Why It’s Important to Book DVC Rentals 11 Months in Advance
With DVC, availability is always best at 11 months prior to your desired check-in date, which is the earliest that you can book a trip. When renting DVC points, this is often the best opportunity to find the resort and room type you are looking for. If you’re considering renting DVC points for a trip in late 2023 through 2024, here’s why the 11-month window matters more than ever.
Availability Is Tighter Than Normal Due to Excess Points
The pandemic led to excess DVC points that need to be used. When the DVC resorts were closed, members were unable to use their points, and many ended up banking their points for future use. In July 2022, DVC also reinstated the ability for DVC members to borrow 100% of their points from the next use year. These two scenarios combined mean that there are plenty of DVC points to be used. However, with only so many rooms to book, availability remains scarce. This makes it difficult to reserve your top choice.
“Fall Frenzy” Is Always a Tough Time to Book
Eleven months from now is fall 2023. DVC members often refer to the fall as “Fall Frenzy” since this travel period tends to be a very popular time to book a DVC reservation. Historically, the fall has been especially appealing for its lower point value and the many events that people look forward to such as the EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party. Late fall also brings the start of the holiday season with festive decorations, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays. In 2023, the fall is no less popular and is already booking up quickly.
Refurbishments Can Lead to Limited Availability
Lots of changes are in progress for the BoardWalk’s lobby and amenities. This includes the refurbishment of the Belle Vue Lounge, the transformation of the BoardWalk Bakery to the BoardWalk Deli, and the upcoming opening of The Cake Bake Shop by Gwendolyn Rogers. Along with these changes, the BoardWalk Villas are scheduled to undergo a refurbishment. Based on availability patterns starting in September 2023 and continuing through the 2023 holiday season, it appears that rooms are beginning to be taken out of service for the renovations. This has caused more limited availability in an already popular resort during a busy season.
Deluxe Studios in particular have been tough to come by in any view category. It’s important to note that the BoardWalk Villas does not have any dedicated Two Bedroom Villas. All of the Two Bedroom units consist of a Deluxe Studio and an adjoining One Bedroom Villa. With limited availability for Deluxe Studios starting in fall 2023, this means that availability for the Two Bedroom Villas is also scarce.
What Does This Mean for Guests Looking to Rent DVC Points?
In light of these availability challenges, there are some things guests can do to increase their chances of renting their desired DVC reservation:
- If you’re thinking of reserving a DVC trip, be sure to contact the DVC Rental Store in time for your 11-month booking window for the best availability!
- Have some alternate resort or room type choices in case your first choice is difficult to book. Learn more about the various DVC resorts here and the capacities of different room types at each resort here.
- Be flexible with your travel dates. This increases the odds that your rental request can be filled.
A little advanced planning and flexibility can go a long way in helping you book your trip!
