BLT Decision Help!

[Cindaddy]

OK. I've got my unsigned contract in hand, but I can't decide what to do, here. I can't decide whether to join or let it go. Here's the issues that I face:

• Just found out this morning that my wife is expecting!! We had based our points on a studio (already have two kids). Should I join, request more points or what?
  
• The 2010 point chart has me spooked. The stay that I based my points on hasn't changed, but it scares me for the future. Would others buy into DVC knowing what they know today, or would they buy more points, etc?
  
• Not sure how much opportunity I have to use the developer points for SSR. I would need to take the vacation by the mid-may and availability is a concern. My wife won't go during the summer while pregnant and we're due in September which is our preferred time. Any thoughts on availability? We would probably be looking at a 1 BR.

I realize this is my call, but I like to get input from the experienced members here, so that I can make an informed decision.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

OK. I've got my unsigned contract in hand, but I can't decide what to do, here. I can't decide whether to join or let it go. Here's the issues that I face:

• Just found out this morning that my wife is expecting!! We had based our points on a studio (already have two kids). Should I join, request more points or what?
• The 2010 point chart has me spooked. The stay that I based my points on hasn't changed, but it scares me for the future. Would others buy into DVC knowing what they know today, or would they buy more points, etc?
• Not sure how much opportunity I have to use the developer points for SSR. I would need to take the vacation by the mid-may and availability is a concern. My wife won't go during the summer while pregnant and we're due in September which is our preferred time. Any thoughts on availability? We would probably be looking at a 1 BR.

I realize this is my call, but I like to get input from the experienced members here, so that I can make an informed decision.

If I were you....I would cancel the contract. Unless your contract was for under 100 pts.., there will be PLENTY of opportunity to re-purchase. You might even get a better deal waiting!! With the added expense of a little one (congratulations!), you will have more peace of mind. Its easy to cancel, just call MA and they will have you fax over a cancellation note signed by both you and your wife.

 

[dd08]

OK. I've got my unsigned contract in hand, but I can't decide what to do, here. I can't decide whether to join or let it go. Here's the issues that I face:

• Just found out this morning that my wife is expecting!! We had based our points on a studio (already have two kids). Should I join, request more points or what?
  
• The 2010 point chart has me spooked. The stay that I based my points on hasn't changed, but it scares me for the future. Would others buy into DVC knowing what they know today, or would they buy more points, etc?
  
• Not sure how much opportunity I have to use the developer points for SSR. I would need to take the vacation by the mid-may and availability is a concern. My wife won't go during the summer while pregnant and we're due in September which is our preferred time. Any thoughts on availability? We would probably be looking at a 1 BR.

I realize this is my call, but I like to get input from the experienced members here, so that I can make an informed decision.

I won't be much of a help for your questions, I just want to offer my congratulations!!

 

[Cindaddy]

Thanks to both of you! We are very excited! I'm curious, BWV, are you saying that purely because of the expense of the child?

 

[KLR-wlv]

i would cancel (just did actually!) I doubt points will go up - and if you wait til it opens you'll get real points - not developer points - that you can bank if not travelling.

 

[Cindaddy]

i would cancel (just did actually!) I doubt points will go up - and if you wait til it opens you'll get real points - not developer points - that you can bank if not travelling.

Is that what's happened previously?

 

[fatfish]

I also have my unsigned contract in hand. I'm still on the fence myself, due to all the nonsense with the 2010 point charts. I don't even have a baby on the way...

In your situation I would cancel. You will have plenty of time to buy, and if you wait long enough, you'll be able to buy resale. I'm leaning towards cancelling myself, but I'm waiting for my guide to return my call.

Whatever you choose, don't sweat it. Things have a way of working out.

 

[Cindaddy]

I also have my unsigned contract in hand. I'm still on the fence myself, due to all the nonsense with the 2010 point charts. I don't even have a baby on the way...

In your situation I would cancel. You will have plenty of time to buy, and if you wait long enough, you'll be able to buy resale. I'm leaning towards cancelling myself, but I'm waiting for my guide to return my call.

Whatever you choose, don't sweat it. Things have a way of working out.

I hear you. I just want to make an informed decision. If it doesn't work out, then so be it.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

I was on the fence for roughly 5 minutes before the contract was signed, notarized and sent Fed-Ex overnight to Disney. The DP's must be used by Oct 3rd, and I'm sure I can squeeze in a trip between the one I have coming up next week, and the one in Dec. If not, they were free, not really losing much. This is purely a personal decision you and your wife must make based on numerous factors of your life, but if I were you, go ahead and buy, I'm glad I did.

By the way Congrats!!! on the little one.

 

[jblrn2b]

Why don't you sleep on it!!! Congrats on #3!!!

 

[Cindaddy]

Why don't you sleep on it!!! Congrats on #3!!!

Thanks! I've been sleeping on it the last few nights and I'm pretty torn.

 

[jmkc65]

What is the concern with teh 2010 point chart?

 

[Lori2816]

Good luck with your decision; and congrats to you and you wife!

 

[Disneyformykids]

Congratulations! What happy news and definitely worth celebrating with a trip to Disney!!!
I am new to Disboards but purchased SSR in 2005 having two children. It was a really great decision for our family. We have managed to travel to Disneyworld twice to three times yearly, finding really good airfare. We did not travel the year that I was pregnant with child number 3. We also have become annual passholders which makes sense for us financially.

Disney World (in my experience and opinion) is a far better experience than a beach vacation, ski vacation, etc. There is so much to do and, with kids, you cannot go wrong. The prices of points do go up. I heard there is a scheduled increase for AKL to increase as high as Bay Lake Tower next month. A decision to buy should not be based on that though, especially in this economy. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that it is DEFINITELY well worth it! We were sorry that we did not purchase sooner. Although, if the payment is going to break the bank or there is job security concern at this point, maybe now is not the time. It will always be there. It will not be fun determining whether to make a payment to DVC for your timeshare or pay your mortgage, if that is the case...If it is not the case and there is security, etc. I say absolutely do it. You, your wife and kids will have a great time and make years of memories.

Also, you can always add points on in the future. We did. You will be able to squeeze into the studio for some time, given the pack and play provided for the baby. I would not worry about buying larger accommodations at this point but, eventually, you will have to. The 1 bedrooms at AKV sleep 5 with the living room chair pulling out as a sleeper.

Good luck with your decision. I know, for us, purchasing was definitely the right decision and we are very happy we did it. Traveling to Disneyworld is something we look forward to and, actually, has become part of our lives. Congratulations again and good luck with your decision.

 

[Cindaddy]

Congratulations! What happy news and definitely worth celebrating with a trip to Disney!!!
I am new to Disboards but purchased SSR in 2005 having two children. It was a really great decision for our family. We have managed to travel to Disneyworld twice to three times yearly, finding really good airfare. We did not travel the year that I was pregnant with child number 3. We also have become annual passholders which makes sense for us financially.

Disney World (in my experience and opinion) is a far better experience than a beach vacation, ski vacation, etc. There is so much to do and, with kids, you cannot go wrong. The prices of points do go up. I heard there is a scheduled increase for AKL to increase as high as Bay Lake Tower next month. A decision to buy should not be based on that though, especially in this economy. Anyway, what I am trying to say is that it is DEFINITELY well worth it! We were sorry that we did not purchase sooner. Although, if the payment is going to break the bank or there is job security concern at this point, maybe now is not the time. It will always be there. It will not be fun determining whether to make a payment to DVC for your timeshare or pay your mortgage, if that is the case...If it is not the case and there is security, etc. I say absolutely do it. You, your wife and kids will have a great time.

Also, you can always add points on in the future. We did.

Thanks! Yeah, it's less of a financial concern. We go to Disney once a year, at least. It's more around the idea that they may keep messing with the points, benefits declining over time, etc.

 

[culli]

I would pass as BLT is not open yet and bound to have better incentives down the road IMO. Unless you really want BLT (I assume you have done the whole home resort research etc) I would go SSR resale which you can get loaded contract for a a good $35-$45 a point cheaper than BLT, not have to worry about DP. Then when baby is born (congrats BTW) you will a bunch of pts to give you flexibility in unit size and length of trip. Just something to think about.......let the flames begin.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Thanks to both of you! We are very excited! I'm curious, BWV, are you saying that purely because of the expense of the child?

Yes, I am saying this due to the expense of a child. If this is your first (I have 3 sons), you have NO IDEA how expensive it is to raise a child. Infants are especially expensive, and if your gonna pay day care for an infant....OMG!!!! Hopefully, you have priced that out...talk about a second mortgage!

 

[SuzanneSLO]

With regard to the impact of the 2010 points chart, I think that it is a wake-up call that DVC is a system that works best for those who are flexible. Those that only have enough points for a S-Th stay in a specific Season and who need a certain size unit will have more problems adapting to changes on the points charts than those with more flexibility. I personally believe that we will see further changes to the points charts in the future and each DVC member may need to modify their vacations patterns again in the future.

Even if you think you can be flexible with regard to your future vacation patterns, I join others in suggesting that you postpone this purchase primarily becuase you don't beleive you can benefit from the DP incentive. I agree that BLT is a big property and inventory will still be available later at a comparable price.

As has been suggested, once BLT opens, you can time your purchase so that you get an extra years worth of points at BLT, which can be used or banked like any other points. For example, I bought at BWV in April, 2005 with an Aug UY. Although I paid MF only from April thru Dec, 05, I also got all the 04 points. I banked the 04 points and used them with the 05 points for a very nice vacation in Oct 05!

Best of luck in your decision and congratulations -- Suzanne

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I would pass as BLT is not open yet and bound to have better incentives down the road IMO. Unless you really want BLT (I assume you have done the whole home resort research etc) I would go SSR resale which you can get loaded contract for a a good $35-$45 a point cheaper than BLT, not have to worry about DP. Then when baby is born (congrats BTW) you will a bunch of pts to give you flexibility in unit size and length of trip. Just something to think about.......let the flames begin.

....the only flame I could find!

 

[Starr W.]

Yes, I am saying this due to the expense of a child. If this is your first (I have 3 sons), you have NO IDEA how expensive it is to raise a child. Infants are especially expensive, and if your gonna pay day care for an infant....OMG!!!! Hopefully, you have priced that out...talk about a second mortgage!

If you can afford it, you better get on the waitlist before the kid is born. I had to waitlist my toddler(he's 12 now) to get into a good daycare center.

You start doing the happy dance once your toddler gets potty trained because the price goes down dramatically.

2 weeks to the Bud Shootout.