Before I join I have a few questions Hopefully you all can help

[wisbucky]

My husband and I are about a a short breath away from joining, but we have questions that we need help answering. First of all what are the other benfits to becoming a DVC member besides the wonderful stays and resorts. Second, how easy is it to get add on points for OKW down the road. We are looking at purchasing 175 points. And last but not least, would we be better off purchasing more points than we would normally use. We wanted 190 points but it is just not happening. I hope you all can help us out. This has been a 12 month debating ordeal for us. We are now only one day away to making the phone call and saying yesssssssssss.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hi, wisbucky. I will take a stab at your Q's:

1) There are many restaurant discounts (usually 10%), and there is also a discount on unlimited park hoppers (I believe 10%). There is also cash discounts on DVC rooms (limited) should you run out of points. I almost forgot about free valet parking at DVC resorts (except for tip).
There are also some non-financial benefits, such as pool hopping.
There is probably a more complete list on the DVC member website.
There are also other benefits, such as member only cruises, and special member events.

2) My GUESS is finding OKW points on the resale market would be fairly easy. It is a large resort, so that would mean more points on the market than the other resorts. You would just have to be patient while waiting for the right number of points, with the right use year (does not have to be the same use year, but it makes things simpler).

3) I would never buy the exact number of points that you need. I would always add a slight buffer, especially since you plan to add points eventually. Of course, your personal budget speaks loudly on this subject!

Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress...

MG

 

[robinb]

Hello, Fellow Badger! Let's not talk about our football team, shall we?

First of all what are the other benfits to becoming a DVC member besides the wonderful stays and resorts.

There are some food and recreation discounts. DVC members also still get 10% off at the Disney Store.

Second, how easy is it to get add on points for OKW down the road. We are looking at purchasing 175 points.

There are always a lot of OKW points on the resale market. You can also buy add-ons directly from Disney. There is really no way to know what availability will be like in the future, however. OKW has been a sold out resort for a long time and the only way points enter the system is when someone sells theirs. If you buy from Disney, the points need to be in the same use year. You may also have to wait a while on a waitlist to purchase points.

And last but not least, would we be better off purchasing more points than we would normally use.

You should buy the most number of points you feel comfortable buyng. If 190 points make you financially uncomfortable, then don't do it! 175 points will be fine for all but the busiest periods.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by wisbucky
My husband and I are about a a short breath away from joining, but we have questions that we need help answering. First of all what are the other benfits to becoming a DVC member besides the wonderful stays and resorts. Second, how easy is it to get add on points for OKW down the road. We are looking at purchasing 175 points. And last but not least, would we be better off purchasing more points than we would normally use. We wanted 190 points but it is just not happening. I hope you all can help us out. This has been a 12 month debating ordeal for us. We are now only one day away to making the phone call and saying yesssssssssss.

My advice - Don't let your decision be influenced in any way on the "other benefits/perks" currently offered to DVC members. Those perks are not in the contract, are not guaranteed, and can change or be discontinued at any time without notice. Just consider them "gravy".

Good luck with your decision!