thinking of purchasing...

[noahandcjsmom]

We were at Disney last week and went through an Open House and almost bought while there but decide to go home and research more first. We happened upon this site where I read something was going in effect on March 21st that limits you if buying resale? Can anyone explain this to me in better detail. We were looking at around 160 points and would like to go to Bay Lake Tower as well as try some of the other resorts on Disney and Vero Beach, possibly Hawaii and even the cruise, how does this new rule effect us? Should we purchase new vs resale and not be restricted or do those restrictions not effect any of those locations?

thanks so much!

 

[hellerjw]

The change on March 20th limited some of the places you can use your points to exchange to if you purchase via resale (Disney Cruises being one of them).

Here is some more information on it:

Under the new policy, Members who purchase from anyone other than Disney Vacation Development, Inc., on or after March 21, 2011, will not be eligible to use those Vacation Points to make reservations within the Concierge Collection, the Disney Collection or the Adventurer Collection. Those Vacation Points will instead be valid only for reservations at Disney Vacation Club resorts, as well as for RCI® exchanges, Club Cordial and Club Intrawest.

The affected collections are special Member benefits programs offered by Disney Vacation Development, Inc., and are not part of Members' Ownership Interests. That said, Members who purchased on the secondary market prior to March 21, 2011, may use those Vacation Points for all Member Getaways.

Note that the policy doesn't impact banking, borrowing or transferring Vacation Points. All Members will continue to have the ability make such transactions, regardless of where they purchased their Ownership Interests.

If you were planning to use your points consistently for non-DVC resort stays this change may impact you a good bit. However, since the cost difference between going direct and resale can be huge, like $40-$50/pt in some cases, you have to weigh the loss of the perk vs. the cost savings.

 

[s830632]

Like hellerj said, there is a very significant cost difference in buying resale versus buying direct. I was going to buy direct myself at $104 a point, but my resale was $69 a point, at 350 points, I'm saving over $12K doing this rather than buying direct. Now, granted, I got my contract in before the deadline, but the question is, how often will you want to try to use your points for cruises and such? Also, from what I've been reading, you need a lot of points to actually pay for a cruise, so even if you got those points, would it be worth it?

I'm new to all this myself so I'm not really sure what the true benefit to having those perks are and whether or not it would have been worth paying an extra $12K for.

 

[JimMIA]

Concierge Collection

Nightly stays at deluxe hotels in several cities, at what are generally regarded as high points costs. This is an option most DVCers use only if they are about to lose the points anyway due to expiration.

the Disney Collection

Disney operated deluxe and moderate hotels -- also considered a high points cost option, and probably rarely used.

Disney Cruise Line is also in the Disney Collection. Using points for cruises is generally considered a high points cost option, but many members enjoy that option. Personally, I would just pay cash and save my points, but it is an option that has value for many owners. (It is certainly NOT an option I would pay $40 per point more for!)

or the Adventurer Collection

Adventures by Disney -- very high points costs.

In considering DVC -- or ANY timeshare -- it is important to understand what you are guaranteed, and what you are not. Just because a benefit currently exists does not mean it will always exist. For example, all of the dubious perks now only enjoyed by direct purchasers could easily be taken away with a swipe of the Mouse's pen, just like they were for resale buyers.

With DVC, you are actually only guaranteed three things:

1. The TOTAL number of points for a given resort is fixed and cannot change. However, points costs between types of units, days of the week, seasons, views, and just about any other variation of points cost can, and HAVE, changed.
2. You are guaranteed to be able to use your points at your home resort, subject to availability.
3. As long as your resort is a part of the DVC "club," you will enjoy the ability to reserve villas at other DVC resorts, and you will always enjoy at least a one-month booking advantage over other owners who do not own at your resort (currently 4 months).

Other than those three items, Disney can change anything.

 

[mjc2003]

As a cruise example, I recently priced out a Deluxe Family Stateroom with Verandah for my family of 4 for Nov 13th on a 4 day cruise on the Dream. It was $3301.00. If I paid with points it would have been 366 pts. For the same number of points at the same time of year I could get the following at Beach Club:

1 Bedroom for 7 nights AND 1 Studio for 10 nights (366 pts)

or

2 Bedroom for 7 nights AND 1 Studio for 6 nights (369 pts)

So that's an example of 13-17 days of resort stay for the price of 4 nights on a cruise. Also, consider that you could always use the points to bookend a 3/4 night cruise with stays in a villa using points.

Of course cruises include the food, which is a factor. BUT, with the villa you have a kitchen. We ordered $150 worth of groceries last year and ate breakfast every day, two lunches and two dinners in our room.

 

[noahandcjsmom]

Ok so really the only thing I would be missing out on would be the cruise. I could sell my points or rent them to someone or bank them and pay cash for the cruise and that would be a better deal then using my points at a high rate for the cruise anyway. The consensus is buy resale at a cheapr cost per point and lose out on the cruise if that is really the only thing I would be losing out on. We will not be doing Adventures by Disney (too much) so losing that option isnt hurting us. Now, wht is a good price per point? Lots to research. I have been on Disboards all day and feel like I am barely treading water.

Thanks!

 

[JimMIA]

I have a different method of evaluating points costs.

We own at OKW and factoring in the price we paid, the number of points, and the number of years remaining on the contract when we purchased, I've estimated our buy-in cost at about $2 per point per year.

Our annual dues this year at OKW are $4.97, so my points costs for 2011 are $2.00 + $4.97 = about $7 per point.

In mjc2003's cruise example above, that four-day cruise would cost me 366 X $7 = $2,562 or $640 per person. That's one heckuva a high price to pay for a four-day cruise...especially one that's just to the Bahamas!

 

[mjc2003]

Now, wht is a good price per point? Lots to research.

Couldn't quite tell from your original post if you want Bay Lake to be your home resort, or if you just wanted to be able to stay there as well as others? Pricing via resale is quite varied, depending on resort.


As a general guide as to what memberships are going for, here is the ROFR thread which shows agreed prices, and what Disney is buying back:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2661661

Of course the x-factor at this point is, can you bid a little less since it's after 3/20, and will Disney amend their ROFR practice at all?

 

[quinnc19]

In mjc2003's cruise example above, that four-day cruise would cost me 366 X $7 = $2,562 or $640 per person. That's one heckuva a high price to pay for a four-day cruise...especially one that's just to the Bahamas!

True, but it is less than the cash price. However, one could make out better by renting the points (e.g., at $10/point) as is frequently pointed out here.

 

[Sandisw]

I think the first thing you should research is the resorts and decide how important it is for you to stay places.

We bought BLT because we wanted to be there each and every trip. We have tried out the other resorts, VWL, BWV, and BCV, but only as part of our yearly trip.

We wanted to ensure we had the 11 month advantage to book here and get SV rooms. We did not want to stress about finding things at 7 months.

Of course, this decision cost us about $5000 more than buying SSR resale, but staying at BLT was more important to us.

Now, if you really will be okay with staying at any of the WDW resorts, then most of the older resorts are becoming very reasonable in price. You can save by purchasing places like SSR or OKW. But, you really want to buy somewhere where you would be happy if that is all you can get for a trip.

Good luck!

 

[noahandcjsmom]

Thanks everyone. We are certain we will buy resale. Now to decide what to buy.

Thanks again,

Michelle

 

[Buckeye Fan]

That's the fun part! We have stayed at all of the DVC resorts on property, with the exception of BLT. While I have my favorites and DH has his (they are different), I would be proud to call anywhere we've stayed home.

Not sure how old you are and if this is a factor for you, but some resorts expire in 2042 and others in 2054 - 2061. May be something you want to check out!

 

[noahandcjsmom]

That's the fun part! We have stayed at all of the DVC resorts on property, with the exception of BLT. While I have my favorites and DH has his (they are different), I would be proud to call anywhere we stayed home.

Not sure how old you are and if this is a factor for you, but some resorts expire in 2042 and others in 2054 - 2061. May be something you want to check out!

Well do tell which ones are your favorites. We have only seen BLT and have never stayed at any of them so the info is greatly appreciated. We are 30 years old so we still have some time left...lol I do want one that expires later rather then sooner. My main thing is having one that is centrally located or has access to easy transportation. Last week I felt like we spent half of the vacation waiting on buses. Maybe renting a car is the only option?

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Well do tell which ones are your favorites. We have only seen BLT and have never stayed at any of them so the info is greatly appreciated. We are 30 years old so we still have some time left...lol I do want one that expires later rather then sooner. My main thing is having one that is centrally located or has access to easy transportation. Last week I felt like we spent half of the vacation waiting on buses. Maybe renting a car is the only option?

This is completely personal preference, and my DH and I probably represent the two common views. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the peace and quiet of OKW and SSR. They are more "condo style" resorts. DH prefers being in the mix of things, and likes the "hotel style" resorts.

If I had to rank order his, I'd say his favorites are as follows:
1) BWV
2) BCV
3) VWL
4) SSR
5) AKV
6) OKW

He loved AKV, and I think it would have made #1 had it been in a different location. He's all about hotel feel and location, so he felt it was too far out of the way of everything. I think we're the only family in the world that didn't care for Boma either, so he felt like he even had to travel to eat. Since we haven't stayed at BLT yet, I'm going to say it will slide in between VWL and SSR for him.

As for me, I have a really hard time ranking. Each resort gives me a different vacation experience, and keeps Disney fresh for me. Since you asked, I'll give it my best shot!

1) OKW is definitely #1. I just feel complete peace when I'm there.
2) SRR is so close to being #1, that it may switch tomorrow!
3) BCV comes in at #3, much to my surprise. I purposely waited to make a reservation there, thinking I wouldn't like it. LOVED it and just recently posted on the BCV lovers thread why.
4) VWL - Still, to this day, it takes my breath away when I walk into the lobby.
5) BWV - Holds a very special place in my heart. Was the first place we stayed as DVC member. I know some people don't like the clown at the pool, but the clown is cool!
6) AKV - I'll go with DH on this one. Really, really loved it, but it did seem out of the way. I do have to say, though, we stayed right before Kidani opened, and the bus service was amazing. Probably the best we've had at any Disney resort. We're definitely getting the itch to go back and see the animals again, though, and I loved the decor! I didn't rank BLT, but if I had to guess, I'd probably place it at #7. VERY unfair since I haven't stayed there, but as well as I liked VWL, I would rather stay there (I think). Time will tell, as it's next on our list!

Again, personal preference, and as you can see, even my hubby and I don't agree. Fortunately, we both like to hop, so we don't have to worry about it! When I call to make reservations, we discuss our top 3 picks for that vacation. If #1 is not available, we move to #2. We're never disappointed, and our top 3 picks change each vacation. Planning is 1/2 the fun!

 

[KGD]

Well, the first question is where have you all stayed? Do you have children that you would like or need quick (monorail or walking) access to the parks? Take a look at allears.net. They have MANY pictures of all of the resorts. Everything from pictures of the TV's in each room, to closets, kitchens, etc. Also, pictures of the common areas and amenities too.

We were in your same position at the beginning of February. Our family of 5 (3 small children, 4 yrs and under) went to Disney, stayed at VWL and went to tour BLT. While we really liked it and almost signed to buy BLT (would have but couldn't get back to sign the papers...thank goodness!), we came home and I started researching.

The only place we have ever stayed is VWL. We LOVE this resort, which is why we keep going back to it. We could have bought VWL direct at $102 per point with no discounts available. At that price we could only afford about 200 points. ALMOST enough to stay annually in a 1 br in the low season.

After researching and finding a contract with a UY that fit our travel habits, we settled on 350 points at VWL for a little less than $60 per point. It also came with all of the 2010 points. So, for close to the same amount of cash, we can now stay about 12 nights per year in a 1 br or about 9 nights per year in a 2 br with family or friends. Or we can rent the extra points we don't use to subsidize our member fees.

When looking at BLT, we were only going to be able to afford to purchase about enough points for 1 trip every 18-24 months. Even with the discounts, we were still looking at about $120 per point. And I understand the prices just went up the beginning of March again.

While we weren't sure if we would ever use the points for cruises, we still like that we have the option. However, in reading new posts everyday, it may be a better value to rent our points and use the cash for the cruise.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[DizGirl20]

I know this process can seem overwhelming at first. Just to give you some hard numbers:

We bought AKV direct Dec '09 for $92/point
In August '10 bought AKV resale for $75/point
Waiting now to see if we passed ROFR on a VWL resale for $55/point

I personally would try to save money via resale and if you really want to do the cruise, pay cash. Or you could purchase a resale contract for just DVC stays and a direct contract for more point options like the cruise (I know someone who is considering doing this)...? Either way, Good Luck and keep us posted!

 

[noahandcjsmom]

Well, the first question is where have you all stayed? Do you have children that you would like or need quick (monorail or walking) access to the parks? Take a look at allears.net. They have MANY pictures of all of the resorts. Everything from pictures of the TV's in each room, to closets, kitchens, etc. Also, pictures of the common areas and amenities too.

We were in your same position at the beginning of February. Our family of 5 (3 small children, 4 yrs and under) went to Disney, stayed at VWL and went to tour BLT. While we really liked it and almost signed to buy BLT (would have but couldn't get back to sign the papers...thank goodness!), we came home and I started researching.

The only place we have ever stayed is VWL. We LOVE this resort, which is why we keep going back to it. We could have bought VWL direct at $102 per point with no discounts available. At that price we could only afford about 200 points. ALMOST enough to stay annually in a 1 br in the low season.

After researching and finding a contract with a UY that fit our travel habits, we settled on 350 points at VWL for a little less than $60 per point. It also came with all of the 2010 points. So, for close to the same amount of cash, we can now stay about 12 nights per year in a 1 br or about 9 nights per year in a 2 br with family or friends. Or we can rent the extra points we don't use to subsidize our member fees.

When looking at BLT, we were only going to be able to afford to purchase about enough points for 1 trip every 18-24 months. Even with the discounts, we were still looking at about $120 per point. And I understand the prices just went up the beginning of March again.

While we weren't sure if we would ever use the points for cruises, we still like that we have the option. However, in reading new posts everyday, it may be a better value to rent our points and use the cash for the cruise.

Good luck on your decision!

We have only stayed at Coronado Springs and ONLY toured Bay Lake Towers. And yes they must have went up because they were telling us last Sat $140 per point. YIKES! We do have two kids 5 and 3 so strollers and such will not be needed for too many more trips although I think they each fell asleep in the double stroller we rented atleast 10 times over our 8 day vacation. Thanks!

 

[MFMont]

"If I had to rank order his, I'd say his favorites are as follows:
1) BWV
2) BCV
3) VWL
4) SSR
5) AKV
6) OKW

He loved AKV, and I think it would have made #1 had it been in a different location. He's all about hotel feel and location, so he felt it was too far out of the way of everything. I think we're the only family in the world that didn't care for Boma either, so he felt like he even had to travel to eat. Since we haven't stayed at BLT yet, I'm going to say it will slide in between VWL and SSR for him."


Great minds must think alike
This would be my exact order. Actually my favorite hotel by far is WL however I bought at BWV just for the location. To be fair, I have not stayed there and hope I like it as much as I liked the yacht club stay i had in 2002.

 

[JWG]

For Direct versus Resale, the question becomes are you ok with only getting what's guaranteed in your conract and deed? I.E., are you ok only staying at your home resort on your points, and likely other DVC resorts passed a home resort booking window?

If so, resale is definitely the way to go. If you think you want any extras, perks, benefits above and beyond that - go direct. While today resale only limits access to the various Disney collections, the bigger deal is they will differentiate between "direct' and "resale" moving forward. So, the differences will probably continue to be defined moving forward.

As far as resort - that's such a personal preference. Do you like the "hustle and bustle" of a hotel/resort? Then:
BWV, BLT, BCV

Do you like the hotel feel but a more removed quiet atmosphere? Then:
VWL, AKV

Do you like the more calm and quiet resort feel, not a hotel? Then:
SSR (w the Treehouse Villas), OKW

We've really enjoyed SSR, BWV and AKV for all different reasons. We own at BLT (just haven't gotten to stay there yet) for yet another reason.

 

[noahandcjsmom]

For Direct versus Resale, the question becomes are you ok with only getting what's guaranteed in your conract and deed? I.E., are you ok only staying at your home resort on your points, and likely other DVC resorts passed a home resort booking window?

If so, resale is definitely the way to go. If you think you want any extras, perks, benefits above and beyond that - go direct. While today resale only limits access to the various Disney collections, the bigger deal is they will differentiate between "direct' and "resale" moving forward. So, the differences will probably continue to be defined moving forward.

As far as resort - that's such a personal preference. Do you like the "hustle and bustle" of a hotel/resort? Then:
BWV, BLT, BCV

Do you like the hotel feel but a more removed quiet atmosphere? Then:
VWL, AKV

Do you like the more calm and quiet resort feel, not a hotel? Then:
SSR (w the Treehouse Villas), OKW

We've really enjoyed SSR, BWV and AKV for all different reasons. We own at BLT (just haven't gotten to stay there yet) for yet another reason.

I think for the amount of money that we can potentially save I am okay with possibly losing those "perks" in the future and I am already okay with the loss of the perks that we already loss due to the new rules.

I like the hustle and bustle but I also like quiet and serene so I think any resort will be great just trying to figure out the best deal at this point. Thanks for all of your sugestions.