help before we buy

[vikequeen]

DVC never makes true financial sense, so far, resale contracts have increased in value from their original prices, but with the way the DVC management is adding new restrictions every year, this could change. The price of resale contracts could evaporate as soon as you sign the direct contract agreement, just like every other timeshare out there, that is worth pennies on the dollar of the original prices. This is not a financial investment, but a investment in time with your family, that is the only way it makes any financial sense.

exactly -- we think of it as pre paying for vacations. Not an investment. We don't count on getting a single penny back, so anything would be a bonus. It makes financial sense for use. We just bought Riviera points. Booked 8 nights in a 2 BR. Rack rate on that room for the same stay is over $14K (and I doubt it will get discounted). I feel ok with my purchase. Everyone has different finances and risk tolerance and needs to make their own decision about what works best for them.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Back to you, chris 168. Don't just buy the resort that will cost you the least unless that's the one you like. Make sure it's a resort where you won't mind staying if you cannot change your reservation at seven months out. It is getting a lot harder to book studios at seven months out. Sometimes it is difficult to book one bedrooms at seven months out. Sept to mid-Jan are the hardest time. And the newer resorts will require more points to stay there. We bought our first contract at OKW 22 years ago and still enjoy spending the night at OKW (we just had a short two night trip so we could see our son get an award in Orlando). Most of our points are at OKW and we have three OKW trips coming up starting in Sept through May. We have one at BLT in a one bedroom in January. We also have a smaller contract at BRV that we use occasionally to book at BRV if we can get enough points together. But if all I could get was OKW and BRV, I'd be happy.

So if all you could book was OKW and RIV, would you be happy?

 

[Sandisw]

As already stated, DVC is a personal choice and fits the needs of everyone differently. How often are you going to go to Disney? Do you want to be tied to Disney vacations for a long period of time? Do you usually stay deluxe resorts now? Or, are you looking to be able to stay at deluxe level resorts in the future. We bought in in 2009 since we were going yearly, staying at deluxe resorts and realized that we would continue to go to Disney for years to come, even once kids got to be adults, because, frankly, I love the place. Fast forward to today and I am the proud owner of 800 DVC points with plans to visit around 8 times a year, sometimes even by myself...going on my first solo trip starting today. I look at all we have spent in our DVC, including what I spend yearly for MF's as my way of supporting what makes me happy as I start my retirement.

Had it saved me money? Nope. But that is because I go a lot now vs. just that yearly trip. However, I love that I can book what I need, when I want and don't "feel" like it is costing more than my MF's now. Do I know that I spent a lot to buy? Yup, but again, it makes sense for my situation.

To OP, consider when you are going, how far out you will plan, and if you will be happy owning DVC, and feel comfortable with the financial burden DVC will become for you. Buy where you don't mind staying, unless you won't ever book more than 7 months out. Of course, DVC is getting harder and harder to book if you are not a planner, so be sure that you can book your vacations far in advance. When I first became a member, trading out at 7 months to other resorts was pretty easy. Booking trips 5 to 6 months out, other than December, was doable. Now, if you don't book October to January right around 11 months, it is tough getting more than a few nights here or there. 1 bedrooms seem to be the last to book up so getting that at places elsewhere can be a bit easier than the other room types. If you feel buying 100 points direct at OKW makes sense over BLT resale, then go for it. Remember, the long cost are MF's, not initial cost. Plus, starting with less will give you a feel of how well DVC works for you. While we have been fortunate that resale value of DVC has held vs. other timeshares...I have sold contracts over the years for more than I paid, even after commission...but one should not even consider that, IMO, when buying.

Good luck!

 

[disney dumbo]

DVC is a brilliant opportunity. Good for Disney and good for the purchaser. BUT, it is complicated AND you do need to understand the rules... that can change... not sure how much, but smarter folks can comment on that.

I have bought direct and resale, thankfully when it didn't really matter. I was amazed when I figured out the person I bought from, had enjoyed DVC for MANY years and got their money back plus some when I bought. So basically all their years they enjoyed DVC for maintenance fees alone. Wow. What a steal!

I love having the option for 2 bedrooms and studios.

What I'm having a harder time with these days is planning 11 months out. Last minute is a killer. Rooms sold out for points.
So that is what I think you need to purchase is the amount you need for plans you can make 11 months out... at the resort you like. I'd be happy at any of them. Sure some have more atmosphere in the lobby... a perk with the view... on the monorail is a huge Wow... but you pay for that Wow!

I also think it's a good idea to think about the years left on the contract.

Good luck. It is a heavy expense up front. But doesn't money just disappear anyway!

 

[emchen]

... buying, using and then reselling usually also comes out ahead.

I think those considering DVC should approach it from this angle.

DVC guides factually tell us that it is a real-estate purchase. Owners in forums like this tell us it really isn’t a club. Everyone agrees that it should not be approached as an investment.

Buy...use...sell...enjoy! DVC in a nutshell!