exploratory trip

[twinsouvenirs]

we are thinking about booking a few nights in early august as an exploratory trip and renting points since our gfv points will not be good yet. we'd go without the girls. Has anyone done this? did it influence you in any direction (ie to buy more or less?)

 

[Missyrose]

we are thinking about booking a few nights in early august as an exploratory trip and renting points since our gfv points will not be good yet. we'd go without the girls. Has anyone done this? did it influence you in any direction (ie to buy more or less?)

Availability for a points stay is likely VERY limited a month out.

 

[twinsouvenirs]

assuming we are fine with "wherever"... would this be a good plan?

 

[MoreTravels]

assuming we are fine with "wherever"... would this be a good plan?

You will likely only get SSR so the experience is very different from a MK monorail resort. You should try to get BLT to get a feel of living onsite, with Cinderella castle in direct view of your hotel.

 

[JimMIA]

For the purpose of evaluating whether to buy more points, I think it would be a waste of time and money...no matter where you stayed. Seriously...do you think you would NOT like staying in a DVC resort???

A smarter waste of money might be a nice offsite stay to see how that stacks up.

 

[Missyrose]

Look for 1-bedroom villas and you might find availability. Exploratory trips work best when you can stay where you're thinking of buying. But since BWV is high on your list, you can visit the model villas at that resort even if you aren't staying there. Seeing villas at any other resort will require one being unoccupied (which is rare) and a CM being available to take you to see the villa.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

we are thinking about booking a few nights in early august as an exploratory trip and renting points since our gfv points will not be good yet. we'd go without the girls. Has anyone done this? did it influence you in any direction (ie to buy more or less?)

I'm pretty sure addonitis starts immediately upon first use of your points no matter where you stay, so beware!

Sent from my phone using DISBoards Ap, please excuse any typos and autocorrect mistakes.

 

[NoleFan]

I agree with what others have said in this thread. Each resort has something different to offer. Staying @ a resort you are considering purchasing is a great idea. You can experience for yourself the dining options, transportation, pools, location, activities, entertainment, and more. Things you can't simply get from looking at a model room. I have the most fun when I stay at my preferred resorts. Not to say that I don't have a good time otherwise but it is a different experience.

 

[DMKEDM]

This plan sounds to me like an excellent reason for another trip to WDW...any excuse will do, but as excuses go, this one can be made to hold water!

Have fun!!!

 

[disneynutz]

Most buy at an inexpensive resort or rent and then do the exploratory trip to decide which resort to buy. You bought an expensive resort that you can't use yet and now you want to explore?

I would save my money, wait until you can use your VGF points, then stay at other resorts before buying. It might take a few years but then you will have knowledge and experience on your side.

Bill

 

[a742246]

If you have the time and money, I think it is a great idea. I would call Davids or TSS and see if they have any distressed points available.
Getting away without the children would give you more time to explore, you may not even need to visit the parks. I would rent a car though to explore the surrounding areas.
Enjoy!

 

[ImagineerTHAT]

I'm waiting on an ROFR decision that I will find out this week. I really wanted to take my family to the world for a week in a Treehouse with the loaded points I might be getting, so I decided to rent the points now and book through David's.

There was a Treehouse available from Nov 17-23 (won't last until Aug) that I really wanted. If my contract passes, I will rent a bunch of the loaded points to help with the costs (rent for $14, sell for $11). If it doesn't, we take a great vacation for a lot less than we would pay Disney direct.

I say go for it if you have the money. Having a WDW vacation to look forward to is good for the health!