Asking for advice on current situation

[Hypaflex]

Hey Everybody,

I am needing some advice on what to do in my situation

My partner and I are in our younger 30's. No child, but possibly trying soon. We do have an extended family we would maybe like to bring here and there. We are wanting between 250-300 points based on occupancy and possible room views. We are wanting to buy into the Poly, but, like most people, we are wanting to avoid financing unless it is needed/smart to do so.

We will *fingers crossed* hope to have $35K cash saved up in 6 months. We are wanting to try to get this situated before entertaining a child and the cost associated with that lol

I am stuck between:

#1: Buying 150 points cash direct in the next 6 months, as the prices are just going to increase
-Wait 1 year to consider adding additional points direct with current-member offer for financing, and finance the additional points - whether that is small 50 point contracts at a time or one large 150 point contract.........Or buy a resale contract in cash (more likely)
-Would not use magical beginnings as we would try to get some pixie dust for a holiday stay
-Would use Visa discount/rebate if they offer that on next round of incentives
-Would use discount from refer a friend
-Would not guarantee our desired use year (kind of a bid deal to us)

#2: Buy 150 point cash resale contract in the next 6 months
-Wait 1 year for the current-member offer for financing and finance the 150 points direct (we want the perks) as we will not be able to pay that in cash
-Would possibly lose out on current Poly sale (i.e., the price will increase per point/will have worst incentives, if any are even there)
-Would possibly lose Visa discount/rebate
-Would not get refer a friend discount
-Would guarantee our desired use year (kind of a big deal to us)
-Would not have direct perks for first 1-2 trips
-No pixie dust for first stay


I am also open to a new/different approach lol

Thank you all in advance for the help!

 

[MicheyMouse]

Buy 150 points direct when the incentives suit you. When ready, buy resale add-ons in the same use year. A lot even like to go for a different resort for the resale add-on.

 

[cruisehopeful]

You do have the option of "buying" direct on the last day of the current incentives and then seeing what the next offer is. You can always change it. Just let your guide know that's what you are doing so they can be prepared to rewrite the sale.

Since you said preferred use year is important, this is what I would do. When I am ready to buy, I would let my assigned guide know which use year I want. If they say you can't get it, let them know that you'll be purchasing resale to get your preferred use year. If they still don't get it for you, purchase a small resale contract that fits and add on direct later.

 

[sethschroeder]

Buying resale first will let you get a discount on the direct purchase. If you will end up with resale no matter what then you might as well buy it first. It also means you might be able to buy sooner as opposed to waiting.

If you buy resale as a loaded contract you can even get your 300 points for your first stay as well.

If you ONLY want to stay at POLY than honestly just buy all resale unless you find yourself likely using APs. There are no other direct benefits really worth anything but FOMO does make many of still buy direct.

 

[sethschroeder]

You do have the option of "buying" direct on the last day of the current incentives and then seeing what the next offer is.

Bingo you have 7 or something days to change or completely cancel the contract. We have done it before on a CCV contract then a month later purchased RIV instead and kept it.

 

[airjay75]

I have a spreadsheet I’ve been running on direct Poly vs direct RIV vs resale BLT. I’ve tried to take account of a lot of of things including all current incentives, closing costs, credit card savings on direct, etc. If I assume a resale Poly contract is going to cost about $160 per point, the difference in cost between 300 direct Poly points and 300 resale Poly points is about $7k. That’s about $23-24 per point. Personally, that is too little for me to consider resale Poly - I think it is overpriced. But, I also love RIV and value my points not being restricted there or at any future resorts.

Sounds like you have a Disney Visa. If you use that, make sure it is Premier (apply for a new one for sign up bonus if you can or just call to upgrade), and take advantage of 0% financing for 6 months (or find another card with a good 0% promo - I’ve personally been eyeing the Wells Fargo Active Cash card with 2% cash back and 12 month 0% promo).

 

[EilonwyWanderer]

We bought 170 points in 2014 and a week later after dropping all that money I found out I was pregnant. While I would've liked to have just had the money because yeesh, people tell you daycare is expensive but THEY ARE NOT JOKING OH MY GOD GET ON A WAITLIST AS SOON AS YOU'RE TRYING, we have taken the kids (we have two now) just about every other year and been able to take family members and friends by banking and then borrowing from the next year sometimes.

We bought direct from Disney, which I sort of regret because while I like the perks, I feel like we could've gotten more bang for our buck in resale. But in the end we're happy, we thought we'd end up buying more but so far this has worked for us! It's getting harder as the points increase yearly though.

So I vote direct but also GET ON A DAYCARE WAITING LIST IT IS INSANE

 

[airjay75]

Also, when you buy direct, you can get any use year you want. Don’t let the guides tell you they can’t. Only consideration there is timing with respect to magical beginnings. If you want a June UY, magical beginnings isn’t going to have the same value to you in the next few months as a September or October UY, for example.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I agree with all the above.

*I would not recommend financing ANYTHING unless it is a short term (3-6 months) and you know you can pay it in full.

*If direct and your UY is after you buy you will get double points (and pay prorated on MF's) and can borrow into the next year, so 150 may get you 450 if you time it all right.

*If you buy resale, pay with a 0% credit card if you can find one. Collect you points and get the promo.

* Get the UY you want on either direct or resale. It is a PIA from experience, to have multiples though others don't seem to be bothered.

*Have you traveled with your family/friends? In 1996 we thought it was a great idea and we did several 3BR OKW trips with DH's side, my side and friends. We didn't enjoy those trips (my side was the best LOL) and we spent precious points (lots of them) to entertain people who just didn't appreciate anything. We felt like servants as they were "on vacation" even though we were paying for it. Now we just travel with our son and DIL who do share our travel style.

*Poly is a great resort and we've toured the new tower villas. Gorgeous! Prices continue to rise. I would likely buy at least 150 direct first before the promo ends (usually at least 5 days prior), stretch out your down payment (I think it is now 2 months?) and keep those additional points. Yes, if you buy resale first you will have a discount, but the price may rise and the discount may no longer be worth it. I don't get too crazy on the last few dollars as this is a LONG TERM vacation strategy. I could not imagine our $62 PP purchase in 1996 of OKW that new contracts are $215 PP! 2042 seems a very long time to own and now it is coming close. Buy more rather than less! You will always regret not buying enough.

*I do run all the numbers but don't go to spreadsheets etc. If you have the money, have the desire and ability to go frequently, at some point you have to jump in. We're 30 years in and 100% worth it.

Enjoy!

 

[atthebeachclub]

Sounds like you have a Disney Visa. If you use that, make sure it is Premier (apply for a new one for sign up bonus if you can or just call to upgrade), and take advantage of 0% financing for 6 months

I think both Disney Visas offer this!

 

[airjay75]

I think both Disney Visas offer this!View attachment 974918

Yes, you are right. I probably should have been clearer on my recommendation. I’d upgrade to the Premier to get the 2% back instead of the 1% back. The extra 1% back will more than pay for the $49 annual fee (and even more so if you’re eligible for the new card bonus).

Also note that Chase will let you shift around available credit to the card you want to use. I was able to get a $60k limit on my Disney Premier Visa doing that.

 

[squeezeplay101]

I agree with all the above.

*I would not recommend financing ANYTHING unless it is a short term (3-6 months) and you know you can pay it in full.

*If direct and your UY is after you buy you will get double points (and pay prorated on MF's) and can borrow into the next year, so 150 may get you 450 if you time it all right.

*If you buy resale, pay with a 0% credit card if you can find one. Collect you points and get the promo.

* Get the UY you want on either direct or resale. It is a PIA from experience, to have multiples though others don't seem to be bothered.

*Have you traveled with your family/friends? In 1996 we thought it was a great idea and we did several 3BR OKW trips with DH's side, my side and friends. We didn't enjoy those trips (my side was the best LOL) and we spent precious points (lots of them) to entertain people who just didn't appreciate anything. We felt like servants as they were "on vacation" even though we were paying for it. Now we just travel with our son and DIL who do share our travel style.

*Poly is a great resort and we've toured the new tower villas. Gorgeous! Prices continue to rise. I would likely buy at least 150 direct first before the promo ends (usually at least 5 days prior), stretch out your down payment (I think it is now 2 months?) and keep those additional points. Yes, if you buy resale first you will have a discount, but the price may rise and the discount may no longer be worth it. I don't get too crazy on the last few dollars as this is a LONG TERM vacation strategy. I could not imagine our $62 PP purchase in 1996 of OKW that new contracts are $215 PP! 2042 seems a very long time to own and now it is coming close. Buy more rather than less! You will always regret not buying enough.

*I do run all the numbers but don't go to spreadsheets etc. If you have the money, have the desire and ability to go frequently, at some point you have to jump in. We're 30 years in and 100% worth it.

Enjoy!

My favorite answer thus far! Bottom Line: you already know what you want, and you seem to have figured out the numbers. I'd go the first option in your situation, and have no resort restrictions down the line.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Yes, you are right. I probably should have been clearer on my recommendation. I’d upgrade to the Premier to get the 2% back instead of the 1% back. The extra 1% back will more than pay for the $49 annual fee (and even more so if you’re eligible for the new card bonus).

Also note that Chase will let you shift around available credit to the card you want to use. I was able to get a $60k limit on my Disney Premier Visa doing that.

Good idea!

 

[cruisehopeful]

Have you traveled with your family/friends? In 1996 we thought it was a great idea and we did several 3BR OKW trips with DH's side, my side and friends. We didn't enjoy those trips (my side was the best LOL) and we spent precious points (lots of them) to entertain people who just didn't appreciate anything. We felt like servants as they were "on vacation" even though we were paying for it. Now we just travel with our son and DIL who do share our travel style.

I've had the same experience with extended family and friends. When I owned other timeshares, I spent way more time cooking, cleaning up and taking out trash than I did at home. It was a significant reason for dumping my timeshares and going back to small hotel rooms.

When I decided to get back into DVC in 2021, I bought a 50 point contract for Poly to cover a studio for me, myself and I. I wanted the split bathroom just in case my husband came along or in case I wanted a guest. I was in no way going to get another room with a kitchen. Now, my husband, who is on a severely restricted diet, wants to be included. He agrees that he doesn't want anyone else staying with us, though.

OP, if you're going to bring family/friends along, let them know what they are expected to do (clean up after themselves, contribute to the food). I always have people who want to stay with me and I have a strike one policy. I flat out tell them, "I don't like sharing a room with you," or "I want my own room."

I made a spin off thread regarding this issue.https://www.disboards.com/threads/s...ur-room-with-extended-family-friends.3969044/

 

[Girlstar30]

I vote for #2 especially since you're going with Poly and its not in danger of selling out in a year.

Buying resale first means you wont have to stress out about matching a resale uy with a direct uy especially if you want any uy that isn't February or December. There will always be incentives. The refer a friend discount and MB has lasted more than one incentive round. Some will be better and some worse. The incentives after the price raise made the price drop down to the same as before with Riv, not sure about Poly. Sales are strong so it is true I dont foresee any type of crazy sale there.

Resale first gives you the time for FOMO to dissipate. You may keep your eye out on the member benefits and find you are happy with resale and dont care/feel its worth making the direct purchase incentives you're in. Or the opposite might happen and thats okay too, at least you'll know and not regret that you thought the larger purchase wasnt "worth it."

Resale allows you to dip your toes and be able to sell with less loss or even possible gains if you decide later if its not for you.

Depending on how far out your first stay is and where you want to stay you may not need the welcome home stay to be booked for you.

The 8.99% direct financing is a great option if you cant pay direct all at once, but it could disappear so I wouldnt fully count on that although im hoping to take get it after a year as well.

If the member perks are more important to you than all this for the first year then I would go with that because you aren't going to get much extra besides the room.

 

[muppets3d]

"Locking in today's prices" by financing will probably end up costing you more than just waiting until you have the cash on hand to pay it all up front - or use a same-as-cash financing method like the Disney Visa.

 

[Girlstar30]

I've had the same experience with extended family and friends. When I owned other timeshares, I spent way more time cooking, cleaning up and taking out trash than I did at home. It was a significant reason for dumping my timeshares and going back to small hotel rooms.

When I decided to get back into DVC in 2021, I bought a 50 point contract for Poly to cover a studio for me, myself and I. I wanted the split bathroom just in case my husband came along or in case I wanted a guest. I was in no way going to get another room with a kitchen. Now, my husband, who is on a severely restricted diet, wants to be included. He agrees that he doesn't want anyone else staying with us, though.

OP, if you're going to bring family/friends along, let them know what they are expected to do (clean up after themselves, contribute to the food). I always have people who want to stay with me and I have a strike one policy. I flat out tell them, "I don't like sharing a room with you," or "I want my own room."

I have the same strikeout policy. I had one friend borrow money from me to go to Europe with us a few years ago (My mistake, lesson learned) and she kept playing dumb and never paid me back the full amount while still going out and doing other things which irritated me to no end (tale as old as time) I was done playing bill collector so I dropped it and she will never be invited again. She's a huge Disney fan so she probably regrets that bridge burned.

We went on vacation last year and another friend was a royal pita and complained about everything everyone else wanted to do. She was cut and she's still asking me why we haven't asked her to do vacations again.

I have a few other examples, but vacations can really ruin a friendship.

We now are traveling with my cousin and her kids who we travel really well with and they understand that this is a courtesy being extended to them, we dont have to invite them, are full of gratitude, but most importantly appreciation. It baffles me when people feel entitled and bossy on free vacations they are invited to and then wonder why they're not invited back!

 

[EilonwyWanderer]

We've been really lucky that the two families we've taken to Disney have been a-ok to basically just do a 'we share a room but we do our own thing.' We usually rent a two bedroom when this happens so they basically get the two beds and a bathroom to themselves, then we share the kitchen and living area. I have been very upfront with both families each time that I am super glad they're going with us, we can plan a dinner if they want, but that we do not have to be joined at the hip because I know we're not always going to want to do the same things at the same time.

It's worked great!

 

[Girlstar30]

We've been really lucky that the two families we've taken to Disney have been a-ok to basically just do a 'we share a room but we do our own thing.' We usually rent a two bedroom when this happens so they basically get the two beds and a bathroom to themselves, then we share the kitchen and living area. I have been very upfront with both families each time that I am super glad they're going with us, we can plan a dinner if they want, but that we do not have to be joined at the hip because I know we're not always going to want to do the same things at the same time.

It's worked great!

I tried to do that with my friend that has major codependency issues and she didnt want to go with us to certain things, but then was mad that we were "leaving her in a foreign country" by herself while we went for a couple hours and did something we wanted to do and she wasnt interested in. Never again!

 

[sethschroeder]

resale Poly contract is going to cost about $160 per point

Wowzah that is pricey didn't realize it had climbed that high for POLY. Thought you still could get it in the 140s if you went searching.

As you said for that price difference I likely go direct at that point and avoid the issue of worrying about perks you can't have in the future.