Buying into DVC

[tomandrobin]

Hi all! I have not purchased yet, but I am looking. I am sure some of my questions have been asked before. For starters, I have been trying to decide the whole resale or developer purchase. I think it depends on what I buy. We would probably not use the DVC during the summer (June,July or August), but we do love Christmas time at Disney, Spring and Fall.

1) I looked at Wilderness Lodge, loved it! Boardwalk Villas, Loved it, especially the location! Saratoga, loved the rooms, not sure about the location and theming compared to the other two. Is the better to purchase BWV or WLV to have the 11 month window or SSR and use the 7 month window for reservations at the other two resorts?

2) How much is it worth to have the extra 12 years of use at SSR compared to the other resorts?

Also, what is the "normal" points a typical family need in a year. We have 3 kids. One is an adult now, the other two will be out of high school in 5 years. 48 years is a long time to consider our vacation habits. The wife and I are both 40, so there is alot of vacationing ahead for us!

 

[Figment2]

It can be very difficult to get Christmas at both Boardwalk and Wilderness Lodge. The standard mantra here is "buy where you want to stay."

Friends just bought at SSR because the extra 12 years was very important to them. They won't mind staying at SSR although she loves BVW (my home). So if the extra 12 years are important and you won't mind staying there if you cannot get into BWV or WLV then go for it.

As far as how many points, I would click on the point calculator at the top of the page and play with several scenarios using a 2 BR. It will also depend on how often you plan to travel to WDW. Remember, with banking and borrowing, you would have three years worth of points to use.

I warn you, though. I used to go to WDW every two to three years. Now it's at least 3 times a year if not more. I just did my 5th add on.

Cyn

 

[byoung]

I bought BWV because it's my favorite. Also I want to be there during F&W.

 

[1000th happy haunt]

Also, what is the "normal" points a typical family need in a year. We have 3 kids. One is an adult now, the other two will be out of high school in 5 years. 48 years is a long time to consider our vacation habits. The wife and I are both 40, so there is alot of vacationing ahead for us!

The is no "normal" point calculation. It all depends on when you travel, how long you stay, and what accommodations you want. And do you want to stay only at DVC resorts, or do you still want to book at places like Port Orleans, or the Poly?

There's a link to the points charts at the top. Think about your vacationing habits, and then calculate how many points you need.

One general rule, it's not the best use of points to stay at a non-DVC resort. So if you want to stay at a DVC resort once a year, and a non-DVC resort once a year, it's probably best to only buy the points needed for the DVC stay.

You can always add on more points later, but if you buy too many points you can't sell half your contract.