Ridiculous Use of Points!!

Miffy2003

<font color=orange>I've got Saratoga Springs - mak
Joined
Aug 13, 2003
Messages
12,175
Hello all,

Situation is this; we are new DVC members at Saratoga Springs Resort but we are going to WDW in December not using points. Crazy this may be, but there was a good reason for this. We booked our December holiday over a year ago and opted to stay at All Star Movies as it was a reasonable option pricewise and we are going with MIL & FIL who are pensioners (and not a lot of cash to throw about). We have 1 week in Sarasota after ASMo and then back to Orlando for a final 2 nights at a cheap hotel on the 192 so FIL can fulfil a life's ambition (along with seeing his GD's faces as the ferry approaches the MK:rolleyes: )and spend NYE in Florida. (MIL and FIL have visited many times over the years but not for 8 years and never over Christmas / New Year).

Anyhow, we recently bought DVC and are planning on taking our first trip "home" in August 2005 using 2004 & 2005 points (plan was to bank 2004 into 2005). We then were planning on not going in 2006 (unless a lottery win should occur :) ) and banking our 2006 points into 2007 and going in 2007 with 2006/7 points. Anyone still awake??!!

We've seen a couple of less than complimentary reviews recently of our final destination hotel on the 192. Also we have made a mistake in NOT going for the advice of "saving the best hotel" for last. Easy as pie to book another hotel eg through priceline but I am reluctant to do this as will involve needing to ask In Laws for more money (and I want to avoid this if at all possible).

Sooooo....to kill 2 birds with one stone! I thought: Wouldn't it be great to be able to book a 2 bed villa at SSR on Dec 30th & 31st and end the holiday on a real high note and treat MIL & FIL as we could explain that it had not "cost" (ahem!apart from a year's points!) us anything and it was our treat. They won't accept it if they think it has cost us $$$ (Also this way way we do not have to wait till August to stay at SSR - I know, I'm greedy!). But these 2 nights literally will cost us a year's points and will then mean all my plans for point use will need to change (not an insurmountable problem). We would keep this as a surprise for both DD's and In Laws and present it as a fait accompli!

I've mailed MS to ask about availability (my building only opens this week so I could not have booked sooner anyway) so it may be full in any case, but I just wondered if any of you thought I was mad or does a small part of you understand???!!!

Cheers

Karen
 
I understand completely! I think it's a fantastic idea - after all, you've got another 50 (?) years of points to do the other trips ;)

I know it's going to be the worst possible time for finding availability, and I'm sure SSR is your first choice because it's your resort, but have you thought about trying for OKW? It would be less points if you could get it.

You'll be so excited telling MIL & FIL, I bet you can't wait to find out whether you've got the reservation! :Pinkbounc

Don't forget to go on the waiting list if you can't get a reservation straight away - there's usually a very good success rate if you persevere, and can be flexible about which resort you get (but maybe you should hang on to that other hotel booking just for now! )
 
Hi Karen,

I completely agree with what Hilary has said - it would make for a wonderful conclusion to the trip if you can finish off with a two-bedroom at SSR or OKW (or any other DVC resort for that matter). We took my mum recently and the look on her face when she saw the room was priceless!

My suggestion would be to give member services a call to check on availability. 30+31 December are very popular times to visit, and whilst the waitlist may come through for you, it's still best to move quickly (the 7-month window for the 31st opened today, I think).

Do you have the details for calling through the freephone number in the UK? If not i'd be happy to PM them to you.

Paul
 

Paul has made an excellent point about the 7 month window (it hadn't ocurred to me that today was a relevant date :rolleyes: )

It's definitely better to call MS for popular times, rather than relying on someone to pick up your e-mail. Also try to book each day day-by-day, rather than waiting until the 7-month window on the last date (hope that makes sense) and tell MS you want to link the reservations when you make the first one - they'll hold it open until you've called for the last day.

Can you get through now before they close for the night?

Good luck!:hyper:
 
Understand fully but agree with the others - go for it! Don't forget, if you later think better of it you can still change your mind and bank the points (depending on your 'use' year of course).

You will let us know won't you? Good luck with getting just what you want :D
 
I understand fully Karen :)


Go for it treat yourself - what a great time of year to go!!! :)
 
Hello everyone,

Thank you so much for your advice and encouragement! :) :)

Good news - I have managed to book the 2 bedroom for the 2 nights at SSR. I am so excited!!!

Thanks again

Karen

:) :) :) :) (very happy!)
 
Wow - excellent news Karen, you must be over the moon :hyper:

I've been reading all about SSR and it sounds lovely. I'm sure it will be wonderful to be in that location for new year, especially as Disney often have extra celebrations at Pleasure Island on new year's eve.

Well done!
Paul
 
Karen,
I think you have done exactly the right thing. You'll have the "best" last and will really be able to enjoy the new year period to the full. Have fun...
Gill

:Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc
 
:) :)

I know, I can't believe my luck!!


:bounce: :Pinkbounc
 
so you will have a good view of the fireworks at DD from SSR for the new year parks will be full that day ( we went this new year and they were FULL) so enjoy SSR and sit back and watch the fireworks from you room.We were unable to see them when we stayed when SSR oppened may due to the jet lag managed 11.30 resort
Paulh
 
See you there. We are going back home to SSR for the first time this Christmas and spending New Year at SSR.
 














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