Trying to figure out DVC - so many questions!

[OasterP]

I have been trying to figure out if DVC is something that will work for me. I also want to make sure I'm buying for the "right" reasons and not just letting excitment get to me.

I've done the research and know the expiration dates, dues, etc. I've figured out that you can add on direct at a minimum of 25, but need 75 points to get the "benefits".

So here are some of my initial questions, and any help at all would be appreciated!

I'm looking at a lower number of points for now, so I would most likely be looking at trying to find the standard smallest room available, and I've found that some places that will be harder to find than others. Right now my top choices that I think I'd be interested in are BLT and SS. My absolute favorite would be Boardwalk, but I realize that is pricey and has an earlier exp date.

Ok so if you were to purchase right now (which sometimes I think waiting for the next recession may make more sense), which would you purchase? I just want to make sure I'm thinking correctly with the two I chose. They were chosen based on price (SS), exp dates and annual fees.

Also, would it even make sense to purchase direct with disney anymore, unless it was for 75 points? It seems like it would not longer make any sense to purchase say 75 from resale and 25 direct. I'd be better off just purchasing 100 resale? Or am I thinking that through incorrectly?

Also, say I did own 75 resale of one resort and 25 direct at another resort, and the room I want to request is 100 points (just using as an example). Would I be able to book at 11 months out at either (without borrowing), or will it look like 75 at one and 25 at another and I can't combine? I really hope that question makes sense.

To give an idea, ideally I love the location of Boardwalk. If I were to travel to Disney by myself, it would likely be to go to Food and Wine festival or a race. But I also do love Disney Springs, and am staying at SSR on rented points this November, so I'll see how that goes.

Mostly I'm trying to be smart about it and figure out if it just makes more sense for me to continue to rent when I want, or if purchasing could actually work out. I don't want to finance, so I just really want to make a good decision.

Thank you for any help you can give me!

 

[OasterP]

Also one more thing: What additional benefits (besides the discount to the AP) could I not receive if I purchased resale plus the AP. That has discounts on food,etc? Or no? I had one previously but can't remember now.

 

[chalee94]

The only real value added by purchasing direct is the AP discount, assuming that continues to be offered.

You would also lose access to Riviera and other new resorts by purchasing resale.

A lot of people have been purchasing DVC for studios during cheaper times of year. The fall is the most popular time for DVC bookings and you most likely WILL need the home resort window to get a reservation.

If you can plan at 11 months out and aren't likely to need the AP discount, it can work out but don't expect to switch resorts at 7 months for fall travel.

 

[BillPA]

Most important, buy where you would like to stay. Switching at 7 months is getting very difficult.
If you want perks, you need at least 75 direct points. 25 direct would not do you any good as far as perks.
Buy the resale first, it's easier to get direct points to match up with the same UY/resort.
The 11 month booking window is ONLY for points at that HOME resort, at 7 months a point is a point and can be use any where.
Perks can, and do just disappear from time to time, so don't put much value in them.

 

[CraigInPA]

At David's current rental price for BLT booked at 11 months, you're paying close to half of the maintenance fee on the member's points. Considering the time value of money (interest on the purchase price if the money had been invested), you'd need to rent every year for a very long time to achieve any actual monetary savings over the room rental. On the other hand, direct purchasers get merchandise, dining, and annual pass savings, which can really goose-up the savings significantly. In addition, renting has become so popular that the demand for rentals has outpaced the number of renters. I don't see that stopping. So, throwing away the economics for a moment, you need to ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you in a position to drop $20k by buying a DVC timeshare, or do you need to finance part or all of it?
2. Can you pay the ongoing maintenance fees?
3. Do you need to control your reservation in order to book those hard-to-get accommodations?
4. Will you go to WDW at least once a year, or every other year?
5. Are you comfortable booking between 7 and 11 months out from your vacation?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Right now my top choices that I think I'd be interested in are BLT and SS. My absolute favorite would be Boardwalk, but I realize that is pricey and has an earlier exp date.

If you buy BLT, be sure to budget for booking Lake View. Do not count on getting Standard with regularity.

Also, would it even make sense to purchase direct with disney anymore, unless it was for 75 points? It seems like it would not longer make any sense to purchase say 75 from resale and 25 direct. I'd be better off just purchasing 100 resale? Or am I thinking that through incorrectly?

What benefits do you think are worthwhile? The cost differential on BLT direct and resale is bananas, and even the AP discount will take you more than 10 years to come anywhere close to break even. Benefits can change at any time, and most of the benefits require you to spend more money in some way (change travel dates, travel more to make APs worthwhile, etc.).

Also, say I did own 75 resale of one resort and 25 direct at another resort, and the room I want to request is 100 points (just using as an example). Would I be able to book at 11 months out at either (without borrowing), or will it look like 75 at one and 25 at another and I can't combine? I really hope that question makes sense.

It will be 75 and 25. They cannot be combined until 7 months. This would be a fatal loophole that would devalue DVC in massive ways if you could book home resort with another resort's points at 11 months.

To give an idea, ideally I love the location of Boardwalk. If I were to travel to Disney by myself, it would likely be to go to Food and Wine festival or a race. But I also do love Disney Springs, and am staying at SSR on rented points this November, so I'll see how that goes.

Reality: you will never get BWV for Food & Wine or a race on BLT or SSR points, save by a very lucky waitlist. You will also never get BWV Standard (the cheap ones).

 

[skippytx]

I'm someone who purchased 25 direct points when that was the threshold for member benefits. I wanted the extra 25 points, the price delta at the time between resale 25 point and direct was smaller, and honestly I wanted a blue card.

That being said, there is no way I would pay for 75 direct points today. We have used the discounts and perks quite a bit. We visit the lounge, bought AP's and saved probably 200 dollars on DAH tickets last trip with the DVC discount, and use the merch discount quite a bit. I probably paid about 1000 dollars more for the 25 points direct than resale when I bought them. I've probably come close over the last 2 trips to breaking even with discounts. The price difference on 75 BLT points now between direct and resale is probably 4,000 dollars or more. That would be a long break even time. There's no guarantee the discounts and perks will stick around. They can be taken away at anytime.

Lot of good advice in this thread. I'll parrot some of it and maybe add my a bit of my own:

Buy where you want to stay. The initial point cost is a small part of the overall expense of owning DVC. Dues and the costs of the trips quickly add up to more than the initial purchase price, spending a few thousand more one time to stay where you really want to is worth the extra expense. Yes some folks have good luck with less expensive points at other resorts and swapping at 7 months, but you cannot count on it and I don't recommend it. The last thing you want to do is regret spending a ton of money on something you're not happy with.

Don't count on the lowest cost rooms being available. If they are great, but don't count on it, it'll just lead to disappointment. I've had good luck with BLT Standard so far, but I can't count on it. There are very few standard view rooms there. I'm also online at exactly 11 months out at 8AM EST to get the room that I want.

If you can't book at 11 months, really think about if tying your money up in DVC is the right thing for you. This is not for someone that can only book vacations 3 to 7 months out.

Understand DVC usage/booking patterns are different than normal vacation patterns. Race Weekends, October through Jan, low point seasons, and the holidays are the busy season for DVC.

Think about the expiration date and it it really matters. I think too many people worry about the 2042 expiration date. 22 years is a long time. If the resort expires when you're 55 or 65 is it really the end of the world? You'll have gotten your moneys worth for sure. If you really love Boardwalk, picking up 100 resale points there could be a really smart move if you plan on using the points for the next 22 years. Don't count on any sort of extension though, I'm of the opinion there won't be one.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

If you want BLT, forget about direct. The price differential is crazy. Just buy resale and don't look back.

As for SSR and Boardwalk....eh.....for a small contract you're probably looking at a $50/pt price differential after adjusting for stripped points, etc.

Do you want 75 or 100?

How many are in your family? Ages?

Would you likely take advantage of APs?

FWIW, I am right there with you in resort choices! Currently own a small contract at BWV - which we all loooooove - and have been able to stretch those points very far. You shouldn't count on getting standard studios, but if you do, it is amazing how affordable that stay becomes when you convert it to the actual $ it's costing you!

Our intent was to buy a second contract at BLT and then the prices went up. Bummer. Our Oct UY is perfect for our travel, but unfortunately nearly impossible to match with a small BLT resale.

So, now the serious contender is SSR. My only issue with SSR is I only want to stay Preferred for easy walking access to DS, so they point requirements (while not high) don't seem that "cheap" either. (Guess I'm just spoiled by BWV.) SSR preferred is inline with BLT standard. So, then I start thinking I should go for the BLT (which is the only way I'm likely to get standard) and I guess I could always use them at SSR or wherever really.

Of course, I've recently come to a 4th option, and that is wait for Reflections. If it has points charts closer to BRV and CCV and a low-ish opening price like Riviera does, I'm in. If the points charts are Riviera level or cost rises a lot in 3 years, I'll really be beating myself up for waiting.

You are definitely at the advantage by not currently owning a contract to "match". So, you can be more flexible on your resale hunting. For me, trying to match UY and find the "right" amount of points has been a little exhausting.

Good luck!

 

[OasterP]

The only real value added by purchasing direct is the AP discount, assuming that continues to be offered.

You would also lose access to Riviera and other new resorts by purchasing resale.

A lot of people have been purchasing DVC for studios during cheaper times of year. The fall is the most popular time for DVC bookings and you most likely WILL need the home resort window to get a reservation.

If you can plan at 11 months out and aren't likely to need the AP discount, it can work out but don't expect to switch resorts at 7 months for fall travel.

Thank you - I really thought that was the only "main" benefit! The new resorts will be amazing I'm sure, though I'm good with the ones they have too. And thank you on the 7 month info!

Most important, buy where you would like to stay. Switching at 7 months is getting very difficult.
If you want perks, you need at least 75 direct points. 25 direct would not do you any good as far as perks.
Buy the resale first, it's easier to get direct points to match up with the same UY/resort.
The 11 month booking window is ONLY for points at that HOME resort, at 7 months a point is a point and can be use any where.
Perks can, and do just disappear from time to time, so don't put much value in them.

That's a great point on booking where I want to stay. I read that, but just never really thought how hard it would be to get others. And thank you on the reminder about losing perks - it definitely doesn't seem like Disney adds them - that's for sure.

At David's current rental price for BLT booked at 11 months, you're paying close to half of the maintenance fee on the member's points. Considering the time value of money (interest on the purchase price if the money had been invested), you'd need to rent every year for a very long time to achieve any actual monetary savings over the room rental. On the other hand, direct purchasers get merchandise, dining, and annual pass savings, which can really goose-up the savings significantly. In addition, renting has become so popular that the demand for rentals has outpaced the number of renters. I don't see that stopping. So, throwing away the economics for a moment, you need to ask yourself these questions:

1. Are you in a position to drop $20k by buying a DVC timeshare, or do you need to finance part or all of it?
2. Can you pay the ongoing maintenance fees?
3. Do you need to control your reservation in order to book those hard-to-get accommodations?
4. Will you go to WDW at least once a year, or every other year?
5. Are you comfortable booking between 7 and 11 months out from your vacation?

Thank you for all of this! I actually am a financial advisor (probably why I'm struggling with the....does it make sense vs do I just WANT it... so the TVM makes perfect sense. I honestly think running the numbers I'm better off renting, and just WANT to own DVC. Excellent point though on the demand for rentals increasing as well. The 20K issue - I have the money but being a single mom I don't feel comfortable losing that much liquidity, which is why I considered smaller contracts. The maintenance fees I can absolutely cover, but this is where I was thinking - I'm a good part of the way towards renting the points annually with just those fees! I'm not super picky about when I travel, so I don't NEED to control it. I would absolutely love to go to Disney annually. This year I'm going once with my kids and ex, and then once alone. And I always book out early (or almost always). Thank you again for taking the time to walk me through it!

If you buy BLT, be sure to budget for booking Lake View. Do not count on getting Standard with regularity.


What benefits do you think are worthwhile? The cost differential on BLT direct and resale is bananas, and even the AP discount will take you more than 10 years to come anywhere close to break even. Benefits can change at any time, and most of the benefits require you to spend more money in some way (change travel dates, travel more to make APs worthwhile, etc.).



It will be 75 and 25. They cannot be combined until 7 months. This would be a fatal loophole that would devalue DVC in massive ways if you could book home resort with another resort's points at 11 months.



Reality: you will never get BWV for Food & Wine or a race on BLT or SSR points, save by a very lucky waitlist. You will also never get BWV Standard (the cheap ones).

These are all super helpful points. And thank you for clarifying on the different contracts. And your last point is super important to me, so I appreciate it!

I'm someone who purchased 25 direct points when that was the threshold for member benefits. I wanted the extra 25 points, the price delta at the time between resale 25 point and direct was smaller, and honestly I wanted a blue card.

That being said, there is no way I would pay for 75 direct points today. We have used the discounts and perks quite a bit. We visit the lounge, bought AP's and saved probably 200 dollars on DAH tickets last trip with the DVC discount, and use the merch discount quite a bit. I probably paid about 1000 dollars more for the 25 points direct than resale when I bought them. I've probably come close over the last 2 trips to breaking even with discounts. The price difference on 75 BLT points now between direct and resale is probably 4,000 dollars or more. That would be a long break even time. There's no guarantee the discounts and perks will stick around. They can be taken away at anytime.

Lot of good advice in this thread. I'll parrot some of it and maybe add my a bit of my own:

Buy where you want to stay. The initial point cost is a small part of the overall expense of owning DVC. Dues and the costs of the trips quickly add up to more than the initial purchase price, spending a few thousand more one time to stay where you really want to is worth the extra expense. Yes some folks have good luck with less expensive points at other resorts and swapping at 7 months, but you cannot count on it and I don't recommend it. The last thing you want to do is regret spending a ton of money on something you're not happy with.

Don't count on the lowest cost rooms being available. If they are great, but don't count on it, it'll just lead to disappointment. I've had good luck with BLT Standard so far, but I can't count on it. There are very few standard view rooms there. I'm also online at exactly 11 months out at 8AM EST to get the room that I want.

If you can't book at 11 months, really think about if tying your money up in DVC is the right thing for you. This is not for someone that can only book vacations 3 to 7 months out.

Understand DVC usage/booking patterns are different than normal vacation patterns. Race Weekends, October through Jan, low point seasons, and the holidays are the busy season for DVC.

Think about the expiration date and it it really matters. I think too many people worry about the 2042 expiration date. 22 years is a long time. If the resort expires when you're 55 or 65 is it really the end of the world? You'll have gotten your moneys worth for sure. If you really love Boardwalk, picking up 100 resale points there could be a really smart move if you plan on using the points for the next 22 years. Don't count on any sort of extension though, I'm of the opinion there won't be one.

This was incredibly helpful! Particularly the expiration date part, because you are right - 22 years is a long time! I'm turning 40 this year, so who knows what I will want at that point. Thank you so much!

If you want BLT, forget about direct. The price differential is crazy. Just buy resale and don't look back.

As for SSR and Boardwalk....eh.....for a small contract you're probably looking at a $50/pt price differential after adjusting for stripped points, etc.

Do you want 75 or 100?

How many are in your family? Ages?

Would you likely take advantage of APs?

FWIW, I am right there with you in resort choices! Currently own a small contract at BWV - which we all loooooove - and have been able to stretch those points very far. You shouldn't count on getting standard studios, but if you do, it is amazing how affordable that stay becomes when you convert it to the actual $ it's costing you!

Our intent was to buy a second contract at BLT and then the prices went up. Bummer. Our Oct UY is perfect for our travel, but unfortunately nearly impossible to match with a small BLT resale.

So, now the serious contender is SSR. My only issue with SSR is I only want to stay Preferred for easy walking access to DS, so they point requirements (while not high) don't seem that "cheap" either. (Guess I'm just spoiled by BWV.) SSR preferred is inline with BLT standard. So, then I start thinking I should go for the BLT (which is the only way I'm likely to get standard) and I guess I could always use them at SSR or wherever really.

Of course, I've recently come to a 4th option, and that is wait for Reflections. If it has points charts closer to BRV and CCV and a low-ish opening price like Riviera does, I'm in. If the points charts are Riviera level or cost rises a lot in 3 years, I'll really be beating myself up for waiting.

You are definitely at the advantage by not currently owning a contract to "match". So, you can be more flexible on your resale hunting. For me, trying to match UY and find the "right" amount of points has been a little exhausting.

Good luck!

This was incredibly helpful as well. You all are amazing! I definitely am leaning more towards resale at the moment (if I do purchase), and hadn't even thought about the matching much. I knew it was an issue, but hadn't realized how much of one. And thank you for saying you love BWV. I so wish I could go back in time and purchase when it wasn't insanely expensive, but coulda woulda shoulda.... And maybe I'll decide to purchase resale and in ten years glad I got it at these "low prices".