When is the best time to book offsite?

[Dacky619]

So we are DVC members that are now looking into renting a place offsite for the extra space. We are looking into some of the developments like Windsor Hills, Oakwater, Emerald Island, etc... We aren't too picky here and most of the places seem more than ok for us. I know if you were to book Bonnet Creek the best prices come within 60 days of your trip, do the prices on sites like VRBO change in a similar way at all too? We are looking at mid may for our trip, so I'm not worried about places not being available.

 

[2Gma]

Whenever we've rented through VBRO each owner usually has the rental rates listed per season on their site. Example: June-Aug High season rate $XXX/night, etc. I suppose if you look at the owners rental calendar and see an opening close to your expected stay they may give you a break on the price. Never hurts to ask.

 

[mco65]

we booked a room at Comfort Suites (Main Gate) last Sat Night for three nights this past week... would stay there again if need be.

 

[quagmire0]

The most rented and best-reviewed condos will always go quick, so it's best to find them ASAP. You can save a buck by grabbing newer/less known listings, but you're also taking a big risk. I'd rather spend $50-100 more total for a place I *know* is good, versus rolling the dice.

 

[ParkHopperFan]

I agree with Quagmire0. Your best bet to get a nice place is to book very early. The nicest places are usually booked one year or more in advance. You can search properties by available dates on VRBO or Homeaway.

 

[MalkaR]

A year? Really? I guess I'd better start looking!

 

[quagmire0]

A year? Really? I guess I'd better start looking!

Yep. For the best of the best, anyway.

 

[Dacky619]

I appreciate the responses but it seems some of you didn't quite get what I was asking. Do places on VRBO get cheaper to fill unbooked units as the date approaches? I'm asking because at WBC booking for trips within the next 60 days gets you a serious discount and I just wanted to compare our options.

 

[quagmire0]

With VRBO it's on a property-by-property basis. Some are owned by people, some by companies. In general, most have set rates based on peak and non-peak times on the calendar. There is no set time where a bunch of properties will become available for a lower price. You may have an owner here or there that offers a discount because they haven't booked - but that would likely be closer out than 60 days. Most of the better-reviewed properties will be gone by then. So, to answer your question - you'd really be rolling the dice to save a few bucks.

 

[bearzabout]

I've tried to negotiate with owners of VRBO rentals as little as one week out and was only successful one time lowering the rate on a house to a flat $1000 per week. I've contacted a few a month out and most were not worried about renting their units at full price. I guess many people do book last minute.

Your best bet for bargain priced lodging for early to mid May is through Skyauction. There are many timeshare units available for the price of a resort certificate ($249/week). Do your research because like rental houses, the best ones are not dumped on sites like Skyauction. The best ones (like Bonnet Creek) are booked at full price or held for owners.

Also check Ebay for places like Bonnet Creek. Many people have more points than they can use and book tentative reservations using a low amount of points off season then rent the dates out for a profit on Ebay.

On VRBO, the best value properties tend to book early, so the only ones left may be the ones that are not as nice or are priced too high. A discount off these higher prices may only drop them to the level of their competition so research is necessary to know if you are getting a good deal.

I have never had a problem booking with Skyauction and have been lucky with Ebay. I have been defrauded by someone on VRBO, so make sure the person you are dealing with actually owns the property listed or is a legitimate representative.

 

[chekhovgirl]

I've booked at Bonnet Creek two ways, over six months in advance, and in under 60 days. At under 60 days we did get a good price, but it was for January and we were also booking a one bedroom which I would think are not as in high demand as the two bedrooms, which is what we booked on the prior trip because we had more people. I think if you're not too picky that you may be able to get a good deal at 60 days, but at what is considered "high season" and for larger unit, I probably wouldn't chance it. I am a Bonnet Creek fan, wouldn't pick any place over it. I've always checked with Ken Price at Vacation Upgrades, but the price has always been significantly lower through Vacation Strategy. Just call them and ask what the rates are.

Here's Ken's pricing online info:

http://vacationupgrades.com/pricing.html

 

[chekhovgirl]

Oh, and you may be able to book earlier through others, but VS doesn't book until 10 months out.

 

[figmentfan423]

I always try and book ASAP as I have my trip dates to get exactly what I want.