When should we add on & how much??

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

I know what the die hards will say. Add on as much as you can now. Or something like that!! Mom & I are fairly new. We have yet to see our closing papers. Surposed to have closed this week. Anyway, we have 210 points. I would eventually like to add on to get @ least 250 @ some point. Is there a good time to do this & are there specials? Or do you pay the same? Help!! And is 250 a good number?? I'm trying to be practical. Thanks!

Allison

 

[Dean]

210 will be far too many for some and not nearly enough for others. What's your previous WDW experiences, family size, when will you go, for how long and how many times a year do you anticipate. This will help us to answer you somewhat inteligently.

 

[MikeSquared]

We purchased based on where, when and how often we wanted to vacation at WDW. We originaly purchased 200 points based on 2 trips a year, June and October, 4 or 5 nights including the weekend, in a studio and rounded up figuring we could stay in a one bedroom every few trips. Before we even closed that deal, we decided to add on another 100 points so we could stay in a one bedroom every trip. Boy am I glad we did that. We still have a dozen or so extra points a year to bank. Next June with some extra points, we are planning to stay at VB for two nights before we go to BCV for our annual June trip. I have a feeling that if we find VB as relaxing as we've heard, there may be another add on in our future.

 

[tinkgrl]

Originally posted by Dean
210 will be far too many for some and not nearly enough for others. What's your previous WDW experiences, family size, when will you go, for how long and how many times a year do you anticipate. This will help us to answer you somewhat inteligently.

Dean & everyone,
In answer to your questions: Mom & I have been going to WDW every year since 2001. First a 5 day trip to the parks in May. We stayed @ the CBR. I am in college so that's when classes are over. For now I have to take vacations during break times. Next was my first land sea vacation. 3 days @ Port Orleans Riverside & 4 nights on the Wonder. That was May 2002. Booked 2nd cruise on board Wonder for November 2002 (4 days) PS I had to miss classes but it was for my birthday...So did I care??? I think not!!!! Last Trip: May 28th-June 2nd 2003 @ Port Orleans again. Like that resort a lot. We went to the DVC open house on our last trip. Its just the two of us. As for future trips: One has been booked...see countdown. Its during my fall break of two days. We are planning to go home (BCV) & cruise on the Wonder in May 2005. Don't want to hit Disney when its too busy. I want to get out of the May rut though, any suggestions? I will be going to college for @ least 3 more years. Another one that's in planning stages is a cruise on the Magic possibly in the following year. So I guess once maybe twice a year. Does this help? Thanks

Allison

 

[Dean]

With just the two of you, you may have trouble using up points with your habits so far. Definitely don't buy more points to use them for the cruise.

 

[Connears]

We have had 210 points since we joined at OKW in 1994. After 5 trips to HHI we decided we would like some 11 month window points for this resort so when we saw a 50-point add-on thru resale we grabbed it. It does give you a nice cusion. although we have used our 210 points consistantly since we joined. We went thru dvcbyresale.com and Shontell is great.
Connears

I don't thik this will be our last add-on!

 

[tinkgrl]

Originally posted by Dean
With just the two of you, you may have trouble using up points with your habits so far. Definitely don't buy more points to use them for the cruise.

Dean,

Thanks for the comments. Just so you know, I'm not planning on adding on just for cruises!! Any suggestions on the may rut?? Thanks,

Allison

 

[dan and scott]

Dan and I started out with 150 in 1998. 5-6? add-ons later we have met our ceiling factor at 525 points. Started out with just the 2 of us but friends & family come frequently with us now.
We haved used the points for 7-day Magic cruise and also at the Grand Californian-Disneyland Resort.

Scott

 

[SharonS]

Tinkgirl, I am in a similar situation to you, only I am older. It is my mother and myself. I purchased at BWV in 1999. I bought 270 pts originally, and within a year added on to bring my total to 350. I just added another 150, so I have 500 pts. We actually go down 3-4 times a year for about 6 nights each trip. If we stay in a studio, this is no problem. However, the 1 bedrooms are really nice, and then even with 500, I have to do a lot of figuring and compromising to make them stretch.

I think you are starting at a good number of points, until you figure out what works best for you, and the size of accomodation you want. If you decide you would like to stay in a larger room most of the time, you may want to add on then.

As far as time of year, we usually go March, May, Sept, and late Oct or early November. May is my favorite time, followed by the late October/early November. March is kind of busy with spring break, and the point cost is very high. September is low points, low crowds in the parks. The only concern during September is that it is hurricane season. Late Oct/early November, point cost is still low,and hurricane season is just about over.

Early December is also a good time. Christmas at WDW is beautiful. I'm sure you Mom would enjoy it. The only down side for us is that it can sometimes get quite chilly and rainy. My Mom can't tolerate the cold, so it doesn't work well for us anymore.

Congratulations on your purchase! You will really enjoy it!