Some Misc Questions - Upcoming Investigative Trip (updated)

[Lumee23]

2/16 Update - Ty to everyone that answered my first batch of questions! I had a few more questions

1. Anybody happen to know approx closing cost difference on two 50pt contracts vs one 100pt contracts?
2. Those that like split stays... Do you tend to own at multiple resorts or have one contract and roll the dice at 7 months? What challenges have you experienced with split stays with regards to Disney's logistics? Do you find that it is better to make the changeover day a resort day, park day, or no pref?
3. Those that are flexible... What is your preferred time to go and why? I would say crowds, then point cost, then heat is probably our three factors in order. We are flexible and I am having a hard time deciding on a use year. I am trying to stay within the top three cheapest seasons to maximize points. Seems that there is no such thing as a relaible low season with regards to crowds anymore. I was initially thinking making January our main trip month but having second thoughts with crowds this year. Trying Sept this year to see how we like it. We plan on adding on with resale in a couple years so ease of getting the same use year as a resale contract is probably the biggest factor.
4. I am a little confused as to how initial points work when buying direct. If we buy 100pts in Dec 2020 with a Feb UY (for example) would we get 100pts from Feb 2020 UY and then another 100pts in Feb 2021? If yes, are those first 100 banked or would we have to use them before Feb 2021? Also, do we pay dues on them? So dues on the 2020 points at closing and then 2021 dues in Jan?

Hi everyone! I have been lurking for a bit as I am in the research phase for buying DVC. I not only (finally) convinced the hubby to purchase but we are going on a very short adult only trip in September to investigate a little, do the tour, and check out the Hollywood Studios updates.

I had more than a few questions that I was hoping I could get answers to in order to help my long term DVC planning as well as for planning our mini-trip
1. What are the hours of the DVC Kiosks at the resorts? Wondering if we have a later flight and are at resorts at 6-7pm if they would still be open to schedule a tour?
2. Are you able to get same day tours if you go in the morning to the kiosk?
3. If you preschedule on their website do you lose the possible incentives (assuming they are still available in September)?
4. Use Years - We are planning on purchasing the minimum 100 direct Dec 2020/Jan 2021 with the intention of booking a trip for Jan 2022 at the 11 mo booking window. I understand that the use year does not matter when booking the trip using that year's points but what about if you are borrowing? For example if ours was August would we be able to use the points deposited in Aug 2021 as well as borrow against Aug 2022 to book a stay for Jan 2022 in Feb 2021?
5. Overall did you find them to be pushy? Any guide recommendations? (can we request someone?)

And then... not to beat a dead horse but buying Riviera direct vs "sold out" resorts. I am really in a quandary over this. From what I have seen so far I like the resort itself. The long deed length is a big sell to me, which is why I wouldn't consider BWV or BCV. CCV really doesn't work for our family because we are a family of 5 and 2 bed at least right now is more points than I want to book for our trips, however a 1 bed at Riviera isn't significantly cheaper either. Initial thoughts were to buy AKV but with direct prices being so high there is a pretty significant drop in value versus what is on the resale market, which is part of the argument against Riviera. 7 month availability for AKL also seems pretty reasonable and this would be a good target resale contract for us. Bay Lake Tower is the best fit for our family right now with all factors considered but the direct price is more than we wanted to spend and I have a hard time rationalizing spending more per point for a shorter deed. I also don't love the theme and while we don't intend to stay in Studios on a regular basis having the option to have a studio that sleeps 5 would be a perk.

For those that waffled back and forth on home resort... what did you land on as most important aspect? Price (and/or value)? Point Charts? Location? Deed Length? We would be a 1 bedroom booking during low seasons (fairly flexible) with car access for the majority of our trips, which the 1 beds seem to have the best availability across room types at 7 mo. Hoping when we go in September I fall in love with one of the resorts so my decision is easier

 

[Sandisw]

Here are a few answers:

UY - Having a UY that starts close to the typical travel gives you 5e most flexibility if you have to cancel or change a trip. So, if January is typical travel, Dec UY is ideal. However, depending on when else you might travel May or may not work for this. For example, Dec UY is not ideal for Sept trips.

In terms of the points, forget calendar year and focus on UY of trip. Say you have an Aug UY...a Jan 2022 trip is in your Aug 2021 UY. When you call at 11 months...Feb 2021...you can pay for the trip with banked points from the 2020 UY, 2021 points, and borrow 2022 points to complete the reservation.

In terms of home resort, choosing one that you’d be fine staying at if you couldn’t trade out at 7 months is key IMO. Everything was secondary to me,

Obviously, the big drawback of a RIV contract is the resale restriction if forced to sell it in the first few years as we don’t yet know how much of a loss you will take.

However, we do have an idea for buying sold out resorts. AKV is selling around $100 a points. Buying it direct will be around $176...so you start out a pretty big loss on that as well,

I never considered resale value as part of the equation because I felt that the long term benefits of saving over cash were worth it. I also knew that if I had to sell within 5 years at even 50% loss, it meant DVC came out on the losing end a little. If I could hold it for 10 years, and sold at a loss, I’d be ahead of the game.

In terms of the kiosks, I have seen people a little later at Contemporary than others, but most seem to be gone around 5 or 6 ish, I don’t think getting a day of appointment is a problem,

Good luck!

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I’ve heard people say that when they prescheduled the tour they didn’t get the incentive but I don’t know if that’s true for every case, but if you’re concerned about it I’d just schedule a same day tour.

 

[eandt]

Hi everyone! I have been lurking for a bit as I am in the research phase for buying DVC. I not only (finally) convinced the hubby to purchase but we are going on a very short adult only trip in September to investigate a little, do the tour, and check out the Hollywood Studios updates.

I had more than a few questions that I was hoping I could get answers to in order to help my long term DVC planning as well as for planning our mini-trip
1. What are the hours of the DVC Kiosks at the resorts? Wondering if we have a later flight and are at resorts at 6-7pm if they would still be open to schedule a tour?
2. Are you able to get same day tours if you go in the morning to the kiosk?
3. If you preschedule on their website do you lose the possible incentives (assuming they are still available in September)?
4. Use Years - We are planning on purchasing the minimum 100 direct Dec 2020/Jan 2021 with the intention of booking a trip for Jan 2022 at the 11 mo booking window. I understand that the use year does not matter when booking the trip using that year's points but what about if you are borrowing? For example if ours was August would we be able to use the points deposited in Aug 2021 as well as borrow against Aug 2022 to book a stay for Jan 2022 in Feb 2021?
5. Overall did you find them to be pushy? Any guide recommendations? (can we request someone?)

And then... not to beat a dead horse but buying Riviera direct vs "sold out" resorts. I am really in a quandary over this. From what I have seen so far I like the resort itself. The long deed length is a big sell to me, which is why I wouldn't consider BWV or BCV. CCV really doesn't work for our family because we are a family of 5 and 2 bed at least right now is more points than I want to book for our trips, however a 1 bed at Riviera isn't significantly cheaper either. Initial thoughts were to buy AKV but with direct prices being so high there is a pretty significant drop in value versus what is on the resale market, which is part of the argument against Riviera. 7 month availability for AKL also seems pretty reasonable and this would be a good target resale contract for us. Bay Lake Tower is the best fit for our family right now with all factors considered but the direct price is more than we wanted to spend and I have a hard time rationalizing spending more per point for a shorter deed. I also don't love the theme and while we don't intend to stay in Studios on a regular basis having the option to have a studio that sleeps 5 would be a perk.

For those that waffled back and forth on home resort... what did you land on as most important aspect? Price (and/or value)? Point Charts? Location? Deed Length? We would be a 1 bedroom booking during low seasons (fairly flexible) with car access for the majority of our trips, which the 1 beds seem to have the best availability across room types at 7 mo. Hoping when we go in September I fall in love with one of the resorts so my decision is easier

We scheduled our tour the day of and we were picked up within 45 minutes of talking to the gentleman at the kiosk. We were staying at the Polynesian and received $75 gift card (electronic) and 3 or 4 FP's each. I have heard that where you are currently staying has some influence on what you get as an incentive. Have also heard if you show interest ahead of time (order the DVD etc) could negatively factor in to the incentive equation. We did not find the guides at all pushy, the tour was a pleasant experience. Our issue has been getting them to respond after we left the tour and that has gotten progressively worse as time has passed and we still have not purchased.

 

[MICKIMINI]

We've had several guides over the past 24 years and they have all been fantastic. DVC really doesn't have competition so IMHO as long as the guide is experienced and confident they will be easy to work with, answer your questions and provide you with information. Having been in high end sales, I would be suspect of anyone that doesn't ask for your business, but it is nothing like the nightmare timeshare thing you are envisioning and you aren't expected to buy on the spot. Even if you buy resale, I think you will benefit from the tour.

As far as home resort I would at least consider a 2057 OKW resale. The villas are large and the resort vibe is gorgeous. We've owned four resorts and still love OKW best. Don't underestimate the need for personal space for your family and the WD and kitchen are priceless and will save you time and money. Having a meal at resorts won't get you into a villa but you will get a very good idea if you like the ambiance and amenities of that resort.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

You don't mention in your post why you are looking at direct? Based on a September trip followed by a January 2022 trip, you do not seem to be going often enough to achieve economic benefit from the AP Gold, or planning on such a basis you stand a chance of gaining entry to any special DVC events if offered.

 

[Disneykate605]

When we purchased we considered a few things. Where we wanted to stay was most important followed closely by the point charts. I do think Riviera rooms are nice and I think the location is pretty good. The resale restrictions didn't bother us too much either. When I looked up how much our normal travel times would cost point wise I realized that we would only be able to get a one bedroom for the amount of points we could get a two bedroom in most other places and since we prefer to stay in a two bedroom this turned us off to Riviera.
We wouldn't mind staying there...we just didn't want to own there. That was our thought process. Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

For us it's all about the resort. We have purchased several resorts but now only stay at three. Once the Disney parks/DVC honeymoon was over we grew tired of planing our day around the parks, dealing with wait times, long lines, and the crowds. We can go into a park when ever we want, when we get into the mood, when the crowds are low, it's still the same attractions. For us it doesn't matter when the contracts expire, I wouldn't want to buy and stay at a resort just because of the contract length, we would rather buy and stay where we have a great view from the room, at a place that feels like a vacation home.

We checked out the Riviera last month and the place just doesn't do anything for us. The great thing about DVC is that there is something for everyone's taste.

Bill

 

[Lumee23]

Thank you everyone for your replies!

In terms of the points, forget calendar year and focus on UY of trip. Say you have an Aug UY...a Jan 2022 trip is in your Aug 2021 UY. When you call at 11 months...Feb 2021...you can pay for the trip with banked points from the 2020 UY, 2021 points, and borrow 2022 points to complete the reservation.

This is awesome news! Ty!

You don't mention in your post why you are looking at direct? Based on a September trip followed by a January 2022 trip, you do not seem to be going often enough to achieve economic benefit from the AP Gold, or planning on such a basis you stand a chance of gaining entry to any special DVC events if offered.

This was another thing that I was going back and forth on. If I am honest with myself, it is highly unlikely we will make up the cost difference in perks and/or utilizing the member events enough to make it worthwhile. We will be increasing how often we visit after our big Jan 2022 trip for several reasons and I do want to do at least one DVC member cruise but I doubt we will make use of the AP passes or do Moonlight Magic on a consistent yearly basis. So from a monetary standpoint it is not a smart purchase. I have been following DVC for some time (waiting for us to be in a position to buy) and have seen all of the changes over the last several years. If I am remembering correctly, I believe you used to only need 25 direct to get benefits and now it was recently upped to 100 from 75? I suppose you can call it FOMO but we decided it is best to be grandfathered in to any future changes since the plan is the keep it until deed expiration and pay the initial Disney "tax". This is partly what is making my home resort selection so challenging for me as I am trying to lessen the Disney tax pain while maximizing deed length.

I do think Riviera rooms are nice and I think the location is pretty good. The resale restrictions didn't bother us too much either. When I looked up how much our normal travel times would cost point wise I realized that we would only be able to get a one bedroom for the amount of points we could get a two bedroom in most other places and since we prefer to stay in a two bedroom this turned us off to Riviera. We wouldn't mind staying there...we just didn't want to own there.

This mostly sums my feelings for Riviera as well. I am bothered by the resale restrictions but the point charts are a bigger concern. Both issues combined are likely deal killers for me. We are going to check it out though on our trip and I am going to keep an open mind.

For us it's all about the resort. We have purchased several resorts but now only stay at three. Once the Disney parks/DVC honeymoon was over we grew tired of planing our day around the parks, dealing with wait times, long lines, and the crowds. We can go into a park when ever we want, when we get into the mood, when the crowds are low, it's still the same attractions. For us it doesn't matter when the contracts expire, I wouldn't want to buy and stay at a resort just because of the contract length, we would rather buy and stay where we have a great view from the room, at a place that feels like a vacation home.

This is a good point and is an issue for my hubby. I am the Disney fanatic and he is not a fan of the crowds and long days at the park so having a resort that he feels able to relax in and enjoy the amenities is important. You didn't list your preferred resorts but we did AKL once and that place is just fantastic. Granted I haven't eaten at a lot of Disney restaurants but Jiko is my absolute favorite so far and the resort theming is incredible, however we were assigned what appeared to be the very last studio in the Kidani north building (7676) and that walk was brutal lol. Definitely don't need to test it out in our investigative trip.

We are doing a BWV/BLT split stay for our September trip. I actually like the idea of a split stay but hubby is concerned about the logistics. If it goes smoothly enough it will open some options for us. Either way I am happy dancing because becoming a DVC owner is in my relatively near future

 

[Lumee23]

I added a few more questions in my initial post. Ty in advance for any help/advice!

 

[E2ME2]

I added a few more questions in my initial post. Ty in advance for any help/advice!

If you are going to be a "frequent flyer" within DVC, don't underestimate the DIRECT Perks. The GOLD AP has saved us considerably on tickets. Having the GOLD AP allows us to put all of our family/friends on the Photo Pass, when they travel with us. We usually get 20% off merchandise throughout the parks and at Disney Springs. I even used my DVC discount on a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses at the DS-Sunglasss Hut. If you own MJ sunglasses, you know they never honor discounts anywhere else. Just something else to consider in your analysis...
ET

 

[chalee94]

II - 4. "I am a little confused as to how initial points work when buying direct. If we buy 100pts in Dec 2020 with a Feb UY (for example) would we get 100pts from Feb 2020 UY and then another 100pts in Feb 2021? If yes, are those first 100 banked or would we have to use them before Feb 2021? Also, do we pay dues on them? So dues on the 2020 points at closing and then 2021 dues in Jan?"

100 pts for 2020 UY plus 2021 and so on. A perk of purchasing direct is that they will bank those 2020 UY pts for you even if it is past the banking deadline (but I would have them bank the pts immediately when purchasing). Of course, you pay dues on them - but dues are paid by calendar year and not UY.

If you purchase in Dec, they may require a tiny pro rata payment for 2020 and full year 2021. Not sure if they'd wait until Jan with that tight a window.

 

[Sandisw]

II - 4. "I am a little confused as to how initial points work when buying direct. If we buy 100pts in Dec 2020 with a Feb UY (for example) would we get 100pts from Feb 2020 UY and then another 100pts in Feb 2021? If yes, are those first 100 banked or would we have to use them before Feb 2021? Also, do we pay dues on them? So dues on the 2020 points at closing and then 2021 dues in Jan?"

100 pts for 2020 UY plus 2021 and so on. A perk of purchasing direct is that they will bank those 2020 UY pts for you even if it is past the banking deadline (but I would have them bank the pts immediately when purchasing). Of course, you pay dues on them - but dues are paid by calendar year and not UY.

If you purchase in Dec, they may require a tiny pro rata payment for 2020 and full year 2021. Not sure if they'd wait until Jan with that tight a window.

Just to confirm, dues are paid when buying direct from the date you buy. So, if someone buys in Dec 2020, they will owe 2020 MFs for however many days are left in that mont. if buying on Dec 15th, you pay 16 days of dues,

 

[Lumee23]

II - 4. "I am a little confused as to how initial points work when buying direct. If we buy 100pts in Dec 2020 with a Feb UY (for example) would we get 100pts from Feb 2020 UY and then another 100pts in Feb 2021? If yes, are those first 100 banked or would we have to use them before Feb 2021? Also, do we pay dues on them? So dues on the 2020 points at closing and then 2021 dues in Jan?"

100 pts for 2020 UY plus 2021 and so on. A perk of purchasing direct is that they will bank those 2020 UY pts for you even if it is past the banking deadline (but I would have them bank the pts immediately when purchasing). Of course, you pay dues on them - but dues are paid by calendar year and not UY.

If you purchase in Dec, they may require a tiny pro rata payment for 2020 and full year 2021. Not sure if they'd wait until Jan with that tight a window.

This is great news, ty!!