OMG! just bought DVC!!! now what???

[Avarelle]

My family just became DVC members!!! we have been debating for years whether or not to buy and we finally did! I'm so happy but now we have 320 points and I dont know the best way to use them! any advice from current DVC members to get the best vacation possible?

*I should say that we have already taken the disney cruise and stayed at Animal Kingdom, Boardwalk villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs resort, Coronado SPrings, Carribean beach, and port orleans french quarters.
Also, we live in NY and bought points at the Grand Californian.

 

[Disneycouple99]

Did you break your contract up into smaller contracts?

 

[dbs1228]

Did you break your contract up into smaller contracts?

If you just joined and did not break it into smaller contracts try to do that before you close, it should not cost you any additional. IF you ever have to sell it is easier to sell smaller contracts!

Congrats on the purchase! We are new to dvc and I am having so much fun planning the next trips. I have thru 2012 planned and now have to figure out how to get other vacations in! lol

 

[Avarelle]

I actually only bought 160 points and they will give me an additional one time 160 points to use as a promotion. Do you think I should still try to break it up into contracts smaller than 160 pts per year?

 

[DenLo]

Congratulations and Welcome Home. Some members prefer to buy their points in two contracts, one for 100 points and the other for 60 points. That way if you want to sell only part of your points at a later date you can. Some members decide that they want less points at their first resort and then sell the smaller contract and buy points at a different resort. Then they have two home resorts and can book at the 11 month mark for either resort. Others try to make to equal contracts so their two children each can inherit the same number of points.

Since your home resort is VGC, you can use your points at 11 months to make a reservation only at VGC. Then at the 7 month mark you can try for a reservation at another DVC resort including, the resorts at WDW, HHI and VB and hopefully Aulani in Hawaii when it opens.

Our first contract was 160 points for BLT and we are quite happy with the points being in one contract.

 

[Avarelle]

Thanks! i feel like I should have done this a long time ago, but I'm glad we finally did it!!!

 

[ToddyLu]

I think a contract for 160 is fine they thought the total each year was 320. Enjoy your DVC and have fun. Welcome Home!!

 

[Avarelle]

I wish we had 320 every year! that would be nice! now i just dont know where to go! i wasnt expecting all these points! should i borrow some from next year and do another cruise or take smaller trips throughout the year?

 

[DizGirl20]

We bought 160 points in December and got the double points.

We are using our full 160 and about half of the double points to stay at a 1-bedroom at the Beach Club Villas in a few weeks.

Next year (2011) we will have 226 points to use.

My plan is to add-on in 2012 another 100-160 points! There are lots of ways to be creative! CONGRATS!

 

[dbs1228]

Congrats! And if you are anything like me you will try them all! Enjoy

 

[schewy]

Take a trip. Stay at BLT and see the TOTW lounge. I think you would enjoy it.

 

[jstarcze]

Welcome Home and Congratulations from Mickey, Goofy, and Me!

I think the first thing to do is determine when you can go on vacation and then start making reservations with your points. Make sure that MS uses the promotional points first and if you have any purchased points left over then bank them for use next use year. Be aware of your use year and its banking deadline. You own 50 years of magic, just start enjoying it - eventually you'll get to everything.

 

[JenSop]

I would either do several trips in studios (take advantage of the DVC discount on annual passes) or do one or two trips in really nice villas - get a 1 or 2 BR. Or get more than one room and take extended family or friends. (Depending on your extended family or friends! Many a thread have been devoted to family and friends and how they work or don't work on vacation!)

Either way, you'll realize that those points get used pretty easily!

Welcome home!

 

[LSchrow]

hey avarelle
i just wanted offer a big
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
and wish you lots of wonderful memories.

WELCOME HOME!

 

[Avarelle]

thank you soo much!!! we really enjoyed renting your points and staying at BCV>>> I think staying in that resort made us finally realize we needed to become members!

 

[Avarelle]

Welcome Home and Congratulations from Mickey, Goofy, and Me!

I think the first thing to do is determine when you can go on vacation and then start making reservations with your points. Make sure that MS uses the promotional points first and if you have any purchased points left over then bank them for use next use year. Be aware of your use year and its banking deadline. You own 50 years of magic, just start enjoying it - eventually you'll get to everything.

Thank you I had knw idea there was a deadline for banking points!

 

[Avarelle]

We really wanted to travel to Florida in June (AKL or BWV) and Mexico in August. Has anyone ever traded DVC points through RCI? Is it worth using my points at one of these resorts or should we just book a seperate package with air + hotel discounts?

 

[DVC Mike]

Congrats!

 

[lilpooh108]

Avarelle,

Quick question for you---we're going on a DCL cruise this year and are looking forward to attending the presentation. I've been researching the different promotions which are offered at the presentations and noticed that some ppl are getting an offer of cruise + $$ off per point. If you don't mind saying, did your promotional 160 points for use come with any other offers? Thanks!!

 

[LSchrow]

thank you soo much!!! we really enjoyed renting your points and staying at BCV>>> I think staying in that resort made us finally realize we needed to become members!

it was my pleasure
and if you ever have a question, feel free to email or call......i'm very happy for you and your family.
congrats on all the wonderful beginnings!!!