Some thoughts for a possible new DVCer...

[ZIPBAGS]

My family loves the WL. And we had a friend who is a DVCer at the WLV. He said we should look into it. We are going to Disney in August and staying at the WL. I have 3 kids. So I would probably need a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. Just curious. Can the 1 bedroom accomodate a family of 5? And if I need say 280 points. What would people recommend...going through Disney or buy a resale?

 

[tamu91]

My family loves the WL. And we had a friend who is a DVCer at the WLV. He said we should look into it. We are going to Disney in August and staying at the WL. I have 3 kids. So I would probably need a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. Just curious. Can the 1 bedroom accomodate a family of 5? And if I need say 280 points. What would people recommend...going through Disney or buy a resale?

I believe the maximum occupancy in a one bedroom unit is 4 people plus a child in a pack-n-play. However, I don't see why 3 kids and two adults should be a problem. Two adults in a king size bed can sleep with a child and have the other two sleep in a sleeper sofa.
1 brm units @ VWL has a master suite with a king size bed and a sleeper soft in the living room.
If you're looking for a 280 point contract, I'd consider resale first. Although going through Disney direct would save you time and ROFR agony , resale contract that size will save you about $1,000-$1,500.
If you decide to buy, contact a resale agent after your trip and clue them in on what you're looking for. Most good contracts, ones with banked points, will get snapped up before it hits the internet resale board.
Good luck

 

[JeanJoe]

I have 3 kids. So I would probably need a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. Just curious. Can the 1 bedroom accomodate a family of 5? And if I need say 280 points. What would people recommend...going through Disney or buy a resale?

I'm a newbie, but I think the 1BR are officially permitted to accomodate 4 plus ONE child who is under 3 who can sleep in a pack-n-play. DVC will not provide extra bedding materials.

(As for could you PHYSICALLY accomodate more than 4 in a 1 BR or studio if all are over the age of 3, you may be wise to don your asbestos flame-retardant suit prior to asking, and give me warning so I can flee outside the blast radius prior.)

Direct vs. resale depends on many things, including WHERE you would like to join (SSR vs. other resorts), your time frame for wanting to be "in" the system, your tolerance for the torture of ROFR, your ability to either pay it all upfront or securing your own financing vs. Disney financing, and whether any resales available even meet what you are interested in.

Good luck!

 

[eva]

If the children are small enough to share 1 bed, you might be able to get away with a 1-bedroom. Just so you know, all 1-bedrooms have only a king size bed in the bedroom and a queen sleeper sofa in the livingroom. There is a pack n play in the closet if you have a very small child. There is no option for roll aways or extra bedding at DVC resorts.

As to whether to buy direct from DVC or a resale, a lot will depend on if you can find your own financing for a resale. Through DVC financing is not an issue. But through a resale you have to pay cash. Now if you can refinance your home to pay, then a resale could be a great choice. Another consideration should be the length of your contract. Most resales have an end date of 2042. Through DVC you would buy at Saratoga Springs and the end date is 2054. Those extra 12 years could be a big sell point.

 

[ZIPBAGS]

Thanks for the info. Just curious what does "ROFR" stand for? And why is it bad? I have heard that Saratoga is offering good deals. But, my family just loves the WL. I have heard their is a waiting list to get into the WL...is this true and if yes how long?
I am going down at the end of August and will talk to the reps there. If they can't offer me anything decent. I will contact a reseller.

 

[spiceycat]

disney 'right of first refusally'

disney wants to be able to buy back any DVC resorts they think is being unsolded and they will.

the prices use to be the same. now they vary going through a resalers - BCV is the more expensive, then BWV, VWL, SSR, OKW, HH, VB.

 

[Zurg]

If you love WL than talk with a resale broker or two and get on their call lists. The best contracts don't make it to the postings on their sites they get snapped up as soon as the become available. A good broker has list of people interested and hits them as soon as they get inventory.

 

[ddave]

My family loves the WL. And we had a friend who is a DVCer at the WLV. He said we should look into it. We are going to Disney in August and staying at the WL. I have 3 kids. So I would probably need a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. Just curious. Can the 1 bedroom accomodate a family of 5? And if I need say 280 points. What would people recommend...going through Disney or buy a resale?

You have the official answers on the 1BR. I would take the tour and talk to the DVC people. Tell them what you want/need. WL, may be availble, they have contracts at times, plus you can waitlist. You sound like a young family. You may want SSR for the extra years.

Then, or before you go, do research on the resale market. Talk to someone at a reseller (like the Timeshare Store) that sponsors this site. Tell them what you want/need and see what they have to say.

Above all else, ask questions here. The owners know the in's and out's of the system better than some of the Disney people. If you ask a question, you will get 20 answers of all flavors that are opposite of each other. So, read them, but don't take any of it as the final word on anything.

Then you can make an educated decision. Bottom line, it's not as much a financial decision as much of a gut decision.

Good luck, haven't found many/any people that are sorry they bought into DVC. Most just want MORE POINTS!