Just closed on new contract, managed to book expiring points for next week

[hjlawton]

We are so excited for our first trip as DVC members next week. We closed on an AKV contract last month that was triple loaded, but with a DEC UY. We were really hoping through the whole process that we would have an opportunity to use our 180 points originally from DEC 2013.

With the length of the closing process and limited availability in November, we had our doubts as to what might be possible. To make matters even more challenging, we had to call MS every time we tried to grab something off the resort availability tool because banked points on a new contract don't show up online. We were thrilled when we managed to score 2 nights in a LV GFV studio and 2 nights in an AKL value studio; which I never thought we would be able to get less than 3 weeks out! So it really pays to stalk the website, as you never know what last minute cancellations or changes in availability may occur. All in all, we managed to book 11 consecutive nights (10 nights in studios and our last night in a 1BR). Yes, we will be moving around a bit, but we're looking forward to the opportunity of doing our own DVC resort tour. This trip can be low key since we know we will be back again in May, and that's the beauty of DVC. We couldn't be happier!

 

[oldwash]

Thanks for the post. We're are trying to purchase but have been avoiding ones with points that have been banked and expire soon. Not sure we could book something, but your post gives me hope.

 

[ziravan]

Nothing wrong with resort hopping.

Bell services will move your items from resort to resort for you. Call 20-30 min before you leave for park, go have your day, and call when you get to new resort to have them delivered.

I normally tip a dollar per bag each way.

The only downside for us on resort hopping is we like staying onsite to take a midday break and it helps to actually have a room. We try to plan our trips with resort hopping such that move day aligns with activities that don't interfere with park breaks, for example, on waterpark or downtown disney days.

If you don't mind stalking at the last minute, you can normally piece something together. Last July, we decided on the spur of the moment to go to WDW in August. In a 30 day window, I pieced together 2 nights in OKW 1br near HH, 2 nights at BCV studio, and 2 at AKV Kidani Savanna studio.

Flexibility is a key to being happy with DVC or any timeshare.

Welcome home!

 

[pmaurer74]

how many different resorts are you staying at? This sounds like fun.

 

[hjlawton]

how many different resorts are you staying at? This sounds like fun.

We have the following:
2 nights HHI
3 nights AKL
2 nights VGF
2 nights SSR
1 night BLT
1 night VWL

We will be driving down so I think having a car will make the multiple split stays easier. I could have booked the entire trip at SSR between a studio and a 1 BR, but we really wanted to use this as an opportunity to stay at some of the other resorts. Our 3 year old loves AKL and I am really looking forward to our stay at VGF. I also wanted a chance to visit VWL hoping that some of the holiday decorations might be up and we could see the resort before a lot of the construction changes take place.

 

[dvcmom14]

Wow! What a great way to experience as many of the DVC resorts as you can in a short period of time! You'll find a favorite quickly, for sure. Be careful, though...you may never want to leave HHI

 

[lovin'fl]

Having your car will definitely be handy for this. I'd load everything in the car and drive to new resort, park and head off to the parks or somewhere to have fun while waiting for your new room (or drive to wherever you'll be that day like a park or wherever). Be prepared to not get some of those rooms until close to 4pm. And a good way to wait for the SSR room is to see a movie at Downtown Disney. We did that in August (had split at BWV and then SSR).

And I love to stalk the availability tracker too (just wish we had the old one back).

 

[jnjhuddle]

I love this! Sounds like you are going to have a blast.

 

[disneynutz]

We have the following:
2 nights HHI
3 nights AKL
2 nights VGF
2 nights SSR
1 night BLT
1 night VWL

We will be driving down so I think having a car will make the multiple split stays easier. I could have booked the entire trip at SSR between a studio and a 1 BR, but we really wanted to use this as an opportunity to stay at some of the other resorts. Our 3 year old loves AKL and I am really looking forward to our stay at VGF. I also wanted a chance to visit VWL hoping that some of the holiday decorations might be up and we could see the resort before a lot of the construction changes take place.

Well you can find out if you bought the correct home resort.

I suggest that you keep a short journal on each resort so later you can remember the pros and cons that you discover during your stay.

Bill

 

[hjlawton]

Thanks so much for everyone's comments and advice. We just arrived at Hilton Head today and are really impressed with the resort especially the staff. Maybe we can plan a longer stay next time!

 

[disfanforlife]

Congratulations on getting to book a stay and I think your plans sound like fun! We have been members since 2008 and we have our very first trip without kids next week! Can't wait!