If you could only choose based on economics

[mdurette]

If you were in the market for DVC right now and location were of no concern what location would you purchase in that would give you the biggest bang for your buck.

I am thinking SSR because of lower resale cost per point, lower fees and the contract end it still out there.

 

[johde]

In terms of "bang for your buck", I would go with AKV, and BWV before SSR. The deciding factor for me would be the lower number of points per night would trump the lower fees. For example during Adventure season, the cheapest studio in AKV is 8 pts a night and at BWV it is 9 pts a night. At SSR it is 11 pts a night. Value rooms at AKV and STD View at BWV are in short supply so you would want to be a member if you are going to take advantage of these room frequently. I own at OKW and I've booked BWV Std view a few times but its been in September when demand is the lowest. I have tried twice in early December and my wait list didn't come through and I ended up at my home resort of OKW (which I also love).

 

[wdw1972]

Just curious - why would anyone buy dvc for the "best economic" outcome??? This is a VACATION - we should buy to stay where we want to be. Buying OKW or BLT for lower dues makes no sense if where we truly want to be is Vero Beach at spring break! Or buying SSR if we really want to be at BCV or BWV for Food & Wine. Economics don't mean squat if you're not where you want to be, when it comes to prepaying your lodging for the next 35-50 years.

 

[Brian Noble]

I can think of several reasons. Not the least of which: if you can't plan more than 7 months in advance, points are points.

I like going on vacation. But, if I can pay less for the same vacation experience, why then I'm happy to do so. If you'd rather pay more for the same vacation experience, then you are free to as well.

 

[mdurette]

Well Sue - I will try to answer your question.

We go to Disney 2-3 times per year and have been very lucky to use other TS resorts we own and trade in from II. But, I do know that someday that plan won't work especially when my DD goes to school then I will be looking for higher demand times that when we go now.

For me - there are pros to every DVC location I have been to. Some I like the onsite food services more than others, some I like the rooms, some I like the location within the world.

The reason we go to Disney is NOT to stay in a particular resort - it is to go to the parks and enjoy the day - honestly the room is a place to rest my head at night, take a walk, grab some breakfast. I don't spend alot of time there. So, that is why I would look at it purely on a money factor.

I know they next thing is - it's a lot of money to spend to simply crash at night, why not just go to one of the All Stars. CORRECT!

Simple - I like a large room - with a separate bedroom when I vacation - heck that is why I own time shares. My husband and child can go crash for the night and I can still catch the evening news in another room without bothering anyone.

 

[DeeCee735]

Buying with the factor of getting the most for your money is always a smart idea, no matter what you're buying. So if location is of no concern you want to own DVC, I think you should look at points cost per night. Contract length would matter more (in our opinion) if we were younger, but we'll be in our 80's (hopefully ), so the shorter contracts vs. the longer make no difference. BLT for instance, we'll be dead just a fact!

Therefore I think it's wise to look at OKW or BWV like the previous poster mentioned. The rooms are bigger and there is a full laundry room with full size side by side washer and dryer in OKW, and the points are the lowest, I'm guessing it's pretty reasonable cost per point on the resale market for both OKW and BWV. BWV has a nice point per night cost on their standard views (which is what we always choose), and the location of the BW and the boardwalk entertainment at night are awesome.

If it were me, I'd take these things into consideration. Good luck and happy planning.

 

[mdurette]

Thanks to all that mentioned the points per night. I have researched to death upfront cost and annual cost. Didn't even occur to me to look at per night room cost - well points. Thanks!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thanks to all that mentioned the points per night. I have researched to death upfront cost and annual cost. Didn't even occur to me to look at per night room cost - well points. Thanks!

You may want to also look at how well a resort keeps its value over time.

Unless we get an extension offer...most of the 2042 resorts will start losing value in the next few years.

I agree that with SSR going for $70-$75 / pt, it is a tremendous bargain right now. However, its also usually available through most of the 7 month time frame. I think the low need for having the 8-11 month advantage also lowers the value of SSR.

You can reasonably argue for why OKW, SSR, BWV, or even AKV is a great value. Why not BCV and VWL? No discount is needed.

 

[Dean]

The cheapest now will be HH and VB but I think both will be more in the long run due to the dues. OKW will be the cheapest on property but is a 2042 resort unless extended and then it likely won't be the cheapest. SSR is likely the best value as a combo of price, dues and expiration date. The best value might be different given your vacation preferences. IMO, the price from lowest to highest is not enough difference to drive one away from the buy where you want to stay.

Actually the cheapest option is to buy a non Orlando Timeshare and trade in to Orlando yearly. This can be done for as little as a few dollars to $1000 up front plus the closing costs and yearly fees in the $400-500 range or less plus the cost of an exchange membership fee and exchange fees. One can do it for Marriott for under $2000 up front, with yearly as low as $350 plus exchange company fees. And in doing so one can stay in hotels in many ways as nice or nicer than the DVC resorts. It simply depends on the value one puts on staying on property. Of course it is possible for some situations to do the same and exchange in to DVC resorts for less as well.

 

[JimC]

If you want DVC, I agree with Dean that is SSR probably the best value to buy and own. But I would combine that with OKW as the place to stay with the SSR points because of the lower point values.

 

[mdurette]

"Actually the cheapest option is to buy a non Orlando Timeshare and trade in to Orlando yearly."

A-hah: You certainly hit that on the head - that is what I do now. I have 2 great traders that cost me next to nothing upfront and in monthly fees. One is a lockoff - so technically I get 3 traders - plus the ACs.

In the back of my head I know that if I can get into DVC with my traders that cost me peanuts I should just keep it that way. My only concern was not being able to get busier weeks once my daughter starts school in a few years.

I think the best option is for now is to hold off - wait those couple of years and see if my traders will work if I put in my requests very, very early.

Thanks for all your input!!!

 

[Dean]

"Actually the cheapest option is to buy a non Orlando Timeshare and trade in to Orlando yearly."

A-hah: You certainly hit that on the head - that is what I do now. I have 2 great traders that cost me next to nothing upfront and in monthly fees. One is a lockoff - so technically I get 3 traders - plus the ACs.

In the back of my head I know that if I can get into DVC with my traders that cost me peanuts I should just keep it that way. My only concern was not being able to get busier weeks once my daughter starts school in a few years.

I think the best option is for now is to hold off - wait those couple of years and see if my traders will work if I put in my requests very, very early.

Thanks for all your input!!!

Trading in during peak times is hit or miss though possible for summer if you're flexible. You need to be willing to accept a studio or 1 BR for that time. One option is to buy a limited number of points, book part or all of a trip on points while searching with II. Then if you get the exchange, you can rent the points, bank them or use them for other options. Even if you need more space such as a 2 BR, you could still look for a smaller unit and use less DVC points if you get an exchange smaller than you need or prefer. Thinking about it, this combo (points plus trading in through II) seems to be the best of both worlds for some situations, esp for those willing to be a little unconventional and willing to invest a few dollars to pay as you play. Two exchange fees, two resort services, II membership fee and maint fee of a lockoff could easily give you the equivalent of a 2 BR at DVC and possibly two 1 BR units for at about $4 a point or less. That assumes a full week stay of course. But it is a little more complicated and there is risk you will not get what you want, something that owning a smaller contract could insulate you from.

 

[chrisw127]

I think if location or money were not an option, I would go with VWL because I think it's beautiful and I like the grounds. However, since location is an issue, I prefer BLT. Also, I think if you want to sell your points in a decade or so, the longer BLT's longer contract would enable you to get more of your money back. Of course, it's also more expensive. Really, I don't know. It's such an emotional decision, I guess.

 

[crisi]

I'd give OKW an edge over SSR in terms of value. Bigger rooms and lower points make up for a higher initial purchase price to get the extended date. Dues are similar and I think the risk over the life of the contract is that SSR will become slightly more expensive dues wise. Or it may not.

Don't count on BWV standard view rooms (or cheap AKL/BLT rooms) unless you are planning eleven months out.

 

[dizney4us]

I think the low need for having the 8-11 month advantage also lowers the value of SSR.


Unless you are hoping for a THV, I think you'll probaly need a home resort advantage for that one. JMO!

 

[troynkasey]

Just curious - why would anyone buy dvc for the "best economic" outcome??? This is a VACATION - we should buy to stay where we want to be. Buying OKW or BLT for lower dues makes no sense if where we truly want to be is Vero Beach at spring break! Or buying SSR if we really want to be at BCV or BWV for Food & Wine. Economics don't mean squat if you're not where you want to be, when it comes to prepaying your lodging for the next 35-50 years.

Same reason not everyone stays at the GF or CR...economics. Some can't afford the additional costs. And one would guess that what you enjoy now will not be the same lodging you enjoy in 35 years. For instance...AKV would be great now for families and small children with the animals, but SSR would be great for a calm relaxing vacation when approaching retirement or already retired. Especially with the spa.