Using DVC points at Moderate resorts for a quick trip

[4todisandadog]

I am seriously considering DVC and have been to disney several times in the past 7 years. The only problem I have is I usually have a smaller window for planning trips than 7 months out.

Has anyone used points for moderate resorts in a pinch and gotten what they asked for. Financially it seems like it would come out to about even if in a bind.

Thanks

 

[katedrew94]

We did for December, and it was easy for us to get what we wanted. We booked at POFQ not too long ago.

 

[4todisandadog]

How far in advance did you book? Was it because you couldn't get in anywhere else or preference?

Thanks

 

[Donald's#1Fan]

Last year, in October we made last minute ressies at CBR bec. of stay at Vero Beach being cancelled at same said last minute bec. of hurricaine damage at that resort. That was with less than a weeks notice and we had no trouble getting 2 rooms to accomodate our whole party, so for us it worked in a pinch. We would have stayed at any of our DVC resorts, but no availability there, esp. with all of the cancellations from Vero trying to relocate at the last minute.

 

[4todisandadog]

Awesome! Thanks for the insight. It makes my decision a lot easier. I have been considering DVC for quite some time and just returned Monday from a quick trip and started seriously thinking again and the only thing that has hindered me from taking the leap was the long range planning. I thought about this tonight as a possible remedy to a spontaneous trip and I love all the moderates anyway.

 

[rocketriter]

As DVC's stock of rooms continues to grow, the likelihood of finding a DVC room somewhere at WDW grows as well. There are still events and holidays where that will be tough. But if you try a DVC booking and fall back on moderates-on-points as a last resort (so to speak) you'll do fine.

 

[CarolMN]

The only limit on a DVC member's ability to book a moderate WDW resort is availability at the moderate and the number of points in his/her account.

In other words, as long as there is a room available at the moderate, MS can book it on points. They do not set aside a certain number of rooms for DVC members.

Bottom Line: Unless the moderates are sold out, you shouldn't have a problem - even at the last minute.

Best wishes -

 

[lisaviolet]

I am not sure if you are looking only at moderates and not at DVC properties as well but...

A couple of weeks ago I posted a thread called, "last minute reservation stories". If I had any abilities I would bring it up for you!!! Anyway, there were a tremendous amount of stories about booking DVC resorts even as close as the day of....

Being spontaneous I thought that DVC might not be a good fit for me but when we got the $$$$ together we joined about two weeks ago anyway. I was wrong. I booked at SSR later this month as soon as I joined without a problem.

So for choice of resorts, popular time of year, size of unit you want etc. etc. yes months and months ahead work best. But you will have some ability to get last minute (month, weeks, days) bookings once in awhile. Probably not your first choices but choices nonetheless.

Good luck.

 

[CharlesTD]

Without hesitation I would book Coronado Springs and may on an upcoming trip. Heck we are using points for the Cabins at FWC.

 

[DVCLiz]

I booked POR at almost the last minute for a June stay, and didn't have any trouble at all. It was nice to have this option!!!

 

[4todisandadog]

Thanks for all the great insight. You guys are great!

 

[Disney Doll]

Please do not construe what I am about to post as a criticsm in any way of how you use your points. They are your points.

That being said, using points for moderates is not the best use of points. I have never known there not to be a DVC unit available somewhere on property. Nowe granted, it might not be in the BCV with an Epcot view, but since 1997, I have booked as last minute sometimes as 2-3 weeks out, and have always had availability at OKW, at the very least. That's fine with me, because I happen to LOVE OKW...own 2 contracts there, as a matter-of-fact.

Just a reminder I guess that using points for "regular" hotels blows through a lot more points.

 

[4todisandadog]

Thanks for the comments. No grief here. I usually know about my vacation only a couple months out. As far as the DVC resorts are concerned, I think I would be happy with any of them. Using points for moderate would definitely be worst case, but before purchasing the DVC I wanted to make sure if I booked on short notice I could get something with my points.

Thanks for your insight.

 

[sleepydog25]

I believe the concern about using points for a moderate comes in the value-cost figures. Essentially, you are "paying" as much or more to stay in a moderate than you would at a resort but wouldn't have the amenities and the room. It's the same argument many use when using II or the Concierge Collection or even cruises. They make valid points; however, if the room or vacation or resort or moderate still works for you, and you don't care to worry about whether you're getting the biggest bang for your buck, then I'd say it's still a good deal.

Generally speaking, except for the real peak times--Christmas and a couple of other times--you should be able to find a DVC resort room somewhere. And once you have experienced a DVC suite at OKW or VWL or any of the others, you might think differently about moderates. Still, if a moderate suits you just fine as a backup plan, then I'd say you have little to worry about. Good luck with your decision! aw: