new to DVC and some ?'s

[longneckthree]

I am trying to plan my first stay! We own at SSR. Does anyone have any advice?
I have 4 teenage daughters. We have been 4 years in a row always staying at moderates with one stay at Boardwalk. One of those stays was a split stay with CSR and CBR. My family does not want a split stay. We are planning on Dec.11-20. I already have a Treehouse Villa booked, but they want something else. I think a split stay would be fun!! I AM the mother so I should be able to decide, right?!!
Thanks,
Maggie

 

[supersuperwendy]

December is VERY popular for DVC so maybe keep your options open. There may be very little to pick from if you are talking Dec. 2012. All of the DVC resorts are amazing so you really can't go wrong no matter where you pick. If your kids love MK then try for BLT or VWL. The pools at BCV and Kidani are amazing if you plan to swim, but weather can be cold. SSR and OKW are connected to DTD by boat which is awesome. My kids plan to spend a lot of time at Disney Quest so we are staying at SSR this upcoming trip. The treehouse you have booked is pretty awesome, I would keep it!

 

[tjkraz]

Booking outside of one's Home resort can be exceptionally difficult from Thanksgiving through New Year's. There have already been many reports of people not getting what they had hoped for in the early weeks of December '12.

Willingness to book a split stay helps. If you find anything available you will have to jump on it quickly or risk losing out. Ultimately you may have to decide between going on the wait list or just sticking with SSR this time.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would keep the treehouse, but if you want a split stay, maybe AKV has something available. Those 2 bedrooms at Kidani are wonderful!

 

[Chuck S]

I'd keep the treehouse for the entire trip. Moving isn't all that much fun, when you consider the time to pack/unpack and check-in at the next resort.

 

[dgaston]

The THV are awesome! I would suggest having a car to avoid the isolated feeling that some complain about. Our family camps, and we loved the separation from other treehouses. The kitchen is nicer than mine at home, and we used the grill a few times too. Plus the bath fixtures are really a treat. You can bus or drive to the new Paddock pool; I loved the hot tub there. Also used the hot tub in the THV -- it was my own private spa!

 

[tjkraz]

I'll just add that the on-line reservation system doesn't allow for partial cancellations. If you want to try and do a split stay, you'll have to call Member Services after 9am. On-line bookers will have a one hour head start on you, which doesn't help your odds.

As others have said, I would just keep the Treehouse reservation. That's a good location for a busy time of year.

If you do want to try elsewhere, call Member Services at 9am and be prepared to act quickly and take whatever is available. In all likelihood you won't have time to discuss options with friends or family members, and still call back later to confirm the reservation.

Or you could go on the wait list for the entire stay, and hope for the best.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I am trying to plan my first stay! We own at SSR. Does anyone have any advice?
I have 4 teenage daughters. We have been 4 years in a row always staying at moderates with one stay at Boardwalk. One of those stays was a split stay with CSR and CBR. My family does not want a split stay. We are planning on Dec.11-20. I already have a Treehouse Villa booked, but they want something else. I think a split stay would be fun!! I AM the mother so I should be able to decide, right?!!
Thanks,
Maggie

The point requirements for the THV is going up in 2013. So enjoy it while you can. Otherwise, you may only be able to get a two bedroom villa at SSR. Which would be nice to me. Maybe not to them.