How important do you think UY is for me?

[Hettie]

Hi everyone! I'm new to the DVC boards, but not to the DIS, just been MIA for awhile. DH and I have always dreamed of owning DVC but direct prices have always been out of our reach for a cash purchase. I wasn't aware of the resale market so I'm really glad I've been lurking around here and getting some education because now we have decided to purchase. I'm just looking for the right contract--I've figured out the range of points I am looking for, which home resort, and what would be good UYs, I'm just wondering how important the UY really is for us.

We will probably travel to WDW most frequently during Spring and Fall, maybe sometimes throughout the summer. Our schedule is pretty flexible, can go anytime and really enjoy the F & W and F & G fests. The least likely times for us to go are Dec, Jan, and Feb just because of the inconsistent weather and we love our pool and sun time, part of the reason I want to do DVC is for more resort time.

Based on that I have determined that March (1st choice) or April UYs would be best, but resale pickings are slim and I'm wondering how much of a factor UY really is for us. Those are two of the least common UYs and I'm seeing a lot more Dec and Oct available for purchase. If I go for a UY with a low number of available contracts now, how difficultmis it going to be to find small contracts later on when we get the inevitable addonitis? We're not really in a big rush to buy, although it would be nice to have our membership for our fall trip for discount APs and TIW card, even if we aren't able to use points for our room.

Any thoughts or suggestions are welcome! I've found the DVC boards invaluable in making this decision, thanks to all of you for the information and research that is provided.

 

[ELMC]

Good questions. I think you're right, based on your travel patterns you would do well with March or April UY. You might also do well with a February UY, which is MUCH more common. I wouldn't worry too much about how your use year will affect any potential future purchases. While it is easier to manage one use year, we like the flexibility that comes from having multiple use years as our vacation habits are constantly changing. Despite what some might say, managing multiple use years is relatively simple.

Good luck with your purchase!

 

[abner1776]

I've always felt that the selection of UY is a bit overblown. Yes, I will agree that in certain circumstances UY can have an impact on members vacations, but for the vast majority of us, we book our vacations and take our vacations. In those cases, UY is not important.

Also, our vacation patterns can and will change over our lifetimes as our kids get older and we get older. You may love F&W now but in 10 years you may find yourselves going to F&G more than F&W and your selection of UY is turned on it's head.

I would never overpay for one UY over another.

 

[dbs1228]

I think the most important part of UY is just understanding what it is! We traveled to Disney every Feb for 18 years and when we decided to buy we were unaware of UY and our guide sold us a Aug UY at BLT. (bought direct since BLT was the only resort at the time we were interested in resale was very limited at the time) Once learning about UY importance I was a bit upset that we were sold an Aug UY when the guide knew we travel in Feb. Well..... since owning our vacation travel has changed since 2 DD's are now in college and the third will be going in the fall. We have used our DVC in Feb several times, May, early Dec and NYE. I am thinking over the next few years we will be locked into NYE or Jan time frame. DH and I want to try F&W in 2014 so for us UY really does not matter.

 

[disneynutz]

UY is free insurance that allows you to bank your points should you have to cancel your vacation during the first 8 months of the UY.

You may never need to cancel but people do get sick or family emergencies can happen.

Some people like insurance, some don't.

Bill

 

[AmyB2006]

I have to agree with pp that said UY is "overblown".

As long as you understand the dates you have to work within, it really doesn't matter. As mentioned, traveling dates and patterns can always change. You can always bank and borrow when needed. UY has never been an issue for me, so maybe that's why I don't understand why it is for some.

We travel in October, December, and February/March, for now. Our UY is April for what it's worth. It's never been an issue.