What would you do? Timeshare advice...

[hrslvr142]

I will be exchanging to the Walt Disney area during fall break in October. It will be myself, ds and his dw, their dd and ds. Originally we planned on another son from Ca and his wife to join us but the Marines have other plans for him so....not this trip. I am an anxious planner, we already have our plane tickets and I have been stalking RCI's website hoping for a 2 bedroom on property to open up so we didn't have to rent a car but alas that hasn't happened and we would probably even accept a 1 br at this point but that opportunity has come and gone. So should I "just" book something-looking at Orange Lake and Sheraton Vistana or be a bit more patient with the thought that October is awhile away and I may even be able to snag a "last minute" vacation and preserve my week altogether. Any thoughts? TIA

 

[Brian Noble]

A 1BR DVC unit isn't going to work, unless one of the kids is under three---they have an occupancy of 4.

Can you see any 2BRs at any property for any date? If not, you have a trade power issue, and should probbly book the best alternative you can.

If you can see other 2BRs, I would put in an ongoing search for DVC, and then keep an eye on your other options. When you get down to only 1-2 others that you would settle for, take one of them.

 

[swilshire]

If you're going for the Columbus Day week, that will limit your choices. That week is always the busiest week of the month.

With a group that size, I'd rent a car even if I was on property. Just going to buy groceries and eat off-site would suggest a car, not to mention the convenience factor.

Sheila

 

[Lisa P.]

I'm guessing that you're using RCI? Given the 3-generation make-up of your group, and assuming that a Disney resort 2BR for October is now a long shot, you may like to look for a 3BR if you'll be offsite.

Cypress Pointe, Silver Lake-Points and Grand Beach (not Grand Lake) are all very, very nearby with 3BRs. The first two have more kid-friendly facilities than the third.

If you want lots of fun pool amenities for the kids, and a 2BR will do, look for Wyndham Bonnet Creek - it's right next to Disney resorts and very nice.

A 10-15 minute drive and you'll find Orange Lake-River Island to have terrific pools for the kids too. Orange Lake-North Village is good if the children are younger (kiddie water play and pool slide, less for older kids). Orange Lake has some 3BRs but mostly 2BRs. Near there, Summer Bay is popular with families and the Houses at Summer Bay are wonderful with their own inhouse splash pool each. SB and H@SB have some 3BRs too.

Sheraton Vistana Resort is very nearby with good pools and facilities but they give their oldest units to RCI so they're not my first choice for an RCI trade. HTH!

 

[hrslvr142]

Thanks so much for your replies.