Add on at home resort or elsewhere?

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi, I currently own 100 pts each at BLT and AKV, and have always intended to add on a further 100 pts at either BWV or BCV ( I think we have finally decided on BCV).

We live in the UK, and the plan was to visit the World twice every three years. I like to book 11 months in advance and am very particular about where I want to stay - I plan to bank & borrow and one year stay a few days at BLT followed by a longer stay at AKV and the other year I would again have a few nights at BLT followed by the bulk of our visit at BCV.

I have just now read a thread on the DVc-Misc board which mentions that DVC could remove the banking/borrowing option. Whilst I was already aware that this was a possibility, I admit I hadn't really taken it into account with my above plans.

My question is - Do you think my plan of owning at 3 resorts with the view to ALWAYS banking and borrowing to give me 11 month advantage at different places is a bad idea (I don't really like the idea of losing the bank/borrow privilege and then having to swap resorts twice each trip - especially as 100pts doesn't get you many nights in the room types we would want)?

Should I really buy extra at my existing 'homes' just in case they implement this no bank/borrow rule?

Many thanks for you thoughts!!

 

[wdrl]

When we bought, I asked my Guide if Disney had ever suspended the privilege of banking or borrowing. He said that right after 9-11 there was concern that DVCers would not travel to WDW and that too many people would try to bank their points into the next UY. However, DVCers didn't significantly alter their travel plans at that time, so Disney did not feel a need to impose restrictions on banking or borrowing after 9-11. This example illustrates that in the future there may be some external event that may impact travel plans and force Disney to limit banking or borrowing.

Although we know banking/borrowing is a privilege and not a right, we bought into the DVC betting that that privilege will be in place for years to come. I also believe that as a resort nears its expiration date (e.g., 2042 for BCV) Disney will have to limit banking for that resort. You can't have everyone in 2041 trying to bank their points into 2042!

Its a good thing you are thinking of how this rule may affect your points. Unfortunately, there are a few members who are unfamiliar with the nuances of our contracts.

By the way, there is another clause in our deeds that may adversely affect owners of small point contracts. BLT's and AKV's Declaration of Condominium states that Disney can impose a minimum stay requirement of up to but not exceeding five days. Other DVC resorts may have the same clause. If an owner has only 100 points and must book a minimum stay of 5 days, it will significantly limit the type of accommodation or season that can be booked. Do I think that clause will be invoked? No, not really. But I could see it being applied before the restriction of banking or borrowing.

Bottom line: I'm not really scared about these possible changes. But, like you, I'll keep my eyes open and my fingers crossed. If I worried about every possible scenario, I'd never leave my home and miss out on a lot of good things. Good luck on your decision!!

 

[hellerjw]

You would certainly not be alone if this did happen as many, many owners have multiple home resorts for the very same reasons you do. I think there is something to be said for peace of mind so if this is a lingering concern for you then adding on at one of your home resorts would help alleviate that stress.

My view is that, yes, technically DVC could take away banking/borrowing but they could just as easily restrict us to only booking at our home resorts. Why worry about something that you have no control over. Do what gives you the most satisfaction and worry about the changes when and if they ever happen.

 

[disneynutz]

Disney has demonstrated that despite the negative effect to DVC Members, they will change the rules and policies when ever they see fit.

To be safe, assume that they will take everything away and buy enough points to stay at your favorite resort.

Bill

 

[Sandisw]

While I do think the likelyhood of this happening is slim, with DVC, you just never know.

Regardless, I think you really need to look at the worst case scenerio and how you feel about that.

First, if they did eliminate it, regardless of what resorts you owned, you would still have to use 300 points every year, so your plan of going twice every three years would no longer work.

Second, say you did own 300 split between 3 resorts. It would simply mean that you would go for as long as you could and have to split between 3 resorts.

Third, you might decide, being from the UK, that traveling to WDW every year to use up the points is just not possible and in that case, would probably want to sell.


If it were me, I don't think I would worry about it that much and go with what you know you love.

Good luck!

 

[arthur06]

If it were me, and I lived in UK, I would add 50 at AKL and 50 at BLT ... Owning 3 resorts with only planning on traveling 2 of 3 years ... It would guarantee split stays...

However, your money, your points, do as you wish!

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thanks everyone for your comments, I'm glad I have at least taken the time to think it over - at least that way if the worst happens it would not now be a complete shock.

I have come to the conclusion that I need to stick with my current plan of 100 pts at BCV (giving me 300 split equally over the 3 resorts I love). I can't afford to buy more than another 100 pts, let alone pay anymore in annual dues, so splitting them between my existing resorts still would only give me 150 each year at each, which isn't enough for my needs and we couldn't afford airfares etc from the UK every year anyway. So basically, I have realised that should (and I sincerely hope it never happens!!) DVC decide to stop banking/borrowing pivileges, we would just have to sell up as a holiday every year just isn't feasable for us.

I will hope I never have to deal with that outcome - but at least I am aware of it and have considered it before my further purchase, so thank you all again for your help, its much appreciated!!