PLEEAASE help me decide what to do!!

[pilferk]

Thank you soooo much everyone! I think my final decision is that I am going to buy BOTH AKL and SSR! I actually think I am going to buy a total of 500 points, because I own a large child care center and it would be nice to be able to use my points as rewards for staff and other promotions we do. So, now I'm wondering how I should break up the points. I think I definitely want 260 at AKV, because that would be the total I'd need for my vacation. Should I do 160, 50 and 50? How do I make my ressie? Is it easy to use all 3 contracts, or is there transferring of points involved?
Then I thought maybe I would do three 80 point contracts for SSR, however, the only benefit I can see to SSR is lower dues. Should I keep all of my points at one resort, or is there a good reason to divide them up?
Thanks again!

It's very easy to use all 3 contracts...no point transferring needed. You make your ressie by calling Member Services. You'll get that number when you buy....and it's on the back of your membership card so it'll be easy to find.

Just remember, the points you buy at a specific resort are the ONLY ones that get the home resort "window".

So, in your scenario, you'll be able to use 260 points at AKV (and only AKV) between 11 and 7 months out.

You'd be able to use 240 points at SSR (and only SSR) between 11 and 7 months out.

You wouldn't be able to use them "combined" until 7 months out.

I like your AKV scenario: 160, 50 and 50.

For SSR, I'd likely do 60, 60, 60, 60 (for a total of 240) or 90, 50, 50, 50.

The nice thing about SSR, especially for what you're thinking of using those points for, is that they're a)lower dues and b) good availability closer to booking dates (if you're running promotions and "incentives" for staff, I'm thinking you're not going to do that 1 year-ish prior to when they're going to be able to travel) so it gives you some flexibility.

Personally, I'd keep all my points in one resort, but that's just me. I'm infected with "planing-itis" and plan LONG term. But for what you're proposing to use points for I think SSR is the best bet. You're likely not going to find much advantage in the "11 month window" with those points, so you mind as well save on the dues....because at the 7 month window, points are points.

 

[joelly2103]

ok, I read you went from 300 points, to 160 points to 500 points. Sounds like you are still considering what to do. I would take some time and think it through and wait to add on the additional points until you get a chance to visit the resorts.

You might be surprised and find you like one of the sold out resorts too, that I have not heard you even mention that. Also as Disney adds new resort, like possibly CRV, you could add that one too at a later date.

Buy enough points for your family, purchase the min at one resort AKL or SSR. Then consider how many points you really think you will use for gifts for family and friends.

When you go to sell smaller contracts sell faster and usually at a higher price, so breaking up the add-on's is a great idea!

In my opinion, I would buy where you would like to stay first, then do your add on's after to visit those specific resorts, if you havn't already. The 11 mo. window vs the 7 mo. window can really make a difference during peak times. As time goes on and Disney continues to add resorts, the smaller resorts and more popular resorts will get harder and harder to get at the 7 mo. window.

Good luck in making your decision and have fun with it!

 

[flyerron]

The AKV 1 bedrooms will sleep 5. SSR is at 4. Cost of points can and do change to where Disney feels they need to be at that point in time. I think you should just buy what you need now and add on when your situation changes (unless you want the 1 BR because of the full kitchen).
Here is something to think about. The reason AKV sleeps 5 in the 1 bedroom is because of an additional sleep chair. There is some speculation that SSR will bbe getting a sleep chair in the future & will sleep 5 in the 1 BDR as well.