Potential new member, give me opinions!

[jolynne28]

I own a small BWV contract, you can do a lot with just 50 pts. But you are also nearly 20 yrs younger than us so I’m not sure if I’d make that choice at your age. I’ve also used SAP to book there and pretty much everywhere else. It takes some time and effort but it’s doable and I’ve never not gotten what I wanted.

Resale all the way IMO with your budget. CCV is prob the best bang for your buck to use for SAP, consider that too.

 

[DVCsloth]

I tend to think of the 2042 expiration as a good thing. I know some people view it as a negative. If you like BWV, owning there will give you the best chance at booking when you want and what room type you want. I'm sure if you break it down by point cost it's not the most economical purchase, but it is a lower initial buy in and much less of a commitment imo. The price will most likely go down in the near future, but it would be a great contract to hold onto. If you own it a while and decide you don't like, you can sell and should be able to get a decent amount back, especially if you research the purchase and get it for a fair price.

 

[byurick]

Another disboard member here likes to remind everyone that owning DVC is like owning a toy, don't overthink it and have fun. I think a 50 point BWV is a great way to get your feet wet and try it out.

 

[airjay75]

If I were in your shoes based on the info you've given us, I would probably hold off on buying a contract now and look at renting points for your upcoming trips (through one of the 3rd party brokers). Save up for now, see how life settles out over the next few years. That's my reaction for a few reasons.

One, the number of points you're looking at really isn't going to go all that far - that said, plenty of people like to smart small and add on later. From my perspective, if you are going Poly, only direct makes economic sense right now - resale is just too expensive. But, $12k isn't going to get you quite that much - going to need to save some more. I'd save that money, put it in a high yield savings or money market fund, and wait for now.

Two, and this would be the bigger reason to me, there are a lot of variables in your life right now that could (and likely will change). Getting married, having kids, moving out of state, job changes, etc. - all things that can really change the trajectory of your life. Maybe annual (or more) Disney trips will be part of the future (we all hope it will), but there are just so many ways life can change when those are things you're looking at in the near to medium term future.

Personally, I just bought DVC. I've been married almost 19 years, lived in the same house and had the same job for about 8 years, and have a 4 and 6 year old. Of all those events, having kids rocked it the most - literally the hardest (and most fulfilling) thing I have ever experienced in my life . But, I would not have been ready for regular Disney trips the past 6 years - it would have been way too hard. But, all of sudden, we've been twice in the last 10 months and are going again next month and I keep wanting more points! Jobs and career of you and any future spouse can also have a big impact on whether DVC makes sense (and which resort makes the most sense). Before the jobs me and my wife currently have (and which we have both had for the past 8 years or so), DVC would not have made sense to me - didn't have the flexibility or planned long-term stability. I was even a little hesitant with our current purchase initially because of my wife's job, but she seemed confident that, as long as it was at the right time of year, she could plan trips 11 months out.

Hopefully those are helpful thoughts - but, if not, I won't be offended either. Just the thoughts that came to my mind.

 

[Girlstar30]

If I were in your shoes based on the info you've given us, I would probably hold off on buying a contract now and look at renting points for your upcoming trips (through one of the 3rd party brokers). Save up for now, see how life settles out over the next few years. That's my reaction for a few reasons.

One, the number of points you're looking at really isn't going to go all that far - that said, plenty of people like to smart small and add on later. From my perspective, if you are going Poly, only direct makes economic sense right now - resale is just too expensive. But, $12k isn't going to get you quite that much - going to need to save some more. I'd save that money, put it in a high yield savings or money market fund, and wait for now.

Two, and this would be the bigger reason to me, there are a lot of variables in your life right now that could (and likely will change). Getting married, having kids, moving out of state, job changes, etc. - all things that can really change the trajectory of your life. Maybe annual (or more) Disney trips will be part of the future (we all hope it will), but there are just so many ways life can change when those are things you're looking at in the near to medium term future.

Personally, I just bought DVC. I've been married almost 19 years, lived in the same house and had the same job for about 8 years, and have a 4 and 6 year old. Of all those events, having kids rocked it the most - literally the hardest (and most fulfilling) thing I have ever experienced in my life . But, I would not have been ready for regular Disney trips the past 6 years - it would have been way too hard. But, all of sudden, we've been twice in the last 10 months and are going again next month and I keep wanting more points! Jobs and career of you and any future spouse can also have a big impact on whether DVC makes sense (and which resort makes the most sense). Before the jobs me and my wife currently have (and which we have both had for the past 8 years or so), DVC would not have made sense to me - didn't have the flexibility or planned long-term stability. I was even a little hesitant with our current purchase initially because of my wife's job, but she seemed confident that, as long as it was at the right time of year, she could plan trips 11 months out.

Hopefully those are helpful thoughts - but, if not, I won't be offended either. Just the thoughts that came to my mind.

If she wants bwv she should hop on sooner than later! Ofc, if she waits 5-10 years the price would go down significantly, but then there's no way the math would make sense at all.... At least now if she wanted to stay there every single year it could make sense.

 

[squeezeplay101]

I would keep an eye on the BWV listings and consider picking up something there. Once you get a feel for what a fair price is, you could start making some offers. This way you could try out being a DVC owner and possibly pick up some direct points down the road if you want the membership extras and the ability to book the newer resorts.

This encapsulates much of my thoughts as well. I would also add:

I don't see the 2042 and you being young as much of an issue. If you know BWV is the place for you, the best advice I can give is to get that resort at a price you feel reasonable. 17 years (ish) is still a long time to be with a place - and conversely, potentially regretting buying into a longer-term contract you'd be lest satisfied with. Just don't overpay, and if you have sometime before your next planned trip, you may get a BWV contract cheaper as we get close to 2042.

 

[ajsamett]

My first anticipated use of dvc points currently is f&g next May, but if I end up with a loaded contract I might consider a no/chill parks resort time trip wherever I can find somewhere, if that helps!

 

[airjay75]

If she wants bwv she should hop on sooner than later! Ofc, if she waits 5-10 years the price would go down significantly, but then there's no way the math would make sense at all.... At least now if she wanted to stay there every single year it could make sense.

You could be right. I haven't really sat down and run the numbers. I just know how much life can change when you're thinking about moves, relationships, kids, etc. It could work out great and be relatively low risk, especially if buying resale. OTOH, that's a good stage of life to be obligation/debt free, saving extra money, and waiting for things to settle out a bit before making a potentially longer-term commitment to DVC.

 

[cruisehopeful]

My first anticipated use of dvc points currently is f&g next May, but if I end up with a loaded contract I might consider a no/chill parks resort time trip wherever I can find somewhere, if that helps!

You actually might not be able to book for next May if you buy resale today without a lot of work on your part. If you bought resale today and everything went smoothly with the sale, you would get your points in August or September. BW and BC normally need to be booked at the 11 month window. However, you could book AKL or SSR, maybe even the Poly longhouses and wait-list for the other resorts.

If things don't go smoothly with your resale, for example, my sellers haven't done their paperwork and it's been 3 weeks since I've done mine, your resale could take a lot longer. It can be many months before you get your points. While not common, some people are reporting 4-5 months.

If you buy direct from DVC, your points will be available in about a day. You could book Poly and wait-list for the other resorts.

 

[ajsamett]

For anyone curious about the math. I've looked at recently sold small contracts and Poly direct 150, and compared cost pp, with dues and what that means in points charts (avg was the middle grouping)

 

[Girlstar30]

You could be right. I haven't really sat down and run the numbers. I just know how much life can change when you're thinking about moves, relationships, kids, etc. It could work out great and be relatively low risk, especially if buying resale. OTOH, that's a good stage of life to be obligation/debt free, saving extra money, and waiting for things to settle out a bit before making a potentially longer-term commitment to DVC.

I agree with you that life changes, but she loves Disney and has stayed at many different DVC resorts and has loved them all.

I factored her age because she said long term she wants kids and a longer contract could provide her more years to share this with them. Also the fact that she loves a lot of different resorts, I thought maybe she'd like to explore purchasing one she loves that has a longer expiration date for more cost value. She should not purchase an initial contract she doesnt like, but its good she likes multiple resorts.

With that being said, she can Def start with boardwalk if she's set on that and add more later. These are all ofc my opinions. Some things I would do are starkly different than others
And I also agree that the timeshare is an expensive toy and so cost value isn't everything. None of us need to have this and she should buy what will bring her joy.

Cost did seem to be a concern for her and maint fees on BWV are not the cheapest so I thought this should be pointed out.

I always recommend if someone likes CCV and that would bring them joy and wants this for years, that would be what I choose. Also would consider BLT and SSR to be the best values based on cost alone long term.

But I always recommend staying everywhere before buying for a first contract. I didnt do that with SSR because I am super confident in my abilities to book somewhere else. Also I have other contracts so in the event I cant book somewhere else one year, I could bank SSR for the next year.

From what ive seen there is plenty of availability at resorts i like after 7 months. It seemed to be a good fit for our lifestyle. We love trying new restaurants (DS) are avid golfers (closest resort to golf course) love resort only stays (annoying internal bus loop not needed for theme parks always) and i love a great spa day if the damn thing would open!

 

[Patmcpsu]

With you being young, the expiration date is the most important factor for you to consider. You'll likely have the contract for over 20 years, but let's use 20 for the sake of argument.

If you go resale, your best options with late expirations would be BLT or CCV for ~$135/pt. If you go Poly direct, you'll pay ~$235/pt. If you amortize that cost-per-point over 20 years, it's $5 per-point per-year. In my opinion, that $5 premium is well worth it. I understand that buying direct nearly doubles your upfront cost, but you have a lot of years ahead of you, and as the Original 14 start phasing out during your tenure, the difference between direct and resale will become more apparent.

The best option may be to wait for Lakeshore Lodge to go on sale, as a resort's best incentives are traditionally when its sales kick off. It would have the latest expiration date too.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

A fellow GenConner!! I also scored an incredible time and got a 2Q JW Marriott! I actually was in HS for the drop!

I'll have to keep an eye out for BLT sales then! Glad i can stalk like GenCon!

My guide mentioned that the BLT price was kind of unprecedented and being the nerd that I am I still look at the offers when they come out and there hasn't been a discount on points there since. Go resale first if you want to save and get your blue card later.
Have a great con! What's your group's big event this year? We are all excited to do Critical Putt this year and a puzzle escape room that's new to con.

 

[Girlstar30]

You actually might not be able to book for next May if you buy resale today without a lot of work on your part. If you bought resale today and everything went smoothly with the sale, you would get your points in August or September. BW and BC normally need to be booked at the 11 month window. However, you could book AKL or SSR, maybe even the Poly longhouses and wait-list for the other resorts.

If things don't go smoothly with your resale, for example, my sellers haven't done their paperwork and it's been 3 weeks since I've done mine, your resale could take a lot longer. It can be many months before you get your points. While not common, some people are reporting 4-5 months.

If you buy direct from DVC, your points will be available in about a day. You could book Poly and wait-list for the other resorts.

These are really good points. I thought i was golden to go in September if I started the process in January (I didnt know how scarce availability could be so far out) Boy was i wrong, it was extremely stressful trying to book a trip like that!

 

[ajsamett]

My guide mentioned that the BLT price was kind of unprecedented and being the nerd that I am I still look at the offers when they come out and there hasn't been a discount on points there since. Go resale first if you want to save and get your blue card later.
Have a great con! What's your group's big event this year?

I host the Dimension 20 Cosplay Meetup! I actually run a group that hosts them across the world

 

[airjay75]

If she wants bwv she should hop on sooner than later! Ofc, if she waits 5-10 years the price would go down significantly, but then there's no way the math would make sense at all.... At least now if she wanted to stay there every single year it could make sense.

I'll play devil's advocate. Buys today with the intent to use every year. Goes for 1 or 2 years, and then life really starts changing. New job, new state (maybe not so close to FL), spouse, kids, buying a house, can't quite get to DW for 3-4 years, maybe longer. Budgets (and time) can really start to change once those things enter life, and it is really hard to fathom just how much they can until it happens in my experience. Of course, can rent those points out to recoup dues during that time. But, then, for whatever reason, decide they want to offload BWV resale contract, but the 2042 expiration has finally affected the prices significantly, and only option is take a pretty big loss, and because of life circumstances, didn't really get much use out of it.

On the flip side, OP isn't really talking about that much money here in the grand scheme of life, and does seem like a pretty dedicated and experienced Disney/DVC fan. And, you only live once, and I totally get the appeal of DVC, and, even if my above "worst case scenario" occurs, it would not likely be any sort of devastating financial hit either.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

I host the Dimension 20 Cosplay Meetup! I actually run a group that hosts them across the world

My husband loves Dimension 20! We basically watch everything on Dropout. Small world!

 

[ajsamett]

My husband loves Dimension 20! We basically watch everything on Dropout. Small world!

Idk if you watched the documentary from MSG, but that was my group! I was the Dale that was interviewed talking about moving to Florida during covid!! If you see a D20 cosplayer (prob bringing Adaine, Ruby and Riva) come say hi, I'll have badge ribbons! We're still waiting for GenCon to approve our event, but it'll be Sunday and free (otherwise, I'm just going to host my own event )

 

[Girlstar30]

I'll play devil's advocate. Buys today with the intent to use every year. Goes for 1 or 2 years, and then life really starts changing. New job, new state (maybe not so close to FL), spouse, kids, buying a house, can't quite get to DW for 3-4 years, maybe longer. Budgets (and time) can really start to change once those things enter life, and it is really hard to fathom just how much they can until it happens in my experience. Of course, can rent those points out to recoup dues during that time. But, then, for whatever reason, decide they want to offload BWV resale contract, but the 2042 expiration has finally affected the prices significantly, and only option is take a pretty big loss, and because of life circumstances, didn't really get much use out of it.

On the flip side, OP isn't really talking about that much money here in the grand scheme of life, and does seem like a pretty dedicated and experienced Disney/DVC fan. And, you only live once, and I totally get the appeal of DVC, and, even if my above "worst case scenario" occurs, it would not likely be any sort of devastating financial hit either.

Resale will always be the best option to protect yourself from losing a lot of money should the worst arise, but there are downfalls to that as well.

All of us take the risk that we have to sell early when buying because of life circumstances. I am in the mindset that I like to mitigate those risks as much as possible. I do go for cost value when considering a resort to purchase a lot for DVC because of the flexibility of these timeshare vs others, but some people dont have as much time as me or the willingness to tinker around with the reservation website as much as me.

If it was up to me I wouldnt have chosen akv because of the higher maint dues, despite the fact I love the resort, our preferred 1 bedroom savannah view is widely available, but I have a wife that really wanted it.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Idk if you watched the documentary from MSG, but that was my group! I was the Dale that was interviewed talking about moving to Florida during covid!! If you see a D20 cosplayer (prob bringing Adaine, Ruby and Riva) come say hi, I'll have badge ribbons! We're still waiting for GenCon to approve our event, but it'll be Sunday and free (otherwise, I'm just going to host my own event )

My husband hasn't watched yet since he was waiting to finish season 2 of Unsleeping City but we'll for sure lookout when we get there! We actually live near NYC but didn't get to go because we were at DW when it happened.