Buying Points

[Metry Mickey]

Hello...I am new to this website, it seems to be very helpful. I am a longtime Disney veteran, but am just looking to join DVC. While in WDW last month, I spoke to a DVC rep who gave me all of the info and we are definitely going to buy points. My question is what is the best way to go...should I buy points from Disney at $89/pt at the new Saratoga Resort, or should I look to buy resale points for a lower per point value? I assume if I do that, I would get less total years in the club.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

The advice you see over and over is buy where you want to stay the most.

As a WDW vet you probably know what the Boardwalk is like vs. Old Key West, etc. I understand Beach Club Villa points are hard to come by.

Welcome to the boards!

 

[Metry Mickey]

Why is that? Is it cheaper (pts) to stay in your home resort? I thought it really didn't matter where your home resort was?

 

[poohj80]

It's not cheaper to stay at your home resort, but you can start making reservations earlier at your home resort. You can make reservations 11 months ahead of time at your home resort but only 7 months ahead of time at other DVC resorts.

 

[princess girls]

We also went thru the same situation. Where to buy? How much to buy? New or resale?
Basically you need to select the DVC resort that fit your needs the most.
If you plan on using a Grand Villa, keep in mind only some resorts have Grands and you really need that 11 mth window to reserve during peak times.
Location in WDW in another. For example, we choose SSR due to closeness to Downtown Disney's night life and dining. We drive to FL so we do not mind driving to parks or taking the bus.
Now if you go to Epcot and like the access from those DVC resorts, then go that way. (therefore a resale cause DVC sold out pts there)
Choosing points is a whole other problem. We started out looking at 200 pts. Then we looked at possible vacation times each year and points usage during those trips. We choose 250 pts to start off with. We plan to go this summer to SSR but looking at other DVC resorts to plan for buying resale of 50-100 pts if we like one in particular. Then again if we love SSR totally then we would buy more pts there.
Get a video and package from your DVC guide and look into what works for you and your vacation wishes.
Good Luck! Pixie dust your way!

 

[Doc and Family]

Hello Metry Mickey...

from your neighbors down in St. Bernard.
Everyone here is giving you good advice...buy where you want to stay the most. And probably buy a few more points than you plan on.
We bought at the BCV--talked ourselves into 200 points being enough-hahaha--added on another 100 quickly.

The 11 month window is HUGE if you plan to visit during busy times, otherwise, we have had no problem with the 7 month window.

If you have questions and want to talk, pm or e-mail me and I will get you my phone # to answer as many questions as possible.

If you have your answers, great! and welcome to the DIS.

 

[dianeschlicht]

You have gotten very good advice so far. Be sure to read the Frequently asked questions at the top of this forum. Buying where you want to stay is the watchword around here. The 11 month booking window is important if you want to go popular holiday times. Which resort can also have a bit of effect on how many points you buy. For example, a weeks stay at OKW is always less points than at any of the other resorts, and a stay in some units of Saratoga Springs will also be less. The other thing to know is that the total amount of points needed at a resort can not ever change. Maintenance fees will also vary by resort.

 

[Metry Mickey]

Thanks to everyone for your input...I have definitely gotten more info on this site than I did from my DVC rep. I think I'm going to stick with the SSR.