15 year anniversary; 504 points; 1st DVC stay. Where to Stay?

[Trinity524]

Hello everyone!

We are in the process of closing on our first Disney Resale contract for 300 points @ PVB. We have 204 banked points, plus our 300 for next year. UY Feb. and will not have points avail until possibly late Jan. We will be with our 13 year old boy. We have 0 interest in Star Wars.

Where would you stay and when would you stay? I would like our first trip to be magical, so I am thinking later in the year would work best for us as more things will be open.

Thank you for helping us plan!

 

[Marionnette]

Hello everyone!

We are in the process of closing on our first Disney Resale contract for 300 points @ PVB. We have 204 banked points, plus our 300 for next year. UY Feb. and will not have points avail until possibly late Jan. We will be with our 13 year old boy. We have 0 interest in Star Wars.

Where would you stay and when would you stay? I would like our first trip to be magical, so I am thinking later in the year would work best for us as more things will be open.

Thank you for helping us plan!

With points loading in January, you will already be inside the 11-month home resort booking window for most (if not all) of 2021. My advice is to book your home resort and then switch at 7 months if you want to and can. Riviera will be off the list because your points are resale.

You don't have to use all 504 points in 2021. The 204 banked points will expire on January 31, 2022 but the other 300 points can be banked.

But if you really want to splurge, a CCV cabin or PVB bungalow might be worth considering for part of your stay. Both are on my bucket list and I'm hoping to stay in one or the other in 2022.

But you honestly cannot go wrong with any of the DVC resorts. It will just hinge on what you want to do during your stay.

 

[kanerf]

I would book at least a one bedroom villa either at one of the Epcot area resorts or MK resorts depending on which park you want to visit more often. You did not tell us where you are purchasing, so cannot advise on your home resort. AK is wonderful if you or your son like animals, but it is the most isolated resort.

 

[Trinity524]

I would book at least a one bedroom villa either at one of the Epcot area resorts or MK resorts depending on which park you want to visit more often. You did not tell us where you are purchasing, so cannot advise on your home resort. AK is wonderful if you or your son like animals, but it is the most isolated resort.

I did say PVB, but unfortunately they do not have 1 bedroom villas. Have you stayed at the studios there? I am afraid that the bungalows are very much out of reach for our family.

We love Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. I don't think anyone could go wrong with AKL.

Any suggested time of the year?

 

[Trinity524]

With points loading in January, you will already be inside the 11-month home resort booking window for most (if not all) of 2021. My advice is to book your home resort and then switch at 7 months if you want to and can. Riviera will be off the list because your points are resale.

You don't have to use all 504 points in 2021. The 204 banked points will expire on January 31, 2022 but the other 300 points can be banked.

But if you really want to splurge, a CCV cabin or PVB bungalow might be worth considering for part of your stay. Both are on my bucket list and I'm hoping to stay in one or the other in 2022.

But you honestly cannot go wrong with any of the DVC resorts. It will just hinge on what you want to do during your stay.

Thank you so much! I would love to stay in a cabin. They are gorgeous. PBV is so expensive for the bungalows.

 

[bobbiwoz]

MK dresses up for Halloween and Christmas, Epcot has the Flower Show, Food and Wine and Christmas. If any of those interest you, go for it.
You bought at Poly, and unless you wanted a kitchen for your stay, I would stay there for your first trip, and get lake view. In normal times, Poly is convenient for both MK and Epcot.
I hope you enjoy your DVC purchase very much, for many years!

Bobbi

 

[Trinity524]

MK dresses up for Halloween and Christmas, Epcot has the Flower Show, Food and Wine and Christmas. If any of those interest you, go for it.
You bought at Poly, and unless you wanted a kitchen for your stay, I would stay there for your first trip, and get lake view. In normal times, Poly is convenient for both MK and Epcot.
I hope you enjoy your DVC purchase very much, for many years!

Bobbi

How very sweet of you! How I wish there were options for 1 bedrooms at Poly. I am sure that they would have sold more points, quicker, if there were more options.

Thank you for your suggestions!

 

[kanerf]

I did say PVB, but unfortunately they do not have 1 bedroom villas. Have you stayed at the studios there? I am afraid that the bungalows are very much out of reach for our family.

We love Epcot, and Magic Kingdom. I don't think anyone could go wrong with AKL.

Any suggested time of the year?

Sorry, missed that. Yes, the PVB studios are some of the nicest on property. You get a split bathroom with a separate shower and tub. That said, I would still try for a one bedroom somewhere with the three of you. The studios are nice and will sleep up to 5 depending on the location, but they will seem a bit cramped. Also, you do not have a full kitchen or washer and dryer in a studio.

 

[Trinity524]

Sorry, missed that. Yes, the PVB studios are some of the nicest on property. You get a split bathroom with a separate shower and tub. That said, I would still try for a one bedroom somewhere with the three of you. The studios are nice and will sleep up to 5 depending on the location, but they will seem a bit cramped. Also, you do not have a full kitchen or washer and dryer in a studio.

This is the advice I need . Sounds like it will be perfect for a few days trip, but for a special trip, I may want to choose elsewhere. I appreciate your viewpoint.

 

[karen4546]

book a Bungalow or Grand Villa at AKVillas ! You could even book a cabin @ Copper Creek. Man, with 500 points I would definitely book the Grand Villa @ Jambo.

 

[Trinity524]

book a Bungalow or Grand Villa at AKVillas ! You could even book a cabin @ Copper Creek. Man, with 500 points I would definitely book the Grand Villa @ Jambo.

500 is not quite points enough for a week at either, but it may be worth it to do a few days less.

 

[Donna M]

Just read your last post. Split stay, studio and days at the cabin.

Depending on your length, a split stay could be nice. Since you bought at PVB, I would think you want to stay there. Maybe going there first and then go to a one bedroom in case you want to throw in a load of wash and have some more private time.

Book your whole vacation at PVB at 11 months so you have something in case you can't transfer at 7 months.
If you're flying, some times of the year will be more expensive, even the day of the week, if that matters to you.
Think about the weather, do you need to get out of the north like us, which means we go in the winter, and wouldn't consider the hot humid summers. Do you want to see the seasonal decorations?
Do you want to avoid other schools' vacations?
For me, with that amount of points, I would use them all and more, and stay in a 1 bed at VGF (though we haven't stayed at RIV yet.)

Looking at a lot of pictures of the resorts to find the one that fits your idea of a special place will be well worth your time. Waiting till we are back to "normal" is a real good idea.

Have fun planning.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When is your anniversary?

 

[Trinity524]

When is your anniversary?

Thank you for responding!

My anniversary is March 19th; however, I do not believe we will be in a position to be there at that time with COVID. I'd rather wait until summer and forward. I know that the WDW 50th anniversary is coming up, so maybe Oct/Nov? I am still waiting to close as I just passed ROFR on 11-24. I am not sure if I will have time to book for that time period.

I don't mind having my son out of school. I am also in the north, and would prefer to go when it is cooler.

It's odd being a newbs to DVC, when I am well versed in the parks. It's an exciting and new twist to WDW.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Welcome home! You are right, you can blow through 500 points in no time we did it last year and will next!

I agree with OP's book ASAP at Poly your home and the switch out at 7 months. We are doing 5 nights in a 1 BR at BRV and then 8 nights at OKW in a 2 BR lock off in October/November. Always book the bigger/nicer villa for the second part of the stay if you ever do it. We've stayed at or toured every DVC Resort (except RRV not our taste) and they are all "magical". Plan on lots of trips and different resorts. Next year will be busy (50th) so don't waste a minute getting your rooms once you get your points.

I'd go for Beach Club or Boardwalk if you think EPCOT will be where you spend most of your time. If you are okay with taking a boat and want to be near MK, BRV or CCR are amazingly themed resorts. AKL (Jambo) is another favorite. Savannah View 1 BR will give your son a place to hang out and watch the animals though it is a long drive/bus ride to parks. The vibe is magnificent!

Most importantly, time is money at WDW. The less time you spend getting to/from (plan on an hour each way), the more time to just have fun! Being close enough for an afternoon break - swim, snack and nap is priceless. A 1 BR will give you a WD and a kitchen which becomes a huge timesaver as you pack less and you can eat a decent breakfast before you leave in the morning. Don't underestimate the luxury of "space".

If you want to be really crazy, spend two nights in a 3 BR GV at the end just because you can...trust me, you'll be blown away! Have fun!

 

[The Jackal]

Welcome home! You are right, you can blow through 500 points in no time we did it last year and will next!

I agree with OP's book ASAP at Poly your home and the switch out at 7 months. We are doing 5 nights in a 1 BR at BRV and then 8 nights at OKW in a 2 BR lock off in October/November. Always book the bigger/nicer villa for the second part of the stay if you ever do it. We've stayed at or toured every DVC Resort (except RRV not our taste) and they are all "magical". Plan on lots of trips and different resorts. Next year will be busy (50th) so don't waste a minute getting your rooms once you get your points.

I'd go for Beach Club or Boardwalk if you think EPCOT will be where you spend most of your time. If you are okay with taking a boat and want to be near MK, BRV or CCR are amazingly themed resorts. AKL (Jambo) is another favorite. Savannah View 1 BR will give your son a place to hang out and watch the animals though it is a long drive/bus ride to parks. The vibe is magnificent!

Most importantly, time is money at WDW. The less time you spend getting to/from (plan on an hour each way), the more time to just have fun! Being close enough for an afternoon break - swim, snack and nap is priceless. A 1 BR will give you a WD and a kitchen which becomes a huge timesaver as you pack less and you can eat a decent breakfast before you leave in the morning. Don't underestimate the luxury of "space".

If you want to be really crazy, spend two nights in a 3 BR GV at the end just because you can...trust me, you'll be blown away! Have fun!

We recently stayed for 6 nights in a 3 bedroom GV. It’s going to be hard to go back to a studio in the spring. I would grab a couple days in a cabin. I think the Bungalows are too overpriced. Welcome home, congratulations.

 

[Trinity524]

Welcome home! You are right, you can blow through 500 points in no time we did it last year and will next!

I agree with OP's book ASAP at Poly your home and the switch out at 7 months. We are doing 5 nights in a 1 BR at BRV and then 8 nights at OKW in a 2 BR lock off in October/November. Always book the bigger/nicer villa for the second part of the stay if you ever do it. We've stayed at or toured every DVC Resort (except RRV not our taste) and they are all "magical". Plan on lots of trips and different resorts. Next year will be busy (50th) so don't waste a minute getting your rooms once you get your points.

I'd go for Beach Club or Boardwalk if you think EPCOT will be where you spend most of your time. If you are okay with taking a boat and want to be near MK, BRV or CCR are amazingly themed resorts. AKL (Jambo) is another favorite. Savannah View 1 BR will give your son a place to hang out and watch the animals though it is a long drive/bus ride to parks. The vibe is magnificent!

Most importantly, time is money at WDW. The less time you spend getting to/from (plan on an hour each way), the more time to just have fun! Being close enough for an afternoon break - swim, snack and nap is priceless. A 1 BR will give you a WD and a kitchen which becomes a huge timesaver as you pack less and you can eat a decent breakfast before you leave in the morning. Don't underestimate the luxury of "space".

If you want to be really crazy, spend two nights in a 3 BR GV at the end just because you can...trust me, you'll be blown away! Have fun!

We recently stayed for 6 nights in a 3 bedroom GV. It’s going to be hard to go back to a studio in the spring. I would grab a couple days in a cabin. I think the Bungalows are too overpriced. Welcome home, congratulations.

Excellent advice! Thank you all! I will book Poly as soon as I get the points, and then at the 7 month mark. Ya’ll are amazing!

 

[CarolMN]

Excellent advice! Thank you all! I will book Poly as soon as I get the points, and then at the 7 month mark. Ya’ll are amazing!

If you are planning to do a split stay, book your Poly reservation in two separate reservations as soon as your points are loaded. The first reservation will be for the nights you actually plan to stay at the Poly. The second will be for the dates you want to spend at the second resort.

That way, you can easily modify the second reservation at the 7 month window and not have to worry about losing the Poly portion of your stay. If there isn't availability for the second resort, you can waitlist. If it doesn't come through, MS can combine the two Poly reservations into one for you so you don't have move.

Good luck & welcome home!

 

[DebLovesPooh]

I would recommend any non-holiday week in November and December. October has become too busy for my preference. You’ll get the 50th anniversary and the holiday season. I recommend a 1-bedroom at Kidani or BLT. The two full bathrooms are a treat. Also, I think being so close to MK (BLT) and the animals (AKV) makes the stay a little more magical.

Good luck!

Deb

 

[bp2412]

I can't comment much on the booking as I am also a DVC newb (waiting for the points to load on my first contract) but I'll add my two cents on time of year. My wife and I have gone together 3 times in the middle of September, always the week after Labor Day week, and love that time. It's still warm/hot which we like as we are from CT and fall is starting around that time so it extends summer 1 week longer, seems to be less crowded than other times of year I assume because schools just started back up mostly, and MK is decorated for Halloween/fall which we both enjoy. One potential downside is that it is also hurricane season- we were there in 2017 when hurricane Irma hit at Beach Club and although we never felt unsafe, actually quite the opposite it was very relaxing and enjoyable and got to eat at Cape May for $20/person!!, parks were closed for two days so we did get a little bored that second day as we are the type that don't stop moving. Great news about that is that the weather was amazing right after and the parks were empty from cancelations that it was probably our best trip yet- got on Space Mountain 4 times in 1 day, Flight of Passage twice which was a new ride at the time, Toy Story Mania 6 times, and Food and Wine Festival was going on so the cherry on top. Also Beach Club was super awesome so that's a resort I would recommend but I've heard very hard to get at 7 months (no experience trying myself).

Good luck wherever and whenever you go and happy anniversary!