Two different ways to spend 202 points at BLT this summer

[kansas_wazzu]

I had a 202 point reservation (150 of mine + 50 xfered-in and 2 more purchased at time of reservation) for 6 nights at BLT for the last week of July with a Saturday arrival.

022 pts - Night 1 Std Studio
180 pts - Nights 2 through 6 in a Std 1 BR
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202 Total

We (wife + girls ages 4 & 5 + me) booked it this way because we wanted to try a studio at BLT, but also enjoy the extra space of a 1 BR. We recently had a SV Studio at Kidani without issues.

Things happen at work and I found out today that I cannot not take vacation that week. I could not find a different week and get the same class of rooms, since bookings are tight for a Std 1 BR at BLT. And, since I had already done a point purchase of 2 points for the 2011 use year when I made the original reservation, I could not purchase additional points.

I decided that I needed to find the best way to spend nearly 202 points at BLT (we recently bought there sight unseen) without going over. Here is what I wound up getting for in early August, again with a Saturday arrival:

104 pts - Nights 1 – 4 in a MK Studio
098 pts - Nights 5 & 6 MK 1 BR
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202 Total

We gave-up 3 extra nights in the 1 BR, but we gained the MK view for all 6 nights. This will give me a chance to decide if the MK view rooms are "worth it".

 

[Sandisw]

I have stayed in the BLT studio and just a warning, it is a little tight. Your girls are young and I don't know what you are used to staying in, but with 4, you may find it a bit cozy.

We are going to be at BLT during August as well. Right now, we have a 2 bedroom SV from the 10th through the 15th. We are going to try and switch the first two nights to BWV, but only if we can get BW view room (which I have a feeling is a slim to none chance-I will know on Monday).

We are not yet at the point that we will spend extra for MK view since some of those rooms start on floor 3. Until they change that and make them only floors 6 or higher, its just too many points to risk (and, since BLT has been open for almost two years, I don't think that is going to change).

Good luck!!!

 

[work2play]

I would not spend the extra points for the MK view, maybe one night. I would opt for lake view and try to use the extra points for a 1 BR on as many nights as you can.

 

[kansas_wazzu]

Yeah, I like the extra space of the 1BR too. My girls are 4 & 5, so sleeping space in a studio does get cramped. We recently stayed at Kidani (loved it there) in a SV Studio and I took the hide-a-bed and they sleept with mom.

This experience reenforces my belief that it is worth it to have points where one wants to stay and then to book as early as possible. My original booking made almost 10 months in advance got me the class of room (1BR STD) I wanted on the dates I wanted at BLT. However, my change of dates cost me the room type I had. I was still outside the 7 month window too when I changed, so it wasn't like I was competing with everyone.

The kids won't care one way or the other and that's what's important.

 

[Brian Noble]

I would also lean to space over view.

If you are not yet past your banking deadline for the 150, you can make a reservation that is *under*, and bank the unused points forward.