New DVC Owner purchasing strategy help

[crackerjack21]

Hello all,

Looking to buy DVC for the first time with a goal of eventually having 300 to 400 points (acquired over time). We are in our 50s and our kids are grown and we expect grandkids in 3+ years. Been to Disney and stayed deluxe several times when kids were small over the years. We want to own at Boulder for longer stays and Boardwalk for the festivals as a start, then add possibly Bay Lake/Poly down the road.

We plan to keep the 2042 resorts until they expire. Given that does it make sense to buy larger contracts at Boulder/Boardwalk and smaller ones for Bay Lake/Poly? (I'm anticipating selling those later if need be, or being able to pass on to our 2 kids).

We keep looking at how low prices are right now and trying to strategize best way to purchase. If you could go back and redo your purchases would you do anything different? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

 

[intamin]

As long as you're planning to own the 2042s to expiration and are not planning to sell them down the line I think that makes sense. Having the larger contracts at BRV and BWV also means you'll pass along less financial responsibility to your kids down the line but also they'll have less to inherit.

I would just keep in mind that it seems like you're probably going to want larger accommodations, Boardwalk does not have dedicated 2BRs. So essentially you will be competing for studios when you're trying to book 2BRs.

For us being on the younger side we care about longevity and long term value so the 2042s were a no go even though they're all lovely resorts. I would have a discussion with your kids whether they plan to use these contracts down the line or if they don't see themselves going there to vacation. If they do plan to go regularly, consider putting more money into PVB/BLT, if not then go ahead and buy some 2042s so less financial burden goes to them.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Maybe buy Bay Lake now, before the upcoming refurbishment. I don’t know if it will make a price difference, but it seems more likely to go up in price in the short term than Boardwalk or other 2042 resorts, with a more obviously finite number of remaining points.

Also look at the point charts. I bought more points at Bay Lake than Beach Club because the point chart is higher at Bay Lake. You may need fewer points overall at a 2042 resort.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Hello all,

Looking to buy DVC for the first time with a goal of eventually having 300 to 400 points (acquired over time). We are in our 50s and our kids are grown and we expect grandkids in 3+ years. Been to Disney and stayed deluxe several times when kids were small over the years. We want to own at Boulder for longer stays and Boardwalk for the festivals as a start, then add possibly Bay Lake/Poly down the road.

We plan to keep the 2042 resorts until they expire. Given that does it make sense to buy larger contracts at Boulder/Boardwalk and smaller ones for Bay Lake/Poly? (I'm anticipating selling those later if need be, or being able to pass on to our 2 kids).

We keep looking at how low prices are right now and trying to strategize best way to purchase. If you could go back and redo your purchases would you do anything different? Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks!

1) Buy Bay Lake now while the prices are dirt cheap before the refurbishment and get the membership started.

2) Consider adding on direct at Poly when they launch the tower at the pre-sale price to get the DVC-Y and give you access to discounts and any restricted/future resorts. If the opening incentives are not attractive then wait for an attractive incentive period.

These are your hold forever points.

3) See if the points above will work as SAP for BRV and BW. 1/2 bedrooms are easier than studios.

4) If unable to book desired resort type at 7m, add on strategically at the 2042 resorts as the right contracts (number of points, not stripped, desired use year) come on the market.

 

[Cfabar1]

This is something we are considering doing.... We don't care about the festivals, but are considering buying enough points for VGF E.O. year in a 2 bedroom for our season.

Then buying enough points for a 2 BR E.O. year at BC, that would get us through 2042 anyways...

But, we may just decide to keep building out our VGF portfolio until we have a 7-9 night stay every year in a 2 BR since it is our favorite resort, and then use whatever excess points are left for VB/HHI trips since we are unlikely to do 7-9 nights in a 2 br at VGF every year...

Lots of ways to go!

 

[Genie+]

Mistakes we made -

• not buying sooner
• buying a smaller contract, and then later wanting more points. The added cost of 2 separate closings and higher $pp premiums on smaller contracts… would’ve been better buying more points to start.
• thinking we would rarely stay in 1BR or 2BR
• we thought direct was out of the question and it ended up making perfect sense for our second purchase

Buy something now. The sooner you start using DVC, the more experience you’ll have to make better purchase decisions later. Keep your eye out for a good deal at one of the resorts you’re surest about. Have you thought about a use year?

 

[Cfabar1]

Mistakes we made -
buying a smaller contract, and then later wanting more points. The added cost of 2 separate closings and higher $pp premiums on smaller contracts… would’ve been better buying more points to start.

Yes, I regret that we did not buy more points last year - by the time we realized it our resort has been sold out (VGF) and impossible to get more points direct from Disney - could have gotten another 50 points which would have been PERFECT for our needs at the time, and are still sad we missed the opportunity!

plus, closing costs are such a waste of money in my opinion... I really think DVC for direct contracts should cover the costs, and the other agencies charge obscene amounts in my view...

 

[CastAStone]

Mistakes we made -

• buying a smaller contract, and then later wanting more points. The added cost of 2 separate closings and higher $pp premiums on smaller contracts… would’ve been better buying more points to start.

I was going to flag this same issue. If you (@crackerjack21) think you’re going to eventually buy a lot of points, do it all at once, it will save a lot of $$.

 

[crackerjack21]

I was going to flag this same issue. If you (@crackerjack21) think you’re going to eventually buy a lot of points, do it all at once, it will save a lot of $$.

This is what we keep thinking too, we had been saving for an RV but the closer our retirement gets the less we think we would really use it that much and we know we love Disney, so hence the switch to DVC purchase. I keep thinking with prices this low we should just go all in now, I worry we'll look at these a year or two out and regret not buying now. At least for the younger properties.

 

[crackerjack21]

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback. I've learned so much on this forum reading everyone's posts and everyone has been so kind when answering questions. It's definitely helpful to get all the perspectives and now I'm thinking in new directions.

 

[crackerjack21]

As long as you're planning to own the 2042s to expiration and are not planning to sell them down the line I think that makes sense. Having the larger contracts at BRV and BWV also means you'll pass along less financial responsibility to your kids down the line but also they'll have less to inherit.

I would just keep in mind that it seems like you're probably going to want larger accommodations, Boardwalk does not have dedicated 2BRs. So essentially you will be competing for studios when you're trying to book 2BRs.

For us being on the younger side we care about longevity and long term value so the 2042s were a no go even though they're all lovely resorts. I would have a discussion with your kids whether they plan to use these contracts down the line or if they don't see themselves going there to vacation. If they do plan to go regularly, consider putting more money into PVB/BLT, if not then go ahead and buy some 2042s so less financial burden goes to them.

Thank you I did not realize that about Boardwalk. Maybe we'll buy a smaller contract there for a split stay when it's just us and points elsewhere for future grandkids.

 

[crackerjack21]

1) Buy Bay Lake now while the prices are direct cheap before the refurbishment and get the membership started.

2) Consider adding on direct at Poly when they launch the tower at the pre-sale price to get the DVC-Y and give you access to discounts and any restricted/future resorts. If the opening incentives are not attractive then wait for an attractive incentive period.

These are your hold forever points.

3) See if the points above will work as SAP for BRV and BW. 1/2 bedrooms are easier than studios.

4) If unable to book desired resort type at 7m, add on strategically at the 2042 resorts as the right contracts (number of points, not stripped, desired use year) come on the market.

Thank you, we never considered Bay Lake at first but it seems like such good deal and great for future little ones.

 

[intamin]

Thank you I did not realize that about Boardwalk. Maybe we'll buy a smaller contract there for a split stay when it's just us and points elsewhere for future grandkids.

If you want to be within walking distance of Epcot and have dedicated 2BRs you could consider Beach Club but Beach Club does not have Grand Villas if that's something that matters to you

 

[Chili327]

Boardwalk does not have dedicated 2BRs. So essentially you will be competing for studios when you're trying to book 2BRs.

And 1bdrm only sleeps 4. So I think you’re right Beach Club could be the better Epcot location for them.

buy Bay Lake now, before the upcoming refurbishment. I don’t know if it will make a price difference, but it seems more likely to go up in price in the short term than Boardwalk or other 2042 resorts,

Agree BLT is a great deal right now!

1) Buy Bay Lake now while the prices are dirt cheap before the refurbishment and get the membership started.

2) Consider adding on direct at Poly when they launch the tower at the pre-sale price to get the DVC-Y and give you access to discounts and any restricted/future resorts. If the opening incentives are not attractive then wait for an attractive incentive period.

These are your hold forever points.

3) See if the points above will work as SAP for BRV and BW. 1/2 bedrooms are easier than studios.

4) If unable to book desired resort type at 7m, add on strategically at the 2042 resorts as the right contracts (number of points, not stripped, desired use year) come on the market.

I agree, ALL spot on!!

Mistakes we made -

• not buying sooner
• buying a smaller contract, and then later wanting more points. The added cost of 2 separate closings and higher $pp premiums on smaller contracts… would’ve been better buying more points to start.
• thinking we would rarely stay in 1BR or 2BR
• we thought direct was out of the question and it ended up making perfect sense for our second purchase

Buy something now. The sooner you start using DVC, the more experience you’ll have to make better purchase decisions later. Keep your eye out for a good deal at one of the resorts you’re surest about.

Yep, jump in with something that makes sense… 100+ BLT might be the perfect way to get started. And as posted if you’re not concerned with selling the 2042 resorts then buy 150-200+ instead of 100 or less.

Have you thought about a use year?

This is the next thing to determine. When is your most likely vacation window?

 

[DonkeyHoTay]

If you … think you’re going to eventually buy a lot of points, do it all at once, it will save a lot of $$.

This.

 

[AstroBlasters]

And 1bdrm only sleeps 4. So I think you’re right Beach Club could be the better Epcot location for them.



Agree BLT is a great deal right now!



Was that a typo? (you don’t mean direct for BLT)
Otherwise I agree, ALL spot on!!



Yep, jump in with something that makes sense… 100+ BLT might be the perfect way to get started. And as posted if you’re not concerned with selling the 2042 resorts then buy 150-200+ instead of 100 or less.



This is the next thing to determine. When is your most likely vacation window?

Corrected to “dirt cheap” not “direct cheap”.

 

[AstroBlasters]

Thank you, we never considered Bay Lake at first but it seems like such good deal and great for future little ones.

It’s a perfect location to take a family to Magic Kingdom and have the ability to walk back for nap time or a midday rest.

My favorite part was going to the Magic Kingdom at night while everyone else was leaving the park.

IMO, current resale buy-in price and low dues make it a great value at the moment with Disney’s ROFR focused on The Grand Floridian and Poly.

 

[intamin]

Mistakes we made -

• not buying sooner
• buying a smaller contract, and then later wanting more points. The added cost of 2 separate closings and higher $pp premiums on smaller contracts… would’ve been better buying more points to start.

I agree with this but the only caveat I'd say is if you're buying resale and you want to have that easier exit plan, those small contracts don't last on the resale market and will get you your money back at a higher price per point. Not that many people go into DVC thinking they're going to sell it soon, but at the same time I'd argue if you need this money to be liquid for emergencies you probably should not be putting it into a timeshare in the first place.

I do wish we had purchased our direct RIV points all at once though instead of doing a 150 and then a 185 but that was just what fit our finances at that point. I think the biggest thing is just getting into the system if you know you're going to be going on Disney vacations for the foreseeable future.

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

This is what we keep thinking too, we had been saving for an RV but the closer our retirement gets the less we think we would really use it that much and we know we love Disney, so hence the switch to DVC purchase. I keep thinking with prices this low we should just go all in now, I worry we'll look at these a year or two out and regret not buying now. At least for the younger properties.

Have you owned and traveled with an RV before? We went from a tent to a pop up to a small RV and sold a few years ago. It was a fantastic way to travel but the work and stressful towing are no longer something I enjoy. I would caution you against RV purchase unless you are experienced with towing and managing a unit. Long haul RV travel can be a lot more expensive than it looks from the outside too.

 

[crackerjack21]

Have you owned and traveled with an RV before? We went from a tent to a pop up to a small RV and sold a few years ago. It was a fantastic way to travel but the work and stressful towing are no longer something I enjoy. I would caution you against RV purchase unless you are experienced with towing and managing a unit. Long haul RV travel can be a lot more expensive than it looks from the outside too.

We have not owned but have traveled in an RV many times. What I intended to say above was we probably won't be getting the RV as we planned and now are looking to purchase DVC instead. For the reasons you state above, we are getting too old to do all the work and care an RV would need. We also traveled a lot in our work and now just happy to go to one location that we love.