Help me learn

[ToyStoryManiaMouse]

I love Disney and thinking ahead. Interested in DVC but can't quite figure out how it works. I'd like to be able to go to the parks once or twice per year for about 10 - 15 days per year. Usually 2 - 4 people in a moderate type resort. I like to go into the parks and forget that the outside world exists. Would DVC match for what I am interested in? How much does it cost? What happens if i want to change it or stop being part of DVC later? How flexible are the dates? Thanks!

 

[CastAStone]

Let’s take this one step at a time:

• I'd like to be able to go to the parks once or twice per year for about 10 - 15 days per year.
  • That’s a good match for DVC
• Usually 2 - 4 people in a moderate type resort.
  • DVC payback makes the most sense when compared to Deluxes. If you would happily stay in moderates if you weren’t DVC, its less likely DVC will “pay back”, but it depends exactly what you buy, whether you buy new or resale and when you travel
• I like to go into the parks and forget that the outside world exists. Would DVC match for what I am interested in?
  • I’m not totally sure what this means, but many DVC resorts are walking distance to one or more parks.
• How much does it cost?
  • It depends! Enough points to stay at Old Key West in a studio for 2 weeks in early September will run you about $13-$14K if purchased resale. Enough points to stay in the Grand Floridian in a 2 bedroom villa for a week each at Easter and Christmas will run about $240K resale And $387K direct from Disney
  • Also you will pay between $7-$11 per point in annual maintenance fees, which on average increase at a slightly higher rate than inflation.
• What happens if i want to change it or stop being part of DVC later?
  • Most people sell their contracts when they don’t want them anymore. The resale market has gone up and down but at least so far it’s never fallen to near zero like most other timeshares. You’ll save a ton of money by buying someone else’s contract.
• How flexible are the dates?
  • You can book any date, but some dates book up quickly and you’ll need to book them as soon as they open, 11 months out. The more popular the date, the more points it costs.

 

[viper17d]

Assuming you decide to move forward after doing your research, the important note that everyone on here will say: buy where you want to stay.

This is key to your post for various reasons: 1) regarding Disney immersion, pick the resort that matches your style and what you feel is Disney and 2) you need to be able to commit 11 months out to use the home resort advantage - it’s been getting harder and harder to find rooms at 7 months, so don’t absolutely count on staying wherever, particularly in a studio.

Be sure to determine your use case (sounds like you have an idea on the number of people and nights) to decide which accommodations (studio or 1/2 bedroom) you’ll use and when you’ll go (certain times of year are more points than others). Then purchase enough points for a cushion above that annual spend. Don’t buy just enough because Disney can, has, and will shift point costs around.

Lastly, I’d strongly encourage resale for a first contract unless you are buying Riviera. You can save more than 50% upfront, see how the system works, see if you like it, and then if you love it and want to get the direct perks, whatever they may still be (they can be taken away at any point), you can add on direct through Disney.

Good luck!

 

[MICKIMINI]

What your purchase budget is will determine quickly if you can afford it or not. Resale OKW are about $85-90 PP in the 200+ point range or somewhere in the 20K range with closing. You'll pay about $8 PP annually or $1600 every January (or divide by 12 monthly debits). You'll need at least that to do a studio for about 2 weeks a year. Buy more not less. Once you are in a 1 BR, it's all over and you'll be buying another contract so plan on it.

At 11 months prior to your much deserved vacation, you'll make reservations at your HOME resort (say OKW for this lesson). At 7 months you can switch OKW out for another resort that you have enough points to stay at, that is available - this is the key...it is getting near impossible to get much at 7 months. Studios go first. You can't be picky at 7 months. Buy where you want to stay.

UY is becoming more important every year. You can bank and borrow (now limited to 50% of next year's points.) You'll need to read up on UY's, banking and borrowing here on disboards. Lots and lots of reading.

If you decide DVC isn't for you, you can list your contract, pay a commission and say bye bye. If prices are high, you might break even, if you have it for many years you might turn a profit, if you sell in a downturn, well it might be somewhat of a loss...however, you had the use of the villas when you owned. Paying cash initially and then staying for $80+/- per night feels REALLY AWESOME. It's like flying free on airmiles.

Doing your homework is the only way to feel confident in this purchase. We originally bought in 1996 and love it more than ever, warts and all but it is not for everyone. Good luck!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I love Disney and thinking ahead. Interested in DVC but can't quite figure out how it works. I'd like to be able to go to the parks once or twice per year for about 10 - 15 days per year. Usually 2 - 4 people in a moderate type resort. I like to go into the parks and forget that the outside world exists. Would DVC match for what I am interested in? How much does it cost? What happens if i want to change it or stop being part of DVC later? How flexible are the dates? Thanks!

DVC is a timeshare that you purchase that gives you the right to attempt to book your home resort up to 11 months in advance of your stay and other DVC resorts up to 7 months in advance of your stay. It is all based on availability and the length of stay and villa size you try to book is only restricted by the number of points you own. You would purchase the number of points that you believe your stay(s) would require up front and you receive that number annually. In addition you will pay maintenance fees that are calculated on a per point basis. The main reason for DVC is to stay onsite in "deluxe" accommodations for a more moderate price. All of the rooms except for the Tower rooms at Riviera will allow at least 4 people so you would be covered that way. Most of the DVC resorts have a studio set up that is a queen bed plus either a double or a queen sleeper sofa. A few have an additional cot size murphy bed so that differs from a moderate resort that usually has 2 real beds. Only OKW studios have 2 actual queen size beds.

As a timeshare DVC is a deeded real estate interest. If you want out then you sell that deeded real estate interest. The costs vary depending on the resort and is a combination of purchase price, annual maintenance fees and the point requirements for the rooms. You are allowed to book any dates or room size you wish - it's just dependent on availability. It is good for those who can plan way in advance (7-11 months) and not so great if you plan more short term.