Are last minute DVC reservations a thing?

[Pyxie]

Is it ever likely (or even possible) to plan last minute trips (within say 30 days) using DVC points? What if you didn't care which resort, room type, or dates and could even travel mid-week?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm currently in the process of purchasing my first resale contract. It just went to ROFR almost a week ago. I know that means I likely have at least 2 more weeks to wait on that and then have to wait on closing, etc. I have the opportunity to travel but it would have to be by the end of January (but as far as which dates it could be any as long as it wasn't the week of the 6th).

Am I delusional that I may be able to get my points in time to do this? If I CAN'T, it's not the end of the world. I could always rent someone else's points or do a cheap value stay or something. It would just be a nice to have.

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

Is it ever likely (or even possible) to plan last minute trips (within say 30 days) using DVC points? What if you didn't care which resort, room type, or dates and could even travel mid-week?

The reason I'm asking is that I'm currently in the process of purchasing my first resale contract. It just went to ROFR almost a week ago. I know that means I likely have at least 2 more weeks to wait on that and then have to wait on closing, etc. I have the opportunity to travel but it would have to be by the end of January (but as far as which dates it could be any as long as it wasn't the week of the 6th).

Am I delusional that I may be able to get my points in time to do this? If I CAN'T, it's not the end of the world. I could always rent someone else's points or do a cheap value stay or something. It would just be a nice to have.

It depends on the time of year, the length of your stay and whether you are open to split stays. But yes, I would say its very doable and very likely for most times of the year especially if you are open to all resorts and room types.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If I remember correctly, there's even a link on the DVC member site showing 'last minute' reservation availabilities. It's usually for a few specific days at an OKW or SSR.

 

[Pyxie]

Perfect! I literally don't care which resort and I wouldn't mind doing a split stay either if I had to. I'd only be going for likely 2 or 3 nights, but would do what I had to if I could make it work.

Again, not the end of the world if I can't.

 

[erionm]

If I remember correctly, there's even a link on the DVC member site showing 'last minute' reservation availabilities. It's usually for a few specific days at an OKW or SSR.

There is, but it's only updated once a week.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We usually travel to WDW late January. On the one hand, the crowds are usually more manageable. On the down side, it's a very low point category for DVC folks, so not sure what impact those things will have for you getting a few nights. But it sure can't hurt to look!

 

[tarheellovesdisney]

If you decide to make reservations but don't get exactly what you want I would recommend submitting a waitlist to fill for up to 7 days before you stay. If you pick a resort that's the same or more points it won't be an issue of points going into holding. I've had good success with the few WL I've made on short notice. Also you should continue to stalk the website if you have time. Rooms show up all the time.

 

[RuntheMouse]

I was able to get a 1 bed at Saratoga this past Memorial Day week (5nights) about a week out. I stalked like crazy and was shocked when I saw it available.

I also was able to grab a Copper Creek studio night about 2 weeks out last October.

Things pop up all the time!

 

[Sandisw]

Last minute is definitely doable. I had to go for training in October and had three weeks notice and got my two nights.

But, I think the timeline to have your points to book by then is going to be tough.

During December, once the annual dues are approved at the annual meeting, it’s all hands on deck to get those added to the website and bills mailed out so some of the work MA does is either stopped or slowed way down for about 10 days.

You also have the holidays in there so you would be at the mercy of the owners getting things notorized and back in timely.

Unfortunately, I think it is going to be tough but pixie dust it happens!

 

[cvjw]

People cancel all the time. Just stalk the RAT and book when you see something open up. I book that way all the time.

 

[muppets3d]

I'm not sure if your points will be loaded into your account in time to use them by January. And your success with DVC will be much higher if you do not treat it as a last minute hotel room, because while you can often find something in the DVC system to use your points if you're flexible with dates, resort, room type, etc - it really works best if you book 7-11 months out.

 

[skier_pete]

Last minute can be pulled off but the stay better be (a) short 1-2 nights (b) not picky on location or dates and (c) willing to go 1-bedroom. A quick survey of current January availability (noting I can't say specifics) shows a few nights here and there at some of the bigger resorts in studios and 1-bedrooms, but nothing more than 2 or 3 nights in a row.

It's important to know that DVC is NOT good for trips more than booked about 5-6 months ahead, and generally you want to book 7 months ahead at minimum. (And possibly earlier if your home resort has popular room categories.)

 

[Genie+]

The most common day of the week that pops up is Tues. Mon and Wed are the next common dangler days left. There’s a good chance you come across a few Mon/Tues or Tues/Wed reservations if you keep checking. Since you said you don’t mind split stay, I’d try picking up any 2+ night reservations then keep stalking. Good chance a third night pops up on one end and with any luck you might even be able to string together the same resort and room category. Keep checking and modifying with any improvements you find, plus waitlist. Goodluck! Sounds like you have alot of flexibility and that’s a big plus to increasing chances, especially if those points load sooner than later.

 

[Pyxie]

I'm not sure if your points will be loaded into your account in time to use them by January. And your success with DVC will be much higher if you do not treat it as a last minute hotel room, because while you can often find something in the DVC system to use your points if you're flexible with dates, resort, room type, etc - it really works best if you book 7-11 months out.

Oh I don't intend to use it as a last minute hotel. I'm a major planner and usually book well in advance of my trips. It so happened that it looks like I'll be there in January and thought it could be nice if I could use DVC. But if I can't, it's fine. I already have a cheap All Star stay booked anyway.

 

[heynowirv]

We've done 2 last minute trips. ! was in 2009 or 2010 ,we were in New Orleans in January and it was pouring cats and dogs with the forecast being that way for days. We called MS and I think it was MLK weekend and found 3 nights at SSR.Rented a car and drove over.
The 2nd time was fairly recently when we drove down and instead of stopping somewhere overnight(we were driving from Delaware)we called and found a night at BLT. It DOES happen.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Odds on being closed and having the points for January if you are a week into ROFR on resale are really poor. I think that is going to be a big limiter.

 

[Ginger03]

Hardest part will be getting points loaded in that time frame. Are you flying or driving? I have called day of and found reservations and if you stalk the site can usually get a night or two.

 

[Sandisw]

Oh I don't intend to use it as a last minute hotel. I'm a major planner and usually book well in advance of my trips. It so happened that it looks like I'll be there in January and thought it could be nice if I could use DVC. But if I can't, it's fine. I already have a cheap All Star stay booked anyway.

That’s another thing to remember and that you have to cancel the all star 8 days ahead now or you lose the deposit.

 

[zackiedawg]

I often book my trips at 3-4 months for summer, sometimes September...and on some occasions, have booked trips less than a month out.

Flexibility is the key - open to moving the days around, if you wanted a Fri - Tues, be wiling to switch to a Thu - Sun, or Sat - Wed, for example. Be open to any resort. It's MUCH more difficult to get studios on that short of a notice - 1-bedrooms have much better chances. It's possible in off-seasons to score all nights at the same resort, but being willing to split stays will make it more likely. Most of the time, you'll end up with OKW or Saratoga as they're usually the most available, and are among the larger ones.

A few years ago, I landed a Boardwalk villa, 1-bedroom, at 20 days out for last week of January...I had to book a Std view for 2 nights, then switch to Preferred view for 2 nights, for a 4-night stay...but at least got to stay in the same resort. I prefer not moving if possible, but when booking on very short notice, you take what you can get.