New owner planning for end of year

[Mom+4]

A few questions, as we are new SSR owners, and haven't figured out the booking thing yet. We are planning to be at Vero from 12/29 to 12/31, adn WDW from 12/31 to 1/4 or so. First, if we want to split a vacation at the end of this year between Vero and wherever we can "afford" with our points at WDW, should I be making a reservation now at SSR, and hope to change it to AKV or OKW or whatever later? Second, since I can't book Vero until the end of May for year end, what is the likelihood I will get what I need (either a 1 or 2 bedroom, depending on who is coming with us)? Third, how hard will it be to book or change reservation for New Year's eve at WDW? Also, if I book now, and later have to change or cancel, what happens to the points, assuming I change/cancel before the 60 day deadline?

I am SOOOOO confused.

 

[ccigliano]

OK if you are new owner then I will assume that you are not borrowing points from next year and these points are all current. Always book a room 11 months out at your home resort so that you know you will always have a place to stay and then try to switch at the 7 month point. You can always be put on a wait list at the time for AKL for 12/31 - 1/4. I would think that New Year's will be tough so make sure you book now at Saratoga your home resort as you may need to stay there 1 night and switch to AKL or OKW after that. Then at 7 months add on Vero Beach and I think you will get it but keep in mind that is a holiday week so you may need to be waitlisted for Vero as well. As far as canceling - if you are outside the 30 day window and haven't borrowed any points its no harm no fowl. All the points go back into your use year and you get a do over. Good Luck.

 

[mikeandkarla]

Hey Mom+4,

We also just joined DVC @ SSR and are from Ofallon. I was wondering if there were any other St.Charles residents in DVC. Maybe we will se you at "home" sometime. Good luck on your ressies. Remember to always book your home resort for whatever dates you want to vacation @ 11 months, then try to switch @ 7 month window. That way you are guaranteed a vacation at worst @ SSR.

 

[CarolMN]

New Year's Eve is arguably the most difficult day to book at WDW.

If you are planning to stay at WDW the night of 12/31, get your home resort of SSR booked asap! You have plenty of time to cancel without penalty if your plans change.

FWIW, it may be difficult to change 12/31 to another resort at the 7 month mark. You'll be glad to have the back up at SSR if there isn't availability.

As long as you cancel a reservation at least 31 days prior to arrival, the points are simply returned to your account. You can bank them if you are within your banking deadlines or use them for another reservation.

 

[castleri]

I agree with the make your 12/31-1/4 reservation today if possible (reports of problems with the system may make this a non issue and you will have to wait until the coming week). I was very fortunate this past year to get 12/31-1/4
at the last minute for the size unit I ultimately needed - I had booked a 2BR about 6 months out for 12/31-1//2 and then ended up with less people so went on the waiting list day by day to get it changed and finally ended up with a studio which also allowed me to extend the vacation when I got the extra 2 days. I had borrowed points which means I now have 33 points to use before Aug 1 because I did not use as many points as the original reservation needed. I wonder if I got lucky because they released new inventory into SSR and that freed up rooms or if people just cancelled at the last minute. I got the NYE in the studio within a week of the trip.
All that said - it is easy to book for NYE if you do it early - reservations can be changed but it can be an agonizing wait if you have to go on the waitlist so try to get it set up from the beginning.