Considering First Time Purchase - Resale

[Southernswthrt]

I am strongly considering pulling the trigger on my very first resale contract. I believe a Sept or Oct UY is best for us as we usually travel in February and Nov/Dec. The main reason for the purchase is to save on lodging (as we prefer Deluxe resorts), as my daughter and I love to visit yearly. Our travel party typically consists of 2-6 people, depending on who is joining us. Studios will do just fine for us, most of the time, but I also know those are hardest to come by. We also typically have a car, and don't mind driving ourselves around property.

I would like to make a cash purchase so I'm looking into 100 point contracts for now, and then adding on in the future. We rented points at Riviera a few nights last year and really enjoyed the proximity to Epcot and the Skyliner - a lot more than we thought we would. We have also stayed previously at Poly and that has always been a favorite for us. But as DD has grown, we are finding the Epcot area more appealing than MK.

We're having a hard time deciding on a resort. I am not interested in 2042 resorts, but both of the Epcot DVC properties are 2042 and I'd love to have some resale potential in several years. Although we love RR, the resale restrictions are a big concern. SSR seems like the safe bet economically, but generally doesn't seem to get much love on the boards. I do like the new remodel of the rooms and it seems like a relaxing property. Poly is in a more desired location - and that is something that will never change. Also would consider CCV, due to longer expiration but not sure if we'd be happy with the location. Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[Sandisw]

November/December is a very busy DVC time and trading into different resorts at 7 months for studios is going to be difficult, depending on when you actually decide to go.

So, whatever resort you choose, expect to be happy with that for those trips and consider any trading a bonus, February should allow more flexibility.

The nice part of SSR is closeness to DS and for adults that is a nice option. The drawback is having to rely on buses but if you don’t mind driving, that helps. We typically use Lyft when we have stayed there in the mornings to the parks and buses back…though it’s been years since we have stayed.

BLT might be a good option, though the studios are on the smaller side. But you Can get to Epcot using the monorail, since the 2042 and RIV resale is not an option for you.

Good luck.

 

[tom1944]

I am also looking to make my first purchase and have found selecting a home resort to be the most difficult decision.

I have been all over the map.

To me it is going to come down to my perception of the value of the contract I make an offer on.

I have all 3 monorail resorts on my list plus Saratoga Springs.

I believe we will select one of the monorail resorts and add smaller contracts later at Riviera and Saratoga
Initially we will do 1 bedrooms which I understand have a better availability. The decision on home resort is going to be made based on ultimately needing 2 bedrooms or studios.

As to the 2042 resorts at a certain price it might make sense to buy and use it until expiration. You can then look at the current longer contracts which should also have lower prices because they have limited length at that time.
I don’t think the Epcot resort prices are low enough yet for that process.

If the price was right purchasing Boardwalk now and in 2042 purchase BLT/Poly or Grand Floridian it could be cost effective and gets you the years of buying that the longer contracts provide.

 

[SleeplessInTO]

I bought Boardwalk. I want to be in that area and 2042 is a long time away. (I do love SSR resale points but sometimes I just want to be able to book where I want to stay at 11 months. Even at 11 months, it’s sometimes hard to book certain studios! But if you don’t use the home resort priority window, SSR is great.)

My only regret is not buying Beach Club resale as well. DD loves it there.

 

[davidhr]

Keep in mind that the longer the contract (and the longer you keep it), the importance of the initial purchase price is reduced. Not that it isn’t important, but after a couple decades most of the cost is the dues. With the newer properties, more than 2/3 of the cost will be dues.

My point is, buy where you want to stay and not just buy the most economical resort by purchase price.

Having said that, Saratoga is a nice property. Nothing wrong with it if you like it. I’ve stayed there and plan to stay there again. I wouldn’t buy there because, to me, the 11 month booking priority is very important, and Saratoga is the easiest resort to book if you don’t own there.

If you like the Poly and Studios are fine with you, I’ll buy there. It’s a fantastic property.

2042 resorts might make sense at the right price and if you’re ok with the shorter duration of the contract. The point charts of those resorts are fantastic. CCV also has a fantastic point chart and it’s probably the last resort to have something like that.

 

[SkampyOne]

As to the 2042 resorts at a certain price it might make sense to buy and use it until expiration. You can then look at the current longer contracts which should also have lower prices because they have limited length at that time.
I don’t think the Epcot resort prices are low enough yet for that process.

I'm also struggling with home resort choice, and if truth be told, direct vs. resale too... I actually don't mind the 2042 expiration date because I'll be of a certain age and nobody in my family appreciates the House of Mouse like I do so I usually visit by myself... That said, running the numbers today, agree Crescent Lake area doesn't make financial sense given fewer years to amortize the purchase and wondering how low would it have to go before it's worth it to run the contract through it's course? $80 something PP? On the other side of the spectrum, buying GFV direct, or maybe even Poly2 when it goes live, would get me full benefits and then I could sell and pick up BW or BC when the numbers drop. If I spent half as much time thinking about work as I do about this...

 

[RoseGold]

Boy is now the time to buy. There is SO MUCH on the market. Getting a good deal goes a long way.

https://www.dvcresalemarket.com/blog/best-economical-dvc-resorts-to-purchase-fall-2022/

There's not much math difference between the usual SAP suspects, CCV, BLT, Poly1, SSR, VGF. I'd pick the one you like best. I'd throw AKL in there also, if you think you'd pay a little more for club or value now and then. SSR gets plenty of love here. Other resorts have come and gone on this list, but SSR is the go-to SAP for a long time for a reason.

If you want Epcot, then you are going to pay more for those points. For 100 points, maybe this isn't such a big deal, and you want what you want. Hard to argue with the crazy BW listings right now.

 

[havoc315]

My advice at this point: Buy where you want to stay, but generally avoid the 2042 resorts.

For the 2042 resorts -- Doesn't matter whether you're happy owning for only 19 years. It's a question of what happens after 19 years.
If you spend $20,000 on a 2042 resort -- As of January 30, 2042, you have spent $20,000 + closing costs + 19 years of dues.
If you spend $20,000 on a 2064 resort (for example), as of January 30, 2042... it's a pretty safe bet (but not guaranteed) that you'll be able to re-sell for $20,000 or more. Assuming a flat $20,000.... That means you'll be out only 19 years of dues. Look at it this way, with the longer contracts, you get your purchase price refunded after 20 years!

Going back to buy where you want to stay:
If you love Riviera, it's fine buying re-sale there as long as you're comfortable exclusively staying at Riviera. You might be able to swap points with someone else on rare occasion to try something different, but you should expect to be staying exclusively at Riviera.
If you love Poly, just remember we don't know the association status of Poly2. But if you are happy with Poly studios and trading into other legacy resorts, Poly is an excellent choice.
SSR is a good value... It's a nice resort. But I don't see it as true "deluxe" as some of the other DVCs. It's not connected to a park, doesn't have great on-site dining (but Disney Springs is nearby!).

 

[RichVIII]

We are finding the same thing with our DD. We just can’t bite (at this point) on a 2042 contract.
First choice would be Poly. You get on the monorail loop and the quick walk to TTC gets you very easily to Epcot via the monorail. Points chart isn’t great but rooms are huge. IF Poly Tower comes in at the same association, you get more options. But, be comfortable knowing you will only have studios or possibly two adjoining studioS.

Other option would be by spending a little less on SSR and get more points to book 1BRs at places like BW. They are much easier to get but you will probably need more points. That said, as 2042 resorts sell, most people are booking them to book exclusively to stay there. One great thing about kids getting older is that SSR can be walkable to DS.

CCV is not bad for point chart and what is left on the contract. As others said, tougher to get studios and you are limited to boat/bus transportation.

You could always add-on when Poly Tower comes online to get direct points you could use at RR?

 

[5kidsmommy]

For years I have been trying to get my husband to buy. Instead we've rented points for every single trip. Everytime he complains about the cost, I then pull out the spreadsheet of what other resorts cost and what offsite looks like with all the added cost. So finally now as we enter our 50's (him) or close to (me) he is finally realizing it makes sense for us.

The thing is we travel in January and September because he's self employed and that's the only feasible time to get away, we do vacation in the summer but it's mostly weekend camping or boating trips.
I'm leaning towards SSR because I prefer driving to the parks and he prefers one bedrooms over studios. I love Poly though but he just prefers the space of 1 bedrooms even though I've explained they aren't the best use of points.

My concerns is our travels times. We are flexible in both of those months so will I really have an issue booking at 11 months. I'm sure SSR will be fine. I am torn though because I love Epcot and I'd love to be within walking distance. So much to consider.

 

[havoc315]

For years I have been trying to get my husband to buy. Instead we've rented points for every single trip. Everytime he complains about the cost, I then pull out the spreadsheet of what other resorts cost and what offsite looks like with all the added cost. So finally now as we enter our 50's (him) or close to (me) he is finally realizing it makes sense for us.

The thing is we travel in January and September because he's self employed and that's the only feasible time to get away, we do vacation in the summer but it's mostly weekend camping or boating trips.
I'm leaning towards SSR because I prefer driving to the parks and he prefers one bedrooms over studios. I love Poly though but he just prefers the space of 1 bedrooms even though I've explained they aren't the best use of points.

My concerns is our travels times. We are flexible in both of those months so will I really have an issue booking at 11 months. I'm sure SSR will be fine. I am torn though because I love Epcot and I'd love to be within walking distance. So much to consider.

Booking your home resort at 11 months is pretty rarely an issue, especially for 1 bedrooms. For some high-demand unit types during high-demand season (think Christmas in a Animal Kingdom value room), you might have to "walk" your reservation a bit.

7-month availability will be more limited, but you should generally be able to find a selection 1-bedrooms in January and September.

In the end, it's about staying where you want, in a room type you want. Doesn't matter whether it "maximizes" value (as long as it's not a bad value).

 

[5kidsmommy]

Booking your home resort at 11 months is pretty rarely an issue, especially for 1 bedrooms. For some high-demand unit types during high-demand season (think Christmas in a Animal Kingdom value room), you might have to "walk" your reservation a bit.

7-month availability will be more limited, but you should generally be able to find a selection 1-bedrooms in January and September.

In the end, it's about staying where you want, in a room type you want. Doesn't matter whether it "maximizes" value (as long as it's not a bad value).

My husband's feeling is he know a 1 bedroom isn't seen as a good use of points but it's how he likes to vacation and we are at the age where we are willing to spend a little more for what we want. The main reason we are finally looking at DVC is because he thought we'd stop going once the kids were grown and now we honestly go more. It's so fun for us. We don't even like staying offsite because staying onsite just feels more inclusive and we actually relax.

So now we just have to figure out how many points we want. We just may start small and add on. 90% sure we are going resale but I do worry we might want to stay at the new Poly so that is the only thing that has me questioning the resale route. I don't care about Riviera, it doesn't appeal to me but I love the Poly.

 

[Dotluvsdisney]

We bought 100 points at Poly last year and absolutely love it. We generally only stay for 1-2 nights and have seen lots of inventory at the 7 month mark for most properties with the exception of the Epcot resorts during Food and Wine and Boulder Ridge at Christmas. We have trips for Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day weekend booked. We booked overnights at SSR in October and AKL in November when we got our points in August.

 

[MartyParty]

I am strongly considering pulling the trigger on my very first resale contract. I believe a Sept or Oct UY is best for us as we usually travel in February and Nov/Dec. The main reason for the purchase is to save on lodging (as we prefer Deluxe resorts), as my daughter and I love to visit yearly. Our travel party typically consists of 2-6 people, depending on who is joining us. Studios will do just fine for us, most of the time, but I also know those are hardest to come by. We also typically have a car, and don't mind driving ourselves around property.

I would like to make a cash purchase so I'm looking into 100 point contracts for now, and then adding on in the future. We rented points at Riviera a few nights last year and really enjoyed the proximity to Epcot and the Skyliner - a lot more than we thought we would. We have also stayed previously at Poly and that has always been a favorite for us. But as DD has grown, we are finding the Epcot area more appealing than MK.

We're having a hard time deciding on a resort. I am not interested in 2042 resorts, but both of the Epcot DVC properties are 2042 and I'd love to have some resale potential in several years. Although we love RR, the resale restrictions are a big concern. SSR seems like the safe bet economically, but generally doesn't seem to get much love on the boards. I do like the new remodel of the rooms and it seems like a relaxing property. Poly is in a more desired location - and that is something that will never change. Also would consider CCV, due to longer expiration but not sure if we'd be happy with the location. Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

 

[MartyParty]

I am strongly considering pulling the trigger on my very first resale contract. I believe a Sept or Oct UY is best for us as we usually travel in February and Nov/Dec. The main reason for the purchase is to save on lodging (as we prefer Deluxe resorts), as my daughter and I love to visit yearly. Our travel party typically consists of 2-6 people, depending on who is joining us. Studios will do just fine for us, most of the time, but I also know those are hardest to come by. We also typically have a car, and don't mind driving ourselves around property.

I would like to make a cash purchase so I'm looking into 100 point contracts for now, and then adding on in the future. We rented points at Riviera a few nights last year and really enjoyed the proximity to Epcot and the Skyliner - a lot more than we thought we would. We have also stayed previously at Poly and that has always been a favorite for us. But as DD has grown, we are finding the Epcot area more appealing than MK.

We're having a hard time deciding on a resort. I am not interested in 2042 resorts, but both of the Epcot DVC properties are 2042 and I'd love to have some resale potential in several years. Although we love RR, the resale restrictions are a big concern. SSR seems like the safe bet economically, but generally doesn't seem to get much love on the boards. I do like the new remodel of the rooms and it seems like a relaxing property. Poly is in a more desired location - and that is something that will never change. Also would consider CCV, due to longer expiration but not sure if we'd be happy with the location. Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

I am strongly considering pulling the trigger on my very first resale contract. I believe a Sept or Oct UY is best for us as we usually travel in February and Nov/Dec. The main reason for the purchase is to save on lodging (as we prefer Deluxe resorts), as my daughter and I love to visit yearly. Our travel party typically consists of 2-6 people, depending on who is joining us. Studios will do just fine for us, most of the time, but I also know those are hardest to come by. We also typically have a car, and don't mind driving ourselves around property.

I would like to make a cash purchase so I'm looking into 100 point contracts for now, and then adding on in the future. We rented points at Riviera a few nights last year and really enjoyed the proximity to Epcot and the Skyliner - a lot more than we thought we would. We have also stayed previously at Poly and that has always been a favorite for us. But as DD has grown, we are finding the Epcot area more appealing than MK.

We're having a hard time deciding on a resort. I am not interested in 2042 resorts, but both of the Epcot DVC properties are 2042 and I'd love to have some resale potential in several years. Although we love RR, the resale restrictions are a big concern. SSR seems like the safe bet economically, but generally doesn't seem to get much love on the boards. I do like the new remodel of the rooms and it seems like a relaxing property. Poly is in a more desired location - and that is something that will never change. Also would consider CCV, due to longer expiration but not sure if we'd be happy with the location. Any help/advise is greatly appreciated.

For what it’s worth, we purchased Poly direct in 2016 and have never stayed there. Use year is August. Used our points at Bay Lake (2), Grand California (2), and Animal Kingdom Kidani. We started out as a studio family but now prefer 1 or 2 bedrooms. My wife likes the slower morning pace of fixing breakfast with an occasional dinner in our room. I think your approach is correct to buy 100 resale, learn your preferences, then add more points later. And yes the ideal home resort selected is best, however, it still will work out at the 7 month mark away from your home resort.

Good luck and welcome home.

 

[SkampyOne]

My advice at this point: Buy where you want to stay, but generally avoid the 2042 resorts.

For the 2042 resorts -- Doesn't matter whether you're happy owning for only 19 years. It's a question of what happens after 19 years.
If you spend $20,000 on a 2042 resort -- As of January 30, 2042, you have spent $20,000 + closing costs + 19 years of dues.
If you spend $20,000 on a 2064 resort (for example), as of January 30, 2042... it's a pretty safe bet (but not guaranteed) that you'll be able to re-sell for $20,000 or more. Assuming a flat $20,000.... That means you'll be out only 19 years of dues. Look at it this way, with the longer contracts, you get your purchase price refunded after 20 years!

Dang it... I can't argue with that logic and think you've just swayed me. I want to stay at BWV but maybe will just have to be really, really flexible on my 7 month dates. It's not worth the extra $20K and I ran the numbers including 2042 dues forecast - it checks out. This exercise also convinced me not to buy direct as the numbers don't work there either. So now it's back to obsessively checking resale for monorail loop (GF preferred) deals as best bang for the buck. Saw posts that a few people snagged at $149-$150 which would help the budget...

 

[havoc315]

Dang it... I can't argue with that logic and think you've just swayed me. I want to stay at BWV but maybe will just have to be really, really flexible on my 7 month dates. It's not worth the extra $20K and I ran the numbers including 2042 dues forecast - it checks out. This exercise also convinced me not to buy direct as the numbers don't work there either. So now it's back to obsessively checking resale for monorail loop (GF preferred) deals as best bang for the buck. Saw posts that a few people snagged at $149-$150 which would help the budget...

Depends how badly you want to stay at BWV. Between discounted cash rooms and point rentals, you may find that you can stay at BWV when you really want without ever buying DVC, with far more flexibility than buying DVC, at a cost not much higher than buying resale DVC.
If you are 100% sure you want to stay at BWV 100% of the time, and you'll be disappointed if you are "stuck" at places other than BWV, then buying BWV will still save you a bit versus the alternatives. Just be aware it's not a huge savings versus renting points / cash rooms. And at least for me, the main reason to pre-pay is to get a significant discount. If I'm not getting a significant discount, I'd rather stick with the flexibility of paying as I go.

 

[Craho]

I bought Boardwalk. I want to be in that area and 2042 is a long time away. (I do love SSR resale points but sometimes I just want to be able to book where I want to stay at 11 months. Even at 11 months, it’s sometimes hard to book certain studios! But if you don’t use the home resort priority window, SSR is great.)

My only regret is not buying Beach Club resale as well. DD loves it there.

We just bought into BWV also. We really don’t want the commitment after 2042 so it works for us. The point chart is really low and we bought resale and did not finance so the numbers work!

I know what you mean about BC. Our kids love the pool but we just couldn’t pass up he low chart at BW.

 

[RichVIII]

My husband's feeling is he know a 1 bedroom isn't seen as a good use of points but it's how he likes to vacation and we are at the age where we are willing to spend a little more for what we want. The main reason we are finally looking at DVC is because he thought we'd stop going once the kids were grown and now we honestly go more. It's so fun for us. We don't even like staying offsite because staying onsite just feels more inclusive and we actually relax.

So now we just have to figure out how many points we want. We just may start small and add on. 90% sure we are going resale but I do worry we might want to stay at the new Poly so that is the only thing that has me questioning the resale route. I don't care about Riviera, it doesn't appeal to me but I love the Poly.

My thought is, buy something resale (smaller) to start. those 1 BRs are awesome but they quickly chew up points. When Poly 2 comes online you will need more points anyway. Go direct then since you can add on as small as 50 or 150 and get the blue card. At least you can start saving on that first contract. You could do any the properties you wouldn't mind staying at. If you go the Poly route AND they become the same association, you have can combine. If not, you still have a small contract to use at most resorts and now buy direct to get Poly 2. It will give you flexibility on your first direct purchase and again, those first set of points will be gone before you know it.

 

[AnnaKristoff2013]

Depends how badly you want to stay at BWV. Between discounted cash rooms and point rentals, you may find that you can stay at BWV when you really want without ever buying DVC, with far more flexibility than buying DVC, at a cost not much higher than buying resale DVC.
If you are 100% sure you want to stay at BWV 100% of the time, and you'll be disappointed if you are "stuck" at places other than BWV, then buying BWV will still save you a bit versus the alternatives. Just be aware it's not a huge savings versus renting points / cash rooms. And at least for me, the main reason to pre-pay is to get a significant discount. If I'm not getting a significant discount, I'd rather stick with the flexibility of paying as I go.

It’s also not hard at all to get water view 1 bedroom units at boardwalk at 7 months.