Debating DVC Purchase

[sagosto]

To me, DVC is daunting with all the points, resale vs direct, trading up/down, recent rules change, large upfront investment, etc. My wife is intrigued about the recent deal for Riviera so I am jumping in to educate myself. I have a ton of questions but need a good starting point. For reference, we are a family of 4 (42/39/4/7) from North Jersey and typically go to WDW once a year typically 1st week November (Jersey Week) or May at least pre-COVID. We would normally stay at AOA or Caribbean Beach so I was hesitant to consider Riviera. We typically stayed 8 days and with a 6 day ticket. It would be preferred to be able to trade to be able to have the flexibility of trying other resorts including Aulani. The upfront cost is not a deal breaker and no financing is needed. I am trying to understand if it makes sense to make a large purchase when we typically pay $2500 in hotel charges ($300 a night for moderate).

 

[npatellye]

We are similarly sized as a family and my kids are just a bit older. We were going for a week to 10 days every 12-18 months. But we found that the moderates were getting cramped for us even when the kids were 6 and 4. We decided later that year to finally buy in (we had considered the idea very casually since 2017 or so). When looking at the prices of booking through Disney or even renting a one bedroom villa, we decided it just made more sense for us to buy in instead of paying Disney their villa rates and trying to work with owners in advance to get exactly what we wanted. I didn’t want to pay Disney deluxe or villa prices but I wanted the deluxe and villa accommodations.

For example, we stayed in a one bedroom at BLT and then a 2 bedroom at OKW for 8 nights through Thanksgiving. That’s not a trip I ever would have paid for OOP with those accommodations. In May, we are staying in a 2 bedroom at VGF for 7 nights...also not a place I would pay cash for and we would likely never have invited my in-laws to come along if we were paying cash. But now, I get to make my MIL’s dream of staying at GF happen and I get to continue to enjoy the ability to sprawl out and have room for the kids to spread out.

We love the ability to book a villa and really just feel at ease having the space that comes with a one bedroom or two bedroom. We don’t love a lot of Disney food so having the full kitchen is amazing for us. We also still don’t spend a whole day in the parks. My kids are now 8 and almost 6 and we still leave the parks around lunchtime and go back around dinnertime. We also found that, for us, the gold pass purchase really helped since we were going once a calendar year anyway. Now, we just plan our trips so we can squeeze in 10+ days in one 12 month period to get the most value out of our passes.

I guess it really depends on your unique situation. We found it worked for us but it doesn’t work for everyone.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

In my experience, you can stay in a DVC studio for about the cost of a moderate. However, Riv is a little on the pricier end.

If you start staying in 1 or 2 bedrooms, you will definitely be spending a lot more on your vacations. Would you do that no matter what (as in, will you start booking larger accommodations on cash if you don't buy DVC)?

There's a million debates on here all the time about if DVC saves money or causes you to spend more money. Seriously, you're never going to get an accurate answer from anyone else. I believe if you can "control yourself", you can at least break even vs moderate stays. But most people just start upgrading their accommodation, adding points, going more often, etc. And that might be ok, too. Some people would do those things even if they didn't own DVC. Just realize it upfront, keep it in mind when making decisions and decide what your goal and comfort level is.

There's a lot to learn, but the basic start is:

Step 1, figure out what kind of rooms you want to stay in.

Step 2, calculate the points you will need to buy. (I like this calculator.. https://dvcrequest.com/dvc-guests/cost-calculator )

Step 3, calculate your approximate yearly accommodations cost (Riviera dues are $ 8.38 currently + your buy in)

Step 4, compare to what you are spending now and decide if you're in the ballpark.

The above should take you less than 30 minutes. And then you should spend an obscene amount of time on these boards learning everything else.

 

[sagosto]

When you transfer points to use at a different resort, do they consider the Home Resort? If not, then I will be paying for Riviera but have the same buying power as a "cheaper" resort?

 

[sagosto]

With the value of the points increasing year-after-year, does that mean we must buy additional points every few years to keep pace? You can always buy a few points but what do you with the surplus that will accumulate? I believe it must be used every 1-2 years, no?

 

[4luv2cdisney]

When you transfer points to use at a different resort, do they consider the Home Resort? If not, then I will be paying for Riviera but have the same buying power as a "cheaper" resort?

Not sure I understand exactly what you're asking, but...

Home resort gives you the opportunity to book a room at your home resort 11 months prior to your trip (so before people that don't own at your home resort).

At 7 months out, the booking window opens to non-home-resort owners that have qualified points.

If you buy Riviera direct, you can book there before non-Riviera owners and then at the 7 month mark, you can use your Riviera points to (try to) book at any of the other resorts in the system subject to availability. If you buy Riviera resale, you can only ever use them at Riviera.

Does that answer?

 

[sagosto]

I actually knew that which is good -- Learning. There are only 3 resorts to buy from (2 if you exclude Hawaii) so I am limited if I want to direct buy for the benefits. If I want to stay at other resorts, the ~$182PP translates to the same points at other resorts than if I was able to get points at SSR. I hope I am making sense. I'd gladly do resale as I don't see the value of the perks but then I am strictly limited to Disney.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

I actually knew that which is good -- Learning. There are only 3 resorts to buy from (2 if you exclude Hawaii) so I am limited if I want to direct buy for the benefits. If I want to stay at other resorts, the ~$182PP translates to the same points at other resorts than if I was able to get points at SSR. I hope I am making sense. I'd gladly do resale as I don't see the value of the perks but then I am strictly limited to Disney.

DVC sells points at sold out resorts. For example, they will sell you SSR for $165 / pt.

Resale purchases limit you from cruises and some other things. Resale of DVC resorts except RIV allows you to stay at all of the DVC resorts EXCEPT Riv and future resorts.

Resale RIV is only good at RIV.

Here's the DVC post that answers everything in much more detail than I am.,,, https://www.disboards.com/threads/the-dvc-resource-center-updated-december-2020.3592815/

 

[sagosto]

WDW website only shows 3 resorts for direct purchase? Direct gives me a ton more options for use but aren’t they worse value? One of my main hang ups is the value of the point based on home resort isn’t considered when staying at a different resort.

 

[Sunnyore]

WDW website only shows 3 resorts for direct purchase? Direct gives me a ton more options for use but aren’t they worse value? One of my main hang ups is the value of the point based on home resort isn’t considered when staying at a different resort.

You're right which is why I bought SSR at $165 direct since it is more economical. The problem though is if I want to book at other resorts there might not be a lot of availability at 7 months. Many of the smaller resorts book up fast and so the 11 month booking advantage is what you are paying extra for. They only advertise Riviera, Copper Creek and Aulani mainly because that's what they wish to sell, but you can pretty much buy at any of the "sold out" resorts if wishes. They say the entire points of a resort doesn't change year to year but it can redistributed. So say for the week you travel its 110 points this year, it might be more next year for the same week. Rule of thumb is to buy what you need and like 10% more points to give you flexibility. Whatever you don't use you can bank it and use it first next year.

 

[Sunnyore]

I just checked for you and as an example for first week of Nov at Riviera in a standard deluxe studio room, it's 140 points for 2021 but looks like its 148 points for 2022 for 8 days.

 

[eMoneyBug]

Only thing to consider is direct or resale and RIV or 1 of the others. I would say don’t go for HH or VB or other 2042 since you are new at this. It’s a lot to consider! Watch a lot of YouTube videos too.

 

[RoseGold]

I could never make the math work against value (art of animation) and I was comparing resale Poly, which is cheaper than direct from Disney AND takes less points, because RIV is so point heavy. I guess if you played with the numbers a bit, you might save a little. I don’t know the exact math for Jersey Week, but you should, if we are having a five figure discussion about it. This might be A LOT of hassle and commitment for little to no savings.

If all the planning and points and charts and the RULES are overwhelming, this might not be the right product for you at all, and that’s OK. We are here because we like all of that, but it’s not for everyone.

With all the changes (no extra magic hours, no fast passes, no advance dining), it’s hard for me to even argue the value of staying on site right now. And it’s even harder for me to say DVC is a good buy, direct or resale. Who knows what it will be like six months from now? With older kids, maybe Universal makes more sense (it’s cheaper!), lots of other choices.

DVC is not going anywhere. Take your time, don’t make a decision you aren’t completely confident in.

 

[Sandisw]

When you transfer points to use at a different resort, do they consider the Home Resort? If not, then I will be paying for Riviera but have the same buying power as a "cheaper" resort?

Right now, it’s always an even 1:1 trade. No premium attached to them. They could do that some day..even charge a fee.. But I just don’t see it.

As already mentioned, DVC will sell you other resorts and SSR or OKW are at a price per point that could work in your favor in comparing what you are paying. Points charts are lower there as well so you won’t need as many.

With going Jersey week, though, it’s a very popular time and so to stay at RIV.. if that your first choice is going to be difficult if you do not own there. Matter if fact, for that time period, any place but your home resort will be difficult to trade to, especially studios.

Because you travel the same week every year, it’s hard to make an AP work which is the biggest perk to buy direct. It is suspended right now but nothing to suggest it won’t be back when capacity is raised. But then again, one should not buy for perks as they are not guaranteed. However, compared to an 8 day ticket, the DVC AP price might not be that different abs would afford a second trip?

So, it comes down to whether being locked out of RIV or any future resorts would be a disappointment. Resale definitely does that. Direct points give you the option.

In terms of the points needed. The charts can be rebalanced to meet demand so individual days can go to and room size cost can go up but must be rebalanced in other ways. The fluctuations should be related to calendar changes, including the movement of Easter. If you buy enough points for your 8 day stay in one of the higher seasons, you will always have enough.

Just keep asking questions. It’s not as hard as it sounds but it’s a big purchase so ask away and as mentioned, it’s not going anywhere.

 

[sagosto]

You're right which is why I bought SSR at $165 direct since it is more economical. The problem though is if I want to book at other resorts there might not be a lot of availability at 7 months. Many of the smaller resorts book up fast and so the 11 month booking advantage is what you are paying extra for. They only advertise Riviera, Copper Creek and Aulani mainly because that's what they wish to sell, but you can pretty much buy at any of the "sold out" resorts if wishes. They say the entire points of a resort doesn't change year to year but it can redistributed. So say for the week you travel its 110 points this year, it might be more next year for the same week. Rule of thumb is to buy what you need and like 10% more points to give you flexibility. Whatever you don't use you can bank it and use it first next year.

If the resort points are "fixed", how do they sell to me? Or, does this assume I might have to wait until Disney pulls a ROFR and sells to me? Given the RIV promotion, we were debating a 200 point purchase but it's not clear what happens when you roll points to the following year. For example, my RIV Oct 29-Nov 7th equals 161 points so I would carry over 29. Does that mean I *MUST* use 229 (200+29) the following year? Or am I able to absorb the 29 carried over from the previous year first?


1st week of May is definitely a busy period so if I went with direct at a cheaper resort just to obtain points, I run the risk of not finding a resort. To be honest, I kind of like the idea of the flexibility of using other resorts but not at the RIV price point which is one of my major hold ups. RIV is giving a nice discount but I normally wouldn't stay there and transferring my RIV points to a cheaper resort is bad value.

Only thing to consider is direct or resale and RIV or 1 of the others. I would say don’t go for HH or VB or other 2042 since you are new at this. It’s a lot to consider! Watch a lot of YouTube videos too.

Why "2042"? Is it due to the economics on the "earlier" contract dates?

With all the changes (no extra magic hours, no fast passes, no advance dining), it’s hard for me to even argue the value of staying on site right now. And it’s even harder for me to say DVC is a good buy, direct or resale. Who knows what it will be like six months from now? With older kids, maybe Universal makes more sense (it’s cheaper!), lots of other choices.

DVC is not going anywhere. Take your time, don’t make a decision you aren’t completely confident in.

My wife is not concerned -- she is usually right -- I hate admitting that too. But, Disney is changing and cutting value at every turn it seems. I am fine with paying Disney prices but it bothers me when they nickle and dime. But, they must be doing something right as I am debating DVC now.

DVC is not going anywhere but the RIV sale has a week left and the prices just keep going up so I should make a decision sooner than later.

Right now, it’s always an even 1:1 trade. No premium attached to them. They could do that some day..even charge a fee.. But I just don’t see it.

And this is why I am debating ignoring the RIV deal and going with a cheaper home resort just to get the points. I just don't know how the 7 month availability would translate and I doubt anyone truly knows.

With going Jersey week, though, it’s a very popular time and so to stay at RIV.. if that your first choice is going to be difficult if you do not own there. Matter if fact, for that time period, any place but your home resort will be difficult to trade to, especially studios.

RIV was our consideration because we didn't realize you could buy elsewhere given Disney only advertises the 3 resorts. But, it sounds like Jersey week with a 7 month window might be a deal breaker except home resort. If true, why buy direct?

Because you travel the same week every year, it’s hard to make an AP work which is the biggest perk to buy direct. It is suspended right now but nothing to suggest it won’t be back when capacity is raised. But then again, one should not buy for perks as they are not guaranteed. However, compared to an 8 day ticket, the DVC AP price might not be that different abs would afford a second trip?

To be clear, the points are just replenished? I am free to go anytime based on the point schedule? Does the perk to buy AP just mean I get the same price as a FL resident? Do we have any idea of recent pricing? I've never consider AP but I could see us going every 2X year maybe.

So, it comes down to whether being locked out of RIV or any future resorts would be a disappointment. Resale definitely does that. Direct points give you the option.

If you buy resale (sans RIV), there are other resorts that can be used, correct? RIV resale is ONLY RIV, right? My wife likes the idea of direct to be able to use the points elsewhere but I can't imagine that being a good value. My other concern is that I would buy too many points and they would just go to waste or I'd be force to use them on a non-Disney resort and just waste the value.

Just keep asking questions. It’s not as hard as it sounds but it’s a big purchase so ask away and as mentioned, it’s not going anywhere.

This is VERY helpful.

 

[Sandisw]

If the resort points are "fixed", how do they sell to me? Or, does this assume I might have to wait until Disney pulls a ROFR and sells to me? Given the RIV promotion, we were debating a 200 point purchase but it's not clear what happens when you roll points to the following year. For example, my RIV Oct 29-Nov 7th equals 161 points so I would carry over 29. Does that mean I *MUST* use 229 (200+29) the following year? Or am I able to absorb the 29 carried over from the previous year first?


1st week of May is definitely a busy period so if I went with direct at a cheaper resort just to obtain points, I run the risk of not finding a resort. To be honest, I kind of like the idea of the flexibility of using other resorts but not at the RIV price point which is one of my major hold ups. RIV is giving a nice discount but I normally wouldn't stay there and transferring my RIV points to a cheaper resort is bad value.



Why "2042"? Is it due to the economics on the "earlier" contract dates?



My wife is not concerned -- she is usually right -- I hate admitting that too. But, Disney is changing and cutting value at every turn it seems. I am fine with paying Disney prices but it bothers me when they nickle and dime. But, they must be doing something right as I am debating DVC now.

DVC is not going anywhere but the RIV sale has a week left and the prices just keep going up so I should make a decision sooner than later.



And this is why I am debating ignoring the RIV deal and going with a cheaper home resort just to get the points. I just don't know how the 7 month availability would translate and I doubt anyone truly knows.





RIV was our consideration because we didn't realize you could buy elsewhere given Disney only advertises the 3 resorts. But, it sounds like Jersey week with a 7 month window might be a deal breaker except home resort. If true, why buy direct?



To be clear, the points are just replenished? I am free to go anytime based on the point schedule? Does the perk to buy AP just mean I get the same price as a FL resident? Do we have any idea of recent pricing? I've never consider AP but I could see us going every 2X year maybe.



If you buy resale (sans RIV), there are other resorts that can be used, correct? RIV resale is ONLY RIV, right? My wife likes the idea of direct to be able to use the points elsewhere but I can't imagine that being a good value. My other concern is that I would buy too many points and they would just go to waste or I'd be force to use them on a non-Disney resort and just waste the value.



This is VERY helpful.

When a resort like RIV is in active sales, they have inventory to sell you so no waiting. Other resorts that are sold out are different.

If you decided to buy a fixed week at RIV...they are not available at every resort...you’d pay a 10% premium for the week. It doesn’t matter what happens with charts for that week, because you are locked in. If you decide not to travel that week, the points you bought are returned and you can use like normal.

Resale points now are restricted in a few ways One is that you would not be eligible for membership magic which includes the blue card perks, like DVC AP, food and merchandise discounts, Epcot membership lounge and any special events offered. Like right now there is a ticket offer that is buy 4 days and get 2 free but only those with a qualified blue card can get it.

Reaale point bought now are restricted to booking only the original resorts. So they can not be used at RIV or any future resorts. But trading out is the same at 7 months.

You can also not use resale points to book
Cruises or other Disney resorts that are not DVC. It is a bad use of points anyway, so most do not, but it is a difference.

So why buy direct? If you want to ever stay at RIV or future resorts, direct points are the only way to do it. If you’ll want an option for the
DVC AP when it returns, or be eligible for special ticket offers, you can if you buy at least 125 points direct at any resort. Before sales were suspended, it was $719 plus tax.

Now, if RIV or any future resorts are not a big deal and you don’t think the discounts and perks of the blue card are worth it, then resale will save you money. But no matter how you buy, make
Sure you buy a home resort you are okay staying at if you can’t trade.

For example, you can buy SSR direct for about $60/ more a point. You get all the benefits of direct, but have a home resort that has a much more friendly points than RIV.

Lots of optiona. As I have shared my love RIV and regret having restricted points. If I didn’t care about that resort, it would not matter. But DVC is too expensive to try and save a Small amount up front only to realize You can’t use it the way you want!

ETA. Here is the advice I used and what I have given to other considering DVC including RIV. These were all cash paying people so financing may change things.

Once it’s bought your big expenses are MFs. What would have to happen financially for you to be forced to sell because you can still cover MFs?

If you had to sell in an emergency in a year or two and only got 50% of the initial price back, how would you feel and how would that compare had you stayed cash?

How long would you have to break even against what you spend with that 50% loss?

I do not think resale value should be a big part if the picture. But RIV is popular and its selling better resale than most predicted. There will be a market for it, even if it’s depressed.

No guarantee any resort will stay high. But if getting that back is important you have to weigh that. In the end, it’a all how you feel. It was worth it for us to risk it both when we bought BLT and RIV in 2019.

 

[RoseGold]

DVC is not going anywhere but the RIV sale has a week left and the prices just keep going up so I should make a decision sooner than later.

Do not let a few hundred dollar "sale" dictate when you make a five figure purchase.

There is no pending DVC construction at WDW. RIV is not going anywhere.

You really need to do enough research to know this is the right decision, and it doesn't sounds like you are there yet. That's OK, there is no rush.

 

[Wedgeout]

You are going to gain a lot of expertise in studying DVC on these boards. You are already learning other purchasing options that are not disclosed when looking at the website, especially the part that your guide can get you into a sold out resort!! With your interest in Rivera and other resorts, SSR direct may be a great purchase starting option. Book in your 11 month window at home resort, then modify at the 7 months to something else, if you so choose. Have fun with your research!

 

[Sunnyore]

If the resort points are "fixed", how do they sell to me? Or, does this assume I might have to wait until Disney pulls a ROFR and sells to me? Given the RIV promotion, we were debating a 200 point purchase but it's not clear what happens when you roll points to the following year. For example, my RIV Oct 29-Nov 7th equals 161 points so I would carry over 29. Does that mean I *MUST* use 229 (200+29) the following year? Or am I able to absorb the 29 carried over from the previous year first?


1st week of May is definitely a busy period so if I went with direct at a cheaper resort just to obtain points, I run the risk of not finding a resort. To be honest, I kind of like the idea of the flexibility of using other resorts but not at the RIV price point which is one of my major hold ups. RIV is giving a nice discount but I normally wouldn't stay there and transferring my RIV points to a cheaper resort is bad value.



Why "2042"? Is it due to the economics on the "earlier" contract dates?



DVC is not going anywhere but the RIV sale has a week left and the prices just keep going up so I should make a decision sooner than later.


To be clear, the points are just replenished? I am free to go anytime based on the point schedule? Does the perk to buy AP just mean I get the same price as a FL resident? Do we have any idea of recent pricing? I've never consider AP but I could see us going every 2X year maybe.

when you asked about the fixed points, I think you’re referring to the numbers of total points available even at sold at resorts based on how you phrased your question? Well Disney is constantly buying back foreclosures and ROFR so it replenishes their stock. Someone here mentioned there is a wait list for Aug UY for Grand Floridian and Grand Californian has a huge waitlist but I didn’t have to wait at all when I bought direct points for Saratoga and BLT recently. So yes, if Riviera isn’t a huge selling point for you, definitely consider other resorts direct or even better resale since you can stay at all other resorts other than Riviera and any future built resorts.

As for your points questions, let’s use your 200 point example. Say you bought Riviera direct and your use year is August, and you booked jersey week and used the 161 points. You can use the remainder 39 points for your spring booking, or if it’s just 1 trip a year, then bank it to 2022 so then you have 239 points to use between Aug 1 2022- July 30,2023. It constantly rolls over and they’ll use your expiring points first so technically if you go annually, you shouldn’t worry about wasting points. Every yr technically can have access to the year before, current and the year after’s points so for your example you would have 500 points to use currently now for your sept booking (50% borrowing rule from following yr) if your uy is August.

The 2042 referral is just pointing out it wouldn’t be cost effective for you at all since those resorts have such a short life left of their contracts. Definitely consider buying any of the others if you are concerned about economics. I just bought a 2042 contracts only because I want Boardwalk as a home resort for festivals.

hope this helps...

 

[Eric Smith]

If the resort points are "fixed", how do they sell to me? Or, does this assume I might have to wait until Disney pulls a ROFR and sells to me? Given the RIV promotion, we were debating a 200 point purchase but it's not clear what happens when you roll points to the following year. For example, my RIV Oct 29-Nov 7th equals 161 points so I would carry over 29. Does that mean I *MUST* use 229 (200+29) the following year? Or am I able to absorb the 29 carried over from the previous year first?

There are a fixed amount of points available at a given resort. There are three resorts where Disney has not sold all of the points and those are the three that you're seeing listed. You can still buy points direct from other resorts (except Grand Californian) but Disney then has to take a contract on Right of First Refusal and then give you those points. For example, if you want to buy 200 points direct at Saratoga, Disney will go and take a resale contract that someone has agreed to buy and pays the seller the cost the buyer agrees to and turns around and sells you those points at Disney's higher rate.

What you're talking about is banking points. In your scenario, you would bank the 29 points in to the following use year. You would have to use those 29 points but you could either use or bank the 200 points that you would get in that use year. You can also borrow points from the next use year if you are short of the points you need. Right now, you can only borrow half of your total points form the next year. You will always use banked points before you use current use year points when you make a reservation.

1st week of May is definitely a busy period so if I went with direct at a cheaper resort just to obtain points, I run the risk of not finding a resort. To be honest, I kind of like the idea of the flexibility of using other resorts but not at the RIV price point which is one of my major hold ups. RIV is giving a nice discount but I normally wouldn't stay there and transferring my RIV points to a cheaper resort is bad value.

You have the same risk either way. Whatever your home resort is gives you an 11 month booking window at that resort. From 11 to 7 months out, only people who own at a resort can book at that resort. Resale vs. direct has no impact on this. At 7 months, you can book at other resorts. If you buy resale, you can't book at Riviera or any newer resorts when they get built. If you buy resale at Riviera, you can only ever book at Riviera. I would not recommend buying at Riviera if you don't want to stay there. The best advice is to buy where you want to stay. That is the resort you'll always have the easiest time booking.

Why "2042"? Is it due to the economics on the "earlier" contract dates?

They're saying 2042 because that is when the contracts at Boulder Ridge, Boardwalk, Beach Club, part of Old Key West, Vero Beach and Hilton Head expire. You'll end up with a shorter contract which makes the cost less likely to work out for you. This is especially true for Beach Club because it is still one of the more expensive resorts even with this early expiration.

DVC is not going anywhere but the RIV sale has a week left and the prices just keep going up so I should make a decision sooner than later.

There will be another promotion after this one. You probably won't lose much money by waiting. I think it's more important to think this through than buying now because of a promotion

And this is why I am debating ignoring the RIV deal and going with a cheaper home resort just to get the points. I just don't know how the 7 month availability would translate and I doubt anyone truly knows.

As long as you want to stay at the resort you buy, you'll have an 11 month window where you want to stay. You're not missing out on anything by buying somewhere else.

RIV was our consideration because we didn't realize you could buy elsewhere given Disney only advertises the 3 resorts. But, it sounds like Jersey week with a 7 month window might be a deal breaker except home resort. If true, why buy direct?

The only reason to buy direct is the perks that come with buying direct. The chief among those is the ability to attend member parties (haven't happened since COVID and likely wouldn't work for you if you want to travel at specific times of years) and annual pass discounts (likely wouldn't work for you if you go once a year). I would look at resale prices at a couple resorts that you might be interested in. You'll see a significant savings. For example we bought 272 points at Animal Kingdom Lodge for $103 per point. The direct price at that time was $186 per point for Animal Kingdom Lodge. We saved $22,576 by buying resale instead of direct.

To be clear, the points are just replenished? I am free to go anytime based on the point schedule? Does the perk to buy AP just mean I get the same price as a FL resident? Do we have any idea of recent pricing? I've never consider AP but I could see us going every 2X year maybe.

Yes, at the first day of the month on your use year you get your points. For example, our use year on our Animal Kingdom contract is March. On March 1, 2021, we get 272 points. Those points are good through the end of February on the following year. If we bank them, they're good until the end of February the following year.

If you buy resale (sans RIV), there are other resorts that can be used, correct? RIV resale is ONLY RIV, right? My wife likes the idea of direct to be able to use the points elsewhere but I can't imagine that being a good value. My other concern is that I would buy too many points and they would just go to waste or I'd be force to use them on a non-Disney resort and just waste the value.

Yes, you can use resale points at any other resort except for Riviera. It is a terrible use of points to transfer them in to RCI to use them at RCI resorts. It's also a bad idea to try to use them to book at Disney hotel rooms (only an option if you buy direct). DVC points are best used to book DVC resort rooms

For some good basic explanation of DVC, I'd recommend listening to the first 10-15 episodes of the DVC Fan podcast. They go over a lot of the basics and I believe their info is still accurate.