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Disney Vacation Club members enjoy the magic of Disney resorts year after year, but one of the most important aspects of using your membership effectively is understanding DVC booking windows. Knowing when you can book your stay can make the difference between securing your dream room — or missing out. Let’s break it down.
What Is a DVC Booking Window?
A booking window is the period of time when DVC members are eligible to book a reservation using their points. DVC has two primary booking windows:
- Home Resort Priority Window
- 7-Month Booking Window
Each plays a different role depending on where and when you want to travel.
Home Resort Priority Window
If you’re planning to stay at your Home Resort — the resort where you own your points — you can book your stay up to 11 months in advance of your check-in date, for up to seven (7) consecutive nights.
Example:
If you want to check in on December 15, 2025, you can call or book online starting January 15, 2025.
Why it matters:
Popular dates (like holidays, runDisney events, or spring break) and specific accommodations (like studios or standard views) can fill up quickly. Booking at 11 months gives you the best chance of securing exactly what you want at your Home Resort.
7-Month Booking Window
If you want to stay at a resort that is NOT your Home Resort, you can book up to 7 months in advance of your check-in date, for up to seven (7) consecutive nights.
Example:
For a December 15, 2025 check-in at a resort that’s not your Home Resort, you can book starting May 15, 2025.
Why it matters:
Some resorts are smaller, or have highly sought-after rooms (like Grand Californian or Beach Club Villas). Availability can be very limited by the time the 7-month window opens, especially during busy seasons, so plan accordingly and have back-up options in mind. Larger resorts like Old Key West and Saratoga Springs are the last to fill up. Consider one of these as an alternative if your first choice is not available.
Key Tips to Master Booking Windows
- Mark your calendar: Booking opens at 8:00 AM Eastern Time online and 9:00 AM by phone. Set reminders!
- 7 Consecutive Nights Only: At the 11 and 7 month booking windows, you are limited to booking up to seven consecutive nights at that time. If you need to book additional nights, you can modify your reservation for each additional night one at a time until you have your desired number of nights.
- Book early for popular seasons: December holidays, Halloween, and EPCOT festival seasons fill up fast at popular resorts.
- Be flexible: Having a few date and resort options can help if your first choice isn’t available. Plan for extra points if Standard View isn’t available and you need to book the next category.
- Waitlist wisely: If your desired reservation isn’t available, you can waitlist it. DVC will automatically book you if it becomes available.
Understanding and planning around DVC booking windows is crucial to getting the most value and magic out of your membership. Whether you’re dreaming of a savanna view at Animal Kingdom Lodge or an ocean-view villa at Aulani, knowing when to book gives you the best chance of making it a reality.
Happy booking!
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