3 DVC questions from a not-yet member.

[Mrs. Charming]

Hi! DH and I just recently thought about becoming DVC members. We went through the tour, and we like it. I don't remember, and I know we asked the question, but when is it likely that BLT will sell out? I don't really want to finance much, if anything, so I'd rather go into DVC without accruing debt. If it's going to sell out in 6 months, then we're out of luck.

The second question (and I should have remembered, but I don't) is if you buy a low point level, ie 50 points, can you buy extra points if say, you come into a better financial situation? Or would you have to sell and re-buy a bigger "package" with a higher yearly allotment?

There are some re-sales out there that look appealing, is it worth it to buy a re-sale or is there some great advantage to buying from DVC directly?

Thanks a bunch!!

 

[hoffmann2828]

Lots to consider here.

1. As far as BLT selling out, that is hard to answer. It is just people's opinions at this point. I think it will take a while still, but you never know.

2. You can always add to a contract without getting a new one. If you own 50 points, and want to add another 100, then you certainly can! However, if you buy directly from Disney, you can't buy just 50 points for your FIRST purchase. If you buy resale, then you can buy any denomination.

3. Personally, I prefer to buy through Disney. I know I pay more, but I like not having to deal with sellers, the middle man, going through ROFR, etc. Disney makes it very easy to buy or add on, so I stick with that. Also, Disney is changing the rules for RESALE contracts, so you will have more limited use on points obtained through a RESALE. If you purchase directly through Disney, you get full use of those points, so you have more options.

Please feel free to PM me too if you have any questions.

Jenny

 

[chalee94]

when is it likely that BLT will sell out?

depends on what you mean by "sell out." BCV and OKW are "sold out" resorts but you can still buy them direct. DVC is constantly acquiring pts from all of the resorts through foreclosures and ROFR.

when BLT "sells out", DVC may stop offering incentives, but you will still be able to buy direct if you choose.

The second question (and I should have remembered, but I don't) is if you buy a low point level, ie 50 points, can you buy extra points if say, you come into a better financial situation?

this. adding on is easy. really easy.

There are some re-sales out there that look appealing, is it worth it to buy a re-sale or is there some great advantage to buying from DVC directly?

the advantage to buying direct is that it is fast and easy. you can book a reservation quickly and they will provide financing if you need it.

resales take longer - maybe 2 months to close and be able to book - but are cheaper. sometimes much cheaper. you do need to do a little more of your own legwork/research, though, to understand what you are getting. if you negotiate too good of a deal, disney can take it away from you and make you start over ("ROFR").

after march 20, resales will lose some options for booking disney cruises and hotels like the GF...trading out of the DVC resorts like that is usually not a good deal financially but some people like having the option. so there's that.

but whether you pay more to buy direct or less to buy a resale, if you need to sell...you will be selling a contract without the ability to trade out for cruises. which means your eventual resale value will probably be lower. but if you keep the contract till it expires, that's a nonissue...

 

[sleepydog25]

I'm just going to add further clarification of the two excellent posts above. I've bought both direct and resale, and though it is easier to buy and finance DVC through Disney, doing so via resale isn't difficult, just a bit more time consuming as chalee suggested. The hardest part for many is waiting to pass Disney's right of first refusal or ROFR. Disney tends to let far more contracts pass than they option the ROFR; as a general rule, if the contract isn't "too good to be true," then it usually passes. In short, I wouldn't pass up a great resale contract just because it's easier to go through Disney.

As for the 20 Mar 11 deadline, Disney recently announced that all resale contracts submitted for ROFR after that date would fall under new guidelines, and those new guidelines include not being able to switch your points out for stays at certain Disney hotels or use them for Disney cruises. However, most other rules concerning their use still apply, such as booking 11 months out for your home resort, etc. All resale contracts approved before that date (or submitted for ROFR by 20 Mar and subsequently approved) will be grandfathered in to the old rules. So, I have SSR points direct from Disney and resale points from VWL, and both will be treated equally.

As mentioned, you should do your homework about exactly what you want out of DVC so that you can make an informed decision. There are plenty of forums and threads on this board to help you. Good luck!

 

[Rob S.]

Another thing to consider if buying direct: The price for BLT is rumored to be going up on March 1. I spoke with my guide yesterday regarding an add-on and she did mention the upcoming price increase for BLT. I was not adding-on at BLT so I did not ask for the specifics such as how much and when.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you purchase DVC points with the object of using them for DCV stays, you can purchase resale with no problem. In reality, the only thing you are guaranteed when you buy DVC is to be able to book your home resort with at least one month headstart.

So, if you want BLT, buy BLT. If you want to stay at VWL, buy VWL. Don't buy VWL if you want to stay primarily at BLT.

You can save a lot of money buying resale.