newbie??about spreading out points???

[dyingtodisney]

I have been cruising these threads for a few weeks in anticipation of purchasing at SSR and my I thought the medical field had its own language, now I have another to learn
We know for sure we will purchase 250-270 points depending on cash available for down pmt. before 10/31. My question is should I do all at SSR or spread between 2 resorts. I asked my guide Bernard (does anyone else use him haven't seen his name on here) and it seemed clear on the phone but I guess it didn't stick because I'm lost now. For instance do you have to use all your points for that resort only to get the 11 month window or can you borrow from SSR contract to get 11 month window at your 2nd resort? Also what resorts currently have points available now?
Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[CarolMN]

Let me start - I'm sure others will post their opinions, too.

First of all, only "home" resort points (the points from the resort you purchased), can be used to make a reservation at the 11 month window. If you want to use points from another resort, you must wait until 7 months before check out to make the reservation.

Many people buy points at more than one resort to take advantage of the home resort booking advantage at more than one resort. They bank and borrow so that they have enough points to use the 11 month window for the entire reservation. Many alternate trips between the home resorts.

For us, keeping track of two different contracts is more hassle than it is worth. Others do not have a problem with the extra time and effort involved. However, we prefer to stay at our home resort and seldom want to stay elsewhere at a time that requires the 11 month window. Many, many members are successful booking at a non-home resort at the 7 month window. It really depends on when you want to go.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[dyingtodisney]

Thanks for the help!!! Let me see if I have this right: Let's say I have 150 points at SSR and 100 points at BCV. Suppose I want to make book 11 months out at BCV but need 140 points..I must then borrow from only BCV point to do this? Or could I borrow from SSR points? I agree right now it seems like a hassle to me also however since I haven't been to disney since I was 10 I'm not sure SSR as my home resort would be our "fave" place to stay most often without seeing, plus with a DD8 and DS4 it seems other resorts are more entertaining for kids than SSR looks. I guess I was wondering if spreading out the points would be safest bet , sight unseen??
It is comforting to know that booking at 7 month window is pretty easy, we would never travel at Christmas, primarily summer and spring break, generally when the kids are out of classes.
Anyone dealt with Bernard as a guide?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Hi dyingtodisney, and WELCOME to the DIS boards!

Yes, you are correct when you said you would have to borrow and use BCV points to get the 11 month window at BCV.

Keep in mind that when the kids are out of school, DVC and Disney can be a busy place.

Good luck, and again, WELCOME!

 

[spruce]

We have 4 contracts spread out between 3 resorts. It has never been a problem keeping track of our points. There are several things you can do to help with this; Use pencil and paper, use a points spread sheet or, call MS and get a print-out of point usage to balance them. Whichever method you use call MS to confirm that balance vs. their records.....spruce

 

[Richyams]

call MS and get a print-out of point usage to balance them

Sorry to disagree here, but these are the most complicated, indecipherable, useless things that I have ever seen. I would rather make notches on my arms than to depend on those.

 

[dyingtodisney]

Maistre Gracey,
If you had 270 p to buy would you personally buy at SSR only or maybe do 170 there and 100 elsewhere?
Also which resorts currently have points available?
Thanks so much for the WELCOME!!
Steph

 

[jeanniec]

Just wanted to say that I agree with your opinion of the points printout that MS sends out -- I am sitting at my computer laughing. Got one of those once -- never again. Found it to be pages and pages long (9 year member and it was all there!) and basically useless to me.

 

[chirona]

IMHO I think it is best to put your points on the resort that you feel would be the best for your family. Since you stated that the times you would go would be summer and durning school breaks. these are busy times at DW and having a 11 month window would be a benefit.
When I do add on it will be a OKW my home resort. I love the fact that the rooms are the biggest and it is quiet and the GV are great. I now have 250 pts I want 350 so I will purpose 100pts

 

[spiceycat]

Personally I would go with 150 BCV and 100 at SSR - why - SALB - this is one great pool - BCV is within walking distance of Epcot/Studios - you will love it.

In a few years (my opinion) BCV will be the most popular DVC there is - if you don't have it as your home resort - forget it....

that swimming pool in the summer will be wonderful!

but that is my opinion your will probably differ.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by dyingtodisney
Maistre Gracey,
If you had 270 p to buy would you personally buy at SSR only or maybe do 170 there and 100 elsewhere?
Also which resorts currently have points available?
Thanks so much for the WELCOME!!
Steph

Hi, dyingtodisney. I think it depends on where you want to stay.
If you rerally like two resorts, and think you will want the 11 month window at both, than splitting points is a good idea.
On the other hand, if you really love one resort more than the others, and want to primarily stay there, than I would buy all points at one.

I have all my on-site points at VWL, because that is my clear favorite. I also really enjoy Vero, so I have points there as well.

Let's see... what resorts are not sold out?
I could be wrong here, as these things change constantly- I think BCV has some use years left, There may be a few points left at Vero, and I'm not sure if BWV has any left. Of course, SSR has plenty.

Good luck, and feel free to ask more questions!

 

[dyingtodisney]

Good point ! I am not sure I'm ready to bag that many points into any resort I haven't seen yet.
Would I be really chancing it if I bought say 100-150 at SSR now just to get started?( I definitely want some at SSR due to being only 28 and I like the longer contract at SSR) Then when we take our first trip home the end of May I could see properties and add on more then....Of course I'd be highly upset if BWV or BCV were sold out and I had waited to see in person and missed my opportunity...
I know that everyone has their own opinion but could anyone with kids give me a "fave" resort for kids....
I'm guessing BWV due to the theme park like pool and all the games and stuff but I really don't know

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by dyingtodisney
Good point ! I am not sure I'm ready to bag that many points into any resort I haven't seen yet.
Would I be really chancing it if I bought say 100-150 at SSR now just to get started?( I definitely want some at SSR due to being only 28 and I like the longer contract at SSR) Then when we take our first trip home the end of May I could see properties and add on more then....Of course I'd be highly upset if BWV or BCV were sold out and I had waited to see in person and missed my opportunity...
I know that everyone has their own opinion but could anyone with kids give me a "fave" resort for kids....
I'm guessing BWV due to the theme park like pool and all the games and stuff but I really don't know

Personally, I think a 150 point purchase at SSR would be great, especially if you want the longer contract.

As far as the others being sold out, remember there is always the DVC waiting list, as well as resales. I don't know much about resales, but some here on the boards do. It is possible to save some money with resales as well.

I don't have kids yet, but I think opinions will vary on that question. Many will say VWL because of proximity to the MK.

 

[TwingleMum]

DyingtoDisney- I have 3 boys under 3 . Home resorts are a very personnal choice. I bought at BCV. I thought about where we would be the most over the life of the DVC contract. I think the boys would want Epcot/MGM access. And the pool at BCV can't be beat IMHO. I looked at the point chart and figured I would need a 2 br when they're older ( and we're trying for DD - so thats 4 kids) and thats how many points I bought. Take things like will you go every year into consideration. If not you need less points using bank/borrow. I also think if I wanted to go to BCV during a popular time the 11 mos might be handy. Look at transportation SSR is all bus transportation and is isolated. Pros to some Cons to others. Maybe you should try OKW for a visit before buying SSR their similarly located and have same transportation to parks etc... See what you think. There is a thread started by Capt Midnight on resort facts for newbies check it out it might help. Good Luck!