Was this wise?

[Cmadsen]

This is my first post so please be patient with me...Thanks to all of you for the tips you've given us and they have led to our purchase in the DVC at VWL. However, the deal is not yet complete as we purchased a resale and are told we have another four weeks or so to receive our information from Disney. Of course, we're eager to have our first stay at our new "home" and have planned it over the Thanksgiving week. Because of my concern that a one bedroom may not be available by the time we can book, I called CRO today and made a reservation (and deposit) for a cash price on a 1 bedroom at VWL. I was told we could cancel and receive a refund, which I would do if we can book the same accomodations when I can finally call wherever it is DVC members call. I would appreciate your opinions and hope I haven't done anything wrong. Thanks.

 

[Cruelladeville]

You were smart to book a room for cash, in case you can't book your room for points. In this way you can be sure that you will have your vacation at Thanksgiving, no matter what. Begin calling MS at regular intervals to see if you have been entered into the computer. They usually list you in their computers by social security number before you actually get a member number. Once you are in their computers you can then try to book your vacation on points. Oh, yes: Welcome Home!

 

[RobDoc]

It usually takes about a week after closing to be in the DVC computer. They can look up your member number by your social security number once the deed has been recorded and entered.

You will likely be able to get the dates you want, even in another 4-6 weeks, but your cash reservation was a good idea if you are limited to those specific dates.

Enjoy!

 

[CarolMN]

If you plan to go the week of Thanksgiving even if you can't use your points, you were wise to book for cash. As Cruella and Doc already posted, that way you know you will have a nice play to stay even if the DVC points ressie doesn't work out for this year.

Some may call me optimistic, but I really think you will be able to book your 1 bedroom at VWL for points even if you have to wait a month or so for your resale to close. If all your dates aren't available, be sure to get your self on the waitlist. Let us know how it works out. We love to hear success stories! Good luck!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Welcome home. Hopefully we'll see you post more.

 

[PamOKW]

Welcome Home and I look forward to many more posts from you!

Having a "backup" cash reservation, especially at a holiday time, is absolutely the right thing to do. The reservation doesn't necessarily have to be at the DVC you want (unless you are agreeable to paying that price) but could be at any WDW resort. It's always easier to cancel something than to try and book last minute.

 

[Dean]

To clarify and emphasize. Once you've closed, you will usually be in the DVC computer in just about 3 business days. You do not need to wait until your official papers are returned to you after recording as this will take some 5-6 weeks or more. You can usually expedite the closing for an extra fee. I wouldn't think you'd have much trouble this far out for WLV Thanksgiving. Even if WLV doesn't work out, you should be able to get a DVC resort which will be better than using cash. I'd agree that having a backup is a good idea though you may want to consider just a hotel room rather than the villa, up to you.

 

[eva]

You didn't do anything wrong. It was probably smart to have a back-up plan. But I don't think that you will have problems getting a reservation at Thanksgiving time if you call sometime in the next month or so. You might have to waitlist a couple days, but I bet they come through for you. You might already know this, but the room that you reserved for cash can not be converted to a room for points. The room you reserved has been slotted for a cash reservation. All DVC resorts have rooms in point inventory and rooms with cash inventory. But I bet that you won't have any trouble with getting a reservation with points, especially if you might be open to staying at one of the other DVC resorts. Oh, and by the way, WELCOME HOME!

 

[Doctor P]

Welcome home. What you did sounds smart!

 

[JimC]

Welcome home!!!

Back up plan sounds fine. If you can't get that resort with points you can get on wait list there and at other resorts.

 

[patsal]

Welcome home! You made a smart move in backing up your reservation with what you know you want. I have the same thing for June, and when my add-on closes, and I can book my DVC accomadations, I'll cancel my cash ressie.

 

[Cmadsen]

Thank you all so very much! I'm so glad I stopped "lurking" and asked...you've really put my mind at ease. And you've told us a lot of things we didn't know. Bless you all!