Question about Home Resort!

[wanttobeinvienna]

Hi Everyone! So DH and I are absolutely sold on DVC. With 4 kids, and a pretty young marriage- we know this is the perfect option for us...
Of course- there are a million different approaches & we are trying to figure out which is best...
We feel certain that buying a resale is absolutely the best option for us.
So here is my question...

We live in NC, and the price per point for Hilton Head falls between $55-$70 (a significant difference from the $120 quoted for Bay Lake Towers this week)
We feel that we would benefit from a home base at Hilton Head, as we can get there in about 5 hours- so several weekend getaways would be doable if we couldnt make it to FL. I really fell in love with Bay Lake Towers and with the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Compare that with a price point of about $60-80 for Old Key West.

1) Is it too big of a "risk" to have a home resort for a significant price decrease away from the World?

2) Is it better to choose Old Key West so that we are at least at a home resort on grounds?

3) Can you have more than one "home"? For example- could we invest into Hilton Head for appx. 200 points, and in a couple of years buy into Bay Lake Towers for appx. 100 points? Is there a minimum amount of points per resort to make it home?

4) Once you own, are there perks to buying more points? Is it a significant difference?

OH- btw... we are a family of 6- we would get a 2 bedroom for each WDW stay, but we could get away easily to a Hilton Head weekend just the 2 of us.

Another question- tell me some pros & cons of the other NON Disney resorts? For example- the Grove Park Inn is a short drive, as is Williamsburg, DC, Myrtle Beach, etc... We feel like that would be a huge perk.... Tell me what you think...

Thanks everyone! I appreciate any input- pros or cons

 

[staceymay00]

I would want to own points at a WDW resort if I were buying with the purpose of sometimes staying at WDW. I think right now people are usually able to book something at WDW 7 months out, but you never know if it could get more difficult. I personally would want the 11 month booking window since we plan pretty far in advance.

It is possible to have multiple home resorts. Buying resale there is no minimum point level that you have to purchase. Once you are a member you can add on at other resorts for as little as 25 points (50 pts is the minimum to finance).

We are fairly new to DVC and I'm not aware of member perks for buying more points except being able to get fewer than the minimum pts a new member must buy. I also don't know much about using points at non-DVC resorts. The general opinion on these boards seems to be that you don't get as much bang for your buck using them at non-DVC locations. It is ok to do once in a while but not the most cost effective way to regularly stay at non-DVC resorts.

Hope that helps some, and good luck with your decision making.

 

[ToddyLu]

Most folks recommend getting the same UY for your home resorts if you have more than one. Just helps keep track of your banking deadline easier. I would purchase enough points for a 2 bedroom at HH and WDW. 2 bedrooms typically go very fast and that makes them harder to book sometimes a the 7 month mark. So if you are planning on using your 200HH points for a trip to WDW. 1. You have to wait until the 7 month mark, becasue you do not own there 2. You have to have a 2 bedroom which may not be available at 7 months, especially if you are going during peak DVC times. DVC peaks are not the same as Park peaks. For instance, Dec is a very popular month from 12/01-12/23 for DVC because the point cost for villas is very low compared to other seasons. Do you want to go to WDW every year with the kids? If so I would definitely get points there. That way you would have your reservation at 11 months and you could always waitlist at 7 months for another location--at least you would be more apt to get 2 br at WDW by owning there. DVC is just too much money to not get the vacation you want.

 

[ToddyLu]

Using points outside of DVC costs a fee of $95. If you are trading for say a week in Cabo, you have to ask for your accomodations many months in advance to get the week you want. You also have to keep in mind that those villas may not be of the same standards as DVC villa. Adventures by Disney...A trip to Ireland with them this past year was 400 points PER PERSON. DH and I only own 210...very expensive. On the year that you want to book a cruise or travel elsewhere you could rent your points and use that cash to take your trip. So yes with planning you can go different places, it just isnt very convienent IMO.

 

[newdisneycrazy]

I just posted a similar question today, as I'm in almost the exact same boat (minus 2 kids). we are in SC, approx 3 1/2 hours from HHI. We just got back from our first trip to BLT, and LOVED it. We want to purchase a DVC contract, and I'm leaning heavily toward HHI because of the great resale price and the proximity to home. I would also want to be able to go to WDW at least every other year. I'll be interested to hear what you decide.

My issue with buying at OKW is that it wouldn't be my first choice at WDW, and it would be then hard to book at HHI during summers, etc because you could only do it at 7 months.

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

I just posted a similar question today, as I'm in almost the exact same boat (minus 2 kids). we are in SC, approx 3 1/2 hours from HHI. We just got back from our first trip to BLT, and LOVED it. We want to purchase a DVC contract, and I'm leaning heavily toward HHI because of the great resale price and the proximity to home. I would also want to be able to go to WDW at least every other year. I'll be interested to hear what you decide.

My issue with buying at OKW is that it wouldn't be my first choice at WDW, and it would be then hard to book at HHI during summers, etc because you could only do it at 7 months.

Ahhh- we are in the same position!! It is hard to decide!!! I would absolutely LOVE to stay at BLT- it is so beautiful! We have only ever stayed at the values- so anything up from there seems like a dream

I am interested to see what you will do- I agree about OKW- not my favorite. DH and I talked about buying 150 points at OKW and 150 points at Hilton Head. We would have 2 home resorts, can book early at OKW & HH.
I don't know- so many questions!!!

Any more advice out there???

 

[Sandisw]

If you see yourself visiting HH with those points, then buying there could make sense. As you mention, the drawback is that you won't be able to book anything at WDW until 7 months or less from your vacation.


Depending on when you want to travel, this could or could not be a problem. For example, December is very popular and many book at 11 months. However, if you are flexible of where you will stay at WDW when you go (owning at HH), then most of the time you should be okay. Of course, because of your family size, you will always need a 2 bedroom, THV, or GV, unless you plan to do multiple rooms. So, while there may be rooms available at 7 months, you may find that you have to split stay, etc. to get exactly what you want.

This would be my only concern. IF you buy at OKW, you can book 11 months advance giving yourself something to stay at at the world. Then at 7, you can try to trade out.

I believe that the MF's at HH are more than OKW so any potentiel savings could be eaten up in the long run. What might be a better option is to start with a WDW property and then add on with points at HH when you see how much you might want to go there for short trips.

Good luck!

 

[chalee94]

1) Is it too big of a "risk" to have a home resort for a significant price decrease away from the World?

as others have said, buy HHI to stay at HHI. i'd buy onsite if you wanted to stay primarily onsite at wdw.

2) Is it better to choose Old Key West so that we are at least at a home resort on grounds?

that's what i did. i book OKW around 11 months out and try for something else at 7 months if i want...but at least i have a reservation onsite...

you can usually find availability somewhere onsite at 7 months if you buy in at HHI...but that one or two times you get locked out might be pretty frustrating.

3) Can you have more than one "home"? For example- could we invest into Hilton Head for appx. 200 points, and in a couple of years buy into Bay Lake Towers for appx. 100 points? Is there a minimum amount of points per resort to make it home?

if you buy 200 HHI pts and later add-on 25 pts (or whatever) at BLT (for example), you would have 200 HHI pts for the HHI home resort window and 25 BLT pts for the BLT home resort window.

if you bank and borrow BLT pts, then every third year you can use up to 75 BLT pts to book BLT at 11 months out...but nothing will ever turn those HHI pts into BLT pts - the HHI pts are only good at HHI at 11 months and other DVC resorts at 7 months.

4) Once you own, are there perks to buying more points? Is it a significant difference?

nope. at this point, you're either in or out. 25 pts or 2000 pts doesn't matter.

Another question- tell me some pros & cons of the other NON Disney resorts? For example- the Grove Park Inn is a short drive, as is Williamsburg, DC, Myrtle Beach, etc... We feel like that would be a huge perk.... Tell me what you think...

using DVC pts for non-DVC trades is generally not considered a good deal. it can also change each year - pt costs may go up or resorts may not be on the trading option list in future years.

they are nice to have as options but i wouldn't factor non-DVC options very heavily in your decision.

 

[n2mm]

I've always stayed away from the lure of the cheaper price of HH or VB because of the higher dues. We also love being able to stretch our points by booking standard rooms. This is something you really need to be able to do at the 11 month window. This is why I own at both BWV and BLT (along with SSR). It is hard to get a standard room at the 7 month window. Yes, sometimes folks get lucky, but often it doesn't happen. I would look into the dues difference before choosing a home (or homes). And yes you can own at other homes, but choosing the same UY makes it a little easier to keep things in order. If you are flexible and don't care where you stay at the 7 month window booking time, then owning on WDW property might not be important for you.

 

[DebbieB]

You are young. One big consideration - the end date of the contract. HH expires in 2042. BLT expires in 2060. There are some OKW contracts that were extended from 2042 to 2057 (if you buy direct you get 2057) so if you are looking at OKW resales, be sure to check the date.

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

Thanks everyone- your advice is really helpful!

We are researching, researching, researching!! My head is swimming with information! My brain hurts...


SO- here is my new thought. (Which might change again as I type )

I really took to heart buying in on grounds, so I started researching that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sarasota Springs Treehouse Villas. That seems like so much fun! SSR is still a pretty low price per point in resale. SO- now I am thinking SSR as home base at 300 points (broken into smaller contracts).

So- question- is it hard to get the Treehouse? Of course I understand time of year is a major factor, but I also see that there are only about 60 villas. (We are pretty flexible with our travel times, just can't travel during football season) Seems like those might book fast. If having SSR as a home, for the 11 month advantage of booking the Treehouse Villas isn't really worth it, then I will consider OKW.


AHHHHHHHH.... so many decisions!!!

 

[rlovew]

My understanding is that the Treehouse Villas are hard to book at 7 months. If you really like those then buy at SSR.

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

Cool- very helpful- thank you

Another question-

I keep hearing that DVC peak times are different from regular peak times...
But I can't figure out what are DVC peak times...
Can anyone help me???

Thanks

 

[drusba]

To assure getting treehouses, you need to own at SSR and use 11 month booking window (and that actually means to assure getting them callin exactly 11 months out). Treehouses hava a lot to say for themselves if you like seclusion but they are not ideal for taking buses to parks. Those may be available sometimes at 7 months but farily high risk they will not be. If you own HHI, you would be dealing with the 7 month window at all WDW resorts. Generally easy most times of year to get SSR (not treehouses) or OKW at 7 months, others are more iffy with some risk of not getting them a number times of year and high risk of not getting them during real high demand DVC times (holidays, any time during December, Oct wine festival time, some spring break weeks other than Eastertime) and then risk during other times depending on resort and kind of room, for example, getting BLT MK or standard view, AKV concierge, BWV boardwalk or standard view and often anything at VWL and BCV can be difficult a large portion of the year.

Nevertheless, if you desire is to go to HH aq lot tyhen you should own there (subject to that 2042 issue) because it can be difficult for others to get at 7 months out particularly during HH peak times during the summer.

As a young family very important in my view for you to consider end date. Buy at HHI and you will done 2042. BLT is 2060, AKV 2057, and SSR 2054. OKW has contractsd with 2042 end date and 2057 end date but usually those 2057 end date ones are not available resale.

 

[disneynutz]

Cool- very helpful- thank you

Another question-

I keep hearing that DVC peak times are different from regular peak times...
But I can't figure out what are DVC peak times...
Can anyone help me???

Thanks

I think that the DVC non peak times continue to shrink and I wouldn't be surprised if the point charts are changed to reflect this. Disney does a great job of making all year long as busy as possible. "free" dining, Food and Wine, Pop Warner, Flower and Garden, various marathons, you get the idea. As the membership continues to grow, getting our favorite resort when we want it is getting more difficult.

Bill

 

[DebbieB]

Cool- very helpful- thank you

Another question-

I keep hearing that DVC peak times are different from regular peak times...
But I can't figure out what are DVC peak times...
Can anyone help me???

Thanks

Peak times as far as higher points or peak times for occupancy? Not the same thing.

The highest points are the weeks around Christmas & Easter. The lowest points are January, first 2 weeks of December.

As far as high DVC occupancy, the fall has become very popular.

 

[Sammie]

It truly is a personal decision and where you buy needs to fit your lifestyle.

Home resort was no big deal to us because there is no way due to jobs we can book any earlier than 7 months out.

Also it is very hard to know what you will like or need years from now. We have had our DVC since the 90s and what we like now is very different from when we bought.

Predicting DVC patterns of peak versus non, is kinda like the stock market, it can change quickly.

Basically right now DVC seems to follow a trend of booking during special events such as Food and Wine and the Flower and Garden Show. They like to book during the times when points are low and weather is nice.

They avoid the high temps of the summer and the big crowds and higher points.

 

[westcoastsunshine]

Take a look at the new Oahu resort. Really
amazing and will probably be popular.

 

[kendzee94]

Thanks everyone- your advice is really helpful!

We are researching, researching, researching!! My head is swimming with information! My brain hurts...


SO- here is my new thought. (Which might change again as I type )

I really took to heart buying in on grounds, so I started researching that. I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Sarasota Springs Treehouse Villas. That seems like so much fun! SSR is still a pretty low price per point in resale. SO- now I am thinking SSR as home base at 300 points (broken into smaller contracts).

So- question- is it hard to get the Treehouse? Of course I understand time of year is a major factor, but I also see that there are only about 60 villas. (We are pretty flexible with our travel times, just can't travel during football season) Seems like those might book fast. If having SSR as a home, for the 11 month advantage of booking the Treehouse Villas isn't really worth it, then I will consider OKW.


AHHHHHHHH.... so many decisions!!!

We started off with owning at SSR, then added to AKV, then decided to add more to SSR via resale this past spring. We specifically added SSR for the 11 month THV booking capability. There are only 60 THV's and I thought I read that only 30 are DVC declared. We LOVE LOVE LOVE the THV's. Actually, we just came back the the BWV's and after listening to all the rave reviews about it, we are happy that we did not add on there. We found that it took us appx. one hour coming back from DTD, as we were the 7th stop!!!! Those who complain about the buses as SSR and THV (and yes, I have complained about the internal THV buses!) need to realize there are positives and negatives to all resorts. I would definitely recommend maybe two smaller (100) contracts at two resorts or a 200 at one resort. If you want to stay at HHI, I would think about what time of year you want to go. We tried to get in at the 7th month mark for Easter and were not able to get in (even waitlisted) a couple years ago.

First things first, look resale. Look at the maps, research each resort and look at dues. Good luck finding what you're looking for.

 

[wanttobeinvienna]

You all are so helpful! Thank you!

Well- I found a listing on one of the resale websites that seems to good to pass up. I have talked to the agent a few times, and I am ready to jump- my husband is dragging his feet a little...

Here is the story- the listing has been there for a week and a half. It is a 300 pt SSR w/ the 2010 points banked, for $66/point.

I say jump, my husband thinks there will be more options available...

Thoughts from the experts?

(Just thought- maybe it's not appropriate to put cost? Not offended at all if this post needs to be deleted )