Point increase question

[cvjw]

We are thinking about buying into DVC. We usually go to DW at least once a year, some years twice, so DVC would probably be a good idea for our family. I have been looking at point charts to figure out how many points we need to buy, and it looks like the points needed to stay in a DVC property increases from year to year. Do the points for stays routinely increase each year? How do you figure out how many points to buy if you need more points for your hotel stay each year? Does everyone just add on more points, or just purchase more than you need this year to compensate for needing more points another year?

 

[dianeschlicht]

The total number of points can not change annually for DVC resorts, but they can re-allocate them depending on the day or season. For 2010 the point charts did get reallocated, so there are instances where the points appeared to change quite a bit for certain resorts and certain seasons, but the good thing is that some seasons at those same resorts went down, so it always balances out. The seasons also change dependant on when Easter falls etc. With the recent point reallocation, we found one of our usual trips went down by several points, and one of them increased by several, so it all comes out in the wash.

Pick the season you are most likely to travel and figure out the points for the size unit you require, and then add a few "just in case" when you purchase. We purched an AKV add on when sales started for that resort and planned on an every 3rd year trip there, so we divided the number of points we thought we needed in thirds and purchased that amount. That would always leave us with a couple of extra points, but now I'm glad we did it that way, since the points were reallocated.

 

[Crystal_27]

We are thinking about buying into DVC. We usually go to DW at least once a year, some years twice, so DVC would probably be a good idea for our family. I have been looking at point charts to figure out how many points we need to buy, and it looks like the points needed to stay in a DVC property increases from year to year. Do the points for stays routinely increase each year? How do you figure out how many points to buy if you need more points for your hotel stay each year? Does everyone just add on more points, or just purchase more than you need this year to compensate for needing more points another year?

From 2009 to 2010, the point charts underwent a complete revamp. Essentially, what happened was that the weekend days were made to cost a few less points whereas the weekday stays were made to cost a few more points. That said, although a particular week may have fluxuated quite a bit, the overall total points at the resort remained constant. DVC cannot change the total number of points for any of its resorts but can reallocate the points as is what happened in the 2010 point charts.

What most recommend is looking at the dates you typically travel in to determine what a typical vacation stay would cost, and add 5-10% more points to that figure. That way, you can build in an extra cushion if/when point charts get reallocated. Hope that helps!

 

[Sandisw]

To decide on the points, first decide if you want to go every year or every other year, etc.

Once that, pick the season that you are most likely to travel. If there are several, you could go with the season that use the most points. This way, you know you will always have enough to cover that travel.

When I was deciding, I knew that I wanted to continue to go for at least 5 nights every year, and really wanted to be in a 1 bedroom. I wanted BLT and travel in the summer (I am a teacher) so found out I need 170 points for a standard view room. Since I own there, I can book at 11 months and should have no trouble getting a room since I have a 3 week window that I can choose from.

That room would cost me 170 points. A lake view would be 185. So, I bought 180. Now, I can stay every 2 out of 3 years in a lake view.

I also know that if I don't need the 1 bedroom, then I will be able to stay longer.

Good luck!

 

[cvjw]

Thanks to all for the replies. You totally answered my question!