Just wondering-do points at different resorts matter?

[crisi]

We don't have a ton of points, own BWV, and utilize Standard View rooms to get more 'bang for our points.' Then when we bring guests, we have more points for an extra room. But we also use BWV points.

I'm points frugal...which doesn't mean I'm cheap - we have cash and know how to use it. But it doesn't make sense for us to use points willy nilly when points come in a more limited quantity than cash.

 

[extremesoccermom]

Kind of! We bought into SSR with a resale then slowly started adding points. For us any trip to Disney is a good trip to Disney. We primarily used and still do when free dining or the free GC deals come along. So the rooms are not that important but we LOVE AKL so when possible we are very happy with a Value Studio at AKV. It seems like we are usually points poor. The best way to get the most out of our points is to start with the least amount needed and work up from there. I would rather have the value or standard view for the point difference but we would like to stay in all the resorts.
This upcomming trip is our one big exception. We bought into BLT 100 points last year and immediately banked the 2009 points to use this year for a 2 bedroom MK view at BLT followed by the free 3 night cruise. We realized this will probably be the last vacation with both kids (20 and 15) so we figured it was worth the splurge. Now DS is asking if he can bring friends. With the 2 bedroom we will have room for him to bring up to 3 friends without any problem.
Bottom line I try to get the better deal on the points when I can but I am not willing to stress over it.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We tried BW view at BWV, but found that it wasn't worth it to us, so when we plan to stay at BWV, I used those points and book standard view 10-11 months out. That's where we stay for NYE, what a bargain! I'm definitely point conscious.

We just returned from our second VB, Beach Cottage stay, and when we take family/friends both DH and I agree that one of the accomodations must be a BC, we are totally spoiled there. When it's just DH and I we'll get an OVIR.

So, two resorts, 2 different point awareness issues, and I've always tried to balance the points with what we want to get out of the stay.

Bobbi

 

[Greysword]

I think everyone falls into one of two categories: 1) Lots of points providing free action without the concern of point requirements and 2) medium to few points who need to make decisions based on their current needs.

This sound like a moto statement, but there are inherent costs to each.

1) A lot of points provides a significant ability to reserve rooms of any size at any time of the year. If you own enough points to afford a Grand Villa at BLT during the Christmas or Spring break timeframes, then you likely don't even need to consider the point numbers. However, these owners pay for this mobility through higher dues, possibly higher initial costs, and the real chance of not being able to use all of their points by year's end. This last aspect means a lower inherent value per point or extra work in renting the points.

2) On the other hand, many owners have a balanced number of points in order to minimize their cash expense requirements. They buy an initial amount of points based on current fiscal ability and/or forecasted vacations at a certain time of the year in a certain room category for a specific resort. If any of these latter requirements change (additional guests, a shift in vacation season, etc), then the number of required points will likely shift (many times upward). Members in this category are likely to be more savvy as to resort, season, and space requirements and do watch the point charts closely. Some move into the first group by purchasing more points as time passes, and will liekly sell off contracts later as requirements change.

Our family is squarely in the second category. Our initial 165 points at SSR allowed us a great deal of flexibility with a 1-BR in most seasons. However, our two trips since July 2009 required two bedroom units, so we were frugal with the points (staying at OKW) for the first one and eventually added on for ther second. Our next trip will be in december, and may bleed into the holiday season. We are thinking about bringing more family, too, so our choices are certainly dictated by the resort, number of guests, and room size (or multiple rooms). We can't afford a grand villa at anytime and anywhere, but we can afford a THV or maybe a 2BR and Studio at another resort.

 

[Dean]

I can see where it would seem silly to look for a good deal on the initial purchase and then throw pts into less valuable uses like RCI, cruises ect right of the bat. One of the reasons I love the DIS boards, it feeds my planning obsession while educating me on the best methods of using my points!

But that's exactly what a lot of people do it seems. However, I do understand the difference in macro-managing and micromanaging.

I think everyone falls into one of two categories: 1) Lots of points providing free action without the concern of point requirements and 2) medium to few points who need to make decisions based on their current needs.

I don't think it's that simple. I think some have bought in and cease to look at value critically and others (myself for one) puts an inherent value into each and every point. As I noted previously, it really wouldn't be an issue for those that already owned if DVC points weren't so liquid. Each has to decide what their comfort level is for such issues.