GV or be sensible and book a 2BR?

[quandrea]

My 11 m window opens up on Sunday. I’m planning a big 50th birthday for next October. In all, there will be thirteen of us. I’m putting my friends up in studios and I had been thinking of a GV at SSR for my family of five. Figured the large space would be good for meet ups, a few shared meals, and it would be an ultimate indulgence.

I would have to book ten nights at AK at 11m and one night in the GV at 11m. When the seven month mark hits, I’d move us to the GV at SSR for the ten nights and merge the two reservations. Don’t have enough points to book it all at SSR at 11m.

As booking day approaches, I wonder if I’m being crazy and whether I should just book the two bedroom for us and we can chat as a group in the crowded living room, at the parks and by the pool.

Thoughts? Pros? Cons?

If it weren’t for Covid, I’d probably just go for it. I’m scared I’ll end up holding all these points at the end of a use year.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

It's your 50th - I say splurge! That's exactly what I'm planning to do for my 50th next year - 4 nights in a GV @ Riviera (after 3 nights in a 2 bedroom @ AKL). You can always offset with smaller accommodations when you're 51 and with a much smaller group . Don't be afraid of celebrating you - especially when everyone will benefit with a nice hang space. Are you thinking of some other fun things? I know some people hire a chef to come into the GV to make a meal. And/or do a VIP tour

 

[quandrea]

It's your 50th - I say splurge! That's exactly what I'm planning to do for my 50th next year - 4 nights in a GV @ Riviera (after 3 nights in a 2 bedroom @ AKL). You can always offset with smaller accommodations when you're 51 and with a much smaller group . Don't be afraid of celebrating you - especially when everyone will benefit with a nice hang space. Are you thinking of some other fun things? I know some people hire a chef to come into the GV to make a meal. And/or do a VIP tour

I’m thinking of having a catered dinner. Considered the vip tour, but I think for my dates I’ll be looking at $675 per hour. Covid is what’s holding me back. I’m scared of having to cancel, scared to borrow points, scared of being left holding so many points at the end of my use year.

 

[Sandisw]

I’m thinking of having a catered dinner. Considered the vip tour, but I think for my dates I’ll be looking at $675 per hour. Covid is what’s holding me back. I’m scared of having to cancel, scared to borrow points, scared of being left holding so many points at the end of my use year.

Maybe purchase the DVc travel insurance? I’d splurge and worry later.

 

[quandrea]

Maybe purchase the DVc travel insurance? I’d splurge and worry later.

I’ll have to look into the insurance. Not sure if Canadians are eligible.

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

I’ll have to look into the insurance. Not sure if Canadians are eligible.

Here's the generic webpage on the DVC site:
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/vacation-planning/how-to-book/travel-insurance/Click on purchase and you can get a quote and it looks like yes you should be golden though I'm sure if you call
Member services they can verify (or likely some adorable Canadian will post here .

 

[Travel60]

I didn't buy into DVC to scrimp. When it's just DH and I we get a 1 BR. If a child & spouse comes, a 2 BR. If the grands or other child & spouse come, GV!
if you want to entertain a crowd, go big or go home!

 

[CarolynFH]

I agree with the others' opinions - go for the GV!

(I'm not sure there's enough room for a group of 13 to sit in the living room of a 2 BR, even using the floor space!)

 

[sethschroeder]

Have you checked twitter recently? If you are being sensible you are the only one out there.

I kid but the one thing I have learned is just splurge if you are torn between the two. You never know if this might be your last trip with everyone.

 

[quandrea]

Have you checked twitter recently? If you are being sensible you are the only one out there.

I kid but the one thing I have learned is just splurge if you are torn between the two. You never know if this might be your last trip with everyone.

I’m certain this is a once in a lifetime trip. My university friend of thirty years, is joining us all the way from Australia—bringing his whole family. This will never happen a second time. My kids are also almost launched.

 

[quandrea]

So I’m going for the Grand Villa! Last night I thought I needed to borrow a few points. This evening I realised I made a calculation error and I found a few hundred points (must have forgotten to borrow a one). Given that the math works, I’m going for it!

 

[UrsulaWantsYourSoul]

Happy 50th Birthday in advance! What a nice calculation error in your favor. Live it up!

 

[Disneypapa]

Go for it! I am wanting to book a GV at Old Key West someday for a big family visit to WDW

 

[bobbiwoz]

So I’m going for the Grand Villa! Last night I thought I needed to borrow a few points. This evening I realised I made a calculation error and I found a few hundred points (must have forgotten to borrow a one). Given that the math works, I’m going for it!

Did you get the GV?

 

[quandrea]

Did you get the GV?

It’s going to be a process. I’m booking my last night in the GV today. The other nights (8, I believe) are booked at AK currently. I’ll move myself over at 7 months. But the plan is in motion for the GV! I’ll know by March 8 if it all worked out.

My friends are all booked and settled at SSR in studios though! The trip is coming together. I spent most of last week booking reservations each morning at 8am. It was a lot of fun.

 

[Chuck S]

I have a GV for 7 people, but there are 11 total in the party, 4 are in a 2 bedroom. But that way we can all have meals together if we want.

 

[The Jackal]

We just stayed in a 2 bedroom at SSR and there is no way I would want 13 people over, GV all the way if you can. We had a GV last fall at OKW, that was a great trip and there was only 6 of us.

 

[UA DVC Member]

The GVs at SSR are absolutely beautiful - especially after the renovation. There is an enormous difference between those and the 2BRs. To me it would be the difference between a truly memorable special event vs a regular vacation. It sounds like you want the special event. You won’t be disappointed with the SSR GV! Good luck!