Almost ready but have a few questions

[Jhaberlein]

So..... we are close to purchasing resale, but aren't quite there yet. I need feedback and perspective!

Our family background: Family of 5, 3 kiddos are 12, 12, and 9.
We have stayed at AoA and WL with the military rate (and WL was with my parents, so we had 2 standard rooms and the kids took turns in Nan/Pops room)
DH and I stayed at POLY for adult only trip and LOOOVVVEEEDDD it. I've stayed at CSR and FW (cabins) as well.
We typically visit in early September for 5 to 7 nights. If we are going to go yearly, we'd have to do 5 based on my work schedule. After we do MNSSHP (kids haven't done it yet), we'd be open to 5 nights at other times during the year, but would probably stick to fall.
At some point I WILL do a RunDisney event (preferably Dopey) so that would mean a January trip, and I WILL see a Candlelight Processional.
We know eventually we won't always need a space that sleeps 5 as the kids will be busy with other things. If the kids can't go, we'd do adult only.
We need the option to cancel (so renting isn't the best option) since DH is military and we travel in peak hurricane season.

We are considering OKW (would need 115 points for 1 bedroom) for the space (a bonus, not needed) and price point and PVB (would need 86 points for a studio) for the resort and park proximity. The studio size at PVB isn't an issue since we are rarely in the room. If we purchase OKW we would likely book out 11 months, then see if PVB has availability 7 months out.
We love WL (BRV?) but they don't have (yet...?) the accommodation size we are looking for (studio or 1bedroom that sleeps 5).

I've read, researched, followed threads, read some more, played with excel calculations, but still have some concerns and questions.

1. Use year? I get the basics of it, and I think April is what we want if we typically travel in September. Yes? No... you're totally off!?

2. Number of points: I've been actively watching contracts from 3 agencies for about a month and have yet to see one for what we need at either resort. Is better to go for one with additional points? I've seen a few in the 130-150 range for OKW. I don't want to plan to have to rent out points, but if I purchase "extra" should I at least do 45 extra to rent?

3. Watching contracts: I'm on multiple email and social media notification lists, but haven't spoke to anyone directly yet. Is it better to start calling and letting agencies know what we are looking for?

4. Cost/Value/All that good stuff: We enjoy deluxe more than value (haven't stayed moderate). We don't want to plan on the military rate always being an option since it's not a guarantee. As I figure it today, military rate for Cabins at FW or room at POR, and renting points for PVB are all about the same price. We'd prefer PVB. When I project out, purchasing resale (including compounding MFs) keeps us at about what we are currently paying for 5 nights at the military rate.
If we could get a PVB contract of 80-100 points for below $120 we would definitely save money in the long run due to the contract length. We would likely try for it just for home resort privileges. However... I can say we would NOT be needing the contract for that long based on our ages, and we don't want to assume the kids would use it as adults.

5. You aren't thinking of this....

 

[Marionnette]

So..... we are close to purchasing resale, but aren't quite there yet. I need feedback and perspective!

Our family background: Family of 5, 3 kiddos are 12, 12, and 9.
We have stayed at AoA and WL with the military rate (and WL was with my parents, so we had 2 standard rooms and the kids took turns in Nan/Pops room)
DH and I stayed at POLY for adult only trip and LOOOVVVEEEDDD it. I've stayed at CSR and FW (cabins) as well.
We typically visit in early September for 5 to 7 nights. If we are going to go yearly, we'd have to do 5 based on my work schedule. After we do MNSSHP (kids haven't done it yet), we'd be open to 5 nights at other times during the year, but would probably stick to fall.
At some point I WILL do a RunDisney event (preferably Dopey) so that would mean a January trip, and I WILL see a Candlelight Processional.
We know eventually we won't always need a space that sleeps 5 as the kids will be busy with other things. If the kids can't go, we'd do adult only.
We need the option to cancel (so renting isn't the best option) since DH is military and we travel in peak hurricane season.

We are considering OKW (would need 115 points for 1 bedroom) for the space (a bonus, not needed) and price point and PVB (would need 86 points for a studio) for the resort and park proximity. The studio size at PVB isn't an issue since we are rarely in the room. If we purchase OKW we would likely book out 11 months, then see if PVB has availability 7 months out.
We love WL (BRV?) but they don't have (yet...?) the accommodation size we are looking for (studio or 1bedroom that sleeps 5).

I've read, researched, followed threads, read some more, played with excel calculations, but still have some concerns and questions.

1. Use year? I get the basics of it, and I think April is what we want if we typically travel in September. Yes? No... you're totally off!?
Given that your plans are for Sept. -Jan. (based on your bucket list), I would go with a June or even August UY. This would allow you almost a full year to use or bank your points if your Sept. trip were to be canceled. Fewer if your trip is for Dec./Jan., but still within your banking window. An April UY has a Dec. 1 banking deadline.

2. Number of points: I've been actively watching contracts from 3 agencies for about a month and have yet to see one for what we need at either resort. Is better to go for one with additional points? I've seen a few in the 130-150 range for OKW. I don't want to plan to have to rent out points, but if I purchase "extra" should I at least do 45 extra to rent?
Most of the rental agencies won't even accept less than 100 points being available for rent. I would not purchase a contract with the expectation that I would need to rent the points out on a regular basis. Instead, I would get a contract that is close to what I need and expect to either borrow or use OTUPs to book what I want that year. FWIW, watching for 1 month is not a very long time when it comes to looking for the perfect contract. I watched and waited for almost 2 years for my most recent contract.

3. Watching contracts: I'm on multiple email and social media notification lists, but haven't spoke to anyone directly yet. Is it better to start calling and letting agencies know what we are looking for?
It never hurts to let an agency know that you are looking for a specific contract. At least you will have your foot in the door. But I wouldn't use it as a substitute for the methods that you are currently using.

4. Cost/Value/All that good stuff: We enjoy deluxe more than value (haven't stayed moderate). We don't want to plan on the military rate always being an option since it's not a guarantee. As I figure it today, military rate for Cabins at FW or room at POR, and renting points for PVB are all about the same price. We'd prefer PVB. When I project out, purchasing resale (including compounding MFs) keeps us at about what we are currently paying for 5 nights at the military rate.
If we could get a PVB contract of 80-100 points for below $120 we would definitely save money in the long run due to the contract length. We would likely try for it just for home resort privileges. However... I can say we would NOT be needing the contract for that long based on our ages, and we don't want to assume the kids would use it as adults.
I don't think that Poly @ $120 pp is a realistic price point. It would never pass ROFR.

5. You aren't thinking of this....
You haven't stayed in a DVC unit yet, have you? I recommend renting a reservation from an owner and trying it out before you plunk down such a large sum of money. If you're interested in OKW, then plan a stay there. Perhaps do a split stay at PVB to compare life in a studio vs. a 1-bedroom. IMO, 5 people in a studio is going to be very tight. Especially when there's only one bathroom and 2-3 teenagers. But your family may be fine with it. The only way to know would be to stay there and find out for yourself.

You mention that you need the option to be able to cancel, hence the reason for not renting. Keep in mind that there's a reason why owners don't permit cancellations. Some of it is because they need the money from the rental for something else. But even more importantly are the same factors that would affect you as an owner in the event that you have to cancel your own reservation...things such as banking deadlines, holding points, borrowing points into the current UY and needing to use them or lose them, etc.

And while you may not need "all" of those points later on, you definitely will need them now. You might want to consider buying less than you need on the resale market and then purchasing a small direct contract from DVD to make up the difference. This would allow you to sell that smaller contract later, when you don't need as many points, while having enough points to cover your family's needs over in the immediate future. As as added bonus, you would be entitled to DVC member benefits which are currently denied to those who purchased after April 4, 2016.

 

[disneynutz]

You need to take the time to learn about the different resorts or be prepared to sell and buy a different resort once you have stayed in the different resorts. My son recently bought a truck without learning about the different trucks. A couple of months later he sold it at a loss and bought the truck that better fit his needs.

Bill

 

[dbavis]

Studios at VWL do sleep 5 with the pull down bed

 

[chalee94]

1. Not sure why an April UY seemed best to you - makes me a tiny bit nervous that you are not clear on UY (one simple rule is to remember that UY has nothing to do with when you can call to book).

September UY is ideal if you mostly travel in September but an August UY might be better if you sometimes travel in late August/early September. An April UY would typically work fine for Sept stays but it's not the best choice by any stretch.

2. It's good to have a small buffer of extra pts in case DVC re-allocates point requirements for a resort. DVC cannot raise point costs across all categories or travel periods, but if they lower pt costs for some owners, they might be raising them in your case - you never know...

I would agree that you don't need to buy extra pts in order to rent them.

3. It's easy to contact the timeshare store and get on their email list. That's what I did.

4/5. I would agree that it's probably a good idea to try out both a OKW 1BR and poly studio before buying.

While you might be commando-style park warriors now, many DVC owners find that ownership allows them to take a more relaxed approach to WDW since we know we are coming back soon...so maybe you won't just be using the room as a place to crash when the parks are closed if you buy in...

You are probably aware, but OKW contracts can expire in 2042 or 2057 so that may be a factor in your purchase.

I would also add that there is not much need for most to consider buying a small direct contract - the only real "benefit" denied to resale purchasers is the AP discount (which can go away at any time for any or all of us). If you are buying APs for 5, maybe the benefit would add up for you, but for most people planning 1 trip to WDW each year (or less), it's a complete non-issue.

 

[Jhaberlein]

, I would go with a June or even August UY. This would allow you almost a full year to use or bank your points if your Sept. trip were to be canceled.

Thanks!

Most of the rental agencies won't even accept less than 100 points being available for rent

Good to know. I was told a by a DVC owner that a rental company (won't name) wouldn't accept less than 45 so that was my assumption for all.

don't think that Poly @ $120 pp is a realistic price point. It would never pass ROFR

Unless I'm reading the ROFR thread wrong, one (somewhat stripped) recently passed for $117.50. It wasn't on our radar at all as an option to purchase resale until I saw that. Do I think it's likely? No, would we try to get lucky? Yes.

If you're interested in OKW, then plan a stay there. Perhaps do a split stay at PVB to compare life in a studio vs. a 1-bedroom

That's one thing we are considering for our next trip.

But even more importantly are the same factors that would affect you as an owner in the event that you have to cancel your own reservation

I guess I feel more comfortable with having our points go into holding then possibly being able to use them (if there's availability).

You need to take the time to learn about the different resorts or be prepared to sell and buy a different resort once you have stayed in the different resorts

I agree. We've visited and spent some time dining at and walking around all of the DVC resorts on our own, and have done the official DVC presentation, but we haven't stayed DVC yet. If and when we purchase it will be a small contract at first (under 150 points).

Studios at VWL do sleep 5 with the pull down bed

Whoa. NO idea how I overlooked that. Guessing because since the 1 bedrooms sleep 4 I didn't even look closely at the studio. No excuse there. So glad you posted that. Just opened a new door!

1. Not sure why an April UY seemed best to you - makes me a tiny bit nervous that you are not clear on UY

I was counting back 4 months from September (travel) to bank points instead of end of use year. Since there's no May use year I had April in mind. Also, if we had a September use year we would need to bank by end of April. I know not to confuse use year and travel month, but that's exactly what I did. That's exactly what I needed you guys to call me out on!

September UY is ideal if you mostly travel in September

Somewhere it was recommended to not purchase your typical travel month as your use year. Do you see any reason not to? I know use year and travel month aren't necessarily the same but is there any reason why they can't be? That would simplify it in my mind.

If you are buying APs for 5, maybe the benefit would add up for you

At some point it may, but for now the military tickets are a better value. The perks of buying direct don't make it worth it quite yet for us.

 

[chalee94]

Somewhere it was recommended to not purchase your typical travel month as your use year. Do you see any reason not to? I know use year and travel month aren't necessarily the same but is there any reason why they can't be? That would simplify it in my mind.

This was the only reason I could think of why someone would say that "it was recommended to not purchase your typical travel month as your use year."

September UY is ideal if you mostly travel in September but an August UY might be better if you sometimes travel in late August/early September.

Ideally, you want to travel as early in your UY as possible - so it's ideal to travel in Sept with a Sept UY.

BUT you never want to travel in the last 3 months or so of your UY, so if you did travel the last few days of August as part of a Sept trip, that would put the pts used to book August at risk if you had to cancel on relatively short notice...

 

[BillPA]

I would not rule out an April or June UY. You may end up going in the summer once all the kiddo's are in high school. That would give you a better banking/canceling date.

 

[Sleepy425]

Not sure if it has changed, but in 2014 when we bought resale from The Timeshare Store, we were in contact with an agent and put in an offer that didn't end up getting accepted. We told him exactly what we were looking for, assuming he would call us if he saw that contract come up. Within a couple days we saw a contract that fit our criteria on the mailing list and bought it. But he made no attempt to contact us about it or make the sale first - we had to reach out to him for it.

 

[Dean]

So..... we are close to purchasing resale, but aren't quite there yet. I need feedback and perspective!

Our family background: Family of 5, 3 kiddos are 12, 12, and 9.
We have stayed at AoA and WL with the military rate (and WL was with my parents, so we had 2 standard rooms and the kids took turns in Nan/Pops room)
DH and I stayed at POLY for adult only trip and LOOOVVVEEEDDD it. I've stayed at CSR and FW (cabins) as well.
We typically visit in early September for 5 to 7 nights. If we are going to go yearly, we'd have to do 5 based on my work schedule. After we do MNSSHP (kids haven't done it yet), we'd be open to 5 nights at other times during the year, but would probably stick to fall.
At some point I WILL do a RunDisney event (preferably Dopey) so that would mean a January trip, and I WILL see a Candlelight Processional.
We know eventually we won't always need a space that sleeps 5 as the kids will be busy with other things. If the kids can't go, we'd do adult only.
We need the option to cancel (so renting isn't the best option) since DH is military and we travel in peak hurricane season.

We are considering OKW (would need 115 points for 1 bedroom) for the space (a bonus, not needed) and price point and PVB (would need 86 points for a studio) for the resort and park proximity. The studio size at PVB isn't an issue since we are rarely in the room. If we purchase OKW we would likely book out 11 months, then see if PVB has availability 7 months out.
We love WL (BRV?) but they don't have (yet...?) the accommodation size we are looking for (studio or 1bedroom that sleeps 5).

I've read, researched, followed threads, read some more, played with excel calculations, but still have some concerns and questions.

1. Use year? I get the basics of it, and I think April is what we want if we typically travel in September. Yes? No... you're totally off!?

2. Number of points: I've been actively watching contracts from 3 agencies for about a month and have yet to see one for what we need at either resort. Is better to go for one with additional points? I've seen a few in the 130-150 range for OKW. I don't want to plan to have to rent out points, but if I purchase "extra" should I at least do 45 extra to rent?

3. Watching contracts: I'm on multiple email and social media notification lists, but haven't spoke to anyone directly yet. Is it better to start calling and letting agencies know what we are looking for?

4. Cost/Value/All that good stuff: We enjoy deluxe more than value (haven't stayed moderate). We don't want to plan on the military rate always being an option since it's not a guarantee. As I figure it today, military rate for Cabins at FW or room at POR, and renting points for PVB are all about the same price. We'd prefer PVB. When I project out, purchasing resale (including compounding MFs) keeps us at about what we are currently paying for 5 nights at the military rate.
If we could get a PVB contract of 80-100 points for below $120 we would definitely save money in the long run due to the contract length. We would likely try for it just for home resort privileges. However... I can say we would NOT be needing the contract for that long based on our ages, and we don't want to assume the kids would use it as adults.

5. You aren't thinking of this....

1. Sept will be the best as described.
2. I wouldn't do OKW in this situation, I'd do SSR. You can get OKW most all the time at 7 months out and SSR has the standard view going forward. Overall it'll be cheaper because of the cheaper dues. I wouldn't go under 150 but with the 3 you'll need a 2 BR pretty quickly IMO. Honestly I think you're looking more in the 200-220 point range if a week a year. You can get ahead on points early if you don't get a 2 BR and you'll have some flexibility and get behind if you go at times that are higher seasons. Overall you likely don't need much of a cushion other than counting on a 2 BR but if you try to count just the 1 BR for 5 days in adventure season I think you'll need a LARGE cushion.
3. Yes

 

[Dean]

Somewhere it was recommended to not purchase your typical travel month as your use year. Do you see any reason not to? I know use year and travel month aren't necessarily the same but is there any reason why they can't be? That would simplify it in my mind.

The only reason not to purchase Sept would be if you hit the long weekend in which case August is the next bet. As described, I'd only buy one of those 2 months.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You can't do five in an OKW studio. You can only do four there. You can do five in the one bedroom, but you still only have one bathroom (two sinks, two bathing locations) .

 

[Jhaberlein]

The only reason not to purchase Sept would be if you hit the long weekend in which case August is the next bet. As described, I'd only buy one of those 2 months.

Thanks!! The long weekend is a big possibility, so that's pushing me towards August.
And I know everyone says they wished they'd bought more points when they first bought in, but that's a hard mental jump... 100 to 200. If it means more Disney, I think I can wrap my mind around it quickly.

You can't do five in an OKW studio. You can only do four there

The 115 points I figured were for a 1 bedroom. Thanks for the reminder of 1 bathroom.

I did realize (when I went back to their site tonight) that when I was reviewing WL (BRV) that Timeshare stores website shows deluxe studio sleeping 4. Their point chart is from 2015, but I don't think I bothered to check anywhere else.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Don't forget about annual member fees and tickets. They only continue to go up.

 

[Dean]

Thanks!! The long weekend is a big possibility, so that's pushing me towards August.
And I know everyone says they wished they'd bought more points when they first bought in, but that's a hard mental jump... 100 to 200. If it means more Disney, I think I can wrap my mind around it quickly.

IMO the biggest mistakes people make buying in are buying when they can't afford it and after that it's buying too many or too few points. The next is buying the new resort retail because they're star struck like buying a new car rather than the 2 y/o one. The problem with buying the 115 for 5 nights in Adventure season is you have NO flexibility if you want to do that trip every year. Any and every change on your end and their end basically makes you not have enough points for your trip as planned plus you're going to need a 2 BR within just a couple of years I believe. What if you want to try a different resort or a different season or they do a reallocation and now the trip that was 115 is now 130 points. As you're already seeing, there are less contracts for that size and they tend to be higher though maybe not at OKW and SSR as much as some.

IMO one in your situation needs to plan for a 2 BR fairly soon, probably for 7 days not 5 and should have likely have a 20% points cushion. The 2 BR for 7 days provides sufficient cushion I believe, if you decide to go with the minimum to do what you're thinking, I'd do at least a 20% cushion which gets you to basically 150 anyway. The actual contract does have some affect. There's a big difference between a loaded and stripped 150 points contract in your world. If you could get a fully loaded 150-170 point contract with a good UY, it'll play closer to 200 points for quite some time.

Another issue specific to OKW is it has higher dues and some challenges to dues going forward that are not applicable to some of the other resorts. Plus you can get a 1 BR there any time. AKV has the 2 Baths in the 1 BR at Kidani as does BLT so that might be a consideration. SSR will be your cheapest options, BLT will be next and if it allows you to stay at the 1 BR level, they may actually be cheaper than the other options long term if you can get buy with less points though I wouldn't but it too quickly. I would not recommend a 1 BR at OKW or SSR as your long term plan with 3 teens and if they are not all the same gender, I think you're at the 2 BR level now or at least by the time you get to your first reservation for all resorts.

I do believe UY is important, it's likely a $500-1000 difference minimum in your situation between a good one and a bad one, possibly more.

 

[Jhaberlein]

I would not recommend a 1 BR at OKW or SSR as your long term plan with 3 teens and if they are not all the same gender,

All boys... so there's at least that working for us. We've also decided as they get into their teens the trips will be optional for them. I'm stepmom so we have the flexibility of them staying home with their mom.

I do believe UY is important, it's likely a $500-1000 difference minimum in your situation between a good one and a bad one, possibly more.

And you'd recommend August right?

Thank you so much for your detailed analysis of our situation! It helps immensely!! We won't be purchasing if we need financing. Right now we could do the 100-120ish range of point, but with 150+ we might have to wait.

Do you foresee a reallocation of points for Boulder Ridge once construction is done? Or most resales being taken in ROFR? If we are going to make the big jump into 2 bedroom points, it would be between there and BLT.

 

[disneynutz]

I don't see any reason for a reallocation. You can always start off with fewer points and add as necessary.

I will caution you about the loaded cost though. I did a study on our 200 point BCV contract, using it for WDW stays, adding costs for travel, food, admission, dues, until the contract times out, our cost will be around $300,000.

Bill

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Reallocation requires a solid reason relating to demand for or occupancy of the resort in question. The last reallocation involved making part of Saratoga Springs "preferred" and part "standard" based on room request patterns at the resort. I'd expect the next one to impact the Poly in some similar way, once they sell it through.

The only potential VWL reallocation would be if they do a general re-alignment of points seasons across all resorts to reflect the mayhem that is fall booking. There is no other reason specific to VWL to reallocate at this time, and "hey we built a new resort next door with an entirely separate condo association!" wouldn't be cause to reallocate VWL.

 

[Dean]

All boys... so there's at least that working for us. We've also decided as they get into their teens the trips will be optional for them. I'm stepmom so we have the flexibility of them staying home with their mom.

You'll have to work through you're situation to see what's best. I would definitely not buy the minimum for 5 days in a 1 BR at OKW, IMO you need a significant cushion and I would not suggest buying OKW. But buying 150-170 and seeing how it goes might be workable.

And you'd recommend August right?

Thank you so much for your detailed analysis of our situation! It helps immensely!! We won't be purchasing if we need financing. Right now we could do the 100-120ish range of point, but with 150+ we might have to wait.

Do you foresee a reallocation of points for Boulder Ridge once construction is done? Or most resales being taken in ROFR? If we are going to make the big jump into 2 bedroom points, it would be between there and BLT.

I would recommend August if there'a s reasonable chance you'll go starting in August. If you normally won't go that weekend, I'd likely still go with Sept but keep open to August. Through 2023 there are only 3 nights from Friday on that are in August for the weekend, one is Friday only and the other Fri and Sat. But it will cycle through and roughly 60% of the time that weekend will be in Sept from Fri night on. If you'd go mostly that weekend, I'd buy August, if not usually but maybe, I'd buy August or Sept. Obviously if you'd go routinely at other times, that'll change the equation.

I don't anticipate a reallocation that will affect he 1 BR but none of the other reallocations were specifically anticipated either. IF there is a reallocation for your situation, it'll affect all DVC resorts similarly in all likelihood. You lost me on the home resort issue. It sounds like you were formulating your choices based on price and 1 BR almost exclusively. I don't get the 1BR at OKW to 2 BR at WL or BLT jump, esp since BLT is one of the better choices for a 1 BR as well. You'll have to make your own financial decisions but I wouldn't buy now if I couldn't buy enough to be functional and I don't think the numbers you were looking at are great choices overall. Personally I'd dial back the cash trips and put the dollars toward the purchase for the long term benefit.

 

[supersnoop]

5. How far in advance will you book each trip?

Home resort only matters when booking 8-11 months in advance. At 7 months, all points are equal. If you'll routinely be waiting until 3 or 4 months out, then DVC is a bad idea entirely.