Planning Best Method - non home vs. non dvc

[Davids-Coco]

We are now the proud owners of a brand new, shiny VGC contract. Part of our motivation is the early Nov. 2010 cruise and staying at WDW prior anyway. So here is my question...

What is the best method for booking at WDW prior to our stay if we either want to stay in a 1 bedroom at BLT (small children, monorail a must.. but don't know how easy this will be!) or Grand Floridian RPC? I do know that BLT would be 7 months out but I don't even know when we can book at a non-dvc resort! We want one or the other, but don't know how to accomplish it yet as we are so new. So I am asking the professionals for their guidance.

Thank you!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

It takes a whole bunch more points to book a non-DVC Disney resort. Plus you pay $95 to do it and for every change to the reservation after the initial booking. And if you have to cancel that reservation, you can't use those points for a DVC stay. You'll have to book another non-DVC Disney resort.

 

[Davids-Coco]

That's fine. We honeymooned at GF, so it is a "home" of sorts for us and the only place I would be willing to do it. Price wise, it still works out in our favor over booking the room normally. It is the back up for not getting BLT. I just don't know if getting BLT the first week in November 2010 is even possible. I def don't want to miss out on BOTH because I don't know what I am doing.

ETA: Canceling isn't an option... we have a non-refundable deposit for the cruise anyway.

 

[CarolAnnC]

That's fine. We honeymooned at GF, so it is a "home" of sorts for us and the only place I would be willing to do it. Price wise, it still works out in our favor over booking the room normally. It is the back up for not getting BLT. I just don't know if getting BLT the first week in November 2010 is even possible. I def don't want to miss out on BOTH because I don't know what I am doing.

ETA: Canceling isn't an option... we have a non-refundable deposit for the cruise anyway.

The first week in November will be a good choice, as it is not yet the holiday season there. I would suggest calling right away at the 7 month mark. Since they will be dedicating new rooms as BLT sells over the year, you may have a very good chance at that time frame. As long as you are not particular with the booking category (MK view, Lake view, Standard view) and are flexible, you should have a good shot at it.

I have used points at the Deluxe resorts when I was unable to obtain DVC ressies for a particular vacation (first week in December which is very popular). May not be "ideal" but it sure does make for a nice vacation, and was a decision I never regretted.

... and WELCOME HOME!!

 

[lark]

I know that you are eager to use those points, now that you have them, but I would urge you very seriously to consider not using them for RPC.

In fact, were I in your shoes, here's what I would do. For purposes of this illustration, I'm going to assume you need 4 nights at the GF or the BLT, but it doesn't really matter. The principle is the same. The more nights you need at RPC, the less sense it makes to use your points. Similarly, the more weekend nights you need at RPC, the less sense it makes to use points.

2010 rates have just come out for WDW resorts, as have AAA discounts. This means that although an AAA discount can often be hard to get on GF RPC, you'll get one if you call today. In early November, you're in regular season, so you're looking at about $780 per night, including tax. I would call immediately and get the room booked. You can always cancel later.

Now, you have options. If you really want to use your points at RPC when the time comes, you can try. At a minimum, you'll have your cash reservation as a backup. Alternatively, VGC points are likely to be very easy to rent. You should easily be able to get $11 per point to rent them out. For early November, you will need to use 89 points per week night and 134 points for weekend nights. You don't say in your post whether it's a weekday or weekend, but unless it's a cruise that starts on a Friday, I would think you'd need to book a weekend night in there. Let's say, for purpose of example, it's one weekend night and 3 weeknights. That would be 401 points. (Even if it's 4 weekday nights, it's 356 points.) So, you're talking about using 401 points, plus paying $95, for a reservation that would cost you about $3100 to $3200 if you pay cash. Plus, November is a great time for discount codes. I bet, at the end of the day, that cash reservation will end up closer to $2800 or even better, or you'll have the option to get free dining, which could save you hundreds more.

Is it really worth 401 of your points, plus $95, for a reservation that would cost you $2800 paying cash? Even if you could only rent them for $10 per point, that's $1200 extra to spend on your cruise. At $11 per point, it's $1600. At $12 per point it's an extra $2,000.

Bottom line, if it were me, I'd make a cash reservation for RPC right now and then call exactly at the 7 month mark to try to get BLT. If I got it, awesome. Cancel RPC. If I don't get it, see how much VGC points are renting for. If they are renting well, I'd go ahead and rent, and then just use my cash reservation.

Just $.02.

 

[Davids-Coco]

Carol, thank you as always. I felt bad just pm'ing you about it! But as always, I appreciate your info and vote of confidence that it will be a doable time. Any ideas on how likely halloween would be.

lark, interesting analysis. I totally didn't even think about that!! Thank you. I have to admit, there is some fear in renting. But I can get past that.

 

[lark]

lark, interesting analysis. I totally didn't even think about that!! Thank you. I have to admit, there is some fear in renting. But I can get past that.

Yeah, just some food for thought for you. To be clear, I'm sort of just saying what I'd do. It's a personal decision. Renting can be a hassle, although my hunch is that for at least the next year when people see how cool VGC views are and stuff, you'll be able to rent the points without trouble.

Using your points to reserve at GF is easy -- just a simple phone call. So it really comes down to an individual decision about what's worth it to you. The convenience is sure worth something, and probably something different for everyone.

However that calculation comes out, I personally tend to view points as a kind of currency. Trading points for cash is a way of using them, which is a way to think about it, and a good way to expand your options about what you can do with your points.

 

[Davids-Coco]

lark - I truly appreciate the food for thought. I'm still learning, so I will take all the opinions and help I can get. I agree it makes sense to rent points and go on cash... and I have an aunt who goes yearly who might want to rent points, hence less fear.

 

[DemoBri1]

Whatever you do, do not use your points to book at a non-DVC resort such as GF. I would strongly suggest you stay on a cash ressie there if you are set on staying somewhere non-DVC for part of your trip. Using points at a non-DVC is basically like throwing them away. It is not a good value whatsoever.

As far as the BLT is concerned, this might be the only year in which a November timeframe may be doable at 7 mos out if you want a particular view. My feeling just from what I see so far is that the MK view, while nice for fireworks, really tends to look out on alot of parking lot area. Also, if you don't get a high floor room you might have some "blocked" MK views. I'm wondering if it would be easier and a nicer view to get the Bay Lake side and simply go up to the lounge to view fireworks. It will be interesting to see what others post on here as they stay.

Whatever you decide...Have Fun!!!