Opinions needed on which room to book, please!! (sorry, long!)

[melk]

Here is the story:
We are planning to return to our home resort, VWL, either the last week of October or first week in November this year. We had invited my MIL and SIL to join us, they have never been to WDW and we were all looking forward to it. The thing is, they are very indecisive about how long they will stay with us(they definitely cannot stay the entire week).

We were very comfortable in the 1-bedroom last trip, but obviously would need the two-bedroom when they are with us (or put them in their own separate studio).

We have 264 points to use (that includes borrowed points, so it is our max). Should we just go ahead and book a two-bedroom for 6-days at 250 points? This would be great for when they visit (we're thinking 3-4 days maximum), but leave us with more room than we actually need for the remainder.
Or, should we just book our 1-bedroom for a week at 214 points, and then when it gets closer and they are ready to commit, book them a studio with our remaining points, possibly renting points if needed. But of course with this scenario, we are taking the chance that a studio will be available.

We were anxious to make our reservations at the 11 month window, but they just won't commit so early. But we definitely want to book our room now, before the 7 month window opens up.

Sorry this is so long, but any advice would be appreciated!!! (By the way, our use year is December so we're pretty locked in to what we reserve for October, correct?)

 

[CaptainMidnight]

I can definitely relate to your situation, we've tried the same to get reservations with other friends for a joint vacation, but they are not able to commit. We were shooting for the Beach Club Villas, which gave us a little added security knowing that that they could book at Swan or Dolpin, a walk and not convenient, but a possibility. We were more inclined to go with the one bedroom and then try to upgrade or add a studio, and if that failed, an alternative hotel. We didn't want to get caught with larger accomodations that we needed, which would limit a future vacation. Tough call. I'd say, go for the sure thing, and try to add when they make a commitment. But that's just one opinion, and what we ended up with.

 

[TIdoublegaER]

I would be very straightforward and let them know that they need to decide what they are going to do by xxx time so you can make the reservations at the 11 mo. window. If they are unable to commit, I would book the 1 bdrm and explain to them that you will try to make reservations for a studio when they do decide but nothing may be available at that time and they may need to stay at a different resort or pay for their own room at WL. You are being very generous to invite them and have them stay on your points. I don't think you should rent points because they can't decide on how long they will stay. I'm sure if you let them know what the rack rates are and what it will cost them out of pocket they will come around and commit.

 

[Dean]

If they're playing games with you at this time, they may not really want to go. Even if they tell you something now, they may change it later. Personally I'd simply tell them you need to reserve and need a firm commitment. If they can't or wont' give you one, tell them you'll need to decide what you will do and if you can accomodate them when they decide, you will but you can't make any guarantees. Then decide whether you want a 2 BR for your stay or a 1 BR. If you want a 1 BR, make that reservation and then reserve as many days in a studio separately as you can. That way you can cancel or try to add on later by renting points.

Based on what you've said, here looks to be your best option. Plan your arrival for Sunday and book a 1 BR for 6 days at 167 points or 7 days at 214 pts. Then reserve a studio for 3 or 6 days depending on your 1 BR choice. As you get closer, if they are truly bent on going and will stay long enough to make it worthwhile, you may be able to change to a 2 BR and save a few points and be all together. If you book the 6 day option and later find you can stay 7 days, you should have no problem adding on the Sat night with points if you so chose. If you need to cancel part of the days of the studio you can do so without penalty up to 30 days prior to your travel. The one thing you cannot do is book a 2 BR lockoff and just drop what you don't need.

 

[Tagrel]

One other thing to think about (sorry if I missed this in the other responses) is that once points are borrowed into a use year, you can't bank them if they are unused.

Personally, I'd make reservations for my family's needs, and when they are willing to commit, then I'd try to change. If a change could not be made, then they can't go or have to make other arrangements. Offers for free stays are pretty special, and it isn't your fault if they don't realize this.

Good Luck!

 

[Lisa F]

I would book the studio and 1br separately. Make sure that the studio is booked with CURRENT year's points and the 1br is the one that uses borrowed points, this way if you have to cancel the studio you can bank the points from the cancelled reservation. If you are using borrowed points you will be out of luck.

I can certainly understand why it might be tough to get someone to commit 11 months out, though. I think we, as DVC members, have gotten used to the 11 month window (and are probably insane planners anyway) but most of the world does not plan that early. We generally book 11 months out but this year there are so many changes (I am graduating from grad school and starting a job) that we just don't KNOW what the next 11 months will entail, so we need to play it by ear. Stuff happens and sometimes you just don't have your life for the next year planned out.

If I were you, I'd give them a date they feel more comfortable with (within your banking window) that they need to give you a firm confirmation by. Booking the 1br and studio separately may even save you some points vs. having the 2 bedroom for the entire stay, I'm not sure. At the time when they make the decision (and if they decide to go for it) you can always check to see if you can convert your reservation to a 2br if you want, but at least you will have something that works.

Hope that helps, and I don't think they are being ungrateful, just realistic!

Lisa

 

[melk]

Thanks everyone! The consensus seems to be just to go ahead and book the 1-bedroom so that's what we'll go ahead and do. Then we'll just book a studio when they're ready to commit and hope that we can get it. As regards being able to get the studio, does anyone know how filled up VWL usually is around the end of October? (We figure if we can't get them in at the villas, in the "worst case scenario" we'll just have them book their own room at the lodge!). Thanks!

 

[spiceycat]

October is not a busy month at VWL unless MNSSHP is going on.

BWV and BCV are busy because of the wine and food festavial going on at Epcot.

so you should be okay - however if they are full when you make the reservations - just tell them that the only DVC resort that you can still make reservations at is OKW (less points for you) and they will not be so close to cause you further problems.