Some advice from my DVC peeps would be appreciated

[Girlstar30]

I have my heart completely set on a trip ive been working on for months next year. My wife is in the process of getting her US citizenship and I dont know when they are going to schedule her interview. These types of things (Citizenship interview) you dont want to reschedule because it can be months delay, have to provide an explanation as to why (I dont think they'll look to kindly on because im going on a Disney Vacation as an excuse) and ive read flat out denials. We are trying to be responsible as this is very important to us.

With that being said, we dont know WHEN we will get the letter for her interview. It could be a month from now, 4 months, heck even 5 months from now seems to be within the average. With April being in 5 months, I really think we're in the danger zone of her getting a letter in the mail of her interview being scheduled when were gone and the last thing I want is points in holding

Obviously I know the smartest thing to do would probably be to postpone it or sell the points for next year. So thats my question. What is the best way do you think to handle this situation? I was thinking it would be a nice consolation to perhaps sell the points right now and maybe put some money towards our direct contract!

Or would you just book a trip later in the year September-November. Still a very slight chance that the process wont be complete. I have been in denial that our trip might not happen Going this late in the year would also put us past our december uy banking deadline which is a bit of a risk in itself

Im thinking having flexible cash on hand for a vacation when this is completed may be the best way to handle this situation. First world problems i know but we are spending a lot of money and sacrifice for this membership

I just want to know what you would do in my situation And for those who have rented out points from the major sites, how far in advance do I have to do this to get the most money and for it to be easy to rent rapidly? I def dont want to wait too long, but im still hoping we will hear something by January and can go on this trip and plan around that! No negativity please, im already feeling sad, but would appreciate some constructive opinions

 

[Add-On-Itis]

I have not rented out points.

But I did rent a reservation from a major site. I believe it takes time to get all the funds, at least not until they go check in.

Additionally, I have bought a transfer. That you will get the funds immediately.

 

[Orbiter_Fan]

Maybe rent the points and hold the cash? If something is available when you want to travel and you haven't received the letter, use the money for a cash stay or last-minute rental.

If there's no trip because of the uncertainty, you have some money for your next contract!

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

I would rent the points and depending on when you’re wanting to go, book something with a much flexible cancellation policy at Swan/Dolphin. I had mentioned this in another thread but at certain times of year, it really doesn’t even make sense for me to use my BWV points bc the rates at the Swan/Dolphin are so reasonable.

This way you can ‘lock’ in a trip and cancel without worry.

 

[Hubalorian]

I am not sure what I would do in your situation it is tough. However, I have rented points on both a major site and on Disboards. Both were easy transactions. I prefer the Disboard just because there isn’t a middleman and gives me more “control”. Would be happy to answer any questions about either renting experiences.

Sending good vibes and hopefully all of this goes as smooth as possible

 

[MyDogTink]

I like the suggestion @Sprinkles&Sprints gave. You could also rent the points and if timing works out, borrow points and put the money from the rental towards the direct contract. In addition to the swan and dolphin, sometimes Disney offers good rates or packages.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Bank points into the next year or rent or transfer your points and put the money in the bank. When you have a firm date you can book through WDW or even rent from another DVC member or buy another contract. You need to preserve the value of those points in some way. There are many possibilities with cash!

 

[Chuck S]

I agree, I would not want to mess up a chance for a naturalization interview. Depending upon when in April your reservation is (please don't post the exact dates), I think you'll have a good chance of renting it out given Easter (Both traditional and Orthodox) are in early to Mid April this year. There are also some Jewish and Baha'i faith holidays/celebrations in April.

I hope all goes well with the interview.

 

[J-Dog]

Bank points into the next year or rent or transfer your points and put the money in the bank. When you have a firm date you can book through WDW or even rent from another DVC member or buy another contract. You need to preserve the value of those points in some way. There are many possibilities with cash!

This is what I would do as well, although your situation is definitely not black-and-white. I don't know if you have time and/or means to do it, but you could bank your points and then still rent points or book Swan or Dolphin on short notice if you get a more concrete date in the future.

 

[Girlstar30]

Thank you all so much, everyone on here is very smart so I knew id be getting some really good answers.

@Sprinkles&Sprints I LOVE the idea of selling them and then booking swan. This hadnt even crossed my mind so thank you! A disney cruise did, but we dont want to leave the country until after so the Swan idea is perfect for us to still have our Disney vacation!

Ive been wanting to stay there so this could be my chance! I still think there's no rush to sell yet as they are 2026 points so im still holding tight until January But I know thats most likely whats going to happen and at least I can stay at Swan! @Hubalorian
thank you so much for offering me the advice on how to rent i will def send a DM your way if I decide to go that route! The process makes me really nervous! I wanted a clean record but this is one of those times where renting was probably meant for!

I do think the weeks especially 1, would be coveted.

 

[Brian Noble]

I kind of like the idea of a celebratory trip in late Fall, but I'm a fan of using my points for my vacations whenever possible.

Also, as one of my Sponsors-who-is-not-my-Sponsor would say: nothing has happened yet. You have until March before you have to make decisions, points-wise.

 

[airjay75]

One other thought. If you end up cancelling, just bank the points for future usage. Then, if you still want to rent them at that point, go ahead and rent them. But, alternatively, you might get out of the borrowing game and into the banking game with your points, which could be nice. Just gives you flexibility for longer. Of course, if you want the money sooner from renting to help with direct points purchase, I get that too.

 

[Genie+]

I’d consider this path:

Plan to keep the reservation until 10 weeks out from check-in.

If you get the letter and an appointment date before your trip - solved!

If you do not, then this is a healthy window to sell a confirmed reservation for April. At 10 weeks out for a spring date, there will be very slim availability for DVC/onsite, which is going to help sell your reservation. If it doesn’t sell by 7 weeks out, lower the price. It should sell at a decent price and likely won’t come to this, but as a back-up for worst case scenario have a ‘lowest’ price you will price it at 5 weeks out.

 

[Girlstar30]

I kind of like the idea of a celebratory trip in late Fall, but I'm a fan of using my points for my vacations whenever possible.

Also, as one of my Sponsors-who-is-not-my-Sponsor would say: nothing has happened yet. You have until March before you have to make decisions, points-wise.

Thank you! I was really hoping id get an answer from you, the wise one . I have a tendency to freak out and make quick decisions and then regret it, but I have been working on that! And yes nothing has happened yet!

 

[Girlstar30]

One other thought. If you end up cancelling, just bank the points for future usage. Then, if you still want to rent them at that point, go ahead and rent them. But, alternatively, you might get out of the borrowing game and into the banking game with your points, which could be nice. Just gives you flexibility for longer. Of course, if you want the money sooner from renting to help with direct points purchase, I get that too.

Its too late for that and im already on all borrowed points In my defense, we had no intention of starting a process like this now, but we were really urged to because well its the smart thing to do!

 

[Girlstar30]

I’d consider this path:

Plan to keep the reservation until 10 weeks out from check-in.

If you get the letter and an appointment date before your trip - solved!

If you do not, then this is a healthy window to sell a confirmed reservation for April. At 10 weeks out for a spring date, there will be very slim availability for DVC/onsite, which is going to help sell your reservation. If it doesn’t sell by 7 weeks out, lower the price. It should sell at a decent price and likely won’t come to this, but as a back-up for worst case scenario have a ‘lowest’ price you will price it at 5 weeks out.

Thank you so much for your response, this was a huge question I had and im so glad you answered, when is the latest I can rent and still be in the "safe zone," as far as people actually wanting to rent.

So you dont think 10 weeks would be too "last minute" for people? I never thought id do it on my own, but now im thinking with Disboarder help, I might be more confident!

Ideally hoping we dont have to cancel so I love the 10 week and then swan plan and the celebration trip late in the year too! Not a bad position to be, you guys really made me feel better

 

[Sandisw]

Lots of great ideas and suggestions already! Just sending good wishes to her!

My DIL went through that process years ago and I just remember how exited we were when she got the date and then everything was final!!!

 

[Girlstar30]

Lots of great ideas and suggestions already! Just sending good wishes to her!

My DIL went through that process years ago and I just remember how exited we were when she got the date and then everything was final!!!

Yes it is a nerve wracking process because it is intimidating for an immigrant to go before an officer and make sure that nerves dont get the best of them for the test! We wanted to get it in asap since they changed the rules on October 20th and made it harder with more questioning and stricter rules so happy we made the deadline are under the more lax rules

Im so excited for the ceremony, thanks for the good vibes, fingers crossed for a smooth process without delays, already planning my USA outfit

 

[Genie+]

So you dont think 10 weeks would be too "last minute" for people?

It would seem that way but because the vast majority already have their trips booked, there aren’t many options left for the late comers. That kinda gives you an edge because all the good discounts and popular DVC rooms have been snatched up.

Which resorts do you have booked? Studio should sell easily and will get a higher $pp than 1BR. April is a high point season so it’s not as good as say May or Dec for getting a crazy high $pp but you should still be able to get a price that covers beyond your costs. Studio I’d start in the $22-$24pp range; 1BR in $20-$22pp range. Give it a couple weeks and it should sell.

Of course this all depends on your risk tolerance but personally I’d feel safe thinking it would sell before I needed to drop down to $18pp ~5wks or in desperation at $16pp ~3wks. Those would be my worst case scenario back-up plan. I can’t guarantee but I really can’t see them not moving at those prices in that timeframe.

I never thought id do it on my own, but now im thinking with Disboarder help, I might be more confident!

I’ve only sold one 2 day confirmed reservation, but boy have we bought alot of them! Most recently 2 nights at BWV P/G studio 7 days out last month, which someone posted last minute at $15.75pp. I’m sure if I hadn’t grabbed it someone else definitely would have.

 

[Girlstar30]

It would seem that way but because the vast majority already have their trips booked, there aren’t many options left for the late comers. That kinda gives you an edge because all the good discounts and popular DVC rooms have been snatched up.

Which resorts do you have booked? Studio should sell easily and will get a higher $pp than 1BR. April is a high point season so it’s not as good as say May or Dec for getting a crazy high $pp but you should still be able to get a price that covers beyond your costs. Studio I’d start in the $22-$24pp range; 1BR in $20-$22pp range. Give it a couple weeks and it should sell.

Of course this all depends on your risk tolerance but personally I’d feel safe thinking it would sell before I needed to drop down to $18pp ~5wks or in desperation at $16pp ~3wks. Those would be my worst case scenario back-up plan. I can’t guarantee but I really can’t see them not moving at those prices in that timeframe.



I’ve only sold one 2 day confirmed reservation, but boy have we bought alot of them! Most recently 2 nights at BWV P/G studio 7 days out last month, which someone posted last minute at $15.75pp. I’m sure if I hadn’t grabbed it someone else definitely would have.

A week at Blt tpv, vgf resort view and akv savannah. They are all one bedrooms tho which im assuming might be harder to sell, but im thinking monorail resort during easter season would be a hot ticket. I would be totally fine with the 20-22 range for 1 bedroom and the hassle of doing it myself otherwise I might as well take the 18 from the rental sites.

Sorry if not allowed to post all that, I will delete, they are not for sale and hopefully won't be i will only do it if its last resort because I REALLY want to go. Do you think because theyre one bedroom at high cost resorts, some expensive views, high cost season i should do it sooner if the need arises?