Ahhh BLT or BCV or hold off!?!?!?!?

[culli]

We just stayed at BCV and love it, favorite location due to EPCOT and DHS plus the BW. Awesome pool and beach we have a 6,3 and 2 year old. We currently have 485pts at SSR and OWK, have not had a problem so far staying and booking at DWL, BCV, BWV or BLT (staying in Oct). My wife and I decided we could add on 25-50pts at a time at BCV...well June has a waitlist and at 101pt (or something close to that) and has the 2042 exp date. Not a huge deal but do plan on using pts to do some snow bird time at WDW so 2060 is better.

I was just doing some rough math and now 125 pts at 96/pt is cheaper than BCV plus if they do offer an ext on BCV it will cost more $$ and probably be to 2060. Not much if anything resale especially in my UY for 125 or less and it would probably cost me about $90 + possible closing. BLT is much lower MF compared to BCV too. We are not sure if we are sold on a MK location as we just love the EPCOT area. So far our family likes EPCOT and DHS better than MK, lower crowds and tons for the whole family to do (diverse things) but MOST IMPORTANT I can walk to them!

Other option is add more on to SSR at 60-70pt that is FULLY LOADED and just keep taking the chances with 7 months. I'm really happy for what we got our resale at SSR, ok very very happy. Like most of us I guess, I try to get the best bang for the buck and value. We don't mind staying at SSR but want some diversity in our options with the amt of points we have at SSR just in case the 7 month window get harder than it is now. The goal is to eventually get to 1000pts. Again like most of us.... wondering will the incentives get better or is this the best price we will see? Trying to be objective I think the $96 is very good especially since I remember people guessing it would be $120+ a point. I feel SSR is still the best bang for the buck but like I mentioned don't want to get too tied down to SSR or any one resort for that matter.

We do have a stay at BLT in October and who knows I may just fall in love with it as much as BCV. The current incentive price for BLT is pretty good........but I guess hey I'm sure they will have something similar in October right?!!? We would like to take 1 to 2 trips a year of 7-10 days each in a 2br or possibly a 1br at BLT (which is another bonus) but to be realistic as kids get older 2br will be more likely what we get (like to relax).

I swear the more I think about this the more confused I get Well I shouldn't say confussed but weighing out all the options and making the best deal for our family both $$$ and

Well thanks for letting me vent and maybe feeling some of my pain

 

[Disney_Villain]

Hello to another OKW/SSR owner! (We have 585 of OKW, SSR & VGC.)

It sounds like you're looking for the best value for your dollar - and you're pretty flexible about which resort to stay at. If that's the case, go with 70 points of SSR via resale (as you were thinking) rather than try for multiple 25 point contracts at a more costly resort.

We've also had an easy time of booking non-home resorts with our OKW & SSR points as well. If we ever did have issues booking them, I am sure that they wouldn't happen all the time. It wouldn't bother us as we love staying at our home resorts.

If we were to add-on again with more Florida DVC, we would continue to add-on at OKW/2057 and SSR. We got a good value from these contracts and it would still be a great value to add-on to them again.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[njmeisje]

In my mind, if you are targeting owning total 1000 points someday - you will eventually add-on at BCV. It's just a great resort. Do it now - not going to get cheaper. Plus,once you own it - you will just enjoy it so much, the diffs in $$ will fade to black.

Good luck

 

[Sandisw]

I am a BLT fan and only bought in to DVC because of it, knowing full well I was paying more than I could for points elsewhere.

But, it sounds like you are not quite sure about how you will feel about that resort until you stay and I say, hold off buying there until you are sure. I really believe that incentives will continue. If what they are offering now works, and it brings in sales, then it will continue as long as it is doing that. If it does not bring in sales, then they will eliminate it and offer something else, most likely better to boost sales. Either way, I think you are in a good position. And, as you said, compared to SSR/OKW resales, the price at BLT is more.

I think that if you have had good luck booking other resorts at your time of travel, then I would not rush into anything until you see the "right" contract jump out at you.

Especially, for BCV. I did that with my VWL contract. I was waiting for a small one so I could buy in at BLT at the member's add on level, instead of the new (160). When I saw it, I just knew it was time!! The plan was to wait until we visited WDW in August and could see the BLT models before adding on--but I caved and added on in a week. Lucky for me, it took so long for me to get it right (kept changing my mind on # of points), that I was able to take advantage of the new incentives and am now in the process of closing on a 130 point contract!!

Good luck!

 

[nyck]

I think the 7 month window is easy for now, I think it will be worse later as more people buy DVC. And with the incentives this week, they had people buying like candy. My guide isn't even getting back until Monday. BCV is very small and books fast in the high seasons, so as more join, the popular times will be taken faster than ever. I am sooo thankful I own most of my points there. In 2007 I got 7 days Christmas week in a 2 bedroom. One of the best Christmas I ever had. If it is your favorite, sometimes it is worth the extra cash. And as your children grow, they will not grow out of the BCV location, because there is things for ALL AGES in that area. That is why I love it so much. These DVC's pay for themselves in 5-8 trips anyway, depending how often you go. So to me as long as you use up all the points, how much money are you really wasting in the end?

 

[culli]

Yeah the incentives will always be there, probably will wait until Oct and see if we like BLT as much as BCV. I'm really getting sold on walking to MK and monorail to EPCOT. I think you have to get off at transportation center and switch monorail is this correct? I guess a lot will have to do with the pool area at BLT too....just 96 a point can get 3 50pt contracts and would think if I had to could sell pretty easy on resale without much loss (not that I'm looking to do that). Problem with BCV is it seem hard to get the smaller contracts and the 18 year diff bothers me some too.

I'm sure we will love BLT....probably just wait. Oh lets be realistic we all know I'm going to call my guide next week and say sent me the paper work!!! Or maybe I will see a great BCV contract.

 

[Dean]

Given the number of points you have, I'd diversify if you want to add on. Thus I'd get a different resort, one that is at the top of your list and likely to be difficult to book. VGC certainly fits that bill.

 

[culli]

Given the number of points you have, I'd diversify if you want to add on. Thus I'd get a different resort, one that is at the top of your list and likely to be difficult to book. VGC certainly fits that bill.

No desire to do Disneyland so VGC is not a consideration. I do want to diversify resorts but just checked resale and some nice prices on SSR. Talked with wife again and we will probably wait until we check out BLT. Plus we have other non Disney TS we use to trade and do other stuff so no need to rush into anything. One thing the whole RCI/II thing renforced to us is buy where you want to stay. I see people chasing how to get into DVC thru RCI now........just not worth it for us as we have to have certain times and sizes. We got DVC that we love and want to stay...expensive compared to the rest of our portfollio but the one we always can't get enough of really enjoy our stays. We will use Wyndham and II traders for other stuff.

 

[Dean]

No desire to do Disneyland so VGC is not a consideration. I do want to diversify resorts but just checked resale and some nice prices on SSR. Talked with wife again and we will probably wait until we check out BLT. Plus we have other non Disney TS we use to trade and do other stuff so no need to rush into anything. One thing the whole RCI/II thing renforced to us is buy where you want to stay. I see people chasing how to get into DVC thru RCI now........just not worth it for us as we have to have certain times and sizes. We got DVC that we love and want to stay...expensive compared to the rest of our portfollio but the one we always can't get enough of really enjoy our stays. We will use Wyndham and II traders for other stuff.

All the more reason to buy something you can't get through other means. BTW, there's a 2 BR OKW unit check in 18 Dec sitting in RCI points right now.

 

[culli]

Grrrrrrrrrrr just looked at the glutony of SSR contracts out there and being patient I'm sure I could get a nice contract in the 60-62 pt range. I just don't want to have so many pts at one resort but WOW the resale prices look nice. Hard for me to justify and extra $35pt for BLT or BCV.......but also worried about having all my pts at SSR my favorite resort least fav location and BCV/BLT fav location and one of my top resorts. I also post that SSR is a great buy and I would be crazy to spend the amount needed more for pt for anything else. However, that is before I accumulated the 385pts at SSR and 100pts at OKW.......now if we go more we would want at least 1 trip to be at BLT or BCV.

Yeah when it comes to our requests we are going to be in order 1)BCV 2)BLT 3)BWV ties for 4)SSR or DWL or OKW 5)AKV. We have not been at BLT and I'm sure we will love it and who knows may climb to #1 once we actually stay there. The BLT location is looking better and better the more I think about it. We honestly like all the resorts and when we book I keep saying oh I should book that one, no that one, no this one would be best!!!

Like I said I know all the facts and points of view just the internal struggle. I know in the long run the price won't matter as much....again thanks for letting me vent the struggle I'm havig

Dean - wish DVC still used II because I could get DVC pretty easy. I just don't have anything in RCI that will see DVC or do I have RCI pts. Hopefully DVC will go back to II that would make me happy.

 

[Dean]

Dean - wish DVC still used II because I could get DVC pretty easy. I just don't have anything in RCI that will see DVC or do I have RCI pts. Hopefully DVC will go back to II that would make me happy.

Actually I think it's even easier with RCI to trade in than it was II. You should consider a good RCI points account since you get a free RCI weeks account with it. Or get one of the mini points systems like Wyndham or Bluegreen that include your RCI account. I know with BG you could add your other unit to the account and not pay additional for the RCI weeks membership. The extra membership fees, transfers, maint fees and $95 fee to exchange are still small compared to owning DVC. With almost 500 points it really makes no sense for you to add on just to get more points unless you do add a difficult to get option AND will take advantage of the home resort for that option. I'm doubting DVC will change back though they might become dually affiliated, they looked at that option in 2005 or 2006. Actually what I am hopeful of is that they cease trying to control the exchanges so much and just let members join individually.

 

[culli]

Actually I think it's even easier with RCI to trade in than it was II. You should consider a good RCI points account since you get a free RCI weeks account with it. Or get one of the mini points systems like Wyndham or Bluegreen that include your RCI account. I know with BG you could add your other unit to the account and not pay additional for the RCI weeks membership. The extra membership fees, transfers, maint fees and $95 fee to exchange are still small compared to owning DVC. With almost 500 points it really makes no sense for you to add on just to get more points unless you do add a difficult to get option AND will take advantage of the home resort for that option. I'm doubting DVC will change back though they might become dually affiliated, they looked at that option in 2005 or 2006. Actually what I am hopeful of is that they cease trying to control the exchanges so much and just let members join individually.

I do have Wyndham but they convert to weeks not points and yes I can deposit my other trader in that RCI account....except it doesn't pull DVC. I appreciate your points of view Dean because it makes me think! I wouldn't be adding DVC just to add pts, we want 1-2 stays a year for 9-14 days in a 2br. With the small kids it works for us to plan in advanace. I know I could pick up some RCI pts packages but I don't want to feel like I'm chasing my tail trying to trade into DVC. DVC isn't cheap but it works great for us and is much cheaper than CRO and allows us to experience WDW differntly then if we didn't own DVC. We use Wyndam and the traders for the non DVC things like we got a Hawaii trip planned this year and was able to get a nice place for my in-laws (anniversary gift and thanks for watching the kids). At this point I don't need to add on other options for vacation as what I have works great for our family. It would be only to see if I could squeze in a cheap DVC trip but I'm finding with the kids school, activities and my own work it is easier to go with DVC...I think MS is awesome compared to Wyndham, II and RCI reps with much more flexibility (assuming you use for DVC resorts). I find I do lots of changes and waitlists and so far have done well getting what I went.

Your comments really really got me leaning toward BLT or BCV add on. Good point on the hard to get areas. Even though I just put in a low offer on some SSR contracts...I doubt they will go through but with the prices it is hard for me to pass up. I had no problem seeing DVC when it was with II and hope they go back or dual affiliate. I'm so frustrated with RCI, everytime I call them I get a different response or just wrong answers...I know some love them but I have had nothig but problems.

 

[Dean]

I do have Wyndham but they convert to weeks not points and yes I can deposit my other trader in that RCI account....except it doesn't pull DVC. I appreciate your points of view Dean because it makes me think! I wouldn't be adding DVC just to add pts, we want 1-2 stays a year for 9-14 days in a 2br. With the small kids it works for us to plan in advanace. I know I could pick up some RCI pts packages but I don't want to feel like I'm chasing my tail trying to trade into DVC. DVC isn't cheap but it works great for us and is much cheaper than CRO and allows us to experience WDW differntly then if we didn't own DVC. We use Wyndam and the traders for the non DVC things like we got a Hawaii trip planned this year and was able to get a nice place for my in-laws (anniversary gift and thanks for watching the kids). At this point I don't need to add on other options for vacation as what I have works great for our family. It would be only to see if I could squeze in a cheap DVC trip but I'm finding with the kids school, activities and my own work it is easier to go with DVC...I think MS is awesome compared to Wyndham, II and RCI reps with much more flexibility (assuming you use for DVC resorts). I find I do lots of changes and waitlists and so far have done well getting what I went.

Your comments really really got me leaning toward BLT or BCV add on. Good point on the hard to get areas. Even though I just put in a low offer on some SSR contracts...I doubt they will go through but with the prices it is hard for me to pass up. I had no problem seeing DVC when it was with II and hope they go back or dual affiliate. I'm so frustrated with RCI, everytime I call them I get a different response or just wrong answers...I know some love them but I have had nothig but problems.

Getting you to think and be aware of other options is always my main goal. The difference between DVC with II and RCI is that II rated DVC more like they were in Orlando and RCI is rating them higher than other comparable Orlando options. That may change at some point. I'm not as familiar with Wyndham as some others, at least to the degree you need to be for this issue. I think Brian owns Wyndham and might be able to help you . The issue is getting a sufficient trader from Wyndham to see DVC. My understanding is they pick the deposits and often even just assign you units they have previously deposited. Unless you can pick the resort and week to deposit OR RCI rates DVC as just a 5* Orlando resort, you will have issues. Given your situation you're likely better off doing the occasional cash night for weekends through MS than buying more points just to have more points. Otherwise you need to investigate how to get better trading deposits in your Wyndham RCI account with those more in the know for that system than I.

 

[icydog]

Actually I think it's even easier with RCI to trade in than it was II. You should consider a good RCI points account since you get a free RCI weeks account with it. Or get one of the mini points systems like Wyndham or Bluegreen that include your RCI account. I know with BG you could add your other unit to the account and not pay additional for the RCI weeks membership. The extra membership fees, transfers, maint fees and $95 fee to exchange are still small compared to owning DVC. With almost 500 points it really makes no sense for you to add on just to get more points unless you do add a difficult to get option AND will take advantage of the home resort for that option. I'm doubting DVC will change back though they might become dually affiliated, they looked at that option in 2005 or 2006. Actually what I am hopeful of is that they cease trying to control the exchanges so much and just let members join individually.

Hi Dean, I too wish DVC had remained with II. I had/have good II traders and could get into DVC with those weeks. What bothers me is the cheap traders in RCI that get great DVC weeks.

Now I have a question for you. I have 20,000 Bluegreen points. How can I use those points to trade into DVC since BG only pays for a weekly membership. Do I reserve a week in BG and then search against that week. I've found that a decent trader, aka two bdrm prime time week, will be a ton of BG points and a hefty maintenance fee. What advantage is it to own BG to trade into DVC?

Thanks,
Marylyn

 

[FamilyLach]

First time here...hope this works! Took a sales tour over weekend at BLT and need advice on decision. Anyone out there use their points trading for a full week vaca through RCI in different locations othe than Disney? Wondering about availibility/flexibility/accomodations/convenience. We are considering getting 160 or 200 points to start at $98 or $96 per point. Hesitant to see if incentive gets better and also notice weekend pts would only allow us 4-6 night per year!! Would love any input...sorry if this post is in wrong place...never done this stuff before...definately need to get with the times!

I am a BLT fan and only bought in to DVC because of it, knowing full well I was paying more than I could for points elsewhere.

But, it sounds like you are not quite sure about how you will feel about that resort until you stay and I say, hold off buying there until you are sure. I really believe that incentives will continue. If what they are offering now works, and it brings in sales, then it will continue as long as it is doing that. If it does not bring in sales, then they will eliminate it and offer something else, most likely better to boost sales. Either way, I think you are in a good position. And, as you said, compared to SSR/OKW resales, the price at BLT is more.

I think that if you have had good luck booking other resorts at your time of travel, then I would not rush into anything until you see the "right" contract jump out at you.

Especially, for BCV. I did that with my VWL contract. I was waiting for a small one so I could buy in at BLT at the member's add on level, instead of the new (160). When I saw it, I just knew it was time!! The plan was to wait until we visited WDW in August and could see the BLT models before adding on--but I caved and added on in a week. Lucky for me, it took so long for me to get it right (kept changing my mind on # of points), that I was able to take advantage of the new incentives and am now in the process of closing on a 130 point contract!!

Good luck!

 

[culli]

First time here...hope this works! Took a sales tour over weekend at BLT and need advice on decision. Anyone out there use their points trading for a full week vaca through RCI in different locations othe than Disney? Wondering about availibility/flexibility/accomodations/convenience. We are considering getting 160 or 200 points to start at $98 or $96 per point. Hesitant to see if incentive gets better and also notice weekend pts would only allow us 4-6 night per year!! Would love any input...sorry if this post is in wrong place...never done this stuff before...definately need to get with the times!

DVC is expensive and IMO best used for staying at DVC resorts, to trade out is an expensive way to use it. Do some searches or go to http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/ and poke around on trading via RCI or II. Timesharing is a great way to vacation but I would suggest people understand what they are getting into before you purchase especially if you are thinking of trading. Dean has great info/experience but if you go to the tug site I mentioned there is lots of info out there.

DVC is right for some people and not right for others and plenty of discussions on the board. Dean and I disccused in this post about trading into Disney using other timeshares not trading out of Disney...hope that makes sense?

 

[Dean]

First time here...hope this works! Took a sales tour over weekend at BLT and need advice on decision. Anyone out there use their points trading for a full week vaca through RCI in different locations othe than Disney? Wondering about availibility/flexibility/accomodations/convenience. We are considering getting 160 or 200 points to start at $98 or $96 per point. Hesitant to see if incentive gets better and also notice weekend pts would only allow us 4-6 night per year!! Would love any input...sorry if this post is in wrong place...never done this stuff before...definately need to get with the times!

Buying DVC to trade is like buying an airplane to get free peanuts. DVC is an extremely poor vehicle to accomplish trading. You'd be better off buying less points and looking at other methods to get to non DVC vacations. I esp like DVC with another timeshare such as Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham, Bluegreen and the like.

 

[culli]

Well I have been looking and making some offers I would be happy with but honestly didn't think it would be taken. We have this waiting for ROFR now:

170 pts $80 pt, seller pays closing 08 & 09 MF, .. 235 points coming on 6/1/09 (160 + 75 banked points from 2008) and 170 points coming on 6/1/10

I know there is a few people on the BCV waitlist for the June UY or at least a few month ago there were some.

Hard choice considering BLT is at 96 a pt right now, probably couldn't have gone wrong with either one.

 

[Sandisw]

Well I have been looking and making some offers I would be happy with but honestly didn't think it would be taken. We have this waiting for ROFR now:

170 pts $80 pt, seller pays closing 08 & 09 MF, .. 235 points coming on 6/1/09 (160 + 75 banked points from 2008) and 170 points coming on 6/1/10

I know there is a few people on the BCV waitlist for the June UY or at least a few month ago there were some.

Hard choice considering BLT is at 96 a pt right now, probably couldn't have gone wrong with either one.

Congratulations and good luck!!!!

 

[Crystal_27]

I'm really getting sold on walking to MK and monorail to EPCOT. I think you have to get off at transportation center and switch monorail is this correct?

I didn't see in the thread that you had received a response to this. From BLT, the resort monorail will take you to the Magic Kingdom (or, like you said, you can walk) and the GF and Poly, but you are correct that you will have to change monorails at the TTC for Epcot.

Either way you go, good luck with your DVC add-on decision.