Considering a resale - does it really matter which resort I buy?

[Antonia]

I first looked at a resale at VWL. But then realized I can get a lot more points for the money if buy a HHI resale.

So does it really make a difference if my points are VWL points or a lot more points for the money at HHI? I would still be aDVC member and my points can book anywhere, right? Just not at the 11 month window except at my home resort, right?

So I am thinking of buying more points for less money on a HHI resale? Any thoughts? Plus I will pay cash (once in my life I can do this - LOL) so no financing issues involved.

 

[Sandisw]

While the upfront costs of HH are cheaper than VWL, the MF's (the biggest cost in a DVC purchase) will more than make up for what you saved upfront.

If you are considering trips to WDW, then I would consider purchasing an onsite resort.

While you can call at 7 months, and in most cases, find something on property, owning HH will prevent you from securing anything at the 11 month window. And, there are certain times of the year, when it will be difficult if you have nothing booked yet.

For example, early Dec is a VERY busy DVC time and most owners book 11 months out to secure something on property. If you have to wait until 7 months out, you may not find something at the same resort, or the room size you want for an entire stay. If this is a time you were hoping to visit, getting VWL will be near impossible at 7 months.

We bought BLT last year because where we stay was more important than what we spent since in the long run, DVC is a big commitment. If you are looking for value, and are planning trips to WDW, then I would consider SSR over HH. Its MF"s are low, its a big resort, and resale is only about $15 or so more per point than HH.

At least owning SSR, you can book those trips at 11 months, trade out at 7, but if nothing is available that suits your needs, at least you are on property.

I know there are some people who have had little trouble booking what they want at 7 months with HH and VB points, but realize you are taking a chance, and may not be saving as much as you think in the long run.

Of course, if you plan to use HH points at HH on occasion, then that is a different story.

Good luck!

 

[chalee94]

So does it really make a difference if my points are VWL points or a lot more points for the money at HHI?

depends on whether you can book 10-11 months out. then it depends on 1) how badly you want to stay at VWL and 2) whether it would bother you if you called at 7 months out and everything onsite at wdw was booked solid (doesn't happen often but it has happened).

VWL is a small resort - if you want to stay there on a regular basis, you should own there and book 10-11 months out.

I would still be aDVC member and my points can book anywhere, right? Just not at the 11 month window except at my home resort, right?

anywhere with availability.

So I am thinking of buying more points for less money on a HHI resale? Any thoughts?

HHI has several potential issues (VB also) - that's the reason the price is lower (lower demand explains the lower price.)

1) you will pay higher prices annually for dues
2) chance of getting locked out of wdw
3) if a storm hits one of the coastal properties, their owners may be subject to a special assessment to pay for repairs
4) if DVC ever spins off one of their resorts, the offsite resorts are more likely candidates

there is not a huge risk of 2-4 IMO - but you should be aware of the risks before you roll the dice.

it's not worth it to buy at HH IMO, unless you plan to stay there on a regular basis. if staying onsite at wdw is your goal but you don't care where, then buy at OKW or SSR.

also, there are several threads on this topic already - do a search or scan through the last few pages to see more discussion.

 

[lucyem]

There are a lot of opinions on this. There is a thread going on now which covers all those opinions http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2448044

If you have your heart set on a certain resort and go during busy times then yes it will matter. As I have learned busy DVC times are not necessarily the same as busy for WDW. Some people travel at less busy times and have no problems staying where they want.

 

[crisi]

Do you want to stay at VWL between October 1st and January 13th? Yes, it makes a difference. Particularly early December is tough at VWL (its such a great Christmasy resort - its such a cozy Winter resort that a lot of VWL owners own only for that time of year). That doesn't mean you'll never have success, but you may not have success every trip.

VWL is the smallest resort, but except during those seasons, it doesn't appear to be overly popular and usually has availability.

As was said, watch the dues. HHI or VB dues will quickly make up any money you save on your intial purchase.

 

[Checkers]

JMHO, buy where you want to stay.

 

[aggiemullins]

I may be way off base, but IMHO, the "busy" DVC times where you may not get what you want is during 3 day holiday weekends and when the points are at their cheapest AND it coincides with something special in the parks like Xmas (1st two weeks of Dec) or F&W festival/MNSSHP (late Sept - late Oct).

However, for as beautiful as SSR is (and I love SSR), it's so large that it's sort of become the Wal-mart of the resorts. I've never had trouble booking at SSR as it's always the last WDW DVC resort to fill. There may be extenuating circumstances where you might have a problem, but I've booked lots of trips there with just over 30 days left and personally never had a problem. And yes, it's an absolutely gorgeous resort. It books last (among other reasons) because it's not the cheapest point-wise, it's not next to a park and it doesn't have live animals. Oh, and it's exceptionally large.

However, if you want Treehouse Villas, you pretty much have to own there.

That said, if you don't mind SSR (or prefer THV) your best bargain is a resale SSR contract. It's insanely cheap through the timeshare store right now. It's also got one of the lowest yearly dues fees and it's got a much longer expiration date than many of the other resorts.

Mike