A Few Simple Questions About Buying Points... Help would be appreciated.

[NMPTheatre]

Hello Friends! Well, I thought I could get WDW out of my system for a few years by going last December, but... that old familiar itch is happening again...

So, I remember chatting with someone last year about the possibility of purchasing DVC points from a member so I could stay at a nicer resort. Due to my limited budget (I teach for a living), I've only ever been able to stay at a value resort. And it sure would be fun once to stay at a delux one or at least a moderate! Anyhow if someone has some time, could you please answer a few questions for me, as I'm unsure where to look for this info...

1. How many points does it take to get into a delux or a moderate? I'd probably be staying for about 7-8 in early December. Are the points the same for all the delux's? Certainly the advent of the AKV is exciting and I'd love to stay there, but the Boardwalk would also been fun. Any other suggestions?

2. How does it work, exactly? In other words, how does one redeem the points and how are they transfered? Do I make reservations with them?

3. If I buy some points off of someone, would there be any other costs involved with the lodging?

4. What else do I need to know?

Obviously, as per suggested, I would do my research on the person I buy from.

Anyhow, thanks in advance! I sure would like to make my next WDW stay even more magical.

Thank you!

Michael

 

[mikeandkarla]

Hello Friends! Well, I thought I could get WDW out of my system for a few years by going last December, but... that old familiar itch is happening again...

So, I remember chatting with someone last year about the possibility of purchasing DVC points from a member so I could stay at a nicer resort. Due to my limited budget (I teach for a living), I've only ever been able to stay at a value resort. And it sure would be fun once to stay at a delux one or at least a moderate! Anyhow if someone has some time, could you please answer a few questions for me, as I'm unsure where to look for this info...

1. How many points does it take to get into a delux or a moderate? I'd probably be staying for about 7-8 in early December. Are the points the same for all the delux's? Certainly the advent of the AKV is exciting and I'd love to stay there, but the Boardwalk would also been fun. Any other suggestions?

2. How does it work, exactly? In other words, how does one redeem the points and how are they transfered? Do I make reservations with them?

3. If I buy some points off of someone, would there be any other costs involved with the lodging?

4. What else do I need to know?

Obviously, as per suggested, I would do my research on the person I buy from.

Anyhow, thanks in advance! I sure would like to make my next WDW stay even more magical.

Thank you!

Michael

I'll try to answer some of these for you.
1. It is much more cost effective to use points toward DVC resorts. You can use points for any resort, but it costs much more. If you stay at AKV in early Dec., it depends if you need a studio, 1BR, 2BR, or GV, on how many points it requires for your stay. You can click the link on top of this page for point values for each DVC resort.
2. You would rent points from a DVC member. All contact with MS, including making reservation, changing reservation, using ME, adding DDP, must be done by member. Make sure you are very comfortable with this. It takes great trust for someone who will be in control of your reservation. Check the threads on renting points to familiarize yourself with the process.
3. No additional costs. No taxes. Ther is no ticket media included.
4. I would read all threads related to renting points from a member. It can be a very affordable way to stay in a deluxe accomodation, but you must do your homework. Like I said earlier, your reservation is in complete control by the DVC member. To my knowledge, there has only been a couple of instances where a renter was mislead.

Good Luck.

 

[NMPTheatre]

mikeandkarla,

Thank you so much for your answers! Couple more questions, if you don't mind...

- Are the "Value" or "Standard" studios (I would be by myself) in these places a lot better than what you could get at a value resort? I'm assuming so. Though, I may be tempted to splurge and get a savannah view, if I can get the AKV.

- Do YOU have a recommendation as to which of the DVC resorts are the best? I'm leaning towards the Boardwalk for the convenience of being able to walk to places. But seeing the animals at the AVK is awfully tempting...

Thanks! The people on this board are just great.

Michael

I'll try to answer some of these for you.
1. It is much more cost effective to use points toward DVC resorts. You can use points for any resort, but it costs much more. If you stay at AKV in early Dec., it depends if you need a studio, 1BR, 2BR, or GV, on how many points it requires for your stay. You can click the link on top of this page for point values for each DVC resort.
2. You would rent points from a DVC member. All contact with MS, including making reservation, changing reservation, using ME, adding DDP, must be done by member. Make sure you are very comfortable with this. It takes great trust for someone who will be in control of your reservation. Check the threads on renting points to familiarize yourself with the process.
3. No additional costs. No taxes. Ther is no ticket media included.
4. I would read all threads related to renting points from a member. It can be a very affordable way to stay in a deluxe accomodation, but you must do your homework. Like I said earlier, your reservation is in complete control by the DVC member. To my knowledge, there has only been a couple of instances where a renter was mislead.

Good Luck.

 

[dianeschlicht]

"Value" and "standard" refer to location, not to room amenities. The Value rooms at AKV could be smaller than a normal DVC room, but will have the same amenities with the exception of the pull out chair. The 'standard' designation refers to view. At Boardwalk, it means a view of the parking lot or away from the boardwalk. At AKV, it means parking lot or pool view, and will NEVER be a savanna view. Value rooms CAN be savanna view, but are not guarnateed.

 

[mikesmom]

A point I'm not sure is entirely clear: you can't rent POINTS from a member. You can only rent a reservation from a member. It's kind of a small thing, but it does mean that you have to find a member with all the points needed for the reservation you want, and there has to be availability.

Now on to the 2nd point: if you are looking for accomodations for this December, you are probably too late. December is the most popular time for DVC members as the point costs are low, so it sells out fast. Reports are that Decmber reservations are completely sold out, with a pretty stiff waiting list. Your only option would be to find a member with a standing reservation that for some reason they cannot use.

If you are making plans for Dec 2008, you are in good shape. Members can make ressies at 11 months out. You need to get your ducks in a row for a member who can make you a reservation come January.

 

[NMPTheatre]

Thank you to you fine people for the info! If I'm too late, then.... Guess I'll be back at a Value Resort. Thanks!