DVC Resorts and maintenance fees

[Disney Dad ADL]

IMO new resort dues tend to start low during the sales period and increase after sales are completed. BLT is still adjusting upwards and AKV is high due to the cost of maintaining the animals.

Bill

Yeah, certainly there is some guesswork when it comes to the initial MFs, so it probably takes awhile to figure out what the true costs will be. BLT and GCV annual dues in 2009 seem way too low in comparison to the other resorts, so it looks like they had to catch up a bit. Now that BLT has caught up to SSR, hopefully the increases will level off. I wonder, though, if BLT's proximity to MK and the monorail will make the land more valuable, thus driving up the property taxes in the long run.

It seems historically, the annual dues for the WDW resorts tend to stay roughly in the same order. BWV has always been near the top and SSR has always been near the bottom. AKV seems to be the only one that had a big change relative to the others. It was relatively middle of the pack in 2007 and is now comfortably at the top. Hopefully for us BLT will stay near the bottom.

You mean that due to BLT requiring more points to book?

I think he means that BLT is a larger resort = more owners to split the costs.

 

[Dean]

You mean that due to BLT requiring more points to book?

It's larger but also more points per villa compared to most options.

 

[Joshuy]

There are so many ways to think of costs. To me, analyzing cost was not to see if I would save money in the long run compared to investments (don't really care-I like disney), nor was it to decide which resort to buy (I like being close to MK), it was to get past the idea of cost per point as a way of thinking about cost in total.

ps my prices are outdated as I did this a while ago but the rough principles derived from the exercise will still hold I think.

One last summary to accommodate a variety of values and perspectives so people can choose what's best for them.

Ranking #1: Cheapest cost per initial point (on resale)

1. VB $59
2. HH $65
3. OKW $67
4. SSR $75
5. BWV $79
6. AKV $79
7. VWL $80
8. BCV $93
9. BLT $100
10. Aulani $105
11. Californian $132
12. Floridian $145

Use this ranking if initial cost is THE major factor/limitation in your purchase (i.e. you are financing)

Ranking #2: Cheapest total cost per point (Initial cost/yrs on contract + annual fee)

1. SSR $6.83
2. BLT $7.00
3. AKV $7.85
4. Californian $7.87
5. OKW $7.89
6. Floridian $8.37
7. Aulani $8.67
8. HH $8.69
9. VWL $8.89
10. BWV $8.94
11. BCV $9.23
12. VB $9.94

Use this list if initial cost is not an issue and you care most about having points but don’t care where you stay. This takes into account annual fees.

Ranking #3: Total Cost over life of contract x 100 points (Total cost per point x years on contract)

1. OKW $21,303 over 27 yr
2. VWL $24,003 over 27 yr
3. BWV $24,138 over 27 yr
4. BCV $24,921 over 27 yr
5. HH $26,463 over 27 yr
6. SSR $26,637 over 39 yr
7. VB $26,838 over 27 yr
8. BLT $31,500 over 45 yr
9. AKV $32,970 over 42 yr
10. Cal $35,415 over 45 yr
11. Aulani $40,749 over 47 yr
12. VGF $41,013 over 49 yr

Use this column if years on contract is a major issue (i.e. you want a longer contract or you want a shorter contract) or the total amount of money you feel like giving Disney.

Ranking #4: Cost for a 1 week stay in a 1BR own resort (Total cost per point x points for 1 week on point chart during dream season-mid level room)

1. SSR $1550
2. OKW $1570
3. AKV $1900
4. BLT $1925
5. HH $1938
6. Vero $2176
7. VWL $2267
8. BWV $2280
9. Cal $2290
10. BCV $2354
11. Aulani $2792
12. Flor $3063

This gives you a sense of price premium for booking at 11 months. If you want a specific resort, it gives you a sense of how much extra you are paying just to stay at that specific place. This takes into account the variation in point charts.

Ranking #5: Favorite place
Whatever you decide
Like others have posted, cost is not the major way a person may decide. I bought at BLT because it was close to MK. But I think it is nice to know how much (extra) you are paying for your favorite place vs second favorite place etc.

 

[RobDoc]

I'm looking for what the cost of maintenance fees are for each resort, just a guideline, but I'm having trouble pulling up that info. Is there a site or thread I can find that info or does anyone know? I am thinking of adding on some points and trying to weigh the benefits of each resort. I'm currently SSR, and I do love that resort because its so laid back. I also love AKL for the same reason. But thinking maybe I should add on a MK or Epcot resort instead just for a change. I'm all over the place....but would love your opinions.

Thanks so much!!

Try the 'DVC Resource Center' available (and under renovation) at the top every DVC discussion forum. Here is a link to the one on DVC Member Services - http://www.disboards.com/threads/dvc-resource-center.3501931/

Enjoy!

 

[alisonslp]

This is a very interesting comparison. Although, do you happen to know why the maintenance fees for AKL is less than half of that of BLT? My concern may be inconsequential, but if the rates continue to increase at the same pace, BLT could end up being a lot more expensive. I haven't calculated it....but just from glancing at the link you provided earlier. I love that BLT has 2 bathrooms for the 1 bdrm.

AKL owners were overcharged the previous year and so the next year's dues reflect a decrease that is "real" across years. Nice break for a year though ;-) Also, Kidani also has 2 baths in their 1 bdrm villas. Jambo does not. I think Kidani and BTL are the only two that offer this. Poly has 2 baths in their studios but only 1 toilet - weird...

 

[jrmint2]

There are so many ways to think of costs. To me, analyzing cost was not to see if I would save money in the long run compared to investments (don't really care-I like disney), nor was it to decide which resort to buy (I like being close to MK), it was to get past the idea of cost per point as a way of thinking about cost in total.

ps my prices are outdated as I did this a while ago but the rough principles derived from the exercise will still hold I think.

Love this! So many perspectives Thanks for sharing your analysis!

 

[jrmint2]

Try the 'DVC Resource Center' available (and under renovation) at the top every DVC discussion forum. Here is a link to the one on DVC Member Services - http://www.disboards.com/threads/dvc-resource-center.3501931/

Enjoy!

Thank you for the link Doc. Cheers!

 

[jrmint2]

AKL owners were overcharged the previous year and so the next year's dues reflect a decrease that is "real" across years. Nice break for a year though ;-) Also, Kidani also has 2 baths in their 1 bdrm villas. Jambo does not. I think Kidani and BTL are the only two that offer this. Poly has 2 baths in their studios but only 1 toilet - weird...

Yes, saw that AKL was overcharged in the previous year.

Did not know that Kidani has 2 baths in their 1 bdrm, will keep that in mind! Two showers in the morning is great for some, but we would prefer 2 toilets . Its not a deal breaker, but definitely preferable. Our family may not be the North American norm as we tend to shower at night before going to bed.

 

[crisi]

It's larger but also more points per villa compared to most options.

I prefer to look at dues as "dues per room night" for the room type you are most likely to book. That lets you factor BWV Standard against the Grand Floridian - which has cheaper dues, but will cost you more in points.

But, I also think DVC is a luxury purchase, and if dues are a huge driving factor in your decision making, really consider its long term affordability for you.

 

[Dean]

I prefer to look at dues as "dues per room night" for the room type you are most likely to book. That lets you factor BWV Standard against the Grand Floridian - which has cheaper dues, but will cost you more in points.

But, I also think DVC is a luxury purchase, and if dues are a huge driving factor in your decision making, really consider its long term affordability for you.

The answer should be roughly the same since it's cost divided by points. But since not everyone is looking at using all of the time for a given resort, time of year or room type; I look at it per point but realize that some resorts can be inherently more or les costly than others if you plan to stay there most of the time.