Is DVC for us?

[darly2004]

Hello all. I am relatively new at posting on this forum, but have been reading this forum for years. We had looked into buying DVC about 4 years ago (when the price was very low), but ended up buying into Marriott instead. What had stopped us was the fact that DVC was more expensive and you could really only use it in FL and at that time, Aulani was just starting to be sold.

Now fast forward 4 years, we have one more child (total of 3 kids) and are loving our other timeshare and the space it provides. I grew up going to Disneyland and loved it. DH and I also went a lot when we were dating. Now not so much since we have since moved out of state. Our older 2 are at the age when they are really looking forward to visiting WDW. We have a trip tentatively planned for summer 2017 to WDW. So, I have started looking into DVC again to see if we would be able to get better accommodation rather than paying the Disney rates or even from renting points ($14-$16/pt from what I understand?).

So, if we were to go to WDW, we would likely be staying at a deluxe resort. DH is thinking the Contemporary or BLT since it is close to MK and would be good for afternoon naps. As stated previously, we love a larger space. Our youngest will be just under 2, so we can still stay in the regular room but 1 bedroom would be so much nicer. We will likely make trips to WDW every 3-5 years since we are on the West Coast, but will likely plan trips to Aulani or HHI in between. Our other timeshare is right next to Aulani, so can stretch our Hawaii trips to 2 week stays. Therefore, we are looking for a smallish (160 pt) contract. We don't mind planning vacations way in advance. In fact, I prefer it since it gives me something to look forward to. We are used to how timeshare works as far as housekeeping goes... we are ok with once a week cleaning. We also bought our Marriott without seeing it first and ended up loving it. We would be paying cash for the purchase so no financing needed.

The hesitation I have is if DVC is worth it if we don't plan on keeping it forever. I am thinking 15 year timeline since that is when the kids will be grown. Not sure if they'd be interested in going with us at that time. I don't think we'd go (maybe to Aulani) to WDW when we are in our 50s by ourselves. Also, we are thinking of purchasing at AKV since it is cheaper than BLT. I know a lot of people say to buy where you'd want to stay. Would it be hard to get BLT, Aulani or HHI if we were interested in staying there? We don't mind staying at AKV if we are at WDW, but would like the option to travel to places outside of FL.

If you have read this far and have any input, I truly appreciate it!

 

[craigkerstiens]

The advice to buy where you most want to stay is very much true. While you can get some places 7 months out, BLT will be a bit harder. I'm unsure of Aulani but suspect it and HHI would be a bit easier. As for the 3-5 years, that seems fine if you make some trips to Aulani or HHI.

As for the 15 year timeline, there's a good chance you'll be able to resell your contract then just fine. Is it going to be massively cheaper than renting points? Maybe not by a ton, but my some. Some back of the envelope math, BWV is selling at about $85 a point, dues are $6 a point. Let's assume dues raise go up to $10 by 15 years from now, over the average your dues will be $8, and then 85/15 = 5.6, so you're looking at $13.60 per point over the next 15 years. Of course at the end of this you still have your points with some remaining contract and you also expect the price of renting will go up.

For us, we enjoy more space and the deluxe resorts. While we didn't always stay at a deluxe one before DVC, that we can feel that we're paying about what we would have for a moderate resort and be where we want to it made it worth it.

 

[supersnoop]

Be sure you consider the maintenance fees when determining which is "cheaper." BLT is much more competitive than you might realize. You will be able to get a lake view at BLT most of the year at 7 months out. If you need a standard view to save points, or if you want a theme park view, you really need to own there.

I think it makes sense to purchase if you have a 15 year ownership expectation.

 

[kollerbear]

The hesitation I have is if DVC is worth it if we don't plan on keeping it forever. I am thinking 15 year timeline since that is when the kids will be grown. Not sure if they'd be interested in going with us at that time. I don't think we'd go (maybe to Aulani) to WDW when we are in our 50s by ourselves. Also, we are thinking of purchasing at AKV since it is cheaper than BLT. I know a lot of people say to buy where you'd want to stay. Would it be hard to get BLT, Aulani or HHI if we were interested in staying there? We don't mind staying at AKV if we are at WDW, but would like the option to travel to places outside of FL.

If you have read this far and have any input, I truly appreciate it!

I know that resale and renting seem to be good options for people who don't want to keep their contracts forever. I will say my parents bought at a surprising time for me and my sisters--I was probably in high school and the youngest was probably like, 9. There were a couple years where my parents managed their points poorly (because they were busy and not interested) and I think some points went to waste. However, fast forward to now, I have taken over managing their points (they are in their mid-50s and were very happy to have me take this over) because I can't stand to see the vacation time go to waste. If we ever were NOT going to use points, I would coordinate renting them out. I have used their expiring points to make trips with my fiance (now husband), my sisters and I went the three of us last year, and I have a mom and me trip planned for January. I've also managed trips for others in my family without me going--for example, my sisters plan to visit with their SO's. Now that I'm expecting a baby, my parents had the idea to add on at Poly so that they could go on trips with the baby at a monorail resort. The nice thing about WDW is you might be surprised how you end up wanting to use those points as your kids get older, and you've got a fair amount of flexibility.

My parents own at Saratoga Springs and I will say it is HARD to find BLT for a full stretch of vacation unless you are planning on a quieter time (e.g. January). I don't love Saratoga Springs, so we have resorted in the past to doing 2 day splits. We've gotten Boardwalk, Beach Club, Grand Floridian, both AKLs, the Poly, and Bay Lake Towers... BUT only for 2-3 days at a time with a Saratoga contract. If you want to stay at BLT predominantly for long stretches of time, you should buy BLT. HHI, however, is not very hard to get on shorter notice.

EDIT: I looked and PP was right-- there does seem to be good availability 5-7 mos. out right now, which would include spring break mos.. I'd be a little worried in the summer and in December (when I usually have planned our trips) but if you are flexible with the time of year you go (and are willing to compromise on resort, push comes to shove, or room category) you might not have too hard of a time.

 

[kollerbear]

Be sure you consider the maintenance fees when determining which is "cheaper." BLT is much more competitive than you might realize. You will be able to get a lake view at BLT most of the year at 7 months out. If you need a standard view to save points, or if you want a theme park view, you really need to own there.

I think it makes sense to purchase if you have a 15 year ownership expectation.

I have to say that hasn't really been my experience--but when I went to look at current availability you are totally right--there is very good lake view availability in the 5-7 month out range and so-so availability in the standard view range. I wonder what that would look like in the summer and during busier times of the year, but yeah, that's not bad.

 

[DenLo]

You might change your mind and keep your DVC contract later. We didn't buy into DVC until we were in our 50s. We use it mainly for the two of us. Every so often we will bring some family with us, but not regularly. We love our DVC especially for staying at WDW and going to the parks.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Buying at WDW for every three to five years isn't really worth it. You can only use three years worth of points (bank a year, borrow a year and use the current year). If you would use it at DL, you really want to buy VGC, not anything at WDW because trading into VGC is going to be difficult at seven months out. If you use it often enough for DL, it might be worth it.

We're into year 17 of our initial purchase at OKW. We talk about selling it, but we still like to go. I can see us using it for several more years. We don't take anyone, just us, but our son might join us if he can get free. But if he's working there (just an internship and college program for now and hoping for a job after the college program), we keep going.

 

[darly2004]

The advice to buy where you most want to stay is very much true. While you can get some places 7 months out, BLT will be a bit harder. I'm unsure of Aulani but suspect it and HHI would be a bit easier. As for the 3-5 years, that seems fine if you make some trips to Aulani or HHI.

As for the 15 year timeline, there's a good chance you'll be able to resell your contract then just fine. Is it going to be massively cheaper than renting points? Maybe not by a ton, but my some. Some back of the envelope math, BWV is selling at about $85 a point, dues are $6 a point. Let's assume dues raise go up to $10 by 15 years from now, over the average your dues will be $8, and then 85/15 = 5.6, so you're looking at $13.60 per point over the next 15 years. Of course at the end of this you still have your points with some remaining contract and you also expect the price of renting will go up.

I guess I never thought of the rental vs ownership cost in that way. It will be pretty close as far as costs go, but we can sell the points in the end, even if it's for less.

Be sure you consider the maintenance fees when determining which is "cheaper." BLT is much more competitive than you might realize. You will be able to get a lake view at BLT most of the year at 7 months out. If you need a standard view to save points, or if you want a theme park view, you really need to own there.

I think it makes sense to purchase if you have a 15 year ownership expectation.

Good to know that 15 years is not too short of a time frame. We are ok with 1 bedroom BLT lake view. Not a huge fan of parking lot view and no need for theme park view. We can go on the bridge or something to view the fireworks, right?

The nice thing about WDW is you might be surprised how you end up wanting to use those points as your kids get older, and you've got a fair amount of flexibility.

EDIT: I looked and PP was right-- there does seem to be good availability 5-7 mos. out right now, which would include spring break mos.. I'd be a little worried in the summer and in December (when I usually have planned our trips) but if you are flexible with the time of year you go (and are willing to compromise on resort, push comes to shove, or room category) you might not have too hard of a time.

It is possible that we may want to keep the points for ourselves or our kids as they get older. We are open to go during spring break, but the main time will probably be late may. DD's school gets out right before Memorial Day. I think most schools get out later, so we probably will try to go right after school lets out. No Christmas WDW vacation for us since that is usually visiting family time.

You might change your mind and keep your DVC contract later. We didn't buy into DVC until we were in our 50s. We use it mainly for the two of us. Every so often we will bring some family with us, but not regularly. We love our DVC especially for staying at WDW and going to the parks.

It is possible that we may want to keep it. We may fall in love with Disney parks again (still love Disney products). I just can't take roller coasters much anymore. Too exciting for me.

Buying at WDW for every three to five years isn't really worth it. You can only use three years worth of points (bank a year, borrow a year and use the current year). If you would use it at DL, you really want to buy VGC, not anything at WDW because trading into VGC is going to be difficult at seven months out. If you use it often enough for DL, it might be worth it.

We're into year 17 of our initial purchase at OKW. We talk about selling it, but we still like to go. I can see us using it for several more years. We don't take anyone, just us, but our son might join us if he can get free. But if he's working there (just an internship and college program for now and hoping for a job after the college program), we keep going.

We would only go to WDW every 3-5 years, but will likely go to other destinations like HHI and Aulani (love Oahu!) in between the WDW trips. Not interested in VGC since parents live 15 min from DL. Glad to hear that you are still enjoying DVC after 17 years.

 

[darly2004]

Thank you for all your input, everyone!

 

[zavandor]

Good to know that 15 years is not too short of a time frame. We are ok with 1 bedroom BLT lake view. Not a huge fan of parking lot view and no need for theme park view. We can go on the bridge or something to view the fireworks, right?

1 bedrooms are the easiest category to get and 1 bedroom lake view the latest to go at BLT and often available at 7 months.
It really depends if you are set to go to BLT every time or not. SSR is the best option to visit different resorts, so if you think you'll use your points to visit Aulani or other resorts from time to time, it can be a better value.
However, if you are set to go during busy DVC periods and not flexible with your travel dates, BLT can be a good option as well, due to low MF and longer expiration date.
I bought SSR and very happy with it: I'm using to stay in every resort at least once, until I find my favorites. Just looking at pictures I though I wouldn't have liked much OKW and instead I loved it during my stay in January. So it's difficult to know which will really be your favorite resort if you've never stayed in any of them. That's way someone suggests to buy SSR to try different resorts and then resell if you really set for one.

 

[Dean]

Hello all. I am relatively new at posting on this forum, but have been reading this forum for years. We had looked into buying DVC about 4 years ago (when the price was very low), but ended up buying into Marriott instead. What had stopped us was the fact that DVC was more expensive and you could really only use it in FL and at that time, Aulani was just starting to be sold.

Now fast forward 4 years, we have one more child (total of 3 kids) and are loving our other timeshare and the space it provides. I grew up going to Disneyland and loved it. DH and I also went a lot when we were dating. Now not so much since we have since moved out of state. Our older 2 are at the age when they are really looking forward to visiting WDW. We have a trip tentatively planned for summer 2017 to WDW. So, I have started looking into DVC again to see if we would be able to get better accommodation rather than paying the Disney rates or even from renting points ($14-$16/pt from what I understand?).

So, if we were to go to WDW, we would likely be staying at a deluxe resort. DH is thinking the Contemporary or BLT since it is close to MK and would be good for afternoon naps. As stated previously, we love a larger space. Our youngest will be just under 2, so we can still stay in the regular room but 1 bedroom would be so much nicer. We will likely make trips to WDW every 3-5 years since we are on the West Coast, but will likely plan trips to Aulani or HHI in between. Our other timeshare is right next to Aulani, so can stretch our Hawaii trips to 2 week stays. Therefore, we are looking for a smallish (160 pt) contract. We don't mind planning vacations way in advance. In fact, I prefer it since it gives me something to look forward to. We are used to how timeshare works as far as housekeeping goes... we are ok with once a week cleaning. We also bought our Marriott without seeing it first and ended up loving it. We would be paying cash for the purchase so no financing needed.

The hesitation I have is if DVC is worth it if we don't plan on keeping it forever. I am thinking 15 year timeline since that is when the kids will be grown. Not sure if they'd be interested in going with us at that time. I don't think we'd go (maybe to Aulani) to WDW when we are in our 50s by ourselves. Also, we are thinking of purchasing at AKV since it is cheaper than BLT. I know a lot of people say to buy where you'd want to stay. Would it be hard to get BLT, Aulani or HHI if we were interested in staying there? We don't mind staying at AKV if we are at WDW, but would like the option to travel to places outside of FL.

If you have read this far and have any input, I truly appreciate it!

IMO even at a full every 3 years, it's not reasonable, I think every 2 yrs is about the maximum spread to be reasonable. And I would not recommend buying with a plan to sell later even if one were looking at going every year. I'd just rent or consider something non DVC that you can exchange through RCI though that won't likely get you a 2 BR or on the monorail and possibly only to SSR, AKV or OKW.

 

[chalee94]

We would only go to WDW every 3-5 years, but will likely go to other destinations like HHI and Aulani (love Oahu!) in between the WDW trips. Not interested in VGC since parents live 15 min from DL. Glad to hear that you are still enjoying DVC after 17 years.

like dean, i would not suggest buying DVC unless you plan to use it every other year. but using it every other year can include other DVC resorts like aulani, HHI or the occasional shot at a 7 month booking at VGC.

aulani should be fine from the 7 month window (hard to know for sure and it's always good to be flexible). HHI can be a tough booking in the summer since it is a small resort and summer at the beach drives up demand...if you can travel in the spring or fall to HHI, then that might be a workable plan.

 

[darly2004]

1 bedrooms are the easiest category to get and 1 bedroom lake view the latest to go at BLT and often available at 7 months.
It really depends if you are set to go to BLT every time or not. SSR is the best option to visit different resorts, so if you think you'll use your points to visit Aulani or other resorts from time to time, it can be a better value.
However, if you are set to go during busy DVC periods and not flexible with your travel dates, BLT can be a good option as well, due to low MF and longer expiration date.
I bought SSR and very happy with it: I'm using to stay in every resort at least once, until I find my favorites. Just looking at pictures I though I wouldn't have liked much OKW and instead I loved it during my stay in January. So it's difficult to know which will really be your favorite resort if you've never stayed in any of them. That's way someone suggests to buy SSR to try different resorts and then resell if you really set for one.

That is an interesting thought. We are leaning towards staying at BLT at least for our first visit since our little one will be about 2 at that time. It would be convenient for nap times and such. However, our next visit will be when she is older so may not need a resort that is close to MK necessarily. AKV has always been attractive to me due to the decor and the uniqueness of having the animals there. That was the one I was considering purchasing a few years ago. So, I was thinking that other than our tentative trip in the next couple years, I would love to stay at AKV (although have not been on property myself).

IMO even at a full every 3 years, it's not reasonable, I think every 2 yrs is about the maximum spread to be reasonable. And I would not recommend buying with a plan to sell later even if one were looking at going every year. I'd just rent or consider something non DVC that you can exchange through RCI though that won't likely get you a 2 BR or on the monorail and possibly only to SSR, AKV or OKW.

We would visit WDW every 3-5 years, but will visit other places in between. As of right now, we go to Oahu every other year since we have a timeshare there. The timeshare is right next to Aulani, so my plan is to book Aulani when we go to Hawaii. Do you mind explaining why you do not feel that if we were to buy DVC, we should not go in with the mindset that we would sell? As of right now, I feel that our family will enjoy traveling to Disney/DVC properties. However, I cannot guarantee that we will enjoy it forever since things change, especially as kids get older. We love our Marriott timeshare and Hawaii now and don't plan on selling, but who knows in the future.

like dean, i would not suggest buying DVC unless you plan to use it every other year. but using it every other year can include other DVC resorts like aulani, HHI or the occasional shot at a 7 month booking at VGC.

aulani should be fine from the 7 month window (hard to know for sure and it's always good to be flexible). HHI can be a tough booking in the summer since it is a small resort and summer at the beach drives up demand...if you can travel in the spring or fall to HHI, then that might be a workable plan.

Good to know that HHI is not to hard to obtain in the spring. I would consider going there for spring break.

 

[Dean]

We would visit WDW every 3-5 years, but will visit other places in between. As of right now, we go to Oahu every other year since we have a timeshare there. The timeshare is right next to Aulani, so my plan is to book Aulani when we go to Hawaii. Do you mind explaining why you do not feel that if we were to buy DVC, we should not go in with the mindset that we would sell? As of right now, I feel that our family will enjoy traveling to Disney/DVC properties. However, I cannot guarantee that we will enjoy it forever since things change, especially as kids get older. We love our Marriott timeshare and Hawaii now and don't plan on selling, but who knows in the future.

When you say other places, do you mean other DVC locations? DVC only makes sense for DVC usage, your other timeshare options are a much better choice for exchanging, esp since Ko Olina has lockoff's and you get the II internal trading preference. DVC is a depreciating asset due to the nature of timeshares and the RTU nature. In 15 yrs it will be worth proportionally less than it is now adjusted for inflation best case scenario. I must admit though that 15 yrs is longer than anyone I've seen focus on for this type of discussion. I simply don't believe it's reasonable to go in expecting to sell later, there are just too many risks, costs and variables. Obviously many end up selling but 15 yrs is a long time. I get the impression you're still not looking at every year to use DVC points at DVC locations so EOY is only 7-8 trips at once a year. I'd say if you're set on around 15 yrs and then you simply don't know and will see later, DVC MAY make sense if the other factors fall into place. Personally I don't think the savings justify the risk with a specific plan to buy then resell. But that me, you'll have to decide what you're comfortable with.

 

[Kaigler]

With only a 15 year expectation and 3-5 years between trips, that's only 3 to 5 trips anyways. If that were me, I wouldn't even be looking at DVC.

 

[chalee94]

With only a 15 year expectation and 3-5 years between trips, that's only 3 to 5 trips anyways. If that were me, I wouldn't even be looking at DVC.

it's a little confusing and atypical, but the OP is a westcoaster who is planning on visiting aulani every other year. and then on top of that, hitting wdw or HHI every 3-5 years as well. so they would be using DVC pts at least every other year for a DVC stay (but i got a little confused initially as well.)

 

[Kaigler]

Might it be a better choice to extend their current timeshare? Then just rent the points for WDW trips. Unless of course the OP has their heart set on Aulani. Which I wouldn't blame them! I haven't been, but it looks gorgeous.

 

[darly2004]

it's a little confusing and atypical, but the OP is a westcoaster who is planning on visiting aulani every other year. and then on top of that, hitting wdw or HHI every 3-5 years as well. so they would be using DVC pts at least every other year for a DVC stay (but i got a little confused initially as well.)

Yes, that is correct. So essentially, our DVC use would be at least every other year. I guess I thought about purchasing DVC since we are planning a trip in a couple years. If we were to rent points, it will cost about $4500 whereas with DVC, it would be $2k for MF. We would save even more at Aulani. Also, I don't think the reservation is easily changeable if you were to rent points. We have looked at buying more at Marriott, but Aulani is quite impressive. Their lazy river is really nice and they definitely have more kid-friendly activities.

I would like to thank everyone for their input. Gives me a lot to think about.

 

[disneynutz]

Yes, that is correct. So essentially, our DVC use would be at least every other year. I guess I thought about purchasing DVC since we are planning a trip in a couple years. If we were to rent points, it will cost about $4500 whereas with DVC, it would be $2k for MF. We would save even more at Aulani. Also, I don't think the reservation is easily changeable if you were to rent points. We have looked at buying more at Marriott, but Aulani is quite impressive. Their lazy river is really nice and they definitely have more kid-friendly activities.

I would like to thank everyone for their input. Gives me a lot to think about.

Don't forget to add the initial cost of buying the contract in addition to yearly dues. Right now resale contracts are selling high, in a few years that may not be so and you could take a loss so add that to your numbers. A few years ago we sold a few contracts and took a $10,000 loss.

It's only money, buy give it a try and if it doesn't work out, sell.

Bill

 

[crisi]

Good to know that HHI is not to hard to obtain in the spring. I would consider going there for spring break.

Spring break isn't easy if your Spring Break hits at Easter. If your Spring Break is offset, you'll have more luck. Likewise, Fall isn't hard, except Jersey Week