Please Look at My Numbers - Am I Right?

[clkelley]

Well, I just crunched the numbers. A small contract may actually make sense for us. I was really not big into DVC at all cause we love Fort Wilderness and use most of my vacation time there (and camping elsewhere around the US), and for most resort stays we are weekend warriors at the Values. However, now that DH is retired, and I get 4 weeks of leave a year and generally get a good amount of comp time here and there, 3 -4 weeknights a year is possible.

There is a 25 point contract at Old Key West available for $2225. (www.dvcbyresale.com) At current rates (I know they'll go up) maintenance fees for the rest of the contract will be $3762 for a total investment of $5987. With 32 years remaining on the contract that is a total of 800 points. If we can manage to get 4 weeknights a year at the Fort with those points at this year's prices during Value Season that adds up to $10,133 worth of Fort stays.

OR we could opt for three weeknights a year in a Studio at Old Key West at this year's prices during Value Season that adds up to $29,500 worth of resort stays.

Also, it is very conceivable that out of the 32 years, we would purchase APs 25 of those years, saving another $5000. (I know not guaranteed.)

A small contract may make sense for us.

Are my numbers correct??

 

[alice99]

The numbers sound right, except $89 per point may not be the best you can do. Think about it. Though smaller contracts can go for more $ per point. I'd make an offer.

I checked put your blog and photos, very nice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There is no guarantee you can continue to use points at Ft Wilderness.

Don't forget to add closing costs (about $500) for the resale. Dues will undoubtedly go up, more than doubling in the next ten or more years.

 

[bwvBound]

Using DVC Points at the Fort will likely incur the (current) $95 fee for each reservation. I'd count on that fee going up over time. On the same note, the number of points currently set for booking Fort stays may also increase over time.

Your idea is very cool ... but know that your most "certain" use of the points would be those studio nights at OKW. Future access to the Fort may or may not be offered??

 

[clkelley]

Using DVC Points at the Fort will likely incur the (current) $95 fee for each reservation. I'd count on that fee going up over time. On the same note, the number of points currently set for booking Fort stays may also increase over time.

Your idea is very cool ... but know that your most "certain" use of the points would be those studio nights at OKW. Future access to the Fort may or may not be offered??

Oh, I realize that the most certain/best use would be those Studio nights at OKW. Also, I thought I had heard that the $95 fee had been taken off at the Fort.

 

[clkelley]

OK, I reran some numbers:

$2225 - Initial Purchase
$500 - Closing Costs
$6278.87 - Maintenance fees - (3% increase per year)
$3040.00 - Possible $95 Fee at Fort per reservation

$12043.87 - Total investment

Worst case scenario, no AP savings, use all points at the Fort, $95 fee per reservation ($1910.87 loss)

Best case scenario, AP savings 25 out of 32 years, use all points at OKW, no reservation fee

$2225 - Initial Purchase
$500 - Closing Costs
$6278.87 - Maintenance fees - (3% increase per year)

$9003.87 - Total investment

$25,495.13 savings

 

[tomandrobin]

I think your overall numbers are correct.

There are some additional savings to be gained, but there are no guarantees on how long benefits will remain. Annual Passholder discount on purchase and renewal. Once you have an AP, you can now purchase a TiW card.

I have met others at WDW who have done something similar to what you are proposing, and it works well for them.

 

[clkelley]

We keep APs most years anyway, and have a DDE/TiW card when we have APs.

I just crunched one more number, staying those same 3 nights a year at a Value resort for 32 years straight will cost approximately $8098 plus tax (assuming 1% increase per year). (Value season pricing, assuming no discounts)

We honestly are not big deluxe resort people. It is nice every once in a while, so unless I can confirm there is no longer the $95 fee per reservation at the Fort, this may be a no go after all.

Thanks for letting me think out loud though!!

 

[bwvBound]

Just checked the 2009 Point charts ... the $95 fee is not charged for FW campsites with full hookups. The fee does apply to FW Cabins.

We walked through the campground for the first time last month. Would love to visit ... but flying beats taking the MoHo cross-country and back.

 

[clkelley]

Just checked the 2009 Point charts ... the $95 fee is not charged for FW campsites with full hookups. The fee does apply to FW Cabins.

We walked through the campground for the first time last month. Would love to visit ... but flying beats taking the MoHo cross-country and back.

Thanks!!!

This may make sense then. With a combination of all the above elements.

We can't even think about it for about a month, so I'll start seriously watching the resale stuff then.

 

[nunzia]

We paid 78 a point for our OKW..very pleased!