Deciding Purchase on Exp. Date?

[princessbride6205]

Should we pick a DVC resort to purchase based on when the contract ends? 2042 vs 2057 is a big span, but I'm looking for opinions. DH and I are looking to purchase DVC as new members. We've been wanting to buy in for 4 years now, and are finally able to do so. We're looking at resales for a smallish contract of 100 points. BCV, BWV & AKV are our favorites. We would honestly be happy to call any of them home. We love Epcot Food & Wine, so that leans me toward BWV or BCV for their perfect locations and I really like their theming. But DH and I also love AKV and the 2057 contract expiration has us strongly leaning in that direction. For those of you who have purchased BWV or BCV in the last year or two, did you take exp. yr into your decision? If so, how did you talk yourself into buying somewhere that expired sooner?

Am I being silly for letting 48 years of vacations sway me away from 33 years of vacations? Especially since we hope to add on in a few years, so we could buy the resort we don't pick now.
Thanks in advance!

 

[wdrl]

When my wife and I considered that question, we decided to buy a contract that 1.) fit our budget; and 2.) was a resort that we would enjoy staying at. The length of term wasn't important. Heck, if we are still alive and able to travel (and enjoy WDW) in 2042, we can always buy another contract at that time.

 

[Sandisw]

Buy where you know you will be happy. DVC owners can book reservations at any of the DVC resorts, but depending on when you go and what you want, getting those reservations does not always happen and you will be at your home resort.

You get to book at your home resort 11 months in advance, but only 7 months at the others. If you know that you want BCV or BWV during Food & Wine, then you should own there as it ensures a pretty good chance.

While many people have had no trouble getting what they want, I would say a lot more do not get exactly what they want when they trade.

Of course, if you can't book your vacations far enough in advance to take advantage of home resort, then it becomes less important.

If you know that you love one of the older resorts, I would not let the expiration put you off of it. I bought in at BLT because that is where I want to be. I started off with a VWL resale contract (small--50 points) just to become a member and to allow me to add on at BLT in smaller amounts.

But, after only a few months of owing both, I knew that I really just wanted BLT, am selling VWL, and just re-bought those 50 points at BLT yesterday.

Starting through resale, small, is a great idea. It allows you to see how things work and you can always add on at other resorts or with more points later.

Good luck!!

 

[Crystal_27]

I wouldn't take contract expiration into consideration at all. My expectation is that Disney is going to continue to offer contract extensions as the older contracts get closer to expiration. So, I think that you'll see that contract expiration becoming a moot point, but that's just my opinion. More important, I think, is to buy where you want to stay, at a resort that you will be happy at if you have to stay there every visit. Common practice says that you'll be easily able to get non-home resorts at 7 months, but if that changes, you want to be happy with where you're being "forced" to stay...which sounds like, for you, it's one of the Epcot resorts. Good luck!!

 

[jamie@dvcstore]

Princessbride,
I think that you are going to get several different opinions on this as it is a very personal decision. I can say from speaking with members and prospective members everyday that most will purchase based on one of two decisions. The first being overall value and the second being owning at the resort they want to stay at. I purchased at the resort I wanted to stay at on every trip.

With that being said that will only be the best decision if you plan to make reservations over 7 months. If you do not take advantage of the booking priority than paying a premium to own one resort over another loses it's value.

If in the past you have not typically made reservations over 7 months then I would go for value. The best overall value in my opinion is Saratoga Springs. It has one of the lowest purchase prices for an Orlando resort,lower annual dues, and a longer term on the lease.

Being a member and speaking with members everyday I know that Beach Club and Boardwalk can be difficult to find availability at under 7 months,especially during Food and Wine Festival.

While it is best to think and plan for the future 33 years is still a lot of years to own anything. If you could be sure you could stay at your favorite resort for that many years I think that has it's own value.

I hope this information is helpful and best of luck in your decision. Just remember any resort you purchase you will be a DVC member soon!!


Jamie
________
Wholesale vaporizers

 

[princessbride6205]

Thanks for everyone's responses. Our choices are really between AKV, BCV and BWV - DH really doesn't like SSR, so my effort to choose value first was vetoed!
I think my dilemma is that we actually do like all 3 of our options and would be thrilled to call any of them our DVC home. DH is in love with AKV and wants to buy there. But his fave park is Epcot and fave pool is at BCV. I love all 3 of our options, but the location of BCV and BWV keep drawing me back there. I made the point to DH that for the next few years proximity to the parks is going to be especially important since DD is a toddler and will need naps, stroller, etc.

Thanks for helping me think things through. I think I've realized that we want to own at AKV - and have our first trip home be there. Then for future trips, possibly try to swap out at 7-months for BWV or BCV. If we can't switch, I'm sure we'll never be disappointed with giraffe-view!

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for everyone's responses. Our choices are really between AKV, BCV and BWV - DH really doesn't like SSR, so my effort to choose value first was vetoed!
I think my dilemma is that we actually do like all 3 of our options and would be thrilled to call any of them our DVC home. DH is in love with AKV and wants to buy there. But his fave park is Epcot and fave pool is at BCV. I love all 3 of our options, but the location of BCV and BWV keep drawing me back there. I made the point to DH that for the next few years proximity to the parks is going to be especially important since DD is a toddler and will need naps, stroller, etc.

Thanks for helping me think things through. I think I've realized that we want to own at AKV - and have our first trip home be there. Then for future trips, possibly try to swap out at 7-months for BWV or BCV. If we can't switch, I'm sure we'll never be disappointed with giraffe-view!

That sounds great and good luck in your decision!!!