Future DVC owner questions

[CluelessDisFan]

I've been reading a lot of this forum lately, and have learned a lot about DVC. Thanks My husband and I are looking at purchasing a resale possibly by the end of this year. I'm just trying to make sure resale is the way to go. So far it seems great for us, with just a few questions left.

We are soon to be a family of 5, but are interested in SSR for our home resort. Are you allowed to book a 1 bd suite that only sleeps 4 for a family of 5? Our family is young for now, and we would fit fine in a 1 bd. Down the road we will consider picking up another contract, and then book 2bd. Or possibly pick up BLT as second home.

What do you consider a small contract (25-100)? I've read those are easy for resale. I think we'll be interested in buying 100 pts at a time. I liked someones idea of having 3-100pt contracts and then splitting them up between their kids when they got older.

Are there discounts for DVC members on AP? I read somewhere that TiW was going to be made available for DVC members, anyone heard the cost of that yet? Thanks!

 

[Sandisw]

Currently, DVC has been allowing those with 5 to stay in all bedrooms, but they do not provide bedding for the 5th person.

In addition, we do get a $100 discount on the AP, but this is a perk and can be taken away at any time so I caution those considering DVC to not consider it in terms of their decision.

Smaller contracts--I think of 25 to 50 points--tend to go quickly on the resale market and sometimes go for more as well. I think that 100 points is on the smaller side but it can be a great starting point for many.

Just to clarify--even though you are considering SSR as a home resort, you certainly can try to book 1 bedrooms at BLT, OKW and AKV at the 7 month window which would give you a room with the sleeper chair, if you wanted to.

Good luck!

 

[CluelessDisFan]

Thank you for you input. Very helpful!

 

[FINNZUP]

SSR is my home resort and we love it. We are a family of 5 too. Our children are getting older and we have moved into the 2BR suite. It works great as the kids have their own BR (Bathroom, TV and all!) and after a long park day they can do their thing and my husband and I can relax. When they were little we used to stay Concierge level at the Wilderness lodge. The space and accommodations as a DVC member are awesome. Also, SSR is so close to downtown that you can get there for dinner or shopping or just to walk around in the evening. We love SSR and our DVC. We have never regretted it! Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

I've been reading a lot of this forum lately, and have learned a lot about DVC. Thanks My husband and I are looking at purchasing a resale possibly by the end of this year. I'm just trying to make sure resale is the way to go. So far it seems great for us, with just a few questions left.

We are soon to be a family of 5, but are interested in SSR for our home resort. Are you allowed to book a 1 bd suite that only sleeps 4 for a family of 5? Our family is young for now, and we would fit fine in a 1 bd. Down the road we will consider picking up another contract, and then book 2bd. Or possibly pick up BLT as second home.

What do you consider a small contract (25-100)? I've read those are easy for resale. I think we'll be interested in buying 100 pts at a time. I liked someones idea of having 3-100pt contracts and then splitting them up between their kids when they got older.

Are there discounts for DVC members on AP? I read somewhere that TiW was going to be made available for DVC members, anyone heard the cost of that yet? Thanks!

One thing that I have learned in that last couple of years is that Disney can and will change the rules and perks.

Don't count on having 5 in a room as Disney could start enforcing their policy at any time.

Currently there is a discount on APs but that can also change.

Planning contracts for the kids is a nice thought but you may not keep your contracts until they are 18 and the possibility exists that they won't want them.

Just food for thought.

Bill

 

[Deb & Bill]

A week in a studio at SSR requires from 95 to 159 points depending on the season. For a one bedroom, it's 183 to 241. For a two bedroom, it's 246 to 417. For the THV, they are going up in 2013.

So a small contract isn't going to get you much with a family of five unless you only plan to stay a few days or go every three years.

And, if like Bill says, DVC decides to hold room occupancy at 4 for the one bedroom at SSR, BCV, BWV and VWL, you'd always needs a two bedroom villa there. While they do allow it now, they don't provide bedding for the fifth person, they don't provide towels, sheets blankets, the bed to sleep on, etc. Nothing for the fifth person.

 

[owtrbnks]

"Planning contracts for the kids is a nice thought but you may not keep your contracts until they are 18 and the possibility exists that they won't want them."

Bill

If the kids aren't interested - don't worry - I'll PM you my address!
We have 3 contracts and are considering a 4th. Allthough managing the UYs can be a little tricky, we don't regret a thing! Good Luck!

 

[luckyman_apd]

Currently yes, a family of 5 can stay in a room that sleeps 4. But there is only sleeping room for 4 unless it is a resort with a sleeper chair. We stayed in a 2br at SSR last year with friends. 4 adults and 4 children. so we used all the sleeping space. But I could see if it was a 1 br without the extra bedroom that there would be space for an air mattress on the floor when your kids get older. As long as Disney allows it, I wouldn't hesitate to do it. I only have 2 kids, but if I had a third, I doubt I would spend the extra for more points unless

1) They were all teenagers close in age
2) We traveled a lot more often than we do now, and even then, it would cost more.

It's all in the eye of the beholder and everyone has their own preference on what is acceptable to them. Me well, I wouldn't hesitate. The way I see it, I went to Disney 3 times in my childhood. When I was 6, 10, and 18 on my Senior class trip. My daughter has gone 3 times already and she's only 6. She loves it so much, I would sleep on the floor just to see her excitement every time.

 

[juncker]

We are a family of 6 (really 5 now that oldest is off to college). We bought 160 points resale at SSR. We needed the 2 bedroom to fit into, and with teenagers, the additional room is a blessing. I don't think that I'd try and fit 5 of us into a 1 bedroom.

Our approach has been to bank/borrow points to go every 2-3 years and get the bigger room. I think that 100 points is the minimum that you want to get started. You can almost certainly count on wanting to buy additional points once you get going. You're much better off with multiple small contracts rather than 1 big one as it gives you flexibility to sell just a piece. Smaller contracts go for additional money. Bad for buying, but good for selling. You'll also pay additional closing costs for multiple contracts.

Although we bought resale prior to the new restrictions last year, I'm still a firm believer in resales. Contracts are available for all of the DVC properties, and not just what they are currently selling (or what you might need to waitlist for). In addition, you can find a good resale contract loaded with points so that you can get your first 2-3 year trip in right away! An extra stay can be worth thousands. There are benefits to buying direct (financing, immediate reservations, etc...), but you'll probably save a boatload of money going resale. That is my opinion.

If you have the money to do it, and love Disney, then I'd go for it. This is definitely the best board for getting real information on DVC. Read, read, read. I wasn't even aware of resales until I came across this board and almost bought direct. I'd still contact DVC direct to get their scoop. They mailed us a bunch of good information that helped understand the process, but we still went resale. Best of Luck!

 

[bakerworld]

... We are soon to be a family of 5, ...

Soon to be a family of 5 - you could get away with a studio the 1st year and depending on how big #3 is for the pac 'n play maybe even 2 years. (My youngest was a peanut.) So go ahead and start out with a 100 pt - or 2 50's -with the idea you'll increase next year or the year after.

If you're looking for fairness among the contracts for the kids then pay attention to the venue end dates.