Still Pondering DVC (Question)

[HokieGCC]

It looks like we are going to DW in January and we are forever pondering what to do about DVC. We do go every year (for 15+ years now) and are considering DVC as part of our retirement planning -so we are experts at Disney but not DVC.

My question is - if we were to decide today to purchase a smallish resale at OKW for example would we have a prayer of being able to use it for our January plans (at studio type accommodations)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[chalee94]

DVC owners can book their home resort starting at 11 months out. if you wait too long and cannot book anything, you would risk your pts being lost completely.

there is always a possibility that there will be availability on short notice (anything less than 4-5 months out is short notice in timeshare terms), but DVC works best if you can book well in advance.

larger resorts like OKW, SSR and AKV-kidani are your best bets for finding late availability. 1BRs are more likely than studios to be available at the last minute. you may need to be willing to switch resorts a time or 2 to find availability.

IMO, i'd buy planning to use the pts next trip rather than in january, but it's "possible" that you'll find something for this trip. you might want to do some more homework, though, to understand what you are committing to before you buy into DVC...

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

When in January will make a difference too. I've done "last minute" reservations for that month - ie, 30 or so days out but if you want to go over marathon weekend then I'd say no, you won't get a reservation. If mid to late part of the month then maybe but it still isn't anything I'd definitely count on.

 

[HokieGCC]

Thanks folks - you confirmed what I figured was the case that it would be too late to work it out. I imagine we'll ponder for a few more years. We probably should have done this years ago but I could never get over the hump of the commitment even though we have gone every year for about 2 weeks each time. Assuming good health and good fortunes I am sure this will continue as our college age kids also love the place.

I should probably just go ahead and get a small contract and work with it a couple years to see if we want to expand it or just backtrack to the old way.

 

[joelp]

We just closed on our DVC contract last week, and booked a weekend (2BR and 1BR split stay at Kidani) in November (15-18) - AKV and SSR were also open, with some other single night rooms here and there ...

In January - like November - I think it would depend on the dates and how long a trip: we were just after "Jersey Week" and the FW Festival - and just before Thanksgiving, so it was probably the only "slow" week in the fall ... Plus, we had banked use by December or lose points with the contract, so we weren't concerned about using the points for a 2BR (even though we don't need it - and the DW will be so spoiled after we stay there that I doubt a studio will suffice in the future ... ) ...

I'd say first - find the contract you want - and then see if you can work it into your January plans ... it may work out for you ...

 

[Dean]

Thanks folks - you confirmed what I figured was the case that it would be too late to work it out. I imagine we'll ponder for a few more years. We probably should have done this years ago but I could never get over the hump of the commitment even though we have gone every year for about 2 weeks each time. Assuming good health and good fortunes I am sure this will continue as our college age kids also love the place.

I should probably just go ahead and get a small contract and work with it a couple years to see if we want to expand it or just backtrack to the old way.

If you're comfortable with the compromises involved in a timeshare and routinely pay extra to say on property in a moderate or above going 2 weeks every year, I'd buy now resale. There's a small chance of success but you'll have perfect timing for the next year. You'll likely break even in about 5-7 years for a studio assuming you buy resale and pay cash. If you plan to cont your trips and are OK with the compromises, it doesn't make sense to me to put off buying until years later. One thing to consider is whether you want on or off property, if you're Ok with a great unit off property then you could save even more, would pick up some other options but you'd give up some things as well.