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Post by whitecrane on Aug 24, 2024 21:00:27 GMT -5
I'm hoping you guys will look this over and just give me your input. Does this make any sense? The goal is to gain 11 month booking for a few nights at AUL, and member benefits. But is it worth all this?
I know it's not a, "good" deal but my wife and I are considering buying AUL direct for the member benefits only. We already have WDW vacations taken care of between our BLT and BWV contracts. We don't need any more WDW. The present offer from DVC is $225 / pt with just a $17 incentive for only 100 points as the minimum buy-in. Our DVC guide said he would add a $3,000 credit to us if we bought this month (by the 27th) because our use-year on our BLT contract is September, and he was going to credit us $20 per point (150 points). So the purchase price is $17,800. This seems okay, because we like Aulani, but would not want to stay longer than 3-4 nights, and will rent our the rest of the points or use them at WDW (we do not care where).
The same 100 points on the resale market is about $10,000.
$17,700 - $10,000 = $7,700
For $7,700 we get member benefits, AP discounts. The DVC Sorcerer's Pass is currently $999 vs Incredipass for $1449. $450 less.
$450 x 2 = $900 Savings annually. If prices stay the same (LOL) we would even in about 8 years. If passes increase in price faster, we may break even sooner.
The downside here is the difference between AUL direct and resale is HUGE compared to other resorts. I wish I were in the position to do this with a WDW property, but we already have all the WDW we think we need. I did the same math with RVA and the difference between resale and direct is between $2,800 - $4,500 for the same 100 points. But we don't need RVA.
Open to your thoughts! If this is a bad idea, talk me out of it.
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Post by baymaxfan on Aug 24, 2024 22:55:33 GMT -5
You mention BLT and BWV contracts. Do you not have member benefits with either of these contracts?
Also, are there particular times times of the year you are planning for Aulani? Some times of the year are fairly easy to book there (especially 1 bedrooms). Aulani also has higher maintenance fees, so you need to factor that into your calculations.
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Post by whitecrane on Aug 24, 2024 23:07:06 GMT -5
Good question. The other contracts are resale. We cannot go to the Top of the World Lounge anymore, in our home resort! No discounts. No ID cards. No access to DVC member events like Epcot after hours.
We would typically vacation in Hawaii Jan-Feb, Nov, May, or June. Is booking easy then?
Dues are $9.76 / pt. High.
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Post by Adelard of Bath on Aug 24, 2024 23:29:12 GMT -5
Slightly less than my OKW dues.
Interesting thinking about breaking even after eight years of buying AP (x2) at the current pricing. A valid concern might be: Are you for certain you will be buying APs eight more times? Before the contracts expire. Even if you bought eight more times, that's only "break even" and you don't come out ahead until the next time.
I say if you want it and can swing it, go for it. Everyone says buying direct is fast and easy.
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Post by baymaxfan on Aug 25, 2024 6:49:47 GMT -5
Good question. The other contracts are resale. We cannot go to the Top of the World Lounge anymore, in our home resort! No discounts. No ID cards. No access to DVC member events like Epcot after hours. We would typically vacation in Hawaii Jan-Feb, Nov, May, or June. Is booking easy then? Dues are $9.76 / pt. High. Some of those times are fairly easy to book at Aulani and some would be difficult. Because there are multiple months you are considering for Aulani and want the member benefits (with plans of purchasing APs for several years), I would just take the plunge and buy direct. Once you are signed and paid, you’ll have the points immediately. No waiting for the other side to sign. No waiting for ROFR. No waiting the couple of weeks for Disney to load points. |
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Post by whitecrane on Aug 25, 2024 8:15:45 GMT -5
I'd say I'm definitely leaning towards it. And, I think we're going to (try to) have a kid at some point in the near future. Imagine a 3rd annual pass.
My wife cares quite a bit about DVC only member events, like Epcot after hours and stuff like that. I don't really think that's worth the premium. But it's the discount on the tickets that's kind of swinging me.
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Post by brp on Aug 25, 2024 9:07:16 GMT -5
I'd say I'm definitely leaning towards it. And, I think we're going to (try to) have a kid at some point in the near future. Imagine a 3rd annual pass. My wife cares quite a bit about DVC only member events, like Epcot after hours and stuff like that. I don't really think that's worth the premium. But it's the discount on the tickets that's kind of swinging me. The intangibles like the various parties are more emotional than rational, but the dollar savings is a quantifiable benefit that pays back over time. Also, emotional factors do play a role so, even if they can't be quantified, really have to be factored in, IMO.
Cheers.
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Post by tomandrobin on Aug 26, 2024 7:05:02 GMT -5
My first question is 100 points enough for the trips you want to take....the room you want, the view you want?
In my opinion, you but Aulani if that's where you want to go and want that home resort booking window. I am not an expert on Aulani, but I have seen that 7 month availability is there at certain times of the year, like the fall.
My timeshares rules have always been.....
1. Buy at the resort you want to stay
2. Buy resale when possible.
3. Pay cash, don't finance.
4. Buy direct if side perks and benefits makes sense over time.
Login into the DVC member website and see what availability their currently is at the resort, during the time of year you want to travel.
I own plenty of direct points and plenty or resale, so I am not biased either way you choose. Just choose what is right for you and your travel needs.
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Post by sephorin on Aug 26, 2024 14:44:21 GMT -5
I'd say I'm definitely leaning towards it. And, I think we're going to (try to) have a kid at some point in the near future. Imagine a 3rd annual pass. My wife cares quite a bit about DVC only member events, like Epcot after hours and stuff like that. I don't really think that's worth the premium. But it's the discount on the tickets that's kind of swinging me. I know it's one of the ways that Disney "gets us" but those intangibles are important to me as well. You can't visit Top of the World even though you own at BLT? That's almost enough to convince me to buy direct right there. I started off with two resale BLT contracts. Then I wanted to add on at BCV or BWV. At the time it was possible to purchase just 75 BWV points direct, so that's what we did, and now we should have member perks for as long as we hold that contract. Have I broken even financially with Sorcerer/gold passes? In about four more years, I will. But honestly a big part of the decision was: I wanted access to the member perks. If it were me, I would go with a direct contract for the minimum number of points. The only thing I question is buying at Aulani. I think you can book a one bedroom there at seven months most of the time. (Please others correct me if I am wrong.) I would add on to BWV or BLT. Good luck with your decision! Always nice to meet a fellow BWV and BLT lover.  |
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Post by fuzzylogic on Aug 26, 2024 15:06:55 GMT -5
I wouldn't even consider being a resale-only owner and not a club member. Owning DVC is a lifestyle choice, and as such it wouldn't be the same w not having access to every special / interesting thing that ever comes out! The AP discount is huge. We've already bought 4 sets of 6 over the years. That's 24, or $12K of savings in today's $s. Every discounted activity like Savor, Moonlight, Halloween etc is $10 or $20 less. Getting APs brings 20% off every bit of merch, and 10% (sometimes more) on dining.
That said,
* I don't quite follow your math how you get to $17,800 for 150 points.
* I'd buy somewhere you really want to own -- even if it costs more.
Yes I'd def recommend to anyone who wants to be a part of DVC to get in the club and enjoy everything. I know you're looking at this as a cost tradeoff, but really ~all~ timeshares are a bad value. If they were true profit engine, developers would lose money on them! It comes down to spending your money on what you would enjoy, and it seems like you're eyeing up a bunch of candy you'd really enjoy. So go for it!
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Post by whitecrane on Aug 26, 2024 17:21:58 GMT -5
My first question is 100 points enough for the trips you want to take....the room you want, the view you want? In my opinion, you but Aulani if that's where you want to go and want that home resort booking window. I am not an expert on Aulani, but I have seen that 7 month availability is there at certain times of the year, like the fall. 1. Buy at the resort you want to stay 2. Buy resale when possible. 3. Pay cash, don't finance. 4. Buy direct if side perks and benefits makes sense over time. Login into the DVC member website and see what availability their currently is at the resort, during the time of year you want to travel.
I am going to have to play around with 7 month availability to figure that out. The trouble is, my vacation is not flexible. My job gives me the week off, and that's it. That is my week, Monday - Sunday, and I cannot change a thing. The original goal was to get Member Benefits (direct) and 11 month booking at Aulani, because we would typically want the room with the lowest possible point cost. We are only looking to do 3-4 nights at Aulani, and would spend the rest of the trips elsewhere on Oahu or island-hop to Maui. Those are good rules. The xtra points, I would rent out or bank.
1. It is the resort we want to stay at, for half the trip.
2. We bought our BLT and BWV resale. I think we have Florida covered now with one MK and ine EP resport.
3. I may take a low interest 401k loan to get this done quickly, but my prior 2 were cash.
If it were me, I would go with a direct contract for the minimum number of points. The only thing I question is buying at Aulani. I think you can book a one bedroom there at seven months most of the time. (Please others correct me if I am wrong.) I would add on to BWV or BLT.
I think this is generally true. We've been to Aulani twice, the first time we got a studio, no problem. Second time we had to accept a one bedroom, but could only stay a few nights. Basically, we'd like 3-4 nights at Aulani, and several more nights on the Waikiki strip of hotels (cash). Aulani is nice but it's in the middle of nowhere and we felt trapped in the Disney Bubble (still paradise) at times. Anywhere you want to go is a 30+ minute drive. This past trip, we stayed one week on Waikiki Beach, and 4 nights at Aulani, and we think that is ideal. A week of partying, a few nights to recoup. That's an interesting idea about adding on to BLT or BWV. I had not considered it, and we will discuss it tonight. With all the extra points, we could afford a 1 Bedroom if we got stuck in one even though we are Studio people.
I wouldn't even consider being a resale-only owner and not a club member. Owning DVC is a lifestyle choice, and as such it wouldn't be the same w not having access to every special / interesting thing that ever comes out! The AP discount is huge. We've already bought 4 sets of 6 over the years. That's 24, or $12K of savings in today's $s. Every discounted activity like Savor, Moonlight, Halloween etc is $10 or $20 less. Getting APs brings 20% off every bit of merch, and 10% (sometimes more) on dining. That said, * I don't quite follow your math how you get to $17,800 for 150 points. * I'd buy somewhere you really want to own -- even if it costs more. So, here's the math.Our DVC Guide said we are getting a $3,000 credit, because we are set to receive 150 points on our existing resale contract, in September. I don't understand the reasoning for this, but it's what he told me, He is crediting us $20 / point for every point we already own at BLT, and would receive in September. However, we are only buying 100 points. He said we must buy by August 27th to receive this. |
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Post by fuzzylogic on Aug 26, 2024 19:15:07 GMT -5
So, here's the math.Our DVC Guide said we are getting a $3,000 credit, because we are set to receive 150 points on our existing resale contract, in September. I don't understand the reasoning for this, but it's what he told me, He is crediting us $20 / point for every point we already own at BLT, and would receive in September. However, we are only buying 100 points. He said we must buy by August 27th to receive this. Ok I see what he's doing. You are a Sep UY. Since he's matching the UY, you'd be due to get Sep 2023 points immediately because you're still in that UY and you get any "current" points when you buy new. He's buying those back. I saw that they'll buy back 1st year points. Moving right now is critical then. That's a good deal cuz they'd expire right away anyways, and after 9/1 you won't get those any more. So that $3,000 savings is cool. How are you getting direct benefits with only 100? Do you have 50 direct already? I think the min is 150. |
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Post by whitecrane on Aug 26, 2024 19:59:10 GMT -5
Thanks for explaining that to me. Though the credit is still a little over my head. DVC Guide explicitly said the minimum is 100. I was surprised as well. If it is truly 150, we're absolutely not moving forward.
Per above advice, we're not considering going with another resort because AUL is so easy to book at 7 months anyway.
UPDATE:
Actually, I just got off the phone with DVC - and they told me if I only buy 100 points, they will not extend any member benefits. I can buy 100, but no perks, Wow. Definite miscommunication from my first phone-call.
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Post by tomandrobin on Aug 27, 2024 6:47:00 GMT -5
UPDATE:
Actually, I just got off the phone with DVC - and they told me if I only buy 100 points, they will not extend any member benefits. I can buy 100, but no perks, Wow. Definite miscommunication from my first phone-call.
Not getting your DVC member benefits seems to kill that whole deal.
I love having the perks......we have owned since 2006 and the "savings" have been huge over that time.
So now the question is......do you look at a different direct purchase of 150 points?
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Post by whitecrane on Aug 27, 2024 7:50:30 GMT -5
Yeah, running the numbers for RVA because AUL is such a bad deal direct. I'm pretty disappointed with my DVC guide. Accidents happen and all that but I was pretty clear that the entire purpose of the phone call was to see how I can lock in DVC perks.
After the $3,000 rebate and a cash incentive of roughly $1500, I'm coming up with $178 / point direct. Not much higher than I would pay resale. We won't get the 11 month booking at AUL, but I checked and saw for myself plenty of rooms at 7 months. RVA has lower dues. We looked at Wilderness cabins, but the dues are absolutely ridiculous.
We're weighing two totally different options now. 100 points AUL resale, saving a ridiculous sum of money and just not getting benefits. Or spend the money, RVA for 150 points, getting the perks. The difference is roughly $17,000. That's a LOT of annual passes before break even.
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