The Big Advantage of Disney’s 11-Month Booking Window

When you buy into Disney Vacation Club, the resort where you own your points is called your home resort. One of the best perks of having a home resort is the ability to book there 11 months in advance.

For other DVC resorts that you don’t own, you’ll have to wait until the 7-month mark.

A quick note: if you purchase your contract through resale at one of the original 14 DVC resorts, you won’t be able to use those points at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness, or The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, however if you did purchase one of these three DVC resorts via resale, then the resort you purchased would be the only DVC location you can book, up to 11 months in advance.

Why Those Four Extra Months Matter

It may not sound like much, but that 11-month window can be the difference between booking your dream vacation and having to settle for something else. Availability goes fast during:

• Holidays and school breaks
• High-demand resorts like Beach Club, Grand Floridian, or Polynesian
• Large group trips where you need specific dates and room types

Booking early gives you a huge leg up on getting the exact room and dates you want.

A Real-World Example

Imagine you want to stay at Disney’s Beach Club Villas over Christmas week.

• If you own at Beach Club, you can book on January 25 for a December 25 check-in—11 months ahead of your check-in date.
• If you don’t own at Beach Club, you’ll be stuck waiting until May 25. By then, Christmas week is almost always unavailable.

The same goes for Spring Break, summer holidays, or EPCOT festival season, and Disney Run events. Those resorts near the parks fill up quickly.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Buy where you want to stay. If there’s a resort you love and know you’ll visit often, it makes sense to own there.
• Mark your calendar. Be ready to book right when your 11-month window opens—especially for holidays, premium views, or popular room types.
• Have backups. At the 7-month mark, be flexible. A list of a few alternate resorts and dates can really help.

What to Takeaway

When you’re deciding which DVC contract is right for you, don’t just look at the price per point. Think about where you want to stay, how far in advance you like to plan, and whether those extra four months could be the key to your perfect trip.

For many members, the 11-month booking window is what makes owning at their favorite resort truly worth it.

If you have any questions about Disney Vacation Club or how the program works, we’d be happy to provide information that can help you decide which resort is the best fit for you and your family.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out—our team is always glad to answer your questions and share everything you need to know, with no pressure to purchase.

You can email us at sales@dvcstore.com or call 1-800-550-6493 to speak directly with one of our friendly agents.

Written By:

For over 22 years, Yamilin has been a vital part of The Timeshare Store, Inc.® (DVCstore.com), where she serves as a trusted DVC Sales Specialist and Accounting Manager. Her deep knowledge and commitment have helped thousands of families confidently explore and enjoy the magic of Disney Vacation Club.