Some advice, PLEASE!

[Here'sTigger2U]

Hello all! We have been owners since 2000 (BWV, 225pts plus a 25 pt add-on) and have enjoyed numerous Disney-based vacations. The problem is, my wife feels it is time to sell...we now have three small children (2, 3, and 5) and can't afford to go as often as we once used to. We went twice to WDW in 2002 (3 nights at GF & 5 nights at VWL) and since spent 2 nights at Disneyland in '03 (had booked 2 rooms for 2 nights...lotsa points!) and most recently spent a week in December at our home resort (so about 2.5 years since our last Florida trip). My wife's point is we still have our loan to pay, monthly dues, and we don't go very much! My point is, it's like forced vacation savings (that sounds weak even to myself).

The problem is I'm the Disney fan in the house and just hate to lose it. I have offered to rent out points to "break even" on years we don't go (that's what we've been doing) and even more recently suggested that we sell the add-on, we'd really not miss it (and on a side note, any suggestions how to sell a small add on? I'd go through the Timeshare Store to sell it all, but to pay 10% comission on a little dinky thing seems ridiculous).

Thanks for reading, I feel like I ranted more than I asked for advice, and I do apologize, I'm just looking for some suggestions on what to do, or maybe even some input from others who have perhaps been in my shoes.

Thanks!
Bob.

 

[bubbasmom99]

We have 250 points too, and we have a 5 and a 2 year old. We only go every other year. Try to aim for 18-24 months. We're certainly not rich, but these are the vacations that we live for. Last year we tried to deviate and try something new (Washington DC) which while it intriguing to my husband the history buff, was completely annoying to my kids. Conversely, we just got back from a 5 night villa/3 night cruise stay and the kids are still asking when we can go back. For us, there are few other vacations that would be better than "going home." If you think you are not going to go at least every 3 years, then you might want to think about selling. If I were in your situation (and I kinda am), I would rent out what I can't use to help pay for the maintenance costs and save up for when I could travel.

 

[bcvillastwo]

Happily I am not in your situation as my children are raised (but they still like to go with us to WDW) and both of us love WDW. You are wise seeking advise and counsel from others and it's evident that you really like WDW. Here's my 2 cents worth.

If you absolutely can't affort to continue making payments and it's causing strife in the family then it may be wise to sell. However, you already know that if you sell your points now but later determine you can affort to buy points again, those points are going to cost you a great deal more than the ones you are considering selling.

No, one can predict the future but I think your idea of selling the 25 point contract makes sense (I am certain someone will offer to buy it from you to avoid the timeshare commission). Selling those points will relieve a bit of the stress. I also agree that renting the remaining points to cover your costs of ownership makes sense as well. (You know that dangers in doing so but it seems others do this all the time.)

It sounds as if you've already run these ideas by your wife and she is still pushing back. Perhaps she would be willing to give this a try for a certain period of time to see how it works out. Then, after the time period has gone by you can both re-evaluate the decision.

Gee, I think I just restated what you already know. (sorry)

 

[CarolMN]

I think I'd continue renting out the points for a while - Use the proceeds to cover the dues. Put the "excess over dues" towards paying off the loan.

I would only use the points for stays at a DVC resort (to do otherwise really isn't getting the the best value for your points). That may mean you don't use the points at all some years, but in those years, you'll have more rental $$ to put towards paying off the loan. You'll get to keep the points for the future and I'm sure as the kids get older, you'll all want to return to WDW more often. Maye by then, you'll only be paying annual dues for your vacation.

I have assumed you have the discretionary income to cover the DVC membership and that your spouse just doesn't see the value of paying or something that you don't use very often (perfectly understandable). Your job is to convince her that you will use it in the future and will regret selling now. I don't think I would sell just the small contract - IMHO, you'll lose $$ to get rid of about $100/year obligation.

Anyway, if $$ are tight, then I agree with your wife and DVC should be sold.

Best wishes -

 

[mmjm]

Bob,
I live in the Connecticut and it exspensive to fly to florida, rent a car, buy park tickets, Mickey Mouse junk, etc every year. What we do is go every other year and stay for approximately 2 weeks. My suggestion would be to combine 2 or even 3 years worth of points and stay for a longer period, possibly up to three weeks. You can also mix/spice up your vacation by staying a number of days at WDW, a number of days at Vero Beach, and a possibly include 3,4 or 7 day day disney cruise. By combining 2-3 years worth of points into one vacation you save money on airfare and car rental and park tickets (see below).

An added benefit of a longer vacation is that you will not feel obligated to go to the parks every day of your vacation, you can spend time just relaxing at the pool. This has two benefits, 1) a day at the resort pool is much less exspensive than going to the park, and 2) it makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable vacation. When we go, we plan on a day at the pool in between days at the park. This is especailly important with young kids, since they can become worn down very quickly after spending 8-10 hours a day in one of the parks. And for some reason when you ask kids what they liked the most about their vacation , they always seem to pick the the pool.

If you don't have to sell for financial reasons I would consider keeping your points and just plan your vacatons in a way that will save you money. In regards to selling your 25-add on points, try the Timeshare Users Group website TUG2.net They have a free classified section that you can list your points for sale.

I think the most important reason for keeping your points is that for about the next 10 years your children are at the perfect ages for enjoying a vacation at WDW.

Good luck with your decision, Mark