DVC and the GF in July - oh no!

[septimuswigley]

We (well, I say 'we', I actually mean my father) have just tried to use our DVC points to book our honeymoon in the GF for ten days from 22nd July 2007. :) But... we've just got an email back saying there is NO availability at the GF on those dates! :( :( :(

On the Resorts thread I've been told that I've got no chance other than a DVC member cancelling as once the DVC portion of rooms available is booked, that's it. But am I right in thinking that the window for using DVC points to book at the GF isn't even open yet? :confused3

Alternatively, does anybody have any ideas on how to still get a room at the GF for the dates we need using DVC points? The GF was going to be that extra special bit of Magic for our honeymoon and now it looks like it's not gonna happen :( :( :(

TIA

Benn

[Doctor P]

We (well, I say 'we', I actually mean my father) have just tried to use our DVC points to book our honeymoon in the GF for ten days from 22nd July 2007. :) But... we've just got an email back saying there is NO availability at the GF on those dates! :( :( :(

On the Resorts thread I've been told that I've got no chance other than a DVC member cancelling as once the DVC portion of rooms available is booked, that's it. But am I right in thinking that the window for using DVC points to book at the GF isn't even open yet? :confused3

Alternatively, does anybody have any ideas on how to still get a room at the GF for the dates we need using DVC points? The GF was going to be that extra special bit of Magic for our honeymoon and now it looks like it's not gonna happen :( :( :(

TIA

Benn

I hate to be harsh, but this is a little late to be booking for such an important event. DVC points could have been used for GF since August and cash reservations could have typically been made even further out than that (we have seen cash reservations booked nearly two years out depending on timing and resort). Good luck and I do hope it works out for you.

[DebbieB]

Can you get a regular reservation through CRO? Then rent the DVC points to get the money?

I would also call member services, rather than communicating by e-mail, they could look at available options. It' possible just a night or two is soldout and they could look at ways to work around it.

[septimuswigley]

Can you get a regular reservation through CRO? Then rent the DVC points to get the money?

Would I be able to rent out DVC points for the same rate as a room at the GF? It's pretty pricey.

[littlestar]

If the Grand Floridian doesn't work out, have you thought about trying to get a 1 bedroom at a DVC resort? With the jacuzzi tub, they are very nice indeed. Or, maybe you could even split your stay? Say 5 nights in a DVC 1 bedroom and then 5 nights at Grand Floridan. You need to call DVC and see what's missing on your dates.

[Doctor P]

Would I be able to rent out DVC points for the same rate as a room at the GF? It's pretty pricey.


Generally, the DVC point rate (calculated at $10 per point which is pretty typical for what you can get from a rental) is HIGHER than the cash rate so renting the points that would be used should give you more than enough money to get the room for cash. The drawback is the hassle of renting the points (they should be rented for use at a DVC resort to get maximum demand for the points).

[PamOKW]

I agree with the idea of making a call (or e-mailing back) to confirm that the entire time period is sold-out versus just a missing night or two.

Since your father is being so generous, I would think about other options he could book for you rather than having him have to hassle with renting out the points and booking for cash. A one-bedroom at your favorite DVC can be a pretty spectacular honeymoon. But I'd get hopping on that too.....depending on when in July, you're hitting the 7 month window very soon.

[lisaviolet]

Heck with all the points that he is using to trade out to the GF I'd bet you could get a two bedroom at any DVC!!!!!

Congratulations on your wedding.

All the best,

Lisa

[mufasa0505]

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I hope something opens up for you. :wizard:

[DebbieB]

Generally, the DVC point rate (calculated at $10 per point which is pretty typical for what you can get from a rental) is HIGHER than the cash rate so renting the points that would be used should give you more than enough money to get the room for cash. The drawback is the hassle of renting the points (they should be rented for use at a DVC resort to get maximum demand for the points).

For that time of year, a garden view is 40 points weekdays and 72 points on weekends. A cash room at rack rate is $422 including tax, so you would be pretty close if renting a $10 a point.

I would consider a 1 bedroom at either Boardwalk or Beach Club (DVC resorts similiar to GF), there's a private jacuzzi in the room :goodvibes

[byoung]

Try OKW or BWV you will like it better.

[pms122765]

What is GF?

[pms122765]

My bad Grand Floridian

I am dumb

[fkj2]

Generally, the DVC point rate (calculated at $10 per point which is pretty typical for what you can get from a rental) is HIGHER than the cash rate so renting the points that would be used should give you more than enough money to get the room for cash. The drawback is the hassle of renting the points (they should be rented for use at a DVC resort to get maximum demand for the points).

I might agree with that EXCEPT for the fact that out of the $10/point they'd get renting the points, they have to pay the maintenance fee, after which, assuming the points are at OKW, they'd CLEAR about $5.60 per point, more or less.

[septimuswigley]

A one-bedroom at your favorite DVC can be a pretty spectacular honeymoon. But I'd get hopping on that too.....depending on when in July, you're hitting the 7 month window very soon.

The thing is, we both wanted to go somewhere it was highly unlikely we'd go to again - normally we go as a big family and stay at somewhere like OKW, which is great, but this time around we wanted to do the whole top class pampering thing.

Our problem has been that we're going to St. Lucia for the first week, and the flight schedules for UK to St. Lucia have only just been confirmed. So we'd technically have problems anyway - if we booked the GF when the window opened in August, the Law of Sod would mean we'd have serious problems getting to St. Lucia (which, as it turned out, we do anyway!)

I really appreciate all the help (and congrats!) you've all given me - I'll try ringing Member Services and explain our situation. Maybe Mickey can give us a helping hand!

Benn

[Doctor P]

I might agree with that EXCEPT for the fact that out of the $10/point they'd get renting the points, they have to pay the maintenance fee, after which, assuming the points are at OKW, they'd CLEAR about $5.60 per point, more or less.

This statement is irrelevant to the question!!! The points were going to be used for the accomodations anyway. The question was whether they could raise enough money to pay for the room at GF rather than using points for the room since a points room wasn't available. DUHHHHH!!!

[Dean]

I might agree with that EXCEPT for the fact that out of the $10/point they'd get renting the points, they have to pay the maintenance fee, after which, assuming the points are at OKW, they'd CLEAR about $5.60 per point, more or less.You got to pay the fees regardless of which way you use it so that doesn't play into the equation. And the cash rate quoted is the same for weekends as for weekdays while the points vary. Of course you have to pay tax on the cash price. If it were I, I'd book a 1 BR at one BWV, BCV or VWL and then look for a discounted rate as you got closer to the time. A regular room even at GF doesn't compare to a 1 BR with a full kitchen, separate LR area and a whirlpool tub. Again, the exception would be for the weekend.

[CarolA]

I know you have your heart set on the GF, but I would really consider the BCV or BWV.

My one and only stay at the GF left me VERY underwhelmed with the whole experience. For the prices they charge I expected a top notch service type experinece. What I got fell FAR short of any definition of top notch. The fact that last year at least one rating agency downgraded the GF leads me to believer that the service still isn't matching up to the prices. (Sorry, but "monorail" access is NOT a good reason for those prices!)

[MIDisFan]

I know you have your heart set on the GF, but I would really consider the BCV or BWV.

My one and only stay at the GF left me VERY underwhelmed with the whole experience. For the prices they charge I expected a top notch service type experience. What I got fell FAR short of any definition of top notch. The fact that last year at least one rating agency downgraded the GF leads me to believer that the service still isn't matching up to the prices. (Sorry, but "monorail" access is NOT a good reason for those prices!)

I definitely have to agree with CarolA. While the GF is beautiful, I too was underwhelmed. Of course the best value for the points would be a DVC resort, but you could check at Poly or YC. I personally believe you would have a better experience at either one of those as opposed to GF.

Congratulations on the wedding! Best of luck to you!

[fkj2]

You got to pay the fees regardless of which way you use it so that doesn't play into the equation. And the cash rate quoted is the same for weekends as for weekdays while the points vary. Of course you have to pay tax on the cash price. If it were I, I'd book a 1 BR at one BWV, BCV or VWL and then look for a discounted rate as you got closer to the time. A regular room even at GF doesn't compare to a 1 BR with a full kitchen, separate LR area and a whirlpool tub. Again, the exception would be for the weekend.

I understand, Dean. That's actually my point: they'd have to pay the maintenance fees out of whatever amount they generated renting points out at $10 per point. If they'd rent out 100 points, to generate $1000, they'd only have $560 (or so) to pay toward the room accommodation at the Grand Floridian once they paid the maintenance fees. It isn't as though they'd have the entire $1000 to work with. I didn't even factor in the tax; that's an excellent point. It all adds up.

I agree with you. I'd try to book a one bedroom also at a different resort.

[Dean]

I understand, Dean. That's actually my point: they'd have to pay the maintenance fees out of whatever amount they generated renting points out at $10 per point. If they'd rent out 100 points, to generate $1000, they'd only have $560 (or so) to pay toward the room accommodation at the Grand Floridian once they paid the maintenance fees. It isn't as though they'd have the entire $1000 to work with. I didn't even factor in the tax; that's an excellent point. It all adds up.

I agree with you. I'd try to book a one bedroom also at a different resort.Semantics I suspect and I bet we're still saying the same thing in different ways. However, I disagree with the idea that it only gives you the per point price minus the maint fee to pay for whatever cash option. One has to pay the dues regardless and those dues are paid whether one uses the points for a DVC stay or to rent out. So if the value of one is the price minus the fees, one must say the same for the DVC stay. I'd take the other stance if one were buying simply to rent as a side line business as the proceeds would be the rental price per point minus a prorated amount for principle, minus the fees and also subtracting something for lost opportunity cost.

[MinnieGi]

Just my 2 cetns but for a honeymoon, I think the magic of a 1 bedroom villa with a jacuzzi, king sized bed, living room and kitchen in a great location like the BWV, BCV, or VWL would be more stunning than a regular small room at the GF. Okay, the GF is beautiful, but the luxury of all that room for a honeymoon I think would be ideal. Actually if we could have afforded it I think we'd have picked a one bedroom at BWV. The location is awesome for couples being so close to JellyRolls, Atlantic Dance Hall, and all the restaurants at WS! As two adults with no kids you will probably spend more time in Epcot & MGM than MK.

Congrats on your wedding!! Your honeymoon sounds great with a week in St. Lucia followed by a week in Disney! WoW!

[septimuswigley]

Judging by what everyone is saying about the GF, we're going to make investigations into Concierge service at the Polynesian or Yacht/Beach Club - as good as places like OKW are, we really want to do the whole 'not lifting a finger' thing this time around - OKW will hopefully be next year!

But thanks again for all your helps, guys (and gals, obv.!)

Benn

[Kona*Queen]

We stayed main building concierge at the GF and really didn't rate it either. it didn't live up to the hype. Don't be too upset if you don't get it. We prefer The Poly or YC if you really want a deluxe. We just stayed in a 1 bed at BCV and that was fantastic too. It's nice to have all those restaurants on the Boardwalk/Epcot resorts and WS within walking distance. Good luck finding a solution! :)

[Sammie]

Well I will have be the voice of support for the Grand Floridian as it is our favorite Disney resort over all others, including our DVC favorites.

We have stayed there many times and never had anything other than a magical experience. This is not to say you can't have a great time at other locations, as you can, but I certainly would not rule out the Grand Floridian if you are able to get it. It is a very special place. :thumbsup2

I think you would be pleased with either Grand Floridian concierge or Polynesian concierge, I can not recommend either Beach Club or Yacht Club concierge, we were not impressed with the lounge area, the staff or the views from the lounge, or the food offerings for the cost. We love the Yacht Club, but will not do concierge there again. I would give the Beach Club concierge a slight approval, but if you want concierge in the Epcot area, definitely try the BW Inn, :thumbsup2

I love my DVC but if I was wanting concierge opinions about Disney resorts, a DVC forum is not where I would gather all my info. If you go back to the Resorts forum and ask about concierge versus DVC you will get many different opinions. It is simply a matter of what one is used to and likes and some have experienced both as we have but many haven't.

So for concierge my choices would be: Grand Floridian, Polynesian, BW Inn, and Beach Club in that order.

Good luck with your decision. :thumbsup2

[Lexxiefern]

Good luck gettting what you want and congratulations on your wedding! Please keep us updated with what you end up deciding :)

[septimuswigley]

Please keep us updated with what you end up deciding :)

It might be a case of what's still available - decisions may not come into it!

But thanks all the same. Fingers crossed for Polynesian Concierge as our backup!

I was wanting concierge opinions about Disney resorts, a DVC forum is not where I would gather all my info

Already done! :thumbsup2

Thanks all

Benn

[Disney-Kim]

What about the garden cottages at the Boardwalk?
They are 2 story units that have a little white picket fence in front. they are very cute.
I would not despair...the Poly concierge rates tops with me. We honeymooned there.

[Sammie]

What about the garden cottages at the Boardwalk?
They are 2 story units that have a little white picket fence in front. they are very cute.
I would not despair...the Poly concierge rates tops with me. We honeymooned there.

I agree the BW Inn garden cottages are indeed very special for a honeymoon and include concierge access. Another great alternative. :thumbsup2

[Dean]

What about the garden cottages at the Boardwalk?
They are 2 story units that have a little white picket fence in front. they are very cute.
I would not despair...the Poly concierge rates tops with me. We honeymooned there. They would not be available on points which seemed to be one of the criteria earlier in the thread. Plus they are quite expensive from what I recall.