Question for you experts...

[murphyhill]

Considering buying into BLT with 160 pts through Disney (using all current incentives) for $112/pt to get started. We know we'll need to buy more points a few years from now. \

How much will it cost to buy additional points in the future? What are our options for buying more points? will I pay more than or less than $112/pt in the future.

Next question...

We like to travel to Sanibel Island and different islands in the Caribean...

How do the points compare to Disney's accomodations. For example a one bedroom villa is about 240-250 points for a week at WDW - will that buy us a week at in the Caribean - all other things being equal? Are your points worth more or less at other destinations specifically Sanibel or the Caribean. Where are the point charts for ALL the destinations.

Thanks in advance!


Last question...

Can you use points to purchase the DDP or other things?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Considering buying into BLT with 160 pts through Disney (using all current incentives) for $112/pt to get started. We know we'll need to buy more points a few years from now. \

How much will it cost to buy additional points in the future? What are our options for buying more points? will I pay more than or less than $112/pt in the future.

Next question...

We like to travel to Sanibel Island and different islands in the Caribean...

How do the points compare to Disney's accomodations. For example a one bedroom villa is about 240-250 points for a week at WDW - will that buy us a week at in the Caribean - all other things being equal? Are your points worth more or less at other destinations specifically Sanibel or the Caribean. Where are the point charts for ALL the destinations.

Thanks in advance!


Last question...

Can you use points to purchase the DDP or other things?

Neither of your questions are easy to answer. Prices tend to go up all the time at DVC, but you MIGHT be able to snare a better deal resale in the future.

As for Sanibell etc....It depends mostly on which resorts you will accept and what time of year you plan to go. Sanibel is pricey from January through April, but a call to MS might tell you what you might expect. I'm going to guess at least what a 1 bedroom for a week in your lowest point season at BLT would be the minimum you could expect to spend.

 

[murphyhill]

Our guide advised us to buy the minimum amount of points now, and buy more later. That makes me think the points must be more expensive down the road.

So when you join, we wouldn't be "locking in" our points at $112 for the future? Or are you just subject to paying the market price for points down the road?

Anyone know if there is a place on-line to view the points charts for other destinations. The examples in the brochure don't work for me.

 

[Ed T]

There is a link at the top of this page with point charts.

 

[littlestar]

Don't buy DVC points to use to trade on a regular basis. Buy enough points to use at Disney. You'll be overpaying in a big way if you buy DVC to trade it.

Sanibel trades are tough (owners tend to use their weeks).

Here's a site to help you learn more about Sanibel and Carribean timesharing:

http://tugbbs.com/forums/

Good luck.

 

[RobDoc]

Here is the World Passport Collection point chart:

Studio. 106 Low/123 Mid/134 High
1 BR.... 124 Low/144 Mid/160 High
2 BR.....207 Low/252 Mid/270 High
3 BR.....276 Low/317 Mid/349 High

I plan for the "High" season for most resorts, but you may occasionally be pleasantly surprised too.

For 160 points, you could get a week in a 1BR for any RCI exchange or 270 points for a 2BR(based on availability). Some will suggest that this is not a good value, but IMO it's fine for an occasional venture outside of the DVC options and is an example of the flexibility of the DVC program.

 

[murphyhill]

Okay, so if we want to travel to NON-Disney resorts than it isn't a good deal? Wouldn't I just get more nights/longer stay at a Sanibel or other resort then? Or are you saying I'd do better just paying outright for accomodations?

 

[chalee94]

Last question...

Can you use points to purchase the DDP or other things?

nope - accommodations only.

So when you join, we wouldn't be "locking in" our points at $112 for the future? Or are you just subject to paying the market price for points down the road?

yes, if you want another contract later, you would have to pay DVC's asking price at that time, or else buy a resale contract and ask DVC to treat it as an add-on.

Okay, so if we want to travel to NON-Disney resorts than it isn't a good deal? Wouldn't I just get more nights/longer stay at a Sanibel or other resort then? Or are you saying I'd do better just paying outright for accomodations?

as littlestar points out, in order for you to be able to trade IN to a sanibel resort, there have to be owners who are trading OUT. while DVC might be happy to allow you to trade your DVC for another timeshare, that doesn't mean that it will ever realistically happen.

and it generally isn't a good deal to trade out. buy DVC pts to stay at DVC resorts. if you want to trade regularly, you can find timeshares more cheaply, and with lower annual fees than DVC for that purpose.

 

[littlestar]

Here is a thread on Sanibel from TUG (timeshare users group) and a link to the HGVC website. Hilton Grand Vacation Club has affiliate resorts in that area:

http://www.tugbbs.com/forums/showthread.php?t=89833&highlight=hilton+sanibel

http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/vacation-resort-collection.php

Doc gave you good advice. An "occasional" venture for trading is one thing, but buying DVC just for trading is not a good idea.

Maybe some Hilton owners that also own DVC will see this thread and can chime in and give you some advice regarding the Sanibel area. On the reverse side of things, I'm hearing that HGVC owners are able to trade into DVC quite easily through RCI.

 

[culli]

as littlestar points out, in order for you to be able to trade IN to a sanibel resort, there have to be owners who are trading OUT. while DVC might be happy to allow you to trade your DVC for another timeshare, that doesn't mean that it will ever realistically happen.

and it generally isn't a good deal to trade out. buy DVC pts to stay at DVC resorts. if you want to trade regularly, you can find timeshares more cheaply, and with lower annual fees than DVC for that purpose.

Don't take this the wrong but Timeshare ownership and getting max value is kind of a science so to speak. I feel DVC is a good buy for the right person and plans to use almost only to stay at Disney with a possible trade every once in awhile. To start talking about trading and getting to certain areas you really need to do your research and learn the ins and outs. The tug site people have pointed you too is a great place to start. The post I quoted from chalee94 is right on. The guide might make it seem easy and you will get whatever you want........but sorry it is not that easy when looking for something EVERYONE else wants.

I think timesharing gets a bad name based on promises from sales people and the crazy price that people pay from the developer. People than realize what they paid $30k for is only worth pennies on the dollar (if they are lucky) if they want to sell it, and NO THEY can't trade for whatever they want whenever they want. Now DVC is a bit different for various reason that I don't feel like rehashing right now but look at Wyndham resales as an example of what I am talking about.

 

[Sandisw]

With the current incentives, if you are buying at BLT, you can pay as little as $98.00 per point for 160 points.

Do you have a member referral? If not, there is a thread on this site where you can get the name of a current member. That would make you eligible for other incentives, including the price point reduction.

Once you are a member, whether buying direct or through resale, you can add on through Disney at the going rate. And, your minimum add on only needs to be 25 points or more.

As others have said, you will maximize the value of DVC by staying at WDW in DVC resorts. If you find that 160 points is more than you would need, given your travel patterns to WDW, then I would really look and research resale. When you buy resale, there is no minimum purchase and once a member, you have all the same perks.

I bought in to DVC with a 50 point contract and there are some great deals out there right now.

Good luck!!!

 

[islandtimect]

I agree with others that you should buy DVC to use at Disney properties. We tried twice and haven't succeeded in using pts for Sanibel and Caribbean.