If you are in the consideration mode - like Morley and others - a few points:
Will I go every year?: If you think the product is right for you - but - doubt you would go every year then you may be best served with a 100 to 125 pt. contract purchased via resale!
With
DVC you can Bank (this years points to next year) and borrow points from the following year - thus - if you had a 100 point contract you could splurge every 3 years with a 300 point vacation (which will get you alot!).
Note: You if you bank points you can only bank them 1 year ahead. And, you can only borrow from one year in the future.
Also, many folks end up renting their points (see the Rent and Trade board). So, you could rent your points one year and go the next. The revenue you get from one year of renting would easily pay 2 years dues.
Not sure the numbers add up? Well, DVC is not an investment - but - the values of the resorts have held up pretty good! The ROFR and regular price increases by DVC keeps it propped up!
But, some resorts have appreciated more then others. As I pointed out, my BCV points have appreciated $18 per point in little over 3 years! OKW points have appreciated about $25 in 15 years. If you bought SSR, on the other hand, you will have lost money at this point! But, in time a sold out resort and regular price increases will make those points appreciate as well.
So many calculations I have seen from folks include the increase in dues and opportunity cost of the funds that will be invested - but - never factor in the increase of the asset! The way I figure - my $12K investment could probably be recouped in the year 2042! If it is costs $5500 for 5 days in a OKW Grand Villa today - what will it cost in 2042?
Trust me - we have been blessed and we know it - and I do not see BCV jumping another $18 in the next 3 years! But, in time it will continue to appreciate in value!
It is great we can use our points for other places! Many on this board will tell you if you are buying in to DVC to trade - it is a pretty bad investment! If you do your research I think you will find that you can buy in to a re-sale timeshare that allows this flexibility for half as much! But, I am not an expert on these things!
PM "Dean" who is the Yoda of all things Timeshare if you have questions like this!
As for trading points for the Port Orleans or Grand Floridian - I have never seen the sense! Why stay in a cramped POR room when you can have a 1 Bedroom condo for less points?
Ok, Ok, Ok, I have always wanted to stay at the Poly - and - may splurge one year to make that a reality! And, maybe I would go to
Disneyland one year!
Again - when you read my comments please realize that I love the product so much that I probably should be a DVC Guide - so I am paid for my enthusiasm.
I would also encourage you to look at the first 2 pages of the DVC Mouselaneous board as well. There is a post about: Would you do it again? Also lots of other good poll's and input.
