Starting to think about DVC . . . where to begin?

[sgrap]

My husband has suggested we look at DVC since we have been doing Disneyland trips every year or so recently. I have been on the DLR DIS boards for years now, but this is my first jump over to the DVC boards. Wow, I feel like I'm reading a new language!

So I have a few complete newbie questions. I've tried searching the threads but haven't found answers.

At what point does it make sense to join DVC? If we are going XXX often or if we spend XXX on Disney travel each year?

What are the options of buying from Disney and buying as a resale? It sounds like there are some restrictions now on what you can use if you buy resale.

Are there threads/sites to help people who are just beginning to consider the options?

We are a family of 4-6: dh, myself, 2 dd's at home (13 and 12), and 2 grown boys were are *mostly* out of the nest. Most of our trips recently have been just the 4 of us, but our college son joined us on a long weekend last fall. So far we've only been to DLR and almost always stay at the GCH. Love it there. We live in WA, so we don't get there often. We'd love to get to DW and to Aulani sometime while our girls are still at home.

Thanks for any advice/input!

 

[chalee94]

here are 2 good threads to start with:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3372389

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3371762

 

[sgrap]

here are 2 good threads to start with:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3372389

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3371762

Those are great, thank you!

 

[dsnydaddy]

My husband has suggested we look at DVC since we have been doing Disneyland trips every year or so recently. I have been on the DLR DIS boards for years now, but this is my first jump over to the DVC boards. Wow, I feel like I'm reading a new language!

So I have a few complete newbie questions. I've tried searching the threads but haven't found answers.

At what point does it make sense to join DVC? If we are going XXX often or if we spend XXX on Disney travel each year?

Lots of factors fall into play here. Where you usually stay when going Disney, Where you want to stay when going Disney, as you alluded to: How often you go. You'll pretty much need to do the math for your own situation. For me, we were doing something Disney related every year. As long as we stayed in Moderates DVC did not make much sense for us. But now that my kids are becoming teens the single hotel room didn't work for us any longer. How much you pay for your contract will really determine the utility as well. More you spend the more you will need to use it before you save anything.

What are the options of buying from Disney and buying as a resale? It sounds like there are some restrictions now on what you can use if you buy resale.

I could go into the restrictions but it'd take forever. Short answer is that what you will lose by purchasing resale is not worth spending your points on. The point cost is too high and you'd really be better off renting out your points and taking that cash and buying your ABD or Cruise.

Are there threads/sites to help people who are just beginning to consider the options?

Read as much here as you can. There is great information here.

We are a family of 4-6: dh, myself, 2 dd's at home (13 and 12), and 2 grown boys were are *mostly* out of the nest. Most of our trips recently have been just the 4 of us, but our college son joined us on a long weekend last fall. So far we've only been to DLR and almost always stay at the GCH. Love it there. We live in WA, so we don't get there often. We'd love to get to DW and to Aulani sometime while our girls are still at home.

Thanks for any advice/input!

My comments in RED

I'm a west coaster, and I'm not always in WDW. But we do go on Disney Cruises a lot and I find myself spending one or two nights in WDW before a cruise. We've taken about 3 long trips to WDW and plan on taking a few more. I'd also love to spend some time at the VGC (although that may be more luck since I own at SSR)

The Aulani is what sealed the deal for us. We really loved that place and cannot wait to go back. My big decision was, do I buy in WDW where we go occasionally, VGC and spend the big money or buy and the Aulani where I really love but will also only go occasionally. Well, I nixed VGC because if I can't stay there, I will most surely find a place that I like to go. We go to DLR all the time so it wasn't a biggie for me and I really didn't find enough desire to spend the $135 pp resale. Aulani was tempting but buying there meant that I would not have any priority in WDW when I went there. (kids in school mean that I will probably be going peak times for a while.) Besides when we go to Hawaii, we'll be going in low season and I think that I could easily get the dates that I want so it didn't really justify the $100 pp. We decided on SSR because it gave us the best bang for our buck. Later, if Aulani becomes hard to book on my week, then I'll be buying another contract there.

 

[rmcildw2m]

I live in the small budget world so for me DVC was a way to always stay in a deluxe resort at a controlled price year after year . Other will have different opinions but that's mine . The only thing that will increase in cost is the yearly matinance fees but that is small .

 

[disneynutz]

DVC makes the most financial sense if you are currently going on Disney vacations every year or two.

If you aren't, buying a DVC interest will cause you to spend hundreds of thousands that you weren't spending before so there is no savings.

You have to love the DVC resorts, accept the fact that DVC management is in control of everything, the rules, policies, and how well the properties are cleaned, maintained, and what color they paint the walls in the future.

IMO buying for Disneyland, Hawaii, Vero, or HH only, doesn't have the same benefit as WDW.

Buyers need to spend time reading the DVC threads here on the DIS to learn about the product prior to buying.

Bill

 

[gray52]

My husband has suggested we look at DVC since we have been doing Disneyland trips every year or so recently. I have been on the DLR DIS boards for years now, but this is my first jump over to the DVC boards. Wow, I feel like I'm reading a new language! So I have a few complete newbie questions. I've tried searching the threads but haven't found answers. At what point does it make sense to join DVC? If we are going XXX often or if we spend XXX on Disney travel each year? What are the options of buying from Disney and buying as a resale? It sounds like there are some restrictions now on what you can use if you buy resale. Are there threads/sites to help people who are just beginning to consider the options? We are a family of 4-6: dh, myself, 2 dd's at home (13 and 12), and 2 grown boys were are *mostly* out of the nest. Most of our trips recently have been just the 4 of us, but our college son joined us on a long weekend last fall. So far we've only been to DLR and almost always stay at the GCH. Love it there. We live in WA, so we don't get there often. We'd love to get to DW and to Aulani sometime while our girls are still at home. Thanks for any advice/input!

My opinion.... If you go to Disney at least every other year (my opinion is every year, but the accountants on these boards can prove otherwise), AND plan to visit Disney for at least the next 5-7 years (double that, at least, if you buy direct), AND you always stay at deluxe or moderate accommodations, AND you can pay cash for your points, then it's worth purchasing DVC.

There are a few restrictions with buying resale... Like you can't use them for a cruise or use them for staying at non-DVC resorts (not sure why you'd want to)... But in my opinion, the restrictions do not effect 95% + of what you should use your points for anyway (again... Accountants on these boards have proven this).

One advantage you will have with DVC is many resorts now accommodate 5 instead of four. I haven't stayed at a non DVC in many years, but I believe they're all still just 4.

 

[nkosiek]

There is one consideration that I've failed to see mentioned...you have to be able to plan your trips 6months (a stretch to be sure) to a year in advance. If you are going to buy DVC and expect to find something a month out at a popular resort (or heck, any resort) you'll be sad and frustrated. That's not to say something might not be there BUT being able to plan 7 months or more out will give you options and a guaranteed place to stay.

I'm a teacher, I go in the summer. I know as long as I don't screw things up that we'll go in the summer. I can plan for that every year, no problem. In fact we plan to do the trips 51 weeks apart so we can take advantage of using an AP. I have also gone during one of my long weekends and was able to get that 4 months out at SSR (later a waitlist came through at BW) but I would've been fine at SSR. I've looked at possibly taking my wife down in May for her first Mothers' Day but am being a bit more picky about the where this time and not finding something where I know she'd want to stay soI won't be doing that for her. I'm not mad about it, it was something I just thought of recently and hey, no big deal.

 

[skier_pete]

Agree with what's said here. Especially if you want to buy at GCV in DLR, you need to be able to book >7 months out. GCV is small in size (relative to most) and the only one available at DLR, so available rooms get scooped up instantly at the 7 month mark.

As others have said, it's an investment in the future. If you think you'll be going for the next few years while your kids are young and then stop, then perhaps its not a great buy. If you go every year and love it and plan on keep going, then it's a significant savings.

I would also NEVER consider a direct buy. You do lose out on the perks of being able to use your points with Disney outside the DVC system, but you are paying through the nose when you use them that way, so it's not a good way to use points. You are better off renting out your points and paying cash. So to me, there is zero difference between direct and resale, except lower prices.

 

[sgrap]

Thank you everyone so much for all the advice. We are reading, researching and considering.

I see that there is a list of resale sites listed. Are any of those more highly recommended than others?

By looking at some of those sites, I see that some points can be purchased for less than $50 per point. I gather the big difference is what the home resort is? Can you buy a base # of points at the resort you want and then add extra points on from another resort that you buy at a cheaper price?

 

[dsnydaddy]

There is one consideration that I've failed to see mentioned...you have to be able to plan your trips 6months (a stretch to be sure) to a year in advance. If you are going to buy DVC and expect to find something a month out at a popular resort (or heck, any resort) you'll be sad and frustrated. That's not to say something might not be there BUT being able to plan 7 months or more out will give you options and a guaranteed place to stay.

I'm a teacher, I go in the summer. I know as long as I don't screw things up that we'll go in the summer. I can plan for that every year, no problem. In fact we plan to do the trips 51 weeks apart so we can take advantage of using an AP. I have also gone during one of my long weekends and was able to get that 4 months out at SSR (later a waitlist came through at BW) but I would've been fine at SSR. I've looked at possibly taking my wife down in May for her first Mothers' Day but am being a bit more picky about the where this time and not finding something where I know she'd want to stay soI won't be doing that for her. I'm not mad about it, it was something I just thought of recently and hey, no big deal.

While I agree with your point, it always makes me laugh. I generally have my vacations planned no less than 3 years away. I have the ones coming up this year that I am actively planning for (reservations, things to see, etc) the ones next year that I am paying off or saving money for. And the ones the following year that I am just starting to think about. (affordability, logistics, etc)

 

[chalee94]

By looking at some of those sites, I see that some points can be purchased for less than $.50 per point.

vero beach might be around $50 per pt. most of us still don't think that's a very good deal for a number of reasons.

I gather the big difference is what the home resort is?

home resort can make a difference, yes. if you have strong preferences for where you want to stay, you should buy at that home resort and plan to book early (10-11 months out).

if you are just happy to be onsite at wdw, SSR is generally the best deal (considering upfront costs, annual dues and expiration date of the contract).

but if you are a gambler and want to roll the dice by purchasing vero beach, don't let me stop you.

Can you buy a base # of points at the resort you want and then add extra points on from another resort that you buy at a cheaper price?

you can own multiple home resorts, but you can never - under any circumstances - combine those pts until the 7 month window. if you want to book BLT (for example), you need BLT pts.

 

[dsnydaddy]

Thank you everyone so much for all the advice. We are reading, researching and considering.

I see that there is a list of resale sites listed. Are any of those more highly recommended than others?

By looking at some of those sites, I see that some points can be purchased for less than $.50 per point. I gather the big difference is what the home resort is? Can you buy a base # of points at the resort you want and then add extra points on from another resort that you buy at a cheaper price?

You mean $50 pp?

Yes, the big difference is hope resort, availability of contracts (few contracts, more demand, higher prices), the expiration dates of the contracts. There are a lot of factors that determine the current selling price. However, you really want to look at MF's. Those low cost resorts will bite you in the long run. (unless you really like and want to stay at that resort)

If you own more than one contract in two different resorts and you want to combine the points to make one reservation, you will be limited to the 7 month window. (I think that is your question) You can buy an excess of points in, lets say, SSR so that you can use those points to try for a 2 bedroom in VGF. Or, if you plan 3 stays during the year. You can buy points in Resort A for the first stay, Resort B for the second stay and Resort C for the third stay. Of course doing so will increase your initial costs when buying in as you will be paying closing costs on three contracts.

 

[sgrap]

You mean $50 pp?

Yes, the big difference is hope resort, availability of contracts (few contracts, more demand, higher prices), the expiration dates of the contracts. There are a lot of factors that determine the current selling price. However, you really want to look at MF's. Those low cost resorts will bite you in the long run. (unless you really like and want to stay at that resort)

If you own more than one contract in two different resorts and you want to combine the points to make one reservation, you will be limited to the 7 month window. (I think that is your question) You can buy an excess of points in, lets say, SSR so that you can use those points to try for a 2 bedroom in VGF. Or, if you plan 3 stays during the year. You can buy points in Resort A for the first stay, Resort B for the second stay and Resort C for the third stay. Of course doing so will increase your initial costs when buying in as you will be paying closing costs on three contracts.

Ha, yes $50 per point. Not fully with it yet while typing! ;-)

 

[skier_pete]

Thank you everyone so much for all the advice. We are reading, researching and considering.

I see that there is a list of resale sites listed. Are any of those more highly recommended than others?

By looking at some of those sites, I see that some points can be purchased for less than $50 per point. I gather the big difference is what the home resort is? Can you buy a base # of points at the resort you want and then add extra points on from another resort that you buy at a cheaper price?

We bought ours through the one that advertises on this site, and we had an excellent experience with them. Can't speak for any others.

There are many factors, not just the cost of the points, there's been several threads discussing this, but mostly regarding WDW resorts, this is one of my favorites:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3337343

The up front cost really shouldn't be a primary factor, but it often is. The annual dues are actually a bigger expense over time. But the buy-in is the big chunk all at once.

Again, if your primary goal is to stay at the Grand Californian, you almost have to buy points there. They are VERY expensive buy-in per point relative to other resorts, but it's a small resort that's hard to get into if you don't own there, and fills up on the 7-month day every day of the year, because owners from all over want to stay there on their points, so the only way to be sure you are getting in there is to own there. I would say though if you are very flexible to your dates and also to the room type (1-bedrooms are the easiest to get into) then you maybe could get away with another resort.

 

[sgrap]

Thank you to everyone for the help and recommendations! We found a 300 GCV contract on the Timeshare Store Saturday night, made an offer Sunday morning, within an hour it was accepted by the owners and went to ROFR yesterday (Monday)! We are very excited! The GCH is one of our very favorite places, so we are thrilled to have it as our home resort. Hopefully ROFR will come through quickly, as we can't wait to plan our first trip! How far out do you generally have to book Aulani?

 

[Minniesgal]

While I agree with your point, it always makes me laugh. I generally have my vacations planned no less than 3 years away. I have the ones coming up this year that I am actively planning for (reservations, things to see, etc) the ones next year that I am paying off or saving money for. And the ones the following year that I am just starting to think about. (affordability, logistics, etc)

LOL makes me laugh too. Since DVC I actively plan my next 3 trips simultaneously. As we bank and borrow i need to make sure I don't put my next trip at risk when booking this one. Questions like do you want to go to this resort in 2019 drive my husband mad!, but I can tell you how many points we are using where in 2016, 2017 and 2019.

 

[Face Like Fizz]

While I agree with your point, it always makes me laugh. I generally have my vacations planned no less than 3 years away. I have the ones coming up this year that I am actively planning for (reservations, things to see, etc) the ones next year that I am paying off or saving money for. And the ones the following year that I am just starting to think about. (affordability, logistics, etc)

We've (provisionally) planned until 2022!

 

[Erigeni5]

We found a 300 GCV contract on the Timeshare Store Saturday night, made an offer Sunday morning, within an hour it was accepted by the owners and went to ROFR yesterday (Monday)! We are very excited! The GCH is one of our very favorite places, so we are thrilled to have it as our home resort. Hopefully ROFR will come through quickly, as we can't wait to plan our first trip! How far out do you generally have to book Aulani?

Congratulations! My wife and I are still on the look also for our first DVC points, and we're in the West Coast too. Aulani and GCV are the two most we consider as our home resort although we peek at WDW DVC Resorts as well. What made you decided GCV over Aulani? Thanks in advance.

 

[sgrap]

Congratulations! My wife and I are still on the look also for our first DVC points, and we're in the West Coast too. Aulani and GCV are the two most we consider as our home resort although we peek at WDW DVC Resorts as well. What made you decided GCV over Aulani? Thanks in advance.

We love Disneyland and the Grand Californian and it is very hard to get into if it is not your home resort because it is so small. Aulani is much bigger. Also we found GCV via resale -it is no longer for sale new.