Suggestions on how to make an irrational decision less costly?

[KAT4DISNEY]

We just closed on our first DVC purchase (resale) after two unsuccessful attempts and thinking we should buy for the better part of 20 years. Ended up with 400 BCV points and a December Use Year. While our points are not yet loaded, I got access to the DVC site today and see all the Member benefits to which we are not entitled. I absolutely understood this going in to the resale purchase, but now have the irrational desire to be a full "member." I say irrational because we ended up with more points than I think we can use (hopefully we can rent them out) and as I run the numbers I do not think there is a financial case (at least that I can make) to buy 75 BCV points at $225/pt direct (assuming I can even get them) based on the discounts I'll receive. I therefore write to ask if anyone has any suggestion on what is the cheapest way to get there. I would consider buying more than 75 points on the theory of renting them more out like an "investment" if a case can be made for it. Hopefully I'll just get over the desire for the Blue Card and enjoy what we now have, but in case I cannot, please let me know if there is a "best" way to get one.

It sounds like you go once a year - over Thanksgiving? Then there probably isn't a case to be made for you. Being able to buy the Gold AP is the most cash worthy reason. If you have a large family it might make sense but then you'll have a lot more up front cost and the annual dues. Renting out the extra points you purchased, if you do it well and get top dollar, could probably be considered to make up the difference of AP prices.

There are never going to be any Moonlight Magic nights over Thanksgiving. My crystal ball probably isn't wrong on that one. The Epcot lounge? With the redesigns going on in that area I'm not certain how much longer that will go. You can get into TOTWL with your resale membership. And finally 10% off of a $29 t-shirt is never, ever going to make extra direct points worth the purchase.

 

[crisi]

For reference, I have too many points brokers make it easy to rent them, and at one point I needed them... But it is possible and too many points is more money and or more work

 

[MICKIMINI]

Buying direct is so overrated...so you get a discount at gift shops by whipping out your blue card? If you don't even buy annual passes I agree it is "irrational". You already get free parking and access to dining plans.

If you still feel the need to buy, go for a different resort and make sure you look at the points chart so you buy enough points to stay several nights (maybe you need 85 not 75 at this point who cares LOL?) Underbuying is worse IMO than overbuying. Ten extra points may be $2000+ ouch! Renting at $15 pp less dues and income taxes won't get you very far so it's better to use them for your enjoyment. The only reason to rent is because otherwise you will loose points.

If you still can't resist, at least wait until you go on your first trip and tour whatever resorts they are offering with the caveat that you will wait until you get back home, the excitement wears off and the credit card bills arrive.

Use the same strategy you used in high school when you broke up with a boyfriend or girlfriend - eat chocolate or buy a new sweater. Good luck!

 

[mustinjourney]

The "cheapest way" to get there is probably buy 75 points at SSR - lowest price point combined with lowest MF.

The only way that getting the members benefit is "worth it" is if you use it to by APs and you live out of state. The gold AP for DVC members ($699 + tax) versus the Platinum AP for non-members ($1119 + tax) a difference of $420 per pass. If you are buying 4 APs (including kids) you can save $1600 a year. You also get 10% savings on some dining, and 20% on merchandise - but you would have to add up how much that is worth.

and free memory maker ($200 "value")

 

[disney11fan]

and free memory maker ($200 "value")

Wow. Is there a place where we can find out what all the abbreviations mean? What does AP stand for?

 

[Sneaky3]

Wow. Is there a place where we can find out what all the abbreviations mean? What does AP stand for?

Annual pass

 

[disney11fan]

Annual pass

Thank you. So many of these i can't keep them straight.

 

[SG131]

I'm in the same place as you. I didn't buy as many points and am actually thinking I could use a few more because my mother is now interested in going more often now that we made the initial buy. I really would like that blue card and access to the discounts, but every time I look at the cost difference it seems crazy. I wish I would've bought CCV before the cost went up. I keep going around in circles trying to decide what the best option is. I feel your pain!

 

[Matty B13]

Thank you. So many of these i can't keep them straight.

You can catch up quickly if you just read through a bunch of the the threads, and don't be afraid to ask questions, people on Disboards love to share their knowledge.

 

[emchen]

Thank you. So many of these i can't keep them straight.

Here you go link to list of common abbreviations for DVC talk.

Wow. Is there a place where we can find out what all the abbreviations mean? What does AP stand for?

 

[emchen]

Wow. Is there a place where we can find out what all the abbreviations mean? What does AP stand for?

If I could post the link I would. Try going to Forums -> Welcome to the DIS -> Common Abbreviations.

Enjoy!

 

[emchen]

I'm in the same place as you. I didn't buy as many points and am actually thinking I could use a few more because my mother is now interested in going more often now that we made the initial buy. I really would like that blue card and access to the discounts, but every time I look at the cost difference it seems crazy. I wish I would've bought CCV before the cost went up. I keep going around in circles trying to decide what the best option is. I feel your pain!

Consider 75 points at Aulani @ 188/pt. As of 4 weeks ago, they were offering DEC '18 points with maintenance fees waived and bankable by 7/31. You would have ability to visit every three years with 225 points starting in 2020 by bank + borrow.

 

[MICKIMINI]

The only reason to buy Aulani is to use it there. If I'm not mistaken, Hawaii now charges a significant tax when you sell your contract in addition to closing costs plus the fact that you'll be taking a huge risk at 7 months to stay on property and are unlikely to get your first choice. With a small points contract you won't be able to stretch a studio to a 1 BR if that is all that Is available. If you have the desire AND the cash who are we to discourage you?