

[Dizny Dad]

Try getting into VWL in December at the seven month window . . . .

 

[treehugnmama]

I booked VB and BLT for September at 7 month. I booked it based on last years MNSSHP dates but beacuse they changed this year I changed my dates at 4 months out. I got VB but I could not get BLT

 

[Sandisw]

Honestly, I think it really depends on when you are going and what you are looking for.

I believe AKV concierge is difficult unless you call at 11 months, regardless of the time of year.

I think SV rooms at BLT and BWV and Boardwalk view rooms are difficult to book any time of the year, unless calling around the 11 month time frame.

Treehouses seem to be in hot demand as well and most are calling right at 11 months to book these.

Of course, difficult does not mean impossible and you will always see people post who got something listed as difficult at 7 months.

We had no problem getting 3 nights in a studio at BCV for the summer right at the 7 month window. At 6 months and 3 weeks, they were gone. So, the week made a big difference.

As you mention, the holidays are tough and the Epcot resorts are full around F & W but anything can be gotten if your timing is just right!

 

[starbox]

Honestly, I think it really depends on when you are going and what you are looking for.

As you mention, the holidays are tough and the Epcot resorts are full around F & W but anything can be gotten if your timing is just right!

I also think that if you are willing to be patient, eventually you will get any room you want with a few exceptions, because many of the coveted things (concierge AKV, MK view at BLT ) are point- eaters. Most owners will do them every now and then, or at first, but not every trip because if it's over 100 points more than a 1 bedroom elsewhere, that is a lot more vacation. So there will be some 7 month availability once the newness wears off and owners experience the high point option.

But, this is also why standard view at BWV and tree houses will probably stay hard to book outside 11 months forever - they are the point bargains of DVC - and there are not even enough to go around among owners. Owners won't be giving them up.

 

[chalee94]

I know OKW &SSR(non-treehouses) are pretty easy.

OKW grand villas are not easy.

 

[starbox]

OKW grand villas are not easy.

Another great point bargain. This actually brings up a good point and common misconception of new owners/renters - value point seasons ARE NOT low demand DVC seasons! It is harder to book early December than it is to book summer. DVC owners scoop up the value accommodations and seasons. In general, the lower the points, the higher the demand in terms of seasons.

Christmas week/Easter week are relatively easy to get at 7 months because very few owners consistently use their points at that peak usage rate and peak crowd time. We tend to avoid crowds and really high points.

 

[mamaprincess]

THV's are next to impossible for non owners, even owners start walking them before the 11 mos window because many have reported getting to their 11mos window only to find they are sold out. AKV values are almost hard as concierge. Owners snatch those up and don't let them go because they are a tremendous value point wise. I bet BLT standard view is going to be super hard although I lucked out at the 7th mos window last year in December. I think it was a matter of them releasing inventory as sales went through but I don't ever foresee that happening with any kind of regularity once the resort is completely sold out.

 

[djp0630]

Thanks, this is so interesting... We love BCV and if we were to buy, I think it would be there. But I think I would love to stay at the treehouses like the idea of 3 bedrooms, lower points, etc and SSR is so much cheaper, so I've been thinking, could we buy at SSR and utilize the treehouse sometimes, but also get to stay at BCV sometimes! I liked BLT, but I loved BCV, it's the only reason DH will even considering buying! So we would have to stay there sometimes...

My guess is I will be most likely traveling at the end of August for lower crowds once DD starts school. How hard is that to get availability?

 

[mamaprincess]

I loved BCV, it's the only reason DH will even considering buying! So we would have to stay there sometimes...

The old adage, buy where you want to stay is a sure bet. There are plenty of BCV's on the resale market and that seems like where your and your dh's heart's are. You may be able to get into BCV's at the 7 mos window and may not. No one can really say when availability is guaranteed at the 7 mos. It's best to just own at the resort you love and try to visit others at the 7 mos window whenever you'd like to try something new. That way even if something else isn't available, you'll always be thrilled to be staying "home".

 

[dclfun]

Actually, AKL concierge villas are a GREAT bargain, points-wise- you get food, beverages including alcohol, daily room cleaning and daily turn-down service...all for only a few points more than a SV. As an owner at AKLV's I either book concierge or value villas, both due to the wonderful value I'm getting per point.---Kathy