Need planning advise, please

[DVCsince02]

My husband and I can't decide when to go to WDW. We have annual passes that expire on May 30th, but our DVC points won't kick in until June 1. Yes, we can borrow them, but if we need to cancel, I loose those borrowed points. Here are some of our sticking points:

1. We won't get a "vacation" from daycare until March (basically that week free).
2. Our DVC points for 2007 are all used, so we would have to borrow from 2008 of which is only 121 points that can be borrowed (due to borrowing from last year), and if I cancel we loose those points.
3. There are additonal points in 2008 but I can't borrow them because they have already been banked.

I really just want to get the most bang for our buck. Any suggestions are appreciated.

 

[Chuck S]

If it were me, and my points were in your situation, I'd try to book POP Century with an AP discount for cash. While you won't have the kitchette, or free laundry facilities, at least you'll get some use out of your AP.

 

[ldo]

I would consider borrowing points for a sun-thurs in a studio for mid-May--not a lot of points. Heat is not terrible and you can use your AP. IF you need to cancel, you could try to rent your reservation--and you wouldn't have that many points being used, anyway. A some schools are out by mid-May, which might make renting easier.
Also, you could make a cash reservation (WDW hotel only can be canceled 5 days out) at a hotel (remember AP discount) and then try to get last minute DVC reservations later--that is what I would do--that way, you don't feel pressured to take the trip, and esp. being pregnant, I would want that flexibility. good luck. Elaine

 

[DVCsince02]

If it were me, and my points were in your situation, I'd try to book POP Century with an AP discount for cash. While you won't have the kitchette, or free laundry facilities, at least you'll get some use out of your AP.

I don't think we want to pay any out for a hotel (that's why we got DVC). We have points, it's just deciding when to use them. And with 2 small children, we have found a kitchenette to be a must.

Fortunately we have used the annual pass for two full weeks last year, so we did get our monies worth. But since I am pregnant, we probably won't get to go back to WDW until next summer, when we cruise on the Wonder in June 09. So we want to go 1 more time before the baby arrives in September.

So do I borrow the points and use the annual passes we have, or wait until our use year of June kicks in and we get to use a few more points?

 

[ldo]

assuming you would be buying park tickets in June--it's a no-brainer---use your AP. Single days are $75 PP--so over $200 a day for 3 people. IF you are going for 3-5 days, you are looking at $600 for 3 people. I would definitely schedule a trip in May and use your AP!!
Plus, June will be hotter and you will be even more pregnant, and it will be more crowded.

 

[DVCsince02]

Okay, that makes sense.
Now what do I do about those points we banked? We will have until May 09 to use them or we lose them. It only 42 points.

 

[ldo]

if friends/family can't use them, you could rent them out--you have a long time to find something.

 

[DVCsince02]

if friends/family can't use them, you could rent them out--you have a long time to find something.

Yes, but that makes me nervous.

 

[ldo]

42 points is about $200 in maintenance fees--AT LEAST what you would spend on tickets just for ONE DAY (not even park hoppers) if you wait until June to go. Personally, I would rather use my free AP--go as many days as I want, and then see what works out by May 31, 2009 for the 42 points---worst case, you burn the points (doubtful) and you still used your free AP and saved AT LEAST $200+.
With so much notice, you can most likely even get a fellow DVC owner to "Rent" your points. Heck, if my friend joins us for our DVC summer trip--I might even ring you up for a few of those points!!! Elaine

 

[Granny]

[*]Our DVC points for 2007 are all used, so we would have to borrow from 2008 of which is only 121 points that can be borrowed (due to borrowing from last year), and if I cancel we loose those points.

I would definitely go before May 30 to use the AP. Borrow the points, and don't cancel. Is it hard for you to "lock in" a vacation because of work or other considerations?

I'm lucky in that I plan my vacations a year out, book at 11 months and then my work place is understanding that I have a financial commitment to having that week off (after I check to make sure it is not a critical week for my work). I understand that others are not so fortunate, but unless you really think the chance of having to cancel is great, I'd roll the dice and go before May 30.

 

[DVCsince02]

Heck, if my friend joins us for our DVC summer trip--I might even ring you up for a few of those points!!! Elaine

Feel free to ring away....... I'll be desperate to sell, hint, hint.....

Is it hard for you to "lock in" a vacation because of work or other considerations?

I'm lucky in that I plan my vacations a year out, book at 11 months and then my work place is understanding that I have a financial commitment to having that week off (after I check to make sure it is not a critical week for my work). I understand that others are not so fortunate, but unless you really think the chance of having to cancel is great, I'd roll the dice and go before May 30.

Normally there is no problem taking a vacation, but I manage a veterinary practice and we are moving to a larger facility at the end of April into early May, so I need to be there to help make a smooth transition/move.

 

[DVCsince02]

So, I bit the bullet and booked a 1BR at OKW for May 18 - 23. We won't have to purchase tickets because our annual has will still be good.

Now I have to decide if we want to do the dining plan again.... any suggestions?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Frankly, with little ones, I think you can do better price wise without the dining plan.