Planning very early...need help!

[keenercam]

Being the compulsive planner that I am, I know that I am in the right place and among friends , and that none of you will think I am BONKERS when I ask this question.

My daughter's marching band will go to WDW in spring 2004 and we want to make arrangements to be there when she is. I am thinking a 2BR villa at OKW would be just amazing, especially if any family and/or friends joined us (DD will stay with the band, so otherwise, it would just be DH, me and DS10). What is the best bet for getting those reservations? Should I book our home resort at 11 months and then try to switch to OKW 2BR at 7 months? Or should I find an OKW DVCer in spring 2003 and ask them to make the reservation for me and I would transfer the points to their account? What should I do?

 

[SleepyatDVC]

I don't think that a 2 bedroom at OKW in the spring would be hard to book at 7 months - unless it was around Easter?

If it were me, I would book OKW at 7 months. Even if you had to wait-list, the chances are very high for it to come through.

You can make a back-up ressie at your home resort at 11 months if you want to - but keep in mind that the points needed at OKW will be less. So, check your points availability, banking deadlines, and if you would need to borrow.

Have fun planning!

 

[Pa@okw95]

Book 11 months out at your home resort-I doubt you will be able to get 7 months out in the spring at OKW. I would think high school kids would enjoy your home resort rather than OKW. OKW is boring to high school kids.

 

[Regina]

Usually these events are planned during the kid's breaks, so you may be running into Easter season.

Definitely book at your home resort, and try at 7 months.

I would like to add that I have 3 kids, who are now 21, 20 and 17. Over 10 years of staying at OKW, they have never once complained of being bored and have always looked forward to our stays there. When we've had their friends with us, they've also loved the resort.

 

[keenercam]

Thanks, everyone--
I always appreciate all the great advice I get here.

dvcreg-- my understanding is that it is a few weeks before Easter, so I am hoping it won't be too crazy. I think it is called Music of the World or something like that? Voice and instrumental groups from high schools all over the country. Sounds very exciting to me.

Sleepy-- I like your suggestion of starting with backup ressies at BCV and then trying OKW at 7 months. I would not have thought of the point differential though, so I have made a note of that. Thanks!

Pa@okw--I am hoping that my DS who will be 10 by then will be thrilled to be anywhere near WDW and I am thinking the resort will be nice if we take my parents or in-laws or both. Geez, maybe I'd better waitlist a GV!

I appreciate all the help. I have put the dates on my calendar for 11 months and 7 months. WOW!!!!

 

[DeeP]

Why not just stay at BCV?????? The band activites take place at either Epcot, MGM or MK so you will be very conveniently located to all the parks and BCV has the BEST pool on WDW property that your 10 yo will just love. The 2 BR at BCV is not as large as OKW 2 BR but it is still a very nice size villa, that is beautiful and will be almost brand new in a wonderful location that will be much more convenient for your DD band activities, park access, restaurants, etc. If I had OKW pts to trade with you I would do it in a minute, but my pts are at BWV with soon to be add on pts at BCV, so I can not be of any help in transferring pts.

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

Kam,

I have to say, if you can afford to get a Grand Villa I would do it. It really made our trip comfortable after a long day at the parks. My Daughter is ten and she likes the Boardwalk better than she likes OKW, but she still enjoyed her week long vacation in our Grand Villa at OKW. She said it was O.K. and would go back, but when are we going back to the Boardwalk! You'll enjoy it no matter where you'll stay, but OKW is a pretty good place to go, relax and enjoy all of what Disney has to offer. Have a good trip!