Hilton Head is cheaper, so . . .

[wheelcap]

I see resales for Hilton Head are pretty inexpensive -- like, $69 per point compared to $89 per point for WDW resorts. I know about the 7/11 windows, but I'm wondering if there's any other major difference? I mean, if I were to buy points at Hilton (to save $$) but used all my points at WDW resorts, would it make any difference? I'm big on saving money, but not if I'm going to suffer for it.

I've been buying Six Flags passes for years, because we've always lived close to one, and travel to others. The pass at the nearest park is $49, and entry at Great Adventure is $60. So, for my $49 pass I can get a $60 entry. I save bucks, and enjoy it all!! Can I get away with that with DVC, or will I be sorry I tried it??

 

[1000th happy haunt]

It's not the initial buy in that adds up, but the maintenance fees over time. Vero Beach has the highest maintenance fees of all the DVC resorts. In the end you'll be paying much more for your membership.

 

[kdzgon]

It's not the initial buy in that adds up, but the maintenance fees over time. Vero Beach has the highest maintenance fees of all the DVC resorts. In the end you'll be paying much more for your membership.

While you should take MFs in to account, I wouldn't get too hung up on the diff in maint fees. At a $20 diff per point, it will be approx 18 yrs before you "break even" with the largest MF diff (VB-SS) - after 18 yrs or so, you will begin to have paid more for VB.

Statistically speaking, the avg owner holds a contract for 10 yrs, so it may not matter. I'd say the issue of expiration date will have a greater overall effect than maint fees. IF you only travel at "off" seasons and have no preference where you'd stay you could save some $$, especially up front. Personally, though I'd be more inclined to use VB as an "add-on" rather than a solo purchase.

 

[gracelrm]

On this board you hear alot about "buy where you want to stay". If you are planning on vacationing at WDW and that's where your heart is set on staying, then you should probably buy WDW points. However, I've never heard of anyone saying they couldn't get something at WDW at the 7 month window. Some times of year it might be harder than others however. Maybe some VB & HH owners will chime in to say if they've ever been unable to make a reservation at WDW.

 

[Caskbill]

Statistically speaking, the avg owner holds a contract for 10 yrs

Interesting statistic. I've never heard that before. Wondering what your source is for that.

 

[kdzgon]

Interesting statistic. I've never heard that before. Wondering what your source is for that.

I was told that by both my Disney guide and my resale sales person, independently (I think it would apply "per contract" - some people will sell but purchase a different replacement contract).. Might be an interesting poll to post here, except I suspect DIS members might be a bit of an exception to the "norm"

 

[crisi]

There is more of a risk of a special assessement for hurricane damage at HH.

 

[madaboutMickey]

We have 2 contracts, one is for HH. Have never had a problem using it for WDW and getting the resort that I wanted. In fact, we have not been to HH yet. It may depend on the time of year you want to go. I usually use those points for a trip in May but have booked for Jan as well. In fact, we are going this Dec and I booked that about 6 months out. Did have to waitlist one day but it came thru in less than a week.
That said, I still believe you are better buying where you want to stay. If you don't care and are willing to take whatever resort has availability HH might work for you.

 

[Dean]

It totally depends on how you will use it. If you want to travel to HH plus WDW, owning HH is reasonable. Being in a position to always have to wait untll 7 months out is not worth the minor savings for most people. Plus, IMO, those that can't plan at least 6-7 months out are not making a reasonable choice to buy DVC.

 

[UConnJack]

Plus, IMO, those that can't plan at least 6-7 months out are not making a reasonable choice to buy DVC.

Normally, I agree with most things you say, but I disagree on this one. We bought DVC because of the flexibility of the point system to make last minute trips (i.e., 1-4 months out). We certainly can plan 6-7 months or more out, but we have done so only twice in our 7 years of owner ship when we had multiple groups or family going with us. Granted, we've traveled a lot on off-season, I have had to use the waitlist a few times (which I always got), and I'm not overly picky about which resort we get (other than SSR), but to say DVC isn't right for people who don't plan 6-7 month out is really a baseless statement. As my kids get older, advance reservations will surely become more necessary, but I am sure we will continue to make last minute trips as well.

 

[Dean]

Normally, I agree with most things you say, but I disagree on this one. We bought DVC because of the flexibility of the point system to make last minute trips (i.e., 1-4 months out). We certainly can plan 6-7 months or more out, but we have done so only twice in our 7 years of owner ship when we had multiple groups or family going with us. Granted, we've traveled a lot on off-season, I have had to use the waitlist a few times (which I always got), and I'm not overly picky about which resort we get (other than SSR), but to say DVC isn't right for people who don't plan 6-7 month out is really a baseless statement. As my kids get older, advance reservations will surely become more necessary, but I am sure we will continue to make last minute trips as well.

To disagree is fine. IMO, it is already getting even harder to book short notice much of the year. Plus part of the time that one can book short notice can also be booked through II as any exchange much cheaper and fairly easily as well for a cost of about 305 of the comparable cost of owning DVC. Inventory goes to breakage at 2 months out so anything after that is a problem. IMO, it's simply either too big a gamble or too expensive for the situation from 0-6 months as a routine use.

 

[UConnJack]

To disagree is fine. IMO, it is already getting even harder to book short notice much of the year. Plus part of the time that one can book short notice can also be booked through II as any exchange much cheaper and fairly easily as well for a cost of about 305 of the comparable cost of owning DVC. Inventory goes to breakage at 2 months out so anything after that is a problem. IMO, it's simply either too big a gamble or too expensive for the situation from 0-6 months as a routine use.

I think you are making the point that II is better for last minute trips since there is more availability and is cheaper? That may be so, but let me qualify my previous statement that "We bought DVC because of the flexibility of the point system to make last minute trips - to WDW"

I agree, it has seemed a little tougher to get reservations lately (particularly the lower point "off seasons"), but I haven't found it restrictively so. Conversely, the higher point seasons have seemed a little easier. Do you think this is because people are being more frugal with points? Or do you think that general difficulty in reservations has been the SSR-effect?

If reservations do get substantially harder to make, I will obviously have to tweak my travel habits. However, I can't see it ever getting that hard unless DVC begins to over sell the resorts. There are only so many points to go around. I guess if everybody religously books 6-11 months out, then last minute reservation will get harder, but I think there will always be last minute planner like me out there?

 

[Dean]

I think you are making the point that II is better for last minute trips since there is more availability and is cheaper? That may be so, but let me qualify my previous statement that "We bought DVC because of the flexibility of the point system to make last minute trips - to WDW"

I agree, it has seemed a little tougher to get reservations lately (particularly the lower point "off seasons"), but I haven't found it restrictively so. Conversely, the higher point seasons have seemed a little easier. Do you think this is because people are being more frugal with points? Or do you think that general difficulty in reservations has been the SSR-effect?

If reservations do get substantially harder to make, I will obviously have to tweak my travel habits. However, I can't see it ever getting that hard unless DVC begins to over sell the resorts. There are only so many points to go around. I guess if everybody religously books 6-11 months out, then last minute reservation will get harder, but I think there will always be last minute planner like me out there?

I think it will continue to get harder for certain resorts and certain times of the year. Partly due to the increased number of points from SSR (AKL will not help much in that regard) and partly due to the members figuring out they have to plan better during the home resort priority. However I suspect one who knows the system, doesn't travel high demand times, and will accept any resort; can still make it work. However I think to buy at this time is different than 5 or 6 years ago. More risk, less short notice options and a highest cost just doesn't add up for that use.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I mean, if I were to buy points at Hilton (to save $$) but used all my points at WDW resorts, would it make any difference?

Boy...I wish I had a DVC point for everytime this subject came up. I'd have enough points to own at each resort and not worry about it!

Seriously, there are many people that have done exactly what you are inquiring about, and they have not suffered for it in anyway. However, if in the future, there are more and more members vying for ressies during peak times at the more popular resorts, you might find yourself only able to get ressies at OKW/SSR (due to the shear size of the resorts) if you are unable to call exactly at the seven month mark. If you don't have a problem staying at either of those resorts, I'd say "go for it"!

With that said, I would also caution you not to lose sight of the fact that contracts at HH/VB seem to take much longer to sell and do have the potential for much higher maint. fees due to their coastal locations and the threat of storm damage.

 

[cruise-o-matic]

I see resales for Hilton Head are pretty inexpensive -- like, $69 per point compared to $89 per point for WDW resorts. I know about the 7/11 windows, but I'm wondering if there's any other major difference? I mean, if I were to buy points at Hilton (to save $$) but used all my points at WDW resorts, would it make any difference? I'm big on saving money, but not if I'm going to suffer for it.

I've been buying Six Flags passes for years, because we've always lived close to one, and travel to others. The pass at the nearest park is $49, and entry at Great Adventure is $60. So, for my $49 pass I can get a $60 entry. I save bucks, and enjoy it all!! Can I get away with that with DVC, or will I be sorry I tried it??

We weighed the options and bought HHI resale. We like the resort and it gives an alternative to going to WDW every year. Plus, we can enjoy the 11 month window for Spring Break and summers at HHI. We have a studio for SB '07 and a 1BR for July '07. There are only 21 of each. We've also booked BCV twice and VWL too.

As far as MFs, HHIs are 3rd lowest after SSR & OKW. And the last 2 years, there has been an overage from the prior year that is applied as a credit (even for the dues the seller paid in '04). I'm interested to see how the '07 dues increase compare with the FLA DVC resorts.

Is the Queen City Charlotte? If so, HHI is about 4 hours away and would be a good option for you.

 

[mikron]

I just looked on the timeshare store list, i can't find any thing under $73.00 per point for HH. I would rather buy at OKW for a little more. I think SSR with family and friends pricing with the extra years is a good deal.

 

[marcomouse]

I own at HHI and have never had a problem using my points at WDW. I also own at VWL and have not been there in 5 years. I think its much harder to get spring and summer ressies at HHI at the 7 month window than anywhere else at any time except xmas. In fact the only time I couldnt use my points at the 7 month window was at VB for a Beach Cottage. If you dont mind staying at any particuliar DVC resort there should not be any problem using your points from VB or HHI at WDW in general. If you only want to stay at 1 particuliar resort than buy that one to insure your 11 month window . If your flexible than go get HHI for $20 less a point.

 

[Diznut84]

I wouldn't buy at HH unless I wanted to stay there. The difference in price between HH and OKW is small, and in my opinion, the difference in the resale price may be significant when Disney quits enforcing ROFR. Just speculation, and perhaps many years from now as well...

 

[kdzgon]

I wouldn't buy at HH unless I wanted to stay there. The difference in price between HH and OKW is small, and in my opinion, the difference in the resale price may be significant when Disney quits enforcing ROFR. Just speculation, and perhaps many years from now as well...

I cannot imagine Disney not enforcing ROFR, but of course it could happen. As long as strong DVC sales contribute to growth in the bottom line, I believe they have a vested interest in continuing ROFR as is.

I don't think the price difference is quite as small as it first appears - right now the HH (and VB) contracts seem to be going for less than or at asking price and OKW is not passing ROFR even in the upper 70s (I don't think the diff between HH and OKW is close to 20, though). As we were adding on with HH I compared the price to other smaller add-ons - both SSR direct and all resales - and even with MF differences and without time value of $$, we're ahead OOP for the next 30 yrs.

I think the potential difference in resale (time and price) is of greater concern than possible changes in ROFR. I am curious though if HH contracts (esp smaller ones) might go for a premium during high season there.

 

[Dean]

I cannot imagine Disney not enforcing ROFR, but of course it could happen. As long as strong DVC sales contribute to growth in the bottom line, I believe they have a vested interest in continuing ROFR as is.

I don't think the price difference is quite as small as it first appears - right now the HH (and VB) contracts seem to be going for less than or at asking price and OKW is not passing ROFR even in the upper 70s (I don't think the diff between HH and OKW is close to 20, though). As we were adding on with HH I compared the price to other smaller add-ons - both SSR direct and all resales - and even with MF differences and without time value of $$, we're ahead OOP for the next 30 yrs.

I think the potential difference in resale (time and price) is of greater concern than possible changes in ROFR. I am curious though if HH contracts (esp smaller ones) might go for a premium during high season there.

I think you are incorrectly assuming DVC exercises ROFR for the income directly related, this would be wrong. They do it to drive potential purchases to retail. They make little money overall doing this. Why would they go through this to make a combined $10-20 p when they can make $40-50 pp on the retail. And at the same time compete with those more lucrative sales when they resell them. Also don't believe what some do, that they're doing it for the benefit of the members who want to add on. They do it for themselves and the profit therein.