Age old debate I know, but we met with a guide last week and I am torn between the direct vs resale option. There are some fairly good incentives at the moment, backpacks, luggage, dining credits on top of the already known discounts for DVC members. I asked about Annual Passes and he mentioned there where whispers of it coming back fairly soon. I am leaning towards direct, because well I get fomo pretty easily, but husband sees more value or at least more bang for the buck in resale.
How much of an incentive do you really feel the perks being a direct member vs resale?
The difference in price between re-sale and direct is often exaggerated.
For good reason, re-sellers advertise "save 35-45% buying resale" --
But -- resale is a lesser product. You won't be able to stay at Riviera or future resorts. That makes the point inherently less value. And if you buy an older resort, you're getting fewer years than a new resort. You're forfeiting some discounts -- The discounts aren't enough to erase the price difference, but they do affect it.
But mostly -- Over the long term, you're not getting any discount on dues.
So let's say you buy with an intent to hold for 20 years.
Direct: $200 per point
Resale: $120 per point -- 40% off!
But now add 20 years of dues at $8 per point. Instead of $200 versus $120, it becomes:
$360 versus $280. -- Now it's just a 22% difference.
Planning on 30 years?
It's $440 vs $360 -- Only a 18% difference.
So for a 18% difference in price -- You lose the ability to stay at Riviera and future resorts, you may be getting a resort with fewer years remaining, you're giving up 10-15% discounts on a lot of food and merchandise, you're giving up special events like Moonlight Magic, you're giving up possible AP discounts.
There isn't a right or wrong answer, whether the savings are "worth it" -- Just appreciate a real picture of the degree of savings, and what you're giving up (or not giving up).