More Newbie Questions

[njtinkmom]

Which resorts are available thru DVC to buy into? I am not sure I want BLT, too modern, I wanted something like OKW (good value I think) but I don't think you can buy into that anymore, thru DVC. Also, how do you know how many points you need? Typically, we are a family of 8 eek but I don't know that all of us will go all the time. I probably need a 2 bedroom thing, for a week each year. Do you have to pick a certain week each year also? I know I would mostly go in July, due to kids out of school thing. What if I want to take a getaway with hubby for like a long weekend in say Nov., instead of using the 2 bedroom for a week. Can we do that? Thanks for all the help!

 

[logan115]

Which resorts are available thru DVC to buy into? I am not sure I want BLT, too modern, I wanted something like OKW (good value I think) but I don't think you can buy into that anymore, thru DVC. Also, how do you know how many points you need? Typically, we are a family of 8 eek but I don't know that all of us will go all the time. I probably need a 2 bedroom thing, for a week each year. Do you have to pick a certain week each year also? I know I would mostly go in July, due to kids out of school thing. What if I want to take a getaway with hubby for like a long weekend in say Nov., instead of using the 2 bedroom for a week. Can we do that? Thanks for all the help!

You can buy any of the resorts direct thru DVC, but the only ones that you should even think about buying direct at BLT, AKV, and GCV (this is due to the fact that for BLT and GCV there are not many resales, and AKV resale prices are relatively close to what it would cost direct).

For example (and I don't know what incentives there may be for the "sold out" resorts like OKW) you'll pay $106/point direct for OKW, but in the resale market you can get the same contract for $70-$75.

DVC is a points system, you are NOT locked into a given room size, so provided that you have enough points available you could take a family trip and stay in a 2BR, then also sneak in a getaway trip with your hubby and stay in a studio.

Chris

 

[Ed T]

click on this link for the point charts

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml

 

[7thton]

Animal Kingdom Villas are an even better value than OKW is, IMHO.

 

[Crystal_27]

You should absolutely study very closely the points charts to see exactly how many points you need for your size family. That will give you an idea of how much DVC is going to cost you. Keep in mind, however, that you can bank and borrow your points, so if you go every other year, you will only need half as many points for a given vacation. Once you determine how many points, the next step is where you want to buy. DVC resales are very hot right now, and you can get really great contracts for about half what you could pay through Disney. Keep in mind, however, that resale will give you a contract that is a lesser term than those offered through Disney and also the maintenance fees may or may not be higher than what is being offered through Disney. You have to weigh the pros and cons to both and make your decision from there. And, of course, your peeps on The DIS are always happy to help assist with any questions/concerns you may have. Good luck!

 

[ewalkersc]

Why would you have a different end contract date? I thought all except SSR, BLT, and AKV had the same end date of 2042? Also, why would the maintenance fees be different if you bought a resale? I thought the maintenace fee was the same for all owners of that home resort it just mattered how many points you had.

 

[GottaLovett]

I definately recomed you study the points charts. Also, keep in mind how much the annual dues are for each of the different resorts. The rep at DCV just told us BLT is cheapest on annualk dues b/c there is little upkeep. Animal Kingdom is obviously highest. We have stayed in a 3 BR grand villa at Saratago, a studio at OK West, and studio at Saratoga so far and loved all ofhtem. I especially like the idea of hte new tree house villas at Saratoga. THey sleep as many as 9 (plus one child under 3 yrs in the crib) for the same points asa 2 bedroom.

HTe best thing about DVC is u can go any time of year and change the room size based on what you need...or...trade out to other resorts and places...

good luck!

 

[DVCGeek]

One other thing- the point charts can and HAVE changed. Basically, the total # of points for a year is fixed, but weekends and or a particular season can go up and down. There are a number of other threads that discuss this, but my best short piece of advice is to make sure you plan to have a cushion of extra points beyond what you think you need when you typically plan to go just to be safe! That way you could bank the 'leftovers' and use them later. Of course, you can always buy more points (add on) later as well...

 

[5forDiz]

Why would you have a different end contract date? I thought all except SSR, BLT, and AKV had the same end date of 2042? Also, why would the maintenance fees be different if you bought a resale? I thought the maintenace fee was the same for all owners of that home resort it just mattered how many points you had.

You are correct ewalkersc

Buying resale does not give your contract a different contract expiration date; it will be the same expiration date as if you purchased directly through Disney. VGC & BLT expire in 2060, AKV & OKW "extended" expire in 2057, SSR expires in 2054. BWV, BCV, VWL, OKW "unextended" and offsite VB & HHI expire in 2042.
Maintenance fees are the same as well as you have stated - MFs are based on which resort you own your points at x number of points owned.

 

[5forDiz]

I definately recomed you study the points charts. Also, keep in mind how much the annual dues are for each of the different resorts. The rep at DCV just told us BLT is cheapest on annualk dues b/c there is little upkeep.


Animal Kingdom is obviously highest.

This is incorrect; AKV's Maintenance Fees (annual dues) are not the highest.

Click on this link, Post#2 contains info on 2009 MFs and history of change over years for each DVC resort.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2018276&highlight=annual+dues

 

[Crystal_27]

Why would you have a different end contract date? I thought all except SSR, BLT, and AKV had the same end date of 2042? Also, why would the maintenance fees be different if you bought a resale? I thought the maintenace fee was the same for all owners of that home resort it just mattered how many points you had.

If my post somehow muddied the waters, I apologize. Yes, regardless of how you buy, each resort will have the same end date term and maintenance fees. However, one of the things that *might* be a factor when buying resale is the contract term and the maintenance fees, if buying a specific resort is important to you. If you buy through Disney and want BLT (longest contract term and lowest MFs), your resale options are going to be very very limited or non-existent. So, you will have to buy through Disney, at least for now. Again, if my post confused the issue, I apologize.

 

[rmonty02]

I'm sure you're browsing all the point calendars, which will answer your "How many points question?" And as stated you can buy into any resort directly though DVC. Here's a link to DVC current promotions (which lately have been changing) so you can also compare point price at each resort. When you come to your next set of questions, you know where to come! Also, feel free to send me a PM to ask about...whatever!


http://dvcnews.com/content/view/227/173/