Considering taking the (small) plunge into DVC

[ldo]

we have done values and DVC for almost 10 years. My take:
2 Value Rooms(we have stayed at POP and ASMovies)-you can book room only and cancel 5 days out. you get 4 beds/murphys, 2 baths, 2 TVs. great food courts. OK pools--but no slide or hot tub, no private balcony/patio, no community hall (but they have activities, pool side and lobby games and evening outside movies). If you spend a lot of time in parks, no need for anything more, and a can be great cost savings, esp. in lower seasons. Values can have thinner walls, IMHO. Ask for a top floor and in a section known to be quieter (look online). I think the 70s at pop overlooking a lake is one.
DVC studio: cramped--a 1 BR is really nice. We see no need for 2BR if we get a DVC with sleeper chair. balcony/patio. slide, hot tub. sit down restaurant onsite. many have inside corridors, but then parking is FAR away. some linked to deluxe hotels--and those "feel" like deluxes, IMHO, with beautiful lobbies, upscale bars, etc. My kids LOVED the community halls and spent hours there from ages 5-15. Downside--large capital outlay and last minute cancels are problematic compared to 5 days room only at WDW hotel.
If you have not done 2 values yet, I recommend that for your next trip and see how you like it. If you do fine, stick with that. If not, reconsider DVC then.

 

[Dean]

I always discourage a true every 3rd year plan, too many risks. I think an EOY plan is about the most that's reasonable from a planning standpoint. And I feel one should have a cushion of points, in your case AT LEAST 20% anyway, partly because of studios, partly because of standard view and partly as insurance against future chances. Even then you should consider that you'll likely need to get a 1 BR at times and at some point may be delegated to a 1BR or even a 2 BR. It does sound like SSR would be more ideal in your situation but BLT will be the next best option from a $$$ standpoint long term.