A hypothetical situation

[PolyRob]

2. How often do people really use that 11 month window anyway? Or use it and stick with it? Let’s be honest, the entire DVC timeshare should just be called DVC slots (credit to @VGCgroupie).

I'm not sure if you're joking, but my VGF points are basically restricted. They are only used at VGF in the 7-11 month window except for the times I try and snag VGC. I would not have paid VGF prices to roll the dice continuously in the 7-month window. I would be very upset if I was stuck at any other WDW resort so I need points at my preferred resort.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I'm not sure if you're joking, but my VGF points are basically restricted. They are only used at VGF in the 7-11 month window except for the times I try and snag VGC. I would not have paid VGF prices to roll the dice continuously in the 7-month window. I would be very upset if I was stuck at any other WDW resort so I need points at my preferred resort.

VGF points? The dues are so low….

 

[Moonspinner]

I'm not sure if you're joking, but my VGF points are basically restricted. They are only used at VGF in the 7-11 month window except for the times I try and snag VGC. I would not have paid VGF prices to roll the dice continuously in the 7-month window. I would be very upset if I was stuck at any other WDW resort so I need points at my preferred resort.

Not joking, but I did contradict myself. I do think the California points are different, which is why I think the restricted aspect of VDH resale won’t matter in the long run. But all the other points? No point in fretting over which resort to buy unless you will “die” if you don’t get a reservation at BWV during food and wine. Or some other very specific incredibly popular random event or season that you plan on doing EVERY single year where you are absolutely sure you want to stay in the EXACT SAME RESORT. I cannot imagine this myself but those people are out there, or rather here, on the boards lol.
We own at 6 resorts. And the only resort we’ve actually used the 11 month window on is VDH. This year we missed the window and booked at 10 months out and could only get a 2 bedroom lock off as opposed to a 2 bedroom dedicated . (Now we are stuck with a giant Tiana in the living room.). And it wasn’t even a popular time of year. Even then we had to waitlist 2 of the 7 days. Note to self, take California bookings very seriously. We have scheduled before the 7 month window opening elsewhere, many times, but we never seem to keep it. We either decide we want to stay at another resort, or plans get changed. I’ve also never had trouble staying at any of the resorts at WDW+HHI+VB. Does it mean everything is open all the time? No, but the reality is that WDW resorts remain very available for the most part until about 5 months out. And even then, there is still a lot open. It just becomes more scattered. But we’ve never stayed at VGC, because we’ve never been able to get into it! So if you don’t know what to buy, and want to buy direct, VDH is no question the one to buy. As for resale, just buy SSR, or CCV does seem like a great deal too.
A warning to CC haters: we also thought we were not interested in CC and then we ended up staying there for 2 nights a few years ago after avoiding it for years— we absolutely loved it. So I do think there is something to what folks are saying about not knowing what you will like until you stay there. Another one we thought we’d hate? RIV.

 

[airjay75]

Not joking, but I did contradict myself. I do think the California points are different, which is why I think the restricted aspect of VDH resale won’t matter in the long run. But all the other points? No point in fretting over which resort to buy unless you will “die” if you don’t get a reservation at BWV during food and wine. Or some other very specific incredibly popular random event or season that you plan on doing EVERY single year where you are absolutely sure you want to stay in the same resort.
We own at 6 resorts. And the only resort we’ve actually used the 11 month window on is VDH. This year we missed the window and booked at 10 months out and could only get a 2 bedroom lock off as opposed to a 2 bedroom dedicated . And it wasn’t even a popular time of year. Even then we had to waitlist 2 of the 7 days. Note to self, take California bookings very seriously. We have scheduled before the 7 month window opening elsewhere, many times, but we never seem to keep it. We either decide we want to stay at another resort, or plans get changed. I’ve also never had trouble staying at any of the resorts at WDW+HHI+VB. Does it mean everything is open all the time? No, but the reality is that WDW resorts remain very available for the most part until about 5 months out. And even then, there is still a lot open. It just becomes more scattered. But we’ve never stayed at VGC, because we’ve never been able to get into it! So if you don’t know what to buy, and want to buy direct, VDH is no question the one to buy. As for resale, just buy SSR, or CCV does seem like a great deal too.
A warning to CC haters: we also thought we were not interested in CC and then we ended up staying there for 2 nights a few years ago after avoiding it for years— we absolutely loved it. So I do think there is something to what folks are saying about not knowing what you will like until you stay there. Another one we thought we’d hate? RIV.

You do make an interesting argument for buying VDH direct. Unlike RIV and future WDW restricted resorts, it is easier to see resale VDH maintaining its value. And a lot of us are making arguments for CCV or BLT based on the length of the contract and arguing that there will likely be more residual value in the future since the contract is longer.

I'd still have a hard time personally buying in a location where I have absolutely no plans to visit on a regular basis based on expected future value. At the end of the day, none of us know how the resale value of any of these resorts will shake out 10, 15, 20 years from now (aside from any resort that approaches its expiration date). And, I have a hard time making purchases of these amounts based on that fact alone. There is a certain amount of, look, I'm spending a fair amount of money, and I want what I want.

@Brian Noble has the wisest mindset - don't expect any value if you ever decide to sell and treat it as the equivalent of found cash you had no idea existed. I tend to amend that in my own mind and say, well, I do think educated guesses on expected future value is a factor to consider. But, when spending a large amount of money on DVC, if it is all gone at the end, what will my reaction be? Will it be economically devastating or will it be more like a nice sports car for which I spent a lot of money, but it's now at the end of it's life and not worth much anymore - I spent a lot of money, I really enjoyed it, but now it's gone. If it's the former (or something close to it), I'm making a pretty bad decision. If it's the latter, go for it.

And, this is why I own 600 direct RIV points .

 

[Moonspinner]

You do make an interesting argument for buying VDH direct. Unlike RIV and future WDW restricted resorts, it is easier to see resale VDH maintaining its value. And a lot of us are making arguments for CCV or BLT based on the length of the contract and arguing that there will likely be more residual value in the future since the contract is longer.

I'd still have a hard time personally buying in a location where I have absolutely no plans to visit on a regular basis based on expected future value. At the end of the day, none of us know how the resale value of any of these resorts will shake out 10, 15, 20 years from now (aside from any resort that approaches its expiration date). And, I have a hard time making purchases of these amounts based on that fact alone. There is a certain amount of, look, I'm spending a fair amount of money, and I want what I want.

@Brian Noble has the wisest mindset - don't expect any value if you ever decide to sell and treat it as the equivalent of found cash you had no idea existed. I tend to amend that in my own mind and say, well, I do think educated guesses on expected future value is a factor to consider. But, when spending a large amount of money on DVC, if it is all gone at the end, what will my reaction be? Will it be economically devastating or will it be more like a nice sports car for which I spent a lot of money, but it's now at the end of it's life and not worth much anymore - I spent a lot of money, I really enjoyed it, but now it's gone. If it's the former (or something close to it), I'm making a pretty bad decision. If it's the latter, go for it.

And, this is why I own 600 direct RIV points .

We really love RIV btw. It is one of our resorts too. I bet you are having a blast with the 600 RIV points. Much more fun than a sports car!

Definitely agree that DVC is a nice sports car and not an investment. Ironically, after all my arguments for VDH, we did not buy VDH for its long term value. We bought because we never could get into VGC lol. It was the one resort we couldn’t get into. Ever. We are much closer to WDW and do not plan on going to VDH every year. But we don’t seem to use any of our contracts for specific resorts. For the most part, it doesn’t seem to matter where we own.

That was what I was trying to communicate to OP. It seems like she has no idea where she wants to buy, or where she wants to stay (except not at CCV lol), so maybe buy at the hardest to get into resort?

 

[eticketplease]

I'd still have a hard time personally buying in a location where I have absolutely no plans to visit on a regular basis based on expected future value.

I hear you. This is similar to Aulani. Basically expensive SAP although Aulani can be had for much cheaper up front via resale.
Both properties have the TOT however are only applied when you stay at those properties.

After attempting to go back to Aulani this past summer before the points jumped up and failing, this will most likely be my next contract even if I can't find a subsidized contract.
Even though I don't plan to go often I realize I need the Home Advantage there where there is only one property while WDW I can always piece something together.

If you are a studio family VDH is not bad to get into however if you need the larger accommodations you will need that advantage so I could see purchasing there even if you are only going every 3 years.

 

[eticketplease]

It seems like she has no idea where she wants to buy, or where she wants to stay (except not at CCV lol),

This sums up the entire discussion lol

 

[Moonspinner]

To add— the one thing that does matter with our contracts is direct verses resale. We treat our direct contracts differently. We see them as much more valuable and hold them in reserve as long as possible. We use up the resale points first. Almost all of our resale points are grandfathered but they are still less valuable to us. If we need to we can use the direct contracts for other things for which the resale contracts cannot be used. We have been surprised by how much we prefer the direct contracts. We have half and half.

 

[Moonspinner]

Ok, this is my last add on comment lol. That being said, direct does usually cost more than resale- much more. So be sure you are a dvc/disney diehard before buying direct, because if you do have to sell, you are much more likely to lose money on direct. If you are really committed for the long haul, however, I do think direct is worth it. And that you will not regret buying direct even beyond the amount needed for the blue card.

 

[Brian Noble]

I’m beginning to think it’s a no brainer to just be happy to stalk 7 months out for something….I’ve done it for years at RCI.. I’m actually quite good at it.

For the most part, this is probably true. If you are looking for 1BRs, and you can be flexible about where or when, this can be very successful. And by flexible I don't mean "take whatever is left", I mean "don't have your heart set on one particular thing." My when is pretty much fixed, but where is much more open.

However...

December (first or second week) at BRV

...for this you almost certainly need home resort preference, even for a 1BR. Make sure you have enough to do this before diversifying.

 

[melissa70]

For the most part, this is probably true. If you are looking for 1BRs, and you can be flexible about where or when, this can be very successful. And by flexible I don't mean "take whatever is left", I mean "don't have your heart set on one particular thing." My when is pretty much fixed, but where is much more open.

However...

...for this you almost certainly need home resort preference, even for a 1BR. Make sure you have enough to do this before diversifying.

Brian-I’m thinking I may just do the December thing every other year. Or do a shorter stay for 5 nights which would be my 160 points exactly. So I’ve been looking at resale at SSR do you think a 250 contract for 93 a point with all points available for 2025, 2026, and 2027 is a fair deal?

 

[melissa70]

This sums up the entire discussion lol

I just don’t see the logic owning at the same location and if I am staying at BRV why would I want to also stay at CCV

Yes, you can laugh, but I don’t like those converted hotel rooms in the main building

Also, I never said I didn’t know where I wanted to stay. I said I want to sleep around. And yes, one of my favorites is Boulder Ridge, which is why I bought a small contract there. So thanks for your help.

 

[Brian Noble]

So I’ve been looking at resale at SSR do you think a 250 contract for 93 a point with all points available for 2025, 2026, and 2027 is a fair deal?

You've seen me around the boards here (and I think at TUG) often enough to know what my answer is: If you have to ask, you aren't ready to buy. On the other hand, if you have done enough market research to have a good sense of the answer, then trust yourself that you are right.

 

[Moonspinner]

I just don’t see the logic owning at the same location and if I am staying at BRV why would I want to also stay at CCV

Yes, you can laugh, but I don’t like those converted hotel rooms in the main building

Also, I never said I didn’t know where I wanted to stay. I said I want to sleep around. And yes, one of my favorites is Boulder Ridge, which is why I bought a small contract there. So thanks for your help.

That’s what we thought too but then we stayed there. Have you stayed there? If not, you might be surprised.
By definition, if you want to sleep around you don’t know where you want to stay. Nothing wrong with it. We are the same. SSR sounds like a good choice for you if you are going resale.

 

[melissa70]

You've seen me around the boards here (and I think at TUG) often enough to know what my answer is: If you have to ask, you aren't ready to buy. On the other hand, if you have done enough market research to have a good sense of the answer, then trust yourself that you are right.

Have I seen you on Tug?

And yes, I’m ready to buy.. just wanted opinions of how much is too much to pay before I make an offer. That’s all. It’s ok if you’re not willing to answer

 

[Brian Noble]

Probably.
https://tugbbs.com/forums/members/bnoble.15411/

 

[intamin]

I'm not sure if you're joking, but my VGF points are basically restricted. They are only used at VGF in the 7-11 month window except for the times I try and snag VGC. I would not have paid VGF prices to roll the dice continuously in the 7-month window. I would be very upset if I was stuck at any other WDW resort so I need points at my preferred resort.

Same, I use my 11 month window quite a bit. I don't ALWAYS end up staying at my home resort, but I do use it consistently to ensure I don't end up at a resort I don't like.

 

[eticketplease]

I just don’t see the logic owning at the same location and if I am staying at BRV why would I want to also stay at CCV

Yes, you can laugh, but I don’t like those converted hotel rooms in the main building

Also, I never said I didn’t know where I wanted to stay. I said I want to sleep around. And yes, one of my favorites is Boulder Ridge, which is why I bought a small contract there. So thanks for your help.

The logic with owning at the same location has been mentioned several times to you in your various posts.

You want to first own enough points in said location to ensure that you can secure the type of accomodation at the time of year you want.

For you that is staying in a 1 bedroom at BRV during December and assuming that is not between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day that would mean you need a minimum of 232 points.



Yes even though you are wanting a one bedroom these actually do book up rather quickly for your time period do to the holidays and low point costs.

After you have secured enough points to ensure you can get what the accommodation and view type at the resort you want and during the time frame you want to go then you can diversify your portfolio.

It doesn't make sense to buy CCV, AUL, VGF, SSR or anywhere in my mind until you have the 72 more points at BRV. Yes it can certainly make financial sense to do so and use them as SAP but you can't guarantee that you will be able to book BRV with those points. Perhaps you could if you were going in a lower demand season but for the travel plans you have laid out it is certainly no guarantee.

I am more laughing at not knowing what to buy as you seem to ask about different options repetively.
I have no problems with you not wanting to stay at CCV. If it doesn't work for you that is fine. Many were just suggesting the CCV for SAP because of your love for the lodge and the fact that the length of contract was longer and you could end up selling it in 2042 when you could no longer exchange into BRV. Also the dues are $0.70 less which does add up.

So thanks for your help.

You are welcome.

While I realize you were being sarcastic we seriously are trying to help you.

DVC is a big investment not just in money but in time with all of the planning. We just want you to be comfortable with what you end up doing whether it is buying more SAP or more BRV or just holding out for awhile until you grow more comfortable with this great product that Disney offers.

 

[melissa70]

The logic with owning at the same location has been mentioned several times to you in your various posts.

You want to first own enough points in said location to ensure that you can secure the type of accomodation at the time of year you want.

For you that is staying in a 1 bedroom at BRV during December and assuming that is not between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day that would mean you need a minimum of 232 points.

View attachment 1020058

Yes even though you are wanting a one bedroom these actually do book up rather quickly for your time period do to the holidays and low point costs.

After you have secured enough points to ensure you can get what the accommodation and view type at the resort you want and during the time frame you want to go then you can diversify your portfolio.

It doesn't make sense to buy CCV, AUL, VGF, SSR or anywhere in my mind until you have the 72 more points at BRV. Yes it can certainly make financial sense to do so and use them as SAP but you can't guarantee that you will be able to book BRV with those points. Perhaps you could if you were going in a lower demand season but for the travel plans you have laid out it is certainly no guarantee.

I am more laughing at not knowing what to buy as you seem to ask about different options repetively.
I have no problems with you not wanting to stay at CCV. If it doesn't work for you that is fine. Many were just suggesting the CCV for SAP because of your love for the lodge and the fact that the length of contract was longer and you could end up selling it in 2042 when you could no longer exchange into BRV. Also the dues are $0.70 less which does add up.


You are welcome.

While I realize you were being sarcastic we seriously are trying to help you.

DVC is a big investment not just in money but in time with all of the planning. We just want you to be comfortable with what you end up doing whether it is buying more SAP or more BRV or just holding out for awhile until you grow more comfortable with this great product that Disney offers.

Not really being sarcastic because i have gained knowledge from everyone on this board. But I don’t think anyone likes being laughed at when they are trying to learn the ropes and are already confused lol. I realize most on this board are very experienced and I can see how someone like myself is driving you or others crazy but you can also scroll right by if I am annoying you. I got many opinions on how BRV isn’t ideal because of the 2042 expiration so moving forward I will invest in something that will hold its value a bit better. As far as the December week, maybe I’ll do it every other year or only for 5 nights every year which is exactly what I have points for.

 

[byurick]

Just buy more BRV and be happy since that is your favorite. Use your points however you want. That's my advice.