booking question

[ellenmiele]

We are in the process of buying DVC resale and we're now thinking we'd like to go to WDW over Halloween (preferably at BWV or BCV). Problem: our sale won't be final for another 6 weeks. Question: do we wait 6 weeks and hope we can book a 2BR villa then or could I (or should I) book one now (cash) and after the deal is final then change over to paying with my newly acquired points? And can you even do that?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Whatever you decide, try to book it NOW. Occupancy at the Epcot resorts is very high during this period (Food & Wine Fest), and you will be lucky to get anything at this point. I had read on the resorts board that the only remaining rooms were a few concierge rooms in all the Epcot resorts. We made our ressies for this period at the 11 month mark, and when we reserved for friends at the 9 month mark, all that was left at BW were a few preferred pool/garden views.

So if you can be flexible (i.e. reserve at another DVC resort at WDW and waitlist for an EPCOT resort), you should be fine. If it has to be an Epcot resort, you might be out of luck at this point.

 

[PamOKW]

Originally posted by ellenmiele
or could I (or should I) book one now (cash) and after the deal is final then change over to paying with my newly acquired points? And can you even do that?

If you really want to travel at that time and be guaranteed to stay in the Epcot resort area, then you might want to go ahead and book a cash reservation at any of the area resorts (DVC or not) to have as a "back-up".

Unfortunately, the cash inventory and the member inventory are seperate. If you were to get a cash reservation at BCV (or BWV), you could not just switch and pay with points. The rooms for cash become available due to several circumstances including that they have been "traded" by members to use a non-DVC option -- cruise, hotel stay, etc. DVC has to get cash in return to pay for the trip the member is taking. They can't rent the rooms for points because they have to generate cash.

If you are open to all the WDW DVC resorts and possibly several size accomodations, you will probably be able to get something for your fall trip. Good luck with the purchase.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by ellenmiele
We are in the process of buying DVC resale and we're now thinking we'd like to go to WDW over Halloween (preferably at BWV or BCV). Problem: our sale won't be final for another 6 weeks. Question: do we wait 6 weeks and hope we can book a 2BR villa then or could I (or should I) book one now (cash) and after the deal is final then change over to paying with my newly acquired points? And can you even do that?

The CRO inventory of rooms that is rented for cash is totally separate from the inventory of rooms available for points. You cannot change a cash room over to one that you can pay for points.

It is a good idea to have a back up plan if you know you are going no matter what.

IMHO, you will have a tough time getting BCV or BWV on points for the end of October. Those two resorts are especially popular during Food & Wine Festival and most likely already have waitlists for rooms during your preferred time. You may find availability at one of the other WDW DVC resorts - so it's best to keep your options open.

All that said, people's plans do change so you never know until you call.

Hope you have good luck!