Large contract question

[wallawallakids]

Looking to buy a min of 360 points. (We always need a 2 bedroom villa and we like BLT). My question is do I buy one large contract or should I buy two smaller ones that have the same use year? Is there any benefit to having the points all together or is it better to split it into two? Thanks

[IandGsmom]

The smaller ones seem to sell quicker in case you get to a point in life where you need a smaller contract.

[wallawallakids]

Originally Posted by IandGsmom

The smaller ones seem to sell quicker in case you get to a point in life where you need a smaller contract.

Thank you.

My other thought is to just buy 180 and bank every other year and go every other year. Has anyone else done this? Maybe the off year we pay cash or go elsewhere, and then every other year stay on points. Does that make sense or no? I am thinking then I would have 360 points that I need for every other stay. Sorry, just still trying to figure this all out!

[ToddyLu]

I think 180 is a great start...not as much up front, easy to bank and borrow, and you can always add on if needed. We own 210, I was going for 200 but the extra 10 only cost an extra $5 or so a month since we financed. DVC isn't going anywhere so why do too much at one time...but beware...it will change your trips to WDW and the amenities at the resorts will have you lovin it.

I would ask if I could split the contract in to a 100 point and an 80 point or even 90s. I might would even do 4-50 point contracts and see if the kids want them at some point.

[ELMC]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

Thank you.

My other thought is to just buy 180 and bank every other year and go every other year. Has anyone else done this? Maybe the off year we pay cash or go elsewhere, and then every other year stay on points. Does that make sense or no? I am thinking then I would have 360 points that I need for every other stay. Sorry, just still trying to figure this all out!

This makes total sense. It's hard to predict what your needs are going to be or how frequently/infrequently you are going to use your DVC until you actually own it. Having too many points can be a burden because you may feel forced to go on vacation or worse yet, let points go to waste. You can always rent out extra points which although I personally think is relatively easy, others have commented that it's a hassle they don't want to deal with. If you have too few points, well then you won't be able to go as often as you might like or stay in the rooms you like.

Back to your original question, larger contracts are better on the buy side because there is not a lot of demand for them and they can often be had at a discount. Smaller contracts are better on the sell side because the higher demand frequently fetches a premium. My opinion is that I would do whatever works for the buy, because that is guaranteed. You can't plan when or if you are ever going to sell your DVC contract, so why pass up a bonus now for the potential of a bonus in the future? To me it doesn't make sense.

Keep one thing in mind, though. Just because you want to stay at BLT does not necessarily mean you have to own at BLT. If you are flexible in your travel dates or the room category (view) you stay in, there is frequently availability at the 7 month mark. That means you can buy a less expensive resort and use those points to stay at BLT. Just know that this comes with the risk of being shut out of the room or dates you want. Personally I own at BLT because I want the guaranteed ability to book there at the 11 month mark.

Finally, I would strongly urge you to consider resale. A 360 point direct purchase at BLT will cost you in the neighborhood of $58,000. A 360 point contract bought on the resale market could be $33,000 or even less. That's a pretty substantial savings. Good luck with your decision.

[wallawallakids]

Originally Posted by ELMC

This makes total sense. It's hard to predict what your needs are going to be or how frequently/infrequently you are going to use your DVC until you actually own it. Having too many points can be a burden because you may feel forced to go on vacation or worse yet, let points go to waste. You can always rent out extra points which although I personally think is relatively easy, others have commented that it's a hassle they don't want to deal with. If you have too few points, well then you won't be able to go as often as you might like or stay in the rooms you like.

Back to your original question, larger contracts are better on the buy side because there is not a lot of demand for them and they can often be had at a discount. Smaller contracts are better on the sell side because the higher demand frequently fetches a premium. My opinion is that I would do whatever works for the buy, because that is guaranteed. You can't plan when or if you are ever going to sell your DVC contract, so why pass up a bonus now for the potential of a bonus in the future? To me it doesn't make sense.

Keep one thing in mind, though. Just because you want to stay at BLT does not necessarily mean you have to own at BLT. If you are flexible in your travel dates or the room category (view) you stay in, there is frequently availability at the 7 month mark. That means you can buy a less expensive resort and use those points to stay at BLT. Just know that this comes with the risk of being shut out of the room or dates you want. Personally I own at BLT because I want the guaranteed ability to book there at the 11 month mark.

Finally, I would strongly urge you to consider resale. A 360 point direct purchase at BLT will cost you in the neighborhood of $58,000. A 360 point contract bought on the resale market could be $33,000 or even less. That's a pretty substantial savings. Good luck with your decision.

Thank you for your help. This makes a lot of sense. Because of the kids we will probably always be traveling at the peak times so I do like the idea of owning at BLT so we have a better chance of staying where we want...even if it is a little bit more upfront. I am looking into resale options now. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous! I mostly have been looking at Fidelity. I have seen their name on the boards quite a bit, so I am hoping they are reputable. Disney is offering an OK deal, but yes, it is quite a bit more $$ than the resale. Only benefit is the fast closing.

[Kidanifan08]

Originally Posted by ELMC

Keep one thing in mind, though. Just because you want to stay at BLT does not necessarily mean you have to own at BLT. If you are flexible in your travel dates or the room category (view) you stay in, there is frequently availability at the 7 month mark. That means you can buy a less expensive resort and use those points to stay at BLT. Just know that this comes with the risk of being shut out of the room or dates you want. Personally I own at BLT because I want the guaranteed ability to book there at the 11 month mark.

This is a great point that some people don't consider. If you are someone who has no chance of planning a vacation at 7+ months out, then buying one of the less expensive resales makes the most sense. SSR still has about 40 years on the contracts and comes at a great price -- particularly the large contracts. Heck, large AKV contracts can be had fairly cheaply, and then you get the 11 month access to value and concierge rooms.

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

Because of the kids we will probably always be traveling at the peak times so I do like the idea of owning at BLT so we have a better chance of staying where we want...even if it is a little bit more upfront. I am looking into resale options now. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous! I mostly have been looking at Fidelity. I have seen their name on the boards quite a bit, so I am hoping they are reputable. Disney is offering an OK deal, but yes, it is quite a bit more $$ than the resale. Only benefit is the fast closing.

Since you have to travel at peak times, make sure you look closely at the points charts to know that you are getting enough points for the length of stay you desire. For summer, a 2BR BLT-LV for 7 nights is 386 points currently and a standard view is 354. A spring break standard is 474 points for a week! Also remember that DVC could do a point re-allocation and change that. 360 points may end up not even being enough for 7 nights in a standard during Magic Season. It's a good idea to build in a little cushion in the event that there is a re-allocation.

When we first purchase, we bought exactly enough points for a 1BR at magic season for 7 nights. Well . . . the worked for about 1 year until the point charts changed and a 1BR was 4 more points than we purchased. Then we also found out that we liked going for 8-10 nights, since we were already spending a bundle on airfare. So after starting with 268 AKV points, we are now up to 478 after 3 small resale purchases. I'm still on a quest for a small BWV or BCV to use every other year for F&W. But we definitely don't want to start talking about addonitis at this point.

[ELMC]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

I am looking into resale options now. Honestly, it makes me a little nervous!

I understand how you feel. However, we typically fear things that are unknown to us. I would recommend that you take the time to read as much as you can about DVC resales so that it is not unfamiliar anymore. Timeshare resales have often gotten a bad rap, especially from timeshare salespeople (mostly from other systems, not necessarily DVC) who want to bully you into buying direct, where they make a commission. But the truth of the matter is, there is very little difference between a resale and direct purchase for DVC.

Specifically regarding BLT, I cannot see any financial reason to purchase there direct. Initial offering prices were in the $105 range depending on incentives, etc. Now the price is $165 a point. From a sheer numbers standpoint, they have priced all of the value right out of owning DVC. In my opinion, people who are purchasing BLT direct are putting other considerations ahead of financial. That's their priorities, and I can respect that, but I could not disagree more.

As for resale, I have four contracts, all resale, and I couldn't be happier...both with my ability to use them to stay at DVC resorts and the money I saved over buying direct.

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

I mostly have been looking at Fidelity. I have seen their name on the boards quite a bit, so I am hoping they are reputable.

Fidelity is a reputable business, as is The Timeshare Store, a sponsor of these boards. These are legitimate brokers who are licensed to do business in the state of Florida and specialize in DVC resales. In my mind there is close to zero risk to purchase resale through either of them.

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

Disney is offering an OK deal, but yes, it is quite a bit more $$ than the resale. Only benefit is the fast closing.

I have to say that at today's direct prices, not only is it not an ok deal, it's actually a bad deal.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

Looking to buy a min of 360 points. (We always need a 2 bedroom villa and we like BLT). My question is do I buy one large contract or should I buy two smaller ones that have the same use year? Is there any benefit to having the points all together or is it better to split it into two? Thanks

What's best for you and your family depends on variables that none of us will have a feel for. Making the assumptions that you are seasoned in visits to WDW and value staying on site enough to pay extra so that you'll have an idea of what your yearly habits are, here are a few thoughts. I'd recommend resale and use cash for non DVC options like DCL, etc. I'd suggest you buy less than the 360 but more than the 180 though I'd let the best contract you can find be your final determining factor on size. That assumes you can pay cash, if you can't I'd suggest you wait. I would not purposefully pay more to end up with multiple contracts though you may do so by default if you buy less now and add on later. IF you do, I'd suggest you consider 2 home resorts. I'd also suggest you at last consider the option of buying a non DVC timeshare which you can do much cheaper (up front and yearly) than a comparable DVC contract.

[wallawallakids]

Originally Posted by Dean

What's best for you and your family depends on variables that none of us will have a feel for. Making the assumptions that you are seasoned in visits to WDW and value staying on site enough to pay extra so that you'll have an idea of what your yearly habits are, here are a few thoughts. I'd recommend resale and use cash for non DVC options like DCL, etc. I'd suggest you buy less than the 360 but more than the 180 though I'd let the best contract you can find be your final determining factor on size. That assumes you can pay cash, if you can't I'd suggest you wait. I would not purposefully pay more to end up with multiple contracts though you may do so by default if you buy less now and add on later. IF you do, I'd suggest you consider 2 home resorts. I'd also suggest you at last consider the option of buying a non DVC timeshare which you can do much cheaper (up front and yearly) than a comparable DVC contract.

Thank you for your help. We will be paying cash. We have been thinking about this for the last three years but just now have enough saved to go through with it. We have been to Disney World (and Land) 4 times in the past 3 years. Our total OOP amount is about $10,000 for each visit. Realize that some of that is airfare, tickets, and food but a large amount is hotel room. For example, we are paying over 700 a night at the DLH this August in Disneyland. We just are too large for a standard room and getting two connecting is sometimes more than one suite. This past May we got two connecting rooms at POFQ. It wasn't my favorite visit and it was actually quite expensive. I would have rather used that money to stay in a villa. I think the 2 bedroom villas would be heaven for us. I realize we probably will not be saving money. Lord knows, if I wanted to save money the cash we have saved towards buying DVC would be much better used in our retirement account. However, we are good savers. We don't take on debt. We buy used clothes and we save for our kids college. We also value our time together. And our family loves to go to Disney. Our trips are our one splurge. We don't eat out any other time of year so we can go. We save and save because going makes us happy. I don't think that is going to change. Disneyland and Disney World are our happy place. We love our time there. That is the main reason why we would like to buy a piece of the magic. If I am always going anyway, I might as well have a nice two bedroom with a kitchen! Plus we bought Disney stock so I always joke to hubby that we are supporting ourselves by buying. That is why I wouldn't consider buying into a different timeshare. I either buy Disney, or sit on the $$$ we have saved. In my mind those are the only two options. And we are not value folks. Nothing wrong with them, but if I am going on vacation, I want a nice room with all the amenities. It's just the way we are.

[DizBub]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

We also value our time together. And our family loves to go to Disney. Our trips are our one splurge. If I am always going anyway, I might as well have a nice two bedroom with a kitchen! Plus we bought Disney stock so I always joke to hubby that we are supporting ourselves by buying. That is why I wouldn't consider buying into a different timeshare. I either buy Disney, or sit on the $$$ we have saved. In my mind those are the only two options. And we are not value folks. Nothing wrong with them, but if I am going on vacation, I want a nice room with all the amenities. It's just the way we are.

You will LOVE DVC.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

Thank you for your help. We will be paying cash. We have been thinking about this for the last three years but just now have enough saved to go through with it. We have been to Disney World (and Land) 4 times in the past 3 years. Our total OOP amount is about $10,000 for each visit. Realize that some of that is airfare, tickets, and food but a large amount is hotel room. For example, we are paying over 700 a night at the DLH this August in Disneyland. We just are too large for a standard room and getting two connecting is sometimes more than one suite. This past May we got two connecting rooms at POFQ. It wasn't my favorite visit and it was actually quite expensive. I would have rather used that money to stay in a villa. I think the 2 bedroom villas would be heaven for us. I realize we probably will not be saving money. Lord knows, if I wanted to save money the cash we have saved towards buying DVC would be much better used in our retirement account. However, we are good savers. We don't take on debt. We buy used clothes and we save for our kids college. We also value our time together. And our family loves to go to Disney. Our trips are our one splurge. We don't eat out any other time of year so we can go. We save and save because going makes us happy. I don't think that is going to change. Disneyland and Disney World are our happy place. We love our time there. That is the main reason why we would like to buy a piece of the magic. If I am always going anyway, I might as well have a nice two bedroom with a kitchen! Plus we bought Disney stock so I always joke to hubby that we are supporting ourselves by buying. That is why I wouldn't consider buying into a different timeshare. I either buy Disney, or sit on the $$$ we have saved. In my mind those are the only two options. And we are not value folks. Nothing wrong with them, but if I am going on vacation, I want a nice room with all the amenities. It's just the way we are.

Thanks for the additional info. Based on your post I'd suggest you consider a contract in the 200-250 point range at the location you'd be happy staying at most trips. It sounds like BLT is the best option to fit this need. As for off site, don't knock it if you haven't tried it since there are some VERY nice timeshares in the area that are even nicer than DVC in some areas with larger rooms, better pools overall, and more activities. I know a number of people who thought as you do (Disney or nothing) until they actually tried some of the off site options. Don't get me wrong, I love DVC and would prefer staying there all else being equal but it's not equal.

[wallawallakids]

Originally Posted by Dean

Thanks for the additional info. Based on your post I'd suggest you consider a contract in the 200-250 point range at the location you'd be happy staying at most trips. It sounds like BLT is the best option to fit this need. As for off site, don't knock it if you haven't tried it since there are some VERY nice timeshares in the area that are even nicer than DVC in some areas with larger rooms, better pools overall, and more activities. I know a number of people who thought as you do (Disney or nothing) until they actually tried some of the off site options. Don't get me wrong, I love DVC and would prefer staying there all else being equal but it's not equal.

I am curious: which timeshares are you taking about? Marriot? My SIL owns there and she does love it.

[Dean]

Originally Posted by wallawallakids

I am curious: which timeshares are you taking about? Marriot? My SIL owns there and she does love it.

Please understand I'm not trying to talk you out of the choices you've made, only to make sure you know your options and don't make assumptions that aren't accurate. Staying off property will push you more toward a car but we'd do that anyway.

As for properties I'd put at least as nice as DVC overall, I've posted the list previously, here's a copy of the pertinent part of that info.

Here's my list, there are a few resorts I dont know enough to place but based on other info, I wouldn't list any of them in to top group. There is one alternative lifestyle resort if that matters to anyone. Some are II, some RCI, some both.

Top Group.
4 top Marriott's (1 in RCI)
3 Hilton's
The Fountains (and Oasis Lakes)
Vistana Villages.
Wyndham Bonnet Creek & Reunions

The next group, worth staying or at least considering but definitely less would include the following. This is a broader grouping than the last time I gave this list. There are a few others that I didn't list that should be OK based on rating and awards.

Silver Lake (both ID's)
Vistana
Orange Lake (River Island best) (Now Holiday Inn)
Liki Tiki Maybe
Summer Bay, esp Houses at
Village at Parkway
Westgate Lakes
Other Marriott's (2 in RCI)
Some other Wyndham's

We are timeshare snobs, we expect a quality room and resort. Just clean and functional is not good enough for us.

I think one of the large components is about giving the individual other options outside Orlando. If you want one system to give Disney and other timeshare options, DVC is not a good or reasonable choice to do that. OTOH, if one has to be on property, cash and DVC are the only feasible long term options even though some of these can potentially trade in to DVC at times. Bonnet Creek is essentially on property from a location standpoint. As for the best none DVC option, it totally depends on variables and personal preference but I think those that give you other options would be the top and all of the first groups would plus some of the second. That'd put Bluegreen, Wyndham, Starwood and Marriott as possibilities that would give you other good non Orlando options. The first 3 as points mini systems and Marriott as either a points system or floating weeks system with an internal trade preference. I would steer you away from the Marriott's points system because of the cost.

I hope that helps.

[a742246]

You definately sound like a perfect candiate for a DVC. I too would recommend
that you look for something in the 200 point range. Then in your first visit, tour the other resorts, you will have a better understanding if you want to add on or not. You may want to buy into another resort afterward.

I would look for a contract that is loaded (last years points and this years). Make sure you understand use year before buying.