Some advice on how to proceed

[franw]

Well, I did it. After years of agonizing I purchased 300 points at BCV. I have two questions for any veteran DVC member that will take pity on me:
1. I have confirmed five nights at WL for the end of our stay and two nights are confirmed for the first five nights at BCV. I am on the waiting list for three nights at BCV. The trip is November 2-12. Should I book alternative plans for the first five nights in case we can't get continuous nights stay at BCV? At what point should I get the idea tht the three nights are probably not going to materialize. My salesman said I have about an 85% chance of the nights becoming available.
2. If the nights don't materialize, will they let me bank the unused points if my year starts in February? Are special allowances made for banking points if members are on wait lists? I declined to bank any of my points in my application package hoping that the waitlisted nights will become available.
I've reread the material and maybe I am missing something but I just don't quite understand what I should be doing.
Thanks in advance to anyone who might be able to give me some direction.

 

[Dean]

You can always book at least part of your points later. You can book 50% 4 months out and 25% 2 months out. I'd guess that means you could bank most of what you don't use.

If I read it right you're looking for 5 nights at BCV followed by 5 nights at WLV. Here's what I'd do in that situation. I'd see if you can change the order and do VWL first and BCV second. If not, I'd keep what you have and keep checking on the wait list. Remember as you get inside a month you have to call to be put back on the wait list. I'd figure out exactly what days you need to call then call day by day for this. I'd also make sure they have you listed for each day and not the entire 3 day package. That way you may get 1 or 2 days at a time. If you're listed for the entire chunk at one time they will pass you by and give the days to someone else if only part of the time comes available. You could also book the 3 days at on of the Moderates or even off property.

I'd also see if I could add extra days at VWL to cover the days you need. I'd book the 3 days at BCV for cash then cancel the days you don't need if part of the days come through. You may also want to look at BWV or OKW for the full 5 day stint or for the 3 days you still need. Then you can cancel the portion of the reservation later that you don't need if the wait list comes through.

There are many choices and variations and much depends on what you want and are willing to do as well as what you can afford.

 

[SlyHubby]

you could also just bank all the points now and tell them you will borrow points against next year if your waitlist comes through.