Just back, quick switch of resorts upon arrival!

[Yardbird]

We had a great time! I had booked ASMo, and when we arrived, and looked at the room, I was disappointed. The room was very small, and could have used a thorough cleaning. I realize that the value resorts have a lot of traffic, and for 55.00 (with code) a night it was still a good value. However, I knew that if I wanted to enjoy our 8 night stay, I would need to upgrade. I immediately got on the phone to guest services to see what was available.

I asked for availability at WL, and couldn't believe my luck when they said that they had a standard room available for my time slot, that I could use my orginal McDonald's code, and that the price would be 139.00 a night! This was our first stay at WL, and we loved it! Our fourth floor, standard, room had a balcony that overlooked the dock and lake, which could not have been better. Mousekeeping was excellent, and my grandson was delighted by the towel creatures that was waiting for him several times during our trip. He couldn't wait to open the door to see what she had left him!

I would definitely stay at WL again! We looked into DVC while there, and made a purchase, so will be returning sooner than expected! Can't wait for the next trip!

 

[christianweecare]

All I can say is WOW! Wait luck! Where did you purchase DVC?

 

[llij]

Wow! That is great!! We stayed at WL last October and fell in love with it.

 

[Sammie]

Originally posted by Yardbird
We had a great time! I had booked ASMo, and when we arrived, and looked at the room, I was disappointed. The room was very small, and could have used a thorough cleaning. I realize that the value resorts have a lot of traffic, and for 55.00 (with code) a night it was still a good value. However, I knew that if I wanted to enjoy our 8 night stay, I would need to upgrade. I immediately got on the phone to guest services to see what was available.

I asked for availability at WL, and couldn't believe my luck when they said that they had a standard room available for my time slot, that I could use my orginal McDonald's code, and that the price would be 139.00 a night! This was our first stay at WL, and we loved it! Our fourth floor, standard, room had a balcony that overlooked the dock and lake, which could not have been better. Mousekeeping was excellent, and my grandson was delighted by the towel creatures that was waiting for him several times during our trip. He couldn't wait to open the door to see what she had left him!

I would definitely stay at WL again! We looked into DVC while there, and made a purchase, so will be returning sooner than expected! Can't wait for the next trip!

Wow.

Curious what is a a McDonald's code? Also I don't think any standard view rooms offer a view of the lake so you really did have good luck.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I did the same thing last July. When we arrived at POR the rooms looked too small to me and we realized we just didn't like the outside corridors or bus service. We went over to our beloved GF and not only were they able to accomodate us they honored our AP rate! Now we know that that's the only place we will stay.

 

[Yardbird]

christianweecare - we purchased DVC at SSR. We went to the DVC table at WL, and they made arrangements for us. I'm still a rookie when it comes to understanding DVC. I assumed that SSR was the only one that we could buy into at this time going through Disney. They did offer an incentive, so we thought that it was a pretty good deal.

Sammie - the McDonald's code was BAP, or BAT. It's been so long since I first applied it that I forget which code was the Disney room only discount for that time period, or the McDonald's Code. I'm not sure when, or if, it has expired. I had no idea that we had an upgrade to a lake view room! I guess that we really did get a good deal!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Yardbird

Congratulations on the resort upgrade, room upgrade, and the biggest upgrade DVC MEMBERSHIP.

WELCOME HOME

You are correct though Disney SSR is the only Resort you can purchase now, but you should be able to book over at the VWL at the seven month window or any of the other DVC Resorts other then SSR which you can reserve at 11 month window.

 

[Yardbird]

Thanks Magicinmyheart!

With the "seven" month and "eleven" month window, do you mean placing a reservation seven and eleven months in advance? Also, if we make a reservation, and for some reason need to cancel, will we loose our points for the year?

I told you I was a rookie.

 

[mom2rb]

If you go to the DVC boards all of your questions will be answered. You will be a pro in no time.

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by Yardbird
Thanks Magicinmyheart!

With the "seven" month and "eleven" month window, do you mean placing a reservation seven and eleven months in advance? Also, if we make a reservation, and for some reason need to cancel, will we loose our points for the year?

I told you I was a rookie.

Hi there! WELCOME HOME!!

Magicinmyheart was correct in telling you that SSR is the only DVC resort being sold directly thru Disney at the moment. The only way to buy the other DVC's would be re-sale thru outside brokers like the Timeshare store for example or private sale from an owner. Anyway, I'd definitly also suggest you hopping on over to the DVC board here the Disboards ~ you'll learn so much there. You can also PM me and I'll be happy to try and answer whatever questions I can for you!

As for your 11 month/7month question....you can make a reservation at your home resort (in this case SSR) at 11months out. If you'd like to stay at any other DVC resort (VWL for example) you cannot make a reservation until 7 months in advance. This gives owners of the resorts an extra 4months to have priority in reserving their accommodations at the resort they bought into. If you need to cancel your reservation that you have made you can cancel without penalty up until 31 days from your check in date (I think it is). If you are within that 31 days and need to cancel though, your points will go into a "holding account" and will need to be used and rebooked within 60days or you will loose them. Also if you borrow any points from next years use year, once you borrow them you cannot put them back so be sure before you borrow them that they will be used because it's "use them or loose them" once you borrow. If you only book from your current year's points though and are well within the 31 days from your scheduled trip, you can cancel without any penalties.

Anyway, HTH's ~ hop over to the DVC board though. Just reading the threads can help you get the hang of things and feel free to ask away with any questions! That's what these boards are all here for!

 

[Yardbird]

Thanks Scootch! You have been very helpful! I have spent the morning browsing the DVC boards. This can be addicting!