DVC Strategy

[stick30]

We are looking into buying DVC resale. As we research I see many opinions about availability of resorts booking only 7 months out.

I have an initial though of buying lowest initial cost property (Vero Beach $50's per point) and booking 7 months out with BCV, BWV or OKW.

last week in March, summer and possibly before Christmas would be the time we would be going in the next 10 years or so.

What are the flaws in that plan?

 

[Dean]

We are looking into buying DVC resale. As we research I see many opinions about availability of resorts booking only 7 months out.

I have an initial though of buying lowest initial cost property (Vero Beach $50's per point) and booking 7 months out with BCV, BWV or OKW.

last week in March, summer and possibly before Christmas would be the time we would be going in the next 10 years or so.

What are the flaws in that plan?

2 Big flaws. One, the dues are high enough to eat ANY savings over time and two, NO 11 month window which means you may get nothing when you need something. VB is great and if you'll use it a significant portion of the time it might be worth it. Generally SSR will be the best value to get you into the system with a later expiration, lower buy in and lower yearly fees. The dues difference is so great that you'll end up behind in less than 5 years in all likelihood.

 

[Missyrose]

We are looking into buying DVC resale. As we research I see many opinions about availability of resorts booking only 7 months out.

I have an initial though of buying lowest initial cost property (Vero Beach $50's per point) and booking 7 months out with BCV, BWV or OKW.

last week in March, summer and possibly before Christmas would be the time we would be going in the next 10 years or so.

What are the flaws in that plan?

In addition to what Dean said about MFs...

Anytime from late September through mid-January is exceptionally hard to get at the DVC resorts with park access (BCV, BWV, BLT, VWL and VGF). And early December has become the single most popular time at DVC resorts. At least with and SSR contract, you could guarantee yourself a reservation SOMEWHERE at WDW at 11 months out, buying at Vero would leave you hoping to secure one at seven months out.

 

[stick30]

I did the calculations and that is a big difference in fees (7.75 vs 4.91)

 

[stick30]

So the end of march and first two weeks in June would be reasonable to get a room during those times with a 7 month window?

 

[Missyrose]

So the end of march and first two weeks in June would be reasonable to get a room during those times with a 7 month window?

March should be when Easter is later, and summer is generally easier to get a DVC reservation than other times of the year.

 

[Best Aunt]

I've had to waitlist to get a 2-bedroom at BCV in March at 7 months. We did get in off the waitlist. You may be fine, but I wouldn't assume that you'll definitely get it.

BWV is bigger, so you might have a better chance.

I don't know much about OKW.

Are you looking for 2 bedroom? 1 bedroom? Studio? Could make a difference.

 

[stick30]

I've had to waitlist to get a 2-bedroom at BCV in March at 7 months. We did get in off the waitlist. You may be fine, but I wouldn't assume that you'll definitely get it.

BWV is bigger, so you might have a better chance.

I don't know much about OKW.

Are you looking for 2 bedroom? 1 bedroom? Studio? Could make a difference.

Studio mostly, as time goes on I can see the need for more from with other family members and the kids friends.

 

[Missyrose]

Studio mostly, as time goes on I can see the need for more from with other family members and the kids friends.

Studios fill up first, then two bedrooms then one bedrooms.

 

[Nabas]

What are the flaws in that plan?

Dean is right.

If your strategy is to buy cheap and then hope for the best at the 7-month window, SSR is the best way to go.

Usually, the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas are popular among DVC members because of the combination of low points needed, low crowds, cool weather, and Christmas decorations. At 7 months, Studios at popular resorts can be particularly hard to book for those weeks.

End of March depends on when Easter falls (Easter is another popular time) but I don't recall early June being difficult to book.

 

[bakerworld]

IMO: Buy where you want to stay. There's plenty of venues - even HHI if that's what you into - where your in the 11 to 7 month preferred reservations phase. if you're a more spontaneous person than go for SSR (low dues and low buy in). If you're a gamer and have lots of time - just keep offering $20 below the lowest price - someone will bite.

 

[Dean]

IMO: Buy where you want to stay. There's plenty of venues - even HHI if that's what you into - where your in the 11 to 7 month preferred reservations phase. if you're a more spontaneous person than go for SSR (low dues and low buy in). If you're a gamer and have lots of time - just keep offering $20 below the lowest price - someone will bite.

I'd suggest that many of those looking mainly at HH as a major component of their stays should strongly consider other than DVC. There really is a very small group and narrow window where owning only HH is reasonable. I can elaborate if anyone wants but will not at this time. Given the other parameters, this % is likely far smaller than VB with the other considerations even with higher dues at VB. Once you get into owning multiple resort, the % of people where owning HH is reasonable increases somewhat.