Considering DVC: Family of 5

[blobula]

Hello,

I've been a lurker in regards to DVC for some time and it's always been in the back of my mind as something I'd do in the future potentially. We are a young family of 5 with 3 kids (6,4, infant). Right now we can stay in a studio at our go to resort of POFQ, however, in a few years that option will be taken away due to the room restrictions. We know we could move to POR with the 5th sleeper.

I'm curious what others in this situation have done, or those with DVC experience would suggest I consider.

Our vacations would likely by once a year for about 7-9 days. Eventually I'd like to do 2 weeks. I'm thinking June/July timeframe. There may be some vacations scheduled later or earlier. What use year would be good to reserve or bank/borrow points?

Since I'd need rooms with an occupancy of 5 it looks like my options are limited to either 1/2 bedrooms, or a studio at a few resorts. How many points would be good to start with? I'm also unsure about contract expiration. Sounds like some resorts expire in 2042 purchased resale, but direct have extensions to 2057. Also resale has a restriction of not being able to book at the new DVC resorts if I understand correctly. Only point purchased direct can be used at all resorts.

Any advice or food for thought is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[DebbieB]

Hello,

I've been a lurker in regards to DVC for some time and it's always been in the back of my mind as something I'd do in the future potentially. We are a young family of 5 with 3 kids (6,4, infant). Right now we can stay in a studio at our go to resort of POFQ, however, in a few years that option will be taken away due to the room restrictions. We know we could move to POR with the 5th sleeper.

I'm curious what others in this situation have done, or those with DVC experience would suggest I consider.

Our vacations would likely by once a year for about 7-9 days. Eventually I'd like to do 2 weeks. I'm thinking June/July timeframe. There may be some vacations scheduled later or earlier. What use year would be good to reserve or bank/borrow points?

Since I'd need rooms with an occupancy of 5 it looks like my options are limited to either 1/2 bedrooms, or a studio at a few resorts. How many points would be good to start with? I'm also unsure about contract expiration. Sounds like some resorts expire in 2042 purchased resale, but direct have extensions to 2057. Also resale has a restriction of not being able to book at the new DVC resorts if I understand correctly. Only point purchased direct can be used at all resorts.

Any advice or food for thought is appreciated. Thanks!

The only 2042 resort extended to 2057 is Old Key West. A 1 bedroom there would be good for you, it’s spacious and points required are lower. Direct is 2057, some extended resales are available.

 

[npatellye]

Hello,

I've been a lurker in regards to DVC for some time and it's always been in the back of my mind as something I'd do in the future potentially. We are a young family of 5 with 3 kids (6,4, infant). Right now we can stay in a studio at our go to resort of POFQ, however, in a few years that option will be taken away due to the room restrictions. We know we could move to POR with the 5th sleeper.

I'm curious what others in this situation have done, or those with DVC experience would suggest I consider.

Our vacations would likely by once a year for about 7-9 days. Eventually I'd like to do 2 weeks. I'm thinking June/July timeframe. There may be some vacations scheduled later or earlier. What use year would be good to reserve or bank/borrow points?

Since I'd need rooms with an occupancy of 5 it looks like my options are limited to either 1/2 bedrooms, or a studio at a few resorts. How many points would be good to start with? I'm also unsure about contract expiration. Sounds like some resorts expire in 2042 purchased resale, but direct have extensions to 2057. Also resale has a restriction of not being able to book at the new DVC resorts if I understand correctly. Only point purchased direct can be used at all resorts.

Any advice or food for thought is appreciated. Thanks!

The only extension to 2057 direct is Old Key West. My kids are the same ages as your older two (no infant for us). But we ended up taking the plunge because we were paying so much out of pocket to feel crammed into a room at CBR. It didn’t make sense for us to not pay for DVC since we go usually more than once a year.

New resale purchases (after January 2019, I think, but I may be so wrong here) cannot be used at new resorts.

We opted for 200 points direct knowing that, with two girls, we could probably get away with a 1 bedroom forever. Right now, we are doing 14 nights in a studio on 2019 points and 14 nights (8 in a studio and 6 in a 2 bedroom) with 2020 points and some banked 2019 points. For us, the AP perk adds up quickly with 4 APs.

We have a December use year, which is great since we travel primarily in January, with March and Thanksgiving as options based on how my semester calendar looks at work. If you’re traveling in the summer, maybe a use year that is just before your first travel month would work?

 

[blobula]

I was thinking a March/April use year might work the best.

 

[Drewferin]

We are a family of 5 about bought 180 points resale to start with. After addonitis hit we are now up to 255 points. While a studio that fits 5 can include: Riv, Poly, GF, BR, BC, BW at some point you will want a 1 bdrm and need more points. I'd suggest AKV for 1 bdrms since the points are cheaper per night, cheaper to buy and decent dues. SSR is cheaper but we dont like that resort as much as AKV.

 

[MommaBerd]

We are a family of 5 when we are at WDW. We just returned from a 3 night stay in a 1BR at AKL-Kidani. It was SO spacious! I find AKL so relaxing, and there is so much to do at the resort itself.

We bought resale at BCV because we love the location and the pool and the overall feel of the resort. But if we are traveling for an extended trip, we have to get a 2BR there.

I have never stayed at BLT, but it always shows up near the top on the “best value for resale” lists.

My advice to you would be to look at resorts that provide real sleeping surfaces for 5 in a 1BR and buy enough points for the most expensive season (outside of holidays unless you plan to travel then). You never know how your travel pattern will change or how points might become reallocated. For now, if you feel comfortable staying in studios, you could do that and rent out any “leftover” points. Then, as your girls get older you will have the cushion to move up to a 1BR without having to add on points at what will surely be a much higher cost than it is now.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You will want a 1BR with 3 real sleep surfaces unless you enjoy being sardines.

The DVC resorts in Orlando that offer that are OKW (2042 or 2057), AKV, BLT, VGF, SSR (when completed with refurbishment) and Riviera.

 

[Matty B13]

We are a family of 5, and the main reason we bought in was to have access to 1 or 2 bedroom units. We are not big fans of stuffing the 5 of us in to a studio.

I would really look in to, and try to figure out which resort you like best before purchasing. We own at VGF & AKV, and we thought we would love AKV but we don't. The good thing is that we got the AKV points at a decent price and sleep around with those points now.

Also, if your booking mainly 1 bedroom units, you probably won't have a hard time booking at any resort most of the year.

Also, a February UY will probably be the best UY for you with school age kids since most schools have February & April vacations. But if you travel in the summer a later UY would work as well.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...Also, a February UY will probably be the best UY for you with school age kids since most schools have February & April vacations. But if you travel in the summer a later UY would work as well.

Unless you like to go for the winter holidays. Then Feb UY doesn't give you much time if you need to cancel.

 

[Matty B13]

Unless you like to go for the winter holidays. Then Feb UY doesn't give you much time if you need to cancel.

Yeah, I guess an October or December UY would catch Christmas, and February & April School vacations.

But, we don't plan on going during Christmas though.

 

[Lumee23]

We are pretty much in the same position as you. We are a family of five with an 8yo, 5yo and 1yo. I agree with the recommendations to plan on one bedrooms. Right now when the kids are small we could do a studio but long term I think it will feel pretty cramped and I like the idea of a full kitchen to offset costs for feeding a family of five. I am usually pretty decisive but I am having trouble picking our home resort. If our upcoming split stay goes well then I think we are going to do some combo of BLT and Riviera.

I would first narrow down based on your family size, since aside from price, this is the most restrictive aspect. For us CCV was out since min room size to fit us is a 2bed. Similarly Poly is out because they only have studios (I don't count the bungalows). I agree with Aurora's recommendations. BCV and BWV technically allow five and I have seen many people say they make it work for them, but the lack for five designated sleeping spots coupled with the short deed length removed those off our list.

OKW (2042 or 2057), AKV, BLT, VGF, SSR (when completed with refurbishment) and Riviera

Location and deed length are both really important to us, which is why we are most likely going to go with BLT and Riviera. I have only stayed at AKV so far and aside from having a horrible room assignment, absolutely loved it there. So I keep bouncing back and forth between, especially since AKL is relatively cheap on the resale market.

We personally are starting on the lower end with points and will add on a bit in the next five years when we have a better idea as to how being DVC impacts our travels. I have seen several people say they start going more often once they are DVC. It seems a bit hit or miss for people but I am also really interested in the Reflections resort and do not want to blow all of our points budget and then I end up wanting to add on when Reflections comes out I am sure pricing will go up but since bulk of the cost are the annual dues it is worth it to us to assess and add on as needed.

Good luck with your researching! Everyone has been really helpful and there is so much information out there to help you make an informed decision.

 

[zavandor]

If compared to a Moderate, DVC will not save any money if you buy enough points for a studio. But for the same costs you might have a better experience at a Deluxe instead of a Moderate.
Studios may be difficult to book at 7 months, so better to buy a resort you like.

If planning for 1BR, then DVC is going to cost you more if compared to a room at a moderate that sleeps 5. But the experience will be uncomparable: more than double the space, a full kitchen and washer and dryer in the room.
1BR are easy to book at 7 months most of the year. Maybe with issues only during RunDisney events and the first two weeks of December. So buying SSR for the cheaper buy in and maintenance fees is a good possible strategy. You'll rarely have to stay there if you don't want to (but the new refurbished rooms look exceptional and the walking path to DS is very convenient).

 

[Deb & Bill]

CCV one bedroom only sleeps four. So don't buy CCV unless you always want a two bedroom villa.

 

[RoseGold]

The Poly studio technically sleeps five, but I'm a NOPE on that once your youngest is out of the pack n play.

 

[bradykp]

So - in 2016, I was basically in the same position as I planned a June trip for my friend's wedding. My kids at the time were: 5, 4, and 2. I stayed at POFQ for that trip, and it's still one of my favorite moderates. I quickly realized I'd like to go once per year for 7 nights, so I tried seeing about buying DVC resale and closing in time for the June 2016 trip - which I didn't, so that was a cash stay.

I settled on AKV because I love Animal Kingdom Resort (though I had never stayed there) and the price per point was a great value. I purchased 180 points, which is plenty for 7-9 nights in the 5 places that have studios that sleep 5, or just enough for 7 nights in an AKV 1BR.

I regret not buying more points, because a 9 night trip has become our norm - but it still works for us. We do split stays with 3-5 nights in a studio and 3-5 nights in a one bedroom to make the total work out for us. I've typically traveled in November (Jersey Week) but this year we're going the week before Labor Day.

I love it and have no regrets, and would honestly go more often if I could (but we do other vacations). Ideally, I'd like to increase to around 380-390 total points to be able to do 9 nights in a 2 bedroom every year, at almost any resort. We'd often not use our total points in that scenario, but it would be nice to always be able to book a two bedroom. So next year I'll probably start looking to add a 2nd contract of around 200-220 points.

I'd advice shooting for enough points to stay in a one bedroom for the length you desire - for one season higher up than you'd typically travel. That will give you flexibility.

As for direct versus resale - that depends if you think the benefits of buying direct will be worth it. I have a spreadsheet to calculate the actual price per point, given number of years left on a contract, and some resale options are almost as expensive as direct. So don't just like at $x per point as the cost. It's not that simple. Have to look at the remaining years left at each resort to truly value the price per point.

 

[bradykp]

Oh and i'll add - i initially thought- "it's just the room we sleep in, a studio will ALWAYS be fine". we don't mind a few nights in a studio - but the extra space of the one bedroom is a big deal. We can always survive in a studio if we never add points - but it gets tight with luggage and stuff.

 

[Matty B13]

Also, 1 & 2 bedrooms offer a full kitchen and full laundry which allows your family to pack much lighter (possible only carry-on luggage). This is a huge improvement over the studios which only have a partial refrigerator and sink.

 

[blobula]

So - in 2016, I was basically in the same position as I planned a June trip for my friend's wedding. My kids at the time were: 5, 4, and 2. I stayed at POFQ for that trip, and it's still one of my favorite moderates. I quickly realized I'd like to go once per year for 7 nights, so I tried seeing about buying DVC resale and closing in time for the June 2016 trip - which I didn't, so that was a cash stay.

I settled on AKV because I love Animal Kingdom Resort (though I had never stayed there) and the price per point was a great value. I purchased 180 points, which is plenty for 7-9 nights in the 5 places that have studios that sleep 5, or just enough for 7 nights in an AKV 1BR.

I regret not buying more points, because a 9 night trip has become our norm - but it still works for us. We do split stays with 3-5 nights in a studio and 3-5 nights in a one bedroom to make the total work out for us. I've typically traveled in November (Jersey Week) but this year we're going the week before Labor Day.

I love it and have no regrets, and would honestly go more often if I could (but we do other vacations). Ideally, I'd like to increase to around 380-390 total points to be able to do 9 nights in a 2 bedroom every year, at almost any resort. We'd often not use our total points in that scenario, but it would be nice to always be able to book a two bedroom. So next year I'll probably start looking to add a 2nd contract of around 200-220 points.

I'd advice shooting for enough points to stay in a one bedroom for the length you desire - for one season higher up than you'd typically travel. That will give you flexibility.

As for direct versus resale - that depends if you think the benefits of buying direct will be worth it. I have a spreadsheet to calculate the actual price per point, given number of years left on a contract, and some resale options are almost as expensive as direct. So don't just like at $x per point as the cost. It's not that simple. Have to look at the remaining years left at each resort to truly value the price per point.

AKL seems to make the most sense to buy into, but it's so far away. I like BLT due to location. Poly would be amazing if they had 1 bedrom options. OKW or SSR seems to have the most bang for your buck, but OKW extended resale contracts are rare. We will probably continue to go with studios at a moderate and maybe even try the POR 5th sleeper rooms at some point.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

BLT is only close to MK. AKV is actially closer to 3 parks.

 

[MommaBerd]

I would also like to add that as DVC Owners, we have traveled more frequently to WDW and/or we do longer stays. As a result, we don’t feel the need to go to the parks from rope drop to close. So, what tends to happen is that we do spend more time at the resort and in our resort room just relaxing. And that is when a 1 or 2BR becomes *really* valuable, and a studio starts to feel awfully crowded.