Yes, that is surprising, especially with how perfectly it aligned with the end of the fall incentives. It isn't unprecedented, though. When I first bought into
DVC almost 2.5 years ago, my guide told me that they had points available for purchase at all the WDW resorts except for VGF. VGF is my DW's favorite, and we almost bought it resale for our initial purchase. We ended up buying RIV then, but we added-on VGF during the summer incentives. I'm glad we did. Those summer incentives were a great deal and really moved inventory.
I received my Magical Beginnings check within 2 weeks after my final payment. They don't send them out until after the contracts have been fully paid.