Talk some sense into me

[LuigiSpice]

So here is the situation. I have been researching and running numbers for a while now, and in my head DVC makes so much sense to me that I feel like I must be missing something. I appreciate all the help people give on these forums and would love to tap into some of that knowledge so thank you in advance. Here is what I've been assuming and some background:

My wife and I are 41 with a 5 year old son. I recently had a health scare (after I was already thinking about this and I'm fine) which made me realize I don't want to wait to do some things as long as I'm financially able to do it. This would include a trip to Disney with my brother's family of 4 and my brother-in-laws family of 4 (separately). I also have a group of friends with young children that I'd love to go down with at some point.

My number thoughts were that 175 points at Saratoga would work as it would allow us to have enough to do a TreeHouse or 2 bedroom villa every 2 years. Even with modest increases in dues, and low increases in room costs I still feel like I'd be breaking even within 3 or 4 trips. I haven't been to Saratoga (and wouldn't purchase til I saw it) but assuming I wouldn't have an problem staying there, we also travel during Mid/Late August so after looking at the booking charts most of the resorts still have availability at the 7 month mark so I feel like it isn't worth investing in another resort.

I've also run the numbers buying 175 resale or 75 direct (assuming I could) and 100 resale and its doable either way. What do you think?

 

[Tuckerpaul]

Hey Luigi!

My circumstances are different than yours, and I would say your pros and cons are going to be unique to you. What I can add is that unless you plan to really utilize the perks of the 75 direct blue card it is not worth the extra expense to buy direct. Sounds like you would go every 2 years, and the discount you would get on food, annual passes etc would not reach a break even point easily if I am thinking of the correct numbers.

I think your best play is to get a 175-200 point contract in a June, July or August Use year. You are correct summer is the easiest time to currently travel via DVC. The busiest times are fall and holiday season.

I caution jumping on board with the treehouse villas. They sounds really cool but the configuration is weird. I am a fan of the disney Tourist blog and they do a good job reviewing different rooms including some great personal insight from them and photography. Search Treehouse Villa on their website and you can find a review.

My own motivation for this program is two fold. I have a 150 point contract at VGC (I live in Seattle and have family on the west coast to travel with) and a 200 point contract at PVB (My sister and her kids are in South Carolina, so traveling to DW makes more sense for her). I think you should definitely only consider buying with cash if you can, the rates for a loan are nuts.

Also definitely think of this as an investment in your fun. I would not go in thinking about at all if you can avoid it the potential resale value, or $$$ return you can get one day. That definitely is opposite the point of DVC in my opinion.

A followup question for you. Do you see yourself traveling to Disney World once your son has grown? Do you believe your family will continue to love the trips as he hits teenage years, 20s, 30s? My partner and I are in our late 20s and not having kids so we have a really strong sense that we will keep coming to Disney again and again even without kids with us. I want to make sure you think about the 20ish year use case for yourself and your wife. If the answer is likely no, you may save more over time not buying DVC.

Thanks! And I personally hope you find the best fit for you.

 

[holden]

We bought resale DVC (at BLT) a few years ago. As our kids have gotten older, so has our need for more space. I'm not saying 175 isn't enough points, but keep in mind that as your family ages your needs/wants might change.

We visit WDW 2-3x a year, usually for a one week trip and other long weekend or two. We usually stay in a 2BR, but sometimes do a 1BR if we are short on points. BLT has an extra bathroom in the 1BR/2BR units which has become essential for us. We also like the walk to MK.

Absolutely stay at SSR before buying. Make sure it's a long enough trip to get a feel for it...transportation to parks, dining options, activities, etc. Book whatever size unit you think you'd use most. It's a big resort with an internal bus loop. It doesn't bother some people, but others might not like the amount of time it takes to get around the resort. OKW is the same.

We've stayed at both SSR and OKW. I personally hate the buses, but if those are the only resorts available we book them and take a Minnie Van. Both resorts are nice.

Finally, I recommend paying cash instead of financing if possible.

 

[skippytx]

SSR is a nice resort. Rent a few points and stay there for a few days though and make sure it's where you want to spend that kind of money at though. SSR is the most economical DVC resort in terms of dues and initial acquisition costs, so it does make it the most appealing resort from a $ perspective. If you don't like it though the $ won't matter. I initial wanted to buy SSR for the economical reasons but I wasn't really going to be 100% happy there. I spent an extra 20% probably buying at BLT, but I have no regrets. The dues are a similar cost so aside from that initial purchase my ongoing costs are similar. It was worth it. I have stayed at SSR and it's a great resort, I just personally prefer BLT (which many folks do not like at all)

Shoot for 200 points, always better to have a few extra and bank them then not enough. Finding the right size contract might be hard though. 2 100 point contracts might work better. I'd buy resale, with only going every other year you won't benefit much from the member perks.

The location of the tree house villas are a deal killer for me, zero interest in staying at them. A 2 bed at SSR would work well for you're planned trips.

Paying for DVC is another thing. Most folks (and I generally agree with them) think you should pay cash. I'm not opposed to financing with lower cost options like a HELOC or some other low APR line you can tap. The 10 to 15% from other DVC sources though is insane and you shouldn't pay those kind of rates. That doesn't stop people though, I see daily posts in DVC FB groups about people making their last payment on their 10 year loan that was at 11%. I can't bring myself to pay that kind of interest rates on a luxury purchase.

edit: Also I know this is the DVC board, but DVC is a great way to stay on property. If you don't need to stay on property there are much more affordable options out there (renting @ bonnet creek for instance) that might make more sense. I'm not up to speed, but they may have a shuttle now, or you can rent a car. Some of the newer hotels going up also are going to have larger family style rooms available as an option.

 

[LuigiSpice]

BLT is my other top choice, but the buy in getting pushed over $20K is a bit where a cash purchase (which is a must) becomes difficult without saving for a bit. We are going this summer and staying at WL so we probably wouldn't go for another 2 years anyway so that does give us time to do that if we want.

Probably should have mentioned I'm from Western NY (Rochester) so its a week or more when I go. Staying for 10 nights this year coming up.

 

[holden]

BLT is my other top choice, but the buy in getting pushed over $20K is a bit where a cash purchase (which is a must) becomes difficult without saving for a bit. We are going this summer and staying at WL so we probably wouldn't go for another 2 years anyway so that does give us time to do that if we want.

Probably should have mentioned I'm from Western NY (Rochester) so its a week or more when I go. Staying for 10 nights this year coming up.

Is there a reason you aren't staying at either SSR or BLT?

 

[LuigiSpice]

Is there a reason you aren't staying at either SSR or BLT?

When I booked in January I didn't even know DVC existed. Its just something that came up in my research and i got intrigued because I felt we would be going more often in the coming years. I wanted to stay at Contemporary but the cost out of pocket didn't make sense to me as it was almost $2K more for some reason. VGF was actually only a 1000 more, but we thought our son would like WL more.

 

[holden]

Would you consider moving to one of the resorts you are interested in? It would give you a chance to check it out. Renting points is an option too (often cheaper than a cash reservation), though you can't cancel the reservation if something comes up. If you search for DVC rentals you'll see some brokers who are reputable and easy to work with.

If you can't change resorts, you'll love WL. It's one of our favorites. Perhaps consider going on a DVC tour or stopping by BLT/SSR to ask if you can see what a room looks like. We did that at VGF a few years ago, and they were happy to let us see a room.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

BLT is my other top choice, but the buy in getting pushed over $20K is a bit where a cash purchase (which is a must) becomes difficult without saving for a bit. We are going this summer and staying at WL so we probably wouldn't go for another 2 years anyway so that does give us time to do that if we want.

Probably should have mentioned I'm from Western NY (Rochester) so its a week or more when I go. Staying for 10 nights this year coming up.

Your plan is to typically go in August every other year? And stay in larger villas like 2BR's or the Treehouses? That's an easier time to book and easier size villas to book so I personally wouldn't worry too much about the home resort IMO. It's definitely good to own somewhere you like to stay in case you do a trip during a busy booking time but for August you'll have options and SSR is good for a lower buy in and lower MF's.

BTW - I like the Treehouses. They're a nice reprieve from the hustle and bustle and are good if the configuration works for you.

 

[The Jackal]

Only issue with Treehouse is the transportation. If you want to go to the parks, you have to get on a bus that brings you to the Springs bus stop at SSR. Then you have to get on a bus to go to the park of choice. So it takes a little while longer. If you have a car, you could drive it over near one of the bus stops. This is a quicker option.

 

[zavandor]

Be aware that the 2020 point charts initially showed again an increase in the cost per night of the treehouse villas. It would haven been the second increase since their construction.
It has been rolled back but DVC is still saying that the reallocation was legitimate and guides are now explicitly saying that reallocations between room sizes can be done, so it is likely that it will happen again, sooner or later. If you're buying for th THV, consider to buy a 10-20% extra points.

 

[jarestel]

If you're definitely planning on repeat vacations at WDW then the money is going to be spent anyway, it's just a matter of whether you want to pay up front or as-you-go. DVC does offer somewhat of a hedge against the ever increasing price of hotel rooms but keep in mind that the purchase price is only one piece of the financial puzzle. In most cases, you'll end up paying far more in annual maintenance fees (dues) over the life of your contract than your buy in cost, so factor that in as well.

 

[kidren21]

I wouldn't buy at SSR because it is sort of a waste of the 11 month home-resort advantage. SSR is almost always available at 7 months, so I would suggest getting a contract somewhere else and if for some reason it is already booked within the 11 month window, then you have SSR as a backup at the 7 month window.

 

[The Jackal]

I wouldn't buy at SSR because it is sort of a waste of the 11 month home-resort advantage. SSR is almost always available at 7 months, so I would suggest getting a contract somewhere else and if for some reason it is already booked within the 11 month window, then you have SSR as a backup at the 7 month window.

SSR is the most economical resort in DVC to buy . Low cost dues and it does not expire in 2042 . Why would you buy expensive points at another resort to stay at SSR. The only more economical way is to buy cheap VB points and sell it after 8 years or so and hope that no hurricane hits it during your ownership . For the OP that would only be 4 trips . So it would be cheaper just to rent points .

 

[kidren21]

SSR is the most economical resort in DVC to buy . Low cost dues and it does not expire in 2042 . Why would you buy expensive points at another resort to stay at SSR. The only more economical way is to buy cheap VB points and sell it after 8 years or so and hope that no hurricane hits it during your ownership . For the OP that would only be 4 trips . So it would be cheaper just to rent points .

I'm not saying to buy at another resort to purposefully stay at SSR.
Reading through the thread, the OP also has interest in BLT.
Owning at BLT gives you access to BLT during the 11 month window, and generally speaking there is availability at SSR during the 7 month window for any last minute trips (plus of course the walking distance to MK is amazing).

 

[sndral]

BLT is my other top choice, but the buy in getting pushed over $20K is a bit where a cash purchase (which is a must) becomes difficult without saving for a bit. We are going this summer and staying at WL so we probably wouldn't go for another 2 years anyway so that does give us time to do that if we want.

Probably should have mentioned I'm from Western NY (Rochester) so its a week or more when I go. Staying for 10 nights this year coming up.

Why not incorporate into your 10 day stay this summer a visit to each of the DVC resorts? When at DS boat over to OKW and SSR. Schedule dinner at Cape May or one of the Epcot resorts and visit both the BWV and the BCV, or on an Epcot day wander out the IG to visit them. On an AK day have dinner at Boma or Jiko in Jambo at AKL or lunch at Sanaa in AKV Kidani and wander through both Jambo (villas on 5th floor) and Kidani. Take the boat from WL and visit BLT, then monorail over to Poly and VGF. Stroll the grounds, walk through a hallway or two, visit the QS, take a look at the pools, the gift shops, etc. If you’re like me one or two resorts will ‘feel’ right, and once you know which, then you can run the numbers again with the then current resale prices to determine how. Also be aware that different resorts cost more points, so your 175 points will go further at SSR or OKW than they’ll go at VGF. David’s DVC rental has a great points calculator that helps with comparing options. https://www.dvcrequest.com/cost-calculator.asp
On an unrelated note - my son moved to Rochester a little over a year ago - do you fly? Have you found any non stop flights ROC/MCO?
Assuming you fly, not having a car (unless you rent one,) some resorts are easier without your own vehicle.

 

[LuigiSpice]

I am actually going to try and visit a lot of the resorts. I've been to a bunch, but that was 10 years ago so I'm sure much has changed. I am also planning on doing the DVC tour just to get more info (and maybe a fastpass or three). Becuase I can't think of a resort I wouldn't want to stay at, SSR makes the most sense to me especially at the time I'd travel seemingly having a lot of 7 month availability almost everywhere. I do have a feeling I may fall in love with WL though while I'm there.

Southwest flies non-stop. I got a 115pm one for my trip. Only issue is the return to ROC is early in the morning so I didnt do that back home.

 

[The Jackal]

I'm not saying to buy at another resort to purposefully stay at SSR.
Reading through the thread, the OP also has interest in BLT.
Owning at BLT gives you access to BLT during the 11 month window, and generally speaking there is availability at SSR during the 7 month window for any last minute trips (plus of course the walking distance to MK is amazing).

I missed his post on BLT. I can say that of all the resorts we have stayed at BLT was our least favorite. Don’t take this the wrong way. It is a nice resort. Loved the view from the room and the short walk to the MK. The pool is tiny. The theming is just not that good. It is nice, but it’s a little boring. In the hallway across from us there was 10-15 bags of something in the hallway. We only stayed there 1 day, but they were there when we checked in and out. Trust me I wanted to love this resort, it just didn’t happen. Before we went thought the DW was going to say “ we need some points here”. That was said on that trip, but at 2 other resorts, BWV and PVB. Lots of people love it there, it’s just not for us.

 

[bwvBound]

Only issue with Treehouse is the transportation. If you want to go to the parks, you have to get on a bus that brings you to the Springs bus stop at SSR. Then you have to get on a bus to go to the park of choice. So it takes a little while longer. If you have a car, you could drive it over near one of the bus stops. This is a quicker option.

Or you could simply walk to the Grandstand Bus Stop directly from the Treehouse Villas. The Treehouse bus loop is "optional, not required." We walk it.

The location of the tree house villas are a deal killer for me, zero interest in staying at them.

To @LuigiSpice : Take this with "each to his own." As you've stated you'd only purchase after seeing SSR, be sure to walk around the resort, get to know its sections and the distances between the sections, bus stops, amenities, etc.

We find the Treehouse Villas are really perfect for traveling as a party of 6'ish (4 adults, 2 youth). It is our go-to unit type if inviting friends/family as the unit places the master suite on one side ("our room") and the other two bedrooms on the opposite side (for our guests and their children). Everyone has sufficient space and privacy. Love those units. Great layout for sharing!

 

[skier_pete]

Hey there - also from Western New York - we own at AKV and BWV.

SSR is a great choice for a "value" entry into the DVC program. If you are looking at primarily one or two bedroom rentals as opposed to studios, you will have plenty of opportunity to try different resorts - especially if you are thinking of primarily traveling in the summertime. DVC is great if you (1) can plan well in advance, (2) travel at least every other year, and (3) normally stay either deluxe or moderate.

My suggestion is if you are really talking every other year is to just buy a resale contract and go slightly bigger. The worthwhile perks of DVC are mostly around AP discounts and some in park discounts. You can get a 75 point contract for around $100 versus direct for $160. That 75 point direct contract is going to run you an extra $4500. Looking at a 20% merchandise discount you have to spend around $22,000 to break even, food discounts are around 10%, so $45,000 worth of food before that 75 points pays off. If you decide to start going more often, you'll need more points anyways, and THEN add on those 75 points. It really is up to you, if you feel the full membership is important to you, then go ahead, just make sure both contracts have the same Use Year.