DVC Purchase Conundrum

[ClaudioG]

Hi all,

I've been researching DVC for a few months now, and after a lot of consideration and weighing what's important to our family, we've decided to purchase a resale contract. Now that we've got through that decision, the next thing we face is where to buy?

Now I know the home resort mantra is "Buy where you would want to stay", and I completely get it. I love Wilderness Lodge, but the CC rooms are on the smaller side, and Boulder Ridge expiration date is a deal breaker. However, when you factor in upfront costs and dues over the life of the contract, SSR and OKW are very attractive. Specifically SSR.

We generally travel July-Aug which aren't peak times, and have some flexibility around booking. Sometimes we book out as far as 11 months, other times we don't. Just depends in life stuff. Therefore, I'm wondering if it makes more sense to buy more points at SSR to enable me stay in a 1BR at most other resorts on property? This doesn't mean I don't like SSR. I love the new rooms, pools, and access to Disney Springs. The food and size not so much, but it might be worth the trade off.

I checked out the room predictability chart for all the resorts here on the forums, and while it's not perfect and can't predict the future it does provide perspective on what's available at the 7 month mark. I noticed most resorts (with some exceptions) you can get a 1BR at 7 months without much angst. I understand the next 12-18 months might be challenging due to the the COVID impacts on DVC and the 50th approaching, but in general it seemed feasible to book.

Just wanted to get some feedback from others here on the forum.

Have you done something similar? What has been your experience? What do you recommend/suggest?

Appreciate your time.

Thank you,

Claudio

 

[CarolMN]

There are quite a few Members who use their SSR points as SAP (Sleep Around Points). You might find this thread interesting:

Which resort is best for sleep around points?

 

[zavandor]

1BR are the last to go and in the past getting a 1BR anywhere on property for the summer at 7 months would have been very easy. Maybe not 1BR Value or standard, but even for those you'd have had a chance with a waitlist.
The future is more difficult to predict. First there are all the extra points due to Covid cancellations that will need to be used. This will make availability for the next 2-3 years much worst than in the past.
Long term, DVC has done for the 2021 a point reallocation lowering the point cost during the summer (and increasing in the fall). This can be just the first step, as there is a limit how much they can reallocate every year, so big reallocations have to be done over multiple years. It is possible that lowering the cost of summer it might become a more popular period.
Long story short: I think if you're looking at 1BR you should be fine to switch at 7 months after the Covid wave will pass, but don't buy SSR if you wouldn't be happy to stay there if/when you cannot switch.

 

[Cyberc1978]

Rooms in July and August dont fill as fast as they do during fall frenzy (late Sept - mid January) so I think you will be fine at least if you are looking for a 1br.

Regarding the "Buy where you would want to stay" mantra. I totally get what you are saying and resorts expiring in 2042 may not look as good as the later ones. But in my opinion I would rather stay in 20+ years at a resort I really really like instead of risking staying at a resort which I dont 100% like.

No one knows what the future will bring for DVC so maybe you are fine with you choice of SSR but on the other hand what if the current resale restrictions which makes new resales unable to book new resorts but new direct owners can still book all resorts, cause a huge restrain on the rooms for the classic resorts at 7 months?

 

[cmrdgrs]

As a long time owner ClaudioG I agree with the PP about the 2042 resorts. You're still looking at 21 years of life on that resort.

I bought in 2006 when my kids were 3 & 4. Now they are 17 & 19. I can tell you that over the years the love of Disney has ebbed and flowed. For a while my kids were on a Disney strike, but now they have come back around. You say you will travel July - August, but your habits will probably change over time based on your family situation.

If you like the idea of buying a SSR or OKW and don't mind using those points for 1 bdrms that could be a good strategy. I can tell you I bought planning for 2 bdrms (which I've stayed in many, many times) and now I generally stay in studios. I also like the 1 bdrms that have two bathrooms over the other 1 bdrms, so for me, I wish I owned at BLT -- but, I didn't buy at that resort, so I don't. Again, all of this changes with time.

I'd also recommend that you consider the rental market and what properties are more desirable for rentals. The day will come when you will want to not travel to Disney and go someplace else (maybe even a Disney Cruise?) -- a good strategy is to rent your points, cover your MFs, and take the extra money above the break even cost of the MFs and use that to pay for a non-Disney trip. I did this a lot when my kids were on their Disney strike.

CCV and BRV are very popular and desirable rentals -- especially Christmas. If you love that resort, that could be a good fit on a lot of levels I mentioned above.

It is a lot to consider, so I don't know what is "best" for you, but the best advice I can give you is think beyond today. Your love of Disney, your travel companion's love of Disney, your life and your needs are going to change. Try to give yourself options and a way to weather those changes.

Good luck!

 

[emilymad]

We bought at SSR because we knew we never would book at 11 months. In 9+ years we have never once booked at 11 months. Sometimes even 7 months is too far out for us. We haven't had any issues with either doing split stays or staying at SSR. We do like SSR even though we rarely stay there.

We are on the younger side so the 2042 expiration date was a deal breaker.

We are looking to add on for enough points to stay in 1BRs for the increased space but I think it will help with room availability. I think the next few years are going to be messed up though with the borrowing restrictions and how many points are floating out there.

One thing that has changed since we became DVC owners is the time of year we visit. We thought that we would always travel at a certain time but we have found we travel at all different times now. Even our favorite time of year to travel has changed. I would plan to buy enough points to cover most times of year.

 

[ABE4DISNEY]

My theory is buy cheap and as much as you can for your first time--like SSR--because first rule of thumb is you will never have enough points!

Then once you have been a member for awhile, start adding on to your favs!

Just my two cents.

 

[Sandisw]

I bought 500 SSR points to add to what I already owned for this specific reason. To use elsewhere at 7 months during times when it is less busy.

So far, I’ve been able to trade many times of the year using those points, including studios,

1 bedrooms are even more readily there and I have started to book those, I do now own BLT and RIV for the fall trips, but the rest of the year, I use those SSR if I can.

Of course, if I ended up having to stay at SSR some of the time, I’d be okay. The buses are not my favorite so the times we have gone there, I simply build in my budget the cost to Uber or Lyft in the mornings

 

[RoseGold]

I'm an SSR owner, and I've never even been there. Your post is exactly where I was at when I bought my SSR in 2019. I want a 1BR anyway, and they are pretty easy to get with cheap SSR points most of the year, historically.

BUT, that was before millions of stray points were floating around from months of closure. DVC was already at 95% capacity, and I think it's fair to expect major disruption to availability in the next couple years. I still think this will normalize, but no one knows for sure.

SSR is priced higher right now than when I bought, loaded in 2019. I wouldn't be in a huge rush to buy SSR. It's the largest property, and you can get a good deal months from now, years from now, whenever you are ready.

 

[Canam]

I am an SSR member and never stayed there. I am a numbers girl and the math for that resort was just better. However, I also own at VGC because that is where my Is . So I use my SSR points anywhere and my VGC points are just for that resort.

 

[Wedgeout]

Appears you are narrowing selection to length of deed. SSR is probably a good match to your checklist. Also look at resale to direct price gap differences. A lower point contract with SSR isn’t much difference than going direct. But when going for higher points, that will get you into most one bedrooms villas at 7 months, that resale price point at SSR is great. Research the average prices that Disney uses ROFR on for your selected resort, to get better odds & less stress on success.

 

[ClaudioG]

Appears you are narrowing selection to length of deed. SSR is probably a good match to your checklist. Also look at resale to direct price gap differences. A lower point contract with SSR isn’t much difference than going direct. But when going for higher points, that will get you into most one bedrooms villas at 7 months, that resale price point at SSR is great. Research the average prices that Disney uses ROFR on for your selected resort, to get better odds & less stress on success.

Thanks!
I'm looking for a contract on the higher side, so I'm not sure direct would be the best option.

In terms of researching right of first refusal pricing, I've been looking and seeing what the average sales price have been where is was exercised. However, it's tougher with COVID.

 

[sethschroeder]

I'm wondering if it makes more sense to buy more points at SSR to enable me stay in a 1BR at most other resorts on property?

Do you want a 1BR or would you prefer the lower priced Studios without the full kitchen and washer/dryer (those are shared but many have online systems to reserve and see when your wash ends from the look of it (https://www.laundryview.com/selectProperty).

If you get a 1BR that means more points, more MFs, and you could have just bought at that resort to avoid needing to worry about the 7 month booking as well.

 

[davidl81]

I think you have a pretty good grasp on this already. Like others on here I own at SSR, but I have never booked there 11 months out etc. I will stay there is it is a last minute trip (ie booked 2 moths out) and it is fine, but we normally do not have any issues at 7 months out finding what we want if we are a little flexible. I do agree with one post eariler, I would much rather buy more points at SSR then have a lower total point amount at say VGF (insert your favorite resort here). The flexibility of having extra points wins for me and my family hands down.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

Absolutely buying more points at SSR is a better strategy if you want to SAP. Getting 1beds are key to jumping around.

 

[DVCanadian]

OKW and SSR points let me work towards staying at every resort.
Only 5 to go!

Bought SSR for the treehouse 11 month window but haven’t stayed there yet.
Bought OKW loaded to spend 4 days at GCV 2 bedroom theme park view on the way to that dream aulani trip of 10 days in a 2 bd ocean view.
Get the cheapest points and plan the biggest trips!

 

[eMoneyBug]

Ok based on what you wrote the 2042 is out. Even tho I own SSR and AUL, imo there is no such thing as 11month advantage with SSR or OKW. You also mentioned 1 bedroom, so that limits Poly which I like for you because its 2066, monorail, super nice resort. You gave CC a mention it's 2068 but it's dues are slightly higher. WHAT ABOUT BLT? at $6.58 dues and 2060 expiration and it's also got the lounge, got walking distance to MK. You said sometimes you like to book 11months out, so grabbing BLT for NY, XMAS, etc hard dates is pretty prime.

BLT or CC

pick up an SSR later after you are like we need more points!

 

[E2ME2]

Hi all,

I've been researching DVC for a few months now, and after a lot of consideration and weighing what's important to our family, we've decided to purchase a resale contract. Now that we've got through that decision, the next thing we face is where to buy?

Now I know the home resort mantra is "Buy where you would want to stay", and I completely get it. I love Wilderness Lodge, but the CC rooms are on the smaller side, and Boulder Ridge expiration date is a deal breaker. However, when you factor in upfront costs and dues over the life of the contract, SSR and OKW are very attractive. Specifically SSR.

We generally travel July-Aug which aren't peak times, and have some flexibility around booking. Sometimes we book out as far as 11 months, other times we don't. Just depends in life stuff. Therefore, I'm wondering if it makes more sense to buy more points at SSR to enable me stay in a 1BR at most other resorts on property? This doesn't mean I don't like SSR. I love the new rooms, pools, and access to Disney Springs. The food and size not so much, but it might be worth the trade off.

I checked out the room predictability chart for all the resorts here on the forums, and while it's not perfect and can't predict the future it does provide perspective on what's available at the 7 month mark. I noticed most resorts (with some exceptions) you can get a 1BR at 7 months without much angst. I understand the next 12-18 months might be challenging due to the the COVID impacts on DVC and the 50th approaching, but in general it seemed feasible to book.

Just wanted to get some feedback from others here on the forum.

Have you done something similar? What has been your experience? What do you recommend/suggest?

Appreciate your time.

Thank you,

Claudio

That's the strategy I've applied since first buying DVC direct in 2010, and I've added on twice via resale, still went with SSR.
Every time I tried to give it a thorough analysis, and SSR wins, plus I have actually had success at 7-months at other resorts, in Studios & 1-Bedrooms.
Prices have rebounded a bit, since I last added on (I nabbed 225 points at SSR at ~$89-per-point in February).
I would have bought resale sooner, but it took me awhile to find the same use year with the right number of points.
So, by buying resale first, if you ever wanted to add on direct later, say to get Blue Card benefits, it's easier to match Use Years that way.
GOOD LUCK CLAUDIO!
ET

 

[Dean]

Hi all,

I've been researching DVC for a few months now, and after a lot of consideration and weighing what's important to our family, we've decided to purchase a resale contract. Now that we've got through that decision, the next thing we face is where to buy?

Now I know the home resort mantra is "Buy where you would want to stay", and I completely get it. I love Wilderness Lodge, but the CC rooms are on the smaller side, and Boulder Ridge expiration date is a deal breaker. However, when you factor in upfront costs and dues over the life of the contract, SSR and OKW are very attractive. Specifically SSR.

We generally travel July-Aug which aren't peak times, and have some flexibility around booking. Sometimes we book out as far as 11 months, other times we don't. Just depends in life stuff. Therefore, I'm wondering if it makes more sense to buy more points at SSR to enable me stay in a 1BR at most other resorts on property? This doesn't mean I don't like SSR. I love the new rooms, pools, and access to Disney Springs. The food and size not so much, but it might be worth the trade off.

I checked out the room predictability chart for all the resorts here on the forums, and while it's not perfect and can't predict the future it does provide perspective on what's available at the 7 month mark. I noticed most resorts (with some exceptions) you can get a 1BR at 7 months without much angst. I understand the next 12-18 months might be challenging due to the the COVID impacts on DVC and the 50th approaching, but in general it seemed feasible to book.

Just wanted to get some feedback from others here on the forum.

Have you done something similar? What has been your experience? What do you recommend/suggest?

Appreciate your time.

Thank you,

Claudio

I don't subscribe to the "Buy where you would want to stay" but rather where you wouldn't mind staying which might be one and the same for some. I think the issue for many is that they really don't know where they want to stay long term though they often think they do and/or get caught up in a certain resort and it's emotions. I've seen even experienced owners who have changed their preferred location 3 or more times over the course of ownership. If you're flexible and plan ahead, you should not have any issues for August, esp the second half of August and 1 BR will be much easier for DVC in general, July might be more iffy esp the first half. SSR is the cheapest resort long term currently and with maintenance fees being such a large portion of the costs, almost certain to continue to be so. BLT will be second in all likelihood depending on the purchase price difference to other resorts esp AKV. So as long as you're OK staying at SSR occasionally, not that you'll likely have to other than short notice, I don't see any downside to the situation you've described. Just book SSR at 11 months and change at 7 months. Sounds like a July UY is an ideal one for you but June could be even better if you'll travel the 4th as the weekend before might be in June. I'd buy a small cushion over what you calculate you'll need in case your needs change and/or there is a reallocation. Don't forget to look at the charts for the more expensive resorts to make sure you cover needs to do those part of the time. One way to do so would be to calculate your needs based on the most expensive resort and unit you'd routinely use without routine banking/borrowing. That way you'll have plenty of wiggle room if you stay longer, need a 2 BR some of the time or are very successful getting the higher end options routinely. Also, assume you won't get the specialty rooms like value at AKV or standard at AKV, BLT or BWV as part of your calculations.

 

[sethschroeder]

Just want to point out every SSR contract sold on the resale market adds another competitor at the 7 months mark, every resale buyer of BCV, BWV, VGF takes another room out of the pool at 7 months and increases competition for remaining rooms.

Never answered about the 1BR but remember if you would have preferred a studio it's likely better and cheaper to just get a home resort you can book at 11 months.