Multiple home resorts

[coloradodad]

In my continuing research I am trying to sort out buying into multiple resorts. I understand the benefits of the smaller contracts, but if I was targeting 220-240 points, it seems that it makes sense to keep these in one resort.

Reason being it would offer me greater flexibility at my home resort. But then I get to thinking that if I had 50 point at BCV, every few years I could stay there, while not in a 2 bdrm, I would have the 11 month booking window.

Question is, what amount of points does it make sense to split up between resorts?

Another question is do more points at a smaller resort offer greater flexibility - i.e. BCV points easier to use at OKW or SSR versus going the other way (I know grand villas book fast everywhere)?

I know there is not one answer but there has to be some rule of thumb like if my contract is 200 points stick with one to keep lots of options versus splitting that amongst 4 resorts and limiting myself.

Just trying to learn a few of the ropes before making this decision.

Thx
mg

 

[Chuck S]

As to whether multiple resorts makes sense or not depends entirely upon the individual members. If you are looking to spend most of your trips at one resort, with only occasional stays at other DVC resort, I would keep all of my points at one resort. If you plan to regularly alternate stays between 2 or more resorts, it would make sense to have points in each of those resorts for the 11 month booking advantage. If you're the type of person that regularly book vacation 7 months of less prior to you vacation, and are unable or even just don't like to plan 11 to 8 months ahead, any resort will do, as at 7 months, "points are points."

I have 345 points all OKW all June use year. We have always stayed at OKW and usually make our plans during the priority window.

Given your example of BCV and 50 points, it seems like it would work for you. By banking and borrowing you'd have 150 points every 3 years to book duing the priority window.

 

[coloradodad]

I was thinking that it would be fun to stay at multiple places, but then again, my last three trips I have been at POFQ and have not considered any other moderates.

mg

 

[ammo]

It depends on your needs -- how many points you need per trip and how many trips you take each year. If you take one trip per year for around 240 points, you could own 80 points at each of three different resorts. Through banking and borrowing, you could rotate resorts each year and take advantage of the 11-month home resort priority for the full 240 points that you need. For example, you could use banked '06 points, current '07 points, and borrowed '08 points (80 each year) to book an entire stay at the 11-month window for the current year. Next year you could do the same thing at a different resort (banked '07, current '08, and borrowed '09 points), and the third year at another resort. This could be done for almost any number of points, subject only to the minimum contract size.

 

[mikesmom]

For what it's worth we have 300 points at BWV and 150 points at OKW. BWV was our original home resort and we always want to have home resort advantage for F&W. We got the OKW for an occassional whole family GV trip. Funny thing is, I fell in love with the peace and quiet of OKW and now (except for F&W) I far prefer to book there if it's just me and DH.

 

[coloradodad]

For what it's worth we have 300 points at BWV and 150 points at OKW. BWV was our original home resort and we always want to have home resort advantage for F&W. We got the OKW for an occassional whole family GV trip. Funny thing is, I fell in love with the peace and quiet of OKW and now (except for F&W) I far prefer to book there if it's just me and DH.

For what its worth.... those are the exact opinions I am looking for. Thanks so much.

 

[Dean]

I think it also depends on which resort and what type of accommodations you need most trips. One can reserve essentially anything except possibly a GV at OKW & SSR at 7 months out so having multiple home resorts really has no negatives unto itself. OTOH, for BWV, BCV, AKV and VWL it can make a huge difference is you don't have all your points there. One approach is to try it out at say 150-160 points then you can add on later for the additional points. For resale, the specific contracts you find may help you make a decision based on the price and points accounting.