The Best Times to Book a DVC Stay at Walt Disney World

Planning a Walt Disney World vacation is exciting.
But for Disney Vacation Club (DVC) members, timing matters just as much as destination.

Some resorts, room types, and dates book up almost instantly. If you wait too long, your first choice may already be gone.

So when is the best time to book a DVC stay? Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-follow way.

How DVC Booking Works

DVC uses two main booking windows, and knowing how they work can make all the difference.

11-Month Home Resort Priority

If you own points at a specific resort, you can book up to 11 months before check-in at that resort.

This window is your best chance to secure:

• High-demand dates
• Popular resorts
• Hard-to-get room categories

Think of it as your VIP access.

7-Month Booking Window

At 7 months out, all DVC members can book any resort, regardless of where they own.

The downside?
Many popular options are already gone, so flexibility is key.

When You Should Book at 11 Months

Certain times of year are extremely competitive. For these dates, booking at exactly 11 months is highly recommended.

Christmas & New Year’s (Late December – Early January)

The holidays at Disney are magical. Think decorations, gingerbread displays, and festive entertainment.

They are also the hardest dates to book all year.
Set a reminder and book the moment your window opens.

Fall (October – Early November)

Fall is packed with fan-favorite events, including:

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
• EPCOT International Food & Wine Festival

EPCOT-area resorts like BoardWalk and Beach Club fill fast.
Book early if these are on your list.

Spring Break & Easter

School breaks bring larger crowds and higher demand, especially near Magic Kingdom.

An 11-month booking gives you the best odds.

runDisney Weekends

Events like:

• Marathon Weekend
• Princess Half Marathon

attract thousands of runners and spectators.
EPCOT-area and Magic Kingdom-area resorts are especially popular during these times.

When the 7-Month Window Often Works

Not every trip needs a race to the booking window. If your dates are flexible, these times are usually easier.

Summer (June – August)

Florida heat keeps some guests away, which means better availability.

Larger resorts like Old Key West and Saratoga Springs often have options at 7 months.

Early September

This is traditionally one of Disney’s lowest-crowd periods.

It’s a great time for:

• Last-minute availability
• Lower competition for rooms

Late January – Early February

After the holidays and before spring break, these weeks are another sweet spot.

You may be surprised at what opens up.

Insider Tips for Booking Success

Want better odds? Keep these tips in mind:

• Stay Flexible
  Even shifting your trip by one night can open new availability.
• Use the Waitlist
  DVC waitlists often come through, especially as plans change.
• Know the Hard-to-Get Rooms
  These are best booked at 11 months:
  • Value studios at Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Standard view studios at BoardWalk
  • Club-level rooms
• Try a Split Stay
  Book part of your trip at one resort, then switch to another.
  It adds variety and can make availability easier.
• Have Backup Resorts Ready
  Don’t let one sold-out option stop your vacation plans.

The Bottom Line

The best time to book a DVC stay depends on when and where you want to travel.

• Holidays, festivals, and runDisney weekends → Book at 11 months
• Quieter seasons like early September or late January → 7 months often works

Remember, part of the fun of DVC is trying new resorts and discovering hidden favorites.

Whether you’re walking along Crescent Lake at BoardWalk or relaxing at Old Key West, there’s always a little Disney magic waiting for you.

If you’re thinking about renting a villa or purchasing a Disney Vacation Club membership and have any questions about booking information—or DVC in general—we’d love to help! Our friendly agents are happy to assist, so feel free to reach out anytime at sales@dvcstore.com.

Written By:

Jessica, one of our most experienced and dedicated rental agents at The Timeshare Store, Inc.®, with over 13 years on our team, has helped thousands of families create unforgettable Disney vacations. Her deep knowledge of the resorts, attention to detail, and genuine care for each guest’s experience make her a trusted resource for first-time renters and longtime Members alike. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a dream family trip, Jessica is here to make every step of the rental process smooth and magical.