I want to join

[bonnielynn]

but have many questions that I would love to have someone answer.. other than someone who is trying to sell me a timeshare.. so hope someone out there can help..

I am a family of 5... I go to disney at least every other year and wanted to know how many points is good for us? I like staying at the Wilderness Lodge but would love to try poly... I have talked to my hubby about SSR.. since you get to keep that for 49 yrs and he figures that is better than buying a resale.. but I am not so sure... any advice for a novice?

 

[BCVOwner2002]

Sent you a pm. Minimum buy in through DVC is 150 points. If you go every other year, that would give you 300 points (once you bank or borrow). There are DVC Point Charts at the top of this page which will let you know how many points you would need during different times of the year. With 5 people in your family you would need to stay in a 2-BR since that holds up to 8 people. Ask any questions you may have. There are a lot of people here who can give great advice.

Annmarie

 

[sweetinmaine]

bonnielynn,

Good luck in your decision! We were also going to WDW every few years. After we took the 2 cruises we finally spoke to someone who pointed out that the DVC membership would have paid for itself had we owned it at that time. My DH, the skeptic, didn't want anything to do with a "timeshare". This past March we were stuck in a rain storm at Magic Kingdom. We ran for the nearest cover, a DVC membership tent. The nice lady, Carol, explained while we waited all about the DVC. He listened, really listened. We came home and within 2 days, he had decided that the DVC was for us. We called and spoke with Bernard and asked all kinds of questions. He was wonderful and answered everything that we asked. Not pushy! Within 2 days of this conversation we called Bernard back and here we are planning our second trip on DVC points! You'll get all kinds of help if you just ask. These boards are wonderful!

 

[DizneyNutz]

bonnielynn,

Good luck in your decision! We were also going to WDW every few years. After we took the 2 cruises we finally spoke to someone who pointed out that the DVC membership would have paid for itself had we owned it at that time. My DH, the skeptic, didn't want anything to do with a "timeshare". This past March we were stuck in a rain storm at Magic Kingdom. We ran for the nearest cover, a DVC membership tent. The nice lady, Carol, explained while we waited all about the DVC. He listened, really listened. We came home and within 2 days, he had decided that the DVC was for us. We called and spoke with Bernard and asked all kinds of questions. He was wonderful and answered everything that we asked. Not pushy! Within 2 days of this conversation we called Bernard back and here we are planning our second trip on DVC points! You'll get all kinds of help if you just ask. These boards are wonderful!

They are not pushy and by all means visit a kiosk or call the phone number (we avoided them like the plague to begin with). They are there to help and we did not experience any high pressure sales by no means ( we were actually told to take some time to think it over). You will get your questions answered here or there with no pressure. Ultimately they leave the decision to you as it should be. Best of luck to you and yours!!!

 

[cobbler]

We too took the tour and there was no pressure at all. We really enjoyed getting all our questions answered and found out a lot of info. Of course they do lay deals on the table to give you that nudge but by all means there was no pressure at all.

 

[Caskbill]

Keep in mind that using DVC points for non-DVC resorts can be pretty expensive, meaning you would use the same number of points for a plain WDW hotel room as you might use for a spacious fully equipped 2-B/R DVC villa. Don't plan on buying DVC if you want to use the points at the Poly for example. The best use of DVC points is to use them at DVC resorts.

 

[rocketriter]

If you want to spend a full week in a 2-bedroom every other year in "Magic" season--the second most expensive season for points, surpassed only by "Premiere" season at Christmas and Spring break--you'll need to own 175 points. There are other seasons, of course, and ways to save on points by staying weekends somewhere else, but this number gives you a starting point for your calculations.

 

[jmminarik]

They are not pushy and by all means visit a kiosk or call the phone number (we avoided them like the plague to begin with). They are there to help and we did not experience any high pressure sales by no means ( we were actually told to take some time to think it over).

We just returned from a week in Las Vegas, where we truly learned how Walt has spoiled us for dealing with the rest of the world. I won't go on a rant about Vegas's poor showing compared to the Imagineers, but by the end of the 1st day I truely appreciated every Castmember working at the Kiosks and the Guides we've dealt with.

-Joe

 

[bicker]

However, Joe, it does bear repeating every so often, since sometimes we forget just how great WDW is. Thanks for today's reminder.

 

[bonnielynn]

Keep in mind that using DVC points for non-DVC resorts can be pretty expensive, meaning you would use the same number of points for a plain WDW hotel room as you might use for a spacious fully equipped 2-B/R DVC villa. Don't plan on buying DVC if you want to use the points at the Poly for example. The best use of DVC points is to use them at DVC resorts.

I am glad you told me that.. because my way of thinking was that I could buy the DVC and pretty much stay anywhere onsite...

 

[bonnielynn]

If you want to spend a full week in a 2-bedroom every other year in "Magic" season--the second most expensive season for points, surpassed only by "Premiere" season at Christmas and Spring break--you'll need to own 175 points. There are other seasons, of course, and ways to save on points by staying weekends somewhere else, but this number gives you a starting point for your calculations.

Thanks.. so 175 is a better number for me..!

 

[BCVOwner2002]

I am glad you told me that.. because my way of thinking was that I could buy the DVC and pretty much stay anywhere onsite...

You can stay anywhere on site but it costs more points to stay at a non-DVC resort so it's not as good a value for your points. Have you ever stayed at BC/YC or Wilderness Lodge? If so, then you already know their benefits (proximity to MK for Wilderness Lodge or proximity to EPCOT for BCV) but now add in DVC where you will have a full kitchen, jacuzzi, washer and dryer in your unit if you get a 1 or 2-BR. Annmarie

 

[byoung]

I have 200pts BWV. I'm booking 20 nights in a studio between this Dec and next Dec, if i was to pay rack rates for these nights the cost would be over $6000 plus taxes. To me by being a member I am savivg a lot and staying in great places. Good luck on your decision.