Smart idea to get DVC for multiple studios/long stays?

[KirbyAu]

Hello. I've been lurking these forums for a while, reading up as much as I can, and I think I mostly understand DVC. What got me turned to the idea of DVC is the videos that have been posted in the last few months.

Our use case for DVC would be 4 adults traveling together and children in the future. I understand that One Bedrooms are easier to get than Studios, but the primary purpose for this is to eliminate needing to get multiple rooms each time we book a trip to WDW.

Since we live in San Diego, we would like to book a trip there for an extended stay (at least 7 nights) each year that we decide to go. 200 points has been where we've landed on points-wise. Also, our home resort will be AKL. This is buying direct through Disney.

Please let me know if the following is possible to do each time if we book 7 months out:

• Book at least 7 consecutive nights at the same resort
• Book 2 studios each time

AKL offers the one of the best bang-for-buck options because of the cheaper rooms (even excluding value rooms), but we would not like to be restricted to staying here literally every time. I thought the whole point of DVC was to be able to try out all the resorts? Anyways, any information would be extremely helpful before we finalize our purchase. Thanks!

Edit: I am concerned with the availability of studios at any resort at 7 months after using the DVC Availability Tool that I've found online.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Where are you trying to book? VGC? If trying to book VGC with AKV points at 7 months, you won't be getting 7 months, or two studios.

At 7 months at WDW, it depends on the times of the year. You should absolutely be booking your home resort at 11 months and trying to switch later. Your most likely switch at 7 months to get 2 studios would be Saratoga, OKW or AKV. In fall, switching to two studios ANYwhere at 7 months may be difficult.

At 7 months year round, you cannot see how many units in a category are available. You may find that in booking one studio, you got the last one for that check-in date.

I think you need to be buying where you are comfortable booking at 11 months, and staying if there is nowhere to switch to.

The point of DVC is not "to try all the resorts." It is to have home resort booking at 11 months, with a deeded property interest in that resort that helps you hedge against price increases. 7 month booking has never been guaranteed, and is increasingly hard each year.

 

[KirbyAu]

Where are you trying to book? VGC? If trying to book VGC with AKV points at 7 months, you won't be getting 7 months, or two studios.

At 7 months at WDW, it depends on the times of the year. You should absolutely be booking your home resort at 11 months and trying to switch later. Your most likely switch at 7 months to get 2 studios would be Saratoga, OKW or AKV. In fall, switching to two studios ANYwhere at 7 months may be difficult.

At 7 months year round, you cannot see how many units in a category are available. You may find that in booking one studio, you got the last one for that check-in date.

I think you need to be buying where you are comfortable booking at 11 months, and staying if there is nowhere to switch to.

The point of DVC is not "to try all the resorts." It is to have home resort booking at 11 months, with a deeded property interest in that resort that helps you hedge against price increases. 7 month booking has never been guaranteed, and is increasingly hard each year.

Cool, appreciate the feedback. To be clear, I wouldn't ever use this at the Grand Californian. I would only be using this in WDW (not Vero beach or whatever else pops up on the map outside of WDW).

If the whole point of this is to basically stay at your home resort indefinitely especially with the increasingly hard time it is booking at other resorts, I think we'll probably end up passing. We were potentially going to look in resale because it still includes the original 14, but this seems like a waste of money (for us) if we have to book at our home resort for a slight chance to get what we want. Seems like a major hassle. The desire for DVC for us was because you could try out different resorts, but if the studios are non-existent, then that puts us at a 2 bedroom villa which is not really what we would want to spend each time we go. I'm trying to avoid 2 adults on the sleeper couch bed (Does anyone know if these are comfortable? I've seen threads on it but it's scattered opinions).

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Cool, appreciate the feedback. To be clear, I wouldn't ever use this at the Grand Californian. I would only be using this in WDW (not Vero beach or whatever else pops up on the map outside of WDW).

If the whole point of this is to basically stay at your home resort indefinitely especially with the increasingly hard time it is booking at other resorts, I think we'll probably end up passing. We were potentially going to look in resale because it still includes the original 14, but this seems like a waste of money (for us) if we have to book at our home resort for a slight chance to get what we want. Seems like a major hassle. The desire for DVC for us was because you could try out different resorts, but if the studios are non-existent, then that puts us at a 2 bedroom villa which is not really what we would want to spend each time we go. I'm trying to avoid 2 adults on the sleeper couch bed (Does anyone know if these are comfortable? I've seen threads on it but it's scattered opinions).

Right now, for early December - which is still in home resort - there are many nights where right now there is not a single studio available at WDW. This includes OKW, Saratoga, and AKV, which are very large resorts.

While this is not necessarily typical throughout the year, many people are finding it harder to get studios at 7 months much of the year. Some of it is point imbalance at resorts like Poly and CCV (where points were sold against expensive accommodations to people not buying points enough to book those), some of it is people buying SSR with intent to never stay there, some of it is the off-sites (Aulani, HHI, VB) trying to play ball at 7 months.

Reliably getting 2 studios at 7 months at one of the most popular resorts is not something I'd count on, especially as a long term deal.

 

[KirbyAu]

Right now, for early December - which is still in home resort - there are many nights where right now there is not a single studio available at WDW. This includes OKW, Saratoga, and AKV, which are very large resorts.

While this is not necessarily typical throughout the year, many people are finding it harder to get studios at 7 months much of the year. Some of it is point imbalance at resorts like Poly and CCV (where points were sold against expensive accommodations to people not buying points enough to book those), some of it is people buying SSR with intent to never stay there, some of it is the off-sites (Aulani, HHI, VB) trying to play ball at 7 months.

Reliably getting 2 studios at 7 months at one of the most popular resorts is not something I'd count on, especially as a long term deal.

If we were to get our home resort at BLT, at 11 months is it reasonable to think that we would be able to book 2 studios for a 7-8 night consecutive stay?

 

[Katie L]

If we were to get our home resort at BLT, at 11 months is it reasonable to think that we would be able to book 2 studios for a 7-8 night consecutive stay?

I've only heard of potential 11 month issues at VGC and CCV. Never heard of any issues at 11 months at BLT. I have been looking at availability tools too and it seems like higher point views seem to be available at 7 months - except at VGC. It truly depends when you want to go though. We're taking a trip end of this month and there is still reasonable availability at multiple resorts.

 

[ljmiii]

If we were to get our home resort at BLT, at 11 months is it reasonable to think that we would be able to book 2 studios for a 7-8 night consecutive stay?

This year around Christmas standard and theme park views were frequently gone for studios at 11 months. Lake view was fine.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

For BLT, I would never assume getting 2 Standard Studios, even at 11 months.

Same as far as AKV Value or Club.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-studios-1-bedrooms-june-2018-update.3689931/

 

[Philsfan77]

https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-studios-1-bedrooms-june-2018-update.3689931/

This should answer most of your questions regarding studio's and 1 bedrooms (assuming I added the link correctly)

 

[ljmiii]

The desire for DVC for us was because you could try out different resorts, but if the studios are non-existent, then that puts us at a 2 bedroom villa which is not really what we would want to spend each time we go. I'm trying to avoid 2 adults on the sleeper couch bed (Does anyone know if these are comfortable? I've seen threads on it but it's scattered opinions).

Re: sleeper couch. In general they are very comfortable if you like a firmer mattress - much better than the older 'iron bar in your back' style of sofabed. Also keep in mind that a dedicated 2BR (ie non-lockoff) will in many/most resorts have 1 King, 2 Queens, 1 sofabed and 1 sofachair or fold down 'semi-twin' bed. So three pairs of adults on 'real' beds.

 

[KirbyAu]

Thanks for the link. I've definitely been looking at that and the availability tool. I think that this whole conversation has completely turned me off to AKV as a home resort and now the only real resort I'm interested in is BLT. The comment that resonated with me is that I can't assume anything will be available at 7 months. That being said, getting a lake or MK view at BLT is fine in my book. I guess it resonates with me that we need to choose a home resort that we will be comfortable with at all times and not really think to try out other resorts. It's a bit disappointing, but just puts more value on home resort.

 

[bwvBound]

Howdy! We are also San Diego and have owned DVC @ SSR since 2004. We use the points all over the system at 7 months, including Vero, Aulani, & Grand Cal but generally targeting larger units (1BR, Treehouse, Cabin, etc).

Questions:
a) How often do you plan to visit WDW: Every year? 18 months? 24 months?
b) What time of year to you intend to visit?
c) Which of the DVC properties at WDW are highest on your "want to visit!" lists? Which view categories for those target studios?
d) WHY are you thinking to purchase direct from Disney vs resale??
e) Do you have or have you considered any other timeshare systems? Related: Is staying off-site WDW a No-Go?
f) What are the plans once children are added to the mix? Still looking at studios for as long as possible ... or do you envision yourselves looking at larger units?

Welcome! Glad you are here, researching and asking questions!

 

[Cyberc1978]

If you book mid January to late September there is a better chance of getting what you want especially during July and August. You might not get two studios at BCV or VGF but you could get a 1br. At the other resorts I would think you should have a fair chance.

 

[mustinjourney]

not sure why you would want to pay direct prices for BLT. You'll save something like $16000 buying resale ($80 per point savings x 200 points). There are no benefits worth that amount of money. If you will want to stay at any newer DVC resorts, you can just rent out your points and rent a reservation from a Riviera owner. Slight hassle -- but I'd take that hassle knowing I'm saving $16000.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I'll emphasize again that both Pete's charts (here on the DIS) and the availability tool simply indicate that ONE unit was available when checked. We have no visibility to number of available units when we look in the availability tool as members. Pete's charts are also historical, and with changing rules and upcoming events (Galaxy's Edge, Epcot new attractions, 50th) possibly generous in what they might "predict" for availability.

 

[KirbyAu]

a) How often do you plan to visit WDW: Every year? 18 months? 24 months?
- If we do DVC, this will be yearly. This year we are going 3 times, which we would probably go twice a year if this ends up happening (1 studio each time or once a year with 2 studios)
b) What time of year to you intend to visit?
- Between January and End of May.
- Also beginning of September.
c) Which of the DVC properties at WDW are highest on your "want to visit!" lists? Which view categories for those target studios?
- Bay Lake Tower
- Polynesian
- Fort Wilderness
- View doesn't matter
d) WHY are you thinking to purchase direct from Disney vs resale??
- We have a trip booked for May at the Dolphin. To get 2 rooms there will cost us over $4000 for 8 nights with 2 rooms. It's either apply the $4000+ toward a direct contract now or spend the $4000 and get a resale contract. We would go with less points if we went direct but be able to use it in May (yes, we have a room on hold at BLT for May already through DVC booking)
e) Do you have or have you considered any other timeshare systems? Related: Is staying off-site WDW a No-Go?
- No, the only reason I'm looking into DVC is because it's Disney and would never do another time share.
f) What are the plans once children are added to the mix? Still looking at studios for as long as possible ... or do you envision yourselves looking at larger units?
- One bedroom units or two bedroom units once children are in the mix. Add on points later.

Thank you for your help.

 

[mustinjourney]

d) WHY are you thinking to purchase direct from Disney vs resale??
- We have a trip booked for May at the Dolphin. To get 2 rooms there will cost us over $4000 for 8 nights with 2 rooms. It's either apply the $4000+ toward a direct contract now or spend the $4000 and get a resale contract. We would go with less points if we went direct but be able to use it in May (yes, we have a room on hold at BLT for May already through DVC booking)


Thank you for your help.

To get two studios at BLT for May, you're going to need 320 points for lake view...that is assuming Disney could pull some from their own cash inventory if you were to buy direct. So you're going to be in borrow mode immediately from the beginning with a 200 point contract.


yes -- that $4000 you're switching from Dolphin to DVC contract helps reduce the cost of the contract -- however, it's still not close to coming anywhere near the savings of resale. Resale would save about $16,000 as compared to direct. Even giving you a $4000 rebate for dropping the dolphin stay, you'd still be saving $12000 over direct.

Direct purchase gives you AP discounts, which can result in about $300 per person per year (gold pass vs platinum pass). Assuming 4 people in your household, that is $1200 per year savings (not guaranteed by the way since this benefit can go away at any time). With those numbers, it would take 10 years to "break-even," and that is not taking into account any time value of money calculations. If the break even was less than 5 years, I could certainly see going the route you suggest, but a 10 year break even is probably too uncertain.

 

[msjprincess]

a) How often do you plan to visit WDW: Every year? 18 months? 24 months?
- If we do DVC, this will be yearly. This year we are going 3 times, which we would probably go twice a year if this ends up happening (1 studio each time or once a year with 2 studios)
b) What time of year to you intend to visit?
- Between January and End of May.
- Also beginning of September.
c) Which of the DVC properties at WDW are highest on your "want to visit!" lists? Which view categories for those target studios?
- Bay Lake Tower
- Polynesian
- Fort Wilderness
- View doesn't matter
d) WHY are you thinking to purchase direct from Disney vs resale??
- We have a trip booked for May at the Dolphin. To get 2 rooms there will cost us over $4000 for 8 nights with 2 rooms. It's either apply the $4000+ toward a direct contract now or spend the $4000 and get a resale contract. We would go with less points if we went direct but be able to use it in May (yes, we have a room on hold at BLT for May already through DVC booking)
e) Do you have or have you considered any other timeshare systems? Related: Is staying off-site WDW a No-Go?
- No, the only reason I'm looking into DVC is because it's Disney and would never do another time share.
f) What are the plans once children are added to the mix? Still looking at studios for as long as possible ... or do you envision yourselves looking at larger units?
- One bedroom units or two bedroom units once children are in the mix. Add on points later.

Thank you for your help.

Purchasing a resale will save you more than the $4000 you would be paying for the Dolphin. 200 points direct is $45K, you can get 200 points resale for under $30K.

How do you have a room on hold through DVC?

 

[KirbyAu]

To get two studios at BLT for May, you're going to need 320 points for lake view...that is assuming Disney could pull some from their own cash inventory if you were to buy direct. So you're going to be in borrow mode immediately from the beginning with a 200 point contract.


yes -- that $4000 you're switching from Dolphin to DVC contract helps reduce the cost of the contract -- however, it's still not close to coming anywhere near the savings of resale. Resale would save about $16,000 as compared to direct. Even giving you a $4000 rebate for dropping the dolphin stay, you'd still be saving $12000 over direct.

Direct purchase gives you AP discounts, which can result in about $300 per person per year (gold pass vs platinum pass). Assuming 4 people in your household, that is $1200 per year savings (not guaranteed by the way since this benefit can go away at any time). With those numbers, it would take 10 years to "break-even," and that is not taking into account any time value of money calculations. If the break even was less than 5 years, I could certainly see going the route you suggest, but a 10 year break even is probably too uncertain.

As I mentioned before, my intention was to have AKL and we have spoken by quite a bit at this point. and as I mentioned as well, I would go with a lower point total if I did end up going with BLT. So I am now figuring in my finances what 150 points direct BLT would get me, ignoring the idea of 2 studios since that was already mentioned as a big "if" I could even get that and what my contract would look like. The idea initially, as I explained, was to get 2 studios somewhere other than AKL if I had an AKL contract. So if we do the math 150 points direct BLT ($225 a point) versus 200 points resale ($145 a point) is a 4k difference. That's the reasoning.

The primary reason this plan deviates so much from my proposed one is because of the conversation we've had here. It's clear to me that it's best to plan for having a home resort that gives us a place to stay where we would never regret it (AKL is way too far out of the way to make me always want to stay there consistently). Additionally, we can add on later and at least we have BLT for the time being.