New to the DVC any suggestions?

[MrGrumpy222]

I just purchased 260 point into Saratoga Springs this month. I think it is and will be one of the best investments/gifts I ever gave to my family. I was told that to maximize my points to check out on Fridays and return again on Sundays and it seems pretty clear why, my question is will me and my family be the only nomads moving thru WDW from resort to resort? My current plan is to go the 1st 2 weeks of December 2005 with 5 nights in Saratoga Springs 2 nights in POFQ paying cash (Fri. & Sat.) and 4 nights in OKW. Am I alone in this madness?

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have only 380 points, and we never do that. I would much rather look at the points on a "per week" basis than change rooms. There is all the hassle of packing up the food and wondering what to do with the perishables in the fridge etc. Once I settle into a villa, I like to stay put until we go home. With a 10 night stay (our usual choice), you can plan so there is only one weekend, and that minimizes those weekend points.

 

[EmptyNester]

ITA! Once we get there, we like to move in and "stay put" for the duration.

That said, you will find there are many DVCer's who do exactly what you propose to do. It's really a matter of personal/family preferences.

-Sharon

 

[Granny]

You will find many people who do the "resort shuffle" in order to stretch their points.

And you will find many people who prefer to settle in and not spend vacation time packing and changing resorts.

It's all personal preference, but you are most certainly not alone in this.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I have been a member since 95 and have only used points for one Saturday since then. I usually stay at the Hilton in the DD area on Fri and Sat nights. The whole idea of paying about 2.5 times more in points to do otherwise does not fly with me.

 

[rocketriter]

Here's a free suggestion (and it's worth everything it costs):

Give your cash-on-weekends strategy a try. Plenty of people use this strategy to stretch their points. Then pay attention to how your family handles it. If they have enough nomad in their blood to enjoy the change of scenery, then you've got yourself a long-term strategy. If they don't enjoy packing and moving, well, enjoying is what DVC is all about, so you can use more points in the future in order to ensure their pleasure.

The bottom line is not to maximize vacation points, it's to maximize vacation pleasure. Let your family tell you what's best for them.

 

[bz8bls]

We are staying at our home resort (SSR) 12-19 thru 12-23; then we are paying cash at the AP rate (a lot cheaper that the DVC discount) at OKW 12-24 and 12-25 then on points at OKW from 12-26 thru 12-31 (hope we can keep the same room). We wanted to try our home resort this time, that's why we didn't stay at OKW on the first leg of trip.

 

[alsipd]

Try it both ways! Remember, it is YOUR vacation!
Live on the edge and experiment with your options.

Most of all, have a magical Disney vacation!!!!

 

[pumpkinboy]

This last visit (5 nights @BWV over Veterans' Day) we had 2 nights on points, 2 nights for cash w/DVC discount (25%) and the last night on points again. It worked fine, and we stayed in the same room the entire time.

DW will not move during our stays, most of the time, tho in April we spend the 1st wkend at AKL at super-discount General Public code, then the next 6 nights BWV (the last of those, a Fri, at the DVC discounted cash rate). We'd rather not change rooms even, which could be a problem meshing a CRO ressie with a MS ressie.