Looking at a resale-- tell me if this makes sense.

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

My DH and I (and 2 DDs) are looking at at the option to buy a DVC resale. As far as utilization of the points go we would like to be in a 2BR (any resort) during the Dream Season (Aug or May) every OTHER year. After using the points calc I came to the conclusion that we would be best off buying approx 200 pts so that would give us 400 pts banking or borrowing. Does that sound reasonable? Also how would use year impact this? Lastly Im looking at the VB resells and having done the math including dues this seems like the best deal to me. What are the draw backs? I know there has got to be some or the points wouldn't be so cheap. Thank you so much for any advise you can give me. I've essentially talked my DH into this and dont want any "I told you so"s down the road.

 

[CKCruising]

Assuming you would stay anywhere (there is a bit of a difference between VB and the on-site properties - You can't go to the parks from VB and it's a different vacation) in a 2BR, here is my interpretation of the math:

VB: Roughly $40/point + 6.78 dues = 8,000 + 1,356/year in dues. After 20 years (in 2031), you have paid 8,000 + 27,120 in dues (dues will go up but for this example, I will assume they stay the same). The total is 35,120.

SSR: Roughly $55/point + 4.52 dues = 11,000 + 904/year in dues. After 20 years (in 2031), you have paid 11,000 + 18,080 in dues. The total is 29,080.

OKW (2042): Roughly $50/point + 4.99 dues = 10,000 + 998/year in dues. After 20 years (in 2031), you have paid 10,000 + 19,960 in dues. The total is 29,960.

These examples can be extended to any resort, but I think it is thought that either SSR or OKW are the best values on-site.

If you take these examples out to the life of the contract (2042 for VB and OKW, 2054 for SSR), the total amount paid only gets larger for VB over the other resorts (Note that if you know you want to walk away at 2042, then OKW might be a better bet as you aren't stuck paying dues until 2054). As well if you assume that the dues will go up at least 3%/year, then the total cost of ownership goes up alot more for VB over the other resorts.

 

[Chuck S]

Use year comes into play for banking/borrowing and can be a factor if you need to cancel on short notice.

Usually, you'd want to try for a use year that is a month or two before your normal travel time. For instance, if you usually travel in August, a June use year would be good, or if you travel mostly in May, look for a March or April use year.

That would give you the most opportunity to use your points if you have to cancel your reservation on relatively short notice.

You do know that Vero Beach dues are fairly high, but if you've done the math and it works for you, then it may be a good option. If, however, you are concerned about staying at a specific resort onsite, then you should certainly purchase a at that resort. For insyance, VWL is the smallest onsite DVC, and BCV is popular because of Stormalong Bay. If you really want to stay at those resorts on a regular basis, I'd recommend purchasing points at your preferred resort.

If, on the other hand, you simply want onsite, and are happy with OKW, SSR, AKV or perhaps in the future BLT when the "new" wears off, then Vero should be fine.

 

[DVCconvert]

I am one of the biggest cheerleaders for VB...but....as PP's have said, staying at VB and doing WDW really isn't practical - at least not to most folks.

I've purchased over 600 points at vb just this year , but that's because we love to stay there.

The only "drawback" to VB points in my mind are the MF's...but they're worth it to us to stay there when we want.

My take home message to you would be to buy where you want to stay ... at least geographically - if you haven't perhaps you should visit WDW and try a stay at SSR or OKW and see if you like them

HTH

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

Thank you so much-- and just to clarify we would be perfectly happy to stay at any resort on WDW property. VB or HH would be quite the commute wouldnt it?
So buying at a particular resort would only be beneficial if the resort itself is a priority? We tend to like to go when crowds are at a minimum (DH has claustrophobia issues) so Im thinking the 11 month reservation mark will not be a huge need in securing a ressie. 7 months would work fine,yes?
Have to be honest- this use year business is confusing me...

 

[SYDNCLAIRESMOM]

To further clarify we probably wouldnt use the points to actually stay at VB. They would be intended for WDW vacations only. Staying at OKW SSR AKL or BLT would be great in our book.

 

[chalee94]

We tend to like to go when crowds are at a minimum (DH has claustrophobia issues) so Im thinking the 11 month reservation mark will not be a huge need in securing a ressie. 7 months would work fine,yes?

not exactly. lots of DVC owners like going when crowds are at a minimum. availability for early december at the 7 month window can be sparse.

honestly, assuming you can book 10-11 months in advance, i'd buy a resale at SSR (expires 2054) or OKW (most expire 2042 if you don't want the extra years). book your home resort at 10-11 months out and then try to change at the 7 month window. if you get BLT at 7 months, great. if not, you still have a reservation on wdw property.

 

[thepops]

The other thing is we have no idea what DVC may decide to change on the restrictions in the future. The only thing that is guaranteed is to have an opportunity to book at your home resort. So if they do limit us to that, you would not be able to stay at WDW on your VB points. If that's what you really want, then be sure to buy a resort that is on property.

 

[Mtnman44]

For WDW vacations, buy one of WDW properties. VB isn't the best choice despite the low purchase price in the market right now.

There are times where you still want the 11 month window, even if you'll be happy at any property. Certain Holiday days and weeks, as well as all of December come to mind.

 

[Andrew015]

Good info in this thread... especially the last few posts. Thank you all!

Booking the home resort at 11 months, and then trying to switch at 7 (if desired) is a great idea. Thanks for this tid-bit, Chalee.