Similar strategy questions about a future booking

[ppony]

The same as he other strategy thread, I'm just trying to get advice on what might be best to do. I am not soliciting anything.

OK. I have 88 points I'll be borrowing off of my remainder of my 2015 points. No, it's not a pattern to think about adding on right now. We travel once every 2 years. Our oldest will only have a few more trips w/ us and they will be shorter, AND we'd like to add on (small contact) w/ the Poly when they are ready down the line, so I don't want to add now.

We REALLY want to have a 1 bedroom. It works out best for us. We'll only be booking 4 nights in Dec. so it's possible. We'd LIKE to try another resort other than our home one of AKV, but in all likelihood, we'll need to buy/borrow/transfer close to 30 points. I know I can buy up to 24 one-time-use points directly from Disney, yes? For example, if I wanted to book a 1 BR at the BCV (though it would be difficult I know) that would leave me needing 6 more points. I know I can still get a 1 BR at other resorts for 112 (my 88 + 24) and not need more, BUT if I can, for my kids' sake and Stormalong Bay, I might try. My autstic son is in LOVE w/ the sandy pool. There isn't much else he loves. He is nearly non-verbal but one word he says w/o fail is "beach, beach, beach".

What are my options in this scenario??? I never thought 'd be in this situation so my head is really swimming and my DH is no help in this. He doesn't inderstand any of it. Mom does all the work. Mom's brain cells are stretched beyond maximum.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Which week in December for the 4 nights? That could potentially affect the answers given to give you the best hope of getting BCV.

 

[ppony]

Which week in December for the 4 nights? That could potentially affect the answers given to give you the best hope of getting BCV.

I'm looking for the 12-16th next year. It will be following a cruise.
I WISH the studios had 2 queens. Then we could deal.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

The fact that you want a 1BR will improve your odds but it's still probably not real great to get BCV unfortunately and makes this more tricky since you'll also probably want to book AKV in order to have a backup in place.

Since members are limited to 1 transfer per UY you'll most likely need to look/take a larger transfer than 6 points which isn't a bad thing. I'd probably look for something that would cover the majority of the options I was looking for and then only needing the DVC one time use points to supplement anything unexpected.

Would you ever consider a split stay? You could look for a BCV point transfer that would allow you to book one or two of your nights at the resort at 11 months. And then if you couldn't get the rest of the nights switched at 7 months you'd have a couple of nights there. Or even transferring in enough points or renting the entire reservation at BCV? Since you're in borrowing mode and would really like to stay at a non-home resort this trip that could also be a good option and would allow you to replenish your pool of points.

 

[ppony]

The fact that you want a 1BR will improve your odds but it's still probably not real great to get BCV unfortunately and makes this more tricky since you'll also probably want to book AKV in order to have a backup in place.

Since members are limited to 1 transfer per UY you'll most likely need to look/take a larger transfer than 6 points which isn't a bad thing. I'd probably look for something that would cover the majority of the options I was looking for and then only needing the DVC one time use points to supplement anything unexpected.

Would you ever consider a split stay? You could look for a BCV point transfer that would allow you to book one or two of your nights at the resort at 11 months. And then if you couldn't get the rest of the nights switched at 7 months you'd have a couple of nights there. Or even transferring in enough points or renting the entire reservation at BCV? Since you're in borrowing mode and would really like to stay at a non-home resort this trip that could also be a good option and would allow you to replenish your pool of points.

Thanks Kat. Yeah, we do splits all the time. It's such a great way to try new places and since the resort stay is a new vacation in and of itself, we love trying new places! I just thought we probably wouldn't for a short stay...BUT, your idea has definite merit. Thankfully, we love our home resort, but dang nabbit, WHY did we have to experience Stormalong Bay?!? Why oh why! At least I have a few months to think before the Jan. booking date arrives.
I'm assuming people try to solidify rentals or transfers BEFORE the 11 month window?
Again Kat, THANK YOU for your input.

 

[CarolMN]

If getting a 1 bedroom at BCV is important to you, I would NOT book your home resort at 11 months. That's so you can take advantage of the online booking advantage of one hour. It could make the difference between getting what you want and not getting what you want. (My advice would be different if you had plenty of points and didn't have to borrow to get the reservation).

12/12/14 is a Friday and that is in your favor. Most DVC members do NOT start their vacations on a Friday. I'd go online a few minutes before the 7 month window opens and try booking BCV at that time. If it is not available (I actually think it will be), I'd waitlist. Then I would book a back up somewhere. AKV, OKW & SSR will almost certainly have a 1 bedroom for those dates when the 7 month window opens.

Good luck - I have a godchild with Aspergers, so I know a bit about the challenges you face with your son.

 

[ppony]

If getting a 1 bedroom at BCV is important to you, I would NOT book your home resort at 11 months. That's so you can take advantage of the online booking advantage of one hour. It could make the difference between getting what you want and not getting what you want. (My advice would be different if you had plenty of points and didn't have to borrow to get the reservation).

12/12/14 is a Friday and that is in your favor. Most DVC members do NOT start their vacations on a Friday. I'd go online a few minutes before the 7 month window opens and try booking BCV at that time. If it is not available (I actually think it will be), I'd waitlist. Then I would book a back up somewhere. AKV, OKW & SSR will almost certainly have a 1 bedroom for those dates when the 7 month window opens.

Good luck - I have a godchild with Aspergers, so I know a bit about the challenges you face with your son.

Gosh. I completely forgot about that hour difference! Yes, if your points are already tied up, you miss that opportunity. THANK YOU. I now have a plan. You're right. A one bedroom SOMEWHERE will be open at 7 months out, so we won't be stuck at all. Super advice! And thanks for the shout out about an autistic child. Once you know what it's like , it changes your outlook for things doesn't it?