Suggestions on how to use points, please help!

[reesecup]

OK, so I feel pretty good about our contract going through now. I was having some ups and downs. But I think we may have our points for BWV (hope I'm not getting too confident) to use (75 to use that were banked from 03 and 150 to use from '04).

So, I told the DH that we would rent out some. And I really need to stick with that. That being said though, I thought we would use the 75 to do a spring break trip to HH with the kids and maybe my mom and dad. That would be the middle of April. Looks like through Expedia they still have availability. Do you guys think we will have trouble booking by the time we close (which should be the end of this month, I'm guessing)?

Now, for the other points. Here is where I need suggestions. I really, REALLY want to go home to BWV in Oct/Nov. for the MNSSHP and Food and Wine festival. I would love to take my DS's and their families. But, that would mean I would need to book 3 studios. That's going to eat up a lot of points . But, I will have the 150 availabe in Oct. So, that would make 300 total. I should still be able to rent points out if I'm thinking correctly, right? And when would be the earliest I could book that trip? Will it be too late? I think that we would put us at the 7 month mark, if we close at the end of this month.

Or I'm wondering if just DH and DD and DS should just go in Oct. and ck it all out by ourselves. And then plan a big trip later. OH, I'm so confused!! Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

[jel0511]

Just because Expedia is showing availability at HH is no guarantee that there is still availability for DVC Bookings. There are two pools of rooms at all the DVC resorts, Cash and Points. They are completely separate, and if there is Cash availability there certainly can be no availability for point bookings.

 

[reesecup]

OH, Ok. I'll admit I'm lost on that one. So, if Expedia shows rooms, that means there's no rooms for points? I'm sorry, I'm new to all of this so please don't get frustrated with me.

 

[FreeTime]

The easiest way that I can think to explain it isthere are two different types of inventory. One that belongs to DVC and one that belongs to Disney. All of the DVC inventory may be used by members on their points, but Disney has not rented out all og their rooms. Also, I have ressies for the week of October 16 and tried to add on another studio a few weeks ago at BWV and they are booked. I think your best bet during the food and wine festival would be to try OKW or SSR.

Let me give you an early Welcome Home! Hopefully your purchase works out!

 

[MiaSRN62]

First of all

HOME Reesecup
Jel0511 is correct in what was said about Expedia. They have nothing to do with whether or not DVC points are available there. You'd have to check with MS. Last year I was able to book at HH in Dec '03 for May '04, BUT, I was put on hold for a very long time while the CM searched. She told me after about 10-15 min that "something just popped up" so I'm thinking I just got really lucky.
Spring break in April is bound to be a popular time---you may not get it.
As for your other reservation. I'm not an expert, but I believe as soon as you close you'll be in the system and can make reservations with MS. I'm assuming your "use-year" is October by what you said ? You'll have 150 points from 2004 that I think you'll need to bank asap (before March 31)because if they're not used by Sept 30th they'll expire. Then you can make your Oct/Nov trip using banked 2004 points and 150 points from 2005. Not sure how many points you want to rent out, but you should book that Oct/Nov trip asap because it's a very popular time period especially for BWV & BCV due to F&W. If you book by the time you close, you'll still be ahead of the 7 month window. I'm sure someone with more experience will post a reply here. I hope I helped out a little here. It can be a little confusing when you're just starting out. Good luck

 

[reesecup]

Maria,

Thank you so much for letting me know I'll need to bank the points right away b/k I know we will not go back to Disney before Sept. We always go to Wrightsville beach here in NC for a week in the summer. So, I'll bank and then still be able to use them when I go to make the reservation? I think I will do that and then rent out the 2005 points when I get them. Thanks so much!