Booking non DVC WDW resort w/points

[lenshanem]

I have read that I cna book 11 months out and I understand there is a different cancellation policy so...
Woudl it be advised to book GF garden view value season (early February) 11 montsh out exactly or do you think I'd be safe waiting closer to the trip date?
I want to be careful since if we end up canceling thsoe ponst coudl only be used at a non DVc resort again and woudl expire at the end of our use year so I'm assuming they cannot be banked.
Plus, if we had to change the dates I woudl ahve to pay a $75 fee from what i think i read.

Also, if I want to make a request since thsi will eb a 10th wedding anniversary trip for us coudl DVC do it or woudl I need to call GF directly or CRO?

Thanks for any tips.

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure what to tell you about how early to book. I guess it depends on whether you have a "Plan B" in case you can't get the dates you want. You also have to make the reservation 60 days or more from the end of your Use Year. (You can travel during that time but you can't make a reservation).

As far as cancelling, you are correct that you cannot bank the points and have to use them for non-DVC trips. There is no fee when you book a WDW resort. There are fees for the cruise and the Concierge Collection. The CC fee has been raised to $95.

 

[Dean]

It depends on your situation and the likelyhood of cancelling. Check to see what the cash price would be and compare before you book with points. You can always make a cancellable cash reservation then schedule with points later anc cancel if still available. If there's any situation that might cause you to cancel, I'd definitely wait.