how good are my chances?

[erinz]

Hi everyone. I'm wanting SO BADLY to rent some points (about 250) during the second week of December 2005, either BWV or WLV, one bedroom. But I think we can only afford $9 per point.

What do you guys think are my chances? Is that too popular a time?

 

[mikesmom]

Don't want to rain on your parade, but those weeks are booked SOLID, with waiting lists. If anyone rents a current ressie, it would likely be at a higher rate than $9/point. Your only long shot chance might be if someone had to cancel within their 30 day window. At that point, they could lose their points so they might be willing to let it go cheap. If I was going to try that route, I would make a ressie for cash somewhere else on property to be sure I had a room, and then wait for the 30 day window and watch the rent/trade boards. It's a way longshot though, so you might not want to bank your vacation on it.

 

[tjkraz]

You could always get lucky...

It's good that you are planning ahead now for 2005. However, the dues that members will pay on the points you want to rent are nearly $4.50 per point. So, you're looking for a member who is willing to take only $4.50 "profit" per point, and that doesn't even factor any amortization of the initial DVC investment.

Many people are trying to push the rental prices upward of $10 per point, and with good reason.

Typically when folks are renting points for less than $10 each, it's because they need to get rid of the points quickly--near the end of a Use Year or perhaps due to financial hardship. But, in order to get ANY room for mid-December, you'll need to book very, very early. Demand is so high for that period that you could have a hard time getting a room unless your reservation is made by the end of January '05.

If you really want to enjoy DVC accommodations consider Old Key West, which is a wonderful resort but the rooms cost fewer points per night. Or, you could shorten your trip by a day in order to be able to afford the going rate for DVC points.

 

[CarolMN]

I agree with tjkraz. To get something during those two weeks (especially at VWL), you need to find an owner who can make the reservation for you when the 11 month window opens. It's smart to be thinking about 2005 now.

Experienced DVC members know that if you don't call for a reservation for early December as soon as the 11 month window opens, you run a very real risk that the rooms will all be booked and availability will be a problem. Most owners will not want to "tie up " their points for a rental that requires a waitlist - too many other opportunities out there.

Plan to pay $12 -$15 per point for that time of year at those resorts. It's possible that you might get something closer to arrival or for less money per point, but it's not very likely. Sorry.

Best wishes -

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

I don't think you will be successful at that price for that time of year. But there are lots of alternatives at WDW besides DVC. Maybe you should look into a moderate or a value resort and ask for connecting rooms? I wish you the best of luck.

HBC

 

[erinz]

Thanks everyone

I think we may stay less time (7 nights instead of 10 nights) and pay more for the points.

So would the 11 month time period for 12-6-05 begin on 1-6-05?

Then what do I do? Do I just post my request on these boards on that day?

Forgive my ignorance.....I've never done this before....

 

[StormalongKay]

on the day the 11th mo window opens. the DVC member renting to you will need to be on the phone with Member Services first thing that morning to get the ressie. I would say best for you to post at least a few weeks before so you can find an interested seller and work out all the details of your transaction.

Good luck!

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by erinz
Thanks everyone

I think we may stay less time (7 nights instead of 10 nights) and pay more for the points.

So would the 11 month time period for 12-6-05 begin on 1-6-05?

Then what do I do? Do I just post my request on these boards on that day?

Forgive my ignorance.....I've never done this before....

The 11 month window begins 11 months ahead of your check out. So if your first night were 12/5/2005, then the first day an owner could call for a reservation for that night would be 1/6/2005.

I'd actually post a request on the Rent/trade Board sometime in November. It can take a while to find an owner you are comfortable dealing with and you need some time to negotiate terms. And posting/communications may slow a bit due to the Holiday season.

Anyway, you'll want to have your ducks all in a row done before the "reservation day(s)" arrive.

Be sure to read all the FAQ and Important/Word to the Wise threads at the top of both this forum and the Rent/Trade forum. If you haven't already, you might want to read some posts on the Rent /Trade Forum just to familarize yorself with the board and some of the players. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have re the process after you've read those threads.

Good luck and best wishes -

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by erinz
I think we may stay less time (7 nights instead of 10 nights) and pay more for the points.

Note that all DVC accommodations "cost" more points on the weekends than on the weekdays. If you aren't opposed to a split stay, I would consider renting points for a DVC room from Sunday to Thursday nights, and then pay cash for a Moderate or Value room the rest of your stay.

A Preferred View 1B will run you 110 points for 12/4 to 12/8. That's only $1100 (assuming you can find someone to rent for $10 each.) Then you could move over to one of the Moderates and pay $100-120 per night for another 4 or 5 nights. That should keep you in the $2000 neighborhood.

Or, if you don't mind moving more than once, book a 1B for your entire stay EXCEPT Friday and Saturday nights.

 

[erinz]

Fantastic suggestions!!

Thanks so much!

 

[magicalmcwho]

CarolMN,

The 11 month window begins 11 months ahead of your check out. So if your first night were 12/5/2005, then the first day an owner could call for a reservation for that night would be 1/6/2005.

Do you have to call for each day of your stay at 11 months out?

Thanks, Jim.

 

[Muushka]

Originally posted by magicalmcwho
CarolMN,


Do you have to call for each day of your stay at 11 months out?

Thanks, Jim.

We have made reservations for that time period since the VWL opened. The first couple of years we called every day. This past year I just called at the end of the period. But with people renting points and the popularity of the lodge at Christmas, I will probably gp back to the day by day calling .

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by magicalmcwho
CarolMN,


Do you have to call for each day of your stay at 11 months out?

Thanks, Jim.

Not in most cases. Nearly all the time, one call (at 11 months from your final check out day) will do just fine.

IMHO, these are the exceptions - when a day by day call is necessary to ensure getting exactly what you want without having to worry about a waitlist coming through:

* If you want weeknights at a Grand Villa or Beach Cottage
* If you want a standard view or guaranteed Boardwalk view at BWV
* If you want to visit between Thanksgiving and Christmas and stay at the VWL
*If you want to stay at HHI in the summertime, especially if you want a studio or 1 bedroom unit

In every other case, you should be able to get what you want with one call as long as you make it when the 11 month window opens.

The above is my opinion. Others may have different opinions.

Best wishes -