DVC Members, we need your advice!

[nicmarlon]

Hello there, everyone! Me and my husband have been researching A LOT for the past few months and just a few days ago we had a great meeting with a DVC agent in Aulani. We love Disney, just like I guess all of you. So here's our profile...

-We are 30 years old, do not have kids and probably won't.
-We always travel as a couple and go on vacation every year for a couple of weeks.
-WDW is our #1 favorite resort followed by Tokyo #2, Anaheim #3, Paris #4, Hong Kong #5 and Shanghai is our least favorite for now.
-We've been to all Disney parks in the world and stayed on property, most times on their value or moderate hotels.
-We like to go back every time there's a major update at one of the parks, so we plan to go back to all of the 6 resorts on the next 10 years.
-We don't like visiting any resort during summer or peak season and avoid that at all coasts.
-For WDW, we love january, september and the first part of december (when points go a longer way)
-Our favorite WDW resorts are GF, Poly, all the ones at the Boardwalk (except for S&D) and lastly AK Lodge. We also like OKW because it's peaceful and, well, there's Olivia's (YES Shrimp and Grits, YES Scallops!)
-We are fine with a microwave, we will probably not cook or bring a kid (although we do have a nephew), so a studio is perfect for us!
-We do like a view and if points can allow us to have one, fine, but if not, we won't die.
-We've got a Disney Wedding coming up!

Well, I guess it's clear we should buy into DVC, right? However, I know it's not a good idea to use our points on the resorts outside the US, I learned that by reading thousands of threads here over the last few months. With that in mind, we know we probably won't go back to WDW every single year, since we also like to visit the foreign resorts and even other destinations not related to Disney (we definetly want to go to South Africa and explore even more of South America and Europe). But one thing is for sure: january 2021 is the month we're having our Disney Wedding! At the Grand Floridian's Wedding Pavilion to be more specific. In 2020 we may go to Disneyland for a few nights, but that's not even a for sure thing yet.

Very well... at Aulani last week we were offered a Riviera contract, of course, of just 100 points, which sounds great considering we would probably bank and borrow so we could visit for the wedding in january 2021 and then again in 2024, 2027 and so on... always filling the voids with other Disney or non-Disney trips around the globe. BUT THEN, we've learned about the resale restrictions for Riviera. That's when we gave up on it.

So now here we are... instead of Riviera, we want to purchase a small contract at a resort that will give us as many years of vacation as possible simply because A-We're young, B-We want to go back to WDW, but not every single year and C-We think it's a better value than buying a contract with only 20 something years left. Now that you guys know our story, I've got a few questions:

-We love GF, Poly, AK and they all have contracts that would give us around 15 every-three-year vacations on the next 40 years or so, specially Poly and GF. Which one out of these would you recommend we get? Considering we are thinking about getting a very small contract, maybe even 50 or 75 points (resale, of course) to get into a studio with 11 months in advance, during value season.
-Could OKW be an even better option? Even if we don't like it as much as the other ones?
-If we decide to get, for example, a 75 points contract at Poly and use them banked and borrowed for a january 2021 vacation, what use year should we get? (I'm still confused about this whole baking window thing, expirations and etc...)
-If we decide that 75 points are not enough, even if tripled by borrowing and banking, I know we can buy extra points with Disney. Are those points resort-specific or could I use them, let's say, for an extra night somewhere else and have a split stay?
-I know we can have two contracts in two different resorts with one being resale and one direct with Disney. But at this point, could we get a direct small contract (let's say another 50, so 50+75) with Disney at a resort that is sold out? And will that make us members with a card and all the perks?
-If not, what is the easiest way to become a full member after entering DVC with a resale contract?
-And if we end up with a resale contract and a direct contract, do those two get along? Like, can we join their points? What if the use years are not the same? What if the contracts expire in different years?

Anyway... we'll have more questions for sure. DVC can be complex! The podcast has been great and they were right about people here being amazing. Lots of threads here have been helping us a lot, but every case is a diffrent case and we don't seem to find many couples with no kids around here, so your help will much appreciated! I thank you all in advance and we are excited to heard what y'all have to say! Have a magical day!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

For WDW, we love january, september and the first part of december (when points go a longer way)

I'm going to start here. The first two weeks of December are the highest demand weeks for DVC all year. In general, low points = highest demand for DVC, and these two weeks are outsized even in that regard. If you travel in December, you buy where you will be okay staying, and you do not expect to change to anything else at 7 months. If you buy VGF or CCV, you run a high risk of not getting a studio AT 11 months EXACTLY these two weeks.

Which leads into this.

We love GF, Poly, AK and they all have contracts that would give us around 15 every-three-year vacations on the next 40 years or so, specially Poly and GF. Which one out of these would you recommend we get? Considering we are thinking about getting a very small contract, maybe even 50 or 75 points (resale, of course) to get into a studio with 11 months in advance, during value season.

VGF has 47 total studios. Even if you own there, you may not get a studio in early December. If you aren't booking Poly at 11 months for those dates, you may get frozen out by bungalow points, sinze Poly has more points than studios. A small contract at VGF would be problematic because it would make it hard to trade up into a 1BR.

Again: Value season is highest demand for DVC.

Could OKW be an even better option? Even if we don't like it as much as the other ones?

Only if you're happy staying there. Fall and Adventure Season is highest demand.

If we decide to get, for example, a 75 points contract at Poly and use them banked and borrowed for a january 2021 vacation, what use year should we get?

December would be the best option.

If we decide that 75 points are not enough, even if tripled by borrowing and banking, I know we can buy extra points with Disney. Are those points resort-specific or could I use them, let's say, for an extra night somewhere else and have a split stay?

The 24 one time use points available per year are only usable at 7 months and have no home resort.

I know we can have two contracts in two different resorts with one being resale and one direct with Disney. But at this point, could we get a direct small contract (let's say another 50, so 50+75) with Disney at a resort that is sold out? And will that make us members with a card and all the perks?

No. You must have at least 100 points purchased direct from Disney to have a blue card and be "full" members. Disney will sell you a sold out resort at a markup.

If not, what is the easiest way to become a full member after entering DVC with a resale contract?

Buying 100 points direct.

And if we end up with a resale contract and a direct contract, do those two get along? Like, can we join their points? What if the use years are not the same? What if the contracts expire in different years?

If they are the same resort and use year, they can be used pretty seamlessly. If they are different resorts, same use year, they can be used together at 7 months easily. If they are different UY, regardless of resorts, it's a pain.

When they expire different years, it means they will be different resorts and subject to only be used together at 7 months, until the first expires.

 

[crisi]

At this point, with studios, DVC works best for people who are happy when they stay at the resort that they bought at. While you can sleep around, its never guaranteed, and can be difficult to get studios at many of the MK or Epcot area resorts at seven months. So owning DVC - say you buy at the Poly - will be booking a studio at the Poly and then - if you can switch to a resort you'd prefer over the Poly that year at seven months - switching. But you need to be happy if you take 80% of your trips at your home resort.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This is retrospective and should not be taken as surety of future patterns. But what we have seen is that it gets harder each year to switch studios at 7 months for more of the year, and fall is a frenzy. Neither trend looks to be shifting:

https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...2-bd-charts-september-2019-2-bd-added.3689931

 

[agirlcallededdy]

Our situation is pretty different from yours but my recommendation would be to consider a larger points purchase on the resale market at a resort with a longer deed: OKW 2057, VGF, etc., so that you can move into a 1 bedroom during the seasons you like to travel if you are having issues with studio availability. As a new owner, after my research, it seemed that most people want more points than they purchase, and it is nice to have the ability to go when you want even if the room you desire isn't available (so says that girl that just booked a garden pool at Aulani when she wanted a standard). How exciting! Good luck!!

 

[Lumpy1106]

Well, I guess it's clear we should buy into DVC, right?

Not necessarily. If you are comfortable in a moderate it will take a long time before you get to the break-even point buying DVC. Also, have you tried Pop or AoA ? Those are nicer than you might expect. If you are going for the higher-end experience of GFV Poly or the Contemporary then I would agree though - DVC will make sense. But by all means, compare costs, don't assume.
Or...
If you expect to have kids and will want a suite in the future then DVC starts to make a lot more sense...but you already said kids are off the table. You wouldn't be the first family of 4 or 5 that has said that though

Other things to consider...
If you are going to buy resale, do that first. Disney can match use year , but if you buy direct first you will have to search for a contract with the same use year.
What is your reasoning for wanting to be a "full member"? If you are going every 3'rd year a season pass makes no sense and the discount on the gold pass is the biggest financial perk. It seems unlikely you would ever be at the parks when they do a special DVC event. The special tours are very hard to book. Using DVC points for anything outside of DVC is a very poor value. But hey, the bags of potato chips in the Epcot lounge - can't live without those
Don't forget to factor in Maintenance Fees when you are deciding between resorts - this makes a big difference in the long term. AKV has very high MF's, but RIV is even higher. SSR and BLT are on the low end.
Also remember that the different resorts have different points charts. Get the app, "DVC Calculator" to do a quick comparison.

 

[chalee94]

What is your reasoning for wanting to be a "full member"? If you are going every 3rd year a season pass makes no sense and the discount on the gold pass is the biggest financial perk.

For serious. It will take a lot of free Epcot Cokes and 10% discounts for dining to offset the thousands extra to buy direct.

I also don't like the every third year plan. DVC has been threatening to change the point charts and you would likely wind up with stray points that go to waste (as stated, OTU points are only good for 7 months out, so nearly useless for Fall Frenzy.)

 

[ELMC]

We love Disney, just like I guess all of you. So here's our profile...[snip]

Thanks for sharing all of this information, it was very helpful. I've highlighted one thing because I think it is one (of the two) most important points you made. This is a mistake we see a lot on here...people saying how much they love Disney and that being a reason why they want to own DVC. DVC is not an essential component of visiting WDW. Can it help? Sure. But it's not essential.

But the bigger picture is that you have complete travel freedom and WDW is a small part of your travel. You've already established that DVC won't work for your outside travel plans, so I'm wondering why you would invest in such a large purchase for what equates to a small fraction of your travel.

Finally, something that you might not have thought of: DVC changes behavior. So right now you are going all these different places, but mark my words, if you own DVC you will start going to WDW more and other places less. That may be a good thing, it may be a bad thing, but it's almost certainly going to happen.

Listen, we own DVC and we love it. I'm fairly certain you will too, once you learn all the ins and outs. I'm playing a bit of devil's advocate here on purpose. If the things I say resonate with you then maybe DVC isn't the no-brainer you thought it was. But if you think the things I say are stupid, then maybe it is.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Lumpy1106]

I also don't like the every third year plan. DVC has been threatening to change the point charts and you would likely wind up with stray points that go to waste

This is a great point. We've budgeted for our typical once-a-year trip so we don't quite have enough points. We know that eventually we will fall behind a will need to split the stay in a non-DVC room or rent points for a night - or who knows what else. A change in the points charts or having to upgrade to a better view room would throw off that math immediately though. If our plan had been to bank & borrow to barely have enough points it just simply wouldn't work.

 

[Brian Noble]

Well, I guess it's clear we should buy into DVC, right?

Coming here to ask this is like going to a NASCAR discussion board and asking "So, who here thinks it's a good idea to spend our weekends watching cars drive fast and turn left?"

That said: I don't think you are a good candidate for DVC. For me, a good candidate for DVC is someone who plans to visit WDW at least once every other year, expects to stay in Deluxe-category resorts for at least a good fraction of those visits, and sees that in their future for at least 10 years.

That doesn't sound like how you describe yourselves. I also wonder whether you are letting the wedding---a one-time event---influence your thinking about how WDW fits into your lives. Finally, there's a good chance that hearing about it while *on vacation* is also influencing your long-term thinking. After all, you're at Aulani, having the time of your life, and this friendly DVC Guide shows you how you can bottle that magical feeling and preserve it for years to come at today's prices! ;-)

You *might* be a good candidate for a timeshare generally, but maybe not even that. It sounds like you have a good idea of how and where you want to travel for the next many years, and a good number of those aren't great candidates for any particular timeshare ownership.

So, in light of that, why might you buy a (Disney- or Not Disney-) timeshare anyway? I think it is inevitable that owning a timeshare will not save you money in the long run. That's because timeshare assets come every year or two, and they are use-them-or-lose them. So, vacations become a priority, even when you wouldn't otherwise be thinking about them. But, if you can afford to take on extra annual expenses and don't expect that to change, this isn't such a bad thing.

 

[nicmarlon]

Thank you so much, everyone! I'm soooo sorry... when I said "Well, I guess it's clear we should buy into DVC, right?" I meant it in a sarcastic way! Hahahaha... Because the DVC agent we sat with (again, she was wonderful and of a finesse that I've never seen before on a person trying to sell me anything) literally said "How come you guys are not part of it already???". So, yes, we love Disney and every time we go to a different resort we have the greatest time ever. But, yes, I don't see ourselves going there every year or even every two years, but very possibly every three years. And again, because we love visiting the other resorts around the world and even other destinations. So thank you all so much for your input on that matter.

 

[nicmarlon]

Again: Value season is highest demand for DVC.

First of all, thank you so much for taking your time answering so many questions! About the value season... december is I would say our third favorite time to go. September would be the second and January wins. Reason why we're having our wedding in January, obviously, avoiding MLK day and the first few days of the month. Would you say january is as hard to get a studio as december and september? Also, I hear this a lot... "Forget about getting a studio! Those go away instantaneously!". My question is simply "how"? Does that mean Disney has already sold those studios for non-DVC members through their website or other partners? Or does that mean members literally sit in front of their computers waiting for the right minute to make that reservation? Because what I wonder is why can't I or you do the same thing? I already do that with FPs 60 days in advance in order to get Slinky, FOP and so on, so I thought doing the same in order to get a studio wouldn't be the hardest thing. Or is it?

 

[nicmarlon]

At this point, with studios, DVC works best for people who are happy when they stay at the resort that they bought at. While you can sleep around, its never guaranteed, and can be difficult to get studios at many of the MK or Epcot area resorts at seven months. So owning DVC - say you buy at the Poly - will be booking a studio at the Poly and then - if you can switch to a resort you'd prefer over the Poly that year at seven months - switching. But you need to be happy if you take 80% of your trips at your home resort.

So does that mean getting a studio at Poly 11 months in advance if a own my contract there can be fairly easy? And do you know which one of the MK resorts has the most studios? Also, what you said about being happy to stay at our home resort 80% of the times answered my question perfectly. That's why we would want to try to get Poly, GF, AKV, even BLT or OKW which are resorts we actually like.

Lumpy1106 you've made some great points, thank you for being real about it!!! Yes, we've stayed at the value resorts before and we were just fine. The rooms were actually big enough for us, specially with only one king or queen bed. We were fine. You made a good point about Pop, specially now that they've got the skyliner. So I understand the argument "If you're OK with a moderate or a value resort, no need for DVC". And, yes... we are. But we could use a better location and an atmosphere we like better, like let's say at the Epcot or MK resorts. Or even at AK Lodge, that one we think is a destination on it's own. Reason why DVC also seemed to be a good idea.

chalee94 So let me ask you something... if this year you need, let's say 150 points to stay at resort X during value season on a studio, does that mean next year they can change that from 150 to maybe 170? Does that happen frequently? And if so, don't they have to lower the amount of points needed for another resort? I didn't quite get that...

ELMC I can totally see that happening in the future as we grow older. Specially if we can take our nephew and give his parents some time off. Hahaha I don't know... it's just something I think about, we love our nephew! But you know what? I ALREADY see that happening... if you asked me many years ago, Disney was about finding a place to crash on property and arriving at the parks 8am and leaving 2am. But guess what? That's not how I see it anymore. We stayed a full day last time with no park tickets plus the day we checked-in at around 1pm and just went exploring AK Lodge, went for breakfast at Trattoria al Forno, played mini golf at the Fantasia themed course, visited Springs and ended our evening with fireworks from the GF marina... and it was SUCH a fun day!!! Three months later in Hong Kong, we did the same thing... had a full day to just enjoy all three resorts and pool hop (OH, the crazy hot Chinese summer), had a dinner date night... amazing! Same in Shanghai, we flew in from Europe, checked-in at 3pm and enjoyed our room and at at what IMO was the best meal I've ever had in my whole life, in Aurora at the Shanghai Disneyland Hotel. So, yes... our habits have been changing and I can see ourselves enjoying more "out of the parks" times on future trips. But that's when it get's trricky... we always tend to enjoy the amenities, restaurants, pools and just the vibe of the deluxe hotels more than the other categories. Reason why, again, DVC seems like a good idea.

Brian Noble Great point, thank you! But you know what? It's like our DVC agent said... the money we've spent with Disney on the last five years, would be enough to be a member by now. And you know what? She's right. At WDW in 2015 I've spent a good amount of money. In 2016 again at WDW another good amount. Same year we went to Tokyo for Halloween. In 2017 we went to WDW a few times but stayed only for the day, those were work related trips. Paris came in september 2018 and there goes more money. In 2019 we spent another good 2.500 with WDW in March and just recently a good 2.000 again with both Shanghai and Hong Kong... and that's just tickets and hotels, I'm not adding the food. That's why we thought DVC could be a good idea.... but then it's like you guys say... if we use it at WDW, not anywhere else. But just to be clear, we don't regret spending that money at-aaaall! We just figured if our money is going towards Disney already, why not paying for all that in advance, right? That was the logic.

 

[Lumpy1106]

First of all, thank you so much for taking your time answering so many questions! About the value season... december is I would say our third favorite time to go. September would be the second and January wins. Reason why we're having our wedding in January, obviously, avoiding MLK day and the first few days of the month. Would you say january is as hard to get a studio as december and september? Also, I hear this a lot... "Forget about getting a studio! Those go away instantaneously!". My question is simply "how"? Does that mean Disney has already sold those studios for non-DVC members through their website or other partners? Or does that mean members literally sit in front of their computers waiting for the right minute to make that reservation? Because what I wonder is why can't I or you do the same thing? I already do that with FPs 60 days in advance in order to get Slinky, FOP and so on, so I thought doing the same in order to get a studio wouldn't be the hardest thing. Or is it?

You know, it would be really handy if you could see availability BEFORE you bought DVC - but you can't. Skier Pete did a bunch of research though so that's your best tool. You can find the thread here;
Skier Pete's Availability Charts
The shot answer to your question though is there are far fewer studios than you might imagine. The guides give you the impression that you can book anything you want in the 11-7 month out time frame. Nope. Some resorts have more, some resorts have less. If you are only interested in studios, buy where there are more studios.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

This year, September and January were tougher at 7 months than in years past. Hard to call if it is a Star Wars effect or trend.

Also, I hear this a lot... "Forget about getting a studio! Those go away instantaneously!". My question is simply "how"? Does that mean Disney has already sold those studios for non-DVC members through their website or other partners? Or does that mean members literally sit in front of their computers waiting for the right minute to make that reservation?

Depends on the resort and the season. Disney sell points to fill every DVC room 365 days per year. But demand is not even across dates or unit types. Studios do go first. Some studio types go fast year round.

Some members work the system. Others pounce at 8am of 11 months and hope their computer connection is faster.

And do you know which one of the MK resorts has the most studios?

poly. But it has imbalance because of all the points sold to fill bungalows, so it can be weird. VGF is the smallest DVC. BLT falls in between, with Lake View being the biggest category.

 

[disneynutz]

The only reason to buy a DVC contract is to save money on your room. The only way to guarantee which resort will be available for your stays is to buy where you love to stay and book at 11 months out. Take some time to project what DVC will cost compared to your current WDW stays. IMO based on your situation, I would pass on buying but consider renting a DVC stay from an existing owner if that saves you some money.

Bill

 

[Spark65]

If you buy DVC, the room rate assuming you use your points to their fullest extent, will see subtle change knowing maintenance fees will increase. If you rent points as values increase so will the cost of renting assuming the property never devalues.

So, if you buy today and room rentals are going to cost say $400 a night and will continue to rise over the years and buying DVC gets those same rooms at a steady say $200 (minimal increase with fees increase) per night in the same time frame DVC wins. Now add in discounts assuming you buy direct and DVC would be the better deal in the long run.

The numbers above don't reflect actual costs you would have to do the math on your own. Don't forget to add the rise in costs and only historical values could be used but may not take into account for future price increases.

 

[ELMC]

The only reason to buy a DVC contract is to save money on your room.

Bill, I think that ship has sailed...

 

[ELMC]

The only reason to buy a DVC contract is to save money on your room.

Although I will say that I have noticed that Disney has completely jacked up the prices of their hotel rooms. Sure there are discounts to be found, but in general, the rack rates are nuts. $200 for All-Stars, $300 for Caribbean Beach, $800 for "Deluxes". So yeah I guess DVC might still save you money, even at the exorbitant prices they're charging, but that's only because they're charging even more ridiculous rack rates for their hotels. I still love Disney, but I think they've pushed me to stay off-site. And by "off-site" I mean at the Swolphin which is still on Disney property, served by Disney transportation, and costs about $250 a night for a very, very nice hotel.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thank you so much, everyone! I'm soooo sorry... when I said "Well, I guess it's clear we should buy into DVC, right?" I meant it in a sarcastic way! Hahahaha... Because the DVC agent we sat with (again, she was wonderful and of a finesse that I've never seen before on a person trying to sell me anything) literally said "How come you guys are not part of it already???". So, yes, we love Disney and every time we go to a different resort we have the greatest time ever. But, yes, I don't see ourselves going there every year or even every two years, but very possibly every three years. And again, because we love visiting the other resorts around the world and even other destinations. So thank you all so much for your input on that matter.

Yep, DVC Timeshare sales people can be pretty slick. DVC is just a timeshare. Remember that, just a timeshare. When you talk about January, don't forget about the Disney Marathon, usually the second week of January unless Jan 1 is on Sunday. It can be tough to find a villa at seven months out around the Marathon when you have 30,000 runners going 26.2 miles on Sunday and about as many going 13.1 miles the day before. The marathon draws a lot of guests so resorts can be full. Parks not so much, but resorts, yes.