Need Suggestions

[Sandisw]

Once you use points to reserve a room if you cancel then you have until the end of your UY to use them (even if they were borrowed) or they will expire. Once points are used banking is not an option. Anyone please correct me if I am wrong.

If you book a trip using current UY points and cancel that trip at least 31 days in advance, those points go back in to your UY and can still be banked.

Borrowed points can not be returned to their original UY, so if a trip using borrowed points is cancelled, those must be used by the end of that UY.

And, of course, banked points will always expire in the UY that they were banked in to.

When choosing a UY, you want one that falls right before your typical travel since it gives you a lot of flexiblity.

I am a teacher and have a June UY because our primary time to travel is summer (August). It would also cover Christmas and Feb breaks if we decided to go then. The only vulnerable time for me would be April break but our plans to go then are slim.

 

[ut*disney]

So if we sometimes travel in June/July, but typically travel in November/December or even March, what use year should we look for?

Another question...can you book with points and cash? Let's say you could only afford to buy 150 points, but plan on adding on in a couple of years. Could you use your 150 points and pay cash for the remaining nights of your trip?

 

[ut*disney]

Is there a chart somewhere showing what is the "average price" of a resale for each DVC property? I found a link on here leading me to another website, but the link did not work for me.

 

[Sandisw]

So if we sometimes travel in June/July, but typically travel in November/December or even March, what use year should we look for?

Another question...can you book with points and cash? Let's say you could only afford to buy 150 points, but plan on adding on in a couple of years. Could you use your 150 points and pay cash for the remaining nights of your trip?

If your typical travel is Nov/Dec and March, then an Oct UY would work out well for you. It would make those summer trips a bit more vulnerable but no UY is perfect if you travel lots of different times.

If you do not have enough points to complete your trip, you can book additional nights using cash. They may or may not always be available, however. Sometimes, there is even a 25% discount. What you can not do is combine points and cash to complete a single night.

Here is a link to the thread about the contracts that have passed ROFR at each of the resorts. It will give you an idea of what is making it through Disney.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1960185&page=152

Good luck!!

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Is there a chart somewhere showing what is the "average price" of a resale for each DVC property? I found a link on here leading me to another website, but the link did not work for me.

Here are a couple of sites to get some general info:
http://www.dvc-resales.com/
http://www.**********.com/

Sorry for the abbreviations. I know it's hard at first. It's like learning a different language! MF stands for maintenance fees.

Based on your responses above, I think you're going to love hopping. We do, as it gives us a different experience each vacation. If you do plan to hop regularly, your home resort means a little less, as you're always waiting till that 7 month window to book. You can only book at your home resort months 8 - 11.

Resorts that have extended use years - Saratoga Springs (SSR - expires 2054 - definitely buy through resale), Animal Kingdom Villas (AKV - expires 2057 - probably better deal via resale), Old Key West (OKW - look for extended contracts or purchase through Dis - 2057), or Bay Lake Tower (BLT - expires 2060 - about the same price through Dis or resale). All of the rest (Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club and Boardwalk Villas) all expire in 2042. OKW was originally had a 2042 expiration date, but a couple of years ago, they offered a 15 year extension for $15 per point, but there's no guarantee that the other 2042 resorts will do the same.

Last thing...use year (aka UY). If you travel multiple times a year, banked points expiring won't cause you an issue. However, if you only travel once per year, banked points expiring can be a pain. For example, when we first joined, we had points left over and banked them into the next UY. So the following year when I went to schedule, we had to travel on those banked points by the end of July. I really wanted to travel in Aug, but we went in July instead. Just something to consider, and it hasn't been an issue since we started going twice a year (March or April and July or Aug). Most people will tell you that UY is a non-issue to them.

Keep asking questions! You don't know what you don't know, and there are GREAT people on here who have a ton of knowledge and will help you come closer to buying exactly what you want.

 

[ut*disney]

Thanks for the definitions of the "text" versions! It really helps out a lot!

We would love to hop around to visit all of the resorts. But I do want to make sure our home resort is something we will like in case that is where we end up having to stay.

Someone suggested since we are limited on our travel times (around extended school holidays) October would be a good use year for us. If we were to purchase at AKV )) with an October UY )), when would we be able to book a vacation? I am confused as to the 11 month and 7 month thing.

We are looking at buying 200 points. We will be paying cash for this and really want to get the best deal we can find without triggering Disney to use the ROFR. ) I'm slowly learning some shortcut terminology) We like the looks of the AKV, as well as the longer contract. However, I understand we could get cheaper deals out there.

Yes...another question...sorry for having so many. If if were you, would you spend more to guarantee your "home" resort? Or would you spend less for a resort just to get in to DVC?

I ask this question because we have a certain amount of money we can use since we are paying outright. Would it be better to buy more points at a cheaper priced resale? Or to buy less points at a resort you really want?

We love everything Disney, so I am sure we would not be disappointed with any resort. I mean, we are not *moving* into the resort and are only staying there for a week. It's not our new home.

 

[pnyltwk]

I would buy more points. We have stayed at SSR(3X), OKW,(1) VB(1), HHI(2), VWL(1) and DCL(1). They are all beautiful resorts. The more points that you have the larger the room and duration of stay in my view. Location, location, location is over rated. Geez, you are at Disney World. So what if the bus rides is 5 minutes longer.

 

[ut*disney]

I would buy more points. We have stayed at SSR(3X), OKW,(1) VB(1), HHI(2), VWL(1) and DCL(1). They are all beautiful resorts. The more points that you have the larger the room and duration of stay in my view. Location, location, location is over rated. Geez, you are at Disney World. So what if the bus rides is 5 minutes longer.

I am thinking that way too. Now...I have to figure out which DVC resort is going to get me more points for my money.

It also worries me. We would be vacationing during "peak" times (Holidays and summer). What are the chances of us getting another resort other than our "home" resort, like AKV or VWL during these times?

 

[rlovew]

I am thinking that way too. Now...I have to figure out which DVC resort is going to get me more points for my money.

It also worries me. We would be vacationing during "peak" times (Holidays and summer). What are the chances of us getting another resort other than our "home" resort, like AKV or VWL during these times?

AKV has not proven to be too hard to get into unless you want to get a concierge room. If you want a Grand Villa (GV) for a large family trip than you may not be able to get one outside your home resort. At the holidays the smaller resorts are hard to get into outside of your own - all of December can be hard but if you are willing to waitlist and move during your vacation you can generally get some outside of your home resort (Wilderness Lodge is the hardest availability in December).

Saratoga Springs is the cheapest resort for the points generally. I would say only buy where you will be happy staying as there is a possibility that you will not be able to change resorts during peak times.

Rebecca

 

[ut*disney]

I would say only buy where you will be happy staying as there is a possibility that you will not be able to change resorts during peak times.

Rebecca

If we buy where we would be happy, we would have to buy less points. We will definitely be "resort hopping" if we can. We want to try them all out.

Would it be better to buy less points, only be able to stay in a studio with a family of 4, to be at a place where you *think* you will like (I say *think* because I have only seen pictures...I have not actually visited the resort)?

Or would it be better to buy more points, stay in a 1-bedroom, and take the chance of not being able to resort hop because of our restricted travel times (Christmas and summer)?

 

[Anal Annie]

Everybody has different things that are important to them and that's what floats everybody's boat. There is a lot to consider. An SSR resale will likely get you the most bang for your bucks (points) and reasonable MF's. Personally, we really like SSR (Saratoga Springs) which is where we own.

We like to resort hop and prefer to stay in a different resort on each trip so that each vacation is somewhat different from the last. We have a Dec. UY and are frugal with our points - we stay in studios so we can stretch our 250 points out for about 14 nights a year. We do not spend a lot of time in the unit & only eat breakfast in - so the kitchenette is perfect for our needs. I also am not typically inclined to do laundry on vacation - while that is a big deal for many to be able to do that in their unit. When I am on vacation I do not want to look at a stove or a washing machine! Last year we had a few points banked from the previous year so over the course of this past year we were able to have a 4 night long weekend over Memorial Day last year at SSR (to celebrate DS's birthday). Then we spent 7 nights at BCV (Beach Club) followed by 3 nights at VB (Vero Beach) in August. Now we have 6 nights planned in a std. view at Kidani for our spring break at the end of March and then 7 nights booked at HHI (Hilton Head Island) in August. THe savanna view is not that important to us and we'd rather have another night than the view. All that time and we still have 37 points left to bank for next year. I am just thrilled that with the right planning we are able to take so many trips per year on our 250 points! So far, we've varied our timing on each trip and our resort choices without any big problems at 7 months or less.

Things to keep in mind:
* Spring break is a rolling time period. It varies from place to place and spans about a month - so while you had light crowds THIS year it may be that if Easter was earlier you wouldn't have been so lucky. Our spring break changes from year to year and always surrounds Easter - this year it is before...but sometimes it is after if Easter is "early".
* Also, as your kids get older and develop interests in sports or whatever your time to travel may eventually be reduced to summer, whether you like that or not. Our school does not get out until mid-June. We always used to bounce from July to August & back but now our DS swims & summer swim team here runs all the way through July so we vacation in August. If your DS starts playing football one day then he will need to be home in August for football practice. Just be open to the idea that one day your time to travel may change.
* You say right now you rarely visit the AK park. What if once your kids are older they want to ride Expedition Everest - that is like THE best coaster next to Rockin' Roller at HS. That is our DS's favorite - then next to that he loves Test Track at Epcot...so your park preferences may also change and it may not be that you only go to HS & MK!! Suddenly, one day, Fantasy Land and Toon Town aren't on the must do list any more!! Character meals become less important and thrill rides take over. It just happens. They grow up and what always was suddenly isn't any more.
* Point charts can (and do) change. They just did reallocations over the past 2 years which have impacted alot of DVC'ers. So don't plan on what the charts say now as never changing & don't base your purchase on the idea that you only need 198 points THIS year so will buy 200. That could change next year to needing 205 for the same reservation. Just be aware that you might need a buffer. Build in a little flexibility in the contract that you purchase.
* Remember that if you want to plan to go over the Christmas holidays you probably WILL end up at your home resort & will need to book that one EARLY. So you will have to be "good" with staying wherever you buy. We were able to get Kidani (not our home) right at 7 months for the week before Easter but I think Christmas is harder.
* When you go during a time of year that the parks close early it is a great time to head over to DTD. Staying at SSR on an off-season trip is how we discovered that we liked to slip over there in the evening to dine & shop as it is open later.

 

[rlovew]

For us it was better to buy where we wanted- we had seen the resorts in person beforehand though but that is really up to you. We decided for us BLT was best and were willing to buy there. If we buy more points though when we can we will buy resale- probably Saratoga Springs becuase that is my DH(dear husband) favorite resort.

 

[ut*disney]

I AM SO CONFUSED!!!!!

My head is spinning in circles!!!! I see the good side to everybody's recommendations. You all are so very helpful. I just can't decide whether I want more points at Saratoga, or less points at Animal Kingdom.

Anal Annie - I think I should have had your name.

Thank you all for the great advice. I just can't figure out what is best to do.

 

[momhmmx2]

I would buy more points. We have stayed at SSR(3X), OKW,(1) VB(1), HHI(2), VWL(1) and DCL(1). They are all beautiful resorts. The more points that you have the larger the room and duration of stay in my view. Location, location, location is over rated. Geez, you are at Disney World. So what if the bus rides is 5 minutes longer.

I TOTALLY agree! I would buy the most points I could at a resort with reasonably low MF's.

 

[ut*disney]

THANK YOU!!!!!! I think I am going to buy more points...take my chances of at some point being able to stay at the AKV and VWL. I mean...after all...WE ARE AT DISNEY!

I will let you know how many points we decide, etc. But I am looking at Saratoga Springs.

Now I'm wondering how much to offer. YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ut*disney]

I have found two different DVC I am interested in.

Which brings me to another dilemma.

One comes with a TON of points but has to be used in a short amount of time. By the time I close...IF the ROFR isn't used...I would not be able to book a vacation until the beginning of May.

What are the odds of me being able to book a Disney cruise in May 2010 for June 2010?

 

[DeeDeeDis]

My first choice would be Beach Club
a. Pool, sandy bottom - great slides its really cool
b. locations to HS, EPCOT and even MK (walk thru EPCOT - get on Monorail, or take the bus).

Second Choice would be Boardwalk
a. Location
b. Points - if you go for standard view its alot less points per night.

I also love AK, but it is out pretty far and may get tiresome driving/riding that long after a few years. Another fav of ours is OKW (love the size of the rooms and the quite-away from all the hustle atmosphere), SS is pretty nice too. My least favorite are WL and BTL (for some reason - IMHO - I think is difficult to get anywhere from these two resorts)

Keep in mind as your children get older their favorite park will probably change. We first purchased at BC, my kids loved the slide and pool, especially our 11 year old (he is now 18).

Our boys are now 24, 22 & 18 and thier favorite park is EPCOT for the older two it has something to do with "drinking around the world".

You have to look at the now and the future and decide what is going to work best for you, you can always stay at one of the other resorts, oh actually maybe not for you since most of your trips will be during Peak Periods, so location may be more important for you.

Whereever you pick, i'm sure your have many happy trips - good luck and welcome.

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for the definitions of the "text" versions! It really helps out a lot!

We would love to hop around to visit all of the resorts. But I do want to make sure our home resort is something we will like in case that is where we end up having to stay.

Someone suggested since we are limited on our travel times (around extended school holidays) October would be a good use year for us. If we were to purchase at AKV )) with an October UY )), when would we be able to book a vacation? I am confused as to the 11 month and 7 month thing.

We are looking at buying 200 points. We will be paying cash for this and really want to get the best deal we can find without triggering Disney to use the ROFR. ) I'm slowly learning some shortcut terminology) We like the looks of the AKV, as well as the longer contract. However, I understand we could get cheaper deals out there.

Yes...another question...sorry for having so many. If if were you, would you spend more to guarantee your "home" resort? Or would you spend less for a resort just to get in to DVC?

I ask this question because we have a certain amount of money we can use since we are paying outright. Would it be better to buy more points at a cheaper priced resale? Or to buy less points at a resort you really want?

We love everything Disney, so I am sure we would not be disappointed with any resort. I mean, we are not *moving* into the resort and are only staying there for a week. It's not our new home.

First, your UY plays no role in when you can book your reservations. If you want to travel in December, you can book your home resort 11 months in advance or at other resorts 7 months out. If you travel in March, you can call 11 months prior to book the home resort, or 7 months for others.

However, knowing what UY you are traveling in plays a role in which points you can use to "pay" for that reservation. You must have points available at the time of travel (not when you call) to cover the trip you want.

For example, if you want to travel in March 2011 with an Oct UY. You can call in April 2010 to book that vacation. Since the March 2011 trip falls in you Oct 2010 UY (Oct 1st, 2010 - Sept 30th, 2011), you can use any banked 2009 points, current 2010 points, and borrowed 2011 points to "pay" for that trip.

As far as where to buy. I believe it is important to buy where you will be happy if you can only get your home resort. We bought BLT because where we stay while at WDW is the most important piece of our trip. I could have saved around $5000 to buy in at SSR. However, I would not be happy if that was where we ended up.

Over the course of ownership, spending extra to guarantee that you are happy is something to really think about. Even if I take that extra money and average it out over 10 years (and I plan to visit WDW for a lot more years than that), I spent an extra $500 a year to ensure that I would be at BLT. The only time we won't be there is if we choose to go elsewhere.

I know it is tempting to get more points or save money, but be sure you are comfortable with that decision. I have read a few posts lately where people ended up selling their contracts to re-buy at other places because they were having trouble getting things at 7 months.

Good luck in your choice!!!

 

[ut*disney]

We made an offer on a property and the owners accepted. Yeah! Now we are waiting on our contracts to be emailed.

I guess the real worrying starts. I just pray the ROFR is not going to be used.

 

[jlwhitney]

Congrats! did you go with the more points or less points?

BTW we have booked 1 month and half out for stuido at AKLV savannah view for first weekend in march (2010) without a problem, loved the resort...we own at BLT.

We could have booked a 1 bedroom for second weekend in dec(09) for 3 nights 2 months out...decided to stay at cornodo springs instead.

We booked 7 months out bcv for tues-frida (july 6-8) for a 2 bedroom and waitlised for treehouse villas (very hard to get) and got one about 2 months ago

the waitlist is great since you can go on it for a resort you want and was booked at the time..you may get it or not...alot of DVC book ahead and cancel as they get closer when they know if they can go or not.