Middle of September 2020 advice

[DocJ15]

Evening all,
I'm not an owner, but looking for some advice. Someone my wife works with needs to use 120 points by September of 2020. Coincidentally, we are looking to travel in one of the two middle weeks in September 2020. As our kids will be 3 and 5, we are looking to stay in a Magic Kingdom resort, with our preference being Poly, BLT, Wilderness Lodge, and Grand Floridian. Unfortunately, the owners own at OKW and we would have to wait for the seven month window. Our first choice would be a studio, and know that those book up quickly. We are flexible with our timeframe, and it appears that no run Disney events are scheduled at that time. We've looked at David's and other rental sites, but the work acquaintence is offering the points at least $5 cheaper per point. The location is important for us, as the convenience to the Magic Kingdom makes our trip. How would you guys tackle this situation? Is it likely we would get a studio at one of those locations? I've looked at the booking trend charts and the availability ranges from open to spotty. We wouldn't be opposed to a 1bdrm, but it doubles the points we would need. We also wouldn't be opposed to going for an enhanced view if that increased our availability options. Any advice is greatly appreciated !!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If you're flexible and with any MK resort on the table I think you'll probably be able to end up with something at one of those. Plan on a more expensive studio though and if there's something less then it'll be a nice surprise. The earlier you are in Sept usually the easier it is to book except of course for labor day. Later in the month will make things more iffy.

One question though - when an owner says they need to use their points by Sept 2020 that usually means by the first day of the month. Did they mention if they have a Sept UY or if it's an Oct UY? If it's a September then the last night those points could be used would be Aug 31. If it's an October UY then you'd be fine.

 

[DocJ15]

It's by the end of September. Ideally we are looking at Sep 13-19th....Thanks so much for replying. The cost per point offered is really too good to pass on, I think....

 

[zavandor]

This year, the first two weeks of September had plenty of availability
BLT lake view and Poly should be quite easy to get. VGF more difficult. BLT theme park or standard or CCV very very difficult. This is for studios, 2BR will be easier and for 1BR you should be able to get almost everything (with BLT standard still very difficult).
The last week of September is the beginning of high DVC season so very difficult to book, third week is more hit or miss.
However there is no guarantee next year it'll be the same. In particular, if a Moonlight Magic even is scheduled for your chosen travel dates, then that night will spike to very high demand and make anything at 7 months more difficult. If you're really flexible with your travel dates, then you should be fine.

 

[miTnosnhoJ]

My advice would be to book a stay at OKW at 11 months out. Then you are guaranteed a place to stay. Then, at 7 months from the first day of your trip, try to change to a MK Resort. Your chances are pretty good, but nothing is guaranteed. You might get all the days at Poly, BLT or VGF, or you might get just a few of the days, and you would have to decide if it was worth the trouble to pack up and move.

 

[chicagodisneyguy]

I think you should be able to move over to one of the resorts. I think BLT lake view and Poly lake views are your best bets. As suggested above, I would definitely book a room at OKW at the 11 month window as a just in case. I'd also just double check your friend is familiar with how to modify a reservation. It is easy but if hes never done it before can cost precious seconds at the 7 month window.

Also, as others have said, make sure you are realistic with what views you will be able to get at 7 months.

 

[Chuck S]

My home resort is OKW, and I stay there most of the time, but I wanted to try a MK resort a couple of years ago. If you aren't picky about view, I think you'll have a good chance at a Poly studio, with a MK view. I had no problem getting one for a full week in February trip a couple of years ago, but I could not get a full week at Grand Floridian or BLT in the same time frame.

 

[jerseyduke]

I tend to go in mid sept and there does seem to be good availability at 7 months.
This year, I was able to switch the first 4 of 8 days to the Poly. - and had no interest in switch the second half.
If i remember correctly, I could have gotten the first 7 of 8 days at the poly 9/14 - 9/21 only the night of 9/22 was not available at the 7 month window.

Since you know the people, I would ask them if they are willing to book you at OKW and try to switch you at 7 months. I would also suggest that your wife's coworker tries to switch you right at 7 months....day 1, 8 AM.

If you are flexible and open to split stays, I think you should be able to get a MK resort at 7 months