Buying new membership now - Jan 08 reservations?

[BaldEmu]

Hi All! We've been lurking for a while and learning amazing amounts, and I'm hoping I could get some help with a question.

We're planning a Jan 2008 large vacation. Given the amount we're going to be spending on accomodations, and how frequently we visit Disney, we're thinking about starting a DVC membership instead of just using the cash on room costs. We'd get the option that allows 2006 points (either AK developer points or SSR) so that we could use the 2006 and 2007 points together.

My question is - since we need the rooms in Jan 2008, we would be booking after the 11 month exclusivity period has passed. If we're not picky about where we stay, but just need to get the rooms, is it likely to be problematic to find availability somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[Chuck S]

Hi All! We've been lurking for a while and learning amazing amounts, and I'm hoping I could get some help with a question.

We're planning a Jan 2008 large vacation. Given the amount we're going to be spending on accomodations, and how frequently we visit Disney, we're thinking about starting a DVC membership instead of just using the cash on room costs. We'd get the option that allows 2006 points (either AK developer points or SSR) so that we could use the 2006 and 2007 points together.

My question is - since we need the rooms in Jan 2008, we would be booking after the 11 month exclusivity period has passed. If we're not picky about where we stay, but just need to get the rooms, is it likely to be problematic to find availability somewhere?

Thanks in advance for any help!!

I think buying at SSR would give you the best chance of availability, if you buy at AKV there may be restriction that you won't be able to book anything until after your unit is ready for occupancy. Check with your guide (salesperson) when you make the call to purchase, they should be able to check room availability for you, as long as you know you dates and desired room size.

Welcome to the DIS/DVC boards

 

[Liljam]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the only one with 2006 points that Disney is selling is SSR. It comes with two sets of points, 06 and again in Dec 07. Which would allow you to bank the 06 points, use all of the 07 and even borrow from 08 if you needed to for your trip. The incentive is $10 off per point with a 160 minimum and ends really soon. If you do buy through Disney, you may want to consider using someone here as a referral because that gives current members a little incentive too ! We got a 2 br dedicated villa at SSR in Jan 08 and I'm really excited. I think that place is beautiful and I'm happy booking there as my home resort. Some people don't like it, some love it. If you go through resale, you may have to wait too long for ROFR and miss being able to book your trip. I wish you luck with what you decide to do!

 

[BirdsOfPreyDave]

Don't make your purchase based on this first year. Since you'll be booking inside the seven month window, it won't have an impact anyway. Think about where you will want to stay for many/most of your future vacations, and buy there.

As to this trip, once the Christmas season is over, crowds drop off fairly quickly in January. If you're flexible in which resort, the type of rooms, or the exact dates of the trip, Member Services should be able to find you something.

Welcome home!

 

[Slakk]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the only one with 2006 points that Disney is selling is SSR. It comes with two sets of points, 06 and again in Dec 07. Which would allow you to bank the 06 points, use all of the 07 and even borrow from 08 if you needed to for your trip. The incentive is $10 off per point with a 160 minimum and ends really soon. If you do buy through Disney, you may want to consider using someone here as a referral because that gives current members a little incentive too ! We got a 2 br dedicated villa at SSR in Jan 08 and I'm really excited. I think that place is beautiful and I'm happy booking there as my home resort. Some people don't like it, some love it. If you go through resale, you may have to wait too long for ROFR and miss being able to book your trip. I wish you luck with what you decide to do!

You are correct. AKV developer points cannot be banked so they could not be used in 08. Only SSR has 06 points available between the two. The OP could also look into the sold out resorts to purchase as well - there may be a wait to get points but they can be purchased as well.

Have fun at my most favorite resort in the world!!!!

 

[gkrykewy]

I just purchased a new AKV membership direct, and there were no 06 developer points available - just the $8 per point incentive. If there's a way to get 'bonus points' similar to the current SSR offer, please let me know so I can call and whine!

 

[LisaS]

I just purchased a new AKV membership direct, and there were no 06 developer points available - just the $8 per point incentive. If there's a way to get 'bonus points' similar to the current SSR offer, please let me know so I can call and whine!

At AKV, they originally offered a choice of either a set of developer points that expire 7 months from purchase and cannot be banked, or $8 off per point. So no need to call and whine, unless you would have rather had the short-term developer points rather than the $8/pt discount!

 

[BaldEmu]

Just an update on what happened - we went ahead and purchased the points. Our guide had supposedly put the rooms on hold, but once we got our membership number and called to book the rooms were not on hold. Luckily the rooms were still available, so we got them anyway. There was a complication though - our Guide didn't know the developer points we were being offered were Saratoga Springs points (even though we bought AKV) which meant that on the SSR points we didn't get the same advance booking rights but had to book day by day. (Generally I imagine this isn't an issue because of the seven-month expiration, but we had requested a few days extension on the seven-months).

 

[dianeschlicht]

CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME HOME!!
Sounds like you got it all figured out anyway. The SSR points would have to wait until non-home resort booking dates at AKV. So glad you got what you wanted right away though!

 

[DVC Grammy]

Congratulations!

Since you bought at AKV, if you're not staying there this time, try to find time to visit the AKV models at SSR. They're gorgeous!
They're open from 5-7 pm without a guide (but, alas, no ice cream either ).