Help a Newbie

[Phillyfan]

My husband and I are not (yet) owners. But, we're thinking of buying into DVC. I'm just not sure how many points or where to purchase. My daughter is young (3), but someday will be in school and so we will be limited to going on school vacations for a while. We'll probably go every other year, as we have other vacation spots to go to also. However, someday, we won't be limited to school breaks, and can go whenever we wish, including lower-points' seasons. Once in awhile, we may go 2 years in a row. We'd most likely want to stay for a week in a 2 bdroom, as we're not going to go all that frequently and like to spread out or bring the grandparents. So, any advice on the number of points? How did you decide?

Another question is where to stay. I think we'd prefer staying near Epcot, but might want to check out VWL or BLV sometimes too. We don't really want a car, so the others are out. I understand there is bus service, but I'd rather get to the parks quickly.

One more question - which is a better deal? BCV, with a higher buy-in, but lower MFs, or BWV, with the opposite? We're looking at resales and will not be financing.

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

 

[Donna M]

We spent a lot of time looking at the points charts. Find out when your school vacations tend to be and think about which room you will most often want. Do you anticipate more children?

We bought enough points for a two bedroom during our school break to be able to go for almost a full week (not staying on a Friday or Saturday night can save a lot of points!)

Once we started going down we loved it so much we bought more points. We also try out different places.

Good luck.

 

[Phillyfan]

Thanks for your response. Hopefully, we will have more children. I just need an idea of how DVC'ers decide to buy points, given the changes in family needs over time. Any other ideas?

Thanks!

 

[Goofy-Runner]

We were in your position a few years ago (OK a lot of years ago). We have been members since OKW was the only choice so we didn't have that part of the equation to worry about. We have 150 points and that has been plenty to get a 2 bedroom every other year at any of the resorts. We only go during school breaks, and will be that way for awhile yet as while the oldest is off to college, the youngest is only in 3rd grade. We've even managed to vacation in a 3 bedroom GV and have still kept to the every other year vacation. When we finally get past the need for 2 bedrooms and the school vacation high seasons I think my wife and I will start going more often for shorter trips and maybe using the points at some of the other resorts. Good luck with your decision.

btw I assumed by your screenname your from Philadelphia, I live just outside the city.

 

[oakmanner]

Good luck with your decision!

Dennis-

 

[Phillyfan]

Thanks for the advice. Yep - I'm from Philly. Go EAGLES!