First Welcome Home - What are the odds?

[eddnandee]

We were BWV owners from 2000-2007 and just bought again at CCV direct through Disney. Our original plans for 2019 are being scrapped because DD was just accepted to Fall 2019 Disney College Program. Against every piece of advice I've ever given anyone, we are planning to be at WDW Dec 25-Jan 2. (Oh the things we do for our kids to be with them at Christmas!)

We would love to stay in a one bedroom at Kidani during this time. To be considered for the magic of the "first welcome home", I have to call at the 7 month mark. I asked Member Services if I could book CCV and then change at 7 months, but she said the original CCV booking would be the "first welcome home" and therefore, they couldn't use their magic to change at 7 months.

Am I being ridiculous to bet on the "first welcome home" magic? Worst case: we have nowhere to stay via DVC and come up with another plan. Best case: We are surrounded by animals during the holidays and have 2 bathrooms. I need thoughts from this hive.

 

[Spartan86]

JMHO, but... as the CCV 1BR is already not fully available for your dates, if you can get it through “magic” I would take it. If I’m not mistaken, even if it is a “magic” reservation it is still a DVC reservation and you could attempt your own modification at 7 months for Kidani. Bottom line, I think one should exercise what ever advantage you can (11 mo., “welcome home” etc) for a December booking and attempt a modification later. Hope it works out and congrats to your Daughter.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Welcome home is variable on what they can get you. Might be offered Saratoga.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think that's very likely something you could book if you're looking for a savanna view even without the Welcome Home. And if not then I do think that's a very good option for a Welcome Home booking that they can assist you with.

I'm glad MS mentioned that if you booked anything else first that it cancelled out the Welcome Home. Not everyone has known that and then been restricted.

 

[Spartan86]

To the OP, KAT and Aurora are far more experienced than I, so heed their suggestions before mine. Again, good luck.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

To the OP, KAT and Aurora are far more experienced than I, so heed their suggestions before mine. Again, good luck.

All these come with a "you never know for certain"! Having a room and switching is best to absolutely guarantee a room. And SWGE opening kind of throws things into an unknown arena. OP is looking for a 1BR at one of the larger resorts though so odds should be good to get in in the Welcome Home.

 

[starry_solo]

This came up in another thread within the past few weeks. If you book a reservation, they won't change it to your preferred reservation as a "welcome home" reservation. Have you called to see if they can book you a welcome home reservation now?

 

[eddnandee]

To the OP, KAT and Aurora are far more experienced than I, so heed their suggestions before mine. Again, good luck.

All opinions are wanted - I knew I was coming to the right place!

When it comes down to it - we just want to stay at a DVC property Dec 25-Jan 2 (I can't even believe I'm typing those dates. Still in shock.) Kidani would be ideal - but if it's booked and they can get us in somewhere else - no biggie. I think we will wait for the 7 month mark JUST to see if "magic" can happen. I may be regretting the decision in May. I feel like I'm in Vegas or something making this "wager".

Then again, my mind may change 30 times between now and May 25.

 

[ziravan]

If they announce WDW opening date for Star Wars tomorrow, everything’s gonna get crazy.

I’d ask them to book you a CCV room first thing in the morning, BEFORE the 11 eastern announcement.

Star Wars is gonna suck the 7 month window dry, my guess is for the better part of a full year.

 

[eddnandee]

If they announce WDW opening date for Star Wars tomorrow, everything’s gonna get crazy.

I’d ask them to book you a CCV room first thing in the morning, BEFORE the 11 eastern announcement.

Star Wars is gonna suck the 7 month window dry, my guess is for the better part of a full year.

This made me hyperventilate. Star Wars and Christmas Day? WTH are we thinking?!? Does my daughter REALLY need us with her during the holidays? Sigh. This proves a parent's love.

 

[Wakey]

1 bed at Kidani is likely to be available on 7 months.

 

[bumbershoot]

DD was just accepted to Fall 2019 Disney College Program.

Does my daughter REALLY need us with her during the holidays?

Will she have any time off during that time? Will you see her for more than a meal or two?

 

[eddnandee]

Will she have any time off during that time? Will you see her for more than a meal or two?

I have no idea. We are not banking on much time off - just hoping for the "meal or two". She'd never ask us to come at that time, but we know how important Christmas is to her. I figure if we have a Villa with a kitchen, we can bring some sort of Christmas to her, even if it's not on the 25th. Unless there are no more units available during that time. Then we'll be forced to make different arrangements. Christmas in October, maybe?