DVC HELP - Buy direct CCVC or resale ... that is the question

[pineapplepalms]

AH good to know ... okay, so if we tend to go in September/October, you are saying it would be hard? So for an example: If we were to buy now and want to book a trip for Sept/Oct in a 2-bedroom, you are saying that would be extremely hard since we are only 5 months or so away from the trip month? If that's the case then it wouldn't really make sense to buy direct right since I don't see us ever using the 11 month advance unless we could easily cancel and not get penalized on our points.

If you purchase direct you can talk to your guide about a "welcome home" booking, which means MS can help you book your first trip (depending on availability). We bought CCV direct in December and knew we had a trip coming up in May, and when I called they were able to book the nights we wanted even though the RAT didn't show availability on points. I believe there are some terms related to that booking so you'd probably want to ask to understand fully. Afterwards, we bought more points resale at older resorts since there is significant savings for those versus direct. Buying resale does take quite a while longer (months versus getting points same day direct) and you need to be prepared for the time and patience it takes to do it, but it can be worth it to save thousands of dollars.

We were staying at CCV in a 1BR when we bought and knew we wanted to buy CCV specifically because we loved it. We value the longer contract and like the point chart. If you don't value the longer contract because you wouldn't do Disney trips without your kids, then the contract length doesn't matter quite as much (we've been going to Disney together for years before having kids and want to continue after the kids go away to school). Also, if you don't want to specifically stay at CCV often over the years or can't book 11 months out, a cheaper resale contract at a different home resort would probably make more sense since at 7 months out, home resort priority doesn't matter anymore.

Another approach is you could buy around half the points you want direct at CCV and half at another lower cost home resort resale. Then you could bank/borrow and alternate contracts to book your annual trip. We bought direct CCV points with the intention of using them every other year during the holidays to stay there, and cheaper SSR resale points to play around with and book where we can at 7 months since over time we'd like to stay at all the resorts. We bought enough points for 1BRs and 2BRs so we're generally not trying to use those points for high demand studios, which can be more challenging.

If you're not sure about resale versus direct definitely do some more research and decide on the best approach for you! There isn't a rush to buy CCV direct since they still have plenty of points to sell, and the important thing is to make a knowledge-based decision you'll be satisfied with for your family.

 

[Shellyred8]

Resale purchases also don't get access to the DVC Lounge in EPCOT or the Moonlight Magic events that they have been doing recently. This really shouldn't be a deciding factor, because these things can go away at any time. But it's just something to be aware of.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[Dean]

Thank you so much!! Yes, we would like to buy into DVC to jump around and try different resorts and we are so flexible as far as when we travel so I don't see that necessarily as an issue for us (7 vs. 11 months - as I've never planned that far in advance anyways). I guess the only issue would be if we buy and 2-bedroom villas (dedicated) are extremely hard to come by then we would definitely have to look into booking earlier than later. As far as the UY ... let's say we tend to go in September, you are saying I should look at a UY of August right? BUT, what if we had a UY of say December, but have banked 2017 points ... would the UY matter as much?

For Sept only, Sept is actually best. I tend to hold UY as a more important issue than some because every month you lose on UY gives you less chance to reuse the points if you have to change. IMO it's far more than just having time to bank them. Ultimately you want to use them for something that's what you want. Since you're flexible and want to play around it would make no sense to pay high end in any way. I would not buy 300 points initially in your situation though, likely around 200 give or take and see how it goes.

 

[momto3pirates]

Do you always book that late? DVC is getting tougher and tougher to book late, especially in the fall. You could be looking at having to book at multiple resorts just to piece a trip together.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!! Yes, the grand total price between direct and resale is thousands for the same amount of points, however, depending on the resort and the length of the term left ... the per point cost doesn't seem to be that huge so it's confusing on which is better. I am definitely leaning towards resale, but there are so many resale companies and it's hard to tell which ones best and easy to work with. Thank you for clarifying the FL resident discount - I thought it was pretty close but wasn't sure.

Initially I was looking at MK area, but now I'm also looking at AK as well for the furthest and thinking ... does it "really" matter? All Disney resorts are amazing and you can use your DVC points at all of them, but just have 7 months vs. 11 months (I doubt I can plan that far in advance anyways LOL). The most confusing for me right now is the "UY" and how it'll impact us on resale vs direct. Direct right now is December (I think). In the past, we typically go in the Fall, September-November, however, I'm sure once we are DVC that would change as we would be able to go whenever (if availability allows). Any thoughts on UY? OR questions I should be asking that maybe I'm not thinking of between resale vs direct?

I agree that all DVC resorts are pretty nice. There isn't a single one we dislike. We have our favorites without a doubt but there's none we wouldn't stay at should the occasion arise.

First - if you won't book in the home priority window it doesn't matter where you own - just buy the most cost effective and for WDW that is SSR because of the lower resale price and it has the lowest annual dues. On 300 points that's currently $420 less per year than 300 CCV points. At 7 months a point is a point so no need to own at a certain location. But the other thing is the fall is popular. September is not as bad as Oct-Dec when you really ought to be booking closer to 11 months to guarantee a room but you still likely want to book at 7 months. If you can't plan further in advance you might find yourself not being able to get your 2BR and pretty disappointed with DVC.

For September travel a September UY would be the best because it gives you lots of time to use the points should you happen to have a last minute cancellation. A good UY is essentially providing a type of free insurance against last minute changes. August would be next best. October and December would be poor UY's because you would have a shortened time to use points last minute. Booking is the same with any UY - always 11 months for a home resort and 7 months for a non-home resort. You might want to read this thread on UY: https://www.disboards.com/threads/understanding-use-year-updated-april-27-2016.1942668/

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Also I did a quick calculation and see that the difference between 300 points SSR and 300 points CCV is over $20K and that's without even negotiating on the SSR! There's no benefits worth $20K IMO especially considering you already receive access to discounted AP's because of being a FL resident. And I suspect it would be pushing a $25,000 difference with finding the right SSR contract and negotiations.

 

[zavandor]

All Disney resorts are amazing and you can use your DVC points at all of them, but just have 7 months vs. 11 months (I doubt I can plan that far in advance anyways LOL)

I agree that all Disney Resorts are amazing and this is the reason why I've purchased SSR, which is the cheapest resort to buy. I am flexible with my travel dates and if I want to go to WDW during a race week end or in the Autumn I'm perfectly happy staying at SSR (walking to DS is a huge bonus for me).

However the phrase in bold is a big red flag: if you cannot book near 11 months, do not buy a premium resort, buy SSR; if you cannot book at least 7 months in advance, do not buy DVC at all.

 

[jpalasky]

We are heading down next Friday for a 9 days at the YC. Once before we have talked about looking into DVC and never have. We go at least once a year sometimes more. We are going to do the tour this trip. Someone mentioned to me to buy the least amount you can from Disney to get all the perks and then add on by buying resale. If this is possible what is the least amount I can purchase from them?
One more question. We have 8 day park hopper tickets and are considering doing annual passes. If I do this and we decide to buy DVC will they credit me back what I spend on regular annual passes compared to the DVC discounted price.

 

[Wakey]

I keep chipping in on the 7 month availability issue, if you're staying in a 1 bed it is a different ball game. Jan to Sept avoiding holidays and you can get a 1 bed anywhere at 7 months no problem. This doesn't look likely to change. Pressure is forever increasing on studios, as prices rise, it's all people can afford.
Only 1 bed views you struggle with (but the resorts are wide open at 7 months otherwise) are Boardwalk Standard, Kidani Concierge, BLT standard and theme park, Boardwalk Boardwalk view possibly. I've even had no problem this year booking AKL value. So BLT lake, VGF, Boardwalk Garden, Beach Club, Copper Creek etc- all no problem at all.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

We are going to do the tour this trip. Someone mentioned to me to buy the least amount you can from Disney to get all the perks and then add on by buying resale. If this is possible what is the least amount I can purchase from them?

Buy the resale FIRST. then add on 75 points. Do not do this in reverse order, because matching your UY is a nuisance doing it direct then resale, and is easy pie doing resale then direct.

But, as we've been telling OP, be sure to evaluate DVC as a whole. If you're not booking until inside 7 months, even balance of year you will be frustrated, save when booking 1BR, and even then sometimes. If you're booking studios and 2BRs, it gets rougher.

 

[NewYorkMom]

The reason the use year would matter in this situation is ability to bank points. Say you book a trip in September of 2018 with your 2017 points (if they haven't been banked), and for some reason you need to cancel. I believe your last date to bank those points would have been 7/31 or 8/1. Yikes, those points go into holding and can only be booked within 60 days. If you book those points into your 2018 UY, and wanted to go this fall, you would be required to "borrow" 2018 points (not the 2017 banked points). If you had to cancel, those points would now be in the 2017 UY and would expire on 11/30/18. I hope this makes sense.

Oh no ... I think I'm more confused. Let me see if I understand. Let's say as an example, just to see if I understand:

I have 200 points from 2017, 200 points coming in 2018 with UY December, and 200 points coming in 2019.

I plan on going September 2018 using 150 points from the 2017 and I go. Then decide in December 2018 (when I get 2018 points to book a trip for September again 2019 using 250 points (50 from 2017 and all of 2018). Is that okay?

I guess what you are saying is IF I have to cancel a trip then my points go into "Holding?" that's where I am confused I guess.

Thanks!

 

[NewYorkMom]

Yes. I haven't looked specifically at dedicated 2BR, but studio availability from Labor Day to year-end is terrible, which means all the 2BR lock-offs are gone. I doubt availability for dedicated 2BRs is stellar.

You might be able to get Saratoga some weeks, or piece together aggressive split stays. Booking after 7 months is more possible from late January to August, but it is still best to not presume getting the most popular resorts. The opening of Toy Story and Galaxy's Edge is likely to further skew availability in these seasons.

DVC works best booking 11 months out, or at least before 7 months, especially for higher demand periods or resorts. People who weren't booking early December at 11 months have been facing inability to book at all.

There is no point to buying expensive direct/retail points if you won't use the home resort priority attached to the resort being purchased.

Thank you so much for clarifying!!

 

[NewYorkMom]

We purchased SSR in 2010 because of the price. It was $65 per point thru resale. We have been to Disney several times with our points the last eight years and have never booked and stayed there. We have stayed at GF twice and once each at AK Jambo, BW, Poly, OKW and BLT.

So are you saying it really doesn't matter, if we aren't the type to care about staying at a "home" resort? BTW ... how did you like staying at AK? That's one we are looking at possibly.

 

[NewYorkMom]

Buying resale is more complicated than buying direct retail, but could save you a LOT of money up front. Currently, DVC is selling CCV and Aulani. While CCV is a lovely resort, it's not necessarily the best choice for everyone. You have children who are 10. When CCV expires, they'll be near retirement age. BRV, also at the Wilderness Lodge, expires in 24 years. They'd be in their 30's. BRV resales are typically under $100 a point, so just under half the price of CCV. While it's technically cheaper, per year, to buy CCV direct than BRV resale, that only works if you intend on keeping the contract until the end. Often, we see people selling their contracts in 10-15 years, as children go off to college and their first careers, and the parents decide to travel elsewhere on vacation. Resorts with longer expiration dates work well if you're planning on selling in 10-15 years, as they will still have considerable value compared to a resort expiring in 10 or fewer years.

If you want a 2 bedroom dedicated in the MK area, BLT, GFV, BRV, and CCV are your choices. BLT (my home resort) has the distinction of having a walking path right to the MK. It's also got low maintenance fees, many dedicated 2 bedroom units, and an end date 42 years from now. GFV is significantly more expensive per point, fewer contracts being sold, higher maintenance fees, but it is The Grand Floridian (so, yes, really that nice). Other options with longer expiration dates are AKL and SSR. Both of these are bus-only transportation to the parks, but absolutely beautiful resorts with many 2 bedroom dedicated units. SSR is consistently rated the best DVC value due to the low resale price (for a resort expiring in 37 years) and low maintenance fees. The only 2 bedrooms at the Poly are the bungalows, which require nearly 2000 points for a week long stay.

The mantra for high season (September through mid January) visitors is to buy where you prefer to stay, or at least where you wouldn't mind staying. If you're not a risk taker, choose a resort and buy there. If you're a risk taker, you could buy a a cheaper resort and attempt to book at the 7 month mark. Often, you'll hear SSR owners tout this strategy, which can be effective or a complete frustration (there are long threads here on disboards about how hard "it has become" to book at 7 months).

Use year determines when your annual points are given to you. If you are normally travelling in September or October, you'd want a use year of August or September. The reason you do this is to allow you to be able to bank points that would otherwise be lost if you had to make a last minute cancellation of your normal September/October reservation.

I encourage people to rent points for a stay to see if they like the resort they've chosen. While it's a little late now to book a September/October 2018, if you're not in a hurry to buy, you could stay next year. Begin your planning by contacting a broker about a year before you want to go. That way, the broker may be able to line up an owner with the correct number of points to book exactly at 11 months.

In the mean time, consider how many years you are likely to continue to go to WDW, how much of risk taker you are, and which resort really is "the one" for you.

WOW ... thank you so much for taking the time to respond! We are typically "spontaneous" and very last minute in our decision making. We are all about the dollar so for any vacation that we book, it's always about the least expensive for the same quality. Example: Staying Moderate or deluxe at Disney ... we will go off season to get a better deal and less crowds. If that makes sense. We typically don't care about being the "first" to see whatever. Although, my family is pretty rev'd up about Star Wars land.

 

[NewYorkMom]

I keep chipping in on the 7 month availability issue, if you're staying in a 1 bed it is a different ball game. Jan to Sept avoiding holidays and you can get a 1 bed anywhere at 7 months no problem. This doesn't look likely to change. Pressure is forever increasing on studios, as prices rise, it's all people can afford.
Only 1 bed views you struggle with (but the resorts are wide open at 7 months otherwise) are Boardwalk Standard, Kidani Concierge, BLT standard and theme park, Boardwalk Boardwalk view possibly. I've even had no problem this year booking AKL value. So BLT lake, VGF, Boardwalk Garden, Beach Club, Copper Creek etc- all no problem at all.

We have to stay in a 2-bedroom due to our family size. How is that in availability at the 7 month or less mark?

 

[NewYorkMom]

Buy the resale FIRST. then add on 75 points. Do not do this in reverse order, because matching your UY is a nuisance doing it direct then resale, and is easy pie doing resale then direct.

But, as we've been telling OP, be sure to evaluate DVC as a whole. If you're not booking until inside 7 months, even balance of year you will be frustrated, save when booking 1BR, and even then sometimes. If you're booking studios and 2BRs, it gets rougher.

We are considering DVC because of our family size. We all love Disney and we have to stay in at least a 2-bedroom. Our children range from 3-10 yrs old so we feel like we have many more years to go PLUS my husband and I love Disney so I can't see us not wanting to go when we are older and the kids are grown (it may actually be more fun LOL). Would you suggest getting the most points at the best price through resale and booking whatever we can get for 2 bedroom or are their certain resorts that are better than others for a 2-bedroom that we should be concentrating on. Our priority would be 300+ points, 2-bedroom availability, and final cost. I feel like it gets more and more difficult the closer it gets to making that decision, but of course we want to go in making the best decision we can so any insight would help.

 

[jpalasky]

Buy the resale FIRST. then add on 75 points. Do not do this in reverse order, because matching your UY is a nuisance doing it direct then resale, and is easy pie doing resale then direct.

But, as we've been telling OP, be sure to evaluate DVC as a whole. If you're not booking until inside 7 months, even balance of year you will be frustrated, save when booking 1BR, and even then sometimes. If you're booking studios and 2BRs, it gets rougher.

Can I ask what UY stands for? I am new at this.

 

[disneynutz]

AKV is remote and while the animals are interesting for a few stays, after awhile we ignored them. We owned there and ended up selling all but one contract. Other resorts have more to offer and are closer to the parks and other resorts.

Bill

 

[_auroraborealis_]

We have to stay in a 2-bedroom due to our family size. How is that in availability at the 7 month or less mark?

Not good.

Realistically, if you cannot plan 7 months out or more, DVC is not a good product for you. If you're okay with risk, buying Saratoga Springs and understanding that if you book after 7 months in fall you may not get a unit, and balance of year you may mostly be at Saratoga, that may work. But keep in mind that fall is DVC high season, and DVC demand basically aligns to lowest points season = highest booking demand, and least supply after 7 months (and sometimes before).

Can I ask what UY stands for? I am new at this.

Use Year. I would do a LOT of research before buying, and learn about Use Year, banking deadlines, borrowing, 11/7 month windows, rule of 3 and all that. The DVC Resource Center here is a good starting point.

 

[disneynutz]

Can I ask what UY stands for? I am new at this.

UY = Use Year

Bill