Christmas with the Family at BCV -- Am I Dreaming? - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Christmas with the Family at BCV -- Am I Dreaming?
My son will turn 10 on December 21st. And I have always wanted to see WDW at Christmas time. And the last few years, I'm so tired of the Christmas stress of hopping from one family gathering to the next to the next to the next.
So, I decided we'd spend Christmas as WDW this year. We are planning to arrive on 12/19 and stay through 12/26. Yes, I know it will be crowded. But I'm willing to put up with it.
Our group will be me, DH, our two boys, and both sets of grandparents, so 8 of us in all. We are hoping to get a 2BR and a 1BR at BCV (our home resort).
Is this going to be nigh unto impossible? Or do I have a decent shot? And if we don't get it, any other thoughts on the best way to use our 600 points (plus we have 300 for our 2012 use year that we could borrow against, if needed)?
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Well I am certainly no expert on this as this is only my first year as a DVCer! However I just booked a 1 bdrm and a studio for my family for Christmas at Disney this year. Or rather Decemeber 2-11. I had no problem at my home resort of BLT. I have heard that at the 11th month spot it is not that bad to get your home resort. I would say go for it! Maybe if not for Christmas itself right before it? That way you have done the family thing for "christmas" and then on actual Christmas you do not feel obligated.
If you call right when they open on the first day you can you shouldn't have a problem. Or you could walk the reservation by booking and having your first day be the last day of the trip and each day you call and drop the first day and add a day at the end until you have booked all of the days you want.
As for those 600 points I would be happy to take some off of your hands. Or join you on vacation. We only need a one bedroom. We're easy going and willing to babysit.
We've stayed lots of time at that time of the year, as my birthday is 21 December and I love to spend my birthday at Disney. We've never had a problem getting in at that time of the year and, to be honest, the crowds build gradually as you head towards Christmas, so you may find the first couple of days of your visit fairly quiet. My advice would be to do as much as you can as early on in your trip, because by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it will be exceptionally busy.
I would call at 9am on the 11 month mark and you should be fine. We have done this in the past for that same time frame and have been fine. Also the parks were not really that bad until 12/22 or 12/23. Good Luck
As for those 600 points I would be happy to take some off of your hands. Or join you on vacation. We only need a one bedroom. We're easy going and willing to babysit.
We bought 300 points about 15 months ago, and aside from one short trip to DLR on points, this will be our first trip "home," since we banked our entire 2010 allotment in anticipation of this trip.
DH said something funny to me yesterday: "I guess points are like piercings. Once get some, you just keep wanting more and more!"
Well I am certainly no expert on this as this is only my first year as a DVCer! However I just booked a 1 bdrm and a studio for my family for Christmas at Disney this year. Or rather Decemeber 2-11. I had no problem at my home resort of BLT. I have heard that at the 11th month spot it is not that bad to get your home resort. I would say go for it! Maybe if not for Christmas itself right before it? That way you have done the family thing for "christmas" and then on actual Christmas you do not feel obligated.
Quote:
Originally Posted by fluffybunny
If you call right when they open on the first day you can you shouldn't have a problem. Or you could walk the reservation by booking and having your first day be the last day of the trip and each day you call and drop the first day and add a day at the end until you have booked all of the days you want.
As for those 600 points I would be happy to take some off of your hands. Or join you on vacation. We only need a one bedroom. We're easy going and willing to babysit.
Quote:
Originally Posted by chezp
We've stayed lots of time at that time of the year, as my birthday is 21 December and I love to spend my birthday at Disney. We've never had a problem getting in at that time of the year and, to be honest, the crowds build gradually as you head towards Christmas, so you may find the first couple of days of your visit fairly quiet. My advice would be to do as much as you can as early on in your trip, because by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it will be exceptionally busy.
Quote:
Originally Posted by JandBmom
I would call at 9am on the 11 month mark and you should be fine. We have done this in the past for that same time frame and have been fine. Also the parks were not really that bad until 12/22 or 12/23. Good Luck
Thanks everyone! You have definitely helped put my mind at ease. We are usually in the car on our way to work at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, but I'm planning to do whatever it takes to be on the phone when Member Services opens!
Thanks everyone! You have definitely helped put my mind at ease. We are usually in the car on our way to work at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, but I'm planning to do whatever it takes to be on the phone when Member Services opens!
cell phone pull over and call
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Seriously, another option if you don't get the 1BR and the 2 BR is a 1 BR and 2 studios, or a 2 BR and 1 studio. I think you'll get what you want, though!
I just decided to come into work late and make the call with DH from home. We got the 2BR and the 1BR and also registered for a Grand Gathering since there will be 8 of us traveling together.
This will be our first trip to our home resort (we stayed at the Villas at the Grand Californian last year).
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You've got a great chance, since it's your home resort. Plus, since you're vacation starts before "Christmas week", which would start this year on 12/23, I think you'll be successful.
Awesome!!! Congrats on the ressie and the grand gathering. We spent 10 days Dec 4-14 2010 and there was 10 of us. It was a great family vacation and we celebrated my DH's birthday, one DGrDS's 9th birthday and our twin grandkids (DGrdS and DGrdD)'s first trip.
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We've never had a problem getting in at that time of the year and, to be honest, the crowds build gradually as you head towards Christmas, so you may find the first couple of days of your visit fairly quiet. My advice would be to do as much as you can as early on in your trip, because by Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, it will be exceptionally busy. 
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