What are "developer points?"

[wrighter]

We are considering purchasing DVC, and through all of our extensive research we are not sure we know what these are.

 

[GusMan]

Developer points are bonus points that you are given as an incentive for purchasing DVC. You can use them separately or in conjunction with your regular points to make reservations for your next vacation.

They have restrictions, though...
For example, to name a few:
- You can only make your reservations at the 7 month mark, regardless if you are reserving at your home resort.
- They cannot be banked or borrowed.
- They must be used within one year of issue.

Personally, we found the 7 month restriction to be the biggest issue. Even though we got what we wanted at that mark, it made us a little nervous. But I will say, we combined them with our regular points and stayed at the Grand Villa at AKV and it was totally worth it. They helped make it a vacation of a lifetime.

We had the choice of the developer points or cash off per point.

 

[J&L'sMom]

Although if you purchase the DVC now your developer points have to be used within a year but only at Saratoga Springs in Disneyworld. Excess points may not be banked or borrowed. Your developer points may also be used at any of the 3 Disneyland Hotels in California.




2000 - All Star Sports
2001 - All Star Sports
2003 - Pop Century
2004 - All Star Movies
2005 - All Star Sports
2006 - Pop Century
2007 - Pop Century & Port Orleans
2008 - Good Neighbor Hotel in Disneyland
2009 - DVC - AKV

 

[Blahnde]

In addition to the specific restrictions listed by GusMan and J&L'sMom, these points also cannot be used to fulfill a waitlist. In other words, since availability can be difficult at the 7 month mark, many people waitlist. But once this waitlist matches/fulfills you cannot use Developer Points to complete the reservation. This along with the resort limitations (SSR and DL Resorts only) makes these points incredibly restrictive.

You should also know that if you choose to use them at the DL Resorts you will have to pay a $95 "trade out" fee (per reservation) since these are not DVC Resorts. AND the points required for the DL Resorts is double or triple what you would expect at DVC resorts. While this is the extreme high end, you could pay as much at 93 points for ONE NIGHT in a basic room (most comparable to a DVC studio) at Disney's Grand Californian - Concierge Level. This is compared to 39 points for a studio at SSR for Christmas!

All in all, these points are not as functional or valuable as many think!

Blahnde

 

[wrighter]

Thank you all for this insight - it all makes sense now.

Do I understand correctly that you get them each year? Or are they a one time deal?

 

[Blahnde]

While I would check with your guide, I have never heard of "annual" Developer Points. In the past they have always been a one shot promotion, but either read the fine print or ask your guide to be sure.

Blahnde