First Time Buyer - Looking for Opinions

[DVCsloth]

If I were in the market for DVC knowing what I know now, I would buy Riviera without any hesitation. 200-250 points I would probably split it into 2 contracts. This way if you end up wanting something different you still have at least the 150 direct. Riviera point chart doesn't seem too bad to me (Standard Rooms) but we bought into VGF late 2014. Riviera rooms do seem very similar to VGF, just new and maybe a little nicer in some ways. We also own at CCV so it is kind of nice to book there with a more reasonable point chart. I do believe that you will pretty much need to be an owner at Riviera to book Standard rooms in the future if you care to save some points. I still regret selling one of my VGF contracts a few years ago because it is nice to have plenty of points at your home resort. 250-300 points at Riviera would be an awesome way to buy into DVC in my opinion.

 

[Jimmy Geppetto]

Hey,

This is my first post here, so hello. So my wife and I have been seriously considering DVC for about a year now and I've had it in the back of my head since our first trip together in 2018. Originally I was against it because of the timeshare stereotype, but after research and doing a tour with a guide we are 100% sold on buying in. Mostly looking for people to check my logic on why we're going the route we are.

We plan on buying 200-250 points at the Riviera Resort direct. We do not have kids yet but plan to have 1-2 within the next couple years.

I chose the point value because we ideally plan to go to Disney once a year for 5-7 days or two smaller trips throughout the year with a possibility of popping down for a weekend with unused points if needed since we live in Jacksonville FL and plan to remain in FL. We'd like to stay in 1 BR's at the Riviera and most other DVC resorts or would be willing to do a studio at the monorail resorts, and don't see any immediate need for a 2 BR. 250 points gets us 5-7 nights at every DVC resort in either a 1 BR or studio during the times of year we go from what I've seen on the chart. Plus I figured start on the lower end and we can always add more.

We fell in love with Riviera when we visited this past year, despite some of the negative things I had heard and the length of contract is also a strong selling point for us. The motif fits our tastes perfectly, loved the bar/restaurant, and epcot & hollywood studios are our favorite parks with the skyline there. So I'm going with the buy where we want to stay field of thought.

Finally, we want to go direct mostly due to the new restrictions of not being able to use resale points at future resorts or Riviera only at Riviera. We definitely will want to check new resorts that are almost certain to be built over the next 30-40 years. And ya you get a blue card lol.

Any thoughts are welcome. Sorry for the long post.

We were in the same decision making process as you and went ahead and purchased RIV. No regrets whatsoever. As others have suggested, you should break your purchase into smaller contracts. If you’re buying 300 points I would suggest a 150 point contract followed by two 75 point contracts. Disney will charge you a document fee for the other two contracts but it’s well worth it to pay that now.
Another advantage to RIV is if you ever plan to rent your points, your rental price per point will hold its value even after the 7 month booking window as resale points can’t be used to book Riviera. Something to consider if you ever plan to rent points.
Good luck in your decision. Whatever you choose you will not regret it.

 

[macman123]

I would consider a fixed week. You can use the points or the week.
I had week 52 and added 200 points. Easier to resell with value...

 

[CarolynFH]

It sounds like you've thought this out very well. We did something similar, although it took us four visits over three years, and we didn't have nearly the number of decisions to make i.e. it was a choice between OKW and BWV for us. So I hope DVC brings your family much joy over the years, as it has brought to our family.

 

[Lunchbox66]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

 

[CarolynFH]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

Congratulations and may you enjoy DVC as we have!

 

[DVCsloth]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

Congratulations! Riviera is an awesome resort, love the Skyliner as well!

 

[Paul70]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

Congratulations! Welcome home!

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

Yeah! It is such a great resort! Congratulations and welcome home!

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

Welcome home!

 

[AnnaS]

Congratulations!!!! Enjoy and Happy planning!!! It's a beautiful resort!!

 

[vacay77]

Thanks for all the comments. We decided to pull the trigger this past weekend and do 200 pts direct at RIV (probably adding 100 more next year just due to what cash he have on hand at the moment and since we kind of have "double points" the first year for us) since pts prices are going up Feb 3rd. We are very excited for our first stay.

Congratulations!!!