Will Disney come down in price at the table?

[WDW99]

I agree with group, they will not come down a dime! I tried already. I was willing to buy yesterday if they would come down even $5 a point....no deal!

 

[SmilingGrump]

More changes are coming - and with Lewis out, I think things could get pretty cut throat. Disney is losing thousands of sales to the resale market, and the price difference isn't worth the loss of the few collections resale owners can't book now. I really think that once 'new' changes happen - Disney will give resale owners the opportunity to make the points 'whole' by upgrading them for a price.

I really expect them to limit the use to resale points to the home resort.

Actually, Disney isn't losing a dime. In fact, the resale market helps their bottom line. It means they're getting new paying customers to the Parks instead of people who are unable to afford or unwilling to go anymore.

Restricting resales to the home resort is the fastest way to kill direct sales. Many people buy into DVC with the knowledge that they can resell should they no longer be interested in going or no longer able to afford to go. If those resales were restricted to home resort stays only, the price of resales would be 1/2 of what they are now (or less) which means very few people would buy direct. Afterall, no one would buy an used car if they were told they could only drive it within a certain radius of their home.

The current restrictions on resales are smoke and mirrors. They only mean that you're unable to: 1) use your points to stay at a non-DVC Disney hotel; 2) use your points for a cruise on DCL; 3) use your points for Adventures By Disney. It's more economical (in most cases) to rent your DVC points out then use them for 2 or 3 so all you're really losing is 1 ... and why would you stay at a non-DVC Disney hotel when you can stay at a DVC resort? Like I said, the restrictions are smoke and mirrors. There's not much substance to them, but they're an effective tool for Disney to convince people to purchase direct.

 

[team disney]

We are first time buyers and bought just this past Saturday! We asked our guide to help us find the best price per point, as we would be willing to stay at a place other then our home resort. We were offered Saratoga springs, Animal Kingdom villas, Or Bay lake. The guide I got did not answer my question when I inquired about purchase prices for other locations (Disney owned resales). She kept it very vague that, yes they get points for Beach club, board walk etc... but she just avoided looking into the availability and the price. We left not buying and asked her what her work schedule was for the rest of the week. We thought things over the next few days, then went back to the DVC office on a day she was not in. We got a great guide who was willing to look for what was available in the disney resale pool. We got $80 per point, and no closing costs, at hilton head, SC! We travel at dream season and at this point don't have a huge preference as to where we will stay when we visit WDW, so I think we will find something we enjoy, even at the 7 month reservation window. We have never stayed at any DVC location so I am sure we will be happy where ever we land! We are super excited!

 

[disneynutz]

We are first time buyers and bought just this past Saturday! We asked our guide to help us find the best price per point, as we would be willing to stay at a place other then our home resort. We were offered Saratoga springs, Animal Kingdom villas, Or Bay lake. The guide I got did not answer my question when I inquired about purchase prices for other locations (Disney owned resales). She kept it very vague that, yes they get points for Beach club, board walk etc... but she just avoided looking into the availability and the price. We left not buying and asked her what her work schedule was for the rest of the week. We thought things over the next few days, then went back to the DVC office on a day she was not in. We got a great guide who was willing to look for what was available in the disney resale pool. We got $80 per point, and no closing costs, at hilton head, SC! We travel at dream season and at this point don't have a huge preference as to where we will stay when we visit WDW, so I think we will find something we enjoy, even at the 7 month reservation window. We have never stayed at any DVC location so I am sure we will be happy where ever we land! We are super excited!

Congratulations... Not to rain on your parade but did you ever wonder why HH is being sold by Disney at $80 while all the other older resorts are being sold for $115? The dues there are the 2nd highest behind VB, another off property beach location.

Many of us made buying decisions at WDW with pixie dust in our eyes and later regretted it. When you say that you think that you will find a resort at WDW at 7 months that you will enjoy and the fact that you have never stayed in a DVC resort, I get worried.

Bill

 

[team disney]

Congratulations... Not to rain on your parade but did you ever wonder why HH is being sold by Disney at $80 while all the other older resorts are being sold for $115? The dues there are the 2nd highest behind VB, another off property beach location.

Many of us made buying decisions at WDW with pixie dust in our eyes and later regretted it. When you say that you think that you will find a resort at WDW at 7 months that you will enjoy and the fact that you have never stayed in a DVC resort, I get worried.

Bill

Yes, I know that the annual dues are more, they were not too far from Animal Kingdom villa's quote. Mostly the are low in dollar value because there are less years left on this location. I have done my research before hand, and I know people who own at HH and are very happy with that resort. SO no fear... you didn't rain on my parade! We are very happy with our purchase and I have no fear that I will have problems booking a WDW DVC vacation in the 7 month window. All is well!
My point for the original poster is that although you can't negotiate a price, you can keep asking your guide to look into other options, perhaps a disney resale, and perhaps you will find a $$ per point that will work for you!

 

[Breyean]

Bill is right.

With the initial buy in, while a big investment all at once, you can easily overlook the ongoing costs of the maintenance fees. Over 40 or so years, they add up.

And over those 40 or so years your vacation planning/strategy might change so what works now might not in the future. You might find it tougher to get what you might need years from now than today. Of course, you don't know what you'll be doing in 40 years vacation-wise, but having a home base where you want to stay, like one in WDW, would hedge your bets a little more.

For example, did you consider OKW? I think Disney is asking $90/point there, which is a nice deal and includes the extension until 2057.

 

[team disney]

We are thrilled with our purchase! I suppose it is all how you look at it... $ less financed per point means less $$$ paid back in interest overall on the loan, my repayment on interest of $80 will be less than my repayment of interest on $99... no? So the couple hundred more a year in annual dues is kind of a wash... Not too mention the closing costs on 3 separate contracts that saved me more initial $$. I think it is all pretty close the same $$$ in the end... this option created a more affordable monthly payment for my pocket. Again, didn't really want to examine my purchase in this particular thread but wanted to share an option on how to get your DVC guide to examine more options, a sort of "negotiation" tactic.

 

[Greysword]

Great thread.

Again, didn't really want to examine my purchase in this particular thread but wanted to share an option on how to get your DVC guide to examine more options, a sort of "negotiation" tactic.

Although it was not intended, the discussion on your purchase is good for other new members looking to join the "Club". Thanks for offering your situation as an example.

I think Rule #1 here (on the DIS) is to purchase where you want to stay. The fear is that:

1) DVC could break off a resort from the club and make it independent. This is more likely for resorts outside of the "berm" of WDW or DLR.

2) Availability may not be there when you want to visit WDW. The 11-month window is crucial at certain times of the year, even for SSR and OKW. You may not care today, but at some point it may be important.

The current restrictions on resales are smoke and mirrors. They only mean that you're unable to: 1) use your points to stay at a non-DVC Disney hotel; 2) use your points for a cruise on DCL; 3) use your points for Adventures By Disney. It's more economical (in most cases) to rent your DVC points out then use them for 2 or 3 so all you're really losing is 1 ... and why would you stay at a non-DVC Disney hotel when you can stay at a DVC resort? Like I said, the restrictions are smoke and mirrors. There's not much substance to them, but they're an effective tool for Disney to convince people to purchase direct.

I would caution this statement when it comes to Anaheim. We've used our points twice to stay at a DLR hotel since 2004.

As you know, DVC has a very small footprint in California, and many members live West of the Mississippi. I caution against dismissing this option as an exception, as it is very real and relatively frequent for many members. In fact, it is significant enough that DVC does not charge the $95 transfer fee!

Personally, I'm glad we have VGC and direct purchase points to maximize our options at DLR. If all three DLR hotels get a small DVC component, thus precluding points for non-DVC hotel use, the 11-month window here will be essential.

As for cruises and ABD, the simple option is to sell the points and use the cash for the trip. However, my family is fairly skittish about renting, since the people we rent to essentially represent us at WDW/DLR. Remember, if a renter trashes the place, becomes a significant public nuisance, or fails to pay any accrued charges, the DVC member is liable. It may be less costly (in time, money, and stress) to simply use points for these events instead of renting/paying in cash. Also if a member has points that will expire soon, they may decide a night at the Poly, offsetting the cost of a cruise, or an impromptu weekend getaway to DLR is better than letting the points expire.

Just my thoughts. Great discussion, everyone! I think it is useful for both new members, those considering purchasing, and veterans alike.

 

[crabbie1]

We are hoping to buy in november and I have found this thread very useful. As my dream resort is VWL I hv asked our guide about buying here and he said I could as there were resale points availible. However being new to all this the contract end is a lot less than say OKW which I love and AKLV which I also love. With your experience would you buy at your fav resort or one that you still love with a longer use year? The times we will be going will be august end october or the run up to christmas but not christmas week. I would be happy staying at any of the above at anytime. Have been looking into this for 2 years before finally making the decision to buy and yet I am still pondering on where to buy. Dream resort or two other great resorts with a longer contract. We are looking at between 180 and 220 points . Is it best to email my guide and say which resort we def want so he can hv a look before we arrive to the meeting(with regards to VWL)? or as they are selling at $102 means they hv some availible. Just wanted to come awsy knowing we had a done deal and not have to wait till we got bk to the UK to get our dvc cards etc.

 

[disneynutz]

We are hoping to buy in november and I have found this thread very useful. As my dream resort is VWL I hv asked our guide about buying here and he said I could as there were resale points availible. However being new to all this the contract end is a lot less than say OKW which I love and AKLV which I also love. With your experience would you buy at your fav resort or one that you still love with a longer use year? The times we will be going will be august end october or the run up to christmas but not christmas week. I would be happy staying at any of the above at anytime. Have been looking into this for 2 years before finally making the decision to buy and yet I am still pondering on where to buy. Dream resort or two other great resorts with a longer contract. We are looking at between 180 and 220 points . Is it best to email my guide and say which resort we def want so he can hv a look before we arrive to the meeting(with regards to VWL)? or as they are selling at $102 means they hv some availible. Just wanted to come awsy knowing we had a done deal and not have to wait till we got bk to the UK to get our dvc cards etc.

26 contracts and 5 resorts later, we have learned a few things over the years.

You need to stay at a resort to determine if it's your favorite.

Buy where you love to stay.

There are no slow times at WDW.

Buy resale to save money when you can.

You won't keep your contract full term no matter when it expires.

You won't make any money when you sell your contract.

Disney only cares about selling new resorts.

Expect the DVC rules and policies to change to benefit Disney without regard to the owners.

You will be spending less time in the Parks as you become a seasoned owner.

UY does matter when you unexpectedly have to cancel a reservation and you will have to cancel at some point.

Bill

 

[logan115]

We are hoping to buy in november and I have found this thread very useful. As my dream resort is VWL I hv asked our guide about buying here and he said I could as there were resale points availible. However being new to all this the contract end is a lot less than say OKW which I love and AKLV which I also love. With your experience would you buy at your fav resort or one that you still love with a longer use year? The times we will be going will be august end october or the run up to christmas but not christmas week. I would be happy staying at any of the above at anytime. Have been looking into this for 2 years before finally making the decision to buy and yet I am still pondering on where to buy. Dream resort or two other great resorts with a longer contract. We are looking at between 180 and 220 points . Is it best to email my guide and say which resort we def want so he can hv a look before we arrive to the meeting(with regards to VWL)? or as they are selling at $102 means they hv some availible. Just wanted to come awsy knowing we had a done deal and not have to wait till we got bk to the UK to get our dvc cards etc.

People have been passing ROFR at VWL at $50/pt, a savings of over $50% - on 200 pts that's $10K ! True, there are some restrictions, but for $10K I'd think long and hard about buying VWL direct @ $102/pt. AKV has passed in the high 60s/low 70s. For the $20K or so you'd spend direct you could have 200 pts at VWL AND 100 pts AKV. If you've been doing your homework on this for 2 years, I'd hate to see you overpay at this point just to have a deal done before you return to the UK.

Good luck whichever direction you go,

Chris

 

[jennypenny]

26 contracts and 5 resorts later, we have learned a few things over the years.

You need to stay at a resort to determine if it's your favorite.

Buy where you love to stay.

There are no slow times at WDW.

Buy resale to save money when you can.

You won't keep your contract full term no matter when it expires.

You won't make any money when you sell your contract.

Disney only cares about selling new resorts.

Expect the DVC rules and policies to change to benefit Disney without regard to the owners.

You will be spending less time in the Parks as you become a seasoned owner.

UY does matter when you unexpectedly have to cancel a reservation and you will have to cancel at some point.

Bill

This is a great list. For us I would add "your preferences and vacation habits will change." Maybe this applies more if you have kids (as they grow/move out vacations change). When we bought 10 years ago I bought the perfect contracts for our situation at the time. Now? We have those 2 contracts for sale and we're using the 2 we've bought since then. I expect to go through this process one more time as we get closer to retirement.

 

[crabbie1]

Thank you all for your advice. I know resale is cheaper but I do not have the cash to pay upfront unfortunatley. I can more than afford the finance and have discussed this with our guide.I have a 20% deposit to put down.Our DD are 9 and 4 years old so obviously we would like them to benefit in the future. My eldest has been going to WD since she was 3 sometimes twice a year.
Excellent points Bill thankyou. Have not stayed at any othem acceppt OKW SSR and AKLV and AKLV was my favorite followed closely by VWL.
I really wish I had the money upfront but in 2 years my partner has a cash bond due worth 30000 so will be paying it off then anyway. I would never get into debt over this and have thought it through.
Regards use year if we buy november our use year I was told would be June. As we will be mainly travelling August /October/december is that a good thing? Sorry still dont quite understand all this use year stuff.

 

[Brian Noble]

your preferences and vacation habits will change.

...including, probably, your "favorite resort".

I know resale is cheaper but I do not have the cash to pay upfront unfortunatley.

Everyone has to make their own decision on this, but from where I sit you would probably be better off renting than buying direct, even for cash. The rent-vs-buy comparison tips even more heavily towards renting if you are financing. Direct prices have increased *substantially* over the years, but the owner-rental market has moved slowly if at all.

Our DD are 9 and 4 years old so obviously we would like them to benefit in the future. My eldest has been going to WD since she was 3 sometimes twice a year.

My kids did too---but now, at 13 and not-quite-11, they'd honestly rather spend our Orlando time at Universal or Sea World. Also, buying something the kids can inherit sounds like a good idea, until you think about what it's like as a "new adult" getting started---establishing a household, a career, and maybe even a family---trips to WDW (which are *expensive* even if the lodging is already paid for) aren't necessarily in the cards then.

 

[CarolMN]

....(snip).......Regards use year if we buy november our use year I was told would be June. As we will be mainly travelling August /October/december is that a good thing? Sorry still dont quite understand all this use year stuff.

A June use year will work just fine for your probable vacations.

It's especially good if the LEAST likely times for you to travel are March, April & May.

 

[crabbie1]

...including, probably, your "favorite resort".


Everyone has to make their own decision on this, but from where I sit you would probably be better off renting than buying direct, even for cash. The rent-vs-buy comparison tips even more heavily towards renting if you are financing. Direct prices have increased *substantially* over the years, but the owner-rental market has moved slowly if at all.


My kids did too---but now, at 13 and not-quite-11, they'd honestly rather spend our Orlando time at Universal or Sea World. Also, buying something the kids can inherit sounds like a good idea, until you think about what it's like as a "new adult" getting started---establishing a household, a career, and maybe even a family---trips to WDW (which are *expensive* even if the lodging is already paid for) aren't necessarily in the cards then.

Whilst I appreciate your comments it sounds like you are telling me not to buy???? I have already said I am not buying resale as want to pay monthly and there are benefits to both buying direct and resale.For us we are happier buying direct. I have rented for the last 4 years and the money I have spent renting and paying OOP for nights at other disney resorts would have paid a large chunk off my DVC finance.As I said we will be paying it off in 2 years and as we plan to go twice next year and can easily afford the monthly payments we are buying direct. A few of my UK Dis colleagues have bought through disney and have thought about the future having their children benefit. Yes it is expensive to be a "new adult" but I am sure like the majority of us on these boards young or old will keep going back to WDW for as long as we can.

 

[crabbie1]

A June use year will work just fine for your probable vacations.

It's especially good if the LEAST likely times for you to travel are March, April & May.

Thanks Carol.Thats what I needed to know.

 

[disneynutz]

Thank you all for your advice. I know resale is cheaper but I do not have the cash to pay upfront unfortunatley. I can more than afford the finance and have discussed this with our guide.I have a 20% deposit to put down.Our DD are 9 and 4 years old so obviously we would like them to benefit in the future. My eldest has been going to WD since she was 3 sometimes twice a year.
Excellent points Bill thankyou. Have not stayed at any othem acceppt OKW SSR and AKLV and AKLV was my favorite followed closely by VWL.
I really wish I had the money upfront but in 2 years my partner has a cash bond due worth 30000 so will be paying it off then anyway. I would never get into debt over this and have thought it through.
Regards use year if we buy november our use year I was told would be June. As we will be mainly travelling August /October/december is that a good thing? Sorry still dont quite understand all this use year stuff.

Have you stayed at VWL? If AKV is your favorite, why do you want to buy at VWL? If you haven't stayed at VWL, I suggest that you rent from a owner and check it out. Take a Disney break for a year, then if you still want to buy, buy resale using the cash bond money. By then VWL will be selling for $40 per point. Huge savings and the money you save can be used for future vacations.

 

[Brian Noble]

Whilst I appreciate your comments it sounds like you are telling me not to buy????

No. That's why I said "everyone has to make their own decision".

But, I am telling you that if I were in your shoes, I wouldn't.

 

[logan115]

When thinking about the money spent renting points, keep in mind that it's really only about $5/pt more than it would if you owned as the MFs are roughly $5/pt for DVC (some higher/lower).

So buying now direct will save you $5/pt between now and when you have the money to pay cash. Compare that to the difference in cost vs resale (assuming the restrictions on resale points isn't a deal-breaker) and that gets you to the cost of going the direct w/financing route. This doesn't take into consideration the interest paid.

One other point, keep in mind that as soon as you buy VWL direct at $102 you've immediately lost 50%.

Everyone wishes you the best luck and it's your money, your decision, and your comfort zone, just trying to get you as much info as possible and a few different ways to think about this so YOU can make the best decision for yourself.


Good luck,

Chris