Is There Any Hope?

[LoveDisney4Ever]

We are a new family to DVC ... purchased points in May at SSR and have a September use year. I've been lurking on these boards since our purchase and learned a great deal of valuable information - thank you to all how have shared tips, info and experiences!

As I said above, we are new to all this. This weekend my daughter graduated so my extended family gathered to share in the celebration. We were explaining DVC to others - how it worked and what it entails, etc. My parents live in Hilton Head year-round ... so they are somewhat familiar with HHI DVC.

My question/dilemma as follows. Since we had such a wonderful weekend being altogether this past weekend, my family thought it would be a great idea if we could all spend this Thanksgiving at WDW. What are my chances of getting a 2-br, and either a 1-br and a studio or 2 studios for November 23rd - 27th at Saratoga Springs using points?

If we can't use points for a Thanksgiving trip, do DVC members receive a discount if they book a trip and pay with cash rather than points? It would appear we could book all these rooms and pay cash for the dates above. I just was wondering if we were eligible for a discount if we decide to use cash rather than points.

Thank you!

 

[bongo59]

excellent..............more buildings are coming on line............call MS and get yourself one.

 

[JimMIA]

Yes, you can sometimes get a 25% member discount, but those are limited depending on availability and my guess is they would be only for the DVC member -- not for members of their party/family/whatever.

Second - Does the term "arms-length transaction" ring a bell? If not, look it up and then look on these boards for all the anguished posts from owners who have used their points for family members and friends, only to have them cancel and screw the DVC owner to the wall. They don't MEAN to, they just do. I love my family too, but my strong advice is that you have each sub-group be responsible for their own lodging -- everything: reservations, payment, selection of accommodations - everything.

Third - if you take the advice above, your family members can probably enjoy significant savings by renting points from other (i.e NOT YOU!) members. They'll pay $10-11 per point and get a significant savings over the cash prices most of the time. That gives them a great savings and takes you out of the picture. If you get in the picture, you may regret it.

 

[jekjones1558]

LoveDisney4Ever:
I say GO FOR IT! Call MS to reserve rooms at SSR and hopefully new ones are completed and ready. Explain to family that it is important that they commit. Only you know whether their promises are likely to be kept. I know that I was nervous about our 13 family member trip last October, but everyone showed, including one niece who was 7 months pregnant (making ressies 11 months in advance does leave a 9 month window of possibilities!) and a nephew who got his first teaching job and had to ask for a week off, when school had just started in September. There will never be 100% guarantees on much in this life, but there are some mighty precious memories waiting if things work out. Pixie dust to you!