Should I even bother?

[Alli76]

I am thinking about renting points to stay at a (villa size) villa at (resort) or (resort) in May 2011. Obviously I have missed the 11 month window. Planning on using a broker. But I can't get the rest of my family to make any decisions. I have told them they MUST make a decision before 7 month window.

Is it even worth it??? Do you think there will be availability 8 months out or should I just start thinking about something completely different.

THanks for your thoughts.

EDIT: Specific info removed so as not to b e considered a Reservation Wanted post - Chuck S

 

[drusba]

In May as long as you are not talking about time around Memorial Day, you should have a good chance at 8 months out but don't delay beyond that.

 

[cvjw]

I booked a 2 bedroom BLT lake view for Memorial day 2010 at only 7 months out. When I called a couple of weeks later to shift the reservation around a little bit, BLT was all booked up for my dates.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think you'll have a good chance at 8 months. Probably even at 7 months.

 

[Alli76]

thanks everyone - a big sigh of relief! Now just have to keep nagging my family members!!!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Get the money from them upfront and make sure they make their airline reservations if you need to fly as soon as possible. Otherwise, you will be out the extra money you need from them to reimburse you.

 

[maciec]

Make reservations for yourself and tell them that if they want to go that they have to find a renter themselves. there are too many stories on these boards about people being stiffed by their family members that have been wishy-washy. If you are going through a broker point them in the direction of that broker.

 

[lucyem]

My concern is that if no one can make a decision now - what happens if they change their mind? Renting points is non refundable.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I got a 1BR BLT (lake view) on 9 weeks notice May 2010 for mother's day weekend.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I got a 1BR BLT (lake view) on 9 weeks notice May 2010 for mother's day weekend.

That's not as popular as later on in the month around Memorial Day.

 

[Dean]

thanks everyone - a big sigh of relief! Now just have to keep nagging my family members!!!

Sorry but this sounds like a situation where you'll get a commitment and still have people changing their plans and/or backing out last minute and if you're counting on payment from them, you'll likely be SOL. If you can set yourself up to where you can get what/when YOU can control and invite them to do the same, you're better off. Put another way, if you can book in such a way that you're OK even if they all bail on you, I'd proceed, otherwise I'd wait and/or look at other options. As others have noted, May outside the holiday is one of the easier times and as long as you're not looking at something that's inherently difficult (3 BR, special view) you should be OK even 4-5 months out, esp if SSR or OKW are acceptable to you.

 

[Inkmahm]

Make reservations for yourself and tell them that if they want to go that they have to find a renter themselves. there are too many stories on these boards about people being stiffed by their family members that have been wishy-washy. If you are going through a broker point them in the direction of that broker.

Excellent advice.

 

[Alli76]

Thanks everyone... think that I will be OK as it is not really a wishy/washy situation. My parents and maybe my sister are going to be travelling with us and I am not worried about their commitement to go or to pay. They are just not like me in planning so far in advance. I think that they would be happy making last minute plans next spring. I have given them a deadline of September to make decisions - if not I will make my own plans and they will have to try and add on later if need be.

Thanks again everyone!!

 

[mickey&minniealways]

How many of you are there in all. Are you looking at a decision of are they going or where to stay. If it is where to stay then just book what you want. I usually get a 2 bdrm anyway. That way if we have a couple extra people we are fine. We have 3 kids and somehow we always end up with more people. Inlaws, cousins, my mother, even a friend. By renting points I have found is cheaper than getting a regular room at a deluxe.