Weighing options - where to buy - HELP!

[BellaBuggy]

I apologize in advance, this is a bit lengthy.

We are ready to buy into DVC, but not sure where to buy.

Our family consists of dh, myself, and two dd's, ages 3 years and 8 months. We have only been to WDW three times, all within the last year. We went Feb 05 to AKL/CB, Sept/Oct 05 to CS, and Jan/Feb 06 on rented points at BCV and to ASMovies. We were happy with all of the rooms (ok, not so much at ASM, but we were spoiled by the other visits ). We have also visited all of the resorts and we did tour SSR on our last trip.

I know that we would be happy staying ANYWHERE on WDW property - I'll take the magic however I can get it. However, we are having trouble weighing the pros and cons. Basically I think we are torn between either BCV or BWV (for the location primarily, also love SAB) OR SSR (for the longer contract). Also I know the dues are lower at SSR, but that isn't significant enough right now to make the decision for us.

I've done extensive reading and I know that everyone's opinions will vary based on personal preferences and the decisions you have made, but I would be very interested to see what you have thought of that we haven't already considered.

I know that we could conceivably stay at other resorts, but with DVC expanding and the small and limited number of rooms available at BWV/BCV, I wonder if we buy at SSR will we never be able to book one of the others 7 months out - not now, but 15 years down the road. Just a concern, I know it can't be determined.

We are attracted to the low points at OKW and SSR, so we would def. want to try them at some point...we've never even seen VWL, OKW, or BWV.

We would generally be staying at a studio for the next few years, then a one bedroom. Anything larger would be very rare and only when our family was coming along - and they would be helping to pay for it.

I am also interested on opinions about buying SSR direct from Disney vs. resale from TTS.

We would prefer to be taking our vacations in the off-season, either January or in the fall (Sept/early Oct) with a possible early Dec. We prefer the weather and the smaller crowds, and have no problem pulling the kids out of school for Disney.

My thoughts aren't organized as best as they should be so I hope you can follow this and offer your spin on or situation. Thanks so much!

Edited to add that I would also be interested in opinions on what our best use year would be. Thanks!

 

[Juliet25]

Hi, I just recently bought into BWV and I think I went through the exact same thought process. SSR is tempting with the low price and 12 extra years, but for me the location of BW can't be beat.

TBH, I don't think there's a "right" answer. My advice is to follow your gut. So far, I have not regretted the decision to forgo SSR. Since I missed out on F&F, the other deals just didn't "wow" me.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[browniemtb]

Hi, I just recently bought into BWV and I think I went through the exact same thought process. SSR is tempting with the low price and 12 extra years, but for me the location of BW can't be beat.

I would agree. I did not do the F&F deal either at SSR. My DW and I enjoy being conected to the parks. BWV, BCV, and VWL give you this. SSR and OKW as beautiful as they are, do not. So in reality I paid almost $10 more a point just for loaction and the extra 4 months. My kids are 5 and 3 and are in school. We do plan on pulling them out at times but other times we will go during school vacations......the busy time. Thats where the 11 to 7 month window comes in handy. Also as of right now I don't believe there is any big SSR promotions..its $98 less $8 per point, $90. The others, like BWV, are selling for $92 per point through Disney. So a 150 point contract would cost you $300 more for a BWV type location....hight dues would be attached though. Your kids are young now, in a few years that extra 4 months will come in handy...of course thats if you enjoy walking to the theme parks.
Good Luck
Brownie

 

[FarmerJohn]

Location Location Location
We own at BWV and love it. One thing to consider is where in the "WORLD" You'll be spending Your time? With youngsters I think You'll be doing Magic Kingdon for a few years. Our son is now in college & probably won't be doing Disney with us much any more. Disney has a great transportation system but can be slow at times! A boat ride from MK back to wilderness lodge can be more enjoyable than waiting for & riding a bus back to Your resort. We love EPCOT!! We like that we can walk from our room to the world showcase.All the DVC Resorts are beautiful each possibly having an advantage according to Your family's park prefrence.

 

[Daitcher]

SSR for the longer contract. 12 years use is money in the bank. Lets say you rented those last 12 years out and and banked the cash. Lets say 150 points rented at $10 pp ( which I know is ridiculously low for 36 years from now), that is $1500 a year for 12 years adding up to $18,000. Wow, you just covered your buy in with the extra 12 years with SSR. Honestly, all these people adding on at sold out resorts had better hope they intend to keep the contract for the duration. They will start to lose value over the next 5-10 years. Contracts with 25 years left won't be anywhere near as valuable when DVC will likely offer a new resort with 50 years use by then. Half use means half price. That add on won't seem such a good idea when people need to or want to sell at 50% of what they paid. SSR will hold resale value for a long time to come. Just my take and something you should consider.

DAVE

 

[Judique]

SSR for the longer contract. 12 years use is money in the bank. Lets say you rented those last 12 years out and and banked the cash. Lets say 150 points rented at $10 pp ( which I know is ridiculously low for 36 years from now), that is $1500 a year for 12 years adding up to $18,000. Wow, you just covered your buy in with the extra 12 years with SSR. Honestly, all these people adding on at sold out resorts had better hope they intend to keep the contract for the duration. They will start to lose value over the next 5-10 years. Contracts with 25 years left won't be anywhere near as valuable when DVC will likely offer a new resort with 50 years use by then. Half use means half price. That add on won't seem such a good idea when people need to or want to sell at 50% of what they paid. SSR will hold resale value for a long time to come. Just my take and something you should consider.

DAVE

You forgot to subtract for the maintenance fees.

 

[Daitcher]

You forgot to subtract for the maintenance fees.

Very true but I was just trying to simplify things. Even subtracting dues it would still practically cover the buy in. Either way 12 years is money, can't deny that. Also can't deny that SSR will hold it's resale value far longer than the older resorts.

DAVE

 

[Slakk]

We bought as SSR and had no problem getting into BWV at 7 month window.

While I loved the location at BWV we really really are excited to go back to SSR although we would like to try out WLV.

Good luck with your

 

[bdb7607]

If you read between the lines of your post, you will see that you've already made your decision (BCV)

How do I know that? You wrote what we went through 3-4 months ago, and ended up buying BCV because of the location and the pool! Of course our 2nd option was BWV, 3rd was SSR

I have a hard time thinking we'll be regretting not buying SSR for the extra years - The next 10 years are the ones that count for our family (kids 7,5,4)...

Good luck

 

[Judique]

Very true but I was just trying to simplify things. Even subtracting dues it would still practically cover the buy in. Either way 12 years is money, can't deny that. Also can't deny that SSR will hold it's resale value far longer than the older resorts.

DAVE

Many of us are not much worried about whether we can resell in 20 years. Having had my DVC points for quite a few years now, I feel as if I broke even around the sixth year, and that I'm just paying dues for my rooms now. And, the 36 years that are left will carry me to a very ripe old age if I decide to keep my points. I've never thought of DVC or any timeshare for that matter as an investment. I think the quickest way to get in trouble here is to start counting on this vacation plan as an asset.


In fact, popular thinking about timeshares in general is that they are a luxury that will most likely be a loss if you have to sell. I think most who've owned DVC for any length of time and who've stayed aware of the market, know that the price stays up because Disney keeps it that way with ROFR. So, that being said, there is no guarantee that any of the DVC's (SSR included) will be worth a dime in the last 20 or so years, other then as a nice place to stay in exchange for your MF's.

So, to the original poster, buy where you want to stay - that little adage has proved itself correct in our current timeline. And a use year - try to pick one that is a month or so before your longest visit - gives you more time to rebook if you have to cancel. Enjoy!

 

[elainemeyerovitz]

we bought at SSR since when we go to disney, we rarely go to the parks. we love dtd, love lounging by the pool, just being on vacation. to my kids, the giant buzz and potato head at dtd IS disney world!

 

[Daitcher]

Many of us are not much worried about whether we can resell in 20 years. Having had my DVC points for quite a few years now, I feel as if I broke even around the sixth year, and that I'm just paying dues for my rooms now. And, the 36 years that are left will carry me to a very ripe old age if I decide to keep my points. I've never thought of DVC or any timeshare for that matter as an investment. I think the quickest way to get in trouble here is to start counting on this vacation plan as an asset.


In fact, popular thinking about timeshares in general is that they are a luxury that will most likely be a loss if you have to sell. I think most who've owned DVC for any length of time and who've stayed aware of the market, know that the price stays up because Disney keeps it that way with ROFR. So, that being said, there is no guarantee that any of the DVC's (SSR included) will be worth a dime in the last 20 or so years, other then as a nice place to stay in exchange for your MF's.

So, to the original poster, buy where you want to stay - that little adage has proved itself correct in our current timeline. And a use year - try to pick one that is a month or so before your longest visit - gives you more time to rebook if you have to cancel. Enjoy!

Nobody said they were an investment but don't try to tell me or anyone else that todays resale values don't help people feel good about there purchase. People buying into OKW in the beginning would make some nice change selling out. Situations change and you never know when or if you will be forced to sell. Older resorts will be selling for pennies on the dollar soon. Booking at 7 months is easy at this point for all except the busiest of times. Buy where you want to stay only applies to those that must visit WDW at peak times or those that can and do plan ahead at lest 8 months in advance. Many can't and do not want to plan that far out so home resort means nothing to them. Sorry but no amount of people saying buy where you want to stay will sway my opinion on this one. Would you buy a house that only had 30+ years of use when you could get a brand new one that has 50 years of usefull life left for the same price? Also with this new house you get the right to use the other house you passed up. Honestly, how can anyone make a case for the older resorts right now? Older resort also means dues will start to increase at a much higher rate as these resorts need upgrading. Let the OP decide who makes the best case here and what meets there needs. I own SSR and stay at BCV 3 times a year, not a problem for me and I'll be doing it after your contract expires for another 12 years. I certainly respect everyone's right to there opinion. I want to post how strongly I feel on this one to ehlp the OP not to argue with you. Sorry if it seems like you are the brunt of this because you're not. Many people feel the same way you do.


DAVE

 

[Judique]

I own SSR and stay at BCV 3 times a year, not a problem for me and I'll be doing it after your contract expires for another 12 years. I certainly respect everyone's right to there opinion. I want to post how strongly I feel on this one to ehlp the OP not to argue with you. Sorry if it seems like you are the brunt of this because you're not. Many people feel the same way you do.


DAVE

No, I am not taking it as if I am the brunt of it.

I just think you are putting too much faith in what is basically an artificial market, when historically timeshares are a luxury not an investment. It is nice that at present some have the good fortune of being able to cash out without losing any 'upfront' money, but there's no guarantee that will continue, especially for SSR purchasers. For me, yes....I bought VERY low and I would definitely make money if I wanted to sell. However, most SSR purchasers are far from that reality yet, and my opinion is that it all will hinge on what Disney does in the future. Will the price go up? Yes. Will DVC build a Contemporary DVC? Who knows?

It is just my opinion, but, with 36 years left on the contract, versus 48, 'buy where you want to stay' is still valid, for most purchasers who would be buying this for personal use. Both the old DVC's and the new DVC's have a finite amount of years left, and there is no doubt that Disney will build more resorts or convert existing locations. The more members, the less chance of getting what you want when you want it. My guess is that in about 4 or 5 years, I'll still be staying at BWV and BCV, and you will be bunking at SSR and commuting by bus.

I have to edit this to say that I've stayed at SSR and really enjoyed it. My above comment was in response to the fact that Dave has used his points 3 times to stay at BCV. I think SSR is a lovely resort and if I had need for more points, I would not hesitate to buy some there.

 

[susieh]

We bought OKW in 1996 - at that time it was the only one available!

However, I think if we had the choice I would still buy at OKW (or SSR).

OKW is more laid back and relaxing and has the boat trip to DTD which we love. It's also nearer to 'off site' which is great when we want to do Sea World or Universal.

It's the closest resort to TL and that and BB are now our favourite parks -more so than the Disney theme parks.

When we first went to WDW our sons were 8 and 11 - they are now 21 and 24 and so for the time being we go with friends of similar ages or on our own. Our days are not spent doing the same activities as when the boys were little. Our sons have been with their friends and spent more time in IOA than WDW so again OKW not being close to MK etc was no issue.

All I am trying to say here is that reasons that dictate your choice today may change in the future so please bear that in mind.

 

[Disney Doll]

In the year 2042, your children will be 36 & 39 years old. They'll be able to buy their own DVC contract if they want to!!!

If you are "drawn" to the BCV/BWV area, then buy there. Right now, you have no problem taking your kids out of school for a Disney vacation, but that may change. What if doing so would result in your child failing that grade? I'm playing devil's advocate here, but you get my drift. What you "don't mind" doing now may become something you absolutely cannot do when the kids are actually in school. Other circumstances may arise that are beyond your control. If you like the BCV/BWV area, buy there. It's apopular area, and having the 11 month window is an advantage during busy times, should you need, in the future, to go during busy times.

Buy where you want to stay.

 

[Daitcher]

No, I am not taking it as if I am the brunt of it.

I just think you are putting too much faith in what is basically an artificial market, when historically timeshares are a luxury not an investment. It is nice that at present some have the good fortune of being able to cash out without losing any 'upfront' money, but there's no guarantee that will continue, especially for SSR purchasers. For me, yes....I bought VERY low and I would definitely make money if I wanted to sell. However, most SSR purchasers are far from that reality yet, and my opinion is that it all will hinge on what Disney does in the future. Will the price go up? Yes. Will DVC build a Contemporary DVC? Who knows?

It is just my opinion, but, with 36 years left on the contract, versus 48, 'buy where you want to stay' is still valid, for most purchasers who would be buying this for personal use. Both the old DVC's and the new DVC's have a finite amount of years left, and there is no doubt that Disney will build more resorts or convert existing locations. The more members, the less chance of getting what you want when you want it. My guess is that in about 4 or 5 years, I'll still be staying at BWV and BCV, and you will be bunking at SSR and commuting by bus.

I have to edit this to say that I've stayed at SSR and really enjoyed it. My above comment was in response to the fact that Dave has used his points 3 times to stay at BCV. I think SSR is a lovely resort and if I had need for more points, I would not hesitate to buy some there.

You certainly have valid points I'll give you that. Dean seems to agree with many of your points. I hope I don't have to stay at SSR only and bus everywhere. If it plays out the way you suggest with no availability at the 7 month window, I'll sell. The program wouldn't be the same if we were all limited to our home resort or forced to trade ressies or points with other members. I'm confident enough to trust DVC that this will not happen. The whole basis of the programis how flexible it is. Take that away and it wouldn't be DVC. Only time will tell how it plays out. For now I'll be the guy drinking margaritas and going down the slide with my 4 year old son at BCV, WALKING into Epcot. I also should mention I'm staying at VB, OKW and VWL this year as well as the 3 BCV trips. I'm not just taking up those BCV rooms, I'm spreading it around. Nice disagreeing with you.

DAVE

 

[bdb7607]

hi Dave,
I'm pretty sure they won't let you slide down the slide with your son AND a margarita in hand....if they do, we can have a contest

 

[Nedebpats]

Many of us are not much worried about whether we can resell in 20 years. Having had my DVC points for quite a few years now, I feel as if I broke even around the sixth year, and that I'm just paying dues for my rooms now. And, the 36 years that are left will carry me to a very ripe old age if I decide to keep my points. I've never thought of DVC or any timeshare for that matter as an investment. I think the quickest way to get in trouble here is to start counting on this vacation plan as an asset.


In fact, popular thinking about timeshares in general is that they are a luxury that will most likely be a loss if you have to sell. I think most who've owned DVC for any length of time and who've stayed aware of the market, know that the price stays up because Disney keeps it that way with ROFR. So, that being said, there is no guarantee that any of the DVC's (SSR included) will be worth a dime in the last 20 or so years, other then as a nice place to stay in exchange for your MF's.

So, to the original poster, buy where you want to stay - that little adage has proved itself correct in our current timeline. And a use year - try to pick one that is a month or so before your longest visit - gives you more time to rebook if you have to cancel. Enjoy!

So if you plan on your longest vacation, say in August, would you pick June as your use year??? Thanks

 

[Dis13]

I know this is a controversial subject, so please don't flame me (I'm new at this ... I've taken my three kids out of school for our last three trips (every other year) and until this year, it was not a problem. However, my DD is now in 7th grade and things are alot different than in grammar school. Needless to say, my A student came home with a D in Science... We won't be taking full weeks off during the school year any longer. So while you may be able to take the kids out when they are younger, it may not be possible when they're older. With the long-term aspect of DVC, you need to think of when you'll be taking vacations in the future as well.

 

[BellaBuggy]

We will be homeschooling, so when I say 'pulling the kids out of school' it's not quite as it sounds. It's a little easier to work ahead to cover the material, or catch up on what you missed, in a homeschool environment. I just didn't expand on the homeschooling aspect because that can be controversial too, and I was trying to sidestep a potential debate.

My dh is now leaning toward the BWV because of their standard-view option. Our thought is that perhaps instead of buying one large contract, we should buy two smaller ones. Say, 100-150 points at BWV and another 100-150 at SSR. We're thinking that might give us the best of both worlds?