I'd like your thoughts on starting out with 250 points...

[IslandHap]

We are planning on buying 250 points at BCV when sales begin in Feb. This will be our first DVC purchase, and I'd like to hear from others about the utility of that number of points.

I thought I'd have Disney divide them into two contracts, 200 and 50. That way if 250 seems to be too many, I could easily cut back to 200 through a resale. I can always add on more if 250 should turn out to be too few.

Our current plans are to visit WDW about once a year on points, for 5-7 days. I also may use a few points on single night Sunday studio stays, as I go to Orlando often due to my job. We want to use points for the cruise, and plan to "trade out" occasionally also.

Any thoughts???

 

[Orky15]

I've been told that if you are going to purchase around 200, get 210. If you go through a point chart, it is a very clean division of of time-for-points (i.e. 210 would allow you to spend x amount of weeks at each type of room).

I'd get 210 and another 50 point contract somewhere. That sounds like a good plan.

 

[PamOKW]

Sounds like an excellent starting point. I believe 230 was the amount DVC originally was selling with the idea that would allow trades easily.

 

[Granny]

I was going to buy 250 points, but my guide suggested that I buy 272. That was the number of points needed for a week at VWL in the heart of the summer season at WDW.

His rationale was that if I traded out through II, I would be able to trade out an entire week and make it a lot easier.

Frankly, I don't intend to trade out much at all in the next 40 years.

I bought 275.

 

[danicaw]

We have 210.
So far it has met our needs perfectly.

Since joining we have gone every year. Last year we did a 7-day DCL in Dec on points. And this year we will be staying at AKL and BWV on points in Sept.

We tend to go in the low seasons. So, this works well for us.

 

[KyBill]

You didn't mention the size of your family nor the seasons you can go. Of course this make a diff. We started out with 250 in 1998 trying to accomodate two DD's and families and us. That fell thru pretty quick. Now we are up to 450. I now ration our DD's to 120 points during a use year. DW and use the rest.

 

[IslandHap]

There are just three of us in my immediate family, DW, DS, and my Disney self. DS is currently in grade school. Although this is a factor, we don't mind him missing school every now and then. We might bank/borrow from time to time to take some of the extended family along.

Combining what Orky15 and Granny suggested, I might do the following, using 2003 VWL points as a guide(till BCV are anounced). If I have one contract for 214 points, that would cover me in a one bedroom for a week during the Choice and Adventure seasons. If I make my second contract for 56 points, this will extend my one week, one bedroom into the Magic and Dream seasons.

Total points = 270.

Look at me, I've already added 20 points, and I haven't even bought yet.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by IslandHap
Look at me, I've already added 20 points, and I haven't even bought yet.

LOL, Island Hap! I've heard of people adding on before their first stay (we did that), but never anyone adding BEFORE they even bought in!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: we started with 210 at bwv and added another 150 before they sold out. it really does depend on what size villa you'll be wanting and when you usually go. be forewarned: once you stay in a 1br or larger unit, you will not want to go back to a studio. my family likes the 1 and 2br units the best. i think the bcv points will be the same as the bwv preferred view points.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by IslandHap
Look at me, I've already added 20 points, and I haven't even bought yet.

I'm telling you, these points are like quicksand. I'd offer to have you throw me a rope to help you get out, but I'm right next to you in the quicksand!

 

[ncligs]

Islandhap,
Starting with 250-270 pts is a very good start. I think going with one contract (if you can) would be easier, We started with 230, and added on 70 the first year. Then this past Dec. we bought 50 pts at VB. So we are very happy at 350 total. But........... we probably will add on 1 last time to give us 400.......... In closing wherever you start...you probably won't end up there.............

 

[llp479]

We've got 270 at BWV. These have been plenty for our annual trip in Feb. However, just this week DH got the "itch" to buy. So...we're looking at 200 - 230 resales at OKW.

 

[EROS]

I think that you'd best be advised to START SMALL. Adding-on , especially at BCV, will be a breeze. Selling a 50 point contract is going to cost you some serious bucks (10-15% commission); buyers also have to pay around $500 in closing costs, which would increase their purchase price by $10/point.

Remember, the real cost of points is more in their annual dues x 40 years than the initial equity outlay. If you can easily use 250 points and can comfortably handle the dues, then go for it!!! Add-ons via Disney are effortless...............

 

[pluto109]

we started with 200 pts at bwv..added 100 ptswlv....added 100 at bwv.. 400 is not enough we need more ....i am hooked..

 

[DVCDAVE]

we have 275 at BWV and 275 at VWL. 250 to 275 is a very good starting point. We always go in Magic Season which is peak season, but then again that is when our boys are out of school, so our choices are limited.

 

[NancyDVC]

We started with 270 points (in 1992) and added another 50 2 years later. 320 pints works for us. (My best friend and I are co-members.) With banking we have been able to take my family (sister, 3 kids and parents) 8 of us in all, at Easter and then at Thanksgiving (different years). We usually get a one bedroom just for the 2 of us to spread out. We usually stay at OKW but have stayed at VB and HH. Last year we went to DL and HH and are headed back to OKW in March. My work schedule has prevented more frequent trips. I keep wishing for a big lottery win to finance more points!

 

[IslandHap]

Well... (play drum roll now)

We did it! The magic number turned out to be 280 points @ BCV.

I split the points into two contracts of 230 and 50. I figure this way if 280 is too many, I can sell the 50 point contract. Even if I could only get $45 or $50 per point, it would be better than having to sell all 280 points to cut back to a smaller number.

We took the free hotel nights incentive. I figure $1400 is a heck of a deal for 10 nights @ Disney.

 

[TIdoublegaER]

The points are definately addicting. No amount is ever enough. We started with 150 at HH and then added on 50 more less than 6 months later. This last fall we bought an OKW resale for another 150. While this appears to be a good number for us right now, I know DH would love to buy more!