Question about Magical Beginnings

[GCM13]

Why is Magical Beginnings an attractive offer? Originally, we thought we would do it, but as we started thinking about it, we would be losing 100 pts(if we buy 200) for only $1000. We could get a lot of use out of that 100 points if we didn't sell it back. It seems that each point is worth more than the $10 they give you. If we pay full price, we will have 200 points and then get another 200 (400 after banked) in October versus 300 in October with Magical Beginnings. Are we missing something? Where is the good deal here?

 

[Mickey Moose]

MB reduces the point cost to $67 a point from $72 a point. For some, the finance issue makes it a good deal. If the $ isn't an issue for you, then loosing the points probably isn't a good deal. We're kicking around the same issues as you right now. As you stated, they are backdating your use year 6 months right now which means you'll get your next points in just 6 months. We are leaning towards taking the MB, and taking a studio trip this summer, and next year taking a larger trip with our full allotment of points. Good luck to you!

 

[normr]

When we bought in, we banked our first points instead of MB, that way we had enough points for our trip to London (had to get 2 rooms for the four of us) and Disneyland Paris.·

 

[GCM13]

Here is what I think we are going to do. We will only buy 150 points to start out with. We are not going to finance. We will bank the whole amount of points then in Oct. we will have 300. That will be enough to stay around Christmas time with about sixty some points left. Then next March, we will add on either 100 or 150 points more. This way we are getting enough points to cover our first trip then we'll add more which will we need in the future because of the size of unit we need and the times we will vacation. Plus it saves us $3600 (difference between buying 200 points and 150 points). I'm excited that we're actually going to do it, we're not spending as much money, and our guide is reserving VWL for Christmas!

 

[dhudson1]

Magical Beginnings helped us keep the upfront cost low, which helped us make up our mind to buy. After paying for that trip, which was 10 days at the Carribean, we were tapped.

I don't know how long it takes most people to decide to join the club, but we decided within 10 minutes after the tour. I think we suprised the sales agent. She was starting to tell us how many days we had to make up our mind so we could take advantage of MB, but stopped her before she could finish the sentence.

No regrets!

 

[zaksaunt]

I don't want to tell you what to do, but...after reading these posts for a week, my husband and I definitely feel like we should have bought more points upfront. We really didn't realize the value of what we had (214 points at BWV), or what we lost (the opportunity to add on) until we found these boards. I haven't read one single post that says "I bought too many points." Everyone wants more, including me. If VWL sells out this year, and BCV costs $85 a point as some people think it may, it will cost you $650 extra for each additional 50 points you buy. Would you pay $650 interest on a loan for $3600? I don't know, you'd have to figure it out, and the $85 price is only speculation. Maybe you will be able to get more points next year at the same price. Good luck whichever way you decide to go.

 

[RobDoc]

GCM- it sounds as though you have really thought this out well. How nice that your guide is able to provide some DVC Magic for your Christmas trip!

MB is only an incentive to buy. It appeals to some who want to lower the initial cost, at the expense of some points which also have a value.
For many, the value of those points is far more than $10- for others the $aving$ provide a welcome option.
Glad you have a plan which works well for your family! ENJOY!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[GCM13]

Well, we did it! We bought 150 points yesterday. I confirmed our reservation at VWL today for Dec. 22-28. Now we just have to wait for the package to come. We plan to buy more points next year. If VWL sells out this year or the price increases we'll buy earlier or look for a resale. Thanks for all the help you all have given. It definitely helped make our decision.

 

[RobDoc]

<marquee> WELCOME HOME!!</marquee>

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[pluto109]

welcome home

 

[mdmbdumont]

This was a very good thread. Many of the same issues you mentioned with financing we discussed at dinner tonight, while running number on the Quicken Financial Planner for rates vs. years. The discussion of MB vs. cash vs. finance bounced around.

Our decision seems to be, for us. Me 42, wife 41, sons 13 & 9....200 points, finance it probably for 3 years and maybe use the MB with 10-20% on top off that...

How long will they be backdating the anniversary month I wonder?

Now if the tax refund would just come...

Michael

 

[raidermatt]

We started the process of purchasing at BWV in November. The only use year we could get was December. We purchased 200 points, but it was too late to bank any. MB allowed us to get something out of those first 200 points. (We live in CA and travelling wasn't an option for a couple of months).

Raidermatt

 

[GCM13]

Michael-if you buy right now, October is the use year. I had asked what the use year would be if we waited until end of April/beginning of May (the week we are on the cruise) to buy, and I was told it would be December or February since they don't have November or January as use years. For us, October seemed better. I didn't want to wait until February to get more points. Good luck with your decision. I am so excited. I wish we didn't have to wait 9 months for our first visit as DVC members. I just saw some pictures of the VWL on laughingplace.com. It looks beautiful!