I found that during the summer studios were available most of the day (and sometimes for a couple days) post the 11 month window. DVC in general just isn't popular in the summer because of the higher point charts and possibly weather. With that being said though DVC is showing the desire to finally move around the seasonal point charts so summer will continue to get cheaper probably and could shift demand.
DVC maintains a minimum of 2% ownership in each unit (they have not really gone above this requirement at any resort as far as I can tell) as a requirement to have the voting rights of that unit signed over to them (something done with each direct contract sold). So they "own" 2% of the resort and then have unsold inventory they don't own but are allowed to "rent" out on the CRO just as what they own. I only highlight the difference between the two pools because the 2% they declare as owning they pay dues on and the unsold inventory they do not (usually this is a small percentage) because they guarantee to make up any shortages in the dues.
Great thanks
We were originally looking at Bay Lake tower until I realized Copper Creeks Expiration Date is 2068, 8 years longer than BLT!
I do understand your distaste at this moment, and I agree Disney is reluctant to share the "real" hard news and facts about DVC ownership, in this case the studio situation at CCV. That being said, that's pretty much how most major corporations do business--they may not lie outright, but they don't identify warts, either. As has been the case for eons, caveat emptor. Now, Disney built their foundation on a very high standard of customer service, and that has slipped precariously close to "industry standards" now; in fact, they often use that term in defending their decisions about services, resorts, et. al.
In short, DVC owners book a date for a room that is prior to their actual travel time. They then go in each day and reset that date to one day closer to their actu
I would not do Riviera. It's new and no one knows how the new restrictions for resale of that property will hurt them down the road. Plus, who knows how the location or theming will play out? It seems nice (we toured), and we liked the Skyliner; however, the furnishings aren't any better than other resorts (just newer), and the services/food there didn't wow us. If you don't like the theming of a place--say BLT--by all means don't buy there. Buy where you want to stay. It's a mantra on many threads, and while some disagree, it's mostly regarded as true. With CCV, it's trickier due to the studio issue discussed above, but if that's the resort you love, I'd buy there. My second choice would be AKV--beautiful resort, better restaurants than WL (in a landslide), cheaper cost, and lots of rooms. Good luck!
Finally hit single digits in days until copper creek visit! Going to be a long week of work next week. It will be our first stay in January, do you think pool time is realistic? Or is it too cold? I’m coming from cold.
Our family stayed last January....the evening temps were in the 40’s....yep, we went swimming In the quiet pool when we stayed at the Beach club. The pool attendant was in a winter coat and thought we were crazy....well, we are from Minnesota soooooo...any hoo - as long as we stayed in the pool we were fine!
Wed like to stay at other resorts in addition to Copper creek. We also like BWV, BCV, BLT, BRV, AKV, SSR. Wed like to occasionally stay at CCV also.
If it were me, I'd sit down and talk over what life might be like the next 20-30 years. Yeah, that's a difficult task because we simply don't know. Still, DVC is a long-term financial commitment that doesn't go away unless you sell it. Kids? Travel habits? Retirement? All of those things (and more) will affect your thinking and how you visit in the future. What works now may not work in 10 years. How important is theming to you? How important is length of contract? For example, you mentioned contracts expiring in 2060 vs 2068. Is eight years (when ostensibly you'd be 70 vice 78) really that important? In the end, what you need to do is decide the cost value formula that works for you. I don't know what that criteria is for you. I will say that BLT is a fine resort, and despite the knock it gets from some about theming, we find it modern (mostly), very convenient to MK, on the monorail line, and host to a couple of good restaurants. It will also remain popular due to its proximity to MK. Is that worth giving up a few years on a contract for you? Do you even like the resort?
Reading between the lines, it seems you actually know what you wish to do, and certainly your thought process has considered the variables between going resale at an older resort and direct at RR. Many have suggested, and I agree, that buying a smaller contract first then potentially adding on via resale later is a fine option. If you like RR, you're aware the point requirements are higher, and you're comfortable with the resale restrictions (no one ever goes in thinking they will sell but many do), then go for it. I agree that one of the major issues a CCV is they sold so many contracts based on the cabins that those who bought and who are realizing that staying there is mostly a pipe dream are now booking studios, so it's tight to get in.
And you will end up spending more! But that is just my two cents!!!!!
I've thought of that too lol. Only issue is the shorter expiration date at 2054 for Saratoga. I'm also giving losing the Annual Pass discounts which is nice at $420 a person if we would get Gold Passes. If we bought resale It would be better for us to go to AKV since you gain 3 years also for similar pricing and I could see us potentially staying there more over Saratoga.So... my suggestion was going to be to buy SAP’s. (Sleep Around Points) The reason why I am suggesting this, is because you do not have one resort that you feel like you HAVE to stay at every trip. And since you are considering resale anyway, I was going to suggest buying in at Saratoga Springs. The reason being, is that you can get about 200 points for the same price that you will be paying to buy direct at Riviera for only 100 points. 100 points will not go far. You WILL want more!! I promise you that!! It’s like an addiction!!!
Correct any DVC owner can buy a Gold Pass. Have you considered buying direct at AKV? It is cheaper point wise and absolute price, though with less years but you will get more "nights" with a 100 point contract there then a 100 point contract at Riviera (and those points would be qualified to switch at 7 months to other resorts). However, I don't want to discourage you from buying any resort really its a matter of personal preference in the end. Though if you like AKV you potentially open the possibility up for the Club and Value rooms, though don't count on them just think of them as a bonus really.
I looked at AKV direct but its $186 a point so its only $2 cheaper per point buying than RIV at $188. Plus its 2057 vs 2070 expiration date so it wont last as long and if I did sell when I'm 65-70 then it will be worth less then also and would have less time left if we left it to our kids also. That's why I'm mostly only considering RIV direct since its the cheaper than BLT Direct($235 a point) and Copper Creak Direct is $220 a point.
I would look at the nightly $ cost of your room. While it appears to be $2 cheaper per point the best way to look at the problem is assign a dollar value to your expected vacation habits. Because AKV has significantly lower point charts its nightly $ cost of your room will be much less. Depending on your travel patters changing at 7 months maybe difficult (wanting studios or 2 bedrooms in the Fall Frenzy, October through January). With all that being said Riviera, IMO, is a beautiful resort and worth the higher point costs but for some it might not be.
