Seeking experienced DVC Members

[swanwed6206]

DW and I are kicking the tires around the DVC. I am looking for some insight as to any common problems, things we should be aware of that might not be readily apparent, positive things, etc. Also, we like to normally stay about 8-10 nights and I am wondering what the optimal amount of points to purchase at the outset might be. Right now it seems like AKV and SSR are the available resorts to purchase into; which one is preferred? Our next big trip will probably be late May next year- what is the best idea for use year?

 

[weathernlu]

Check your PMs.

 

[disney junky]

DW and I are kicking the tires around the DVC. I am looking for some insight as to any common problems, things we should be aware of that might not be readily apparent, positive things, etc. Also, we like to normally stay about 8-10 nights and I am wondering what the optimal amount of points to purchase at the outset might be. Right now it seems like AKV and SSR are the available resorts to purchase into; which one is preferred? Our next big trip will probably be late May next year- what is the best idea for use year?

Check the point charts for how many points you would need for the accomodations you want when you want them. Get a few more than you think you might need. I now end up borrowing a few points to extend a stay rather than having an odd number of points left over.

What is your family status and how might that change? Children? Planning to have children and how might that effect your traveling in the future? I'm speculating from your user name.

Will you go every year?

Will you do the same time every year? If you normally go in May, then that should be your use year.

Where you buy, SSR vs AKV, is a matter of personal preference.

The guides are pretty good in helping you decide on these options. I know they are sales people, but they'll steer you right. Just take the time to digest what they are telling you.

When we first toured, we thought we'd go every other year, peak season, and priced enough points to do that. When we bought, we bought that amount. Within a couple years, we added on a small number of points, but we've taken so many more shorter trips, use that I never imagined before, going different times than I ever imagined.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[mprewitt]

If you're thinking of buying 300 points, don't put it all in a single contract. Spilt it into something like 160, 50, 50, and 40. That way, if you'd like to reduce the number of points you own (or sell one resort to pickup points at another), it's easier to do. The smaller points sell faster (and at a premium) on the resale market.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Also, you are not limited to buying only AKL or SSR. All of the resorts are available for sale directly from DVC and all of the resorts except AKL are available on the resale market. If you can usually book your vacation more than 7 months in advance, you may be better off buying at the resort where you would prefer to stay.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[vandy]

DW and I are kicking the tires around the DVC. I am looking for some insight as to any common problems, things we should be aware of that might not be readily apparent, positive things, etc. Also, we like to normally stay about 8-10 nights and I am wondering what the optimal amount of points to purchase at the outset might be. Right now it seems like AKV and SSR are the available resorts to purchase into; which one is preferred? Our next big trip will probably be late May next year- what is the best idea for use year?

One thing to remember is that the main buildings for AKV are not built yet. You only have the converted rooms in the regular resort. Therefore, you may still buy AKV but you may not be able to stay there during your May trip due to the possibility of the resort being booked full. So don't be disappointed if this does occur and be prepared with a secondary choice for this trip.

 

[Caskbill]

May I humbly suggest you download my DVC-Planner program. You can use it to experiment all you want to find out what might be the best quantity of points for your particular vacation habits.