Planning on joining DVC, but first a question...

[animal_dreams]

My parents are about to buy a DVC membership (I know, woo hoo!) and I just have a question or two for the experienced vets here.

First, based on everything I've heard and seen, I think we would like the BCV best, but looking at resale prices, we're finding SSR points much cheaper than BCV points (which makes sense). So is it worth it to essentially shell out a lot more money (as much as $15/point x at least 200 points) to be able to book BCV sooner? If we are SSR owners, what are our chances of being able to book BCV 7 months out if we go at somewhat off-peak times, like the beginning of January?

Also, my dad has heard the rumors about a possible new DVC location where the CR Garden Wing now stands, and he looooves the CR. So he is all for buying 200 points now, then adding on 100 points or so when those are available. I'm not sure this is a great idea. First, my understanding is that you can only book as many points as you own at a resort 11 months out, so we would basically not have enough points at either of our "home" resorts to book at 11 months (we would need about 275-300 for a week at a 2-bedroom at the cheapest season, and that's what we want) which would essentially mean that instead of 2 home resorts, we would have no home resorts. Am I correct in seeing it this way?

Whew, this was longer than I thought it would be, but TYIA for your help!!!

 

[snowwhitemom]

In your debate dont forget the exta 12 years you will own at SSR over BCV. Just thought I would mention it. It made our decision much easier. We love SSR but stay everwhere else anyway. The waitlist has never let e down even at Christmas....I book @SSR and waitlist resort of choice. If it doesnt work out...ok I am still at fabulous SSR.

Congrats and Welcome home by the way.

 

[Dean]

Unless you plan on BCV most of the time I wouldn't think the difference is worth it. But I wouldn't buy SSR unless I was comfortable staying there at least part of the time either. AKV is selling now and little more than BCV with an even later end date. Regardless, if the CR area is a big draw for you family, I like you're Dad's plan of getting in to the system now with less points and adding on there if it ever happens is a good one. Given your situation I would either buy the cheapest I could find taking into account the expiration dates OR buy AKV at say 160 points.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

If you bought 100 points at a resort and needed 300 points for a reservation- you could bank&borrow and use the 11 month window. You could only do this every few years though.

 

[castleri]

My parents are about to buy a DVC membership (I know, woo hoo!) and I just have a question or two for the experienced vets here.



Also, my dad has heard the rumors about a possible new DVC location where the CR Garden Wing now stands, and he looooves the CR. So he is all for buying 200 points now, then adding on 100 points or so when those are available. I'm not sure this is a great idea. First, my understanding is that you can only book as many points as you own at a resort 11 months out, so we would basically not have enough points at either of our "home" resorts to book at 11 months (we would need about 275-300 for a week at a 2-bedroom at the cheapest season, and that's what we want) which would essentially mean that instead of 2 home resorts, we would have no home resorts. Am I correct in seeing it this way?

Whew, this was longer than I thought it would be, but TYIA for your help!!!

You are able to use up to 3 years worth of points for each resort by banking, using current years points and borrowing if need be. Thus is you had 160 points at SSR and 150 points at another resort you would have enough to have the home resort advantage at each of your resorts every other year for the 2 bedroom you will need. For example
160 at SSR 2007 UY - borrow 115-140 from 2008 and make a reservation for sometime in your 2007 uy. Bank the remaining points if any into the 2009 UY. Bank 2007 points from second contract and then in 2008 use the banked points and the current ones for that years reservation. This is assuming buying two contracts the same year. Spacing them out one year might be a better option so you keep the rotations going. You need to look at how many you would need and set up a small worksheet to see how it would work. It is possible to do it also with smaller contracts if you purchase the right ones with some points already banked and do more borrowing. Good luck with whatever your family decides. Also keep in mind that some of the "off peak" times for WDW are the most wanted times for DVC because of low points and the quiet times at the parks.

 

[animal_dreams]

You are able to use up to 3 years worth of points for each resort by banking, using current years points and borrowing if need be. Thus is you had 160 points at SSR and 150 points at another resort you would have enough to have the home resort advantage at each of your resorts every other year for the 2 bedroom you will need. For example
160 at SSR 2007 UY - borrow 115-140 from 2008 and make a reservation for sometime in your 2007 uy. Bank the remaining points if any into the 2009 UY. Bank 2007 points from second contract and then in 2008 use the banked points and the current ones for that years reservation. This is assuming buying two contracts the same year. Spacing them out one year might be a better option so you keep the rotations going. You need to look at how many you would need and set up a small worksheet to see how it would work. It is possible to do it also with smaller contracts if you purchase the right ones with some points already banked and do more borrowing. Good luck with whatever your family decides. Also keep in mind that some of the "off peak" times for WDW are the most wanted times for DVC because of low points and the quiet times at the parks.

Thanks guys, this is all really helpful. I know it seems anal, but I like to have thought about and planned for every possible contingency!

Also, we have thought about buying at OKW, since points are cheapest there (although maintence fees are higher and the lease ends sooner...) and have generally heard better things about it than SSR. What are your thoughts on that?

 

[vandy]

Not sure about OKW being better than SSR and there are threads with that discussion. The theming is different and the OKW 2br is a little bigger than SSR, but OKW was the first DVC resort. SSR is newer and has the additional 12 years to the contract. OKW and SSR are the two "condo" style resorts where the rooms are spread out over a large resort in multiple buildings with parking next to building. The others are "hotel style" all within one or a couple of buildings and parking in one big lot. You may wish to take that into consideration.

Since your original post didn't sound like you were absolutely in love with and had to have BCV and you would most likely go in the slower seasons, then buy SSR for the extra 12 years and lower costs. You should be able to book your stay in January at 7 months anyway. If not, SSR is a great place to have to "settle" for. SSR should also have a higher resale if and when CRV comes on board. If your dad wants to buy CRV but doesn't want an entirely new set of points, SSR should have a decent resale value to maybe apply to the CRV purchase.

 

[animal_dreams]

Not sure about OKW being better than SSR and there are threads with that discussion. The theming is different and the OKW 2br is a little bigger than SSR, but OKW was the first DVC resort. SSR is newer and has the additional 12 years to the contract. OKW and SSR are the two "condo" style resorts where the rooms are spread out over a large resort in multiple buildings with parking next to building. The others are "hotel style" all within one or a couple of buildings and parking in one big lot. You may wish to take that into consideration.

Since your original post didn't sound like you were absolutely in love with and had to have BCV and you would most likely go in the slower seasons, then buy SSR for the extra 12 years and lower costs. You should be able to book your stay in January at 7 months anyway. If not, SSR is a great place to have to "settle" for. SSR should also have a higher resale if and when CRV comes on board. If your dad wants to buy CRV but doesn't want an entirely new set of points, SSR should have a decent resale value to maybe apply to the CRV purchase.

Thanks, I think you are right! You guys are great, I love these boards!