reserve or wait?

[ktate82]

We own at AKL and are looking at a trip at the end of May 2015 for 8 nights. There will be 2 adults and 2 children going with the possibility of my adult brother joining us (won't know till closer). I'm debating between a Value 1 bedroom at AKL which I could book 8 months out (we would have to borrow some points), but then if my brother wanted to go, we would have to spend more points to get a standard 1 bedroom. My other option would be to get a studio at the Grand Floridian (this is a lot less points) then we could all stay there if he went, but I have to wait till 7 months out to book. I have to borrow points no matter what, but the difference would be 51 points for Grand Floridian vs 65 for the value or 103 for the standard. We can do the studio fine as far as room for us, so that is not an issue.

What would you do? My worry is if I wait for the Grand Floridian, I won't be able to get a reservation and by then all the Values will be gone from AKL. But if I book the AKL, I'm wrapped into that one no matter the availability at Grand Floridian since I will have already borrowed the points.

 

[Msmithmd]

Since you're considering a reservation option that fills prior to seven months, I would book the AKV value now- and see what is available whenever your brother finds out his schedule.

The down side to the timeshare is that it simply isn't flexible for late bookings in certain room categories. That's not your brother's fault, but neither is it yours. Look at what is available when he can set dates. If a high demand option is available at that time, then great. If it isn't, then you aren't left without the room you wanted. And if it is that important for you to stay in the same room, then consider moving to a less costly option like OKW, if that's what you can afford on points at that time. Or, decide to stay at a much less costly offsite condo or hotel, and bank your DVC points so you can get a bigger accommodation on the next trip.

Bottom line, there are lots of options. Just don't put yourself in the position of resenting your family's inability to commit to dates by the time you must book a high priority room type. Because that isn't a good way to start a family trip.

 

[ktate82]

Since you're considering a reservation option that fills prior to seven months, I would book the AKV value now- and see what is available whenever your brother finds out his schedule.

The down side to the timeshare is that it simply isn't flexible for late bookings in certain room categories. That's not your brother's fault, but neither is it yours. Look at what is available when he can set dates. If a high demand option is available at that time, then great. If it isn't, then you aren't left without the room you wanted. And if it is that important for you to stay in the same room, then consider moving to a less costly option like OKW, if that's what you can afford on points at that time. Or, decide to stay at a much less costly offsite condo or hotel, and bank your DVC points so you can get a bigger accommodation on the next trip.

Bottom line, there are lots of options. Just don't put yourself in the position of resenting your family's inability to commit to dates by the time you must book a high priority room type. Because that isn't a good way to start a family trip.

Thanks for the answer. I didn't look at OKW because it says the one bedroom only sleeps 4. Are there other 1 bedroom or studios that sleep 5?

 

[Chuck S]

Thanks for the answer. I didn't look at OKW because it says the one bedroom only sleeps 4. Are there other 1 bedroom or studios that sleep 5?

OKW one bedrooms sleep 5 since the rehab a couple of years ago and are huge. There is a king bed in the master, a queen sleeper sofa and a fold out single sleeper chair in the living room.

 

[nalajms]

Some 1bedrooms can accommodate 5, but sleeps 4. Maybe bring an air mattress? I think VWL studio now sleep 5.

I'd book the value room at 11 months. Not sure if it'll still be around at 8 months. You don't need to wait till 8 months to borrow, not sure what the reason is for 8 months

Your chances of getting a VGF studio is not going to be high, you might end up having a split stay.

Are you using current (non-banked) points for your reservation? If you move to a studio, you can use the borrowed points first and bank remaining current points.

 

[ktate82]

Some 1bedrooms can accommodate 5, but sleeps 4. Maybe bring an air mattress? I think VWL studio now sleep 5.

I'd book the value room at 11 months. Not sure if it'll still be around at 8 months. You don't need to wait till 8 months to borrow, not sure what the reason is for 8 months

Your chances of getting a VGF studio is not going to be high, you might end up having a split stay.

Are you using current (non-banked) points for your reservation? If you move to a studio, you can use the borrowed points first and bank remaining current points.

Whoops! I meant 11 months! I will have 125 points from 2014 (we are using some before a cruise other wise we would have enough without borrowing, but thats what they are there for right?!) I didn't think about using the borrowed points first! Thats a great idea and why I come here to ask! Thanks!

Also, how do I know what 1 bedrooms hold 5? I don't want to break any rules and have more than allowed, but an air mattress wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Msmithmd]

All one bedrooms except AKV value hold five. The 1BR that actually have sleeping surfaces provided for five are: AKV non-value, VGF, OKW, and BLT. Also VGC and AUL outside of Orlando...

Five are allowed at all the other 1BR (except the value rooms), but you have to provide your own bedding at those options.

 

[Candy Orlando]

I think the VWL studio that sleeps 5 is 16 points a night in May. You may have enough points for that room and if you need more you can buy up to 24 one time points from DVC for $15 a point.

 

[drusba]

DVD allows WDW 1BRs to have five but only AKV Kidani, BLT, and OKW 1BRs have the extra pull-out twin chair so a fifth has someplace to sleep; VGF has a pull down murphy bed for a fifth. For others you have to provide any bedding (e.g., a sleeping bag). VGF and VWL studios have the pull down murphy bed in the studios for a fifth.

You should not act on the assumption that a VGF studio will be open at 7 months out for last part of May. Even for 2014, VGF studios were missing days during that period at 7 months out and as the resort approaches selling out it will become even more difficult to get a studio at VGF at 7 months out. However if looking for other accommodations, 1BRs should be open at all the resorts at 7 months out except potentially for BWV standard and boardwalk view, BLT standard, and AKV value and club level.