Number of points?

[torian]

being torn between just wanting to get my feet wet, yet also wanting to get enough points to go every year. The way I see it, if I have to pay a yearly MF, I should try to make it so that I go once a year. Currently, we seem to go down about every other year, or year and a half.

What would you guys suggest? I have two tweens (a boy and a girl). We recently stayed at YC for 5 days and the privacy issues are now starting to flare up. I'm beginning to realize that I may be looking at a one bed, minimum.

I know SSR is my best value. I know an Oct-Dec UY is good (tend to travel any time from december to april (avoiding at all costs every holiday). I do like the weather near the end of april, or magic season.

Highest one bed points are for BC @ 269 for 2013. I have no desire to stay at BLT, which I gather is good given the demand and the number of points needed.

So, multiply that by 10% (for cushion) and I'm looking at 295. Divide by 2 and I'm looking at around 150 points to go every other year, yeah?

Is 150 getting my feet wet?

 

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

We started with 150 points when we bought in a couple of years ago. We purchased direct through Disney and our home resort is Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani. When we bought in we were allotted the 150 points from the year before, which we really stretched. Our first trip as DVC owners we stayed in a 1 br at AKV in October . It cost 181 points. It was awesome because it has two bathrooms (which with kids is a must now), and the main area has a pull out couch, plus a pull out chair (both very comfortable) so the kids don't have to sleep together. Since then we have used our points to stay in a studio at OKW (just hubby and I), 5 nights in a studio at BWV plus 5 nights in a 1 br at AKV, and 5 nights in a studio at AKV (just my sister and I). For our trip this summer I am borrowing points for 2014. We are in the process now (waiting on ROFR) for more points, 150 at SSR. Buying resale this time. I guess my point is that if you stick to your plans/budget of points you will be fine with 150, but we quickly became addicted and those 150 weren't enough anymore!!

 

[drusba]

You are thinking correctly along the same logical lines as many members calculated before becoming members. Just be aware that a large number of those, like me and likely the poster above (who may still be in denial), then became diseased junkies after going once or twice by developing a disease called addonitis that could only be sated with a continuous fix of new points to allow more trips, longer trips, and larger rooms.

Just note that if you purchase at SSR your chances of getting near park resorts between Mid-January and end of April at 7 months out are good although you should usually not count on BWV standard or boardwalk view or BLT standard view. Also, there would be some risk of a problem once in a while at BCV although if seeking 1 BR chances are a lot better. However, if you are looking at first two weeks in December don't count on getting anything at a near park resort at 7 months out.

 

[torian]

thanks for the responses so far.

As for addonitis, I have read about that...been lurking on this forum since our first trip in 2009.

I'll try to remember the extra MF and closing costs associated with more points if I'm ever tempted by addonitis. Hopefully that will stop me in my tracks

 

[tjkraz]

The way I see it, if I have to pay a yearly MF, I should try to make it so that I go once a year.

That's one way to look at it. But realize that the dues bill will be twice as big if you own enough points to go every year vs. every-other-year.

 

[torian]

That's one way to look at it. But realize that the dues bill will be twice as big if you own enough points to go every year vs. every-other-year.

Thank you! I'm trying desperately to make sure if I do this that it doesn't change our vacation habits...unless we become independently wealthy, that is!

How, for lack of a better word, easy would it be to rent out points if we decide not to go one year? Does anyone do this and does it help to defray the MF yearly cost? I'm not looking at this as some sort of long term solution or with the hopes to make money or a profit.

 

[DannysMom]

Thank you! I'm trying desperately to make sure if I do this that it doesn't change our vacation habits...unless we become independently wealthy, that is!

How, for lack of a better word, easy would it be to rent out points if we decide not to go one year? Does anyone do this and does it help to defray the MF yearly cost? I'm not looking at this as some sort of long term solution or with the hopes to make money or a profit.

A starting point of 150-160 points would be fine. (There seem to be a lot of 160 point contracts available via resale, as that was the minimum buy in at one point.). That should give you enough points for EOY trips.

Just hop on over to the rent/trade board, it seems like most owners have no problem renting out points if they do not have plans to visit WDW in a given year. There is a bit of trust involved in though, so be sure to read through the stickies on the rent/trade forum, to fully understand the process. For an extra level of protection, you can also rent points out through a point broker, like David's (board sponsor, as well as participant.). Of course, using a middleman, they will get their cut, but many owners find that preferable than having to be one to hand hold nervous renters.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards App, please excuse any typos or autocorrects!

 

[ToddyLu]

But that is the problem...none of us went in to DVC really thinking it would change our vacation habits...it does. The beautiful resorts, amenities, community halls, larger rooms....it makes a difference.

DVC changes your trips to Disney like a Corvette changes your drive to work.

You will become one of us...oh yes...you will.

That is the beauty of DVC...start out with 150 and then just add on when you see how wonderful it is.

 

[CarolynMink]

As a parent of teen age DD & DS, I do love DVC's 1 BRs.

We have stayed at AKL 1B and love the pull out chair. However, my family loves BCV. We have an "Owner Locker" with a twin air mattress, pump & bedding. We have also used the mattress in a studio for a night or two.

We started with 150 pts at SSR. This is a very comfortable place to start.

Good Luck

 

[Dean]

being torn between just wanting to get my feet wet, yet also wanting to get enough points to go every year. The way I see it, if I have to pay a yearly MF, I should try to make it so that I go once a year. Currently, we seem to go down about every other year, or year and a half.

What would you guys suggest? I have two tweens (a boy and a girl). We recently stayed at YC for 5 days and the privacy issues are now starting to flare up. I'm beginning to realize that I may be looking at a one bed, minimum.

I know SSR is my best value. I know an Oct-Dec UY is good (tend to travel any time from december to april (avoiding at all costs every holiday). I do like the weather near the end of april, or magic season.

Highest one bed points are for BC @ 269 for 2013. I have no desire to stay at BLT, which I gather is good given the demand and the number of points needed.

So, multiply that by 10% (for cushion) and I'm looking at 295. Divide by 2 and I'm looking at around 150 points to go every other year, yeah?

Is 150 getting my feet wet?

I'm not sure 1 BR units change your options that much other than the sleep 5 units. Once the kids are older, you may be going with a smaller group at times then at other times with extra. Once you add non family, simply having separate beds in the same room isn't enough. In your situation I'd assume a 2 BR half of the time and a 1 BR the rest at about 2 times in 3 years. That puts you in the 180-200 range and removes the need for a cushion. Personally I'd let the best contract make your final decision in terms of # of points and home resort among those acceptable to you (likely SSR it sounds like).

 

[hmillerbarilla]

But that is the problem...none of us went in to DVC really thinking it would change our vacation habits...it does. The beautiful resorts, amenities, community halls, larger rooms....it makes a difference.

DVC changes your trips to Disney like a Corvette changes your drive to work.

You will become one of us...oh yes...you will.

That is the beauty of DVC...start out with 150 and then just add on when you see how wonderful it is.

So well said.

We've doubled our points since our original purchase.

Also, we buy APs because of the discount and before when we thought a six night stay was perfect... we're staying 10 nights at least now (when we can).

DVC makes you stop, enjoy your resort, and need more points to make that possible! hahahaha

You do have a good starting out point... just keep an open mind!

 

[Geomom]

Since you're talking about privacy issues, I'd look at staying at the resorts that have bedding for 5 in a 1 bedroom--AKV, OKW, and BLT. They all have the bedroom with a king bed, living room with a sleeper sofa and a sleeper chair.

Personally, I'd look at a contract closer to 200 pts to give you more options.

 

[a742246]

I would also look for a fully loaded contract. Meaning you have last years, this years and next years points. As Dean says you may be switching from 1 to 2 bedrooms.
Good Luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are a family of three. Right now we are in a designated two bedroom villa at VWL. Our son has the second bedroom to himself. He's in college and we thought he might bring a friend when we booked this at 11 months out. We have two friends coming in on Thursday evening since everyone but me will be running in the half/full marathons this weekend. Three halfs and one full. We are here for eight nights and we used a whole lot of points.

But I could enjoy having the second bedroom instead of using the living room for sleeping. For the two of us next October, we'll be in a one bedroom at OKW. We don't do studios.

So these are somethings you might consider. And, also, you will be paying dues every year, whether you are going to WDW or not.

 

[crisi]

I'd go with the 150 and every other year. THEN you can decide if one bedrooms are sufficient, if every other year is good enough.

Our kids are just a little older -13 and 14 - and they like other vacations more than Disney. All inclusives in Mexico top my 14 year old son's list - my 13 year old daughter wants to spend every vacation going through museums.

Don't commit yourself to Disney via DVC more than you HAVE to out of the gate. If you choose to add on, you can, but try and hold off on that for as long as you can - kids at the age yours are go through a lot of change.

 

[lovin'fl]

We have 3 teens and now need a 2BR. When we bought into DVC, in 2006, my kids were younger and we did just fine in a 1BR. We bought 200 OKW points and then added on 75 HHI points last year. We are about to add on some more (addonitis I guess ). I agree with Dean...you should start with 200.