Actually that isn't really it for me. If I understand the underlying process, I'm better informed and better equipped to know what I need to do and HOW BEST to do it. First I have to decide what I'm reserving and how best to get it. For me that's 13 month out points reservations, a string of weeks reservations starting 13 months out and exchange options. I also have to decide when/how to set up exchange options to best maximize my chances. I don't think one can successfully plan for weeks reservations without understanding the underlying process.
Specific to 2018 it was deciding what weeks I wanted at Grande Ocean in the Platinum season, then counting back from there with the other options I have to reserve with. Then lockoff my Branson weeks and start day one 13 month out stringing as many weeks together as possible and since it's starts on Thursday, that's a day earlier than if I started with a different resort for me. Then once I've got all of that, just waiting until enough time passes that I can cancel the Branson weeks and reschedule as a 2 BR and a lockoff for better trading weeks/options, depositing, then setting up my exchanges ASAP. Actually I've already gotten one exchange from my 2017 deposits for 2018 well ahead of the 13 month window likely from someone else taking the same type of approach. Then following the same thought process for the points reservations.
