Another contract...? Yes or no

[nikerbokers]

I just recently closed on my VGC contract for $149 PP a couple months ago. 160 points which pays for our 2 annual trips to DL in studios. Thought that was perfect. Now I’m thinking I should get a small contract to get a 1 bedroom as my kids won’t be small forever. Now most VGC small contracts are around $195PP... Thoughts on getting a different resort like AKL or BLT or Poly for less PP $, same UY, and taking my chances on getting a 1 bedroom at 7 months out? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend a few thousand dollars more on VGC?

 

[rkstocke5609]

I just recently closed on my VGC contract for $149 PP a couple months ago. 160 points which pays for our 2 annual trips to DL in studios. Thought that was perfect. Now I’m thinking I should get a small contract to get a 1 bedroom as my kids won’t be small forever. Now most VGC small contracts are around $195PP... Thoughts on getting a different resort like AKL or BLT or Poly for less PP $, same UY, and taking my chances on getting a 1 bedroom at 7 months out? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend a few thousand dollars more on VGC?

I own at VWL and successfully waitlisted into a VGC studio two years ago and booked a 1BR at 7 months((VGC again) for last year. Both were March trips, Sunday-Friday so no Fri or Sat night. Hope this helps.

 

[carolinainmymind]

Time of year you intend to travel might matter. We are in the same boat. Bought at BLT years ago and thought studio would be more than fine when it was just the 4 of us. Then my boys got bigger Now we have a hard time doing anything but the 1-bedroom. Good news, though, at VGC the 1-bedroom is way easier to book than the studio Since we own at BLT and have had to book VGC at 7-months and find for some weeks it's easy - spring break this year was no problem. Halloween time is difficult, though. I had to piece a 1-bedroom together night by night and settle for late September vs. October.

 

[sndral]

Personally I would use the points you just bought a few times and pay the MFs on them to see how well DVC fits your family before I spent more money. If possible bank/borrow to try out the 1 br. & if after staying in one you decide it’s what you want, you can afford the additional points without financing your purchase, and the MFs aren’t too painful to pay right after Christmas then start shopping for contract no. 2.
I bought contract no. 1, used it to ‘sleep around’ at WDW a bit, liked what I had, and then bought contract no. 2 a couple of years later. W/ a couple of years keeping an eye on the RAT I had a much better ‘feel’ for whether I needed the 11 mo. booking advantage for where/when I wanted to stay and in my case by trying different WDW DVC resorts where I wanted to own.

 

[nikerbokers]

Thank you! You’ve all given great advice.

 

[John-DVC]

I would wait if you can. Another DVC opening in DL soon. Could change things up a bit.

I would buy at VGC if the decision must be made now.

 

[Dean]

I just recently closed on my VGC contract for $149 PP a couple months ago. 160 points which pays for our 2 annual trips to DL in studios. Thought that was perfect. Now I’m thinking I should get a small contract to get a 1 bedroom as my kids won’t be small forever. Now most VGC small contracts are around $195PP... Thoughts on getting a different resort like AKL or BLT or Poly for less PP $, same UY, and taking my chances on getting a 1 bedroom at 7 months out? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend a few thousand dollars more on VGC?

This is why I suggest a cushion, likely 20% in your situation. I'd likely buy a different home resorts that's either cheaper or gives you options you don't currently have, or both. Maybe SSR for the savings, BWV for standard or AKV for value. Or even VGC, HH, VB or Aulani.

 

[a742246]

I just recently closed on my VGC contract for $149 PP a couple months ago. 160 points which pays for our 2 annual trips to DL in studios. Thought that was perfect. Now I’m thinking I should get a small contract to get a 1 bedroom as my kids won’t be small forever. Now most VGC small contracts are around $195PP... Thoughts on getting a different resort like AKL or BLT or Poly for less PP $, same UY, and taking my chances on getting a 1 bedroom at 7 months out? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend a few thousand dollars more on VGC?

If you live out on the west coast, I would consider getting a Aulani (maybe subsidized) contract if you are going the route of a second resort.

 

[kapicka]

While contract prices are very high remember that those $195 contracts don't always sell quite that high. When you are ready to buy (VGC or elsewhere) be sure to negotiate.