I think new members can get in with only a 100 point contract if they buy SSR or AKV. IIRC, you'll need to buy 160 if you want BLT or any of the other resorts (assuming they have points to sell for those).
Don't know the current answer to the split question. They have allowed it in the past, though.
P.S. You might be able to get a 100 point contract as a new member at the other resorts, but if they are allowing it, I'm pretty sure you would have to pay full price - no discounts.
They offered 100 point contract to me at OKW also, but the price was $90 per point. You can buy resale for much less. Check out TSS for current offerings. They are great to work with !
I got confirmation from my guide on this as well. Not sure how long it will last but right now, they are allowing this to happen. And, he said the same thing, no incentives, full price.
But, for someone who may be interested in one of the older resorts, like BCV, which is hard to find in small contracts, it might make going through Disney worth it.
Yes, 50 points at BLT prior to the latest price increase ($120) was my first DVC purchase.
I don't know if my logic applies to everyone, but it did for me and that is what's important. BLT is what I wanted and 50 points made sense to me.
I think the lower point total makes for a smaller spread between direct and resale. This is how I looked at it:
Direct:
50 x $120 per point = $6,000.
Got 50 2010 points included for just the Dec pro-rated dues. I valued this at $500.
Low closing cost
Instant purchase. Practically done in a week.
Resale:
50 x $100 per point (est.) = $5,000
Couldn't find one of these 50 pointers that wasn't a stripped contract. Therefore, I figured I would need to pay $1,000 more in 2011 via a transfer to recover the 2010 and 2011 UY points. 50 x 2 x 10 =$1,000
Higher closing costs
Longer purchase process. ROFR may not happen often, but it sill takes time just to go through the process.
Yes, my 2011 summer trip took all the points I have (50 banked) + (50 Current UY) + (50 borrowed), but that's fine too. I have my reservation where I want and when I need it. Disney magic will handle the rest. My family will enjoy it.
There's always time for more purchases, but sometimes the first step is the most important. I have no buyer's remorse.