how many points should we buy?

[markm0926]

Family of 5, want to vacation at WDW once every year for 7 days.
Any idea how many points we should buy ? We'd probally do fine in the smallest available room.

Thanks!!

 

[Richyams]

Smallest available room when the youngest is over three is a two bedroom. These vary greatly depending on which time of year and which resort. To start out, 200 or so would be a good place. Get to know the resorts and your prefered way to use them.

 

[DVC1996]

Originally posted by markm0926
Family of 5, want to vacation at WDW once every year for 7 days.
Any idea how many points we should buy ? We'd probally do fine in the smallest available room.

Thanks!!

The smallest available room would be a studio but only 4 people are allowed in the room. The same holds true for a one bedroom except in both instances they do allow 4 people plus a baby in a crib. This being said, I would recommend a two bedroom unit for a family of 5. If you're buying at the newest resort ( BCV) then I recommend a minimum of 350 pts for vacationing in Magic Season and 462 points for Premier Season ( holiday period). You could get by with 270 points if you vacation in the lowest point season which is Adventure Season ( January 1-31, September 1-30, and December 1-14). You could get by with lower points if you choose to only use your DVC points Sunday-Thursday nights since points are close to double on Saturday and Sunday. In Magic Season ( Feb 16-28, March 1-23, April 7-30, June 11-30, July 1-31, Aug 1-15, and Nov 27-29) you could stay for 5 nights at BCV for 200 pts. A 2 BR is 40 pts per night during this season but jumps to 75 pts per night on Fri and Sat nights.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

A major question that must be answered, is at what time of the year do you vacation? The required points vary greatly depending upon season. I wouldn't buy the exact number of points needed. As others here have suggested, a 10% buffer is nice.
We bought more points than we needed for DVC resorts, as we plan to stay at The Poly, and AKL a few nights per year.
Good Luck!!!