Which is better - add-on points or second DVC home?

[starbox]

One thing we've found is that we've had no trouble getting normal 7-month reservations at any DVC resort (by normal, I mean a regular size unit and not during a holiday).

At the same time, I think you should ask yourself to answer the following question: "I'd be heartbroken if I could never get a reservation for _________"

If you want something like WVL at Christmas, BWV during F&W, a MK view at BLT, concierge-level at AKV - then you probably should add-on enough points at that resort to make it possible to book your dream reservation at least every two-three years.

For us, the only "I'd be heartbroken if I could not get it" spot is the treehouses at SSR.

 

[disneynutz]

The way I see it is, anything you can do to better your chances the better off you are.

As much as you try to plan ahead, there will always be times when plans change and there will be enough DVC challenges without adding to them.

We have been on wait lists since November for an end of March stay in a one bedroom, no luck yet. Today I decided that a studio would be fine, there is only 1 studio available and it is at SSR on March 15th. The MS Advisor told me that March/April has become a very busy time because of school breaks and the flower show. I asked her when the slowest time of year is and she said, "never".

 

[bobbiwoz]

The way I see it is, anything you can do to better your chances the better off you are.

As much as you try to plan ahead, there will always be times when plans change and there will be enough DVC challenges without adding to them.

We have been on wait lists since November for an end of March stay in a one bedroom, no luck yet. Today I decided that a studio would be fine, there is only 1 studio available and it is at SSR on March 15th. The MS Advisor told me that March/April has become a very busy time because of school breaks and the flower show. I asked her when the slowest time of year is and she said, "never".

What surprises me is that you wanted a 1 bedroom. Your end of March waitist is for what? Granted, it was only 4+ months, but I'm still surprised. Well, you have 2 months...and closer to 31 days out, I hope you get something you can live with.

Bobbi

PS. OP so, you see there's really no one answer. It could be easy/hard to add on to an existing stay at 7 months, or it could be impossible. Impossible especially if you want something special, like 2 bedroom with 2Q's in the second bedroom, or standard view BWV, who knows, maybe even savannah view 2 dedicated bedroom in Kidani. (They'll be the ones with 2 Q's and 3 bathrooms). I can't imagine there will be (m)any MK views at BLT or maybe not SV either. Hopefully for non-owners, maybe a few lake views at 7 months. Yet, some people say they have no problems, buy the least expensive and vacation where you want, go figure. I have never moved a whole vacation to another resort...I have moved from BWV BW view to BCV a studio for a few days, but not a whole reservation.

 

[disneynutz]

What surprises me is that you wanted a 1 bedroom. Your end of March waitist is for what? Granted, it was only 4+ months, but I'm still surprised. Well, you have 2 months...and closer to 31 days out, I hope you get something you can live with.

Bobbi

We are currently reserved at OKW starting on the 16th, wait listed for VWL, BWV, and BCV. We like the one bedroom because we like to cook.

I tried to add on the 15th because SWA had it blocked for frequent flyer's and it just opened up.

All we can do is wait and see.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We are currently reserved at OKW starting on the 16th, wait listed for VWL, BWV, and BCV. We like the one bedroom because we like to cook.

I tried to add on the 15th because SWA had it blocked for frequent flyer's and it just opened up.

All we can do is wait and see.

OK...I'm glad you have a place!!! OKW, well, that's the 1 bedroom that holds 2 other one bedrooms inside it ! Have fun!

Bobbi

 

[AnnaS]

If I had less than 200 points at one resort, I would buy at the same resort. I would like to have the 11 month booking window if I want to stay longer, stay in anything larger than a studio and/or invite friends or family members.

If there was another resort that I would really love to always stay at then I would buy there and can always bank or borrow.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

With DVC reminding us that they can "rebalance" the points chart at any time, I think small add-ons at other home resorts are much less attractive. Managing your DVC points will require more flexibility than it appeared to in the past. Multiple home resorts just makes that harder.

Many posters are reporting that, as a result of the change, they need just a few more points for a desired vacation, so they now need to book at least one night at the 7 month window. So much for adding on to get the 11 month booking window!

-- Suzanne