VWL Point Costs Question

[ransom]

We're considering DVC ownership, but we'd be doing it through the secondary market since we'd want to have our home be VWL. But I don't know how much the point costs are for the various seasons and days of the week.

As an example, assume we had wanted to stay at VWL December 10 through the 20th of 2006. What would the point cost have been for us for a one bedroom villa? And for a two bedroom?

Or, preferably, if someone could point me to an online list of point costs, I could figure it out myself.

One final points question: do the point costs change over time for a given property, or do they stay the same? That is, if we buy 250 points today, will we still get the same value for those points 20 years from now?

 

[Mystry62]

Try looking at this link. It is a point chart for VWL for all of the different seasons.

http://www.dvc-resales.com/dvclisting-wilderness.cfm

 

[RobDoc]

The point charts for all DVC resorts are available thru the link at the top of the page ... or here DVC Point Charts.

DVC does have the right to modify the points needed for a stay and has do so in the past - however, if points needed for some nights are raised others must be lowered to keep the point system in balance.

In reality, this has been done only once - in 1996 for OKW where some nites were raised a few points, some were lowered a few points and some saw no change at all. There have been no point reallocations since 1996 and I don't expect any in the near future, but feel it is important to know it could happen.

 

[ransom]

Ah, thank you so much!

It looks like we'd need 274 points to stay in a one bedroom Dec 9-19 next year, while a studio would run less than 150 points. With the one bedroom, you get a kitchen, whereas with the studio you just get a microwave.

It would probably be best for us to get some amount of points in between the two values, then stay in a studio one year and bank the points for the next year so we can stay in a one bedroom.

Thanks again!

 

[RobDoc]

You should also consider not using points on the weekends - as 2 weekend nites usually are the same points as 5 weeknights. Many members have found success with discounted weekend nights to save their points for more weeknights.

Enjoy!

 

[LisaS]

In addition to the microwave, studios have a small refridgerator, a toaster and a coffee maker. The kitchenette also has a small sink, a bit of counter space and some cabinets with paper plates and bowls, two coffee mugs and glasses. It's very convenient for fixing a quick breakfast (English muffins, cereal, juice, coffee) and for snacks.

On the other hand, in addition to the full kitchen and the living room, the 1BRs and above have a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi and a washer and dryer. For a 10-day trip, the washer and dryer really comes in handy. There are free laundry facilities for those staying in studios (you have to pay for the detergent but the use of the washers and dryers is free) but that is not nearly as convenient as having those facilities in your villa.

Purchasing VWL on the resale market will save you some money, particularly if you find a contract with lots of points available. You can also purchase VWL directly from Disney for $95/point. Disney will start you off with a full set of current Use Year points with your purchase.

Good luck!

 

[ransom]

In addition to the microwave, studios have a small refridgerator, a toaster and a coffee maker. The kitchenette also has a small sink, a bit of counter space and some cabinets with paper plates and bowls, two coffee mugs and glasses. It's very convenient for fixing a quick breakfast (English muffins, cereal, juice, coffee) and for snacks.

On the other hand, in addition to the full kitchen and the living room, the 1BRs and above have a huge bathroom with a jacuzzi and a washer and dryer. For a 10-day trip, the washer and dryer really comes in handy. There are free laundry facilities for those staying in studios (you have to pay for the detergent but the use of the washers and dryers is free) but that is not nearly as convenient as having those facilities in your villa.

Ah, I see! I'm thinking actually of buying enough points that we can stay in a studio one year, then bank a few points for the next year and have enough to stay in a 1 bedroom unit, then back and forth and so on.

I do wonder what my chances are of getting into a given type of accomodation during even the slow times (such as early December). Am I going to end up scrambling to spend points or to find accomodations when I want them?

Purchasing VWL on the resale market will save you some money, particularly if you find a contract with lots of points available. You can also purchase VWL directly from Disney for $95/point. Disney will start you off with a full set of current Use Year points with your purchase.

Oh, I didn't know VWL was still available from Disney. I got the impression you had to get on a waiting list for it from them. Thank you!

I'll have to see what's available in the resale market and compare.

Good luck!

Thank you!

 

[LisaS]

I do wonder what my chances are of getting into a given type of accomodation during even the slow times (such as early December). Am I going to end up scrambling to spend points or to find accomodations when I want them?

DVC works best for those who can plan well in advance of their travel dates. Early December is one of the busiest times for DVC because point rates are at their lowest and the holiday decorations are up and the parks aren't as crowded. If you want to go at that time, especially to VWL which is one of the most popular resorts at that time of year, you would need to reserve as early in your 11-month booking window as possible. The slower times for DVC are early May, September, and late January. You can probably find accommodations during those times even if you book just 3-5 months in advance, though if you want to stay at a smaller resort (VWL, BCV) you will want to book as far in advance as you can.

Oh, I didn't know VWL was still available from Disney. I got the impression you had to get on a waiting list for it from them. Thank you! I'll have to see what's available in the resale market and compare.

Yes all of the DVC resorts are available for purchase from Disney. They may or may not have points in their inventory for your preferred Use Year when you call. If they don't have points when you call, then you can go on a waiting list. If you wanted to purchase BCV, you would almost certainly have to go on a waiting list and could wait a few months to get the points. For the other resorts, if they don't have points when you call you will have to wait for a short time (usually weeks, not months). I added on at VWL (Oct UY)earlier this year and got the points that day.

If purchasing from Disney, you must purchase a minimum of 150 points. Disney charges non-members minimal closing costs (~$200) and they start you off with a full set of current-UY points and pro-rate the dues from the date of purchase. Resale prices will be lower but the closing costs will be higher (~$500) and you will be asked to reimburse part/all of the seller's current-year dues (both of these items are negotiable between buyer and seller as to who pays what). The biggest issue with resale is the number of points you will get with the contract: any banked points? how many current-UY points? are all of the next UY's points still available? so look at all of these things when comparing contracts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

"Slow time" at Disney isn't necessarily slow time at DVC. Because points are low, a lot of folks schedule their trips during that time.

 

[Granny]

I do wonder what my chances are of getting into a given type of accomodation during even the slow times (such as early December). Am I going to end up scrambling to spend points or to find accomodations when I want them?

As Diane said, slow times for WDW in general are not necessarily slow times for DVC resort bookings. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the toughest times to book a DVC accommodation and the home resort booking priority is very important especially for the smaller resorts like VWL.

Good luck in your decision!

 

[ransom]

Thank you for the explanation. Now I've a better idea of what DVC is all about!