How Many Points Should I Buy?

[tigergrad]

Been looking to buy into DVC for several years. We are finally in good shape to purchase points via resale. I need help determining how many points to purchase. Here's our situation:

Looking to purchase to take at least one family vacation every other year. There are currently 8 of us ranging in age from 2-52. Looking forward to having more grandchildren in the future. We can stay in a 2 bedroom if grand villas are too many points. Maybe be able to let the kids/grandkids take a short vacation- studio - each year if they want.

Most likely we would take our big family vacation in June or July- I'm a teacher and our son plays football- not sure what use year to look for...

Would like to take our big family vacation next summer- it's our 30th anniversary and we'd like to celebrate with the family. So a frontloaded contract would be great.

We like AK, OKW, & BLT- but we're not really picky.

I'm thinking 200 points?

Suggestions?

 

[Sandisw]

There is a points chart up top that can give you an idea. Summer is Magic season so the bad news is that its one of the highest season...the good news is that its one of the highest seasons so if you ever get a chance to go at a different time down the road, you will need less points.

I am a teacher as well so summer travel will always be there until I retire!!

With 200 points, on an every other year plan, that gives you 400 points to play with. OKW grand villas are the cheapest if you are looking to stay in one room--the GV's at the other resorts are a lot more (ie: summer at OKW is 63 where boardwalk is 110) so you won't get as much there.

If that is what you want, then I might consider buying there so you can get one at 11 months out.

However, if doing a studio and two bedroom is an option--it can be cheaper than doing a grand villa and give you sleeping room for what you need and allow you to buy at one of the resorts you mention and stretch your points.

We own at BLT and BWV because where we own and stay is the main priority for us. I am taking 13 people this summer, and we opted for a 2 bedroom an and a few studios. It saved points over a GV and gives everyone a bit of space if they need it.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

We like AK, OKW, & BLT- but we're not really picky.

I'm thinking 200 points?

Suggestions?

Buy where you love to stay and stay before you buy.

Bill

 

[staceymay00]

OKW will give you the most space and number of nights for your money. The villas (grand villas, especially) require fewer points than other resorts. It looks like 200 points at OKW will get you six nights every other year in a GV during the summer months. We own 150 pts at OKW - love it there - and that is enough for a week in a 2BR every other year during the summer. The other great thing about OKW is that the villas are very spacious compared to newer resorts.

You can find point charts and resort pictures on various sites including this one. Also try DVCNews.com and Allears.net.

 

[Dean]

Been looking to buy into DVC for several years. We are finally in good shape to purchase points via resale. I need help determining how many points to purchase. Here's our situation:

Looking to purchase to take at least one family vacation every other year. There are currently 8 of us ranging in age from 2-52. Looking forward to having more grandchildren in the future. We can stay in a 2 bedroom if grand villas are too many points. Maybe be able to let the kids/grandkids take a short vacation- studio - each year if they want.

Most likely we would take our big family vacation in June or July- I'm a teacher and our son plays football- not sure what use year to look for...

Would like to take our big family vacation next summer- it's our 30th anniversary and we'd like to celebrate with the family. So a frontloaded contract would be great.

We like AK, OKW, & BLT- but we're not really picky.

I'm thinking 200 points?

Suggestions?

Assuming you're talking about a week every other year, I'd suggest between 175 and 200 and aim for 2 BR units. Even less initially wouldn't be a bad idea. I'd suggest you buy either at SSR or OKW assuming they are the cheapest for you. Since you already know several of the resorts you like (and presumably all the on property options), you should know whether you would be upset with any of the choices. IMO, buying at say BLT at a higher cost would be a mistake in your situation unless you plan to stay there most trips. You can always buy more points later. In your situation you can totally separate the home resort from visit choices assuming you buy on property.

 

[ToddyLu]

AKV-Kidani 2 bedroom has three bathrooms which is nice for the points. Also we are getting 2 value studios this fall for 69 points each for a week which leaves us enough points for a studio in May for a few nights. We go every year and own 210 points. Like the others say, buy around 200 points and try it out, you can always buy more.

 

[Caren90]

It seems that with banking and borrowing and your expectation to take a trip every other year, 150 points may be a reasonable starting point. If you find you need more points, then a points transfer or the purchase of an additional smaller contract will make up the difference.
Buying less than you need at first may be better since you will always be on the hook for the maintenance fees of the contract you purchase for a long period of time.
Stephen

 

[SpaceMountain77]

I agree with Stephen.

If you plan on going every other year, then a 150 point contract will give you 300 points to use. At Old Key West, 300 points is more than enough for at least 8 days, 7 nights a year during Adventure, Choice, Dream, and Magic Seasons. Depending on your dates of travel, you can easily pick up an additional 3 days and 2 nights during Adventure Season for a full 11 day, 10 night stay.

The only exception would be the last 2 weeks of April and Christmas week, both fall within the Premier Season, which requires 398 points.

Start with a conservative contract. You can always add-on.

 

[AllieV]

300 for what you're talking about. Just my opinion based on what you mentioned you'd like to do. The worst thing is to not have enough and then start looking for another contract, start negotiations again, pay another closing fee, and pay a higher cost per point because your add-on is small. You'll want to travel back in time and smack yourself.

Sometimes you can find an agency that is selling a two-for-one-closing-cost deal.