need help scheduling/planning trip--non-dvc member looking to rent

[ng622]

Hi all:

I am not sure if this is the right place to post, but since my interest with this post is more about planning and recommendations, than actually renting which I will do in another post, I posted here. If I should post elsewhere, i would appreciate it if someone would let me know.

OK--with that out of the way. my family and I are looking to go to Disney in late ******. I have heard the park is much less crowded during that time. we are a family of 5 including 3 kids (ages 10, 7 and 4). We would like to stay at one of the DVC properties to try it out and see if we would like to purchase. can anyone make any recommendations regarding room selection. We are somewhat on a budget, so the smallest/least expensive room that would work for a group of this size would be best. I like the walkability of Boardwalk and Beach Club to the park as our youngest may not last as long as the older ones and we would not want to be forced to leave/stay as an entire group. Also, any suggestions for dining? We'd like to buy cereal, etc. for breakfast to save some money there but am not sure what we can get to without a car. Any other thoughts/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for all the questions--we are totally new to this experience.

Thanks,

Nick

Edit: Specific date info removed so as not to be construed as a "Reservation Wanted" post, which are only allowed on the Rent/Trade Board - Chuck

[appleorchard]

Early *** is a VERY heavily booked time for DVC members, because points are low . You may have a hard time finding someone to make a reservation for you at this late date.

Most DVC studios don't hold 5 people--only AKV and BLT (I think) can hold 5. Even a 1 BR only sleeps 4 in BWV and BCV.

Points are much higher on the weekends so if your trip encompasses a weekend you'll pay more for those nights.

There are several grocery services that will deliver groceries to your villa, and there's a selection of simple stuff, like cereal and milk, at every DVC.

This is just a quick reply to give you a ittle info. I'm sure more people will be along to fill in the details!

[ng622]

Thanks Apple!! Shows how little I know. i assumed it would be fairly empty as i understood the park not to be very crowded during this time of year. Live and learn.

[bookwormde]

No studios hold 5 (only 4 unless one is under 3YO) here is the thread for occupancy discussions, yu will need a 1BR (except Jambo Value 1RB are only 4)

http://www.disboards.com/showthread....01569&page=139

IF you are taking about this year your chances of renting point for late ***. , early *** are not good (sorry for the bad news).


bookwormde

[disneynutz]

Originally Posted by ng622

Hi all:

I am not sure if this is the right place to post, but since my interest with this post is more about planning and recommendations, than actually renting which I will do in another post, I posted here. If I should post elsewhere, i would appreciate it if someone would let me know.

OK--with that out of the way. my family and I are looking to go to Disney in late ****. I have heard the park is much less crowded during that time. we are a family of 5 including 3 kids (ages 10, 7 and 4). We would like to stay at one of the DVC properties to try it out and see if we would like to purchase. can anyone make any recommendations regarding room selection. We are somewhat on a budget, so the smallest/least expensive room that would work for a group of this size would be best. I like the walkability of Boardwalk and Beach Club to the park as our youngest may not last as long as the older ones and we would not want to be forced to leave/stay as an entire group. Also, any suggestions for dining? We'd like to buy cereal, etc. for breakfast to save some money there but am not sure what we can get to without a car. Any other thoughts/recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Sorry for all the questions--we are totally new to this experience.

Thanks,

Nick

Your talking 2010 right?

[ng622]

no--i was talking about 2009. I will give it a try but it sounds like I will need to make other arrangements. It would seem that if this was such a busy season, that they would raise the point rates if they are getting full occupancy--just a thought--lol.

[Lynne M]

DVC is a timeshare.....it's not at all like booking a hotel. They can't raise or lower points per night like a hotel would raise or lower its rates to affect occupancy.

The number of points per resort is fixed at the inception of the contracts for that resort. They can shift point requirements around. For example, they recently made a slight increase to the points needed for weeknights, and lowered the points for weekends, but the total number of points always has to stay the same. This isn't something that happens seasonally, though. In the all the time DVC has existed, they've only done it twice.

[CarolMN]

Originally Posted by ng622

no--i was talking about 2009. I will give it a try but it sounds like I will need to make other arrangements. It would seem that if this was such a busy season, that they would raise the point rates if they are getting full occupancy--just a thought--lol.

DVC is designed for the resorts to be at or near capacity for all times of the year. Some times of the year do book more quickly, though.

It is possible that the point charts may be adjusted in the future, but it's like handicapping a horse race. The handicapper's objective is to have all the horses cross the finish line at the same time, using varying amounts of extra weight. DVC uses the point charts to even out the demand. Neither job is easy.

Feel free to post a request on the R/T Board. If your dates and resort choice are flexible, you may yet be successful. It's worth a try,but if you really want to go December, 2009, make a back up plan.

If your family is interested in the free dining offer, know that it has been extended to mid-December. Free dining is not available to anyone paying for their stay with points.

[ng622]

no--i was talking about 2009. I will give it a try but it sounds like I will need to make other arrangements. It would seem that if this was such a busy season, that they would raise the point rates if they are getting full occupancy--just a thought--lol.

[ng622]

Thanks all for the help. My original request, separate and apart from the availability issue, is what would be the best accomodation for a family of 5 (all over the age of 3). any tips or advice?

Nick

[castleri]

Originally Posted by ng622

Thanks all for the help. My original request, separate and apart from the availability issue, is what would be the best accomodation for a family of 5 (all over the age of 3). any tips or advice?

Nick

If you wish to keep the cost down the best bet would be AKV or BLT 1 bedroom as they have sleeping facilities for 5 and they have 2 bathrooms. They will allow 5 in other 1 BRs but they do not provide the extra bedding you would need. Some people bring and air mattress and the needed sheets etc to do this. At OKW the 1 BR has a sleeper sofa and a love seat in the living room that would probably take care of your 3 children if the smallest could sleep on the love seat. You would still need the extra sheets etc. Actually OKW would require the least points and provide the biggest villa although it will have just the one bathroom.

Good luck with you quest.

[CarolAnnC]

Originally Posted by ng622

Thanks all for the help. My original request, separate and apart from the availability issue, is what would be the best accomodation for a family of 5 (all over the age of 3). any tips or advice?

Nick

As stated above, occupancy is a topic that we limit on our boards to the thread in the link provided (see bookwormde's post). You will need to seek out at least a one bedroom accommodation at AKV or BLT both of which can hold a family of 5.

Please visit that thread for information on occupancy.
Thank you.