Enough points for 1 adult and 3 kids???

[alamode]

Currently I'm waiting for ROFR on my first contract, 130 points at SSR. With this amount of points, we should be able to book a studio at any DVC resort (pending availability of course).

After looking at the various studio photos, I think my family, a 9 year old son, twin 5 year old girls and myself (widowed single dad), would currently be okay with a studio, especially since we were fine in our first trip with All Star music.

I just wanted some opinions of veteran DVC members as to how old should the kids be before I need to shell out more money, I'm thinking another 120 points for a total of 250, for an upgrade to a 1 bedroom?

I'm just trying to plan for the future (or else I have add-on-itis already.)

 

[Dean]

You may not need more. If you go like every other year, the 130 may be plenty with banking and borrowing. Eventually not everyone will go. I'd hang out until I was essentially forced to buy new points. Even if you have to do some points in cash or do cash weekends through MS, you'll still be better off in most cases with less points.

 

[ldo]

I would see how 130 works for a few years. I have stayed with my 3 kids (Dad worked) ages 8,8,12 in SSR, OKW and BWV studios. At their ages, the space is fine, they all still like the Disney channels on the TV, or getting free Disney DVDs at the Community Hall (so 1 TV not an issue).
The only issue is not having a kitchen, esp. for a longer trip, although with the fridge, microwave, and outside grills (at some resorts), you could still manage for a number of meals. And, if you get the dining plan, then you don't need a kitchen.
If it were just me and the kids, I would do studios as long as I could to save points---if you go by my ages, you have a good 4+ years you can do a studio. Best wishes, I remember your earlier posts. I hope your family always has a special time at Disney. Elaine

 

[logan115]

Not sure how often you plan on going, but we recently bought in to DVC at SSR with 160 points. We plan on going 2 out of every 3 years, and this gives us roughly enough points to do a 1BR for a week just about anywhere (except BLT) in May.

Take a good look at the point charts and gauge how frequently you think you'll go. While many will joke about there being no such thing as too many points, I agree with Dean - why put up all the cash now if you don't have to ?

Don't get me wrong, prices are great right now (if you're a buyer ), but while we may end up adding on in the future when the kids get older(our kids are 5 yo and 7 mo), the 160 we have now is plenty, and if we need to add on we will, just didn't see the point in paying out the extra cash now and paying MFs on poitns we really don't need.

Chris

 

[alamode]

Thanks for the advice. I plan on doing the dining plan, so I'll probably just use the kitchen for a quick breakfast. Plus at home our nanny does all the cooking, I wouldn't trust myself to make much of anything but a big mess in a full kitchen. I'm strictly a freezer to oven chef. OK, maybe hamburger helper now and then.

I didn't know that you get free DVDs. Thanks for the tip. I was going to load a bunch up on my Zune and hook it up to the TV. Not that we go to Disney for watching TV, but you need something to do if the weather is bad. I can only take so much Hannah Montana.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Not that we go to Disney for watching TV, but you need something to do if the weather is bad. I can only take so much Hannah Montana.

LOL! I can understand why!

 

[robinb]

I think a studio will work for a while longer, but you will certainly be more comfortable in a 1BR. In any case, you may want to bring an inflatable mattress for your son. It will fit in the studio just fine.

 

[ldo]

Community Halls (CH) are at SSR, OKW, BWV and AKV. They are kids' clubs that you can drop by for scheduled activities, or just hang out and color, play fuseball, PS2 games etc. It is not a drop-off/daycare place (some resorts do have drop offs, if interested). There is no charge to go and minimal charge for some activities like painting a piggy bank, etc.. This is where you get the free DVDs.
Ask for a schedule when you check in--but don't make our mistake and wait for a scheduled activity. We went the last day on our 1st DVC trip and the kids were really bummed they did not see it earlier. The next trip, we spent several hours each day at the CH--I took a good book and also popped in some laundry, as it was around the corner from the CH. have fun! Elaine

 

[alamode]

I just can't wait for the contract to go through, then booking for next May. I think Starwars weekend would be a blast.

My son's already telling everyone that Daddy's buying part of Disneyworld to stay at.

 

[sparkyboy]

I totally agree. Try the studios and the 130 pts. and see how it works before another cash outlay. Even when we've had the 1 bdrm, we tend to use the fridge mainly for juice and milk for breakfast items for the kids, and not cook too much.

We generally spend time at the community center playing games, trucks, painting, coloring, etc. Check the posting to see what is planned each day for the family-kids loved it when they got to make their own ice cream.

Great selection of DVDs to choose from and take back to the rooms.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[MARY-IN-OH]

I just can't wait for the contract to go through, then booking for next May. I think Starwars weekend would be a blast.

My son's already telling everyone that Daddy's buying part of Disneyworld to stay at.

We were both submitted to disney for ROFR on the same day (6/1). I'm right there with you in the waiting game! Can't wait to be one step further in this process!
-mary

 

[alamode]

We generally spend time at the community center playing games, trucks, painting, coloring, etc. Check the posting to see what is planned each day for the family-kids loved it when they got to make their own ice cream.

Great selection of DVDs to choose from and take back to the rooms..

Is this the place that they put the kids when I went on my DVC tour? I remember them getting icecream.

 

[5forDiz]

Is this the place that they put the kids when I went on my DVC tour? I remember them getting icecream.

That would have been the DVC sales center.

Community Hall's at OKW & SSR are adjacent to main pool area, at BWV Community Hall is located at the villa's quiet pool, at AKV it is located in Kidani Village building. You can take your kids to any Community Hall during your trip, you are not limited to just using CH at DVC you're staying at. Sometimes you may need to pre-register for an activity; if you plan to visit CH at another resort you may want to call there day or two before to ask what's on the schedule.

Best wishes !

 

[ToddyLu]

I just can't wait for the contract to go through, then booking for next May. I think Starwars weekend would be a blast.

My son's already telling everyone that Daddy's buying part of Disneyworld to stay at.

Congratulations--my DH and I just purchased 210 points from Disney this weekend and like your son....is plotting our course of point use for the next 47 years....He has talked about it non stop for 5 days now....and I am the one who wanted the DVC to begin with......enjoy the time you have with your children owning Disney.

 

[ToddyLu]

Hey! Will they let me paint a Piggy Bank.....how cool is that.....we do not have children, unfortunately. I mean I would sign up ahead and even pay for the bank if needed.

 

[goofydad99]

Hey! Will they let me paint a Piggy Bank.....how cool is that.....we do not have children, unfortunately. I mean I would sign up ahead and even pay for the bank if needed.

The activities are open to everyone. We loved the Community Hall in Kidani. Our family had an enjoyable 2 hours there while I tried to get an adr with the concierge. (is a whole other story) Anyway, goofydad not only watched the children while he was in there he also made some Star Wars themed buttons. It was a lot of fun.

 

[ToddyLu]

Awesome, I will sneak down in my halloween costume and play.....seriously, I will check it out, sounds like fun and you get a souvenir of sorts.