Add On Waitlist BCV

[PoohsGang]

Called today to add 112 points Dec use year, I'm on the waitlist. I knew I would have to wait, anyone have a ballpark timeframe? Guide told me "honestly he didn't know as that is a most requested month add on at one of the most requested add on resorts. " I'm thinking that I may be waiting a while........:shrug:

 

[DVC Mike]

I called my guide on Wednesday morning and asked for a small (33-point) add-on at BCV. The points were immediately available in my March Use Year and were in my account on dvcmember.com within 3 hours. I received 33 points for Mar 2007 and will be getting another 33 points in three weeks. I banked the first 33 right away. I was able to call MS later that afternoon and extend my BCV trip in Oct by two more days using some of those 66 points. It was fast and convenient!

I have added on 14 times direct from DVC, and I only had to wait-list just one time, and that was one of BCV add-ons. I only had to wait less than 4 weeks for the points to become available.

I now have 165 points at BCV, 175 points at VWL, 120 points at BWV, and 210 points at AKV, for a total of 670.

PoohsGang, I would advise breaking your request for 112 points up into two smaller requests. If someone calls after you and only wants 50 points, and 75 points become available, guess who gets the points?

 

[Disneyfalcon]

I now have 165 points at BCV, 175 points at VWL, 120 points at BWV, and 210 points at AKV, for a total of 670.

Wow!!! That's awesome!! Mike do you mind giving us a typical year how you spend all those points? I would love to keep adding on, and I think I could use a ton more, but when we're trying to coordinate points with vacation time, etc. sometimes I'm not sure.

 

[DVC Mike]

Mike do you mind giving us a typical year how you spend all those points?

Well, my signature below shows my planned trips for 2008. For 2009, I have four trips planned (BWV in March, BCV in May, AKV in Oct and VWL in Dec).

Unlike some DVC members who try to avoid Fri/Sat night stays, we use our points on those dates, which does eat them up quicker. We typically book a 1-BR as well, and not a studio, even though there are only 2 of us.

I'm sure if we only booked Studios and never stayed on Fri/Sat nights, or points would go much farther -- probably 8 weeks per year!

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Oops sorry I should have looked at your siggie!

Do you every use points at other collections, or always DVC properties?

One more question - does it ever drive you crazy to have points at so many different properties? I would love points at the "non existant" Contemporary, the Grand Californian, and Hawaii - when they all happen. But I wonder if it would be easier just to stick with one resort? Do you buy at separate resorts just so you'll have the 11 month window there?

Thanks for all the answers!

 

[DVC Mike]

Thus far, I have only used my points to book DVC resorts, as that is the most cost effective way to use my points. I book Disney cruises and regular WDW/DL hotels with cash. I don't plan on using the Concierge Collection, and while I do plan on taking an ABD tour, that will be paid for by cash as well.

Since you mentioned GCV at DLR and the possible CRV, I plan on adding on points at these resorts too! The Hawaii DVC is too far away from the East Coast for me to buy points at.

I have no trouble keeping track of my points (a simple Excel spreadsheet works just fine). There are a couple programs out there that help you keep track of your points (for example, Mouse Manager).

Some people do just add-on and keep all their points at one resort. There is no wrong or right way -- it just depends on what is important to you. It's probably easier to book a long stay at a Grand Vila, for example, if all your points are at one resort.

 

[Disneyfalcon]

Thanks for all the opinions Mike. You're right it does seem like a much better idea to pay cash for a cruise and probably ABD though I haven't run those numbers.

We're not ready to add on yet, but one day!

 

[MaxsDad]

I'm sure if we only booked Studios and never stayed on Fri/Sat nights, or points would go much farther -- probably 8 weeks per year!

Dude, more like 12! Good on ya!