Disney World DVC as frequent weekend Florida resident visitor

[mpb2000]

My wife and I live about 3 hours away from Disney World and have been annual pass holders for a number of years. We have a young daughter and go to Disney for a weekend (or long weekend) about once every month between September and April or May, staying on property. We usually don’t pick those weekends anywhere near 11 months in advance, so we had never considered DVC, but it’s something I’ve always wondered about in the back of my mind. We typically stay at the moderates (French Quarter is our favorite), unless I see a good AP deal at one of the deluxe resorts. (We really loved staying at the Contemporary last month.) Considering how expensive the resorts have become recently, I was wondering if I should be giving DVC some thought. We would obviously have to be willing to book much earlier than we do now, but that’s an option. If we were to do that, given our use case, would DVC be worth considering? I only have a cursory understanding of the system, and I just want to avoid the research if there are obvious reasons it wouldn’t work for us. On the flip side, if it has the potential to save us money over our current method, it might be something I should look into soon, rather than kick the can down the road. If it would be a good idea for us, what are some things to think about that are specific to our use case? Thanks for the advice!

 

[arich35]

Really look at point charts and see how many points you would need for a studio or 1 bedroom for the weekends you go to see how many points you really would need. Also put into account the annual dues for that amount of points.
Studios are going to pretty hard to find if you aren't booking them at your home resort 11 months out, you will Saratoga, Poly, OKW, and AKL studios available at 7 months out but for certain weekends that even would be pretty tough.
If you guys go more on a whim and can't plan every weekend 7-11 months out it will be tough

 

[havoc315]

My wife and I live about 3 hours away from Disney World and have been annual pass holders for a number of years. We have a young daughter and go to Disney for a weekend (or long weekend) about once every month between September and April or May, staying on property. We usually don’t pick those weekends anywhere near 11 months in advance, so we had never considered DVC, but it’s something I’ve always wondered about in the back of my mind. We typically stay at the moderates (French Quarter is our favorite), unless I see a good AP deal at one of the deluxe resorts. (We really loved staying at the Contemporary last month.) Considering how expensive the resorts have become recently, I was wondering if I should be giving DVC some thought. We would obviously have to be willing to book much earlier than we do now, but that’s an option. If we were to do that, given our use case, would DVC be worth considering? I only have a cursory understanding of the system, and I just want to avoid the research if there are obvious reasons it wouldn’t work for us. On the flip side, if it has the potential to save us money over our current method, it might be something I should look into soon, rather than kick the can down the road. If it would be a good idea for us, what are some things to think about that are specific to our use case? Thanks for the advice!

While it can save money, the savings are often overestimated. You basically are getting a discount by pre-paying in bulk.
But -- It's not necessarily truly a savings to pay $30 at once, instead of $1 per year for 50 years.. Once you factor in the time value of money.

Generally, with the right contract, used to maximal value -- You will get some real savings. Enough to possibly look at it like, "paying mod prices to stay deluxe."
Though -- It's not true mod or deluxe. As regular bookings include daily housekeeping, full ability to cancel 30 days in advance, etc. It's not easy to cancel a DVC reservation. Depending how far in advance you cancel, you may find you are essentially forfeiting the points.

The big question is are you willing to book 7 months in advance. Except for some extreme scenarios, you don't generally need to book at 11 months. But you'll want to generally book 7 months or more.
If you think you can reliably book 7 months in advance, sticking with those reservations (no canceling or modifying closer to the date), you don't mind losing daily housekeeping (but you gain free parking at the resort), you are ready to maximize the use of the contract -- No wasting points --- Then yes, it can save you a bit of money and can be very enjoyable ownership.
But don't expect that it translates to massive savings -- It really doesn't.

 

[RichVIII]

Some months will require more planning than others (depending on resort) but like others said, booking for studios is ideally done 7+ months out. The closer you are to 11 the better. That said, places like Saratoga have more studios much more available. The good news is, you already have an AP as a FL resident. A lot of folks buy DVC and end up spending more since they decide to go more, get an annual pass (when they were sold) and spend more because they are going more. The good news is, you are already spending that so you would save more than most. We live out of state and spend more coming more often than we would ever have without DVC. BLT is a great value for the years left and walking to MK is awesome. Dues are reasonable and there are plenty of size options if you start following in love with 1BRs. Since you are driving, you can bring some items in a cooler and take advantage of having a full kitchen or kitchenette to also save some. Fall frenzy and the holidays are very popular DVC times so also consider this.

 

[RoseGold]

You need to read this thread where Hades froze over and convinced a local to buy direct.
https://www.disboards.com/threads/dvc-newbie-availability-direct-vs-resale.3883760/

This is not a light commitment. This will take some serious attention to rules and stalking of this website, and a lot of cash to get enough extra points to throw around, but I think it's doable.

I actually think it's one of the best use scenarios, because the hotels are SO expensive last minute, and they have things like 3 night minimums and expensive parking. If you ponied up for the Contemporary, DVC might be a really good pick for you.

 

[MICKIMINI]

I'd certainly consider it. There is usually some inventory at 7 months if you aren't picky. If you pick up a contract you can lay out your weekends at 11 months and then modify at 7 months if you find something you like.

I think a September UY would work for you. Resale prices have dropped a bit and there are lots of loaded (last year, this year and next year points) contracts. Start with a smaller contract (I think 100 is a good start to average closing costs)

As RoseGold indicated, it will take lots of planning however the enjoyment of having your *home away from home* and saving big $$ over the years will make it worth it IMO.

Good luck!

 

[Jwaire]

Here's the thing about being local. You can waitlist and if they don't come through, you just don't go that weekend. Cancel your park passes and no harm, no foul.

I actually think it works better as a local. You get the potential to experience more variety and aren't stuck at your home resort.

Pick up PVB or SSR (the price is dropping, check the ROFR board) if you care about length of contract to use at 7 months or under on the resale market. Or if you're older and don't care about the 2042 expiration, BWV (great point chart if you do book a few weekends like for Food & Wine or Christmas at 11 months).

 

[Cfabar1]

We live about an hour and a half away from WDW. We have decided that we want a small contract at MK resort. Why? We figure whenever we go, we stay a night, that’s it, but we do go about once every month or two. We are not big AK people, and Swolphin is easy enough for a nice walk back from MGM Studios or Epcot Center. We have placed a few bids, but have not had anything go through yet. We also, ultimately, would like a week at HH in our portfolio as well, to ensure we spend a week each summer at the beach... All things in due time.

 

[Sunnyore]

I read through what you wrote and you seem to have a rough idea at least when you would go. If you are consistently going to wdw multiple times a year, it might “save” you a bit a money, depending on which resort you buy in. What will happen is you will get to stay at a deluxe resort at about moderate prices for the duration of your ownership. I know people talk about booking 11 month or at 7 months ahead of time. I don’t see why you can’t grab the couple of weekends you most likely would go and you can always cancel or modify the reservation up to 31 days without worrying too much about losing points. If you’re traveling Sept -May then you may want to consider a Sept use year so there’s less chances of you not being able to bank any extra points the last 4 months. Because you’re somewhat local, I do feel you have an advantage to use up your points efficiently anyway even with like last minute bookings. Definitely look at the point charts to have an idea how many points you would need a year and choose a resort you like to stay at. For me personally, my decision to buy in was because I do want to stay at deluxe resorts and would be fine going to wdw at least annually. I stopped paying attention to whether it saves me money or not because without DVC, I probably wouldn’t go to wdw as often as I do now.