What to do 🤔

[melissa70]

I found a listing for 240 points for 76. Per point at OKW. I prefer to go to Polynesian or Wilderness , maybe Bay Lake also. I don’t mind the one bedroom , in fact I hate studios, and I like to travel in the cheaper times in Jan and Feb. Should I consider this deal?

 

[tarheellovesdisney]

I found a listing for 240 points for 76. Per point at OKW. I prefer to go to Polynesian or Wilderness , maybe Bay Lake also. I don’t mind the one bedroom , in fact I hate studios, and I like to travel in the cheaper times in Jan and Feb. Should I consider this deal?

A huge part of cost of ownership is dues, which you'll pay every year. You need to factor that in. OKW is very expensive for dues, so a cheaper up front price may not actually be cheaper in the long run. When looking at listings, I always figured what the cost per point would be, taking into consideration up front cost + dues/yr. Our larger BW contract ends up mid $14/pp, fairly expensive but exactly where we wanted to be. It was worth the cost to have home resort priority. Our CCV contract was mid $11/pp because of the longer exp date and lower dues. We paid $133/pt for CCV- sounds like a lot but it's really not

 

[McCrae]

Do you own and have regrets? I have doubts about paying the maintenance fees more than the initial purchase!

I have been an owner since 2009. This is an expensive long term commitment with dues increasing every year. It’s not just the finance you need to think about it’s the long term commitment to go to the same place for vacation you need to consider…lots of other exciting places to go

Disney has changed massively since we initially bought, and not all for the good. We are though happy owners and have had good value.

 

[Flash_Sloth]

How easy is it to book something 7 months out as opposed to 11 months at your home resort? Like say I purchase in OKW but want to go to BRV or Polynesian?

Let me answer a question that you aren't asking in that question. OKW has a fairly high annual dues $/point. One of the perks of staying at OKW is that it is on the cheaper end of things for #points/night vs. some of the newer resorts like VGF and Poly. From an annual dues perspective, it is very expensive to use OKW points to stay at Poly.

On the flip side, still talking only about annual dues, it is cheaper to buy a home resort with a low $/point dues and then use them at a resort that has a low #points/night. But then you are at the mercy of what is available in the 7 month window.

I strongly believe in "buy where you want to stay" because it gives you the best chance to book the dates and room types you want in the 11 month window.

 

[lilsonicfan]

I highly recommend purchasing the DVC Field Guide https://www.dvcfieldguide.com/ for a very thorough discussion of everything you are considering.

I don't intend this to be judgmental but the first post in the thread was posted 5 hours ago and you are already looking at specific listings, I am concerned that you might jump in before you know what you're getting into. 240 points at OKW might sound like a pretty decent deal at $76 per point right now ...but that's $18,240, plus closing costs, plus at least $2,522 per year in dues (dues go up every year so this is just the 2025 amount) for the next 17 years. No one is going to be too keen on buying 240 OKW points from you if you decide to sell, unless you sell at a significant loss. Let's say you hold and use for 10 years - that's something like $43,000 assuming dues never go up (which is of course impossible) invested in your vacations, for 7-10 days per year at OKW, or far fewer days at other resorts.

Important to consider, if you are buying at a cheaper resort with a view to using it at a different resort: yes, if you are going to choose 1BR's then there is of course more likelihood that you'll get to stay at another resort at the 7 month mark. But very often, even 1br's with standard views at those resorts will be booked out by owners at the 7-11 month mark so you will often use more points to stay at those resorts because of having to book a non-standard room.

 

[eticketplease]

How easy is it to book something 7 months out as opposed to 11 months at your home resort?

It will always be harder to book elsewhere at 7 months when everyone can get book vs the 11 month window when only those that own that resort can book.

I don’t mind the one bedroom , in fact I hate studios, and I like to travel in the cheaper times in Jan and Feb.

Since you don't want studios that will help you at 7 months to book 1 bedroom units as those are the last to go so you might be able to get away with not buying where you want to stay.
Not buying where you want to stay does add stress though so if you are dead set on staying at a particular resort, buy that one!!

As others mentioned if resort preference doesn't matter and you are just looking for a deal, look at the Annual dues that is where the real cost is.
The other cost is the point charts that you will want to look at.

 

[MyDogTink]

I don’t think you need to rush into an OKW deal. If you want to stay at Poly, CCV or BLT, I’d consider looking at contracts there.

Look at some of the DVC point calculators for the times you want to stay. You may not want to overbuy points.

Also UY is important to some buyers. If you think you will always stay in Jan/Feb, I’d be looking for a UY that complements that time frame.

 

[melissa70]

I don’t think you need to rush into an OKW deal. If you want to stay at Poly, CCV or BLT, I’d consider looking at contracts there.

Look at some of the DVC point calculators for the times you want to stay. You may not want to overbuy points.

Also UY is important to some buyers. If you think you will always stay in Jan/Feb, I’d be looking for a UY that complements that time frame.

So that would be use year?

 

[Brian Noble]

Should I consider this deal?

I would strongly encourage you to spend some real time reading and learning about DVC. Stick around the boards and take your time. If you've never stayed in a DVC Villa, try renting a stay from an owner to see how you like it.

 

[melissa70]

I would strongly encourage you to spend some real time reading and learning about DVC. Stick around the boards and take your time. If you've never stayed in a DVC Villa, try renting a stay from an owner to see how you like it.

I’ve stayed in Ak, BWV, BRV, OKW, and SSR. Loved OKW and BRV not crazy for the other two. Of course I will do my research -I came to this board because I thought I’d ask the experts. Thanks to all who have replied!

 

[AstroBlasters]

Does anyone feel like outlining to me the advantages of buying direct or resale? Also, is there anyone here that doesn’t think buying at all is worth it and to just rent?

Initial Questions:

1) Age and family status
2) Current frequency of trips to Disney resorts
3) Desired locations
4) Desired accommodation sizes
5) Est. holding period
6) Any other relevant information

 

[melissa70]

Initial Questions:

1) Age and family status
2) Current frequency of trips to Disney resorts
3) Desired locations
4) Desired accommodation sizes
5) Est. holding period
6) Any other relevant information

My husband and myself ages 54/ we do have grown children who may or may not join us
Plan to visit 1-2 times per year
I prefer one bedrooms with a view
Have already shelled out a small fortune renting which is why I’m thinking of owning and having more control over my accommodations

 

[Sandisw]

My biggest advice is to buy the resort you want to stay at or won’t mind staying at, if there is one, if you can’t trade or the rules for trading change and things get harder to book

If you really have no preference, and will be happy anywhere, then it’s all about price.

Right now, resale locks you out of RIV VDH and CFW. It will most likely lock you out of the new Lakeshore Lodge.

While resale also locks you out if membership extras, those can come and go and IMO, should never a deciding factor.

If the current resorts you can buy and stay at works for you and you really don’t care about future resorts, resale is the way to go if you want to be cost conscious with your decision!

Good luck!

 

[AstroBlasters]

My husband and myself ages 54/ we do have grown children who may or may not join us
Plan to visit 1-2 times per year
I prefer one bedrooms with a view
Have already shelled out a small fortune renting which is why I’m thinking of owning and having more control over my accommodations

Ok, so some of my takeaways from that are;

1) Financially stable
2) No major projected change in travel patterns
3) Familiar with the products, but looking for some of the more “nitty gritty” that you sometimes don’t get until you own.
4) You seem to like to try different resorts.

Some thoughts:
1) 1 bedrooms are usually the last category to go and ones with better views tend to last longer because they cost more points.

Follow up questions:
1) How far in advance are you willing to plan?

2) Are there any resorts that are “must stay here to be happy” locations?

3) Are you OK with a short contract that only lasts 16 years or are you wanting to lock in trips for longer?

 

[melissa70]

Ok, so some of my takeaways from that are;

1) Financially stable
2) No major projected change in travel patterns
3) Familiar with the products, but looking for some of the more “nitty gritty” that you sometimes don’t get until you own.
4) You seem to like to try different resorts.

Some thoughts:
1) 1 bedrooms are usually the last category to go and ones with better views tend to last longer because they cost more points.

Follow up questions:
1) How far in advance are you willing to plan?

2) Are there any resorts that are “must stay here to be happy” locations?

3) Are you OK with a short contract that only lasts 16 years or are you wanting to lock in trips for longer?

I am flexible on planning time. Don’t mind 11 or 7 month marks They’re aren’t any must stays but I do like the idea of changing up the resorts but would always prefer a one bedroom and a view-the savanna, theme park, lake. I’m fine with a shorter contract as I am older

I wonder if 150 points will get me what I want or will I need more.? I understand you may bank points and/ or borrow from a year out as well . A one bedroom with a view on a slower time of year. My preference is January or February

 

[AstroBlasters]

I am flexible on planning time. Don’t mind 11 or 7 month marks They’re aren’t any must stays but I do like the idea of changing up the resorts but would always prefer a one bedroom and a view-the savanna, theme park, lake. I’m fine with a shorter contract as I am older

I wonder if 150 points will get me what I want or will I need more.? I understand you may bank points and/ or borrow from a year out as well . A one bedroom with a view on a slower time of year. My preference is January or February

Ok, so…

1) Different resorts can have wildly different points needed to stay there. A general rule is to purchase 110% of the points you think you’ll need.

Check out historical availability charts at a site like https://www.dvchelp.com/page/how-do-the-charts-work to see how hard some rooms are to book at 7m.

2) Larger contracts are less money per point, but harder to sell if you want to change your mind and sell. You also can’t sell part of a contract and so it can be good to build up with some smaller (under 100) to intermediate contracts (100-150).

3) In general, I would put you in the category of a person looking for “Sleep Around Points”, which you will see labeled as SAP on the boards.

4) Saratoga Springs is generally considered the most economical resale points to buy for people who are truly indifferent to where they stay based on the combination of dues, upfront price, and contract length.

5) Bay Lake Tower and Copper Creek are generally considered the best “value” Sleep Around+ resale points right now if you are happy to stay at most places, but want to have a nicer “worst case scenario” option to book at 11m.

6) You can read more here: https://www.dvcresalemarket.com/blog/best-economical-dvc-resorts-to-purchase-fall-2024/

7) You generally want to travel early in your Use Year and so September, October, and December would align with you travel preference of Jan and Feb.

8) Buy enough points at a single resort in the same use year to get the room type you want before considering buying multiple home resorts.

9) Soak up some knowledge from DVC Fan, ***********, Magic and the Music, etc on YouTube.

10) There are some other great tips above that I won’t duplicate.

 

[teamsamant]

I am flexible on planning time. Don’t mind 11 or 7 month marks They’re aren’t any must stays but I do like the idea of changing up the resorts but would always prefer a one bedroom and a view-the savanna, theme park, lake. I’m fine with a shorter contract as I am older

I wonder if 150 points will get me what I want or will I need more.? I understand you may bank points and/ or borrow from a year out as well . A one bedroom with a view on a slower time of year. My preference is January or February

You will need around 250 + points for most 1 week 1BR stays. Most of the time well over 250 points for those better view rooms. Borrowing on the 150 is going to run your through the points in 2 trips. BLT 1 BR theme park is going to run over 350 points for a week in February. For example 2/20-2/27 1BR theme park is 363 points. 150 isn't going to cut it.

I've read the thread it sounds like purchasing a BLT resale contract is a great recommendation. That gets you priority at BLT and one of the best values in DVC resale when purchase price and dues are considered. You can also use those points at other one BRs throughout WDW save for the new resorts. I'd probably get 250 points or somewhere around there to start. Adding on in a year or so.

 

[MyDogTink]

I would also research the DVC Rules such as cancellation policy and holding. If you’re accustomed to the common hotel cancellation policy of 5 days prior to arrival, then DVC’s 30 day cancellation period is going to be very different for planning purposes.

 

[starsaber25]

9) Soak up some knowledge from DVC Fan, ***********, Magic and the Music, etc on YouTube.

I cannot echo this enough. I spent about 7 months researching DVC Fan and The Magic in the Music on Youtube before my wife and I decided to buy.

There is so much to learn about DVC. And it is a huge financial commitment. You definitely want to be well educated on the whole product before you shell out tens of thousands of dollars.

Having said all of that, based on what I have read so far on this thread, I think you are looking around the 250 point mark at "reasonably priced" point chart resorts. Probably BLT, SSR and maybe CCV. You still haven't really said what types of resorts you prefer I.E location, big/smaller, longer contract/shorter contract, etc.

Anyway, YouTube is your friend...

 

[melissa70]

I don’t care for SSR but is it one of the biggest bang for your buck places to own?