HELP! I'm not sure what to do...

[cheryltoon]

Warning: Naivete exists in these questions... please be gentle...

We are planning a Disney Vacation in December (6th-11th). As a result of additional kids (twins), we are now upgraded to only Deluxe rooms or Villas in the Deluxe resorts. We are a family of 5 and it looks like our desired Villa (VWL) would require 150 pts.

1st Naive Question: If someone is renting their pts. at $10 per point- Is this, simply, $1500? If so, that's HUGE for our family. I keep thinking there's a "catch."

2nd Naive Question: If a renter has directly contacted me and reported that VWL has no availability during the time we're looking for, is there a waiting list? Does this mean just availability at the 11 months out or indefinitely?

3rd Naive Question: If VWL isn't available, anyone have suggestions which resort would be a good selection for close proximity to MK? We have 3 kids under 6 that will be cranky, need naps, so proximity is huge!

We are only 2nd time visitors and the 1st time, with a family of 3, it was so much easier... thanks in advance!

 

[backyardponder]

Actually good questions for a newbie...welcome to the boards.

Question1: If your agreement with the renter is $10 per point, then you are correct, $1,500. Remember there's no taxes added to this. $300 per night seems quite reasonable to me for a 2 bedroom with full kitchen and separate living room.

Question 2: Yes, there would be a waiting list. VWL is one of the smaller resorts and your chances of getting it are slim.

Question 3: You might be able to get into BLT, but that would be a minimum of 160 points, and standard view rooms are probably hard to get. Figure a Lake view at 180 points. You probably have a better chance of getting into one of the larger resorts, like OKW or SSR which would be 110 and 135 points respectively. Of course, you'd have to take the bus to MK.

Good Luck!

 

[Disney Hot Mama]

We are a family of 5 and it looks like our desired Villa (VWL) would require 150 pts.

1st Naive Question: If someone is renting their pts. at $10 per point- Is this, simply, $1500? If so, that's HUGE for our family. I keep thinking there's a "catch."

**If the rent is 10.00 per point, yes your cost is 1500.00 - no other charges should be happening. The points rental rate includes all taxes and resort fees. *****

2nd Naive Question: If a renter has directly contacted me and reported that VWL has no availability during the time we're looking for, is there a waiting list? Does this mean just availability at the 11 months out or indefinitely?

****If the resort is full the is a wait list but that is not a guarantee... can they check at another resort or is VWL the home resort. Many times one can secure a rental at OWK or SSR at the 7 month or sooner timeframe. Are you traveling at a very popular time?*******

3rd Naive Question: If VWL isn't available, anyone have suggestions which resort would be a good selection for close proximity to MK? We have 3 kids under 6 that will be cranky, need naps, so proximity is huge!

**Maybe i should have read question 3 before answering question 2. In close proximity to go back and take naps.. the Contemporary will be opening soon but not sure about availability to someone for whom that is not their home resort. As for the others I think that is it... Beach Club and Boardwalk are very close to Epcot and MGM but not that close to MK...

Good luck.. My answers are above in *****

 

[cheryltoon]

Thanks for the quick response...what is the likelihood of anything opening up at VWL 10 months out if we were to put ourselves on a waiting list. Should we just attempt to book elsewhere and gamble away other villa's availability? Or wait a month?

 

[backyardponder]

Having a reservation "in your pocket" is much better than not knowing at all. I'd get a reservation somewhere and waitlist VWL. My gut feeling is VWL won't come through, but, with the economy, who knows?

VWL has 89 2 bedrooms. OKW has 504 and SSR has 792.

You could also consider one of the other resorts, but if cost is a concern, then you are better off at OKW or SSR.

One other thing...There's always lots of crabby kids on the buses. There were usually families with crabbier kids than ours!!!!!

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for the quick response...what is the likelihood of anything opening up at VWL 10 months out if we were to put ourselves on a waiting list. Should we just attempt to book elsewhere and gamble away other villa's availability? Or wait a month?

Just remember, to be put on a waitlist, you have to tell the owner to make you a reservation at one of the other DVC resorts. You have to be okay with whatever resort you pick in case the waitlist does not come through.

Be sure you understand what your cancellation policy is. Some owners, I hear, do not allow any refunds. You want to be comfortable with your choices.

Since BLT will also be open, you may want to see if you can find a BLT owner who is renting points since they can check now for availability that week.

Good luck!

 

[castleri]

The week you are wanting to go is one of the most popular for DVC and VWL is very very difficult to get from just before Thanksgiving through Christmas. I know of people who have been on the waitlist from 10 months out and never got it. I would say to be seriously looking at other options and then ask if the owner will waitlist for VWL for you.

 

[wildernessDad]

Quite frankly, $1500 for a 2-br villa for 5 nights is a steal.

 

[Mississippian]

3rd Naive Question: If VWL isn't available, anyone have suggestions which resort would be a good selection for close proximity to MK? We have 3 kids under 6 that will be cranky, need naps, so proximity is huge!

None of the other resorts really has good proximity to the MK. That said, if you can get a unit at BWV you take the bus to the MK in the morning, then take the monorail to EPCOT after two or three hours when the park starts to fill up. Spend an hour taking in a couple of rides, eat lunch, then walk to your room at BWV (or BCV if you can get it).

BWV is only a short boat ride from Hollywood Studios as well.

p.s. After reading the other posts I saw that you might be able to book BLT. Obviously this is the best location at WDW, bar none.

 

[ldo]

I don't know if you only want to stay in deluxes or villas, but Port Orleans-Riverside allows 5 in a room. It has a trundle bed that will sleep kids up to 9 years old. You could also stay at the Ft. Wilderness cabins, which sleep 6 and are near Wilderness Lodge, with boat access to MK and boat access to Wilderness Lodge. It is a fun area at that time of year, esp. with kids. Elaine

 

[Deb & Bill]

I don't know if you only want to stay in deluxes or villas, but Port Orleans-Riverside allows 5 in a room. It has a trundle bed that will sleep kids up to 9 years old. You could also stay at the Ft. Wilderness cabins, which sleep 6 and are near Wilderness Lodge, with boat access to MK and boat access to Wilderness Lodge. It is a fun area at that time of year, esp. with kids. Elaine

Don't forget about the All Stars Family Suites that sleep six. One queen bed, a sleeper sofa (maybe double), sleeper chair (twin) and sleeper hassock (also twin, maybe a bit smaller).

 

[SamSam]

You don't say how old the twins are, but if they are under 3, then I don't believe you are limited to the 4 to a room rule.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You don't say how old the twins are, but if they are under 3, then I don't believe you are limited to the 4 to a room rule.

Only one child under the age of three doesn't count towards room occupancy. So one twin will count until they reach the age of three, then they both will count.