How did you decide where to add on?

[4mcbjCtr]

We have 200 SSR points and would like to add-on until we get to 415 (one week during peak season in a 2 bedroom). I have thought about getting a few smaller contracts at the other resorts - BCV, BWV and VWL of about 50 points each. I have only been through BWV, but have not even seen the rooms (will be staying there in June).

When you wanted to add on, did you just do it based on others reviews, or did you take a tour of the resort and check out the rooms? How did you know where you wanted to add-on?

I think we will probably do an add-on in the next 12 months, so was just wondering how you all made the decision. I would love any input on how to make this decision. I am about 6 months new to DVC, so wanted some input from some of you experts. I keep wanting to call my guide and add-on, but I am just not sure where I want to add on.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

When I bought in Oct 05 I felt that out of all the DVC properties I would like BWV the best. The reason is that it was the best location (besides BCV) being so close to Epcot and MGM and that I would really enjoy the boardwalk atmosphere. So we bought there.

But there are so many reason to buy at other resorts. They all have their pros.

OKW- low point values and the grand villa's that you can get for 36 points a night in value season. Great theming too.

BCV-- SAB and the location.

BWV-- location plus the fact that they have preferred and standard view rooms (less points per night) and the atmosphere of the boardwalk and luna park.

SSR- Carriage rides, DTD and the extra 12 years!!

WLV-- location to MK, theming (I haven't been but it seems everyone raves about the theming).

You should try to visit all of them and then make your decision based on your likes. Everyone raves about the Beach Club- but I'm from NE and not really thrilled with Cape Cod so I really didn't fall in love with it--- However, I was actually going to do an add on there just from what others have said.

But, I think I'm going to wait till the contemporary becomes a reality before I add on. If it doesn't happen I'm happy with the BWV and may do an add on at VB-

 

[dianeschlicht]

We bought 220 points at OKW in 1997. Within the year, we decided we didn't have enough points and decided to add on an additional 150 points. We thought about buying BWV, but we really didn't like it there. Then they opened up new points at OKW, and we decided that was the best case for us, since it gave us the 11 booking window at OKW with all 380 points.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

We started out with 150 at BWV. Last year we added 200 at SSR. A couple of reasons: there were some nice incentives at the time, and we simply liked SSR because it seemed to be a nice hybrid between the condo feel of OKW (which we still like) and the proximity to DD. Oh, yeah - Grand Villas at a nice price point (or is it point point?)

But we love 'em all, and don't mind calling MS and asking for "anything available" if we try something on short notice.

 

[Figment2]

I've done 5 add ons - mostly at my home resort of BVW. One of them though was a WLV contract which I just sold. I decided that I wanted all my points in one basket so to speak. No I don't have to think about what points are available to use.

One thing to remember when adding on is that if you cannot combine points at the 11 mos window. In other words, you cannot use BWV points when making a SSR reservation at 11 mos. That said, would you have problems making a reservation for a 2BR during a peak season at SSR the 7 mos window - probably not since it is the largest resort. It will be harder (at least I believe this) to make reservations at the smaller DVC resorts at the 7 mos window.

Cyn

 

[dianeschlicht]

Cyn, that's exactly why we wanted all ours at the same home as well. It does simplify the booking, banking and borrowing scenario.

 

[Slakk]

We are waitlisted for BCV and VWL, currently we own at SSR (our favorite).

We use the SSR for our January trip and are adding 50 each at the other resorts for every other year use...June/July trip at BCV (for the POOL) and December VWL.

THis way we have points at resorts that have difficult ressie times

 

[mbhoxsie]

I would recommend that you own at two maybe three resorts max... Own multiple contacts at each resort, but keep your contracts small. (That way you can sell them off later if need be.)

Also, keep all of your contracts the same UY if possible... Makes booking much easier...

To answer your questions though... We own at two resorts.. BWV and VB... I wanted something onsite and something offsite... That way we have the best of both worlds... There isn't much else onsite I'd go for.. (Unless they put villas at AKL. )

If DVC ever decides to build something else offsite, maybe I'd consider... Just to add variety..

 

[FlyingfreeWDW]

I added on at BCV because I wanted to have that location to complement my SSR points. I now have access to the Epcot location for F&W Fest. and the SSR for DTD, 12 more years, and the lower dues. I would really suggest adding on where you would like to spend the majority of your stays. I'm in the process of adding on 1,000 + points and will try to cover all the resorts minus VB (higher dues). Try to complement your SSR points by adding on at a resort where you like the features/theming/location would be my best advice. Cost of ownership should also be considered. Good luck with this.

 

[Plutofan]

Each resort has its benefits. Since we could not decide we are in the process of adding on at each reort. Five down and two to go if our finances can take it. Good luck.

 

[mikesmom]

We originally bought at BWV for location (and because we had stayed there and loved it!). When they were almost sold out, DVC sent out a "last chance" solicitation and we added an extra 100 points.

A year later we stayed at OKW for the first time and just fell in love with it! For the vacation when you-absolutely-gotta-get-a-break we think it is just perfect. We go there to zone out and often have no intention of visiting a park. We bought 150 points to cover the possibility we would want a GV for large family trips.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

We added on to our original 175 SSR points just this month...another 130 points to give us 305 all at SSR. My feeling is that I wanted enough points at one resort to make my 11 month ressies with as much assurance as possible given the program. We typically travel in lower volume times, so sometimes I will try to switch out at the 7 month mark, but I will take most of my trips to SSR.

I couldn't see adding on a small contract at another resort because it wouldn't be enough for me to get the entire trip I would typically want...but that's just me.

Others make it happen with smaller contracts at a second, or even third resort. I just haven't figured why that would be necessary for me, at least not yet.

Go with your gut...buy where you want to stay and get enough points to get what you want, that's my opinion.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

One consideration for us was that we buy points that match our original August use year. Even with all the great planning tools and my own pencil and paper, it'd be hard for me to keep up with banking, borrowing, etc., in different use years. But that's just me... it just seems simpler when all my points hit on the same day.