Buy more points or use military salute discount?

[DebLovesPooh]

I currently have 160pts at AKV that I use for 1-bedrooms every 2/3 years. I am thinking that I want to start using them for 2-bedrooms every other year instead and find some other way to pay to stay in 2-bedrooms in my off years. I can pay cash and purchase 160 points for SSR and that can cover my off years. But I also qualify for the military salute discount and that typically provides 30-40% off villas. The hiccup to the military discount is that it is released at the end of September and I usually travel in Feb/April. I don’t care where we stay in the off years and would be happy to pay cash for any two-bedroom or use SSR points to stay there or at Kidani if I could trade in at 7 months.

WWYD? But more points or use the cash discount and grab whatever was still available? Those February and April weeks, both at the end of the month, are fixed school vacations and the dates aren’t too flexible.

Thank you for your thoughts!
Deb

 

[princesscinderella]

Historically DVC points have gained in value even being resold, so I would vote to buy more points. In the long run there’s no guarantee about any of the discounts, especially offered at certain times of the year.

 

[Lulubelle17]

As much as buying more points is tempting, consider the long term implications. With the military discount, you can save a lot without making a commitment. Life changes, do you see yourself needing the extra points for a very long time? If so, you could always buy a small contract and maybe resell in the future if your needs change, but using the military discount would give you more flexibility and free up some money for other vacations. Just a thought!

 

[RoseGold]

I think this depends on how long you plan to hold these contracts. DVC doesn't make sense unless you really want to commit to years of using it.

The military discount is much more appealing in that if you want to scale back, it's really easy to do so.

 

[Leight19]

2 bedrooms generally are good value to use of points (not as good as studio but still good) . If you were staying in 1 br I’d think price of room with discount may compete with “cost” via dvc points. However, 2 bedroom id expect you save more with dvc then the discount over time. Therefore it question of can you afford the cost upfront and how certain you are you want to travel to Disney consistently for at least next 10 years. I’d also consider resorts you want to stay at and availability with discounts (not sure how it works and if you get more or less availability for your discount compared to 7mo booking).

 

[DebLovesPooh]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I decided to hold off for now. I don’t know if I want to be locked in going every year to staying on site. I think as my DD gets older, a week at Universal/Seaworld in our off years may be appealing. Great advice all and I really appreciate it!

Deb