Getting the Most Out of DVC

[disney junky]

I'm approaching retirement. My wife and I own 200 pts at BWV. We have two grown children who are now married with children of their own. For the first 10 years of owning points, we've always had plenty for our needs, which usually included a week trip every two or three years, restricted to the summer because of my job as a teacher. We've done a couple long weekend trips, one to VB and one to SSR, mostly somewhat spur of the moment.

My question for other DVC owners is this: In retirement, we will have much more flexibility for the use of points. What are some suggestions to get the most out of these. I don't have any desire to add-on. We like traveling to places other than DVC resorts.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[disneynutz]

Plan your DVC stays during the cheapest season.

Bill

 

[com_op_2000]

Plan your DVC stays during the cheapest season.

Bill

Ditto

Always have more than one reservation scheduled, that way if you miss out of something one time you can always say we'll get to it next time. Keep looking forward to your next visit, I have been on over 140 DVC trips over the past 20+ years and still have not seen/done everything there is to do at DVC/WDW/other east coast resorts.
Plan a trip during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas, it is a busy DVC time frame but the cooler weather, park/resort decorations, and just everyone in a very happy/holiday mood is totally different vibe than during the summer.

 

[CarolMN]

My DH is retired and I have a very flexible part-time job. We have 250 points at BWV and usually take three 6 or 7 night trips every two years. We stay in SV 1 bedroom villas. Our pattern:

Late November/Early December (Holiday decorations, events & decorations),

Late April/ Early May (EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival),

October (EPCOT's Food & WIne Festival).

That pattern also allows us to purchase annual passes every other year. I'm sure you could do the same with 200 points by utilizing studios or a combination of 1 bedrooms & studios.

We check the WDW calendars to avoid (if possible) RunDisney weekends, school breaks and the major Cheer/Dance/Sports Team events.

Since we don't care about riding all the rides every trip, FP+ is working well for us and we spend more time enjoying the resorts, non-park activities and trying new restaurants. Not bored yet, LOL.

We take non-Disney vacations every other year, but use our points only at DVC.

 

[disfanforlife]

My DH is retired and I have a very flexible part-time job. We have 250 points at BWV and usually take three 6 or 7 night trips every two years. We stay in SV 1 bedroom villas. Our pattern:

Late November/Early December (Holiday decorations, events & decorations),

Late April/ Early May (EPCOT's Flower & Garden Festival),

October (EPCOT's Food & WIne Festival).

That pattern also allows us to purchase annual passes every other year. I'm sure you could do the same with 200 points by utilizing studios or a combination of 1 bedrooms & studios.

We check the WDW calendars to avoid (if possible) RunDisney weekends, school breaks and the major Cheer/Dance/Sports Team events.

Since we don't care about riding all the rides every trip, FP+ is working well for us and we spend more time enjoying the resorts, non-park activities and trying new restaurants. Not bored yet, LOL.

We take non-Disney vacations every other year, but use our points only at DVC.

LOVE this idea. When we have more free time - that is exactly how often and when I would like to go.