Incentive/Developer points question

[WonderinAland]

We are considering buying in and will check it all out when we go in 3 (!) weeks. I'm trying to figure out if the current incentives will be worth buying in through Disney (BLT), or if I should go resale (BCV). I don't think the cruise is a good option, as we have a 17 month old and I hadn't planned on cruising with her until she was about 3. (Did it when DS was 18 months... not again!)

We may be able to return to WDW this summer, and I was thinking about a Star Wars Weeekend.

Question is, has anyone used DP on such short notice? What is the availability? Has anyone run into problems booking with the DP? What will they do when the booking window is too close to the expiration? (for those who've done this before!)

Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

Buy where you love to stay. It doesn't make sense to buy at a resort that you aren't in love with. You will be spending a good chunk of change and you will probably have your membership for many years to come. Having a 11 month booking advantage is becoming more important as the membership grows. Since you have little ones, you should consider BCV and the Stormalong Bay pool.

 

[Sandisw]

I just added on at BLT and got the developer points. I easily could make a reservation at SSR in a studio for August.

When I called about adding on, I did ask my guide about the availability because it was a deciding factor as to whether or not I added on now, or in the summer when I was already booked on a reservation through CRO. He had no problem checking for me. When I knew I could get the room for my dates, I went ahead with the purchase.

But, as the PP said, buy where you want to stay. I have always loved the Contemporary and bought in to DVC when I knew that BLT was a reality. It is more expensive buy in but MK is my favorite park (my children's as well) and the ease of walking, hopping on a monorail is key for me!

You will find BCV prices lower on the resale market, but remember to compare MF's and life of contract and weigh that against the initial cost. Sometimes, that can make a difference. If you have little ones and foresee yourself going to WDW for many years to come, that 18 year difference (BCV ends in 2042 and BLT in 2060) may mean something to you.

The great thing is you will be down in WDW soon. I would suggest trying to get over to the sales center and take a look at the rooms. They are also selling AKV right now and the buy in for new members at that resort is only 100 pts (compared to BLT at 160)...but again, if you don't see yourself being happy there, it might not be a great choice. You could also stop by the BCV to look around.

Good luck and happy planning!!!

 

[Malaguti Ball Clan]

You should not have a problem with the DP's, I just joined, and made a ressie to use up the DP's at SSR in june. That being said however, I went through disney, so I was able to book right away (I haven't even closed yet!!!) because they gave me my member number right after I gave them the deposit. A note about the DP's though, when I (and others) called to use the DP's at SSR we were told that it will take up to four weeks to get a confirmation number!! but when I made my december ressie at my home resort using my regular points, I got the confirmation number right on the phone and my ressie showed up in the system right away. Good luck and if you need anything else just let me know. Alex

 

[SonicGuy]

I too was told it would take up to 4 weeks to get a confirmation number (which apparently you must have to make dining reservations in the 90+10 window) but I got it in about 12 days.

We used most of our DP right when we bought last October for a trip in Jan 09. We had a few lef over so DW and I used the balance (plus a few of our new points) to book an adult only trip at the end of May for our 20th anniversary!

 

[WonderinAland]

Thanks for the advice. I probably should have said we have a referral, actually 2!

And now another question: do you think it's better, or worth more, to arrange a DVC tour before we go through our guide, or arrange it once we get there?