Can I do this with a small contract?

[Trisha R]

There IS a method to my madness here - but hoping you can help clarify a few things.

If I have a small contract (say only 25 or 50 pts/from resale obviously), can I make a reservation at any DVC resort at 7mos, assuming one room is covered by points, then getting the balance of nights w/a 25% cash discount?

Can I do the same at 11 mos at home resort, or do I have to wait until 7mos or later for the cash part?

Also, with regard to points at a new DVC resort being offered to members first: Is there a priority list based on how many points you currently have, or is it based on first come, first served and/or how on the ball your guide is with calling with the offer?

One more thing - If I buy a small contract, with the plan to probably resell again in the future - would the IDEAL scenario be to try to get BCV or BWV? I don't think I'm very concerned about UY (now), but are there any that are considered best or worst? I'm thinking it all washes since everyone has their own situation, but just wondering.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The cash discount is not always available. You need to ask MS when you make your reservation to see if they do. You might be able to get a cash reservation when you make your points reservation, though. There are some room categories that are unavailable for cash at any time - BW view and standard view at the BWV, AKV Concierge, BCV dedicated two bedroom with two queen beds in the second bedroom.

 

[Dean]

There IS a method to my madness here - but hoping you can help clarify a few things.

If I have a small contract (say only 25 or 50 pts/from resale obviously), can I make a reservation at any DVC resort at 7mos, assuming one room is covered by points, then getting the balance of nights w/a 25% cash discount?

Can I do the same at 11 mos at home resort, or do I have to wait until 7mos or later for the cash part?

Also, with regard to points at a new DVC resort being offered to members first: Is there a priority list based on how many points you currently have, or is it based on first come, first served and/or how on the ball your guide is with calling with the offer?

One more thing - If I buy a small contract, with the plan to probably resell again in the future - would the IDEAL scenario be to try to get BCV or BWV? I don't think I'm very concerned about UY (now), but are there any that are considered best or worst? I'm thinking it all washes since everyone has their own situation, but just wondering.

Thanks for any help!

You certainly could sell a smaller points package in the future. The best price based on the current resorts and expirations dates will likely be AKV. An extended BWV, VWL or BCV would likely bring as much or more. If CRV happens, it would likely more to the head of the line depending on the points charts.

You could use points for some nights but no guarantee of getting a DVC cash unit, much less at a discount. Thus you might have to change rooms but you'd likely save money over time if you paid for weekends and used points for weekdays.

For many, the very cheapest approach to staying at DVC is actually buying a non DVC timeshare and trading in. While there are no guarantees, anyone who can travel out of the peak season and do with a 1 BR unit will likely save a lot of money over the years on 7 nights stays. One could even buy 25 points to get the perks if desired.

 

[Trisha R]

Thanks for your responses!