First DVC Purchase: Beach Club vs. Boardwalk for Young Family?

[AstroBlasters]

Just rent, will most likely end up about the same cost and you can let someone else deal with the 11 month booking scramble at these two very high demand resorts.

I enjoy the being “in the club”feeling. Many members end up getting shirts, mugs, Christmas ornaments, and/or art work celebrating their home resort(s)…. it’s just a different vibe than renting.

Something about the emotional commitment and the “We know we are coming back, we’re DVC” mindset.

 

[juliebee]

I much prefer to spend 17 years of vacation time at a resort I adore/prefer over a resort I don’t.

Yes, of course they want to enjoy the resort they purchase. However, it's unlikely they would ONLY enjoy Boardwalk/Beach Club. And they can occasionally choose to stay at Boardwalk/Beach Club too, depending on availability at 7 months.

For those stating that when the 5 year old is 22, the family might go less. I can say that my youngest is 22 and we are going now more than ever!

 

[JackosinDIS]

I own at both BCV and BWV. Don’t let the 2042 end date bother you too much, it is still 16 years of vacations! BCV wins for me in terms of overall vibes but there are pros and cons to each. The only way to know for sure is stay at both and see which gives you the best feeling.

 

[Cyberc1978]

Yes, of course they want to enjoy the resort they purchase. However, it's unlikely they would ONLY enjoy Boardwalk/Beach Club. And they can occasionally choose to stay at Boardwalk/Beach Club too, depending on availability at 7 months.

For those stating that when the 5 year old is 22, the family might go less. I can say that my youngest is 22 and we are going now more than ever!

As long as you don’t expect to get a reservation October-December.
Or May and Sept for Beach club.
Any month for BWV standard view

Then you might be okay.

 

[DVC Deac]

The lack of quick serve options at BWV is a negative, but getting quick serve from the BC gift shop isn’t very appealing, either. For me, BCV has something that you can’t access if you’re at BWV in SAB and that tips the scale in favor of BCV.

I have a young family and the 2042 end date is a plus. My kids will be out of the house or close to it by the time 2042 rolls around. Every family dynamic is different, but I don’t assume they will want to keep going to Disney and, frankly, I probably will be happy to no longer be on the hook for dues as retirement inches closer. We picked our home resorts because they have a specific room type that we want to use at a specific time of year. Life is too short and 17 years is a long time to be bummed out because you didn’t get the room and resort you want.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

I’ve owned bwv since 2011, been going since 2010. I also own blt (2017) to sleep around.

It’s been 15yrs of Disney and my 11 and 15yr old are developing other interests. I’m tempted to sell but with 17 more yrs, I may just rent.

You don’t know how kids will feel about Disney vs other types of vacations in 10 years time. There’s no wrong choice, but pls keep that in mind.

We do look at BWV with much nostalgia. Kids love the village green, the community hall, the easy walk to Epcot and HS. That being said, they are much more excited about their summer trip overseas for the first time ever (Asia). My 11yr old is researching pavilions for the world fair in Osaka (where we will be for 1 day) as if it’s sort of like Epcot but cooler. He’s also contemplating NOT going to Disney sea (!!!!) to have an extra day to wander around Tokyo. I’m honestly shocked but it’s his decision (11yr an old!). It’s a no-brainer for my 15-year-old but I was shocked about my 11-year-old. My 11-year-old says we have Disney in Orlando. Why should we waste it in Tokyo when the rides are all in Japanese and they’re pretty similar? Like I said, I’m shocked!!

We also used our Dvc to stay 2 wks a year and that was our only vacation for 10yrs. So we got our moneys worth. We are just almost done with Dvc, unfortunately, with the draw of other destinations + the cost of park tickets so that the value is starting to not be there….

Good luck!

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I own at BCV but have stayed more times at BW and like BWV better in all aspects besides the pool and the literal steps to my bed from the IG exit. That being said I would never switch out my BCV contract for a BW contract. Take that for what you will but it's the closest thing to advice I can give.

 

[AstroBlasters]

I own at BCV but have stayed more times at BW and like BWV better in all aspects besides the pool and the literal steps to my bed from the IG exit. That being said I would never switch out my BCV contract for a BW contract. Take that for what you will but it's the closest thing to advice I can give.

Because there is more inventory at BW if you are OK with GV @7m?

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Because there is more inventory at BW if you are OK with GV @7m?

I would say that's one of the main reasons yes...the "exclusivity" of BC is definitely worth the contract. It feels more "valuable" a commodity and that is definitely due in a large part to be able to swap into BW at 7 months whereas the same can't be said about BC. I also don't mind paying the extra points for the P/G View at BW. Usually have a lovely view of the Village Green or similar. Also we tend to go around July 4th and do MK on the third for the same show they do the next day and instead spend the 4th at Epcot and that walk back to the room cannot be beat.

 

[MikeOhio]

Given how soon they expire vs the current resale cost for points, you are much better off just renting points for either resort.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Given how soon they expire vs the current resale cost for points, you are much better off just renting points for either resort.

I absolutely disagree with this statement. “Much better off”.

 

[Brian Noble]

I agree with @AstroBlasters. Right now, a BCV resale current-year point with a purchase cost of $120 ranges from the low $18s to the low $20s per point, amortized to expiration at a TVOM rate ranging from 3 to 6%. So I think it is reasonable to conclude that resale has a slight edge over renting, especially because BCV commmands a rental premium even direct-from-owner.

I think you can probably pick a TVOM rate at which renting is better, but it would be a stretch to assume that rate is realistic.

 

[Brian Noble]

I will admit that when I started that post, I assumed the answer would be "Renting is a much better deal." I was surprised to find that the math still supports a purchase at e.g. $120 relative to renting from an owner.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

I agree with @AstroBlasters. Right now, a BCV resale current-year point with a purchase cost of $120 ranges from the low $18s to the low $20s per point, amortized to expiration at a TVOM rate ranging from 3 to 6%. So I think it is reasonable to conclude that resale has a slight edge over renting, especially because BCV commmands a rental premium even direct-from-owner.

I think you can probably pick a TVOM rate at which renting is better, but it would be a stretch to assume that rate is realistic.

Plus let's be real...the best part of DVC is playing with the website and trying to snag your dates...totally worth owning the points just for that!

 

[atthebeachclub]

I will admit that when I started that post, I assumed the answer would be "Renting is a much better deal." I was surprised to find that the math still supports a purchase at e.g. $120 relative to renting from an owner.

When I ran the numbers on my $125/pt purchase last year, the math did support purchasing as well in comparison with rental rates or hotel rates.

 

[Brian Noble]

It's pretty easy to support a win vs. hotel rates. It's harder to support vs. owner rentals.

 

[stat]

I will admit that when I started that post, I assumed the answer would be "Renting is a much better deal." I was surprised to find that the math still supports a purchase at e.g. $120 relative to renting from an owner.

Agreed, I bought a small BWV contract after realizing the math was "close enough." Not great but that leads me to the next point: the non-financial benefits as noted:

Plus let's be real...the best part of DVC is playing with the website and trying to snag your dates...totally worth owning the points just for that!

In other words, not having the hassle / restrictions / extra time incurred when renting through others vs. the intangible value of owning it yourself. It's worth a premium to me to do it myself and stay where I want when I want, and it tipped the scales.

 

[TheDailyMoo]

Agreed, I bought a small BWV contract after realizing the math was "close enough." Not great but that leads me to the next point: the non-financial benefits as noted:

In other words, not having the hassle / restrictions / extra time incurred when renting through others vs. the intangible value of owning it yourself. It's worth a premium to me to do it myself and stay where I want when I want, and it tipped the scales.

I don't know about everyone here but I'm looking at availability and perusing the DVC website on a regular basis even when my trips are planned and I have no other reason to go on except that I can and it's fun. Plus yes I'm the type that likes control over all aspects of my life and I bet it's not a stretch to think a majority of DVC owners fall into this category. Also I'm obsessed and it's not good lol

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm still getting a feel for availability, so that's my excuse.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Plus let's be real...the best part of DVC is playing with the website and trying to snag your dates...totally worth owning the points just for that!

The “treasure hunt” feeling is very real at 7m….