Hi. We just bought into the AKV direct. So I understand about the 11 month window and what is it 7 mos for all other DVC resorts. My question is - if we want to add points later on and buy an aftermarket contract, will we still have the 11 month window if we buy resale at a different resort? For example we really would also like to have BLT. So if I buy an aftermarket BLT and I have 100pts/yr from that contract. Can I book 11mos inadvance at BLT for say a week, use up all those 100pts and dip into my AKV points if I need more for that stay? And still get my 11mos in advance reservation?
So far we are happy with the plan. We were able to book a quick trip with the points given us when we bought in just a month in advance at our home resort. There were more limitations then we originally expected but since we intend to stay relatively flexible, I don't see why this won't benefit us greatly in the next 40 years. We already were able to stay in a room that's usually $1000 a night rack rate. We don't like the that fees are pretty high at AKV but that was the only option we had direct at the time and frankly I love the place. Our rep was awesome, turns out he was from the same area we live in, coincidence I don't know. Did not try to sell us something we didn't want or couldn't use, laid out all the pros and cons that he knew of. What I personally think they should add to the contracts is if you book a certain time in advance, you should be able to use those points for non-DVC rooms. Meaning I wouldn't expect to demand a room 2 wks in advance but if you can't get into a DVC room 4 months in advance and there are regular rooms available at a non-DVC room/hotel then they should make provisions for you to use your points. Restrict it to DVC properties only if you want. That would be my only complaint so far.
Otherwise Disney's attention to detail, service, and staff are second to none - we went down twice this year already. I get that the Mouse has to make his money. But they truly have created a place where you can get the most important thing in life - fun with family and friends and MEMORIES.
So far we are happy with the plan. We were able to book a quick trip with the points given us when we bought in just a month in advance at our home resort. There were more limitations then we originally expected but since we intend to stay relatively flexible, I don't see why this won't benefit us greatly in the next 40 years. We already were able to stay in a room that's usually $1000 a night rack rate. We don't like the that fees are pretty high at AKV but that was the only option we had direct at the time and frankly I love the place. Our rep was awesome, turns out he was from the same area we live in, coincidence I don't know. Did not try to sell us something we didn't want or couldn't use, laid out all the pros and cons that he knew of. What I personally think they should add to the contracts is if you book a certain time in advance, you should be able to use those points for non-DVC rooms. Meaning I wouldn't expect to demand a room 2 wks in advance but if you can't get into a DVC room 4 months in advance and there are regular rooms available at a non-DVC room/hotel then they should make provisions for you to use your points. Restrict it to DVC properties only if you want. That would be my only complaint so far.
Otherwise Disney's attention to detail, service, and staff are second to none - we went down twice this year already. I get that the Mouse has to make his money. But they truly have created a place where you can get the most important thing in life - fun with family and friends and MEMORIES.