Booking grand villa at 7 months?

[Kim Gillihan]

As correctly projected, if you buy more points to take other people it will cost you more money. While we've been lucky on family trips, I've seen enough on family drama over the years to know that those who normally bring drama are drama on steroids where Disney/DVC is involved. Whether it's expecting you to pay more than you are, canceling last minute when you're stuck because "timeshares are free once you own them", bringing others without your knowledge or permission or any one of a number of others issues. I've seen those who were upset that the member wasn't paying for their food and tickets too, I've seen the renter who planned and orchestrated the trip be squeezed out completely, I've seen many expect and demand the master even when not paying, etc. Anyone that often brings drama likely will, anyone that's difficult to get to commit or often changes their mind will, etc. We have 43 people going to HHI this summer and have planned maybe 10 or 11 large trips and we've been lucky but I pay for the accommodations, I plan NOT to control others vacation and I make it clear drama = no future invitations. Our family trips have been our best by far, I'd give up any travel over the family trips if I had to make a choice. But life's too short and I've positioned myself to be able to do so for a controlled cost. If you have no debt ant his is a drop in the bucket and you see it as a blessing to them and to you, by all means consider it, but not in any other situation and not with likely drama.

it is crazy how some people can be!! I will be very careful who I invite, for sure! I think that.. drama = no future invites!! I am in a position to be able to do this, share my dvc on occasion. I am happy that I can help my family do something they would never be able to do otherwise. But, again that would only be occasional, I think I need 300 points for my immediate to stay in 1-2 bedroom ... Wow, 43 people!! What the heck.. you have crazy amounts of points!!

 

[crisi]

You guys have such good advice! So, I did take my cousins family to disney last June as a gift because her kids had never been, my dad had passed away in 2015, she is really my only family I have left and I was able to do it. we rented wyndham bonnet creek 4 bed suite and there was 10 of us.. really great trip, but I would rather be ON property for REAL. I don't plan to pay for an entire trip again but I can see me sharing my dvc on occassion and luckily she is not a flake!! But, I totally understand what everyone is saying, and some people have some nerve it sounds like.... man! I also understand we all have certain ways we like to do disney, I alwasys get hoppers too...

Those of us who have been around a lot have either made our own mistakes, or seen people on this board make mistakes.

In your situation, I'd buy a smaller contract for your family only. When you want to take your cousin, then use two or three years of points. For the one or two years you don't have points of your own, enjoy some other vacation destination on cash. Maybe cruise. Or visit Disney on cash - rent points from someone else or book through CRO - or stay offsite.

Your other option is to buy too many points with the plan of renting out the extras in the years you don't bring guests. The mistake we've seen with that plan is the temptation people have then to use those points themselves. That adds expense. Which is fine if you can afford it and its what you want to do with your time. But remember the opportunity cost of Disney is more than money - vacations spent at Disney are vacations not spent seeing the rest of the world. Since we have too many points for the way we travel (which is a short vacation to Disney every other year), we almost always are looking for guests. Its easy to rent out points through a broker - we've done it, but the psychology of "we have the points, lets bring someone along" is too tempting.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

Those of us who have been around a lot have either made our own mistakes, or seen people on this board make mistakes.

In your situation, I'd buy a smaller contract for your family only. When you want to take your cousin, then use two or three years of points. For the one or two years you don't have points of your own, enjoy some other vacation destination on cash. Maybe cruise. Or visit Disney on cash - rent points from someone else or book through CRO - or stay offsite.

Your other option is to buy too many points with the plan of renting out the extras in the years you don't bring guests. The mistake we've seen with that plan is the temptation people have then to use those points themselves. That adds expense. Which is fine if you can afford it and its what you want to do with your time. But remember the opportunity cost of Disney is more than money - vacations spent at Disney are vacations not spent seeing the rest of the world. Since we have too many points for the way we travel (which is a short vacation to Disney every other year), we almost always are looking for guests. Its easy to rent out points through a broker - we've done it, but the psychology of "we have the points, lets bring someone along" is too tempting.

Again, great advice! my issue is I keep looking at points charts and I need 300 points or close to it to stay in 1-2 bedroom for my family.. we dont NEED that much space but my husband wants to have it.. to him that is big reason to buy dvc vs. just staying at hotel etc. So, what I would do is save those 300 points add to 600 etc. to book more capacity for more people on occasion. Plus, I can see us going to hawaii and using points, so I think they will get used. Does that make more sense?

 

[crisi]

Again, great advice! my issue is I keep looking at points charts and I need 300 points or close to it to stay in 1-2 bedroom for my family.. we dont NEED that much space but my husband wants to have it.. to him that is big reason to buy dvc vs. just staying at hotel etc. So, what I would do is save those 300 points add to 600 etc. to book more capacity for more people on occasion. Plus, I can see us going to hawaii and using points, so I think they will get used. Does that make more sense?

That's functionally the idea. Get enough points for the two bedroom for your family, then when you want to take guests, bank and borrow for the extra points. Use the excuse of "we used this years points last year to take my cousin" to go somewhere different.

Using points is fine for Hawaii if you want Oahu. Its my least favorite island. We go to Hawaii and book using cash at one of the ample timeshares on one of the other islands - and we island hop - spending ten days in Hawaii and hitting two or three islands - so the DVC in Hawaii isn't great for us.

And I like a two bedroom with my kids. I think that's a great option.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

That's functionally the idea. Get enough points for the two bedroom for your family, then when you want to take guests, bank and borrow for the extra points. Use the excuse of "we used this years points last year to take my cousin" to go somewhere different.

Using points is fine for Hawaii if you want Oahu. Its my least favorite island. We go to Hawaii and book using cash at one of the ample timeshares on one of the other islands - and we island hop - spending ten days in Hawaii and hitting two or three islands - so the DVC in Hawaii isn't great for us.

And I like a two bedroom with my kids. I think that's a great option.

Ok, so I am on the right track!! I have only been to Hawaii one time for work, so I don't know much about the islands. I was thinking same thing though, maybe its better to rent my points that year and do cash hawaii trip.... I just have find right contract and decide if I want still just all AKV or split them.. I keep coming back to just get akv and if bay lake is available at 7 months, I can still stay there, don't have to own... I am a little nervous about the banking and borrowing, messing something up and losing my points! Ahhh not sure what the heck to do.... right now there is no AKV only contract that I can find for my UY etc. available.... but there are a few good 150-160 options for both BLT and AKV.....

 

[crisi]

You'll need to bank and borrow in order not to waste points - unless you manage to always take a vacation that uses exactly the number of points in your use year. Managing points will be part of ownership.

 

[Dean]

it is crazy how some people can be!! I will be very careful who I invite, for sure! I think that.. drama = no future invites!! I am in a position to be able to do this, share my dvc on occasion. I am happy that I can help my family do something they would never be able to do otherwise. But, again that would only be occasional, I think I need 300 points for my immediate to stay in 1-2 bedroom ... Wow, 43 people!! What the heck.. you have crazy amounts of points!!

I think 2 of the more common mistakes new buyers make are buying too many and too few points. Another, buying the resort they THINK they want but end up having different preferences once they start using the system. As for drama it seems more often than not it's known who the troublemakers are whether they cancel last minute or bring drama in some way. I think people often kid themselves into thinking because they're paying and/or because it's disney, people will be on their best behavior. More often than not though, crazy is crazy on steroids where Disney and timeshares are involved. We have other timeshares also (actually mainly) and our family trips are usually that direction. We have just over what you're looking at but we almost never use them and end up renting them. I end up exchanging in through RCI (II before) routinely for DVC. It sounds like buying a smaller contract of 150-200 and trying the system is likely your best bet. That way you can delay at least part of your long term choices until you have more knowledge and experience. I'm thinking delaying 2-3 years is really best as you're presented your choices. Your preferences will change and your needs over time. It may be you don't likely staying AKV routinely or you might find the smaller is enough long term as you don't want to go as much or can't due to work or kids. Then when kids are older, you might need smaller accommodations.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

I think 2 of the more common mistakes new buyers make are buying too many and too few points. Another, buying the resort they THINK they want but end up having different preferences once they start using the system. As for drama it seems more often than not it's known who the troublemakers are whether they cancel last minute or bring drama in some way. I think people often kid themselves into thinking because they're paying and/or because it's disney, people will be on their best behavior. More often than not though, crazy is crazy on steroids where Disney and timeshares are involved. We have other timeshares also (actually mainly) and our family trips are usually that direction. We have just over what you're looking at but we almost never use them and end up renting them. I end up exchanging in through RCI (II before) routinely for DVC. It sounds like buying a smaller contract of 150-200 and trying the system is likely your best bet. That way you can delay at least part of your long term choices until you have more knowledge and experience. I'm thinking delaying 2-3 years is really best as you're presented your choices. Your preferences will change and your needs over time. It may be you don't likely staying AKV routinely or you might find the smaller is enough long term as you don't want to go as much or can't due to work or kids. Then when kids are older, you might need smaller accommodations.

OK, wow, you don't use your points.. I was wondering how easy it is to exchange rci for dvc if I were to purchase another time share... oh my gosh. so much to consider.. thanks again for your wonderful insight.. I just want to make sure we have enough points for the accomodations we want, but you are right, that would be enough if we go every other year.....

 

[Dean]

OK, wow, you don't use your points.. I was wondering how easy it is to exchange rci for dvc if I were to purchase another time share... oh my gosh. so much to consider.. thanks again for your wonderful insight.. I just want to make sure we have enough points for the accomodations we want, but you are right, that would be enough if we go every other year.....

Exchanging isn't for everyone but it's worked well for us for 16 years. Given the number of points you're looking at I'd consider the minimum the next few trips that you are definitely planning and look at just over that including any extra points in a given contract. I'm betting that's significantly less than 300.

 

[crisi]

OK, wow, you don't use your points.. I was wondering how easy it is to exchange rci for dvc if I were to purchase another time share... oh my gosh. so much to consider.. thanks again for your wonderful insight.. I just want to make sure we have enough points for the accomodations we want, but you are right, that would be enough if we go every other year.....

You are likely to get one bedroom units at SSR. You won't see Grand Villas or BLT show up - at least not often. I don't think RCI and trading is is for you, from what you've said.

I'd buy the points for every other year - 150 if you think your every other year trip is 300. Then I'd see - you can always buy another contract in two years and you'll learn the system, remove some of the banking and borrowing anxiety, and learn availability patterns.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

You are likely to get one bedroom units at SSR. You won't see Grand Villas or BLT show up - at least not often. I don't think RCI and trading is is for you, from what you've said.

I'd buy the points for every other year - 150 if you think your every other year trip is 300. Then I'd see - you can always buy another contract in two years and you'll learn the system, remove some of the banking and borrowing anxiety, and learn availability patterns.

not a bad idea... I may just do that!!! get this over with. Thanks so much KIM

 

[Nie0214]

Again, great advice! my issue is I keep looking at points charts and I need 300 points or close to it to stay in 1-2 bedroom for my family.. we dont NEED that much space but my husband wants to have it.. to him that is big reason to buy dvc vs. just staying at hotel etc. So, what I would do is save those 300 points add to 600 etc. to book more capacity for more people on occasion. Plus, I can see us going to hawaii and using points, so I think they will get used. Does that make more sense?

How many days are you staying and how often are you going? AKL Savannah View during Magic Season is 272 for a week, so if that were our usual standard, I'd probably buy 200 and bank/borrow, but we don't need to go yearly. (You can always add on later, too, which is our plan.)

 

[Kim Gillihan]

How many days are you staying and how often are you going? AKL Savannah View during Magic Season is 272 for a week, so if that were our usual standard, I'd probably buy 200 and bank/borrow, but we don't need to go yearly. (You can always add on later, too, which is our plan.)

Thats what I am going by, a week for 272 1 bed but 287 for 2 bed which is how I can up with the 300 needed.... yes, I can do 200-250 and bank and borrow as well, but that would stretch by group trips out longer or i would have to add points to make that happen. but, thats ok.. not bad idea either! I may choose add points somewhere else... lots think about, but I really appreciate everyone trying to help me!!

 

[Dean]

Thats what I am going by, a week for 272 1 bed but 287 for 2 bed which is how I can up with the 300 needed.... yes, I can do 200-250 and bank and borrow as well, but that would stretch by group trips out longer or i would have to add points to make that happen. but, thats ok.. not bad idea either! I may choose add points somewhere else... lots think about, but I really appreciate everyone trying to help me!!

I think if you buy on the slightly lower side and make a couple of trips your choices will be much clearer. One has to get past the emotions as much as possible to make good decisions in this situation.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

I think if you buy on the slightly lower side and make a couple of trips your choices will be much clearer. One has to get past the emotions as much as possible to make good decisions in this situation.

Ok, so lets say I get 200 at akv.... it takes 287 for 2 bedroom... I guess I borrow 87 from 2018, have 113 2018 points left to use that I can either use in 2018 or bank to 2019 to have total of 313 for next use?

 

[Nie0214]

Ok, so lets say I get 200 at akv.... it takes 287 for 2 bedroom... I guess I borrow 87 from 2018, have 113 2018 points left to use that I can either use in 2018 or bank to 2019 to have total of 313 for next use?

UY 2017: Use 200, borrow 87
UY 2018: (opt 1) Use 113, borrow 200. (Opt 2) bank 113
UY 2019: (opt 1) No trip. (Opt 2) use 113 banked + 200 new points.

Don't forget you can do something like travel just before your AP renews and squeeze in two visits with one AP, then take a year off.

 

[crisi]

Ok, so lets say I get 200 at akv.... it takes 287 for 2 bedroom... I guess I borrow 87 from 2018, have 113 2018 points left to use that I can either use in 2018 or bank to 2019 to have total of 313 for next use?

Yep.

We have 150 points and our former usual trip was about 280. So in year one we borrowed 130, in year 2 we didn't go and banked 20, in year three we used the 20 banked, the 150 from that year and borrowed 110. We banked 40 points and skipped year four, in year five we have 40+150 and borrow 80.....

Although we ended up mixing it up from that plan. We took a short trip in a BWV standard one bedroom (less points), then took my family in two two bedrooms, then ended up switching to a more expensive season, but going for fewer nights - by the time we did that my kids were into middle school and we could fit everything we needed to do in a shorter trip (which is why we switched to a more expensive season - once the kids got into middle school we couldn't pull them out of school.

And we vacationed in the off years. We went to Washington DC and Europe and took a cruise and went to Mexico and Hawaii.

 

[Kim Gillihan]

Yep.

We have 150 points and our former usual trip was about 280. So in year one we borrowed 130, in year 2 we didn't go and banked 20, in year three we used the 20 banked, the 150 from that year and borrowed 110. We banked 40 points and skipped year four, in year five we have 40+150 and borrow 80.....

Although we ended up mixing it up from that plan. We took a short trip in a BWV standard one bedroom (less points), then took my family in two two bedrooms, then ended up switching to a more expensive season, but going for fewer nights - by the time we did that my kids were into middle school and we could fit everything we needed to do in a shorter trip (which is why we switched to a more expensive season - once the kids got into middle school we couldn't pull them out of school.

And we vacationed in the off years. We went to Washington DC and Europe and took a cruise and went to Mexico and Hawaii.

Ok.. I get it... thanks so much!

 

[Dean]

Ok, so lets say I get 200 at akv.... it takes 287 for 2 bedroom... I guess I borrow 87 from 2018, have 113 2018 points left to use that I can either use in 2018 or bank to 2019 to have total of 313 for next use?

exactly or even better you could potentially find a somewhat to fully loaded contract and have even more points. I don't recall what UY you were looking at but for sake of discussion let's say you buy a March contract with 200 points banked from 2016 plus all current and future year points. You could do 287 points every year during each sequential UY for 2 times without borrowing and the third year you'd only have to borrow 61 points. You could do 4 years every year with borrowing for 287 points and still only be 35 points short for year 5. You drop back to value or standard, one less night or get a 1 BR one year and you haven't missed a single year. The odds you'll do exactly the sam trip each time for 5 years is almost zero. Well before you'd be out of points in this process you'd have enough knowledge and experience to have an idea of where you need to be longer term in terms of home resort and number of points. Unless you go big paying for other people's vacation, I'm betting 200-220 will suffice for your needs. Once kids get older many find they don't or can't go as much or have less (sometimes more) people going.

 

[crisi]

Once kids get older many find they don't or can't go as much or have less (sometimes more) people going.

One of the mistakes I see people make is assuming they'll go from kids who are interested into grandchildren. Unless your kids have their kids young, or your kids are really spread out, there can be a really big gap between your kids having their own lives that makes it hard to schedule vacation around, and grandchildren.