Which DVC's are Toughest to Book?

[4forthemouse]

I was just reading the "BCV vs BWV Ressies" post by MdmMim and it got me wondering. Since we just purchased into DVC (SSR-Yippee!) in January I've yet to book a vacation with my points. Which DVC's are the hardest to make reservations? Easiest? Does it depend on what type of room you want? Are most rooms gone by the 7 month window? We love BW and after reading the mentioned post, I'm concerned we'll have a difficult time booking there. Not to mention I'd really like to visit VWL which I know is smaller than BWV. Would you please give me a heads up.
Thank You!

 

[Cruelladeville]

Which DVC's are the hardest to make reservations? The ones I want to stay at!

Seriously, if you are flexible, you can stay about anywhere. Now, if you want to stay somewhere this week, you would have a serious problem, but if you are planning 7 months ahead, you will have several to choose from, as long as you are not booking for Christmas or Easter. Right now, SSR is the easiest to book because it has the fewest members,

 

[CapeCodFam]

This is where the 11 month vs 7 month booking window comes in. Since SSR will be the largest DVC resort and with adding the largest number of members, I suspect that it will become harder to switch outside of your home resort (if you want a prime week). I.e. There will be more members all vying for the smaller resorts at the 7 month mark. Buying where you want to stay may become more important than ever.

That said, you are going to have an equal chance as everyone else when it comes to trying other resorts. To be safe, always book at your home resort first and then try to switch when you can.

 

[Rash]

Here's my recent booking experience -perhaps it will help:

I just tried to book one night in a studio at VWL May 29, 2005 (Memorial Day weekend Sunday). It was sold out, as was BCV. There was availablity at SSR, OKW, and BWV (STD view).

I just returned from BWV 1BR STD view Feb 5-11, which I booked at the 7 month window no problem. (I own at BCV).

Hope that's useful for you.

 

[DVC@BWV]

I own at BWV and just made reservations about two weeks ago for May 7-14. I was able to get a 1BR standard view for most of the days, but had to waitlist for two days in the middle of the stay (the waitlist came through last Thursday). So "last minute" reservations (or reservations at the 7-month window) aren't impossible to get, although you should probably factor in the time of year and what size accomodations you're looking for. Good luck!

 

[tjkraz]

By quantity, some of the hardest room categories to book would be:

* BWV Grand Villa (7 total rooms)
* OKW Grand Villa (26)
* BWV Standard View room (I've heard 20% of the resort, which means about 70 rooms)
* BWV Boardwalk View room (again, I've read 20%, which is about 70)
* VWL (136 total rooms)

SSR Grand Villas may be worth adding to the list someday, but demand has yet to be truly determined. They will certainly be easier to get than OKW (lower points) or BWV (lower room quantity.)

 

[4forthemouse]

Thank you! I appreciate you sharing your experiences and the room stats!

 

[AJKMOM]

A lot depends on when you want to travel. I was able to get HH at 7 months in August. also able to change to a 1br at VB at 7 months.

 

[CarolA]

Past discussion have indicated both BCV and BWV (especially standard view) can be hard to book during the Food and Wine Festival. Also, first few weeks in December tend to book early with DVC.

 

[Deb & Bill]

BCV - early June - points are low and SAB is open. Plus the weather is great for swimming.

 

[SyrCinderella]

Deb & Bill - Does SAB close for part of the year?

 

[4forthemouse]

Just curious, what makes early December a popular time for DVC's?

 

[DrBond007]

By quantity, some of the hardest room categories to book would be:

* BWV Grand Villa (7 total rooms)
* OKW Grand Villa (26)
* BWV Standard View room (I've heard 20% of the resort, which means about 70 rooms)
* BWV Boardwalk View room (again, I've read 20%, which is about 70)
* VWL (136 total rooms)

SSR Grand Villas may be worth adding to the list someday, but demand has yet to be truly determined. They will certainly be easier to get than OKW (lower points) or BWV (lower room quantity.)

Vero Beach is hard to book at Easter. In fact, it was the first resort totally full before all otehr DVC resorts.

There are 5 Vero Beach Cottages which can be difficult to get.
The small size of BCVs also makes it hard to book compared to BWV, OKW, and SSR.

 

[CarolA]

Early December is popular due to the Christmas Decorations, low points, low crowds and the annual meetings.

I have gone that time for several years (although I have never done one of the annual meetings)

 

[Deb & Bill]

Deb & Bill - Does SAB close for part of the year?

Nah, it's just better when it's warmer outside.