Buying thoughts

[TeeterTots]

I'm sure you all get many repeated questions and or request for advice but here's another
I love disney! We stayed 6 nights club level AKL in April then joined my sisters family for 3 nights at CBR in August. I find myself searching for another WDW vacation daily.... I know that DVC is right for our family because 1. We love disney 2. We have small children 4 and 1 and will go back 1-2xyearly forever 3. Vacation yearly anyhow. 4. Will pay cash for resale 3. Live close enough (12 hrs) to drive, if flights aren't reasonable and can vacation anytime of year in advance or drop of a hat soooo... Here's where I need help! In the two trips we visited WDW this year alone we've literally paid for roughly 150+ points (I know that included flight and parks, but still) I'd like to vacation in December and again with friends in April (a bit obsessed) so do I bite the bullet and buy or research more, rent points, see other resorts! I loved AKL but I also was club level, I love the grandeur of VGF and quite frankly loved CBR (so I'm not too hard to please, if you don't ask my husband) so I've been thinking 175-180 AKV Dec UY?? I guess I'm confused, some say buy cheap points, some say don't pay attention to UY, should I rent another few trips to check out resorts or just put that $$ into the purchase! Sorry so long and so indecisive! Thanks in advance

 

[Msmithmd]

If you usually travel in a specific part of the year, it is best to own the UY before your travel period. For example, a Thanksgiving traveler would want a September or October UY, and a spring break traveler would like February or March. If you're like my family and you travel randomly spread throughout the year, then UY truly doesn't matter.

As to more points at a less expensive resort or less points at a "premium" location, only you can decide. One thing to be cognizant of in your decision is the creep upward in points charts with newer resorts. And, while the points overall for a given resort don't change after sales begin, point distribution among seasons or room sizes may.

And with few exceptions, the newer the resort, the higher the points per night. The clearest cut example of this is that a 1BR at VGF is more points per night than a 2BR at OKW, in every season. Not to suggest that the two resorts are equivalent, just pointing out that cost per point is only one facet of your purchase decision. The point charts themselves, the dues per point, and other factors also are relevant.

What would I do in your situation? If you aren't decided on where to buy, I would rent points and do a split stay on your next trip at your two top choices. Then decide from a position of personal knowledge.

Finally, I personally wouldn't buy AKV unless I was seeking the value or concierge rooms consistently. Reason being the dues are steep, and outside of these two categories it is easy to book AKV at the seven month window.

Also, even owning at AKV doesn't guarantee you the ability to book concierge there. DVC has only five concierge rooms total (each can be booked as a whole, or split into a studio plus a 1BR). Thus if even just ten percent of the AKV members want to stay concierge, the room allotment isn't enough. Not exactly something that a timeshare salesperson is going to point out...

 

[disneynutz]

My current recommendation is just buy and decide for yourself. You won't know which resort is your favorite until you stay at all of the resorts a couple of times.

We thought that we would love BLT, bought there before it opened and it's our least favorite resort now.

You can always sell a resort and buy a different one if you have difficulty booking at 7 months. You can also buy a add-on contract if you need more points at your home resort later.

Instead of renting, put your money towards buying resale.

Bill

 

[kenspidey]

My current recommendation is just buy and decide for yourself. You won't know which resort is your favorite until you stay at all of the resorts a couple of times. We thought that we would love BLT, bought there before it opened and it's our least favorite resort now. You can always sell a resort and buy a different one if you have difficulty booking at 7 months. You can also buy a add-on contract if you need more points at your home resort later. Instead of renting, put your money towards buying resale. Bill

Totally agree with this post

 

[DizBub]

Instead of renting, put your money towards buying resale.

Bill

This. If you already have a decent idea about where you may want to stay at least 50% of the time and can find a contract that fits your needs, I say go ahead and get into the system and start your DVC experience sooner than later. If you actually wait to rent/stay at all the resorts you will have bought the equivalent of a couple of decent sized contracts and any "savings" would be lost.

 

[lovin'fl]

We did 2 WDW trips before buying DVC...one off-site with our little kids and then about 18 months later we stayed at POR and got the DDP. We were hooked so we bought DVC...resale...at OKW to get the most number of points for our money. We never set foot on OKW property before buying and didn't stay there for about 2 years after buying. We have used those OKW points to stay at ALL the east coast DVC resorts except VGF (we wanted to try them all out). We have since added on 6 more contracts...3 at HHI...2 at BWV and 1 at AKV. We may sell the OKW in a couple years and buy BLT (we want a later expiration...and we like resorts that you can walk to the parks) and we will add on some more points at BWV. Honestly, my suggestion would be AKV or SSR for later expiration. AKV if you want to book club level. I just used our AKV contract to book club level for next Aug and I had to walk the resie, meaning that I had to book Sat and Sun nights at 11 months exactly and then call the next day to drop Sat and add Mon and Tue...then call the next day to drop Sun and add Wed...then call today to drop Mon and add Thur...and some of those nights are now already all booked up as they go fast. If you might also want to book value rooms at AKV, you need to own there too. SSR is easiest to book. AKV standard and savannah are probably the next easiest to book, but we have been able to get into all the resorts at 7 months out or less. Sometimes it is difficult and we might not get our 1st or even 2nd choices...might have to take SSR or OKW (my last 2 choices) but ALL the resorts have their positives and are wonderful to stay at. You seem to feel the same way, so I'd suggest AKV or SSR for the deal and the later expiration. Happy hunting for your contract!!

 

[TeeterTots]

I really appreciate all the advise!

 

[DisneyDiana]

I own at AKV and have no regrets. It is by far my favorite DVC resort so for me, personally, it didn't feel right to buy anywhere else. I have found that if you do want club level you will be successful most of the time, I wait list at 11 mos. and have have always had success a few days later as others walk their reservation.

 

[TeeterTots]

We did 2 WDW trips before buying DVC...one off-site with our little kids and then about 18 months later we stayed at POR and got the DDP. We were hooked so we bought DVC...resale...at OKW to get the most number of points for our money. We never set foot on OKW property before buying and didn't stay there for about 2 years after buying. We have used those OKW points to stay at ALL the east coast DVC resorts except VGF (we wanted to try them all out). We have since added on 6 more contracts...3 at HHI...2 at BWV and 1 at AKV. We may sell the OKW in a couple years and buy BLT (we want a later expiration...and we like resorts that you can walk to the parks) and we will add on some more points at BWV. Honestly, my suggestion would be AKV or SSR for later expiration. AKV if you want to book club level. I just used our AKV contract to book club level for next Aug and I had to walk the resie, meaning that I had to book Sat and Sun nights at 11 months exactly and then call the next day to drop Sat and add Mon and Tue...then call the next day to drop Sun and add Wed...then call today to drop Mon and add Thur...and some of those nights are now already all booked up as they go fast. If you might also want to book value rooms at AKV, you need to own there too. SSR is easiest to book. AKV standard and savannah are probably the next easiest to book, but we have been able to get into all the resorts at 7 months out or less. Sometimes it is difficult and we might not get our 1st or even 2nd choices...might have to take SSR or OKW (my last 2 choices) but ALL the resorts have their positives and are wonderful to stay at. You seem to feel the same way, so I'd suggest AKV or SSR for the deal and the later expiration. Happy hunting for your contract!!

Thank you! This was helpful! DH and I are actively looking I'd love to buy AKV for club level every stay but I understand it's nearly impossible. Not getting that will allow us more nights too. Are value rooms popular because they require minimal points?

 

[Dean]

I'm sure you all get many repeated questions and or request for advice but here's another
I love disney! We stayed 6 nights club level AKL in April then joined my sisters family for 3 nights at CBR in August. I find myself searching for another WDW vacation daily.... I know that DVC is right for our family because 1. We love disney 2. We have small children 4 and 1 and will go back 1-2xyearly forever 3. Vacation yearly anyhow. 4. Will pay cash for resale 3. Live close enough (12 hrs) to drive, if flights aren't reasonable and can vacation anytime of year in advance or drop of a hat soooo... Here's where I need help! In the two trips we visited WDW this year alone we've literally paid for roughly 150+ points (I know that included flight and parks, but still) I'd like to vacation in December and again with friends in April (a bit obsessed) so do I bite the bullet and buy or research more, rent points, see other resorts! I loved AKL but I also was club level, I love the grandeur of VGF and quite frankly loved CBR (so I'm not too hard to please, if you don't ask my husband) so I've been thinking 175-180 AKV Dec UY?? I guess I'm confused, some say buy cheap points, some say don't pay attention to UY, should I rent another few trips to check out resorts or just put that $$ into the purchase! Sorry so long and so indecisive! Thanks in advance

Given what you've posted now and previously, you should likely buy in as long as you'll plan at least 7 months out and are not counting on concierge. You will not be able to buy in and get a reservation for December so plan accordingly. IMO UY is often important but where it's not just realize you're taking MORE risk than the one who can use UY to their advantage. My one concern for your situation is that you're clearly tied up in the emotions and hype. Don't let the short term of trying to buy and get the next trip scheduled cause you to make a bad decision or overpay. Unless you want to stay VGF most trips, it'd be foolish to buy there currently.

 

[lovin'fl]

Thank you! This was helpful! DH and I are actively looking I'd love to buy AKV for club level every stay but I understand it's nearly impossible. Not getting that will allow us more nights too. Are value rooms popular because they require minimal points?

Yes, the value rooms go fast since they are a good deal (less points) and there are only a few of them. Here is what I have had trouble booking at 7 months out (or less):
1- HHI for summer
2- BCV in warmer months
4- BWV- standard view rooms
5- BCV or BWV for Food and Wine and Thanksgiving to New Year's
6- trouble even getting at 11 months out- AKV club level (and I assume value as well, though I have not tried for value)

Also, grand villas at HHI and VB are tough to get as there are only a few of them...also the grand villas at OKW go fast as they are the best deal (least points) and the hospitality house section of OKW will book up quicker than the rest of OKW...I think THV also book up quick. BLT- we waitlisted lake view for F&W at 5 months out (last year) and got it in a week, but I think it can be tough to book standard and theme park views there. I don't know much about booking VGF...not interested as it eats a lot of points. VWL can be tough at times but I have booked it twice now.

What I booked at 7 months out or less:
- BWV 3 times and gotten only garden/pool view (Sept, July 4th week and early Oct)...booked another time and gotten standard view for 2 nights (Aug)
- SSR 3 times (Jan twice and Aug)
- VWL twice (once during July 4th week and once for F&W)
- HHI (July)
- VB (Aug)
- BLT for F&W
- AKV for Xmas (standard view)
- BCV (Jan)

I don't think I've booked anything less than 4-5 months out. I currently have 41 holding points that can only be used 2 months out and I have been looking and having a hard time finding anything. On 2 other occasions I looked to book at 2 months out and could not find anything (maybe a day here and there was available and usually at SSR...but not the entire trip I was wanting).

 

[CarolMN]

TeeterTots - Some of your comments lead me to believe you might need a better understanding of use year and booking before you buy. Here's a thread that will help:

Understanding Your Use Year

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you! This was helpful! DH and I are actively looking I'd love to buy AKV for club level every stay but I understand it's nearly impossible. Not getting that will allow us more nights too. Are value rooms popular because they require minimal points?

The value rooms are only located in Jambo House. All the DVC units in JH are converted hotel rooms. The value villas are about three feet shorter in depth and are rigid on the occupancy. So a one bedroom and studio sleep four, not five. The two bedrooms sleep eight. They could be parking lot, pool or savanna view. They are very limited in number. Since they require the fewest points, they are hot commodities at AKV.

 

[rmcildw2m]

AKL is my favorite 2 , but I own at beach club just because of a good deal at the right time . If I ever do a add on it will be at akl . So that being said for the money buy SSR if you can as there points are best priced most of the time .

 

[mcap2004]

Finally, I personally wouldn't buy AKV unless I was seeking the value or concierge rooms consistently. Reason being the dues are steep, and outside of these two categories it is easy to book AKV at the seven month window.

Also, even owning at AKV doesn't guarantee you the ability to book concierge there. DVC has only five concierge rooms total (each can be booked as a whole, or split into a studio plus a 1BR). Thus if even just ten percent of the AKV members want to stay concierge, the room allotment isn't enough. Not exactly something that a timeshare salesperson is going to point out...

Question! We are a family of 4. Kids are 3 and 8. My DH and I are not DVC members but hope to in the very near future. When we travel, it's usually only during the summer months due to school schedule. Also, when we go, my DH's family usually goes with us. My DH and I have talked about this and have considered inviting them with us once we are in DVC so that means more points used and more space. IMHO I could not last long with so many ppl in one room that would fit us, so I would probably book 2 studios. In this case, if they were to travel with us every time we went ( I hope not), what do you think would be the way to go resort wise as your "home" if we only stayed at studio. I know in the end we decide but I just like opinions of others.

 

[Msmithmd]

Question! We are a family of 4. Kids are 3 and 8. My DH and I are not DVC members but hope to in the very near future. When we travel, it's usually only during the summer months due to school schedule. Also, when we go, my DH's family usually goes with us. My DH and I have talked about this and have considered inviting them with us once we are in DVC so that means more points used and more space. IMHO I could not last long with so many ppl in one room that would fit us, so I would probably book 2 studios. In this case, if they were to travel with us every time we went ( I hope not), what do you think would be the way to go resort wise as your "home" if we only stayed at studio. I know in the end we decide but I just like opinions of others.

First, most important point:

Funny things happen to people psychologically when they consider a timeshare as "just points." The question is- would you pay cash for your DH's family to stay at a regular hotel when you happen to vacation together? If yes, then carry on.

If not, then understand that you are doing EXACTLY the same thing as paying cash for their lodging, if you spend DVC points for them to stay as well. Agreed, DVC lodging at WDW is cheaper than non-DVC. Otherwise there would be no reason to own.

But don't fall into the trap of thinking of it as "just points," so now it is no big deal to cover their lodging if you wouldn't have paid cash for their hotel room before you bought a timeshare. Full disclosure- we sometimes go with my wife's parents, and they stay on our points. I do this willingly. So no problem, as long as you understand what you're really doing.


Second, to your question:

It's a totally personal answer. These are the things I would consider-

1. Actual experience at the resort (rooms, pool, restaurants, immediate vicinity amenities.)
2. Convenience of resort to things you want to experience outside the resort (BLT closest to MK, SSR closest to DTD, etc.)
3. Expiration date of contract.
4. Annual dues- which will be more than double your initial buy-in, even assuming low inflation of dues yearly.
5. The "X" factor- things not covered above- maybe someone in your family has an emotional connection to a resort location from their childhood, maybe the need for the fifth sleeping accommodation in a studio, which is available currently only at VWL and VGF, maybe someone is afraid of the clown slide, or someone really wants to consistently experience Stormalong bay.

The good news is that there really isn't a wrong answer. Tons of people love their home resort. Some wish they owned elsewhere, and yet others don't really care because they don't tend to stay at their home resort anyway.

My vote is for my home- VWL. It's a peaceful oasis amidst the chaos that is WDW, and it is a relaxing ten minute boat to the front door of MK. But every single resort in the system will have its' advocates. That's one of the best parts of DVC...

 

[mcap2004]

First, most important point:

Funny things happen to people psychologically when they consider a timeshare as "just points." The question is- would you pay cash for your DH's family to stay at a regular hotel when you happen to vacation together? If yes, then carry on.

If not, then understand that you are doing EXACTLY the same thing as paying cash for their lodging, if you spend DVC points for them to stay as well. Agreed, DVC lodging at WDW is cheaper than non-DVC. Otherwise there would be no reason to own.

Correct me if I'm wrong but you stated, " understand that you are doing EXACTLY the same thing as paying cash for their lodging, if you spend DVC points for them to stay as well." Does this mean because I would have to buy more points than my family of 4 actually needs just to accommodate them as well? Please explain.

Also, I forgot to mention that if they were to come with us, it is not a free ride. I told my DH that I would charge them the amount of my dues due for that month.

 

[Msmithmd]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you stated, " understand that you are doing EXACTLY the same thing as paying cash for their lodging, if you spend DVC points for them to stay as well." Does this mean because I would have to buy more points than my family of 4 actually needs just to accommodate them as well? Please explain. Also, I forgot to mention that if they were to come with us, it is not a free ride. I told my DH that I would charge them the amount of my dues due for that month.

Two studios (to accommodate extra family coming along) costs double the points of the one studio that your family of four would otherwise need. Nothing more to it.

If you would otherwise buy (for example) the amount of points required to reserve one studio in magic season for a week yearly, but instead you decide to buy the amount of points needed to reserve two studios for a week, then charging them one month worth of dues on that higher point total is incredibly generous. It is akin to almost completely paying for their room, whenever they come along.

Again, that isn't "wrong" at all. Just an economic reality. And if you think they would want to come consistently, IMO better for your family relationship, for them to own their own DVC interest and pay for their own room. I guarantee you that folks who don't own will not appreciate or understand the cost inherent in you reserving them a room "on your DVC." The large majority of people out there simply don't understand how timeshares work, and think you can get them an extra room for little or nothing when you are an owner.

Many, many DVC owners post here about how little their family or friends comprehend or appreciate what it means, when the owner gets them a room for free or minimal cost. Just food for thought for you to consider before buying in with this plan. I'm not at all saying not to proceed, but personally speaking I would only buy the points I wanted for my own immediate family. Let others make the decision whether to own DVC, whether to stay on property, and whether to visit WDW at all, for themselves.

 

[mcap2004]

Two studios (to accommodate extra family coming along) costs double the points of the one studio that your family of four would otherwise need. Nothing more to it.

If you would otherwise buy (for example) the amount of points required to reserve one studio in magic season for a week yearly, but instead you decide to buy the amount of points needed to reserve two studios for a week, then charging them one month worth of dues on that higher point total is incredibly generous. It is akin to almost completely paying for their room, whenever they come along.

Again, that isn't "wrong" at all. Just an economic reality. And if you think they would want to come consistently, IMO better for your family relationship, for them to own their own DVC interest and pay for their own room. I guarantee you that folks who don't own will not appreciate or understand the cost inherent in you reserving them a room "on your DVC." The large majority of people out there simply don't understand how timeshares work, and think you can get them an extra room for little or nothing when you are an owner.

Many, many DVC owners post here about how little their family or friends comprehend or appreciate what it means, when the owner gets them a room for free or minimal cost. Just food for thought for you to consider before buying in with this plan. I'm not at all saying not to proceed, but personally speaking I would only buy the points I wanted for my own immediate family. Let others make the decision whether to own DVC, whether to stay on property, and whether to visit WDW at all, for themselves.

Ok I get you now. I would like to treat them to come along but not every year or every other year depending on how often we travel. I wouldn't want to be using up all my points on extra ppl and only able to stay a week 1x a year because I'm out of points, right? Am I on the right track? I want to be able to travel at least 2x a year with my DH and boys with my points.

 

[Dean]

Correct me if I'm wrong but you stated, " understand that you are doing EXACTLY the same thing as paying cash for their lodging, if you spend DVC points for them to stay as well." Does this mean because I would have to buy more points than my family of 4 actually needs just to accommodate them as well? Please explain.

Also, I forgot to mention that if they were to come with us, it is not a free ride. I told my DH that I would charge them the amount of my dues due for that month.

I agree with Msmithmd. Disney trips in general seem to bring out the worst in families at times. I've seen reports of the guest demanding the master in a 2 BR and someone being charged a fraction of the real price feeling like they were being taken advantage of. Many feel have the attitude that one you own a timeshare it's free otherwise. I've also seen many reports of other family members inviting themselves in or the grand parents inviting others without the knowledge or permission of the owner/planner. This is an area where one has to be clear and certain and even then, be prepared for curve balls. It often works (always has for us) out but when it doesn't, it can be very ugly.