So DVC inept.. question please to the experts

[Mackey Mouse]

I have booked a 1 br for first week in December, SSR.. all was good and my DH and I were happy... Next thing I know, my children, grown ups, are asking me if they can come, and my first grandchild, so here is my question..

How difficult is it to get a grand villa....how costly, points wise are they... and do you think this is the best route to go or would I be better off just paying cash for rooms for them in one of the resorts....

 

[rutgers1]

Why go from a 1BR to a Grand Villa. Here are the point differences:
1 BR: 182 points/week
2BR: 243 points/week
Grand Villa: 505

I am new here so I probably shouldn't be chiming in, but you can play with the days and get a 2BR for almost the price of a 1BR if you cut off a weekend night. That seems like the best route for me, if you are running up against a point ceiling and don't want to borrow from the next year.

 

[aDVCguy]

...still waiting ...c'mon Grand Villa!

I talked to Member Services yesterday...

She told me that I'm still wait-listed for a GV
for Aug 16-23 and there's hope that the latest
building to open up will offer me a GV.
Give MS a call...there's always a chance.

Good luck!

 

[Starr W.]

First how many of there will you be?

Do you want everyone in the same room?

Are you think about this December? You could try for a GV but my guess is they might be booked up and with all the developer points out there waiting to be used at the 7 month mark, whatever you decide I would get on the phone to MS pretty quick. Thanksgiving booked up way faster at 7 months than I have seen in the past.

 

[Dean]

I have booked a 1 br for first week in December, SSR.. all was good and my DH and I were happy... Next thing I know, my children, grown ups, are asking me if they can come, and my first grandchild, so here is my question..

How difficult is it to get a grand villa....how costly, points wise are they... and do you think this is the best route to go or would I be better off just paying cash for rooms for them in one of the resorts....

As noted, a GV is more points. A 2 BR plus as many studios as you need is likely the best and cheapest option. But call to see what's available, you may find nothing for that week on points.

 

[Chuck S]

First week of December will be difficult to find availability for almost any room size at DVC. It is a really popular DVC booking time.

To be safe, I would make a cash reservation, then get on a waitlist. Be sure to cancel the cash reservation if the waitlist comes through, and if booking the cash reservations through CRO, be sure to cancel your DVC waitlist at prior to the cash cancellation date if the waitlist hasn't come through.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I thought I read on another post that there are a few days in that first week of December that are already closed. No vacancies.

 

[CarolMN]

There have already been reports that some nights in that first week are sold out everywhere for all size units. Doesn't mean a waitlist won't work, but it does mean you need to get busy asap. MS is open today.

Ask about the cash price - you may be better off booking at least one room for cash. Could be a good deal if you can get the member 25% cash discount. (You might have to reserve it in your name or your DH's name, though, since I believe the member should be staying in the room to get the cash discount. But once you are there, no one will do a room check, LOL).

My advice is not to "stuff" a 1 or 2 bedroom - esp if you have a little one along, you'll all be happier if the living room & kitchen area can remain free for those who get up early or stay up late. If you get your family studios, they will have private (wquiet) space and can still visit you in the 1 bedroom and use the washer/dryer.

Have a good time!

 

[DisneyJen]

DH and I have had the GV debate when we take the extended family (my parents, my brother and his wife and their 2 DDs who are under 3, and DH's brother and wife).

We traditionally get a 2-bedroom. My parents take one bedroom, DH and I take the Master and DD takes the sofa. We put the others in their own studios.

We give the folks in the studios a key to our room so that they can come and go as needed as well as using the washer/dryer. We all gather in the common area for one or two meals (it's tight but we make it work as we don't cook sit down meals while on vacation).

This works for our family as everyone has their "own" space.

Now I have been on a GV tear for next year as DH and I will celebrate 25 years of marriage (most of them happy ) and I would like to have everyone in one place. DH jokes the reason that we have made 25 is that we give family members their own studios when we vacation

 

[Mackey Mouse]

Thanks everyone for replying.. I am trying to digest it all, just got home from Mother's day with the family.

It would be 2 adults and the baby, and then two more adults..

I have to think this all out. I have to say those sofabeds are the most uncomfortable couches I have ever sat on...at least at SSR. I felt so bad for my two daughters when they surprised us last year and had to sleep on the sofa bed.. it is uncomfortable closed, I can imagine what it is like to sleep on..

I am going to try for 2 studios.....and see what happens for that week and bag the grand villa for now..

 

[hansel1]

I would book them a cash reservation at POR or POFQ. It will be much easier than trying to book DVC during that time... and less costly.

 

[dianeschlicht]

With the reports we have heard about that first week of December being totally booked, I really doubt you are going to have any luck getting anything just now. The GV and the studios are going to be the most difficult option to get. You might have a little luck with 1 bedroom units, but the reports are that everything is totally sold out with points for that week.

 

[msabol01]

As noted, a GV is more points. A 2 BR plus as many studios as you need is likely the best and cheapest option. But call to see what's available, you may find nothing for that week on points.

I am with Dean, a 2 bedroom and as many studios as needed can be a cheaper alternative. As I mentioned in another post, I am doing exactly that for an upcoming family trip. Not only is it cheaper point wise, but it also gives families alone time and their own space.

 

[Dean]

I am with Dean, a 2 bedroom and as many studios as needed can be a cheaper alternative. As I mentioned in another post, I am doing exactly that for an upcoming family trip. Not only is it cheaper point wise, but it also gives families alone time and their own space.

You can still give others access to the unit and therefore the full kitchen if need be.