BLT or Polynesian

[baivasps]

We have stayed at BLT several times, always in June. We are taking a 5 day trip at the beginning of December to see the Christmas decorations and will be renting DVC points from a family member. We love everything about BLT: monorail, ability to walk to/from the Magic Kingdom, the pool area, convenience to Contempo Café, Chef Mickey's, and the Contemporary shops. We usually get standard or lake view but sometime we have gotten partial Magic Kingdom views and have been able to watch fireworks from our room. Even when we don't get the MK view, I love to see the castle while waiting for the elevator or crossing the walkway to the Contemporary.

I was giving some thought to trying the Polynesian Villas if we can get a standard view. I'm sure it is wonderful but I am afraid I will miss what I love about BLT. I like that the Poly bathrooms are split. I like that you can walk to the TTC which will be convenient for Epcot. As of now, we aren't planning any table service meals at Polynesian but we are planning to go to Chef Mickey's. Do the Poly Villa buildings have elevators? Its not critical but convenient when we are trying to checkout with luggage. Do you like the quick service restaurant?

What do you love about the Polynesian?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Has your family member checked availability? I know there are already dates in early December where there are holes at both BLT and Poly, since the first part of December is now within the 7 month window.

 

[baivasps]

Has your family member checked availability? I know there are already dates in early December where there are holes at both BLT and Poly, since the first part of December is now within the 7 month window.

No, we will arrive on December 2nd so I think our 7 month window opens up on May 2nd.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Meh, I can count today.

Nonetheless, there are already gaps for Poly the week of December 2. Without some waitlist and luck, you won't get a Poly studio that week continuous.

 

[baivasps]

Meh, I can count today.

Nonetheless, there are already gaps for Poly the week of December 2. Without some waitlist and luck, you won't get a Poly studio that week continuous.

Good to know. I was assuming it would be easier at the time of year. I guess I was wrong. Makes my decision easy. Thanks!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Good to know. I was assuming it would be easier at the time of year. I guess I was wrong. Makes my decision easy. Thanks!

The first week in December is one of the highest demand weeks of the year for DVC properties.

 

[baivasps]

The first week in December is one of the highest demand weeks of the year for DVC properties.

Yikes! I hope we can get BLT.

 

[mousefan1972]

Sorry... I own at BLT and nothing is available for that week. Where is your friends home resort? You might want to have her book there now so you at least have something.

 

[baivasps]

Is nothing available for all views at BLT?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This fall has been really brutal for DVC.

 

[mousefan1972]

Like I said, NOTHING at BLT is available that week. That includes all views. Since your friend is a member, she can log on to the member website and check the resort availability tool herself. The first week of December is an extremely popular week for DVC bookings.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Early December absolutely is an 11-month booking. It's extraordinarily popular amongst DVC members for the crowd levels, mild weather and low point costs.

 

[baivasps]

Thanks for your help. I'm so bummed.

 

[baivasps]

Have to wait to 5/2 to find out what was available. My owner owns at AKL and it's not one we are looking to stay at.

 

[mousefan1972]

Have to wait to 5/2 to find out what was available. My owner owns at AKL and it's not one we are looking to stay at.

She can look now using the resort availability tool under vacation planning. Good luck, I hope you find something that works for you.

 

[BenandMorgsMom]

Have to wait to 5/2 to find out what was available. My owner owns at AKL and it's not one we are looking to stay at.

If that is the week you must go due to vacation work schedule, then you should have a backup plan. Nothing is going to change really between now and 5/2 if no rooms are available. I would make a reservation if she is within the window for AKL and then waitlist the resort of your choice. But it seems there may be more variables. Pay cash for the reservation or inquire with a company if they have any reservations for rent that week. That is a very busy time and now that there are blackout dates later in the month, it only creates more crunch at the beginning of the month. Good Luck.

 

[baivasps]

Thanks! I'm still hoping something with DVC will work out. I'd do a split stay for the resorts in the best locations. I'd also waitlist but I have no idea on the probability of that working out. I am making a plan B. I'm looking at booking a moderate resort and then potentially upgrading to Wilderness when the room only rates come out. Its a shorter trip for us and our first time coming for the Christmas decorations. I don't think we will come at this time of year again. So being in a good location is important to me so. It will make it easier to get as much in as we can. I'm not sure if I'd be better off to waitlist to get a DVC near MK or Epcot area, which would save me money. Or if I'd be better going with a moderate and seeing what I can do once discounts come out.