Already thinking about more points...

[jgus]

We just bought at SSR this week. We weren't sure about resales, so we bought direct from DVC. We only bought the min amount of points to see how everything worked. Now we don't think we bought enough points. How many points is an average amount?

 

[Pluto 2]

i wouldnt worry about the average amount. just do what is best for you. if you want more points and can afford it, go ahead. some people get in over their heads.

 

[NYMomof4]

I don't think that there is an average number-some people get by with less, and others have the kind of points that I just wish that I had. Anyway, what I found was that after I bought the original 150, it took me 2 months to start looking for a low point resale and I got a good deal on 50 more points at HHI just for extra points ($73/pt w/2 years points on it).

What helped me was to see how I was using my points the first year and a half. I now know that we like a longer vacation in August and I love 2 short trips in a studio during the year, preferrably low seasons. This may all change, but one thing that will not is the fact that I like to go to Disney a few times each year. RIght now on 200 points, I can get 5 nights at OKW in a 2bdrm after Aug. 15 for 135 pts, and then I have 65 pts. to use for a shorter trip in a studio. I had extra points from the first and second contracts that gave me more to play with, but now that those are going down, I'll either have to borrow or buy.

If you sit down and try to plan out a few trips (use the banking/borrowing if you can) you may see what you might need as far as points. You can add points from Disney to your contract anytime, so think about it first and have a great time planning!!!

 

[BroganMc]

My advice? Use your points to book your first trip. If you find you are spending less time or need more points after you get there, then consider an add-on.

We started with 200 pts because it was the limit of what we could afford at the time. We figured on 5 day stays in studio units, but our first trip was in a 1bedroom. We wanted the luxury of 1bedroom stays and to do a 2bedroom once a year. DVC had a good sale, so we added on another 120 pts. Again what we could afford at the time.

I never would have done an add-on before I stayed my first trip though. And I spent a lot of time pouring over point charts and debating how I'd use our points.

 

[jemiaule]

Oh bah, I fully endorse caving in to the addonitis monkey on your back. Your gonna do it eventually anyway; almost all of us do.

 

[Slakk]

We just bought at SSR this week. We weren't sure about resales, so we bought direct from DVC. We only bought the min amount of points to see how everything worked. Now we don't think we bought enough points. How many points is an average amount?

I bought 160 SSR points in 2005, today I own 310. We take one trip with my parents and then use the rest for quick trips to HHI.

Next year we are taking my brother and his family as well.

 

[jgus]

Thanks for the advice!

We have a baby on the way and want to bank next years points for the following year when we can go with the baby. So we have this years points and we have no idea what to do with them because it is peak season until the baby is born. We don't really have the points to go for a week this time of year.

We don't even know if we will get a week with short notice. How hard is it to book right now for a week in late April or early May?

 

[ILuvDVC2]

I think you'll find that you won't have too much trouble booking for late April/early May. SSR should have availability, but call and find out.

As to your original post, the average amount isn't the issue, it's how you and your family think you'll use the points you own. When we realized that we were going to WDW a couple of times a year, and sometimes taking our extended family members, we saw that 150 wasn't enough in the long run.

We waited 4.5 years before we added on another 100 points to our original 150, and now we feel we have enough. However, if things change for us financially, I could be convinced to purchase AKV points, but they would be a total splurge and not really necessary for how we use DVC.

 

[alldiz]

I just bought 150 pts at WLV

I was in the system....I think exactly 5 min....
I booked 2 trips...
Used all 06 banked pts...all of 07 pts...
and already BORROWED 26 pts from 08

I promised myself I would wait at least 1 yr for any add-ons...
We'll see how it goes
Kerri