Just curious how many pts you have?

[sigillaria]

My DVC contract is #270......so I have been a DVC member since 1991. At that time OKW was just called the Disney Vacation Club....I don't remember when they named it OKW. I have 2 OKW contracts of 240 and 25. I also bought pre-construction at HH in 1995....2 contracts of 100 and 65. Bringing my 4 contract total to 430.

I bought at HH because I live on Coastal GA 5 miles south of Savannah and HH is a quick 2 hour drive. When OKW people had the option to add 15 years to contracts....I declined. The monthly dues for the 4 contracts is over $200 + My grandson would be the one having to pay that ....he's only 19 now.

I have used all points for 3 cruises for me and family and have a 2014 Bahama member cruise for my daughter and son in law in August. And the 2015 Bahama member cruise for my daughter and me......using all points. I know members have said it is a poor use of points...and I agree. But I don't plan to rent my points and certainly do not want to lose them.

In all the years since DVC opened in 1992 ...HH is a definite fav. And using points to stay in cabins at Ft Wilderness. Of course it costs extra points to rent cabins plus a $95 fee.

What was really great was for the first 8 ?? Years you got free park admission for your length of stay. Of course there was only 2 parks. Its all been worth it and a real blast.

Sheila

 

[bwvBound]

I was curious how many pts most people have and what kind of vacations they plan?
Would love to hear your stories!!

We are 10 years DVC w/ 335 points at SSR, spread over 3 contracts (2004, 2005 and 2007). We also have other timeshare that we use both directly and for trading through RCI/II, etc.

We tend to use about 60-nights of timeshare each year in combinations of business and pleasure travel. A typical year might include:

• 30% business travel; annual conferences at WDW and Colorado.
• 40% group vacation.
• 30% "just us" getaways.

Our group vacations include both annual "drive-to" gatherings (we host New Years for my brothers and their families); infrequent friends/family jaunts to WDW (we hosted an Expedition Everest RunDisney gathering for 9 this spring); and something 'grand scale' every 2-3 years (timeshare, cruising, RV-roadtrip or ???) with friends/family.

Our tips for "big gatherings":

• Book units so that each married couple gets a "master bedroom" with privacy.
• Each household has their own bathroom.
• Nobody sleeps in the living room of the "main unit." (One unit is defined as the "gathering place" and the living room must always be kept available.)
• We plan one special sit-down-with-everyone meal at a restaurant and at least one pot-luck dinner in the unit. Breakfasts are mostly "in the unit" and lunches are mostly "carry along foods" including hard-boiled eggs, organic dried figs, unsalted nuts, etc.
• Drive-to trips: we pack a lot of food with us. Fly-to trips: we combine a large order from WholeFoods market or similar for delivery to the unit. Either way -- we have lots of fresh vegetables, crates of water bottles, and great foods.
• If the timeshare has grills easily available -- we use them! We grill both meats and veggies (sweet potato, asparagus, bell peppers, carrots, onion, etc). Cooking together is part of the experience!
• If WDW with a group: Prepare and communicate a daily schedule far in advance expecting some changes as they digest the plan; plan for "non-park" down days!; plan both "group" and "splinter" time (the larger/varied the group the greater the splinter time); don't expect commando days!; plan pool time!; etc.
• For our non-WDW group travel, timeshare: we expect that the resort is the destination and that we'll spend ~80% of our time on the resort property. We'll designate one person to choose, plan and lead a "signature event" off-property and fill in the remaining time at the pools, joining in board/card games, movie marathon, cooking, crafts, etc.
• Cruising makes for easy group travel. Something for everyone (nobody is bored) and we don't have to worry about food, entertainment or activities!
• Plan for extra persons and book units accordingly. (Booking 11+ months into the future leaves time for weddings, babies, etc. Just sayin')

FWIW, when traveling with multiple households be prepared for hiccups. They'll happen! Don't let change ruin the happy spirit of the plans. Stories:

• 2008, Barcelona: One household experienced a significant travel delay. We had a meeting point planned that was super-easy to find and access. We kept checking that meeting point at certain hours until everyone was "re-grouped."
• 2014, WDW: Four households arriving from different locations ... each of us had trouble getting "best price" airfare to match up with the AKV reservations booked 7-mos prior to travel. We adapted by staggering our arrivals as needed and compensating with hotel stays or late arrivals and tried to be really gentle on the group that had only a few hours sleep leading into the first "official" day of our plans.
• Someone will always be late. Make sure the plans have "entry points" that allow the late party to join up later w/out making a fuss.
• An entire household might cancel out at the last minute. Yep, that happens. 2013, South Africa: One household announced a joyous pregnancy that led to nixing their joining their participation in the travel. We went without them w/out changing the 3BR room reservations that had already been booked via RCI. We enjoyed the extra space and hope to bring them with us in future (return!) travel.

Looking back, we've got lots of great travel memories and many are group travel with family and friends. Awesome.

 

[LvsTnk]

400, direct, 3 contracts, 2 at AKV, and 100 at BLT bought before it was finished and just stayed there for the first time this past March.

We bought in 2008 our first AKV contract of 200 at Doorway to Dreams here in Chicago where we live in the suburbs. What started out as a way to kill time on a cold snowy day turned into a lifestyle. It was just too good of a deal to pass up they now slept 5, the animals, we got a years extra pts., passes, and a 500 gift card plus a discount on pts. 2008 wasn't a great year for the economy obviously.

We have a son with special needs so this has been a lot of fun for him another reason we bought besides the deal. We used our pts for the first time last year to add on a stay at CBR for food and wine last minute when nothing else was available and next year I think I'm going to DL with him if I have to use my pts for a room in one of the hotels I am going to do it anyway.

 

[LvsTnk]

bwvBound does Whole Foods deliver? Or is your order so big for such a large group they will deliver? I have only seen that they have catering here where we live. Great tips by the way!

 

[lovin'fl]

We have 505 points in 7 contracts (with 2 UY): 200 at OKW, 125 at HHI, 100 at AKV and 80 at BWV. We will add on more...just not sure how many and what resort (maybe 50 more at BWV...maybe 50-95 at the Poly...maybe 50-80 at VWL). 600 points would be a nice maximum for us as we have 3 kids and I do plan on them using our points down the line (they could use 200 each...or if we stay at 555 or 585, that can be divided by 3).

Bought first contract in 2006...200 OKW. Bought 2 add ons in 2012, 2 in 2013 and 2 in 2014...the 2 in 2014 were our only direct purchases (BWV).

 

[MinnieMouse100]

We have 200 at SSR and plan to but more when poly opens probably another 150

 

[mvndvm]

We just purchased 450 points this year (350 at VWL and 100 at BWV). Just got back from our first trip home (VWL) earlier this month. Looking forward to an annual family trip to VWL and an annual kid free trip to F&W as well! I'm absolutely certain we'll be adding more points as years go by, as is evident by many posters on this thread already!

 

[bwvBound]

bwvBound does Whole Foods deliver? Or is your order so big for such a large group they will deliver? I have only seen that they have catering here where we live. Great tips by the way!

Good news: the Whole Foods Orlando delivers! We've done two orders this year, one for a large group and one for "just two of us." We've been fortunate to have the same "Concierge Lifestyle" rep both times and he has been marvelous! He shopped "sales" for us, volunteered coupon deals, and kept in good communication over selections and changes. We were charged actual prices (less coupons/sales) + $30 shopping charge + tip to the delivery driver.

Link: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/orlando-delivery

They don't have an order form. I submit my list by email and tend to group my requests by department (produce, bulk, grocery, etc). I am specific on which items should be organic vs conventional, sometimes identify a particular brand-name and other times indicate "you pick!" The staff does a great job finding the right stuff!

 

[quandrea]

Good news: the Whole Foods Orlando delivers! We've done two orders this year, one for a large group and one for "just two of us." We've been fortunate to have the same "Concierge Lifestyle" rep both times and he has been marvelous! He shopped "sales" for us, volunteered coupon deals, and kept in good communication over selections and changes. We were charged actual prices (less coupons/sales) + $30 shopping charge + tip to the delivery driver.

Link: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/orlando-delivery

They don't have an order form. I submit my list by email and tend to group my requests by department (produce, bulk, grocery, etc). I am specific on which items should be organic vs conventional, sometimes identify a particular brand-name and other times indicate "you pick!" The staff does a great job finding the right stuff!

This is amazing. One of my biggest beefs with garden grocer is I find the quality if meat so poor compared to at home. I figured I'd go to whole foods to buy meat and produce. How are they for cost?

 

[LvsTnk]

Good news: the Whole Foods Orlando delivers! We've done two orders this year, one for a large group and one for "just two of us." We've been fortunate to have the same "Concierge Lifestyle" rep both times and he has been marvelous! He shopped "sales" for us, volunteered coupon deals, and kept in good communication over selections and changes. We were charged actual prices (less coupons/sales) + $30 shopping charge + tip to the delivery driver.

Link: https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/service/orlando-delivery

They don't have an order form. I submit my list by email and tend to group my requests by department (produce, bulk, grocery, etc). I am specific on which items should be organic vs conventional, sometimes identify a particular brand-name and other times indicate "you pick!" The staff does a great job finding the right stuff!

Thank you so much, even for a small order it's worth it being that they are out of the way a bit. DS eats specific items I can only find there and we would be able to have those easily now. Also like quandrea said it will be nice to have some good quality chicken and meat.

I really appreciate your reply.

 

[gryfoxmama]

Accidentally moved this off the main page. Any ideas on how to fix?

Moderators moved this thread here because it was more appropriate here.
Thanks to them all the hard work they do in maintaining this site!!

 

[judydvc]

I'm in the process of selling my BWV contract of 150 points that I bought direct from Disney back in 1999. I also have a 50 point contract at VWL (from 2003) and a 60 point contract at VGC (when they first opened the Villas I had to buy!) so I really have 110 points. I am single but have many nieces and nephews. Some of the younger ones feel they're too old for Disney but now the older ones are interested again!

 

[Meriweather]

5 contracts............1st was 150 OKW....so we could get VGC when it became available
then 120 VGC
then 100 VWL
then another 250 OKW and 130 VGC
Total now 750

We alternate years between WDW and DLR. Usually 3-5 trips a year.
This is a WDW. I have been there for 2 weeks in Jan, 1 in June. Will go back for 2 weeks in Oct. and then a family trip in Dec for 2 weeks.

It's enough points for us
But the kids (adults) are starting to want to use them more and more!

 

[bwvBound]

This is amazing. One of my biggest beefs with garden grocer is I find the quality if meat so poor compared to at home. I figured I'd go to whole foods to buy meat and produce. How are they for cost?

Cost ... well ... let me put it this way: I end up with more food per dollar when I order delivery from Orlando than I do when I shop for myself at home. The delivery order "sticks to the plan!" but shopping excursions at home often experience "scope creep" with unplanned items landing into my basket! (Scope Creep is extremely common if my husband joins on my WFM adventure??)

Seriously, the prices on individual products are very much "on par" with similar products purchased at home (San Diego). Lenning, the Lifestyle Specialist/Concierge at WFM Orlando, is much better at using coupons than I am at home. His wheeling/dealing is most helpful.

 

[lovin'fl]

Thanks to you all for sharing your DVC stories!!
I am getting great ideas just reading your replies.
What is the largest gathering you have booked?
Did it go well and what would you change next time?

I have used my points to book for my family of 5, MIL and FIL and then SIL2's family of 3 for two Xmas trips (2011 and 2013). SIL1 used her points to book also, so there were 15 of us in total (4 families). The 2011 trip went pretty well but the 2013 trip was a disaster (starting with deciding what we wanted for dinner ADRs...which I then would book for everyone). There won't be a 2015 (or any other year) trip. Too many differing personalities to keep pleased...it's a lot of work and tough with uncompromising folks (especially when those folks know of a big aspect/change to the trip and 'forget' to mention it until you're about to go to the airport). It sucks because my 3 teens like to hang with their cousins at WDW (giving us adults a lot of adult time), but the negatives outweighed the positives on this last trip...for sure. So, no desire to repeat.

 

[DVC-Don]

201 now, down from a high of 585 four years ago.

 

[gryfoxmama]

We have 860. Started with 200, then the family grew. We love it. Tend to take thre trips per year. Two at about two weeks and a shorter one. Can't get enough. It's a second home. For the first time ever I am treating my best friend and her kids. We will share a two bedroom at kidani--our favourite--in April. Beyond excited. It feels so good to give them that treat.

Our family keeps growing also. More marriages and grandkids. Oldest granddaughter is 21 and her boyfriend came last time. I don't care who they bring I am glad they want to spend time with family. This has got potential to get BIG!!

Sometimes I wish I could be selfish and just use the points on ME!!
Just have to start saving my dollars so I can get more pts to do the big vacations and me!!

 

[gryfoxmama]

We started out in 1999 with 162 at BWV, that was the exact amount needed for a week in a standard view 1 bedroom in lowest season.

We then added on 68 at BCV a couple of years later for a total of 230

Then in 2009 we added 170 at BLT as founding members at that resort.

In 2010 we added 100 at AKL to give us a nice round number of 500 pts total.

It is just the two of us so we mostly stay in studios and one bedrooms, but we use our points for a lot of cruises. Right now the only thing that is really out of reach would be long stays in Grand Villas, and using points for both people for the long ABD trips. At this point we really don't have to borrow to much for the trips we like to take and even if do have to borrow, there is always enough left for nice trip the next year.

Where is your next trip going to be?

 

[gryfoxmama]

201 now, down from a high of 585 four years ago.

So it looks like you downsized your contracts? How often do you vacation now?

 

[gryfoxmama]

I have used my points to book for my family of 5, MIL and FIL and then SIL2's family of 3 for two Xmas trips (2011 and 2013). SIL1 used her points to book also, so there were 15 of us in total (4 families). The 2011 trip went pretty well but the 2013 trip was a disaster (starting with deciding what we wanted for dinner ADRs...which I then would book for everyone). There won't be a 2015 (or any other year) trip. Too many differing personalities to keep pleased...it's a lot of work and tough with uncompromising folks (especially when those folks know of a big aspect/change to the trip and 'forget' to mention it until you're about to go to the airport). It sucks because my 3 teens like to hang with their cousins at WDW (giving us adults a lot of adult time), but the negatives outweighed the positives on this last trip...for sure. So, no desire to repeat.

OUCH!!
I am sure you don't plan all these trips for appreciation but heck....you would think if they were upset they could just go their own way in a place as large as WDW?