Purchase Question

[macky3207]

We did the tour at SSR and AVL in Dec. We are very interested in the DVC but are considering resale as a better option for us. I would appreciate any input from members regarding the pros and cons of buying OKW vs. SSR or any of the other resorts. Also we are somewhat confused about the use year and how we should decide what month we should purchase for our use year. For example, we always go to WDW in the 2nd or 3rd week of Dec. and in May of every year. What use year would be best in these circumstances? We really the idea of being a DVC member and believe we will buy in the future. We are trying to get as much information as we can to make the best decision. Thanks.

Macky

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Welcome to the Dis Boards.

A December use year would work for you because both trips you take are still within the banking window for points in case you have to cancel a trip. For example if you had to cancel your December trip in October and had a February use year, it would be too late to bank the points and you would have to find a way to use them by the end of January. You can only bank points in the first 8 months of the use year. Always remember that use year has nothing to do with when you can make a reservation. It is always 11 months in advance at your home resort.

As to what resort, buy where you want to stay if you make reservations 8 or more months in advance. If you are a last minute planner or don't care which resort you stay at, buy what will be the least expensive option in the long run. All of the resorts have their own plusses and minuses (except the BWV's of course which are perfect in every way. Okay almost every way)

HBC

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Welcome to the Disboards!!! Also, wishing you an early WELCOME HOME!!! arty:

If you are considering OKW, be aware that the expiration through Dis is 2057 and if you purchase through resale, it is 2042. It will be more expensive through Dis (in the high $90s through Dis, versus $70s via resale.

We purchased through resale and saved some $$$. However, see what contracts are available and run the numbers. In all honesty, at the time we bought, Dis was running such a good promo, that we didn't benefit that much by purchasing resale. However, I think buying through resale vs. current incentives (especially if you can find loaded contracts with banked points) is a better deal than what it was for us. If you purchase via resale, don't be afraid to negotiate maintenance fees, closing costs and any associated fees. We ended up having the sellers pick up closing costs on both contracts.

OKW vs. SSR - both great resorts. I think both resorts have a similar feel and you'd be happy with either if you like escaping the crowds when you leave the parks. These boards have a ton of threads and pics on the various resorts. Go see what others are saying and think about what you enjoy while at WDW. If you like escaping the crowds, OKW and SSR are wonderful. If you like being in the mix, BWV and BCV are great. AKV and VWL are more rustic. Pick a resort where you'd generally like to stay. However, that's what I love about DVC. I can choose to have a different experience each time I go!!!

As for UY, the OP gave you some good advice. The only time UY really matters is when you have points that are going to expire or you have a high risk of cancelling trips. We have an August UY. DH teaches and we vacation in July/August timeframe. We have points this year that will expire July 31. If I had a September (or later) UY, I could use those points in July or August. However, because our points expire July 31, we can't use them in August. Also, if I book a trip in late July and have to cancel, I will lose the points. There would be no time to reschedule. Just something to think about if you don't plan to travel every year and plan to bank or, like us, you purchase contracts that have banked points and continue to bank current UY points into the next year.

Best of luck!

 

[JimMIA]

I agree generally with the previous posters. This is the hierarchy I would use in your situation:

First of all, I would NOT buy a home resort where I would be disappointed to stay if that was all I could get.

I would pay particular attention to home resort if you can book 7+ months in advance. If you can, you will have a home resort advantage. That addtional four month booking period is critical if you are going during peak times (which you are in December), or if you need special types of villas like GV's. With your planned late December trips, you are going to need the booking advantage, and are probably going to have to book very early in your 11-month window. If you don't book 7+ months in advance, where you own means nothing.

If you can't book 7+ months out, I would look for the most cost-effective purchase, as suggested above.

I'd also look at the difference between 2042 and 2057 OKW contracts with a critical eye. If you pay extra for the longer period, just be aware that you're paying $20+ per point for something that you won't even start using for 35 years. In order to justify the longer period, I think you really have to believe that additional time has concrete value to your family. Frankly, if I were going to spend $X, I'd much rather buy more points I can use now for the same money.

If you don't see yourself owning DVC 30 years from now, the extra expenditure would be silly unless you're convinced it will yield a substantially higher resale price down the road. I haven't run into anyone yet with a clue what resale prices are going to be 15-20 years from now, so I tend to ignore the argument for higher resale.