Here's my situation.........what do you think?

[canoe86]

We've been kicking around buying DVC for over a year now and are getting very close to buying. We wanted to wait until after our last trip in November, so I would like to share our situation with you, and then get any ideas you might have or angles I may have missed. Now we might wait until after the new rule changes to see if prices drop.

First, we are a family of 6. 2 adults, 4 kids under the age of 14.....youngest being 2. We normally take ONE trip a year, in the late fall. Because of our activities, it is the only realistic time for us to go every year. On our past trips and because of the size of our family, we have been forced to get bigger and bigger rooms. The last trip was a 2-bedroom at OKW. We've also stayed at BLT and also WL. (when we had only 2 kids. )

Each trip we get park hopper tickets and depending on the time of year, we get the water park option. Concerning food, we get the Deluxe Plan since we like to eat out and it is really our only vacation of the year. PLUS, we tend to eat a number of 2 credit restaurants for dinner.

So, here is what I'm planning. considering the size of our family, I'm thinking about 3 or 4 resale contracts of 75-125 points each. This would give us enough points and also allow us to sell or transfer to kids at a later date.

The question is where? Should they all be ONE resort or is there and advantage to breaking them up. We really enjoyed OKW and would like to buy there and would be happy but would like an option to stay, if needed at BLT or some other close to the park resort. Does the time of year we go make it easier or harder to get reservations?

Is there any positive or negative when buying park passes as a DVC owner?

Is there any positive or negative when buying a DDP as a DVC owner?

 

[dzorn]

If you want to be able to book at the 11 month window without switching resorts I would get all your points in one place. Depending on when you usually take your fall vacation I would pick a UY that is at the beginning of your usual vacation time. I would also say buy where you want to stay.

You can purchase DDP with DVC without buying tickets and as of now we do not pay seasonal prices for it.

You get $100 of AP so if you can alternate trip times. IF we are getting AP our next trip is before the AP expire.

Don't forget different resorts have different expiration dates.

Denise in MI

 

[cusack1020]

I think breaking it up to smaller contracts is the way to go as they seem to be easier to sell. I just saw a 1000 pt contract for sale the other day and I do feel for that person because I just think the market is smaller for the larger contracts. Of course no one plans on having to sell, but just in case the unexpected happens you could maybe sell just 1 or 2 and keep the others.

What about breaking it up into 2 resorts and then by banking or borrowing you could use your 11 month window at each resort every other year?

 

[palaemon]

Breaking up the points and dividing the points between 2 resorts can be a good way to go.

You haver the option to bank BLT (we'll use BLT & OKW in the scenario) one year while borrowing OKW. So in 2011, you'd have 2 years worth of points to use - and get the 11-month window home advantage.

And then next year, 2012, you'd have 2 years worth of points for BLT, along with the 11-month window home advantage for BLT.

Also, if you're planning a Big or Long trip and are staying in a less busy DVC time, you can pool all your points (both resorts - up to 3 years worth.)

Some things to remember:

You have to have all the same Use Year or you can't pool your points for a single night without using your ONE transfer (either in or out) for that year.

One UY is easier to remember for banking.

IF you buy 3-4 contracts via resale, you will have 3-4 closing costs too.

But, I say smaller contracts are better. What happens if you find that you guys really like some new future resort; it's easier to sell a small contract or contracts than it is a great big huge one. Plus, leaving it to your kids. Although it sounds like the youngest will only be 32 when OKW is done (in 2042)

 

[dominicve]

If you vacation in late fall you should hopefully be able to book wherever you want at the 7 month window so I would buy where the price per point and fees are cheapest as long as you would be happy staying there. If you may want to go to the more popular resorts at a busier time (BCV, BLT during holidays or spring break) then you should buy some points there and some at the cheaper resort.

I agree with buying the annual passes with a discount and planning 2 trips within the calendar year.

Just an FYI for the above info, I am almost a DVC member (waiting for my resale to close) but these are the issues I took into account when choosing my contract. I am buying at BLT despite never staying there. We love BCV and BWV but wanted the extra years of the BLT contract and hope that by traveling at slower times we will be able to get BCV or BWV.

 

[canoe86]

Breaking up the points and dividing the points between 2 resorts can be a good way to go.

You haver the option to bank BLT (we'll use BLT & OKW in the scenario) one year while borrowing OKW. So in 2011, you'd have 2 years worth of points to use - and get the 11-month window home advantage.

And then next year, 2012, you'd have 2 years worth of points for BLT, along with the 11-month window home advantage for BLT.

Also, if you're planning a Big or Long trip and are staying in a less busy DVC time, you can pool all your points (both resorts - up to 3 years worth.)

Some things to remember:

You have to have all the same Use Year or you can't pool your points for a single night without using your ONE transfer (either in or out) for that year.

One UY is easier to remember for banking.

IF you buy 3-4 contracts via resale, you will have 3-4 closing costs too.

But, I say smaller contracts are better. What happens if you find that you guys really like some new future resort; it's easier to sell a small contract or contracts than it is a great big huge one. Plus, leaving it to your kids. Although it sounds like the youngest will only be 32 when OKW is done (in 2042)

Solid advice from you and others about banking and staying opposite every other year. Never thought of that.

Yeah, those multiple closing costs. I wonder if those are somewhat negotiable?

 

[palaemon]

Solid advice from you and others about banking and staying opposite every other year. Never thought of that.

Yeah, those multiple closing costs. I wonder if those are somewhat negotiable?

Closing costs are set, but who pays them is not.

 

[kristie03]

If you are planning on 3-4 contracts ultimately and if 1 or 2 of them might be at BLT....AND you are going on vacation this fall.....

Even if you are going resale in general, I might consider using the incentive that is out there for BLT direct right now for your first contract. There is a price difference but you would be able to

1) Pick your use year (from what they have available)
2) Assuming that it is after Feb (which it sounds like it should be) you would get both the 2010 points and the 2011 points this year, which means you should be able to book your this years vacations with this one contract.
3) Make sure that as part of this sales process the guide ensures you get the reservation you want for this year.

Then, after the first contract you can really search for the other resale contracts that will suit you to complete your number of points.....you won't need to book on cash for this year....and not have to worry toooo much about ensuring you get loaded contracts for your 2011 trip...

Its early so I hope this makes sense!

 

[nolanboys]

The above post mentioned Feb as you UY. I would go with a Oct or Nov UY if you plan to vacation in the fall. You could also use those points for Christmas Break or Spring Brak without worrying about your banking deadline. The deal by phone at BLT is decent right now, so you may want to look into that. I'm partial to OKW because of the lower points needed to stay - especially the GV. Hoping to add on there in the future. I agree with others suggestions to buy smaller contracts. We have 200 points at SSR through resale. We had one closing cost for 2 contracts. One is 150 and the other is 50. Hope to add on so all 4 boys will have 150 to use with their families. Just have to get through college first.

 

[Jeandres]

My wife and I have 9 children and know what it's like to be forced to get larger rooms on vacation. Right out, I want to say that having a DVC is a great investment if you enjoy Disney and all their partner places. We started out with 200 points in Saratoga and then a year or so later bought 300 points in Animal Kingdom. For us, like you, we do Disney and that's about it each year as far as big vacations go. We've used the points in Hilton Head and that was neat to be able to do also. So remember that your vacation options are really limitless if you can see yourself using a Disney property or partner property over the next say 5 to 10 years (length to usually pay off the loan). So now for my thoughts on breaking the points up.
It really is all up to where you like to stay the most and how often you go. Like you said, if you go about the same time every year then buy the points all in that place. This allows you to book further out and secure a place you enjoy in a room the size you need. We almost always use the Grand Villa if all the children come (six are adults now). When you break it up your limited on how soon you can book and take it from me, it does get harder to get the room you "want" the closer to your date you get.
About resale....my personal opinion is this, take the time to weight it all out first and that way resale doesn't have to be an option. Take this current economy we are in, resale is hard if you've got a lot of points. Then again if you only buy what you can afford then it doesn't have to become a problem later. DVC is an investment, so think long term.. Also we have given the points to our oldest for his honeymoon, grandparents for a trip on anniversary...so there are many uses over the years when you break the points up for smaller trips.
As far as resorts, you will not get bigger rooms and a more homey feel than OKW right now hands down. That Grand villa is huge! For the kids the community hall is friendly and so are the pools. Looking down the road (after the kids leave home) as you know BLT is more for the couples and small groups, and Saratoga is very clean and new looking. And unless you enjoy straining your brain to figure out all the Use Years and calculations for 2-4 property points, I would start with an affordable amount in a for sure property you like, so you can insure you get it when you want it.
It is the best investment my wife and I have made to date. Hope this helps. Dreams do come true!

 

[ldo]

I think 2 different resorts is a good idea. I also like OKW and would have that as 1 resort and maybe a smaller, harder to get resort as the 2nd. If you plan at 8-11 months out, and you go int he Fall, I would consider BCV, as Food & Wine is then and it is hard to get. Also, BCV has very good pools and can be hard to get in the Spring summer. BWV has the same location, but not as good pools. But, both of these are very different than OKW. I suggest you look on allears.net for photos, if you are not familiar with them. Also, you could start out with 1 150-200 point contract (or 2 smaller ones--but they will be more $$ per point) at OKW and stay and then tour the others your next trip to decide where to buy. You could borrow points, so you would have enough for that 1st trip. If the price was a lot better per point, I would buy 2 contracts of 150-200 points vs. 4 smaller ones. I don't know that I would worry about giving to kids when the are older--chances are 2 kids won't care or you could work something out then. Since you rented a 2 BR DVC already, you are definitely someone who could benefit and the resale prices are good right now.

 

[canoe86]

The above post mentioned Feb as you UY. I would go with a Oct or Nov UY if you plan to vacation in the fall. You could also use those points for Christmas Break or Spring Brak without worrying about your banking deadline. The deal by phone at BLT is decent right now, so you may want to look into that. I'm partial to OKW because of the lower points needed to stay - especially the GV. Hoping to add on there in the future. I agree with others suggestions to buy smaller contracts. We have 200 points at SSR through resale. We had one closing cost for 2 contracts. One is 150 and the other is 50. Hope to add on so all 4 boys will have 150 to use with their families. Just have to get through college first.

Will check into the BLT. Thanks for the info.

 

[canoe86]

My wife and I have 9 children and know what it's like to be forced to get larger rooms on vacation. Right out, I want to say that having a DVC is a great investment if you enjoy Disney and all their partner places. We started out with 200 points in Saratoga and then a year or so later bought 300 points in Animal Kingdom. For us, like you, we do Disney and that's about it each year as far as big vacations go. We've used the points in Hilton Head and that was neat to be able to do also. So remember that your vacation options are really limitless if you can see yourself using a Disney property or partner property over the next say 5 to 10 years (length to usually pay off the loan). So now for my thoughts on breaking the points up.
It really is all up to where you like to stay the most and how often you go. Like you said, if you go about the same time every year then buy the points all in that place. This allows you to book further out and secure a place you enjoy in a room the size you need. We almost always use the Grand Villa if all the children come (six are adults now). When you break it up your limited on how soon you can book and take it from me, it does get harder to get the room you "want" the closer to your date you get.
About resale....my personal opinion is this, take the time to weight it all out first and that way resale doesn't have to be an option. Take this current economy we are in, resale is hard if you've got a lot of points. Then again if you only buy what you can afford then it doesn't have to become a problem later. DVC is an investment, so think long term.. Also we have given the points to our oldest for his honeymoon, grandparents for a trip on anniversary...so there are many uses over the years when you break the points up for smaller trips.
As far as resorts, you will not get bigger rooms and a more homey feel than OKW right now hands down. That Grand villa is huge! For the kids the community hall is friendly and so are the pools. Looking down the road (after the kids leave home) as you know BLT is more for the couples and small groups, and Saratoga is very clean and new looking. And unless you enjoy straining your brain to figure out all the Use Years and calculations for 2-4 property points, I would start with an affordable amount in a for sure property you like, so you can insure you get it when you want it.
It is the best investment my wife and I have made to date. Hope this helps. Dreams do come true!

Thanks!!

We really enjoyed OKW.

 

[canoe86]

I know these type of questions are asked over and over, but here is another one about banking and use year.

We will probably NEVER go to Disney May through August. Heat just crushes every single one of us.....September was brutal the one time we went. SO......with that in mind and the fact we go in November normally....

What should my use year be and why?

 

[ToddyLu]

Your best UY is October ( I do not think there is a Nov UY). If you typically vacation in October you always want a UY just prior...to give you more time to use points if you have to cancel. For instance DH and I have a Dec UY...we bank points for a trip 10/01-10/10 but cancel less than 31 days out. We have to use our points by 11/30....yikes!! UY is a big deal if you cancel reservations because when you cancel it could be after your banking deadline.

I hope I got this right, if not someone will be along shortly to help.

Dec UY works for us becasue that is when DH gets to schedule his vacations for the following year. It allows me the most time to book at 11 months--with definite CAN DO dates. It just helps me keep things straight. We travel to WDW Oct-Dec....so Dec is not really the best UY for us but it works becasue of his scheduling vacation at the fire dept. if I cancel an October vacation then I only have until 11/30 to use my points.

 

[canoe86]

Your best UY is October ( I do not think there is a Nov UY). If you typically vacation in October you always want a UY just prior...to give you more time to use points if you have to cancel. For instance DH and I have a Dec UY...we bank points for a trip 10/01-10/10 but cancel less than 31 days out. We have to use our points by 11/30....yikes!! UY is a big deal if you cancel reservations because when you cancel it could be after your banking deadline.

I hope I got this right, if not someone will be along shortly to help.

Dec UY works for us becasue that is when DH gets to schedule his vacations for the following year. It allows me the most time to book at 11 months--with definite CAN DO dates. It just helps me keep things straight. We travel to WDW Oct-Dec....so Dec is not really the best UY for us but it works becasue of his scheduling vacation at the fire dept. if I cancel an October vacation then I only have until 11/30 to use my points.

So, in the case we want to go in October, wouldn't having a use year IN October be a problem?

Why would August be bad? Or not as good?

So, I want a use year for RESERVATIONS and CANCELLATION consideration?

(insert exploding head smiley here)

 

[dzorn]

So, in the case we want to go in October, wouldn't having a use year IN October be a problem? No as long a your trip starts in October and not September

Why would August be bad? August would give you less time to re-book or bank for a cancellation. Not necessarily bad but not as ideal. Or not as good?

So, I want a use year for RESERVATIONS and CANCELLATION consideration?

You can reserve whenever but if you need to cancel as long as you do it at least 31 days out you can still bank your points. It also give you more time to plan a trip before you banking deadline or the end of your UY. (insert exploding head smiley here)

Denise in MI