dayvewc
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Mar 20, 2013
The different benefits for a resale purchase are a little worrisome - not so much for the actual different benefits now (the benefits that direct purchasers get are not things that we really want) but the possibility that there might be further changes. But we are not buying more than 100 points now, and it seems like Disney is not threatening any additional changes, so for us the cost difference is worth the risk.
Also, congrats on the new payment plan!
With the caveat of "past actions are no guarantee of future performance", if you aren't interested in the current additional benefits, then I wouldn't worry about any upcoming changes.
When DVC did the first change (resale members could not trade for DCL, AbD, or RCI), they grandfathered in all the resale members up to that date. Same thing when they ended the discounts and member only benefits, everyone who owned by the start date were eligible. Which actually means there are 3 different member types - 1) Direct owners and resale owners who bought before 2007 (I think) who have no restrictions; 2) resale owners who bought between 2007 and 2016, who get member only benefits, but cannot trade outside the DVC resorts; 3) resale owners who bought after 2016 (And I think the date was April 1) who can only trade inside the DVC resorts.
Honestly, the only member benefit that I have used is the Gold Annual Pass. DVC and Florida residents are able to buy the Gold AP, which has blockout dates at Christmas and Easter. First year (I bought it) cost was about $450, and the renewal rate is about $375. Much cheaper than trying to buy 5-6 day tickets and then paying for Photopass and parking. (Most of my trips to WDW I stay off property, so free parking saves me $100 a week)
So like I said at the beginning, if you aren't worried about the extra stuff (and you should NEVER buy a timeshare depending on the extras) save the direct buy cost and go resale.