Dumb idea?

[Mom B]

Although it may be a long time before we're able to buy into DVC, I have to ask...Would it be a really dumb idea to buy into Vero Beach, which appears to be cheaper than the WDW properties on a resale, and then take the "risk" of trying to get reservations at WDW in the 7 month window? We tend to go in the slower periods, anyway, (usually October/November or January) and haven't tried all the resorts yet, so would probably be content to take whichever one we could get, anyway. Could I assume, because of the size of Old Key West, that if all else fails we could probably get in there, even at 7 months, or one of the moderates? (We love OKW, too.) As our kids are now grown, we probably could manage with studios, although once in a while a 1 or 2 bedroom would be nice. Would we be unhappy and end up buying more points at one of the other resorts in the long run because of it? Would the cost savings be worth it?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If you can be flexible on dates and which resort you stay at, I bet you would be okay. That being said, in about 10 years the extra mtc fees at VB will over take the savings of the purchase price (if fees stay proportional to what the are now).
We love VB and have points there, but they are specifically for the 11 month window at VB.

--In my opinion, certainly not a dumb idea.

Good luck with your decision....

 

[Cruelladeville]

I agree with Gracey's assessment. You won't have much trouble at the 7 month window, especially if you are not being particular about where you want to stay. If your plans change in the next few years, though, and you want to stay during the peak times of Easter or Christmas, or during the late fall, you will find ressies difficult to get at the 7 month window.

One of the reasons that Vero is cheaper on resale is due to the much higher maintenance fees. OKW, for example, is $3.49 per pt, while Vero is $4.17. It won't take long to eat up the purchase savings with the higher dues, which you will then be stuck with. Another thing to consider is that if you need to sell your pts for some reason in the future, Vero's pts are much more difficult to sell, and subject to many more concessions in order to sell. I think Vero is a wonderful resort, and has a charm all its own, but you do need to be aware of what you are walking into. Buying DVC pts at Disneyworld means that the price of the pts is likely to advance in the future, but Vero's pts have tended to go down, or be stagnant. I bought BWV 6 years ago at $56, and can sell now for $75, but Vero owners have not been as fortuneate.

 

[lsutigger2]

We own only at VB and are going on our 3rd DVC stay trip since getting our points. None have been at VB, all on WDW property. And I've always gotten what I've wanted with no wait. I have only spent a total of about 30 minutes on the phone with MS making reservations. We do go in "off" times or I've just been lucky. I do make the reservation at the first chance, and I don't make it day-by-day. I know this may not always be the case but for now it works for us.

 

[Dean]

Personally I think it's not reasonable to buy VB with the sole idea of saving money up front and staying only at WDW. Too many negatives. If you want to stay at VB part of the time, go for it, it's a great resort.

 

[Mom B]

Thanks for the great tips! I would not have realized the differences in yearly maintenance fees. I appreciate your input and will keep it in mind...when the time comes!

 

[jaysue]

We purchased at BCV just last week for our WDW trips and will probably get an add-on at VB with specific intent to use the 11mo window at VB every 2-3 years for a beach vacation "close" to WDW and not too far from Fort Lauderdale (parent's condo)

When I put out a poll on which resort to home base - about 50% BCV/BWV/VWL combined and 50% OKW - no one (over 110 votes) chose that HH or VB and then swap in at 7mo was the way to go

Good luck

Thanks
jaysue

 

[disny4ever]

staying in a moderate. Do you know staying at a WDW resort that is not in w/ DVC costs you twice as many points as a DVC resort ! Not a good use of points.

 

[mikesmom]

You can probably get something, but be aware that Oct/Nov may be off times for the parks, but it is not off times for DVC. Oct/Nov can be quite booked up because of the Food & Wine Fest.