Home Resort Question

[Capo]

We are contemplating buying into DVC in the coming months. This is our question:

My family and I are pretty laid back when it comes to WHAT DVC location we stay at while visiting WDW. The only thing we may care about is what type of room we're able to get, whether that is a studio, 1 room, or 2 room suite.

As such, would we be ok buying resale from the lowest price-per-point we can get (say hilton head or one of the other cheap ones?). We may likely never even stay at these cheap locations, but the intent would be to buy in to have access to the points to use as the other WDW DVC locations.

Also, we are rather frugal and flexible, meaning we would RARELY stay anywhere during a peak season where we would have to use a lot of our points. More than likely, we would visit in off months such as January or September.. or maybe early December.

The downside to not having our home at a place we want to stay is obviously that we can only book 7 months out. But, since we will usually always be staying during an off time and we really don't care what resort we stay at (we like variety) would this be a good and safe bet for us?

 

[chalee94]

As such, would we be ok buying resale from the lowest price-per-point we can get (say hilton head or one of the other cheap ones?). We may likely never even stay at these cheap locations, but the intent would be to buy in to have access to the points to use as the other WDW DVC locations.

if you buy at OKW or SSR and can book at more than 7 months, it is a good plan. buying at HH or VB is a sucker's bet IMO. but you can roll the dice if you like.

Also, we are rather frugal and flexible, meaning we would RARELY stay anywhere during a peak season where we would have to use a lot of our points. More than likely, we would visit in off months such as January or September.. or maybe early December.

early december IS peak season in DVC. jan can also be tricky. sept probably isn't too bad but you need to do a little more research IMO.

 

[5forDiz]

DVC popular travel times can be different than what may traditionally be thought of as a peak travel time because of low point usage required during a particular season & other factors.

If your goal is to book majority of your travel onsite at WDW jmho buy at an onsite DVC and not at HHI or VB and your savings purchasing at HHI or VB will not be what you are anticipating when you factor in what dues are at these two resorts. If you're looking for the most for your money at an onsite that will probably be SSR which is still probably at most attractive pricing on the resale market and dues at SSR are among lowest too.

Best wishes as you continue to research

 

[chalee94]

take your time and scan through different threads on the DVC forums for a while.

for example, here is a thread that isn't specific to your question but addresses some of the same issues - i.e. what to buy if you just want points to use at 7 months.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2253480&page=2

 

[vzdisnuts]

We are contemplating buying into DVC in the coming months. This is our question:

My family and I are pretty laid back when it comes to WHAT DVC location we stay at while visiting WDW. The only thing we may care about is what type of room we're able to get, whether that is a studio, 1 room, or 2 room suite.

As such, would we be ok buying resale from the lowest price-per-point we can get (say hilton head or one of the other cheap ones?). We may likely never even stay at these cheap locations, but the intent would be to buy in to have access to the points to use as the other WDW DVC locations.

Also, we are rather frugal and flexible, meaning we would RARELY stay anywhere during a peak season where we would have to use a lot of our points. More than likely, we would visit in off months such as January or September.. or maybe early December.

The downside to not having our home at a place we want to stay is obviously that we can only book 7 months out. But, since we will usually always be staying during an off time and we really don't care what resort we stay at (we like variety) would this be a good and safe bet for us?

If you view things purely from a cost per point for the purchase price, then your logic is relatively sound. HOWEVER, please take the time to perform a "total cost of ownership" analysis on any purchase before jumping. Besides the obvious purchase price, you'll also have to consider the annual maintenance fees and the expiration date for the contract. VB and HHI will expire in 2042, OKW in 2042 (or 2057 for extended contracts) and SSR in 2054. The maintenance fees (MF) vary widely from just over $3 for BLT and VGC up to $6.41 for VB. For comparison, note that the MF for SSR is currently $4.34 versus $6.41 for VB and $5.36 for HHI. It would only take a few years to "spend" back in higher maintenance fees any savings on the purchase price of a cheaper contract. Make sure you consider the value of the longer contract length as well.

Most folks on this site will recommend buying where you like to stay. That's the best advice going.

 

[Kmango]

There's a reason why September's an off-peak time: Hurricane season.

 

[backyardponder]

I'd at least take one of the WDW resorts so you can use the 11 month advantage if you want to. As a previous poster said, early December is busy since points are low and holiday decorations are up.

 

[Capo]

Thanks for the information, those are certainly good points to consider in regards to the maintenance fees and the the length of our contract.

I definitely think we would be interested in something ending 2050 or later and I equally agree that the maintenance fees alone make up the price difference.

I'll do some more reading.

 

[DebbieB]

Although unlikely, one risk with buying where you would not stay is if DVC would pull the resort out of DVC you would not be able to stay anywhere else. Or if there was a catastrophe and DVC decided not to rebuild (example - hurricane hit). Something to consider for a resort outside WDW and you want to stay at WDW.

 

[chalee94]

here's another good thread to read, BTW.

 

[DVCGeek]

As such, would we be ok buying resale from the lowest price-per-point we can get (say hilton head or one of the other cheap ones?).

As others have said, due to the higher dues at Vero & HHI (not to mention that you want to go to WDW), I would NOT buy there in your situation. For maximum contract length and lowest price in the very long term, I'd buy at BLT. To balance short & long term costs, I'd probably go for SSR. Likewise, if you aren't interested in going to DL as often as WDW, I would NOT buy at VGC.

Good luck with your choice and have fun with whatever Disney-ing you do!

 

[yekcoh_99]

Also, we are rather frugal and flexible, meaning we would RARELY stay anywhere during a peak season where we would have to use a lot of our points. More than likely, we would visit in off months such as January or September.. or maybe early December.

early december IS peak season in DVC. jan can also be tricky. sept probably isn't too bad but you need to do a little more research IMO.
__________________
-Charles

Actually Capo you are correct early Dec is not peak season however it is very busy.

We were in the same boat before we recently bought after lots of research we decided HH & VB are a terrible place to buy unless thats were you want to stay. The MF's are outragous. Look at SSR & OKW these seem to be the best value if you don't mind staying there. Hope this helps.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Also, we are rather frugal and flexible, meaning we would RARELY stay anywhere during a peak season where we would have to use a lot of our points. More than likely, we would visit in off months such as January or September.. or maybe early December.

early december IS peak season in DVC. jan can also be tricky. sept probably isn't too bad but you need to do a little more research IMO.
__________________
-Charles

Actually Capo you are correct early Dec is not peak season however it is very busy.

We were in the same boat before we recently bought after lots of research we decided HH & VB are a terrible place to buy unless thats were you want to stay. The MF's are outragous. Look at SSR & OKW these seem to be the best value if you don't mind staying there. Hope this helps.

It may be what you consider to be peak. High points? Busy times?

Early Dec has very low points and the crowds aren't bad, but just try to get some reservations at 7 months out. Not going to happen. Most members book December at 11 months out and some go on waiting lists at 10 months out.