Please Help How Realistic Is This

[Willow25]

My husband and I are currently living in Australia as he is australian. We are planning a trip to DW late November/early December 2007. My DH parents and my parents and possibly his brother and wife are coming along. We really want to stay at the BWV in four studio rooms. I am going to rent points for this trip and buy into DVC once there. Is there much of a chance of getting some DVC owners to call at the 11 month window and is there much of a chance of them getting the ressie for me.

Thank you all for your advice.

 

[PamOKW]

You can certainly post on the rent/trade board with your request. You may end up renting from more than one person or someone may have enough points to cover the whole trip. Be aware, you may be asked to pay at the time of reservation and it may be non-refundable -- but these are all personal transactions and everyone sets their own policy.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I think it is realistic, but there are some caveats.

If some of your party is not sure, I would not book for them. Maybe give them the site address and have them make their own arrangements for renting. Most rentals are non refundable so if they back out on you, you may lose your deposit or more.

Finding an owner to work with should not be difficult. I would start looking this fall and establish contact and terms so they will be ready to book for you the day the ressie opens.

Also know that your rooms will not be guaranteed to be close to each other although they will try. Studios do not connect to other studios so that should be a consideration also.

HTH!

 

[Willow25]

Thanks for the advice. Everyone is secure that they are going and we will collect the money for the accommodation before making the reservations that way if someone backs out they will lose their money and we will not lose ours. I am happy to pay in full when we make reservations. I am just happy that there is hope for that time of year at Boardwalk.

 

[CarolMN]

You sound like an ideal renter - I don't think you are going to have a tough time finding an owner who will make the reservations for you at the 11 month mark.

As long as the reservatrions are made at the 11 mnth mark, there shouldn't be a problem getting the rooms at the BWV - unless you have your hearts set on getting standard view or guaranteed boardwalk view rooms. Owners must call day by day to get those during the (very popular) time you have chosen to visit. However, you should nto have a problem getting Preferred view (pool/garden) rooms.

Have you thought about getting at least one 2 bedroom? The living room, fully equipped kitchen and washer/dryer right in the unit will make your stay so much more convenient. Might be worth the extra $79-$80 per night to have a place for the family to gather.

Best wishes -

 

[dianeschlicht]

I had the immediate thought that Carol had too. I think you would be happier with a 2 bedroom plus a studio. This will give you 1 king sized bed, 2 queen sized beds and 3 sleep sofas plus a full kitchen and common area for gathering. Don't forget that washer/dryer too! That will mean you can pack less clothes!

 

[chris1gill]

Have you thought about buying a resale so that you could book and use your own points for your vacation?

We've been to Australia a few times over the last couple of times over the Christmas Holiday's & without a washer/dryer we would have been dead in the water so to speak... I would definitely encourage you to rent at least one one bedroom so that you will be able to do laundry right in your unit... also, don't forget, you will need to pack some pants and sweaters or coat as Florida can get quite cold, especially at night that time of year.... Which part of Australia are you coming from?

 

[Willow25]

We are currently living in Ballarat, Victoria about one hour from Melbourne.

The only reason we were thinking of not getting a two bedroom is that we have two sets of parents coming with us and we thought the more privacy the better but it would be nice to have the kitchen and washer/dryer. The in laws are coming up to see us this easter weekend and we will have a planning session then.

Thank you all for your advice it is so nice to have these boards to come to with questions.

Thanks Staci

 

[byoung]

Wish you the best on getting what you want.

 

[Disney Doll]

What is the actual make-up of your group, by family. If you have 2 sets of parents with kids, plus in-laws, maybe a 2BR and a studio would work. Depends on how many people total you are talking about. If the 2 families are families of 4 each, the 2 families oculd be in the 2BR and the in-laws in the studio (for some peace and quiet!! ). Or the in-laws and 1 family could be in the 2BR and the other family in the studio. This would decrease some of the congestion in the 2BR, because it would mean 6 people (family of 4 + 2 in-laws).

I'd also reconsider renting points and consider buying your own before you go and then using them for this vacation. If you're going to be spending money on DVC, why not spend the money and buy it, so the money is going towards your own purchase sooner? Especially since you seem to be pretty sure you will be purchasing.