Considering purchasing DVC direct

[ktate82]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway). It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first. What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost). We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

 

[ktate82]

After I read it, I realized it was confusing. By buying direct, we would get our first 160 or 200 points now and it would update again in dec (we would get 2012 and 2013's points).

 

[myxdvz]

I think it's totally up to you. It is your decision to make. As you've already found out:

Direct = More $$$ = Less Stress = faster points, booking (unless you're buying sold out resorts)

Resale = Almost 50% less = Will take more time to find the right contract. Could get ROFRd. you can get loaded (has some banked points from previous UY) or stripped contracts (no more current or banked points)

What's more important to you?

 

[lovin'fl]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway). It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first. What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost). We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

2 things I can think of right off the bat.

1- Using your points for cruises, adventures, Disney collection is not the best use of points...costs too many points (for example it is better to rent your points and use that money towards cruise)...you can use resale points for RCI.

2- There are wait lists, currently, for most resorts when buying direct. I think you'd have to get AKV or Aulani (maybe some other resorts have random UY available now) in order not to go on a wait list for your points. And some folks have waited or been waiting close to the 2 months (it takes to buy resale) for their direct points.

Direct used to not charge closing costs either and that was a plus, but now they are charging closing costs. They are still a bit less than the resale closing costs though.

 

[Kidanifan08]

If you are looking at buying AKV, there are several contracts in the 160-300 range on the resale market for half the price of direct. You lose DCL, ABV and the ability to book at a Disney Hotel (e.g. Polynesian), but with 160 points, you can get much of those offerings anyways. If you want a different home resort, resale is quite a savings as well. It does take patience to find the "right" contract and to get through the process. Once you make an offer, it is generally about 2 months on average to having points loaded into the system. OKW (non-extended), BWV and BCV seem to have the highest ROFR activity, but there is no definite pattern on what Disney takes back.

With direct, you can use your points the next day and you get current UY points (which would be those 2012 points you were promised; as long as you don't ask for a Feb, Mar, or Apr UY). Disney is legally required to give you those 2012 points if you purchase points that are in the current UY (Jun, Aug, Sep, Oct, Dec UY).

Spend some time reading these boards. If you have time and value the $$ in your hand, you may want to seriously consider resale; especially since you are looking at only 160-200 points. Good luck!

 

[Dean]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway). It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first. What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost). We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

Your choice of course. One correction is that resale still has access to RCI and Buena Vista Trading Company. Just realize that you are going to be paying an extra $10000 to $15000 for the first batch of points and a similar amount for the second. For the same amount you could buy all of the points resale now rather than half retail. If you do decide to buy retail, I'd consider waiting and getting GF points.

 

[disneynutz]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway). It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first. What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost). We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

As long as you realize who you are dealing with and what you are getting into, go for it. Disney who most have a high regard for created the stress and restrictions to force buyers to pay more buying direct.

The common elements no mater where you buy is fully understanding what you are buying, the rules, restrictions, and policies that you are forced to live with. You also need to understand home resort, booking, banking, and UY.

Bill

 

[agie65]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway). It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first. What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost). We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

Direct you get 2012 and 2013 points, less stress, desired # of point and UY. But cost you little more.
Resell you can find cheaper, takes longer, ROFR monkey, # of point may be close to what you want, cost varies. Now a days some folks are asking as much as direct and may not even have full points.

 

[ktate82]

Direct you get 2012 and 2013 points, less stress, desired # of point and UY. But cost you little more.
Resell you can find cheaper, takes longer, ROFR monkey, # of point may be close to what you want, cost varies. Now a days some folks are asking as much as direct and may not even have full points.

That is what I am seeing. We want to buy and use soon, not buy and wait till 2015 to use.

Another question....if we buy direct now and buy more points through resell later, does Disney treat the resell points differently or the same as the direct points?

 

[z28wiz]

That is what I am seeing. We want to buy and use soon, not buy and wait till 2015 to use.

Another question....if we buy direct now and buy more points through resell later, does Disney treat the resell points differently or the same as the direct points?

They treat as a resale.

 

[ktate82]

They treat as a resale.

So could we use those points together? Such as combine them to do a 3 bedroom?

 

[z28wiz]

So could we use those points together? Such as combine them to do a 3 bedroom?

If your direct and resale are the same you can book your home resort at 11 months to get the tree bedroom as long as your home resort is one that has those rooms. If they are different resorts you would have to wait till seven months and all grand villas are usually booked up by then.

 

[Countryrunner262]

We looked into direct, but the only resort available not on a wait list is AK. I was told the shortest wait list is 2-3 weeks out, and that was SSR. Others could be months out. We are in the process of buying resale. We made an offer on 5/4, accepted the same day, and mailed contracts a few hours after that. The next day we emailed contract and send deposit. Notified on 5/6 we were sent and waiting for ROFR. So far it's been such an easy process. Yes, we have to wait to hear if we pass, but no different than being on a waiting list. The extra $9500.00 was worth it for us. Like others have said though, it's a personal decision. Do what's best for you.

 

[ELMC]

We are considering purchasing DVC direct. I know if we purchase resell, it is cheaper, we can't use the points for cruises, other RCI resorts, or adventures (not that we would do adventures anyway).

Like any timeshare system, DVC is best when used to stay within that system. As soon as you start looking at other options (such as DCL or ABD) you are going to experience a very inefficient way of using those points. Plus, using the points for DCL is not guaranteed for direct points, it is a perk that can be changed or removed at any time. In recent years there have been a significant increase in the amount of black out dates and restrictions for cruising on points. You can choose whatever you want, but it would be helpful to learn all the info first. Some people buy direct so they can cruise on points and they don't care how much more it cost them up front or how much more their cruise is costing them. If that sounds like you, well then there's probably no changing your mind. But if that sounds a bit too wasteful for you, then you should consider resale.

It can also take a lot longer to purchase them resell and Disney could swing in and buy them first.

I would suggest that for a contract you are going to have for 40+ years, waiting two months up front is insignificant. As for Disney buying them first, yes this can happen. And yes it has been happening more lately. But contracts are still passing and even if they do take one, there is always another to be had. Try to take the ROFR threads with a grain of salt (or perhaps a shaker full). People have invested a lot emotionally into their DVC purchases and can be overly dramatic on these threads. It's really not that big of a deal.

What am I missing here? It seems like there are a lot of restrictions on resell and less stress with direct (but more cost).

Not really. If you plan on staying at DVC resorts (or exchanging through RCI) then resale and direct function in exactly the same manner. Given that staying at DVC resorts is the crux of the system, I would say that the restrictions are minimal. As for stress, personally paying double the price for something is pretty stressful for me.

We would get either 160 or 200 points now and then another 160 or 200 in Dec. What do the experts here say? I know there is a lot of debate, but I'm wondering pros and cons for both ways. Thanks!

One thing I didn't get into is the actual cost of cruising on points because I think the numbers would mean more to you if you worked them out yourself. But spoiler alert: cruising on points can be twice as expensive as renting out your points and booking using cash. I would also look at the point requirements. Odds are your 160 point contract isn't going to get you very far on a cruise.

All in all you asked some great questions. Listen to all the answers and decide what resonates with you the most. Good luck!

 

[sleepydog25]

So could we use those points together? Such as combine them to do a 3 bedroom?

A qualified "yes." If you purchase the second set of points at the same resort, then all the points from both contracts can be used together (even if one is resale and the other direct) at the 11-month point. If the purchases are at two different resorts, then only one set of points can be used at 11 months for a particular date, while the points at the second resort could only be used at the 7-month point. For example, assume you bought points at both AKV and SSR, and you wanted to reserve a GV at SSR at 11 months. Only your SSR points would be available at 11 months--you'd have to wait four more months to use the AKV points, and as the pp mentioned, most GVs are gone before the 7-month point.

 

[Minniesgal]

Direct points will only be quicker if you are looking at buying AKV. Anything else and Disney will add you to a wait list which could actually take longer than resale.

 

[ktate82]

Thanks everyone! It's just a big decision with a lot of questions. We have decided buying into DVC is for us, now we just have to sit back and consider the how.

 

[Deb & Bill]

That is what I am seeing. We want to buy and use soon, not buy and wait till 2015 to use....

What dates are you looking at using the points soon? If it is anytime past mid-Sept through mid-January, you will have a tough time finding anything available. If you are looking at summer, you should be able to find something.

 

[NoleFan]

What dates are you looking at using the points soon? If it is anytime past mid-Sept through mid-January, you will have a tough time finding anything available. If you are looking at summer, you should be able to find something.

We are waiting for our member id, etc. What is spring looking like?

 

[sleepydog25]

We are waiting for our member id, etc. What is spring looking like?

If you bought direct, you immediately get the points and can make a reservation at 11 months out. If not, and assuming you mean next spring, it depends on when and where. Spring break dates can be very crowded, though they are lower use times for DVC owners since point requirements are higher during that period.