Help Thinking of Buying but have questions

[Cmbar]

Ok We have long wanted to buy DVC but I was unable to get my Husband to buy when we toured about three years ago. We went for a mini tour yesterday with our Guide and we relooked at the numbers for AKL. SO I have some questions:

1) If I am honest I will say I am not a big AKL fan. I have never been an animal looker lover so the Animals don't do much for me and the decor of the resort, While beautiful, does nothing for me. AKL is too dark, I really like the look of BCV, BWV or SSR. BUT we can't buy any of those right now without going to a Resale vendor, RIGHT? Or can we call our guide and just say we want to buy at SSR or one of the other resorts?

2)Would it be crazy to buy at AKL when I really don't want to stay there? Would it be a property people would want to buy or rent in the future? I really don't mean to be down on it, but if you asked me which resort I would most likely LEAST like to stay at it would be AKL.

3)Should we look into Resale for a SSR or even OKW? Our Disney Guide said that if you buy resale we don't get certain rights that come with the original ownership. Is this true? What would we be missing if we buy resale other than the incentive they are currently offering?

4) Does your home resort really mean anything? If I want to stay at the other resorts would I make a huge mistake buying AKL now? Also, should we wait for future properties? Is seems logical if we wait that prices will go up and that what is next will be California, Hawaii and possibly the Contemporary which I assume will be really expensive. Any thoughts on that?

I am sorry for so many questions, but I am just getting nervous about buying something I don't love just to get into the program. Anyone gone resale and been very dissappointed?

Thanks so much!

 

[chalee94]

1) If I am honest I will say I am not a big AKL fan. I have never been an animal looker lover so the Animals don't do much for me and the decor of the resort, While beautiful, does nothing for me. AKL is too dark, I really like the look of BCV, BWV or SSR. BUT we can't buy any of those right now without going to a Resale vendor, RIGHT? Or can we call our guide and just say we want to buy at SSR or one of the other resorts?

incorrect. DVC is constantly ROFRing and foreclosing on pts from allegedly "sold-out" resorts. if you tell your guide that it's BCV or nothing, they will try to find BCV for you. (some UY months may require waitlisting, though.)

there are generally no incentives for sold-out resorts either.

2)Would it be crazy to buy at AKL when I really don't want to stay there? Would it be a property people would want to buy or rent in the future? I really don't mean to be down on it, but if you asked me which resort I would most likely LEAST like to stay at it would be AKL.

if you'd hate getting "stuck" there on vacation, it's a waste of money. if you can book 10-11 months in advance, buy somewhere you want to stay and take advantage of the home resort window.

3)Should we look into Resale for a SSR or even OKW? Our Disney Guide said that if you buy resale we don't get certain rights that come with the original ownership. Is this true? What would we be missing if we buy resale other than the incentive they are currently offering?

nope. resale owners (currently anyway) have the same rights as direct purchasers.

4) Does your home resort really mean anything? If I want to stay at the other resorts would I make a huge mistake buying AKL now? Also, should we wait for future properties? Is seems logical if we wait that prices will go up and that what is next will be California, Hawaii and possibly the Contemporary which I assume will be really expensive. Any thoughts on that?

there's a december waitlist thread around somewhere that might be instructive. if you travel at busy times (and "busy for DVC" is not identical to "busy for wdw"), you will need the 11 month window to avoid the hassles of waitlisting and the risk of not getting to stay where you want.

if you can't plan more than 7 or so months ahead anyway, just buy the cheapest pts you can find. the home resort advantage won't do you any good.

I am sorry for so many questions, but I am just getting nervous about buying something I don't love just to get into the program. Anyone gone resale and been very dissappointed?

i went resale and was happy. but i wanted to start small (40 pts) so i could avoid debt. resale takes longer, but TTS treated me right and DVC hasn't treated me any differently when i book or stay with my mini-contract.

 

[cocowum]

3)Should we look into Resale for a SSR or even OKW? Our Disney Guide said that if you buy resale we don't get certain rights that come with the original ownership. Is this true? What would we be missing if we buy resale other than the incentive they are currently offering?

No, that is not true all it means is your guide will not get a commission. I would change guides.


I would definitely buy at a resort you WANT to stay at. IMHO it does matter. There are some pretty good deals available through resale right now.

Good Luck with your decision. It's a big one.

 

[chalee94]

BTW, feel free to ask questions, but it's also a good idea to scan through other threads on the DVC forum and learn to use the search function. you can find out answers to questions you haven't even considered yet...learn tricks to using your DVC ownership...and learn what current owners like and don't like before you commit the big money yourself... just a suggestion.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

3)Should we look into Resale for a SSR or even OKW? Our Disney Guide said that if you buy resale we don't get certain rights that come with the original ownership. Is this true? What would we be missing if we buy resale other than the incentive they are currently offering?

That is complete BS! We bought resale and the differences were...1) we got 37 years instead of 50 years at BWV 2)We didn't get a tote bag (wow!), 3) didn't get yearly planners or magazines for the years 1996-2005, and 4) had to wait an extra 6 WEEKS to plan a trip.

I would like to know what other perks we have missed out on. I think you should ask your guide that question, right before you request a new guide!

BTW, we would have been better off to purchase from Disney at $75 in 2002 when we took the tour and gotten 4 more years than to have bought resale in 2006 at $84, but we really needed less than 150 pts.

I am sorry for so many questions, but I am just getting nervous about buying something I don't love just to get into the program. Anyone gone resale and been very dissappointed?
Thanks so much!

It is only natural and very smart to ask questions before making a large financial commitment for many years. I would personally not purchase a resort that I disliked. SSR resale is probably the best bargain out there, IF you like it. We bought into BWV because we love it, and have been very happy. There are pros and cons to each resort. I must admit that AKV is very attractive with extra years, various views, GVs, etc.

I think it would be a good idea to do your research and find out the pros and cons of each resort, and which ones you like the best. Get all the facts and then make your decision.

-

 

[chalee94]

...We bought resale and the differences were...1) we got 37 years instead of 50 years at BWV...

just to clarify a potentially confusing comment, the expiration dates are attached to the resorts and NOT whether you buy resale or direct. BWV expires in 2042 whether you buy direct or resale and AKV expires in 2057 whether you buy direct or resale.

(exception, OKW purchased direct expires in 2057, while resales may expire in either 2042 or 2057, so you have to pay attention.)

BTW, i've always gotten my yearly planners...but the tote bag remains a bitter disappointment...

 

[cruisinalong]

No, that is not true all it means is your guide will not get a commission. I would change guides.

I have wondered if the guides get a commission on a resale. It seems likely that they would get less than they would if they sold new property. Do they actually get any commission at all on a resale ?

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

just to clarify a potentially confusing comment, the expiration dates are attached to the resorts and NOT whether you buy resale or direct. BWV expires in 2042 whether you buy direct or resale and AKV expires in 2057 whether you buy direct or resale.

(exception, OKW purchased direct expires in 2057, while resales may expire in either 2042 or 2057, so you have to pay attention.)

BTW, i've always gotten my yearly planners...but the tote bag remains a bitter disappointment...

This is true. I did not mean to be confusing.

As far as planners and magazines, I have never seen the planners that were available for the years prior to me purchasing. However, although I think these would be interesting to look at...they serve no functional purpose whatsoever.


As far as the pros & cons, here are a few...
(I will not discuss decor...one man's trash, another man's treasure.)

OKW - pros
Condo style that is easier to get to the car
Roomy accommodations
2 queen beds in studios
Most reasonable point charts
Availability of Grand Villas - Best bet for GVs all around

OKW - cons
Not attached to a park
Lots of availability at the 7 month mark ~ home resort priority not a big issue.


BWV - pros
Walking Distance to EP & HS
Availability of Standard or Preferred/Boardwalk Views
Boardwalk View (Wow!)
Grand Villas (Although expensive)
Wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, boats, bikes, & putt putt
Highly desired October - December, especially Bw or Std views. (Makes 11 month priority important.)

BWV - cons
Pool! Pool! Pool! (Nice but creepy)
Highest wdw maintenance fees
Some visitors disturbed by BW noise
Really long hallways
Shared busses

VWL - pros
Boat ride to MK
Attached to beautiful WL
secluded woodsy feel
Highly desired during winter, particularly Christmas (Makes 11 mo. priority important.)
Smallest DVC resort, making availability less

VWL - cons
Busses to 3 parks
no grand villas
higher points per night


BCV - pros
Stormalong Bay!
Walking Distance to EP & HS
Wide variety of restaurants, entertainment, boats, bikes, & putt putt
Highly desired October -(Makes 11 month priority important.)

BCV - cons
no grand villas
higher points per night
Resort laid out as afterthought


SSR - pros
2057 expiration
Close to DTD
zero entry pool
condo feel - standalone resort
Low maintenance fees
GVs available
Point charts more reasonable than some

SSR - cons
Many complain about parking lots & landscaping
Resort is too large
Transportation is inconsistent
Resort seems to be the last to be reserved. (If you really want to visit SSR, you shouldn't have a problem at the 7 mo. mark.)

HHI & VB both have really great aspects, but also have the highest maintenance fees and are not at WDW!


There are other points that people will make. I know that I have not covered them all, and this is probably bias.

I personally love BWV! The standard and preferred points are a big selling point to me. My only regret was not giving OKW a better look because of the GVs.

 

[WDWmom08]

Really great post; thanks!

 

[Cmbar]

Thank you all so much for your input. I am really getting concerned about purchasing at AKL if we don't love it. But I can't justify buying a property with less years and then not getting the incentives. It seems Resale would possibly get me more points at a lower cost so that is a possibility. Could someone please give me an idea as to why there are resales. I realize it could be many personal reasons, but I see AKL being resold already. It just went up for sale didn't it? Why would people be reselling alread? Is anyone out there thinking they would want to wait for the Contemporary? I guess WL looks nice and I really love that resort (not the decor so much, but the resorts has a great feel). Does anyone know what year that resort ends?

Thanks again for all your input, I will try and hop on researdhing.

Also, We were told by our Guide that we had until Saturday to make this decision for the special incentive offer. If we decide next week or next month, will we not be able to get the incentive of points and money towards down payment?

 

[chalee94]

Could someone please give me an idea as to why there are resales. I realize it could be many personal reasons, but I see AKL being resold already. It just went up for sale didn't it? Why would people be reselling alread?

divorce/job losses/kids grown/disappointment with DVC (usually due to misunderstandings)

some people even buy in just to use the developer pts and then dump the actual contract.

it varies.

Is anyone out there thinking they would want to wait for the Contemporary?

lots of people are waiting, yes.

I guess WL looks nice and I really love that resort (not the decor so much, but the resorts has a great feel). Does anyone know what year that resort ends?

2042.

 

[Cmbar]

divorce/job losses/kids grown/disappointment with DVC (usually due to misunderstandings)

some people even buy in just to use the developer pts and then dump the actual contract.

it varies.

Is anyone out there thinking they would want to wait for the Contemporary?

lots of people are waiting, yes.

I guess WL looks nice and I really love that resort (not the decor so much, but the resorts has a great feel). Does anyone know what year that resort ends?

2042.

Thank you!! I see you own at OKW. Do you regret buying there? Did you buy at other DVC properties? Do you always want to stay there or do you find you want to go to other resorts? We have never stayed there, but I understand most people like it and I did notice that you can buy some OKW with Resales that expire in 2057.

 

[bookswin]

I also think you should consider getting a new guide. That bit about being treated differently is not right. (We bought contracts both resale and direct.) Perhaps he/she meant that it's a 50-year deal instead of a 36/47 year deal. What the incentives will be in the future is hard to predict. I imagine the incentives for AKV may be better after the next resort starts selling, but who knows?

You should not buy at a resort that you aren't at least fairly happy with.

As DVC expands, it will get harder and harder to get rooms at the smaller resorts that are not your home.

You can buy resale contracts with points still attached to serve the same function as new contract incentives.

However, I very much doubt that you would ever have problems reselling the contract if you change your mind or renting out points during the 7-11 month window to people who want giraffes walking by the balcony. AKV will surely remain popular.

 

[chalee94]

I see you own at OKW. Do you regret buying there?

no. it was relatively cheap upfront (i bought resale) and dues are fairly low (lower than all but SSR). pt costs are also low (8 pts a night for nov/dec when i like to travel). i also like the 2 queen bed setup in OKW studios and the relaxed vibe at the resort.

i don't expect to be around for long after 2042, so the extra years are a non-issue for me.

Did you buy at other DVC properties? Do you always want to stay there or do you find you want to go to other resorts?

i want to try the other resorts but starting with a small contract does limit me a bit there. i eventually expect to buy another small contract (probably at AKV or BLT - not sure yet) and bank/borrow to alternate years that i use them.

so far i have only stayed at OKW and SSR and enjoyed both.

while i want to try the other resorts for variety, i don't feel "stuck" if i can't switch resorts and wind up at OKW. but i am curious what the others are like...

opinions vary but i loved hanging out at AKV last year - boma and jiko were amazing, and the christmas decorations were stunning - so i waitlisted at 7 months to see if i could get into a value studio at AKV for early december. currently i'm booked for 2 nights at AKV - if i like it, that'll help me decide whether to buy there - and then the remainder of the week at OKW but i'm still waitlisted for the remainder at AKV if it comes open. i'm pretty flexible and don't mind switching resorts halfway through the vacation.

 

[aurorafan]

I'm a new member, but given what I've read here and elsewhere you'd be best off buying at a resort you like. It looks like it's getting harder to get into resorts other than your home at the 7 month window (depending on when you travel), and if you really don't like AKV you'd be miserable if you ended up there most of the time on your vacations, and who wants to spend all that money to be miserable?

Now as someone else said, if you can't plan more than 7 months out anyway, buy at the resort with the lowest costs/MF's, as the 11 month home advantage won't matter in that case.

 

[Cmbar]

I see you own at OKW. Do you regret buying there?

no. it was relatively cheap upfront (i bought resale) and dues are fairly low (lower than all but SSR). pt costs are also low (8 pts a night for nov/dec when i like to travel). i also like the 2 queen bed setup in OKW studios and the relaxed vibe at the resort.

i don't expect to be around for long after 2042, so the extra years are a non-issue for me.

Did you buy at other DVC properties? Do you always want to stay there or do you find you want to go to other resorts?

i want to try the other resorts but starting with a small contract does limit me a bit there. i eventually expect to buy another small contract (probably at AKV or BLT - not sure yet) and bank/borrow to alternate years that i use them.

so far i have only stayed at OKW and SSR and enjoyed both.

while i want to try the other resorts for variety, i don't feel "stuck" if i can't switch resorts and wind up at OKW. but i am curious what the others are like...

opinions vary but i loved hanging out at AKV last year - boma and jiko were amazing, and the christmas decorations were stunning - so i waitlisted at 7 months to see if i could get into a value studio at AKV for early december. currently i'm booked for 2 nights at AKV - if i like it, that'll help me decide whether to buy there - and then the remainder of the week at OKW but i'm still waitlisted for the remainder at AKV if it comes open. i'm pretty flexible and don't mind switching resorts halfway through the vacation.

Thanks for your input and opinion. I am curious as to what resort is BLT? Thanks!

EDIT. Never mind I just found it Bay Lake Tower!

 

[mommomtoJoseph]

I'm a new member, but given what I've read here and elsewhere you'd be best off buying at a resort you like. It looks like it's getting harder to get into resorts other than your home at the 7 month window (depending on when you travel), and if you really don't like AKV you'd be miserable if you ended up there most of the time on your vacations, and who wants to spend all that money to be miserable?

Now as someone else said, if you can't plan more than 7 months out anyway, buy at the resort with the lowest costs/MF's, as the 11 month home advantage won't matter in that case.

When exactly are the busiest times for DVC? I see a lot of posts referring to this, but don't know exactly the times everyone is referring to. I would imagine from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, but when else?

 

[supersuperwendy]

We are also considering buying into DVC and I have a question!

Ok..so let's say I buy new at AKV I would get the early booking window. And 7 months at other DVC resorts. If I were to then buy a small resale for a different DVC resort too do I then get the early booking window for that resort as well or only still AKV???

 

[bookswin]

We are also considering buying into DVC and I have a question!

Ok..so let's say I buy new at AKV I would get the early booking window. And 7 months at other DVC resorts. If I were to then buy a small resale for a different DVC resort too do I then get the early booking window for that resort as well or only still AKV???

Each separate contract would have its own preferred booking window at the corresponding home resort. The 11 month availability does not transfer from resort to resort.

7 months out a point is a point.

 

[Dodie]

When exactly are the busiest times for DVC? I see a lot of posts referring to this, but don't know exactly the times everyone is referring to. I would imagine from Thanksgiving through New Year's Day, but when else?

That is at least partially resort-specific. For instance, VWL is tough to get at Christmas time. It's a smaller resort and the decorations and atmosphere are wonderful at Christmas. The Epcot area DVC resorts are tougher during Food and Wine Festival.

However, if you decide which resort you are interested in purchasing and purchase where you want to stay - at least where you want to stay most often, you'll have the right to reserve at the 11 month point and all of this will be far less important.