New v Resale

[g1rbw]

Hi,

I am new to boards. We have just got back from 2 weeks at the GF, having had another wonderful time in WDW.

While there we did the DVC tour of BLT, and picked up all the information which was great. I think we are sold on buying points for our future trips.

We are UK based, and likely to come every 2-3 years. I am thinking of around 170 to 200 points, which would allow us to book 2 weeks in either 1 or 2 bed villa. The most likely dates are last two weeks august, last two weeks of October and last week/first week May/June.

We loved the BLT, we have stayed in past and love BV.

So now the question of what to buy. I have spoken to Disney and BLT is $110 (after incentive) per point and having spoken to Scot (very helpful) at DVC resales, he was suggesting Saratoga at circa $70ish per point on resale.

I have no emotionally attachment, it is about bookings, and availability. It is unlikely we will stay at SSR, (though could do treehouses), but given the times above we coming, is the extra $40 per point worth it to secure BLT?

Is there any other downsides of buying resale, other than slightly shorter term.

I am weighing towards buying resale, due to saving, but just concerned we might get trapped at SSR. I met a UK couple who have SSR and never had to stay there in 4 years.

We tend to book our flights a year in advance of coming, but happy to wait until 7 months to book our accomodation.

I welcome peoples views and experiences

Thanks again in advance

Giles

 

[backyardponder]

We bought BWV resale through Scot at TSS a couple of years ago. Once you close on your contract you are treated exactly the same by DVC as if you had bought direct.

It sounds like you are a planner (like me), so it is better for you to buy a home resort you really want to stay at so you can book 11 months out. If your travel plans include late October, and you want to stay at BWV or BCV, then you really need to own there due to F&W.

Good Luck with your decision!

 

[dbs1228]

I think going forward BLT (if that is where you want to stay) is going to get harder to book at 7 months. Example I had a 1 bdrm booked at 11 months then wanted to change it to 2 bdrm at 9 months and there was nothing in 2bdrm available. (granted it was mid Dec busy dvc time but it was still 2 months before all others could book at 7 months). I have to agree with what everyone says buy where you want to stay, if you really do not care in the long run as long as you are at Disney then go for SSR. We have both (THV) but also consider SSR points as our extra nights/vacation when we do not care where we end up as long as it is Disney!

Good luck!

 

[Orsino]

concerned we might get trapped at SSR.

If you are concerned about winding up at SSR then you probably should not buy there. If SSR is acceptable to you then you might consider buying there, but if you are flat out against staying there and would be disappointed staying there, then don't buy there.

I'm buying a SSR resale. If I can get somewhere else at 7 months, I'll be elated. If not, I'm okay with that too. Current practices make getting non-SSR probable, but you can't be sure that will be the case in 10 years.

 

[CMOORE185]

Unstripped contracts at SSR are now passing ROFR at mid to low 60's just to let you know.

 

[DenLo]

I too believe in buying where you want to stay. Of the dates you mentioned in your opening post only October dates are ones that you would need to make a reservation at the 11 month mark. The food and wine festival really fills up the resorts at 11 months, especially at BWV and BCV and now BLT as it has access for F&W on the monorail and MNSSHP at MK. The other dates you mentioned should be able to get in at other resorts at 7 months. But should be able to is not a definitely can get in. Remember there are no guarantees for booking. It's all luck of the draw even at 11 months, the same as when you call to book a room at CRO for WDW.

BTW, it sounds like an April UY might work for you based on the months you mentioned.

 

[castleri]

Just curious about why the negative feelings you have towards SSR - Many have expressed the same feelings about "being stuck at SSR" and have come back from a stay there to say - wow we will be coming back - it is a great resort etc. etc. Keep an open mind as you research your purchase. Weigh all the costs and what you really need to make your stays the best for you. In the end that is what counts the most - where will you be happy if that is the only place you can stay - and is it worth the extra cost if there is one. Good luck and hope that we will soon be able to welcome you home to DVC

 

[Orsino]

Just curious about why the negative feelings you have towards SSR - Many have expressed the same feelings about "being stuck at SSR" and have come back from a stay there to say - wow we will be coming back - it is a great resort etc. etc.

I like hearing this. We are waiting for ROFR for SSR. I've never seen the resort, but I think it will be quite nice. We are getting to the stage where WDW trips are becoming less about the parks and more about a relaxing vacation, dotted with activities at the parks. I can't wait.

Psychologically, I think SSR gets a negative image because it is the last to fill up. That's gotta reflect something, warranted or not. Often, exclusivity in and of itself makes something all the more desirable. For example, I actually could take or leave Toy Story Mania. But we "have" to go there first, even though its not our top ride choice at DHS. We go because of its high demand.

 

[tww369]

I am weighing towards buying resale, due to saving, but just concerned we might get trapped at SSR. I met a UK couple who have SSR and never had to stay there in 4 years.

I've bought 2 resale contracts (OKW & WLV) from TSS and I'm very happy with them. DVC treats you no differently than if you were the original buyer. As far as getting trapped at SSR the resorts the larger (2/BR and Grand villa) suites do tend to book fast and in advance. Regardless of who you get your DVC contract from be sure your "home" resort is A RESORT YOU LIKE! This will give you the option of booking 12 months in advance (being your home resort) instead of 7 months . I ended up buying from TSS because I wasn't interested resorts DVC was offering at the time. A friend of mine has the same complaint, he bought a SSR contract but can't get the larger villas at some of the other (non-home) resorts because they book far in advance. As for opinions about SSR, I've stayed there and its nice but I'm staying at BWV this trip so I "check out" the other resorts too.

 

[dkfogt]

Also take into consideration the annual maintenance differs per resort.

 

[g1rbw]

Sorry i did not mean stuck at SSR. We have never stayed there before, it is just we will be coming once every 3 three years, maybe every two and from UK, we really want to make sure we can get most likely in EPCOT area. The issue with EPCOT area is there is only 32 years left and they are as much as SSR. Have to say a little confused!! Does anyone see issue in buying 32 years, is there any feeling WDW will renew like they at at OKW.
I think the most likely we are to stay in BWV or BCV, and on odd occasion might try SSR treehouses. Honestly we are likely to move around. In terms of space, most likely 1 bed villas, and sometime 2 bed villas.
Thanks everyone
G

 

[castleri]

Sorry i did not mean stuck at SSR. We have never stayed there before, it is just we will be coming once every 3 three years, maybe every two and from UK, we really want to make sure we can get most likely in EPCOT area. The issue with EPCOT area is there is only 32 years left and they are as much as SSR. Have to say a little confused!! Does anyone see issue in buying 32 years, is there any feeling WDW will renew like they at at OKW.
I think the most likely we are to stay in BWV or BCV, and on odd occasion might try SSR treehouses. Honestly we are likely to move around. In terms of space, most likely 1 bed villas, and sometime 2 bed villas.
Thanks everyone
G

If you really want to stay at either of the EPCOT resorts I would buy resale at the one you think you will like the most. It is much harder to get into BCV at the 7th month mark just because it is a smaller resort and you could make good use of the 11 month window especially for times like F&W festival. I was unable to get BCV last year for first week in Oct at 6 months out and the WL never came through. ( I own at BCV but did not decide on that trip until well after the home resort window). I have had more opportunities to get into BW with shorter notice but since it is not one of my top choices always opted for OKW or SSR instead if I could get them. If I had it to do again I would buy OKW just like I did the first time - I have found the bus service great - the 1 and 2 BR villas are the best for size and points required and now you can get the extended years if that is important to you. It is a hard decision so take your time and do the research needed.

 

[Sandisw]

I really think that whatever resort you buy is one that you will be happy with if you can not get anything other than your home resort.

If you tried to book elsewhere and couldn't, would you be okay with staying at SSR? How will you feel if it happens two trips in a row?

We bought BLT because we didn't want to risk having to wait the 7 month window and hope that we could trade to it. It cost about $5000 more than SSR, but was so happy when I could book my trip for 2010 without any issues.

If it were me, I would only buy SSR if that is a resort you can live with if you had to be there. If it really doesn't matter, than go for it and save money.

However, if you are going to be disappointed that you could not get BLT (or another resort) for the entire time, or in the type of room you want at the 7 month mark, then I would buy there.

DVC is a lot of money and I think everyone should buy what makes them happy. To me, I would rather pay $18,000 for something that I love, then $13,000 for something I didn't. And, for us, where we stay is a very important piece of our trip.

Good luck!

 

[tww369]

Sorry i did not mean stuck at SSR. We have never stayed there before, it is just we will be coming once every 3 three years, maybe every two and from UK, we really want to make sure we can get most likely in EPCOT area. The issue with EPCOT area is there is only 32 years left and they are as much as SSR. Have to say a little confused!! Does anyone see issue in buying 32 years, is there any feeling WDW will renew like they at at OKW.
I think the most likely we are to stay in BWV or BCV, and on odd occasion might try SSR treehouses. Honestly we are likely to move around. In terms of space, most likely 1 bed villas, and sometime 2 bed villas.
Thanks everyone
G

If your looking for one of the Epcot Resorts a resale is the way you should go. You'll notice the point cost is alot lower compared to the "new" DVC's that reflects the shorter term of the contract. My yearly maintance costs was arround $4.25 per point this year (thanks to dkfogt for the reminder) and thats somthing you'll need to consider regardless of who you buy a contact from. Personally I'm buying a BWV contract now, so I'm obviously biased if favor of resales.

I Hope this helps anway

 

[Sandisw]

Sorry i did not mean stuck at SSR. We have never stayed there before, it is just we will be coming once every 3 three years, maybe every two and from UK, we really want to make sure we can get most likely in EPCOT area. The issue with EPCOT area is there is only 32 years left and they are as much as SSR. Have to say a little confused!! Does anyone see issue in buying 32 years, is there any feeling WDW will renew like they at at OKW.
I think the most likely we are to stay in BWV or BCV, and on odd occasion might try SSR treehouses. Honestly we are likely to move around. In terms of space, most likely 1 bed villas, and sometime 2 bed villas.
Thanks everyone
G

Many feel that DVC will probably not do the extension like with OKW as I heard that is wasn't a very good process.

32 years is a long time away and at this point, I would say buy where you want to be and worry about that down the road, as no one knows what will happen.

While it is great to get something that lasts longer, if you are going to be unhappy with it, DVC is too expensive, IMO, to buy simply because of that.

Your trips won't be yearly and I think it is important that you have the 11 month advantage to book your stay.

 

[CarolAnnC]

I think the big advantage to SSR is the Treehouse Villas. These are very hard to book and the 11 month booking advantage is very valuable. We have stayed twice at SSR in the Congress Park area and enjoyed it very much!

Good luck in your decision!

 

[thedon3]

Whichever way you chose, you will have no regrets.

 

[CNPHILLY]

Have owned at SSR for the past three years, take multiple trips per year, and have yet to stay at SSR. I simply can't fathom paying $110 per point for BLT when SSR is selling for $70. If you were traveling at peak times, then it might be different, but I can't get behind the "buy where you want to stay" mantra with no caveats and frankly I disagree with it if there are no qualifiers attached.

 

[toniosmom]

I originally bought at AKV and then discovered that I wanted ownership at BCV. I have added on two BCV contracts (one direct, one resale) because we will be traveling there during peak Spring Break time and I want to be sure that we get what we want at the 11 month mark. For me, it wasn't about how many years are left on the contract, but rather where we want to stay now.

I know that many members have stated that they have had no trouble at the 7 month mark, but with all of the new DVC members that have joined since BLT opened and soon Hawaii, I can only guess that it will be harder to get a smaller resort at 7 months. If you are most concerned about being close to Epcot, you are better to choose BWV or BCV. Although, we were at AKV in March and had no trouble with the buses.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Jerry@dvcstore]

The Timeshare Store,Inc.® (resale market) can save you money, you can pick which resort (location) you want to purchase into, you can purchase any size contract you want (25 points and up), and you can buy a package with extra points in the bank.

The main reason people purchase resale is to SAVE MONEY, but with will all the other perk mentioned above, It's a no Brainer.

The Timeshare Store,Inc.® is the way to go.