purchasing at VGF

[frabjous]

Given that the upfront cost is much higher compared to other resorts I dont think buying VGF to sleep around is a good choice. If you want to sleep around I would suggest to buy SSR. if you buy VGF you should for the most part use the points at VGF.

Right that sounded like what the OP was saying. That they for sure want to stay at the VGF every other year in Dec *and* they additionally want to stay on the alternate years at a second resort near Epcot but they aren't sure which one yet. So I was suggesting one of the many options to consider is if while searching the market they happen upon one or more VGF contracts with enough points to travel every year, that they could consider using those for both travel plans until they find that second "home", at which point they may find themselves wanting to travel more often or in bigger rooms and just add on to what they have, or they might want to trade by selling one of the deeds and buying new. There is definitely some negatives to this, but if they truly *love* VGF, it does have the nice benefit that they always have a great fallback, and the administration is simple when you have one bucket. It's true that its cheaper to go SSR but its not that significant when you annualize it. It's effectively $1 more a point per year to buy VGF resale over SSR (accounting for SSR having a 10 year lesser term length as well as the small annual fee difference). The 11 month home resort window is also of much greater use at a small resort than a big resort like SSR. Finally, unless SSR is also a destination the OP would love, and a place they would like to frequent they might be disappointed when the 7-month they were looking for at that peak time didn't work out. On the other hand, if you they own elsewhere and want to stay at SSR, its a pretty much a given they will obtain it.

It sounds like from @_auroraborealis_ 's comment that 7-mo booking at BCV and BWV is difficult for studios in the Fall (OP specifically mentioned Spring and Fall), this might be a bad idea cost factors aside. It wasn't clear to me if they were thinking studios or 1BRs.

 

[dkhillerud]

Thanks for all the helpful replies everyone! I think I will just wait it out for a GF contract that works well for me. I would prefer the studio so think I will go with enough points to book lake view in December every other year. If I can't get the studio then I'm thinking I'll try for a one bedroom and do a split stay. We actually love AoA and Port Orleans and would be happy to do a few nights in either location if needed. I've decided I can't justify getting more points in order to book a 2 bedroom if it will likely be just my hubby and I going. (kids are 13-21 years). Thanks again for the help!

 

[frabjous]

Thanks for all the helpful replies everyone! I think I will just wait it out for a GF contract that works well for me. I would prefer the studio so think I will go with enough points to book lake view in December every other year. If I can't get the studio then I'm thinking I'll try for a one bedroom and do a split stay. We actually love AoA and Port Orleans and would be happy to do a few nights in either location if needed. I've decided I can't justify getting more points in order to book a 2 bedroom if it will likely be just my hubby and I going. (kids are 13-21 years). Thanks again for the help!

The split stay strategy is a really good idea if you want to stretch your points and wait until you know how many you need/want. Studio will be exceptionally hard and you will probably have to walk the reservation (book a stay earlier than your start date to hold the real start you want before others) to have chance. Enough points for a 1BR makes a huge difference. You can reliably get in if you book right at opening, in particular if its a lake view unit.

 

[Matty B13]

I'm not sure if you have kids or not, but doing a split stay with kids is kinda a pain in my experience and not worth the hassle.

 

[iheartglaciers]

I'm not sure if you have kids or not, but doing a split stay with kids is kinda a pain in my experience and not worth the hassle.

I think it depends on your preferences, travel style, and kids. I can definitely see where it would be a pain with kids, but my cousins are crazy split stayers with their 3-year old.

 

[kboo]

I think it depends on your preferences, travel style, and kids. I can definitely see where it would be a pain with kids, but my cousins are crazy split stayers with their 3-year old.

We are doing a split stay in February with a 2.3 yo and 6 yo. If we only had 1 kid it wouldn't be an issue. If I'm never seen on the Dis again after that stay, you'll know my head exploded.

That said, we are doing a specific split stay so we can be within walking distance to EP/HS. And I don't think I would consider doing a split if either part of the stay was less then 3 nights. We are doing 3+5.

 

[iheartglaciers]

We are doing a split stay in February with a 2.3 yo and 6 yo. If we only had 1 kid it wouldn't be an issue. If I'm never seen on the Dis again after that stay, you'll know my head exploded.

That said, we are doing a specific split stay so we can be within walking distance to EP/HS. And I don't think I would consider doing a split if either part of the stay was less then 3 nights. We are doing 3+5.

Yeah it’ll be interesting to see if my cousins have to change their split staying once their second comes this year . I love the MK/EP resort split stays so you can be close/walking distance for the resorts you’re doing. I imagine being able to walk back for naps and pool breaks will make the resort move worth it!

 

[mustinjourney]

I'm not sure if you have kids or not, but doing a split stay with kids is kinda a pain in my experience and not worth the hassle.

My wife hates split stays. I like doing them in order to reduce bus travels.

I like doing 3 or 4 nights at BCV/BWV and then 3 or 4 nights at VGF. Can hit up DHS and Epcot and then DAK on moving day. One other good thing is that the kids like having two different pools to play in.

 

[mrsap]

We are doing a split stay in February with a 2.3 yo and 6 yo. If we only had 1 kid it wouldn't be an issue. If I'm never seen on the Dis again after that stay, you'll know my head exploded.

That said, we are doing a specific split stay so we can be within walking distance to EP/HS. And I don't think I would consider doing a split if either part of the stay was less then 3 nights. We are doing 3+5.

We LOVE split stays and have been doing them since my DD was 23 months and my DS was in my belly!! I love them because I love the change of scenery and it gives the kids something new and exciting to look forward to. We do our splits during longer stays, so we have time to adjust and relax at each resort. It will be just fine and I’m sure your kids will be excited...especially if you hype it up!!! Enjoy!

 

[kboo]

We LOVE split stays and have been doing them since my DD was 23 months and my DS was in my belly!! I love them because I love the change of scenery and it gives the kids something new and exciting to look forward to. We do our splits during longer stays, so we have time to adjust and relax at each resort. It will be just fine and I’m sure your kids will be excited...especially if you hype it up for them to have a reason to!!! Enjoy!

Ha! I had always read your screen name as “Mr. Sap;” now you’re “Mrs. AP” lol.

What did you do about nap time on moving day? That’s my main concern. I really like the concept of a split stay but figured moving day would be a pain until the kids were done with naps.

 

[mrsap]

LOL Everyone Always thinks that!!! Too funny!!! Definitely Mrs.!!!
Naps are always tricky on vacation. We would try and push them off till we moved resorts, especially because they were always so excited to see where we’re going!! We always leave prior to actual check out time. After we’d arrive, we’d have lunch, nap, then go about the rest of the day!! It will all work out, don’t even stress about it!! Hope you have a great trip!!!!