When you said Disney is in control and that does have a price, all I could think about was Rumplestilskin saying….”all magic comes with a price dearie!” 😂
We ended up buying a townhome right behind Magic Kingdom. It's our vacation home for now, but when my husband retires from the military, it'll be our home-home. I'd rather invest my money into something for me, rather than a company. Personal choice!!!
I didn’t even fully realize this could be an option…not sure why it hadn’t occurred to be before, since we’ve been tossing around the idea of buying into DVC. Awesome!
Great idea but the average DVC contract is in the tens of thousands. A townhome in Central Florida is in the hundreds of thousands. Guessing most families don’t have that to spend on a second home.
Oh, Jen…..this does not surprise me. I could see the twinkle in your eye when you stayed at the Riviera! I would love to stay there one day, but for now, your purchase works out great for all of us who haven’t stayed there! We get to stay vicariously through your videos. So, yep, this was a great idea! Can’t wait til “our” (really your) next stay!😊
But is it just a case of the Riviera being the latest and greatest? Old Key West is still an awesome resort, and we stayed there on our last trip at Jenn’s recommendation.
We could sell our points at Saratoga Springs right now and make a profit from when we bought it only five years ago. And I do think the Riviera is beautiful, and I love that it’s on the Skyliner. But I just can’t justify the resale restrictions. It just seems so overbearing.
So glad I found your channel! :-) I just purchased a re-sale contract last year at Saratoga Springs, and we love it. Some things I learned now: 1) Be careful if buying resale from an international owner. Apparently our seller was from Canada and did not have an itin, if you buy resale you are ultimately responsible as the buyer for withholding taxes, they got an "IRS expert" who told me and the closing agent they didn't need an ITIN, that is a lie. I waited until the closing agent had the ITIN application in hand before signing any documents, dont let the sellers bully you! 2) Interest you pay on the timeshare is tax deductible (as of 2022 tax year), as long as its your 2nd residence (not a third).
So, I do slightly disagree with the don't finance, if you can deduct the interest, that could help to save money on your taxes, it really just depends on your financial situation
I purchased back in 2000. I have not looked back. Love my DVC. I agree with you that now price per point is a lot more than what I would be comfy with.
We purchased in 2000 as well. Our home resort is Boardwalk as is yours I suspect. We stay there periodically but love staying at the other deluxe resorts as well. I would never consider selling it. It is one of the best things we have ever done financially.
Thank you Jen. I was so disappointed recently when my husband and I realized we could not purchase DVC. We had our heart set on Saratoga Springs. Something happened financially and we could not do it. However, we also like staying at Port Orleans. After watching this video, I am not as bummed out. We have a nice vacation planned the end of September/beginning of October. I am beyond excited and no longer feel as though I missed out. 😊
Awesome! So happy you were able to get the Riviera contract. My daughter and I stayed there in a Tower Studio just last month. It is very nice! She and I sat outside one morning enjoying our breakfast and watching people attempt to play Bocce and admiring the beauty of the resort. We have been DVC members since 2009. Would I do it again if I had a chance to start over? I don;t know. Am I enjoying being a member now? I am, indeed! I am using my points more often now that I am retired and part of the charm is being able to spoil myself, I mean, "Treat" myself to a stay at a deluxe resort whenever I do visit Disney. I also have been able to treat my sisters to some fun luxury vacations lately which has only added to my joy. My goal is to some day stay in a deluxe studio room at the Riviera. I think they are so charming. As for your good fortune, Congrats and enjoy!!
We have been considering DVC for a long time. This video was a huge help! Great information wow! We also decided that staying on property doesn’t have the benefits it once did. No early fast pass access, no magical express, early park access is nice if you like getting up early(we do not😂) but miss the old magic hours that were at night sometimes. Honestly our last two trips we stayed at Universal 😮
We went to DW in February and stayed "off property" at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and could not book any Genie+ till 9am. Staying on property can book Genie+ at 7am, so that did impact us booking RoR and other rides that book up before 9am.
I got lucky and bought a great priced resale contract in early 2020, when Disney wasn't buying anything back. Even with financing, I found that staying in studios was cheaper than most moderate resorts. The payoff isn't as good for buying direct, but if you know you're going to stay deluxe or in the Disney villas it will save you a lot of money.
I somewhat impulsively bought a 100 pt resale contract during the pandemic because my husband loves Star Wars & we had a fun trip. I watched your videos before--super helpful. We’ve since adopted a baby & can now take her each year. We only paid $100 per point in 2020. We wouldn’t be able to afford for now so I feel like I made the right decision. If we didn’t have DVC, we would continue staying at Pop or a moderate which really is fine for us. The deluxe features are just a bonus to having our vacations prepaid.
Hi Jen, I enjoyed your video. We are DVC owners since 1995 and as time has gone on purchased other contracts through Disney and other from DVC resale sites. We have no children of our own but we were lucky to share it through the years with my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and now great nieces and nephews. We live up in Western New York and we come down about 4-5 times a year. This has been part of our retirement plan also. I can’t say we are happy with all of the changes through the past years but it’s still where we happily call our “home away from home”. Love your videos on both your sites. Thank you as always for sharing!
Congratulations on your sold/purchase of DVC. We are in the group of "it doesn't make sense" for us. When prices were good, we were active duty military--never a good idea since you don't even know if you will be able to take a vacation or where you will be living. Then because DH is retired we have access to Shades of Green which is such a good value for what is comparable to a deluxe resort it is better for us to not do DVC. So glad you make the point that it is not for everyone!
Congrats on the new contract! Based on your videos we got a 200pt BCV contract for $120 a point just over a year ago. Looking at how much we could flip it for now is pretty tempting, but so is 30 years of magical vacations!
Yes, I needed this. A reality check for me, thanks for being so honest with DVC. I’ll stay with moderate resorts now and come along on ur Disney trips ;). Lol.
I’ve been following your DVC stories for 2 years-we finally jumped on an Aulani contract last fall when they were offering $148/point for buying 300 points (a bit more than we were planning, but the discount was huge) and since they gave us 2020 points and 2021 points since we closed in 2022, I figured adding the value of those “free” points would make it pretty close to the resale price (does that Disney math add up🤣). My husband felt the same as you, he wanted direct points to stay at future resorts.
you: pls give a thumbs up me: looking at the thumbs up i already did the second i clocked on the video also me: i mean... i can do it again lol XD thank you for sharing how this works!! super interested in it despite that fact that its deffo not in the cards for me. always neat though!!
We bought in to DVC 19 years ago via the resale market so we were grandfathered into the perks. We have since added points to our home resort since through Disney. My Husband and I fell in love with the wilderness lodge and bought points there off the resale market since the villas were not being sold anymore at that time. It’s been the best thing we’ve done and have enjoyed taking our kids every year.
Wow! I am so happy it worked so well for you. As I have told you before, we could never make the numbers work for us, and I have had a few years of health problems (actually none of them due to the great unpleasantness) where I would not have been able to go, so I am glad we did not try it. But I do enjoy it through your adventures!
Hi Jen. Just found your blog. We've been DVC since 2008 (blue card) with six direct contracts over the years (SSR, AUL). When you showed the DVC backpack, I just had to comment. Yes, six direct contracts and never received anything over these 14 years. I was watching Pete W. (DVC Fan blog) and they were talking about all the things they received over the years when purchasing another contract!!!. So I emailed the DVC customer service person. Three persons later (pass it on, pass it on) that person researched our contract history and sent us ONE backpack. Guess the Mouse had to make sure we were not ripping him off for the free stuff (LOL).
I've loved your videos for years! After running the numbers, matched with my desire and enthusiasm, I've submitted a contract and deposit for a resale Polynesian contract. Off to ROFR. So nervous! Thanks for all of your great content!
You bring the sunshine Jen!! Thank you for your chat’s, if find them so interesting! You have a gift and I’m so glad you share your positivity and “sunshine” here with all of us ☀️ Theresa xo
Congratulations! As a Riviera owner and someone who has stayed at almost every Disney World property, I have smiled a bit over the last 2 years as you have commented (accurately) about Riviera points, restrictions, cost etc but not yet staying there. Welcome, sometimes you just want luxury 😁. Inflation of point price/dues/hotel prices are never guaranteed but that should also always be said about investing. Buy & plan the life that makes you happy and you are always a Winner.
Thank you for this. After every Disney trip I consider if DVC is right for us. Based on how we travel and what you were saying I'm more convinced it doesn't make sense. We're value resort people because we're the type that are rarely at our resort and as much as I want to try other places it just doesn't make sense to spend that money on our accommodations when we're literally there to sleep and not much else. A DVC rep had my husband thinking it was actually a good idea in 2019, but then he realized, oh wait tix aren't included and the annual dues alone are probably more than we spend on the hotel so we'd never really recoup our money. I think they get you or me at least because after every trip I just want to figure out a way to be able to get down there more often because as stressful as WDW can be, I'm still never happier than I am there.
We just bought our “starter home” DVC with a lot of advice from you. We got a 50 point contract at Polynesian for $180/pt. It’s under 10k and a small part of our world. The idea was to build on it like you did but with all the recent stuff going on (from new development at Poly to culture wars going on in Disney) we might just stay with what we have, which gives us 2-3 nights at the Poly a year and we can then stay off property for another 2-3 days and have a nice Orlando vacation, whether at Disney, Universal Legoland or elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the market when interest rates go up one to two percent. I assume lots of people finance and that should cool it off a bit. We will also see if the post-lockdown surge in popularity subsides in a year or two.
18:16 Amen! I don’t think I could ever justify buying DVC as it is right now. (I don’t have enough cash to just buy a contract outright, so I’d be force to finance.)
Wow….Jen,there’s a lot of information in this video… It all sounds complicated but I love the apartments and resorts you stay at…. I would love to be able to do this….. I love how your just so natural on camera…….it’s like your chatting just to one person over a cuppa n biscuits lol 👍🇬🇧
Congratulations on your DVC purchase! That is such a beautiful resort. My husband is two years from retirement and we have been kicking around either purchasing a DVC or a second home in Florida. Because of our age, it makes more sense when we work the numbers to purchase a condo/townhome with more room for our kids and their families to visit while we stay in the winter months. Now we just need the availability... The real estate market is just nuts!
Being able to stay in premier Disney hotels for 2001 prices has been amazing. Never did we think rack rates would skyrocket like they have since then. Three resale and one direct contract all before they took away the benefits. We still enjoy our stays and don’t stay long in the parks anymore, except Epcot.
Just bought DVC at Riviera and I have been appreciating all of your insight for the last two years …. For me financially it makes sense …. I wish I had done it four years ago ….I spend alot of money on rooms the last 4 times I have gone …. Thank you Jen and maybe I will see you at Riviera sometime … we stayed there last September … and I absolutely loved it ! I love how small it is …skyliner & topolinos and the splash area and pool …
Yes, the petite size (or should I say petit? LOL) is perfect and I love that no rooms are miles from the lobby and skyliner. Thanks for the warm welcome to the neighborhood!
We bought at RR before it opened. So glad we did. Despite the hate injected over the restrictions people have begun to realize it’s a gem. Beautiful resort. We love it.
I’m dying. 🤣 We bought Riviera before it opened. When you would talk about it, I would totally think, she just hasn’t stayed there to realize it overcomes all that. I’m so happy for you! Welcome home, neighbor!
Doing the math on a financed dvc contract is crazy. Timeshares are spread bad and if Disney stopped ROFR then the value would plummet or could plummet at any time. Anything is a better investment. For the money, pay a down payment on a house near Disney. Disney CANT take that back in 2042.
We bought Riviera and couldn't be happier. We all have our reasons for doing things and we all have different lives. I feel very happy with my choice and would do it again.
I own 2 different TS's with 2 different companies. One I love as they are so easy to work with, the other... Not so much. I use it, and the resort is nice. But I would sell it in a heartbeat
Thank you for always being so honest with us. I was far from a point in my life where this would be a possibility but maybe I will just pass. I am a planner but I am fine with moderate so it at not make sense.
Oh my goodness - so funny about the 2070 expiration being your 100th birthday. I bought at the Grand Floridian because the expiry is 2064. I was born in 1964 so I told my kids to book October of 2063 for my 99th birthday at the Gramd! 🤣🎉
Love your honest take on this! We wish we had bought dvc 6yrs ago. We sailed on the wish in late august and the points were $207 on board and at this point I don’t think I could financially justify dvc. I am happy staying off property. We have only ever stayed on property at value resorts. Do I wish I could stay on that monorail line? Absolutely! Is that convenience worth the price for us? Def not.
Congrats on your purchase as it has continued to work for you. That is the bottom line with timeshares no matter if it is DVC or some other company (and not all others are bad). You have to really understand how to make it work for you. It is prepaid vacations to a degree so you have to be able to go on vacations frequently to get your $$$ worth (and have the time and additional money to do this) and you have to be the type of person who enjoys planning in advance. Now there is always exceptions but most people will tell you this if they are truly honest.
We finally decided (well my husband finally agreed 😂) after our trip in September that we wanted to be DVC members. We go yearly as a big family, we plan way ahead of time, we only stay in 1 bedrooms or more, and we don’t see ourselves ever not going to Disney. We had the first two Saratoga Springs contracts taken by Disney through ROFR. We’re hoping third times a charm. 🤞
Hi Jen. Well…I feel compelled to provide my very recent experience with the DVC resell company you mention in this video. I currently own 4 DVC contracts. I decided to sell my 150 point Grand Floridian contract mid April with the company you mention in this video. I listed at a very competitive price compared to the other listings. Dropped the price 4 times until it was the lowest priced Grand Floridian contract they had listed and never heard a peep from them while other listings at higher prices with points coming due further out were listed as sold. Needless to say we are pulling our listing and will find another reseller.
Great video! Just subbed to your channel. I bought a resale BLT contract in 2020 just before the pandemic hit. It's already selling (on resale) for approx. $20.00 per point more. I wanted to become a direct member, so I was going to buy a GF contract when those became available, but my guide called me in early January and I got a great deal on an add-on to BLT. I'm thrilled because I my husband and I love that resort, and yes, it literally took 12 minutes. 🤣
Every other timeshare I looked at, your annual dues end up costing around the same price as if you stayed without buying the timeshare. DVC is the only timeshare I've found where your annual dues are actually SUBSTANTIALLY less than what it costs to stay there. As an example, if I own at OKW and want to stay at a studio in Sept. It can be as low as 9 points per night. If the dues are around $8.81 per point, that means you're staying for less than $80.00 per night, since there's no taxes that is it. Where can you stay on Disney property for anywhere close to that?? Truth is that room is normally around 4X more!!
Congrats on Riviera!! We love it! Have stayed twice on our BWV points! And was like you, wasn’t excited about it until we stayed! 😂 My 20 yo D picked it and we fell in love it!! Very tempted to buy but can’t swallow those prices! So agree with your financial statement on DVC.
Interesting your DVC story timing matches what I tell me wife: 10 years ago was the peak time to buy DVC. Unfortunately we were not in a good financial spot to do so. Now that we are, DVC is a bad deal. Such is life
Congrats on your purchase! I totally get the Riviera decision! I was so against Riviera due to the restrictions and (especially) the point chart. We have two SSR contracts (one direct and one resale)....we ate at Toppolinos (sp?) last week on our trip, and now considering another direct contract at Riviera. WE just love it there....
Hi Jen, it has been awhile, I fully enjoyed this video and your journey to your new DVC Rivera Contract. Congratulations! You have provided great advice on this and I love all of the detail that you include. Enjoy your new”HOME”. Ken
Someone could buy a $4,000 - $7,000 resale Hilton timeshare in Las Vegas, for roughly $1,000 per year in maintenance dues, and get 2 weeks off peak season in Orlando, in a 1 bedroom. Personally we bought a basic package for $99 (plus $1,000 in closing and transfers), which will give us 1 week for the same amount of money. Since we never stay a week anywhere, preferring road or triangle trips, we can stretch that out with weeknight stays. Marriott also has a great reputation too, as an alternative to DVC.
I totally get it. We stayed at the Riviera in March of 2020 and looooved it! I understand your points on DVC and I appreciate the honesty on the finance side of things. I’m one of those people who love our dvc but I probably should have invested the money (says my husband). But it brings me joy. I love being in a villa AND being on Disney property. Sometimes I don’t even have to go into the parks! Anyways, congrats on your new contract. I can’t wait to see one of those tower rooms!
I had to smile, we have all our points at Rivera. We love the convenience of the skyliner, and the easy walk to get something to eat, love the quiet pool…hope to see you there one day!
We thought about renting points back when it actually was reasonable to do so. However, when we go we love to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter. Great food, atmosphere and nice rooms. Thanks for sharing and glad it worked out for you in the end and hopefully those wanting to buy resale will have better luck next time or even find something direct from Disney that works well for them. Have a great rest of your weekend.
WOOT WOOT. DVC CONTENT! I knew as soon as you said you bought another contract what it was! Having special transportation to me has been such a game changer when it comes to DVC/resort stays.
We bought riviera pre-opening as our first dvc. And so glad we did. I was kind of worried but having stayed there, it is easily our favorite. Wish we could afford more points to stay longer/more often/larger room.
My daughter couldn't go on the Disney trip for Spring Break last minute. While standing in lines for rides or buses, yes I had people look me like what? Her college scheduled something on that Sunday-the day our plane was supposed to leave.Then the plane coming back got cancelled..I couldn't get back for 4 more days. So Spring Break / Disney for us is now no more. So I'm looking to the flexibility of summer! Not my first choice, but it might be less stressful for us these days. You just have more days to work with. So regarding points, I can only imagine scheduling ahead could be tricky.
Congratulations! I just knew you were going to say Riviera…. We all saw how much you loved it there! It makes perfect sense to me! Enjoy! And man, the instant gratification of buying direct is very appealing.
Jen with the hard truth about the “free” DVC backpack 😂! Rented points in ‘02 to test the waters. Stayed in OKW and HHI. Bought 50pts HHI resale in ‘06. My daughter and I have loved our trips (only stayed HHI once!)! Always thought I’d be able to get more points, but… life. Grateful to have the grandfathered perks. Can’t wait for your Riviera adventures!
Thanks for the video. That is where we're at...just because we COULD buy DVC, should we?? At this point with even the resale market where it is, I'm not really sure it's worth it. And the the ticket reservation system and ticket pricing the way they are, it's kind of a huge negative. I'm not sure I want to be locked in for the rest of my life 😵 It begs the question - where is the tipping point?
Had to reply as we find the topic of "where is the tipping point" for Disney and like themed parks/companies very interesting. Even harder to determine now as we have entered a post pandemic frenzy where people are rushing out to make up for all that lost time and all the reasoning that came with it. Anyway the one thing is that Disney has been booming even with all the price increases and service/perks? deceases. It seems that enough people are still willing to pay whatever it takes to get the "Disney" experience. I know that we love Disney also but not going to the parks until the crowds decrease...hopefully but still visited the Disney properties. Will continue to wonder about the tipping point however.
Thanks for all your videos - they did help us decide on DVC (many weeks of researching) and bought our first contract in January - our reason - its where we want to go on holiday year after year until we can't travel any more (we live in the UK). We loved all the vlogs on resort stays and picked RR. (price and location as we don't like to drive in the US so need close proximity/Skyliner) We love HS/Epcot and want to stay anywhere so we went Direct as well (and as its easier from overseas). Now we are curious about add on contracts so testing a night at BLT in a few weeks so we can split our stays at 11 months. Also UK travellers tend to stay 2 weeks due to the cost of flights so want to be able to ensure we can get studios at 11 months out for the dates we need (we can't do last minute). Keep up the good work! 😀 and many many thanks for all the information.
Congrats, Jen!! I’m glad you changed your mind about Riviera! Isn’t she so pretty??! 🤣 We bought Riviera direct since we live in CA and didn’t want to be blocked from using our points at Disneyland’s new tower or if we could ever get in at Grand Cal. Our DVC backpack has never been used either. Terrible. But they’re supposed to be giving popsockets instead of the backpack! I guess they haven’t started that yet! Oh, and wasn’t the Riviera merch so so cute?! Congrats again! 💕🎉
We own direct with Riviera and just bought our second direct contract at grand floridian. Our experience was the same with both, we put them on our Disney card and then paid off with savings to get the rewards. I also felt panic when it was done so quickly. But I'm super excited to own at both places and for my husband and I to enjoy our empty nest years going to Disney!! Maybe I'll see you at Riviera one day!!!
We’ve been considering buying DVC for 5-6 years… never buy the bullet mostly because we were traveling with all our kids and grands… always got a big house off property. Hubs and I stay on property sometimes {LOVE both Port Orleans resorts}. Tho timing is still not right for us {we bought a lake cottage and DVC prices are 🤑🤑🤑} I STILL wanna buy DVC one day. You know I love me some Old Lady Disney trips, and hanging out at a deluxe resort for a few days sans parks sounds dang fun. Also, if you ever want a travel buddy… 😉
Hello Jenn love your channel. Congrats on your purchase on Riviera. I myself would not come near Riviera as a purchase due to the resale problem of not being able to stay elsewhere. I believe it cost 207.00? A point at Riviera. Problem at that price I think if you need to sell you would lose a significant amount from original purchase price. I have seen resale contracts for Riviera at around 150.00 a point.(just my opinion) I myself have 300 points at Aulani, we love it there and go twice a year. Have fun and great memories at Riviera!!
Aw, I'm happy for you! And so so jealous! I wouldn't buy direct for the backpack;) but have seriously thought I would just for the Moonlight Magic Hours...soooo....
Love all your great information and honesty!! I am in a ROFR waiting period now and hoping for the best🤞love your comment on your 100th bd at Riviera as I was contemplating if I’m too old to buy in at all😂
Congratulations, Jen! My birth DAY is literally 1/31, and my husband's birthday is 12/5 (Walt's birthday,) so I feel like it's fated! LOL. We own two direct contracts at Riviera. Resale, blah, blah, blah, LOL. I don't like the restrictions, but Riviera resale is going for 145-150, and we bought in two years ago at 172. If we need to sell in 10 years for college, I have no doubt we'll recoup our initial investment and have only vacationed on annual dues. In the meantime, we have gone three times already and have another trip in two weeks. Hope to run into you! We love Riviera -- compact footprint, great dining, adore the Skyliner, HS and EP are our favorite parks, large and luxurious rooms, wide foyer, Tower studios for when we're empty nesters. I will say, DVC inflation is real -- and crazy. I would love to add another 200 points, but by the time we save up for it, I think direct points at the new Poly/DL tower are going to be crazy and price us out. However, WDW hotel inflation is ALSO crazy. I looked into pricing Caribbean Beach for the exact same room we had in August, 2019 (when we bought into Riviera,) and August of this year, and it would be $500 more for the same week. That's a huge difference! IDK. Nothing at WDW/DL is cheap. But, renting beach cottages is not cheap, either. I paid $1500 for a beat-up cottage one street back from oceanfront five years ago and had to bring all our linens, food, and do all the work as if I was at home. Now that same cottage is $2000 for the week with no improvements. That was another push towards DVC for us. At least our money spent buys us trips and options versus just paying for accommodations with nothing to show for it. I'm not trying to convince folks to get DVC, LOL, and I know you already drank the Kool-AId, but the more we use our DVC, the more we love it. The parks are not *as* important, now we're getting into the resort itself and relaxing on vacation -- at Disney! Usually not something that goes together, relax=WDW. Anyway, I loved your Riviera review last month, and Spotify has a Riviera playlist! I play it in the morning while I get the kids ready for school. Nothing like "A spoonful of sugar" sung in French to get you going!
Oh and my agent said that they were taking such a high percentage of contracts because they raised the Direct price on SS, OKW, and BCV. 😬 So they were buying them up in advance for the price increase. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank You Jen!💕This video was so well done , as all yours are ! But I enjoyed getting the info about DVC , we almost bought direct a few years back for Poly, but decided not to. I’m glad. But going to the “Talk” they never gave the info you did it was glossy it’s magical to be apart of the Disney bubble. Your info was Very informative if We ever do become members! Although getting deluxe rooms at CM prices when I worked there after I retired make me NOT ever willing to pay to stay on property even with a discount for lower crowd seasons) ( and that’s not happing any more)
YES I've seen some of those CM discounts and I would feel the same! Honestly, I think DVC isn't right for MOST people so I'm sure you made the right call!
What did the backpack do to you to be described that way? 😆 It's a decent bag imo, but more importantly, I think it's nice that they do that. They don't have to, people would still buy. 😉 Congrats on owing at Riviera! 😍
Well I really hope you get to celebrate your 100th birthday at the Riviera, Jen! haha :) I'll be 88 by then if my brain fog is letting me do math correctly now so CHEERS to that! :-) You know what? I'll just come over and celebrate with you!
Congrats! I think in your specific situation, the Riviera is a no brainer! Also, THANK YOU for telling people not to finance it. The amount of interest you’d be paying is just stupid.
My wife and I are fully retired, and have been for several years. Our money is sitting and growing at a faster rate than we are withdrawing it. Easily. We travel, and stay at 4 stars or better. We're strongly considering DVC...so MANY places still on our bucket list. Money just isn't a concern..and pre-paying for vacay's seems like a good idea.
Dennis, honestly, when we first bought it seemed ridiculous that we would use that as a part of our retirement plan but with the rising costs of resort stays (and our champagne taste and beer budget) I think it really does make sense!
@@JenLefforge - At this point...300 points, write the check, and two vacations a year. One nice one, one moderate one. All we need to be concerned with is getting there.
Sorry Jen. Completely disagree with you on financing the dvc. Most people cannot lay out that much cash in one shot. I financed my Bay Lake Tower direct contract back in 2011 @ $120 PP. That was $30k then. BLT is now $245 PP. That would be $61,250.00 now direct for 250 points. My contract has been paid off a long time now. I’ve been going every year since. If I didn’t finance back in 2011, I would never have had it. Plus what it’s worth now even on the resale market, I’m way ahead in value. Plus it was a mortgage deduction on taxes for the years I was paying for it. It was essentially a car payment. Even @ 11% then with financing with Disney. Totally worth it. Thank goodness I did it then.
I was very close to adding on direct Riviera points to my resale SSR contract, but I can’t get past the concern that resale restrictions will hurt the price when I go to sell, or that increasing number of Riviera resale buyers over time will make it really hard to book rooms there even at 11 months out. Sad bc I do love the resort! Instead I am waiting on the new Poly development to see how that works out, and may add on when that’s available in a couple years.
Remember that in ten years there will be another resort or three that will be in the same group as Riviera and more as time goes on. This will make Riviera more attractive and non-riviera less attractive. And if they don’t build, it’s likely they will get rid of the restriction because it seems contingent on future developments.
Hi Jen. I have watched your videos for a long time. We recently purchased DVC direct at Animal Kingdom and just got home from our first trip at Kidani. The last day we took a tour of Riviera. I get it. I really do. The resort is absolutely stunning! And the layouts of the rooms, though smaller than Kidani, are very convenient. We are considering adding on there now. My husband was sold from the moment we stepped in to the first room. We got to see all rooms, tower, deluxe, 1 and 2, as well as the grand villa. Wowzers. Do you happen to know if the new resorts Poly and GF have these same resale restrictions? Or is Riviera special in that way?
When you said Disney is in control and that does have a price, all I could think about was Rumplestilskin saying….”all magic comes with a price dearie!” 😂
It's not far from the truth. We all make our deals I suppose . . . (that came out darker then I intended LOL)
Hahaha that is so on point
We ended up buying a townhome right behind Magic Kingdom. It's our vacation home for now, but when my husband retires from the military, it'll be our home-home. I'd rather invest my money into something for me, rather than a company. Personal choice!!!
I didn’t even fully realize this could be an option…not sure why it hadn’t occurred to be before, since we’ve been tossing around the idea of buying into DVC. Awesome!
Great idea but the average DVC contract is in the tens of thousands. A townhome in Central Florida is in the hundreds of thousands. Guessing most families don’t have that to spend on a second home.
Behind disney university..I seen them
Oh, Jen…..this does not surprise me. I could see the twinkle in your eye when you stayed at the Riviera! I would love to stay there one day, but for now, your purchase works out great for all of us who haven’t stayed there! We get to stay vicariously through your videos. So, yep, this was a great idea! Can’t wait til “our” (really your) next stay!😊
I really am a giver, Kendra. BWAHAHAHA. THANK YOU so much!
But is it just a case of the Riviera being the latest and greatest? Old Key West is still an awesome resort, and we stayed there on our last trip at Jenn’s recommendation.
LolI love that! Rich people don't buy timeshare!! you know it girl...
We could sell our points at Saratoga Springs right now and make a profit from when we bought it only five years ago. And I do think the Riviera is beautiful, and I love that it’s on the Skyliner. But I just can’t justify the resale restrictions. It just seems so overbearing.
So glad I found your channel! :-) I just purchased a re-sale contract last year at Saratoga Springs, and we love it. Some things I learned now: 1) Be careful if buying resale from an international owner. Apparently our seller was from Canada and did not have an itin, if you buy resale you are ultimately responsible as the buyer for withholding taxes, they got an "IRS expert" who told me and the closing agent they didn't need an ITIN, that is a lie. I waited until the closing agent had the ITIN application in hand before signing any documents, dont let the sellers bully you! 2) Interest you pay on the timeshare is tax deductible (as of 2022 tax year), as long as its your 2nd residence (not a third).
So, I do slightly disagree with the don't finance, if you can deduct the interest, that could help to save money on your taxes, it really just depends on your financial situation
I purchased back in 2000. I have not looked back. Love my DVC. I agree with you that now price per point is a lot more than what I would be comfy with.
We purchased in 2000 as well. Our home resort is Boardwalk as is yours I suspect. We stay there periodically but love staying at the other deluxe resorts as well. I would never consider selling it. It is one of the best things we have ever done financially.
@@trinadungan5840 my home resort is Wilderness Lodge. I don’t stay there to often unless I book at 11 months out😔
Thank you Jen. I was so disappointed recently when my husband and I realized we could not purchase DVC. We had our heart set on Saratoga Springs. Something happened financially and we could not do it. However, we also like staying at Port Orleans. After watching this video, I am not as bummed out. We have a nice vacation planned the end of September/beginning of October. I am beyond excited and no longer feel as though I missed out. 😊
You 100% did not miss out and financial serenity is the most important thing! That's more magical than ANY vacation!
Awesome! So happy you were able to get the Riviera contract. My daughter and I stayed there in a Tower Studio just last month. It is very nice! She and I sat outside one morning enjoying our breakfast and watching people attempt to play Bocce and admiring the beauty of the resort. We have been DVC members since 2009. Would I do it again if I had a chance to start over? I don;t know. Am I enjoying being a member now? I am, indeed! I am using my points more often now that I am retired and part of the charm is being able to spoil myself, I mean, "Treat" myself to a stay at a deluxe resort whenever I do visit Disney. I also have been able to treat my sisters to some fun luxury vacations lately which has only added to my joy. My goal is to some day stay in a deluxe studio room at the Riviera. I think they are so charming. As for your good fortune, Congrats and enjoy!!
We have been considering DVC for a long time. This video was a huge help! Great information wow! We also decided that staying on property doesn’t have the benefits it once did. No early fast pass access, no magical express, early park access is nice if you like getting up early(we do not😂) but miss the old magic hours that were at night sometimes. Honestly our last two trips we stayed at Universal 😮
We went to DW in February and stayed "off property" at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and could not book any Genie+ till 9am. Staying on property can book Genie+ at 7am, so that did impact us booking RoR and other rides that book up before 9am.
I got lucky and bought a great priced resale contract in early 2020, when Disney wasn't buying anything back. Even with financing, I found that staying in studios was cheaper than most moderate resorts. The payoff isn't as good for buying direct, but if you know you're going to stay deluxe or in the Disney villas it will save you a lot of money.
I somewhat impulsively bought a 100 pt resale contract during the pandemic because my husband loves Star Wars & we had a fun trip. I watched your videos before--super helpful. We’ve since adopted a baby & can now take her each year. We only paid $100 per point in 2020. We wouldn’t be able to afford for now so I feel like I made the right decision. If we didn’t have DVC, we would continue staying at Pop or a moderate which really is fine for us. The deluxe features are just a bonus to having our vacations prepaid.
Hi Jen, I enjoyed your video. We are DVC owners since 1995 and as time has gone on purchased other contracts through Disney and other from DVC resale sites. We have no children of our own but we were lucky to share it through the years with my parents, brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews and now great nieces and nephews. We live up in Western New York and we come down about 4-5 times a year. This has been part of our retirement plan also. I can’t say we are happy with all of the changes through the past years but it’s still where we happily call our “home away from home”. Love your videos on both your sites. Thank you as always for sharing!
Congratulations on your sold/purchase of DVC. We are in the group of "it doesn't make sense" for us. When prices were good, we were active duty military--never a good idea since you don't even know if you will be able to take a vacation or where you will be living. Then because DH is retired we have access to Shades of Green which is such a good value for what is comparable to a deluxe resort it is better for us to not do DVC. So glad you make the point that it is not for everyone!
Congrats on the new contract! Based on your videos we got a 200pt BCV contract for $120 a point just over a year ago. Looking at how much we could flip it for now is pretty tempting, but so is 30 years of magical vacations!
BCV expires in 2042 so you have 19 years left.
Yes, I needed this. A reality check for me, thanks for being so honest with DVC. I’ll stay with moderate resorts now and come along on ur Disney trips ;). Lol.
I’m happy for you to come, Linda! Financial serenity is actually better than any vacation. Smart choices ensure that!
Same!! This helped a lot as were close to paying off all of our debt (minus the house) and I was wanting to give it a try!
I’ve been following your DVC stories for 2 years-we finally jumped on an Aulani contract last fall when they were offering $148/point for buying 300 points (a bit more than we were planning, but the discount was huge) and since they gave us 2020 points and 2021 points since we closed in 2022, I figured adding the value of those “free” points would make it pretty close to the resale price (does that Disney math add up🤣). My husband felt the same as you, he wanted direct points to stay at future resorts.
you: pls give a thumbs up
me: looking at the thumbs up i already did the second i clocked on the video
also me: i mean... i can do it again lol XD
thank you for sharing how this works!! super interested in it despite that fact that its deffo not in the cards for me. always neat though!!
We bought in to DVC 19 years ago via the resale market so we were grandfathered into the perks. We have since added points to our home resort since through Disney. My Husband and I fell in love with the wilderness lodge and bought points there off the resale market since the villas were not being sold anymore at that time. It’s been the best thing we’ve done and have enjoyed taking our kids every year.
We bought at copper creek. Enough points to stay at a two bedroom every other year. We love it. Add on itis is real and this video helps me with that!
Wow! I am so happy it worked so well for you. As I have told you before, we could never make the numbers work for us, and I have had a few years of health problems (actually none of them due to the great unpleasantness) where I would not have been able to go, so I am glad we did not try it. But I do enjoy it through your adventures!
It's such a big financial commitment, truly. I'm sorry about your health problems, Trish.
Thank you, Jen. I am fine now... just need to get back to full strength
Ahhhhh! Gates McFadden on Mad About You! Yup, I am as old as you are. Keep up the amazing videos💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛💛
Hurray! So glad SOMEBODY knew who the heck I was talking about.
Hi Jen. Just found your blog. We've been DVC since 2008 (blue card) with six direct contracts over the years (SSR, AUL). When you showed the DVC backpack, I just had to comment. Yes, six direct contracts and never received anything over these 14 years. I was watching Pete W. (DVC Fan blog) and they were talking about all the things they received over the years when purchasing another contract!!!. So I emailed the DVC customer service person. Three persons later (pass it on, pass it on) that person researched our contract history and sent us ONE backpack. Guess the Mouse had to make sure we were not ripping him off for the free stuff (LOL).
I've loved your videos for years! After running the numbers, matched with my desire and enthusiasm, I've submitted a contract and deposit for a resale Polynesian contract. Off to ROFR. So nervous! Thanks for all of your great content!
Oh my goodness, Lydia, that's WONDERFUL! Fingers crossed for you!
You bring the sunshine Jen!! Thank you for your chat’s, if find them so interesting! You have a gift and I’m so glad you share your positivity and “sunshine” here with all of us ☀️ Theresa xo
What a kind comment, Theresa! Thank you so much!
Congratulations! As a Riviera owner and someone who has stayed at almost every Disney World property, I have smiled a bit over the last 2 years as you have commented (accurately) about Riviera points, restrictions, cost etc but not yet staying there. Welcome, sometimes you just want luxury 😁. Inflation of point price/dues/hotel prices are never guaranteed but that should also always be said about investing. Buy & plan the life that makes you happy and you are always a Winner.
Thank you for this. After every Disney trip I consider if DVC is right for us. Based on how we travel and what you were saying I'm more convinced it doesn't make sense. We're value resort people because we're the type that are rarely at our resort and as much as I want to try other places it just doesn't make sense to spend that money on our accommodations when we're literally there to sleep and not much else. A DVC rep had my husband thinking it was actually a good idea in 2019, but then he realized, oh wait tix aren't included and the annual dues alone are probably more than we spend on the hotel so we'd never really recoup our money. I think they get you or me at least because after every trip I just want to figure out a way to be able to get down there more often because as stressful as WDW can be, I'm still never happier than I am there.
We just bought our “starter home” DVC with a lot of advice from you. We got a 50 point contract at Polynesian for $180/pt. It’s under 10k and a small part of our world. The idea was to build on it like you did but with all the recent stuff going on (from new development at Poly to culture wars going on in Disney) we might just stay with what we have, which gives us 2-3 nights at the Poly a year and we can then stay off property for another 2-3 days and have a nice Orlando vacation, whether at Disney, Universal Legoland or elsewhere.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the market when interest rates go up one to two percent. I assume lots of people finance and that should cool it off a bit. We will also see if the post-lockdown surge in popularity subsides in a year or two.
18:16 Amen! I don’t think I could ever justify buying DVC as it is right now. (I don’t have enough cash to just buy a contract outright, so I’d be force to finance.)
Wow….Jen,there’s a lot of information in this video…
It all sounds complicated but I love the apartments and resorts you stay at….
I would love to be able to do this…..
I love how your just so natural on camera…….it’s like your chatting just to one person over a cuppa n biscuits lol 👍🇬🇧
Bronnie, that is such a kind comment and I'm so glad!
Congratulations on your DVC purchase! That is such a beautiful resort. My husband is two years from retirement and we have been kicking around either purchasing a DVC or a second home in Florida. Because of our age, it makes more sense when we work the numbers to purchase a condo/townhome with more room for our kids and their families to visit while we stay in the winter months. Now we just need the availability... The real estate market is just nuts!
Hey, I know who Gates McFadden is! She was on Star Trek - The Next Generation :D Congrats on your new purchase ^^
Yes! She’s also an amazing choreographer but goes by her real name when she’s credited that way (Cheryl). She was in a few episodes of Mad About You!
Being able to stay in premier Disney hotels for 2001 prices has been amazing. Never did we think rack rates would skyrocket like they have since then. Three resale and one direct contract all before they took away the benefits.
We still enjoy our stays and don’t stay long in the parks anymore, except Epcot.
Just bought DVC at Riviera and I have been appreciating all of your insight for the last two years …. For me financially it makes sense …. I wish I had done it four years ago ….I spend alot of money on rooms the last 4 times I have gone …. Thank you Jen and maybe I will see you at Riviera sometime … we stayed there last September … and I absolutely loved it ! I love how small it is …skyliner & topolinos and the splash area and pool …
Yes, the petite size (or should I say petit? LOL) is perfect and I love that no rooms are miles from the lobby and skyliner. Thanks for the warm welcome to the neighborhood!
We bought at RR before it opened. So glad we did. Despite the hate injected over the restrictions people have begun to realize it’s a gem. Beautiful resort. We love it.
I’m dying. 🤣 We bought Riviera before it opened. When you would talk about it, I would totally think, she just hasn’t stayed there to realize it overcomes all that. I’m so happy for you! Welcome home, neighbor!
Doing the math on a financed dvc contract is crazy. Timeshares are spread bad and if Disney stopped ROFR then the value would plummet or could plummet at any time. Anything is a better investment. For the money, pay a down payment on a house near Disney. Disney CANT take that back in 2042.
We bought Riviera and couldn't be happier. We all have our reasons for doing things and we all have different lives. I feel very happy with my choice and would do it again.
I own 2 different TS's with 2 different companies. One I love as they are so easy to work with, the other... Not so much. I use it, and the resort is nice. But I would sell it in a heartbeat
Yes I’ve heard horror stories from some although I do hear good things about Marriotts
Excellent video as always jen. a good rule of thumb is if you own money on your mortgage you do not need to be buying any timeshares.
Thank you for always being so honest with us. I was far from a point in my life where this would be a possibility but maybe I will just pass. I am a planner but I am fine with moderate so it at not make sense.
Whatever you decide will be the right decision!
Oh my goodness - so funny about the 2070 expiration being your 100th birthday. I bought at the Grand Floridian because the expiry is 2064. I was born in 1964 so I told my kids to book October of 2063 for my 99th birthday at the Gramd!
🤣🎉
Great minds think alike!
Love your honest take on this! We wish we had bought dvc 6yrs ago. We sailed on the wish in late august and the points were $207 on board and at this point I don’t think I could financially justify dvc. I am happy staying off property. We have only ever stayed on property at value resorts. Do I wish I could stay on that monorail line? Absolutely! Is that convenience worth the price for us? Def not.
When I clicked on the video I guessed you bought VGF! So close!
Congrats on your purchase as it has continued to work for you. That is the bottom line with timeshares no matter if it is DVC or some other company (and not all others are bad). You have to really understand how to make it work for you. It is prepaid vacations to a degree so you have to be able to go on vacations frequently to get your $$$ worth (and have the time and additional money to do this) and you have to be the type of person who enjoys planning in advance. Now there is always exceptions but most people will tell you this if they are truly honest.
We finally decided (well my husband finally agreed 😂) after our trip in September that we wanted to be DVC members.
We go yearly as a big family, we plan way ahead of time, we only stay in 1 bedrooms or more, and we don’t see ourselves ever not going to Disney.
We had the first two Saratoga Springs contracts taken by Disney through ROFR. We’re hoping third times a charm. 🤞
Hi Jen. Well…I feel compelled to provide my very recent experience with the DVC resell company you mention in this video. I currently own 4 DVC contracts. I decided to sell my 150 point Grand Floridian contract mid April with the company you mention in this video. I listed at a very competitive price compared to the other listings. Dropped the price 4 times until it was the lowest priced Grand Floridian contract they had listed and never heard a peep from them while other listings at higher prices with points coming due further out were listed as sold. Needless to say we are pulling our listing and will find another reseller.
Great video! Just subbed to your channel. I bought a resale BLT contract in 2020 just before the pandemic hit. It's already selling (on resale) for approx. $20.00 per point more. I wanted to become a direct member, so I was going to buy a GF contract when those became available, but my guide called me in early January and I got a great deal on an add-on to BLT. I'm thrilled because I my husband and I love that resort, and yes, it literally took 12 minutes. 🤣
Every other timeshare I looked at, your annual dues end up costing around the same price as if you stayed without buying the timeshare. DVC is the only timeshare I've found where your annual dues are actually SUBSTANTIALLY less than what it costs to stay there. As an example, if I own at OKW and want to stay at a studio in Sept. It can be as low as 9 points per night. If the dues are around $8.81 per point, that means you're staying for less than $80.00 per night, since there's no taxes that is it. Where can you stay on Disney property for anywhere close to that?? Truth is that room is normally around 4X more!!
Congrats on Riviera!! We love it! Have stayed twice on our BWV points! And was like you, wasn’t excited about it until we stayed! 😂 My 20 yo D picked it and we fell in love it!! Very tempted to buy but can’t swallow those prices! So agree with your financial statement on DVC.
Interesting your DVC story timing matches what I tell me wife: 10 years ago was the peak time to buy DVC. Unfortunately we were not in a good financial spot to do so. Now that we are, DVC is a bad deal. Such is life
Have my coffee and listening to your DVC story!
It’s FASCINATING 🥳🤪❤️
Congrats on your purchase! I totally get the Riviera decision! I was so against Riviera due to the restrictions and (especially) the point chart. We have two SSR contracts (one direct and one resale)....we ate at Toppolinos (sp?) last week on our trip, and now considering another direct contract at Riviera. WE just love it there....
Congrats!!! We fell in LOVE with the Riviera during our honeymoon when we viewed the rooms! It was our first contract! Welcome Home! :)
Thanks, Nikki!
Hi Jen, it has been awhile, I fully enjoyed this video and your journey to your new DVC Rivera Contract. Congratulations! You have provided great advice on this and I love all of the detail that you include. Enjoy your new”HOME”. Ken
Someone could buy a $4,000 - $7,000 resale Hilton timeshare in Las Vegas, for roughly $1,000 per year in maintenance dues, and get 2 weeks off peak season in Orlando, in a 1 bedroom. Personally we bought a basic package for $99 (plus $1,000 in closing and transfers), which will give us 1 week for the same amount of money. Since we never stay a week anywhere, preferring road or triangle trips, we can stretch that out with weeknight stays. Marriott also has a great reputation too, as an alternative to DVC.
Yes they could!
I totally get it. We stayed at the Riviera in March of 2020 and looooved it! I understand your points on DVC and I appreciate the honesty on the finance side of things. I’m one of those people who love our dvc but I probably should have invested the money (says my husband). But it brings me joy. I love being in a villa AND being on Disney property. Sometimes I don’t even have to go into the parks! Anyways, congrats on your new contract. I can’t wait to see one of those tower rooms!
I mean not EVERYTHING has to make financial sense right?
I had to smile, we have all our points at Rivera. We love the convenience of the skyliner, and the easy walk to get something to eat, love the quiet pool…hope to see you there one day!
Thank you for the warm welcome to the neighborhood!
We thought about renting points back when it actually was reasonable to do so. However, when we go we love to stay at Port Orleans French Quarter. Great food, atmosphere and nice rooms. Thanks for sharing and glad it worked out for you in the end and hopefully those wanting to buy resale will have better luck next time or even find something direct from Disney that works well for them. Have a great rest of your weekend.
WOOT WOOT. DVC CONTENT! I knew as soon as you said you bought another contract what it was! Having special transportation to me has been such a game changer when it comes to DVC/resort stays.
Yes I was very surprised by how much I appreciated the sky liner!
We bought riviera pre-opening as our first dvc. And so glad we did. I was kind of worried but having stayed there, it is easily our favorite. Wish we could afford more points to stay longer/more often/larger room.
Yay! It’s Jen! This video is so informative! I have decided to follow you and clicked on all notifications!🥳💜❤️🎉
My daughter couldn't go on the Disney trip for Spring Break last minute. While standing in lines for rides or buses, yes I had people look me like what? Her college scheduled something on that Sunday-the day our plane was supposed to leave.Then the plane coming back got cancelled..I couldn't get back for 4 more days. So Spring Break / Disney for us is now no more. So I'm looking to the flexibility of summer! Not my first choice, but it might be less stressful for us these days. You just have more days to work with. So regarding points, I can only imagine scheduling ahead could be tricky.
I am I shock!! I can’t believe you bought there! Congrats though! We haven’t stayed but we love toppollinos. :)
I love this video. So great to see your DVC journey.
Congratulations! I just knew you were going to say Riviera…. We all saw how much you loved it there! It makes perfect sense to me! Enjoy! And man, the instant gratification of buying direct is very appealing.
Seriously, we have had great resale experiences but it's definitely sweat equity!
Christina is our guide too!!! She’s terrific! Congratulations on your Riviera contract 💙. We love having it as our home resort.
Hey, Neighbor!
Congrats!!! Love Riviera!!!
I can't wait to see more Riviera vlogs.
Sadly I'm not back there until January but SAME!
I am SO EXCITED about this :) I definitely want to stay at Riveria at some point after just walking through it
It really is dreamy, Tammy!
Jen with the hard truth about the “free” DVC backpack 😂! Rented points in ‘02 to test the waters. Stayed in OKW and HHI. Bought 50pts HHI resale in ‘06. My daughter and I have loved our trips (only stayed HHI once!)! Always thought I’d be able to get more points, but… life. Grateful to have the grandfathered perks. Can’t wait for your Riviera adventures!
It seems so bizarre to think back on the time before restrictions, doesn't it? And yeah, the backpack is . . .CHEAP. Sorry not sorry.
Thanks for the video. That is where we're at...just because we COULD buy DVC, should we?? At this point with even the resale market where it is, I'm not really sure it's worth it. And the the ticket reservation system and ticket pricing the way they are, it's kind of a huge negative. I'm not sure I want to be locked in for the rest of my life 😵 It begs the question - where is the tipping point?
Had to reply as we find the topic of "where is the tipping point" for Disney and like themed parks/companies very interesting. Even harder to determine now as we have entered a post pandemic frenzy where people are rushing out to make up for all that lost time and all the reasoning that came with it. Anyway the one thing is that Disney has been booming even with all the price increases and service/perks? deceases. It seems that enough people are still willing to pay whatever it takes to get the "Disney" experience. I know that we love Disney also but not going to the parks until the crowds decrease...hopefully but still visited the Disney properties. Will continue to wonder about the tipping point however.
We stayed at Riviera one time and knew we HAD to have points there! It was our second contract and first direct and we love it.
It’s how they get you!😂❤️
Thanks for all your videos - they did help us decide on DVC (many weeks of researching) and bought our first contract in January - our reason - its where we want to go on holiday year after year until we can't travel any more (we live in the UK). We loved all the vlogs on resort stays and picked RR. (price and location as we don't like to drive in the US so need close proximity/Skyliner) We love HS/Epcot and want to stay anywhere so we went Direct as well (and as its easier from overseas). Now we are curious about add on contracts so testing a night at BLT in a few weeks so we can split our stays at 11 months. Also UK travellers tend to stay 2 weeks due to the cost of flights so want to be able to ensure we can get studios at 11 months out for the dates we need (we can't do last minute). Keep up the good work! 😀 and many many thanks for all the information.
I love these chatty vlogs so so much 🥰 so so interesting 😃❤️❤️xx
Congrats, Jen!! I’m glad you changed your mind about Riviera! Isn’t she so pretty??! 🤣 We bought Riviera direct since we live in CA and didn’t want to be blocked from using our points at Disneyland’s new tower or if we could ever get in at Grand Cal.
Our DVC backpack has never been used either. Terrible. But they’re supposed to be giving popsockets instead of the backpack! I guess they haven’t started that yet!
Oh, and wasn’t the Riviera merch so so cute?! Congrats again! 💕🎉
Yeah, this is my second one and I think my first one I donated to Goodwill because it's just . . bleh.
We own direct with Riviera and just bought our second direct contract at grand floridian. Our experience was the same with both, we put them on our Disney card and then paid off with savings to get the rewards. I also felt panic when it was done so quickly. But I'm super excited to own at both places and for my husband and I to enjoy our empty nest years going to Disney!! Maybe I'll see you at Riviera one day!!!
I hope so! Yeah, we had a long conversation about when we are on a "fixed income" and we don't want to stress over vacation money!
We’ve been considering buying DVC for 5-6 years… never buy the bullet mostly because we were traveling with all our kids and grands… always got a big house off property. Hubs and I stay on property sometimes {LOVE both Port Orleans resorts}. Tho timing is still not right for us {we bought a lake cottage and DVC prices are 🤑🤑🤑} I STILL wanna buy DVC one day. You know I love me some Old Lady Disney trips, and hanging out at a deluxe resort for a few days sans parks sounds dang fun. Also, if you ever want a travel buddy… 😉
YES the math and the timing have to work together! Totally get this!
I currently own VGF. I fell in love with HHI and would rather spend my time there.
Good Video and thanks for sharing. I’m with you on whether I would buy today if I knew what I know now.
Hello Jenn love your channel. Congrats on your purchase on Riviera. I myself would not come near Riviera as a purchase due to the resale problem of not being able to stay elsewhere. I believe it cost 207.00? A point at Riviera.
Problem at that price I think if you need to sell you would lose a significant amount from original purchase price. I have seen resale contracts for Riviera at around 150.00 a point.(just my opinion) I myself have 300 points at Aulani, we love it there and go twice a year. Have fun and great memories at Riviera!!
Aw, I'm happy for you! And so so jealous! I wouldn't buy direct for the backpack;) but have seriously thought I would just for the Moonlight Magic Hours...soooo....
Love all your great information and honesty!! I am in a ROFR waiting period now and hoping for the best🤞love your comment on your 100th bd at Riviera as I was contemplating if I’m too old to buy in at all😂
Congratulations, Jen! My birth DAY is literally 1/31, and my husband's birthday is 12/5 (Walt's birthday,) so I feel like it's fated! LOL. We own two direct contracts at Riviera. Resale, blah, blah, blah, LOL. I don't like the restrictions, but Riviera resale is going for 145-150, and we bought in two years ago at 172. If we need to sell in 10 years for college, I have no doubt we'll recoup our initial investment and have only vacationed on annual dues. In the meantime, we have gone three times already and have another trip in two weeks. Hope to run into you!
We love Riviera -- compact footprint, great dining, adore the Skyliner, HS and EP are our favorite parks, large and luxurious rooms, wide foyer, Tower studios for when we're empty nesters.
I will say, DVC inflation is real -- and crazy. I would love to add another 200 points, but by the time we save up for it, I think direct points at the new Poly/DL tower are going to be crazy and price us out. However, WDW hotel inflation is ALSO crazy. I looked into pricing Caribbean Beach for the exact same room we had in August, 2019 (when we bought into Riviera,) and August of this year, and it would be $500 more for the same week. That's a huge difference!
IDK. Nothing at WDW/DL is cheap. But, renting beach cottages is not cheap, either. I paid $1500 for a beat-up cottage one street back from oceanfront five years ago and had to bring all our linens, food, and do all the work as if I was at home. Now that same cottage is $2000 for the week with no improvements. That was another push towards DVC for us. At least our money spent buys us trips and options versus just paying for accommodations with nothing to show for it.
I'm not trying to convince folks to get DVC, LOL, and I know you already drank the Kool-AId, but the more we use our DVC, the more we love it. The parks are not *as* important, now we're getting into the resort itself and relaxing on vacation -- at Disney! Usually not something that goes together, relax=WDW.
Anyway, I loved your Riviera review last month, and Spotify has a Riviera playlist! I play it in the morning while I get the kids ready for school. Nothing like "A spoonful of sugar" sung in French to get you going!
Yes I have the Riviera playlist on all the time!! I love it too!
Oh and my agent said that they were taking such a high percentage of contracts because they raised the Direct price on SS, OKW, and BCV. 😬 So they were buying them up in advance for the price increase. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank You Jen!💕This video was so well done , as all yours are ! But I enjoyed getting the info about DVC , we almost bought direct a few years back for Poly, but decided not to. I’m glad. But going to the “Talk” they never gave the info you did it was glossy it’s magical to be apart of the Disney bubble. Your info was Very informative if We ever do become members! Although getting deluxe rooms at CM prices when I worked there after I retired make me NOT ever willing to pay to stay on property even with a discount for lower crowd seasons) ( and that’s not happing any more)
YES I've seen some of those CM discounts and I would feel the same! Honestly, I think DVC isn't right for MOST people so I'm sure you made the right call!
What did the backpack do to you to be described that way? 😆
It's a decent bag imo, but more importantly, I think it's nice that they do that. They don't have to, people would still buy. 😉
Congrats on owing at Riviera! 😍
I love that you talked about a scene from Mad About You!
Yay Riviera! Enjoy and Congratulations!
Well I really hope you get to celebrate your 100th birthday at the Riviera, Jen! haha :) I'll be 88 by then if my brain fog is letting me do math correctly now so CHEERS to that! :-) You know what? I'll just come over and celebrate with you!
Perfect!
Congrats! I think in your specific situation, the Riviera is a no brainer! Also, THANK YOU for telling people not to finance it. The amount of interest you’d be paying is just stupid.
Yes this. I realize it will take me a couple extra years to break even but if I added interest onto that you end up losing money.
My wife and I are fully retired, and have been for several years. Our money is sitting and growing at a faster rate than we are withdrawing it. Easily. We travel, and stay at 4 stars or better. We're strongly considering DVC...so MANY places still on our bucket list. Money just isn't a concern..and pre-paying for vacay's seems like a good idea.
Dennis, honestly, when we first bought it seemed ridiculous that we would use that as a part of our retirement plan but with the rising costs of resort stays (and our champagne taste and beer budget) I think it really does make sense!
@@JenLefforge - At this point...300 points, write the check, and two vacations a year. One nice one, one moderate one. All we need to be concerned with is getting there.
Your story gives me hope - we’ve been trying to unload our OKW contract for months - maybe I should move my listing to your agent!
We definitely priced ours to sell so the offer over asking was a bit surprising!
Congratulations Jen! Smart or no, I had the extra $$$ laying around, I would buy at Riviera too.
We love visiting the Riviera, would love to stay there one day.
Sorry Jen. Completely disagree with you on financing the dvc. Most people cannot lay out that much cash in one shot. I financed my Bay Lake Tower direct contract back in 2011 @ $120 PP. That was $30k then. BLT is now $245 PP. That would be $61,250.00 now direct for 250 points.
My contract has been paid off a long time now. I’ve been going every year since.
If I didn’t finance back in 2011, I would never have had it. Plus what it’s worth now even on the resale market, I’m way ahead in value.
Plus it was a mortgage deduction on taxes for the years I was paying for it. It was essentially a car payment. Even @ 11% then with financing with Disney. Totally worth it. Thank goodness I did it then.
Congrats!!! Love, love, love Riviera! (but torn between buying Riviera or waiting for new Polynesian)
I was very close to adding on direct Riviera points to my resale SSR contract, but I can’t get past the concern that resale restrictions will hurt the price when I go to sell, or that increasing number of Riviera resale buyers over time will make it really hard to book rooms there even at 11 months out. Sad bc I do love the resort! Instead I am waiting on the new Poly development to see how that works out, and may add on when that’s available in a couple years.
Remember that in ten years there will be another resort or three that will be in the same group as Riviera and more as time goes on. This will make Riviera more attractive and non-riviera less attractive.
And if they don’t build, it’s likely they will get rid of the restriction because it seems contingent on future developments.
Congrats Jen!! The Riviera looks beautiful!
Hi Jen. I have watched your videos for a long time. We recently purchased DVC direct at Animal Kingdom and just got home from our first trip at Kidani. The last day we took a tour of Riviera. I get it. I really do. The resort is absolutely stunning! And the layouts of the rooms, though smaller than Kidani, are very convenient. We are considering adding on there now. My husband was sold from the moment we stepped in to the first room. We got to see all rooms, tower, deluxe, 1 and 2, as well as the grand villa. Wowzers. Do you happen to know if the new resorts Poly and GF have these same resale restrictions? Or is Riviera special in that way?