Highly Considering Buying DVC but Have Some Questions

[purple250]

My husband and I are ready to buy into the DVC. We just have a few questions. Any suggestions are really appreciated. We are torn between buying resale or direct from Disney. We really arent interested in BLT and that is what our guide on the tour appeared to be pushing for. We really like animal kingdom. There seem to be a lot of being selling animal kingdom.

Should be buy direct from Disney or buy a resale? What are the advantages or disadvantages?

If resale is the way to go is there a specific company you can recommend?

How important is it to buy into the resort you really want? Is it really difficult to book the resort you want if it isn't your home resort or do you typically have a lot of success? or should be buy OKW which is cheaper?

Thanks so much for your help in advance.

 

[Redwolf8812]

Consider maintenance fees also. BLT is the least expensive right now. It was a deciding factor for us. Once you're done paying for your points, you still have to pay those dues.

 

[backyardponder]

You will hear over and over on these boards "buy where you want to stay". The primary reason for this is the ability to book at the 11 month window at your home resort. This is especially important during busy DVC times. Note that busy DVC times aren't necessarily busy times for the rest of WDW. Low point periods, like early December, tend to be busy DVC times.

On BLT maintenance fees...if you are planning on staying at BLT then the low maintenance fees are offset by the higher points to stay there. A lot of folks are buying BLT with the intent on staying at resorts with lower points and booking at the 7 month window.

On resale...usually that is the way to go. Your investment will be lower, but, there may be some incentives buying direct from Disney. When we bought BWV, our buying resale was definately the way to go. We used TSS, a sponsor of these boards, and were really pleased with the service we got. There are one or two other companies out there as well which will get high recommendations from folks.

 

[YoMickey]

We used the Timeshare Store and dealt with Jerry S. They do an outstanding job and walk you through everything so don't let that drive your decision. Disney may have promos and stuff just make sure the promo is comparable to the savings you'll experience through resale.

As for picking a resort. Pick the one you love. You'll regret it later if you don't.

As for annual dues. Here you go. $ per point due in Jan. each year.

2010
ANIMAL KINGDOM $4.949
BAY LAKE TOWERS $3.775
BEACH CLUB $5.149
BOARDWALK $5.360
GR. CALIFORNIAN $3.938
OLD KEY WEST $4.873
HILTON HEAD $5.567
SARATOGA $4.461
VERO BEACH $6.609
WILDERNESS $5.199

 

[jstarcze]

Resale will be cheaper. Buying direct from Disney will get you instant access to your points, while buying resale will take time to find the contract you want to bid on and have it pass ROFR. Financing is easier with disney direct if you need to finance. There are closing costs with both for new purchasers.

Everyone one says buy where you want to stay. You will be able to get reservations at other resorts, but there are certain times of the year and certain accommodations like GV and concierge that you will most likely need the 11 month booking window to get.

The sponsor of the DIS boards THE TIMESHARE STORE is well thought of, there are others like dvcbyresale that are also highly recommended. There are other threads that list the resale companies that most people use.

Good luck with your decision and purchase and here's some pixie dust so that we can welcome you home soon.

 

[Crystal_27]

If you want AKV, definitely buy AKV. As to resale or going direct, with DVC's offer of 2009 points and its current incentives for AKV, you really need to run the numbers and find out what is your cheaper option. It may very well be that DVC can get you fairly close to what you would be paying resale, and with DVC, you would have your points within a matter of days, versus a couple of months. As to buying at OKW and planning on trading into AKV at the 7 month mark, I think that there is always an attraction for new buyers to go that option. Keep in mind, however, that you are competing with every other non-AKV owner at the 7 month mark to book your vacations. Whether you want to deal with that hassle every year is a personal decision but I could not do it. BUT, given that AKV is one of the larger resorts, you may have more success at the 7 month mark opposed to if you were trying to get into, say, BCV. Either way, best of luck to you!

 

[bevotex]

I agree with the previous posters. If you like AKV, then buy re-sale at AKV. Get a use year that fits your lifestyle now and into the foreseeable future. AKV does have higher dues, but we have not regretted our decision to buy there.

 

[bastraker]

I'll throw in my $.02.

First go resale, Timeshare Store has a bunch of AKV listings to choose from. If the price isn't right make an offer. We are currently working with them on our first DVC purchase and couldn't be happier with how its all going.

I agree to buy where you want to stay. You never know when your travel patterns might change and you may end up wanting to book at a peak time. However if you really don't care where you stay then most seem to think SSR is the best bang for the buck.

The only reason I can see going direct is for financing, although TSS does this as well but I haven't looked into that. Or if your dead set on a specific use year that you can't seem to find, even then keep looking new listing are popping up every day.

There is also some speculation that a point increase is coming http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2407309 , not sure if that should really play into your decision making but better to be informed.

 

[purple250]

Thanks everyone for all of your advice. I guess I should wait several days to see if Disney announces anything about an AKL promo. Also, what is the reason for splitting up your contract into smaller ones? My husband and I are looking to buy 160 points. Is this an option for us?

 

[bastraker]

Splitting the contract can make it easier to sell later, or will to the little ones. Not sure on the ability to split though.

 

[Dean]

If you want AKV for a small to medium contract it likely doesn't matter whether you buy resale or retail. If you're just trying to get into the system then SSR is likely the best value to do so or possibly an extended OKW option. The dues at BLT do not make up the difference in cost compared to resale, they may or may not compared to AKV or other retail purchases. It's unlikely that BLT will remain as much difference is dues as they are now but time will tell. In the past I've been a big buy where you want to stay person but for most situations I have converted over due to the increased difference in prices now and the lower remaining years on some of the resorts expiring in 2042.