Advice

[Thecorsi4]

Hello,

I am currently looking at DVC, I have a couple of questions for the group. How many points should a person buy, and what would the benefits be of buying through Disney VS secondary market. Seems to be much more cost effective to buy secondary.

Thanks in advance

 

[WWWD]

To answer how many points to buy, it depends on how many people in your party and how often you go - every year, every other year or every three years. With DVC, you can bank and borrow points so you can use your points every year or save one year (bank) and/or borrow from next years. Here’s the chart calculator to let you know how many points you would need for a typical stay.

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.go.com/destinations/list/dvc-resorts/

 

[WWWD]

To answer your question of to buy resale or direct, scan the DVC threads on this site and you’ll see all the cost v benefits discussions.

 

[Thecorsi4]

To answer your question of to buy resale or direct, scan the DVC threads on this site and you’ll see all the cost v benefits discussions.

Thank you, looking now

 

[nickys]

My advice on the number of points.

Do not buy the minimum number of points for the type of room you would like to ideally get. Always get a few extra.

For example, value rooms at AKL, whether studios or larger, always go right at the dot at the 11 month mark.
Similar story for standard views at BLT, or studios at any Epcot resort during Food & Wine.

Be aware of the DVC premium times of year, they do not match those of WDW generally. Any time from October to December is very hard to get, except at your home resort before the 7 month window opens.

So don't bank on getting the cheapest room type, allow for the next step up.

And always buy where you want to stay.

 

[Thecorsi4]

My advice on the number of points.

Do not buy the minimum number of points for the type of room you would like to ideally get. Always get a few extra.

For example, value rooms at AKL, whether studios or larger, always go right at the dot at the 11 month mark.
Similar story for standard views at BLT, or studios at any Epcot resort during Food & Wine.

Be aware of the DVC premium times of year, they do not match those of WDW generally. Any time from October to December is very hard to get, except at your home resort before the 7 month window opens.

So don't bank on getting the cheapest room type, allow for the next step up.

And always buy where you want to stay.

Thank you for the advice,

There is so much to try and figure out when it comes to this type of purchase

 

[correcaminos]

I agree. Get a little more than the ideal amount of points you might want to use a year.. Also remember your travel habits will probably change over time as well.

The bonus of resale vs direct is the money saved. The perks IMO are not worth the hike in price to get direct. I use some of them but the thousands saved just makes it a no brainer for me. The only exception would be hard to get resorts or lower point amounts (100 or under). Then run the math and be sure to include closing costs.

My thought also is to buy where you want to stay most. Particularly if you like to travel Fall-Marathon weekend. Those book fast and getting where you want to be is important during those times of year.

I have to run but those are my quick thoughts

 

[eliza61nyc]

pretty much agree with what everyone else mentioned. My biggie is buy where you want to stay ESPECIALLY if you are going during the fall.

I purchased direct only because back in the dark ages, lol buying resale wasn't popular. Not sure what the perks are but the ones that I use mainly are the discounts. I just used it for my discounts to the wild Africa trek but if I had to purchase today at today's prices... it would definitely be resale.

 

[Thecorsi4]

Another question, I am able to use military discounts. If i were to buy DVC can i still use Military discount for tickets and dinning plan if we chose to buy the dinning plan that is.

 

[correcaminos]

Another question, I am able to use military discounts. If i were to buy DVC can i still use Military discount for tickets and dinning plan if we chose to buy the dinning plan that is.

Yes on the tickets - buy them as usual and link them to your MDE account. We do that for our military family (we personally do APs). There is no military discount I can see on dining. I personally find the dining plan not worth it particularly if you have a DVC room. Running numbers is smart but I never found out where we would even break even with dining.

 

[Thecorsi4]

Has anyone Bought at say Vero beach knowing that is not really the main resort they will be staying at, Just because more points can be purchased for a lower amount?

 

[nickys]

Has anyone Bought at say Vero beach knowing that is not really the main resort they will be staying at, Just because more points can be purchased for a lower amount?

Remember the maintenance fees have to be paid year after year. And it's more prone to storm damage.

And you'll only be able to book WDW at 7 months.

Personally I would only buy Vero Beach if you want to stay there.

 

[Phonedave]

Has anyone Bought at say Vero beach knowing that is not really the main resort they will be staying at, Just because more points can be purchased for a lower amount?

As nickys said, it's more in maintenance each year.

As far as the "buy where you want to stay" mentality goes. I say it should be more of a "buy for a bargain if you don't care where and what sort of room you stay in"

Very rarely is it a case of "there are no DVC rooms available at all of WDW at the 7 month window" What it often is, is "there are no rooms at the desirable resorts for that time of year, and for the other resorts, all of the "cheap" rooms are gone". So if you don't mind ponying up the points for a 2 BR at SSR when what you wanted was a BWV Studio during F&W, then by all means go for Vero Beach.

-dave

 

[Thecorsi4]

As nickys said, it's more in maintenance each year.

As far as the "buy where you want to stay" mentality goes. I say it should be more of a "buy for a bargain if you don't care where and what sort of room you stay in"

Very rarely is it a case of "there are no DVC rooms available at all of WDW at the 7 month window" What it often is, is "there are no rooms at the desirable resorts for that time of year, and for the other resorts, all of the "cheap" rooms are gone". So if you don't mind ponying up the points for a 2 BR at SSR when what you wanted was a BWV Studio during F&W, then by all means go for Vero Beach.

-dave

Thank you,

I really appreciate the input.

 

[DisDadWoz]

You should also check when the points expire. Some resorts have offered additional years but not sure that is going to happen with all of them. If it doesn't really matter where you stay then find a bargain if you can as most resorts have some availability. If you want to stay like others have said near EPCOT during F&W or Marathon Weekend then you should narrow your search.

 

[TheGuyThatMakesSwords]

My dear wife and I have TWO serious chunks of advice...

1) BUY where you want to STAY. Get the 11 month booking window.
2) DO NOT FINANCE.

 

[RookieMouse]

Yes on the tickets - buy them as usual and link them to your MDE account. We do that for our military family (we personally do APs). There is no military discount I can see on dining. I personally find the dining plan not worth it particularly if you have a DVC room. Running numbers is smart but I never found out where we would even break even with dining.

Remember that most WDW restaurants will offer anywhere from a 10% to a 20% discount just for showing your DVC membership card. Here is a recent list from dvcnews.com: http://dvcnews.com/index.php/other-...isney-vacation-club-dining-discounts-for-2018

 

[correcaminos]

Remember that most WDW restaurants will offer anywhere from a 10% to a 20% discount just for showing your DVC membership card. Here is a recent list from dvcnews.com: http://dvcnews.com/index.php/other-...isney-vacation-club-dining-discounts-for-2018

Thank you!! I looked at my post and "room" should have been "membership" Not sure what the heck my tablet did there with auto correct. I was implying the discounts. Though having a room with a fridge is also good for cutting costs. Easier to do small meals and such even if you don't want to cook on vacation.