How Does This Sound???

[kristenrice]

Planning ahead for our October 2014 trip...

I turn the big 4-0 on Oct 16 and I was hoping to spend my birthday at my happy place. Unfortunately, the kids' school break is the following weekend so I will have to turn 40 first and then go celebrate. But I digress...

The kids have been begging to stay at BWV (they've never been there) and I loved my birthday stay there in 2011 so I would like to go back. We own at AKV and that is truly where my heart is so I want to stay there too. Here's my plan...

At 11-months, book our Su-Th stay at AKV in a 1BR Value (22 points per night). That way, we have a room. Then at 7-months, I would like to switch the Tu-Th nights to a standard 1BR at BWV (also 22 points per night). I snagged a 1BR standard for 3 nights at the 7 month window for Oct 2011 without a waitlist so even if I have to WL for 2014, I feel confident that it will come through.

Now, the cool part...I get a longevity bonus every year at work that amounts to almost $1K. Normally, I would use it to book a trip for myself and BFF to celebrate my birthday at WDW. Since the family will be going (and the money needed is already in the vacation account), I want to book the Wanyama Safari for the 4 of us. DH and I did it in 2009 but the kids were too young (3 and 5 at the time) so they had to watch from the room. I know it is very pricey, but the girls absolutely love animals and I know they would love the safari.

Since we have to be guests at the AKV to book the safari, we would have to do a split-stay if we want to stay at BWV at all. If my plan comes together, I am hoping that there will be a YES class on the morning that we change resorts. That way, we can check out, head to the class and then tour the park. When we're done, we can head over to the BWV and check in.

Now, the waiting begins...11-month window....7-month window...YES class schedule....

 

[supersuperwendy]

That sounds like a great plan except don't you need to stay CL at Jambo not value to book the safari?

 

[shortypots]

I think Wendy is correct. You need concierge level to book the Safari.

 

[kristenrice]

I think Wendy is correct. You need concierge level to book the Safari.

That sounds like a great plan except don't you need to stay CL at Jambo not value to book the safari?

Actually, it is the SUNRISE safari that can only be booked by CL guests. The SUNSET (Wanyama) Safai can be booked by any AKL guest. When we went in 2009, we were in a value 1BR, but there was a lower rate offered to CL guests who booked the safari. It was like $210 for regular guests and $180 for CL guests. Last I checked, it is now $190 for everyone.

 

[supersuperwendy]

Actually, it is the SUNRISE safari that can only be booked by CL guests. The SUNSET (Wanyama) Safai can be booked by any AKL guest. When we went in 2009, we were in a value 1BR, but there was a lower rate offered to CL guests who booked the safari. It was like $210 for regular guests and $180 for CL guests. Last I checked, it is now $190 for everyone.

Ooooh!!! You're doing the sunset safari!

Then yes.. sounds like a great plan!!!

 

[Sandisw]

Sounds fun...this is one of the reasons I love DVC...it always seems we are planning and it helps the time between trips go by so much faster!!!!

 

[kristenrice]

Sounds fun...this is one of the reasons I love DVC...it always seems we are planning and it helps the time between trips go by so much faster!!!!

No kidding...DH and I leave 3 months from today for our 1/2 Marathon trip. I have been so focused on training for the run and I keep forgetting that it will be DH's first time at F&W, the first (and probably only) time we will get to see the holiday decorations, and it marks the first time since 2010 that I get to stay at my AKV home. I was planning on going to WDW in April 2014 since spring break does NOT coincide with Easter, but by moving the 2014 family trip to October, we can celebrate my birthday and the points that we're saving can be used towards the "extra" trip this year.

The only hitch is that the kids have mentioned trying to return to HHI next year for spring break. I don't have HHI points left so we'd have to wait until November 6 to book. We would need a 1BR and I am not too confident that we'd even get it if we booked at 7 months. The only thing working in our favor is that it is NOT Easter. If we get that reservation, then maybe it will just be me and BFF in October. Since I'd be going in October either way, I am happy. I wouldn't complain about getting to visit HHI and WDW in the same year...two years in a row!