Finding my DVC Groove...

[MerriH807]

We bought DVC last August while we were vacationing at BLT last August. We had been talking about doing it for over a year and found some time to sit down with a guide and get some of the things we were confused about clarified. We usually travel in August and bought our points based on our August travel plans. Our UY is October. Needless to say, last October we booked our first trip home for August of 2011.

One of the "incentives" was also recieving the 2010 points, so we had some points to "play" with. We went away for an adults only weekend in Jan and bought APs. Then we decided to drive last minute for a trip in April with the kiddies and got them APs. So now we have them for our ORIGINAL trip home this August.

Now as I think about our vacation plans, I am wondering what to do next. Should I plan another April trip so that we can get another use out the kids' APs or just keep with our original August plan?

I know from on here, people have their special DVC groove. Plan trips to get two uses out of annual passes almost a year apart, but I feel like I am a little all over the place. ANY suggestions to help me find "my groove" will be appreciated.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are empty nesters who bought relatively late in life. I was in my late 50s and DH was in his 60s. We found that we would be going to WDW for sure for the F&G, F&W/Halloween and for a December visit. We then became Grandparents and so we bought more points and also went when DS's family was able to go.

So, we too are ALL OVER THE CALENDAR. Coming up this year, we have June, September, October and December and I'll be staying for all of January.

If you are close enough to drive, then I wouldn't worry to much about doing things according to a "schedule." Even though we aren't near enough to drive, last summer, we just needed a short, 2 night get away in August and we did it, just DH and I.

Bobbi

 

[OKW Lover]

While our DVC Groove is different (trips in Jan/Feb, May, October & December) than yours, you did hit on an important consideration - maximizing the value of an AP.

If you intend on visiting once a year for a week each time, then timing your visits becomes important - but also very easy. Just plan one trip for your favorite time, and the next year's trip for 51 weeks after that. That gives you two visits on one AP and you don't have to buy the next one until year 3.

 

[photobob]

We plan around getting at least two trips from an AP. Last year we went late june, this year early june. You really do need to be able to think well ahead with DVC. I always plan at least a couple of trips ahead with my planning, I don't always stick to those plans though!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Why not both? Just kidding!

I understand being out of the groove thing. DH is a teacher, and we have 2 kids (15.5 & 9). We are limited to school vacations (Christmas, spring break, June/July/Aug). We usually take 2 trips a year, and until recently, it was late July/early August and spring break. Even though the points requirements around spring break are high and it's super crowded, I LOVE going that time of year.

DS plays HS baseball now, which means that spring break is out of the question for the next 4 years! Wouldn't miss his games for the world, though, so a second trip was up in the air. DH and I discussed it, and I just booked a week for us over Christmas (12/22 - 12/30). I'm super excited to go, but not 100% sure how I feel about not being home at Christmas, especially since DD (9) still believes. We're going to try it, though. I think it will be awesome to be down there and hope we can find some cool stuff to do with the kids on Christmas day.

As for your question, April or August, if hot weather really bothers you, the weather is much more mild in April. Depending on when you go, crowds could be about the same or worse in April. Lastly, I always try to squeeze the most out of my APs, so I'd lean toward going in April just to take advantage of that. Have fun planning!