I mean at this point, why is anyone buying direct?

[AstroBlasters]

I agree that it’s a significant saving and I’d have gone resale, but you’re overstating your savings by not considering the incentives.

Aulani savings per point would have been over $40.

I agree that incentives would adjust the number, but it would depend on when purchased and the amount purchased. Even using your $40 incentive number (which would not be the case of purchased in chunks instead of all at once) it would still be a savings of over SIXTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS.

The “savings” lead to me purchasing more points which means that I would be more likely to book the “harder to get” larger/more expensive villas at WDW in the years we travel there.

 

[TinkB278]

Which resale prices have increased over the past year?

I was interested in AKV and it’s increased by about $30/point over the last couple of years. I considered a small resale add on there but it would only save me a few thousand over more direct RIV points that are unrestricted and have a longer contract life.

 

[tjkraz]

Can you explain to me why you think I needed to spend half a million to save that money when I gave you the price per point that I paid.

AUL: $217 direct - $96 resale = $121pp
$121 * 575 points = $69,575.

VGC: $320 direct - $225 resale = $95pp
$95 * 200 points = $19,000

Total saved: $69,575 + $19,000 = $88,575

$96 * 575 = $55,200
$225 * 200 = $44,000

Total spent: $55,200 + $44,000 = $100,200

You made out very well for yourself but those numbers are embellished a bit.

When you went to ROFR, the net direct price on 500+ Aulani points was $164 each. Also I believe you said something about the contract(s) being stripped. DVC will sell what are essentially loaded contracts. Could have gotten a December UY with 2021 points included or February UY with 2022 points.

As for VGC, DVC hasn't ROFRed a contract in years. The $325 price is basically fictitious. I'm guessing you really wanted to own there and buying direct isn't an option. I don't know that I'd call the difference "savings."

Direct VGF won’t get me into VGC, so that doesn’t matter. You have to compare apples to apples.

We stayed at VGC in May 2022 for 4 nights, booked at 7 months. Also we owned points at VGC for about 8-9 years and had a lot of success adding on to our trips using non-VGC points. Times have changed, especially now post-covid with a lot of the points backlog still working itself out. VGC has never been "easy" to book, but also not impossible. Addition of 300+ rooms at VDH will relieve some pressure.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Aulani direct 575 points = $95,753 currently
VGC probably not available direct.

I didn’t purchase them all at the same time, so my direct price would have been materially higher. If I went direct I would have just purchased 150 to 200 points and stopped.

I agree with your VGC point, but I used the actual direct pricing.

 

[mrsdoubie]

I bought direct because the home resort I wanted was being heavily bought back by Disney at the time. After 2 contracts getting bought and lots of time passing I was just ready to have my points so I could start my Disney trips. I also wanted access to the cheaper AP since I knew I would be going for 15-20+ days per year.

 

[AstroBlasters]

You made out very well for yourself but those numbers are embellished a bit.

When you went to ROFR, the net direct price on 500+ Aulani points was $164 each. Also I believe you said something about the contract(s) being stripped. DVC will sell what are essentially loaded contracts. Could have gotten a December UY with 2021 points included or February UY with 2022 points.

As for VGC, DVC hasn't ROFRed a contract in years. The $325 price is basically fictitious. I'm guessing you really wanted to own there and buying direct isn't an option. I don't know that I'd call the difference "savings."


We stayed at VGC in May 2022 for 4 nights, booked at 7 months. Also we owned points at VGC for about 8-9 years and had a lot of success adding on to our trips using non-VGC points. Times have changed, especially now post-covid with a lot of the points backlog still working itself out. VGC has never been "easy" to book, but also not impossible. Addition of 300+ rooms at VDH will relieve some pressure.

Only the VGC was partially stripped, none of the AUL contracts were. One was double loaded.

 

[Brett Wyman]

There are basically zero substantive benefits to buying direct at this point. Who exactly is still buying direct? Is Disney even managing to sell any direct contracts?

Its simply a point of pride for some. I don't understand it myself, but some just like having that "blue card" vibe.

 

[RanDIZ]

I would always go into it with the mindset of buying where you want to stay. And with that thought, future resort restrictions won’t even be a factor. And at this pace, how many new DVC do we really see Disney pulling the trigger on after these last few years? Add to it that I’ll bet a 5th gate is more of a priority now than anything. The math has been done and it would take years to break even on direct. It’s worse than pulling off the lot with a new vehicle. Value drops significantly.

 

[RanDIZ]

Its simply a point of pride for some. I don't understand it myself, but some just like having that "blue card" vibe.

You’re right. I see those comments a lot around here. I don’t know who prides themselves on spending $1000’s more for $100’s of savings. Doesn’t make sense.

 

[davidhr]

You’re right. I see those comments a lot around here. I don’t know who prides themselves on spending $1000’s more for $100’s of savings. Doesn’t make sense.

Can’t the same be said about resale owners? (I’ve been both). A lot of pride about saving more than others, when probably that’s not the main driver for them.

IMHO, both are wrong and right. People have different priorities

 

[havoc315]

I paid an average of 11.52 a point (with dues) for my AUL points.

If I rent at $18pp then I still made $6.47pp.

If I pay $20pp to rent RIV or DLH then I am losing a delta of $2pp vs renting my points. The direct buy in price delta would take 60 years (not including TVM) to make up.

How is that at a loss?

You just said it -- a loss of $2 per point.

But I always think the "and I can rent out my points to rent other points" isn't a really strong argument. I mean, I can work overtime and use the money to rent additional points. I can rent out my beach house and use the money to book airfare to Italy. Yes, you can always do something to make money and use that money towards something.

But as you said -- It's a loss of $2 (or more.... at times, you may get $16 per point at Aulani and may $25 to get 11 month points at a heavily demanded resort) per point, each time you do it.

Again --- Yes, resale "saves" money. Unquestionably -- You pay less to get less. If the "less" you are getting is sufficient for you, then it's an excellent deal for you. If you want to have access to every DVC resort for the next 40+ years without going through contortions, then it's not a very good deal.

 

[RanDIZ]

Can’t the same be said about resale owners? (I’ve been both). A lot of pride about saving more than others, when probably that’s not the main driver for them.

IMHO, both are wrong and right. People have different priorities

My decision to buy resale over direct was based solely on the savings. I had no desire to stay anywhere other than my home resort. That option is just a bonus in my eyes. It's very clear that the avg Disney consumer doesn't care what Disney charges. I'd be willing to bet the majority of DVC is financed which adds even more costs to the overall purchase. Prices continue to rise much faster than inflation at WDW. I combat this by going to the parks less and enjoying the resort. But yes, people have different priorities.

 

[MarkNC2Disney]

Held unto expiration, buying resale saves like 10% on the TCO.

There are better things to argue about.


(I know, I know…exit strategy blah blah…)

 

[havoc315]

Direct VGF won’t get me into VGC, so that doesn’t matter. You have to compare apples to apples.

Also, I don’t feel “very limited” when we have the same 7-month window at 14 of 16 resorts for the next 19 years.

And once again, that goes back to my original statement ---

My statement:

"Resale makes sense if:
-you’re only looking to own for 10-15 years..
-and/or you’re ok with what will become a very limited selection of resorts."

Yes, for under 19 years --- Of resorts that current exist, you get that window in 14 out of 16. (though it could just as easily become 14 out of 20 if they continue adding new resorts every 3-5 years).

So still not bad, 14 out of 20, for the next 18 1/2 years..
And then at that point, potentially just 9 out of 20... with no Epcot resorts, and none of the "newer" resorts...
Then, by 2057... Over the last few years of potential DVC ownership, Maybe only 6 out of 20..

As I said, resale is great if you're only looking to own for 10-15 years OR you're ok with what becomes a very limited selection of resorts after that point.

 

[RanDIZ]

Direct VGF won’t get me into VGC, so that doesn’t matter. You have to compare apples to apples.

Also, I don’t feel “very limited” when we have the same 7-month window at 14 of 16 resorts for the next 19 years.

Great point that I think is overlooked when buying direct. Sure, you can book anywhere, but good luck at the 7 month mark. It’s safe to say everyone is restricted outside of their home resort.

 

[tjkraz]

Great point that I think is overlooked when buying direct. Sure, you can book anywhere, but good luck at the 7 month mark. It’s safe to say everyone is restricted outside of their home resort.

Huh? There is tons of availability right now in the April - July timeframe.

 

[DVCsloth]

Great point that I think is overlooked when buying direct. Sure, you can book anywhere, but good luck at the 7 month mark. It’s safe to say everyone is restricted outside of their home resort.

We've had pretty good luck staying at WDW properties at 7 months. We book at 11 months and change right at 7 months. May be an issue with VGC, but we would most likely just rent a hotel and combine it with whatever we can book at VGC.

 

[AstroBlasters]

And once again, that goes back to my original statement ---

My statement:

"Resale makes sense if:
-you’re only looking to own for 10-15 years..
-and/or you’re ok with what will become a very limited selection of resorts."

Yes, for under 19 years --- Of resorts that current exist, you get that window in 14 out of 16. (though it could just as easily become 14 out of 20 if they continue adding new resorts every 3-5 years).

So still now bad, 14 out of 20, for the next 18 1/2 years..
And then at that point, potentially just 9 out of 20... with no Epcot resorts, and none of the "newer" resorts...
Then, by 2057... Over the last few years of potential DVC ownership, Maybe only 6 out of 20..

As I said, resale is great if you're only looking to own for 10-15 years OR you're over with what becomes a very limited selection of resorts after that point.

why are you saying 10-15 years when the first associations don’t expire for 19 years?

 

[AstroBlasters]

Great point that I think is overlooked when buying direct. Sure, you can book anywhere, but good luck at the 7 month mark. It’s safe to say everyone is restricted outside of their home resort.

You can buy whatever home resort you want resale. You don’t need to buy direct.

 

[RanDIZ]

You can buy whatever home resort you want resale. You don’t need to buy direct.

I know. I only own resale. AKV and CCV. I was saying that those who go into direct thinking it’s a benefit because you’re not restricted from other resorts. Yes that’s true, but only if you’re lucky enough at the 7 month mark. I know seasons play a big role too. Oct-Jan is extremely difficult at 7 mths.