We are new to DVC, currently own 200pts SSR, want to purchase another 150pts AUL. My plan is to transfer the 200pts from SSR to AUL so we will have 350pts to get a 2 brs in Feb for AUL. Will try to have the same UY, so both can be in same membership.
Q1. Will this work for 11 months booking for AUL?
Q2. Should I buy all 150pts AUL or 100pts SSR + 50pts AUL?
Q3. If I buy (100+50) should I buy 50pts retail, since price impact is low and add extras benefits?
Q4. I heard DVC members cruise only available for retail pts but you can still choose to pay by $. Can resale owners join this event and pay $ too?
Thank you
1. As PP mentioned, points will always retain their home priority, so you can only combine 200 SSR and 150 AUL pts for 350 pts at 7 months. What you can do is use banking and borrowing to get the 11 month advantage, so can combine 150 pts for 2017, 2018, and 2019 for up to 450 pts at AUL at 11 months.
2. As others have mentioned, depends on how often you're planning to visit AUL. If regularly every couple of years, then I would buy the 150 AUL, especially if you'll be going during busier times, such as summer or Christmas. Also, suggest you look for a contract with subsidized dues, which over the life of the contract, may be effectively cheaper than even SSR.
3. May be worthwhile to buy some direct points if you make use of the benefits (especially the annual passes and merchandise discounts). You should calculate the savings over the life of the contract to see if it's worthwhile to you. So, just an example, SSR 50 pts x $90 resale = $4,500 (+ approx $500 closing) vs. SSR 50 pts x $160 direct = $8,000 (+ approx $150 closing), so $3,150 difference. If you purchase annual passes every year for a family of 2-4, over a 36 year period, it's probably worth it. Keep in mind that smaller contracts are harder to find resale. Many resale owners have been buying retail 25 point add-ons for the benefits and membership card.
4. DVC members have access to member cruises only if they bought resale before March 2011 or direct, even if paying for the cruise by cash. And only points on those specific contracts can be applied to the cruise purchase. (There has been mention that someone not qualified was able to book the cruise and pay cash, but this is against the rules.)
Hope this helps and best wishes to you.
Bill
