Buying cheap versus buying where you want to stay

[KayKayJS]

We are discussing this question too.

we’re local, so we have huge flexibility. We can pretty much go any time, take short 3 day trips or 5 days max, and would be ok with trying different resorts... but we would probably only want studios. I’m leaning towards resale, but I’d love to have that blue card and access to RIV.

 

[crisi]

If your only route into DVC is the minimum number of lowest-cost resale points you can find that work for your needs, then you will end up buying whatever that is and figuring out how to make it work. You'll be happy with that, because it was your only path in, and you took it and now you are enjoying DVC stays for many years.

This is where I would disagree. If your only route into DVC is the minimum number of lowest cost points - you probably shouldn't be buying DVC. Disney vacations are an expensive long term commitment. If money is so tight that a few thousand dollars between buying somewhere you will be happy staying and buying somewhere you never want to stay is a problem, you are better off not taking on the annual dues, ticket costs, transportation costs etc., or the risk that money will suddenly get even tighter and you'll need to sell your DVC at a loss after paying commission.

 

[crisi]

We are discussing this question too.

we’re local, so we have huge flexibility. We can pretty much go any time, take short 3 day trips or 5 days max, and would be ok with trying different resorts... but we would probably only want studios. I’m leaning towards resale, but I’d love to have that blue card and access to RIV.

Do be aware that if you are talking about short notice trips, you will find that studios are in short supply - often not available at all once you get three or four months from vacation. A lot of people who are local like the idea of DVC for "let's go next weekend" - but between availability and "use 'em or lose 'em" points, you really need to be planning for those studios six months out - more for the last quarter of the year.

 

[KAngela]

This is where I would disagree. If your only route into DVC is the minimum number of lowest cost points - you probably shouldn't be buying DVC. Disney vacations are an expensive long term commitment. If money is so tight that a few thousand dollars between buying somewhere you will be happy staying and buying somewhere you never want to stay is a problem, you are better off not taking on the annual dues, ticket costs, transportation costs etc., or the risk that money will suddenly get even tighter and you'll need to sell your DVC at a loss after paying commission.

I don't disagree with that sentiment; I was shorthanding the assumption that this isn't going to financially disrupt you and you can handle the expense of the things you (rightly) list. DVC is a big spend, and it's not a necessity, and we could have a long argument about whether you should even consider financing it or only ever pay cash for points. I was just trying to set up two extremes of "minimize cash as much as possible" and "money is no object" since most of us fall somewhere in the middle, and have to compromise somewhere that can only be determined by each of us knowing what will make us content with the choice.

But yeah, don't run your finances so close on DVC that you end up selling a loss. That's the worst outcome of all!

 

[Bjaiken77]

I don’t know. Maybe people have a ton of money, but they just don’t want DVC to be a big part of their spending. They want it enough to buy the low number of points at the cheapest resort because they have a lot of other priorities or even hobbies.

 

[crisi]

I don’t know. Maybe people have a ton of money, but they just don’t want DVC to be a big part of their spending. They want it enough to buy the low number of points at the cheapest resort because they have a lot of other priorities or even hobbies.

Once again, that's fine if you are ok ending up where you bought. If you aren't, then it really isn't important enough for you to buy in. Buy where you don't mind staying. Plan more than seven months in advance and switch where you can. If your only choice to make it work within your financial priorities is 50 points at SSR and you HATE SSR with the fire of 1000 suns, don't buy DVC. Most times you will be able to switch based off past history, but every year (barring something strange like Covid) its gotten just slightly tighter.

 

[Carol_]

We added a contract at SSR because we’re thrilled to stay literally anywhere on property. This week I tried to book SSR for dates under 7 months out and it was COMPLETELY BOOKED for those dates. So…
That happened.
We got rooms at OKW, though, which is also great.

(of note, I’ve never known SSR to sell out before. COVID effect, for sure.)

 

[KayKayJS]

Do be aware that if you are talking about short notice trips, you will find that studios are in short supply - often not available at all once you get three or four months from vacation. A lot of people who are local like the idea of DVC for "let's go next weekend" - but between availability and "use 'em or lose 'em" points, you really need to be planning for those studios six months out - more for the last quarter of the year.

We can do either. I’m fine booking 3 day vacays at 7 months. Leaning aulani resale (11 monthhotel rooms) or the new VGF direct. Direct is a lot less appealing when you’re local and have access to a lot of perks already.

 

[Sandisw]

Once again, that's fine if you are ok ending up where you bought. If you aren't, then it really isn't important enough for you to buy in. Buy where you don't mind staying. Plan more than seven months in advance and switch where you can. If your only choice to make it work within your financial priorities is 50 points at SSR and you HATE SSR with the fire of 1000 suns, don't buy DVC. Most times you will be able to switch based off past history, but every year (barring something strange like Covid) its gotten just slightly tighter.

I really think this is so important. It is why I just agreed to buy a RIV resale contract that 2 years ago I swore I would NEVER do at any price. I love the place and plan to stay there every trip...at least a few nights...so being restricted does not matter.

I paid more than I wanted, but in the end those 125 points were cheaper than the ones I would have paid for direct. Nothing worse, IMO, of spending $$$ to end up with a resort you are frustrated with because you are not getting to trade to places you want as often as you thought you would!!!

 

[TheEpcotForEver]

I’m a buy where you want to stay’er hence why I own at 8 DVC resorts. I like booking at the 11mo window and not having to worry about switching at the 7mo window.

Ha, yes the “buy everything” approach