Minimum VIP Platinum buy in cost

[ronparise]

I want to use it because I live 45 min from clearwater, an hour from bonnet creek and reunion, and 2 hrs from ocean walk. Without VIP benefits, It's hard to book short stays at those locations because of housekeeping credits. I'm more worried about breaking even over time and still getting to use the membership for the next 40 years.

you can buy a lot of housekeeping for what a VIP account will cost

 

[Richelle]

I want to use it because I live 45 min from clearwater, an hour from bonnet creek and reunion, and 2 hrs from ocean walk. Without VIP benefits, It's hard to book short stays at those locations because of housekeeping credits. I'm more worried about breaking even over time and still getting to use the membership for the next 40 years.

I agree with Ron. You can buy a lot of housekeeping credits for $65,000. VIP is perceived value. There is no monetary value. If you try to justify the costs, it’s not going to happen. There are tons of better things you can put that money into, but in the end, it’s your money. Not ours, yours. Your financial security is your responsibility. If you can afford that kind of money, and you feel there is enough value, then go for it. Some people place a higher value in extra time to move points forward or Margaritaville access then other people do. It’s not right or wrong, except when it comes to your financial security. If you risk your financial security, then obviously it’s a bad choice. Timeshares are a “luxury” item. You don’t “need” it, let alone need VIP. It’s all in how you see it, that determines if there is enough value to justify the upfront expenditure.

If you are looking for rental income to cover your costs of going VIP, get some resale points, and save up any profits (after maintenance fees, guest certificates, advertising costs, and other fees) to pay for your VIP. Once you hit that $65,000 mark, go buy Platinum (or invest). Don’t do it the other way around.

 

[T-Dot-Traveller]

I want to use it because I live 45 min from clearwater, an hour from bonnet creek and reunion, and 2 hrs from ocean walk. Without VIP benefits, It's hard to book short stays at those locations because of housekeeping credits. I'm more worried about breaking even over time and still getting to use the membership for the next 40 years.

OK - I think I see your action plan - if you can get the numbers to work .

You want a weekend " vacation property "
1) that does not have the downside of ownership ( everything from lawn care to...)
2 ) has flexibility ( 3 close locations + usage elsewhere )
3) Your anticipated usage is 40 years
3) want to " break even - long term

Here is a ( more costly/ less flexible ) comparison I found using Trulia .
A mfg home in the Orlando area - 800-1000 square feet - $30,000 buy in ( approx)
monthly HOA fee =$ 700 approx.

*******

I agree with Ron Parise - you can buy a lot of housekeeping credits for (the best cost) VIP Platinum .

Since I am a TUG Wyndham forum reader / non owner - I am not completely sure of the points per night cost etc
I would assume 15-20 weekends a year plus some other usage - would be over a million points + your housekeeping cost .

I am unsure of the "break even point" in terms of years of use (in this format) with VIP Platinum versus owning 1 million resale points in say CWA
Interesting question -

 

[Braindead]

I want to use it because I live 45 min from clearwater, an hour from bonnet creek and reunion, and 2 hrs from ocean walk. Without VIP benefits, It's hard to book short stays at those locations because of housekeeping credits. I'm more worried about breaking even over time and still getting to use the membership for the next 40 years.

Now your considering what’s important!!!
What are the benefits worth in $ that you mentioned? Add in upgrades & discounts
What are benefits that don’t have a $ amount attached worth to you?
How much is it worth to you to pick a view, room, tower, floor, etc ?

If you can afford it paying cash and you’ve already stayed at the resorts [taking them for the test drive] knowing Wyndham VIP is right for you.
Then I say go for it!!!

I’ve always said to ignore those about investing the money instead. If they’re right you’re staying home for the next forty years.
If your going to take the trips anyway your looking for the economic way of doing so with the extra space that timeshares have to offer.
The money is gone whether you rent, stay in a motel etc.

 

[antjmar]

What would be the approximate minimum VIP Platinum buy in cost if someone already had two 3 bedrooms to PIC to platinum and just bought the minimum retail points (492,000) to PIC to platinum.

I know telesales is cheaper, but if I ask them directly, they'll just lie to me.

I'm just curious if retail purchases are ever at any given point worth it.

Based on what you want to do (unlimited HK) can’t you just get silver VIP?
Keep in mind weekend availability may be limited unless you book way in advance. Also peak time advance booking are 3 nights minimum.
Not familiar with point charts for those resorts you mentioned but I know reunion is high. I think 1 million points won’t go very far...
Maybe get the gold and a bunch of resale points and hope they don’t change the rules...

 

[55plus]

One thing you can count on is that Wyndham will change the rules to benefit them.

 

[ronparise]

Now your considering what’s important!!!
What are the benefits worth in $ that you mentioned? Add in upgrades & discounts
What are benefits that don’t have a $ amount attached worth to you?
How much is it worth to you to pick a view, room, tower, floor, etc ?

If you can afford it paying cash and you’ve already stayed at the resorts [taking them for the test drive] knowing Wyndham VIP is right for you.
Then I say go for it!!!

I’ve always said to ignore those about investing the money instead. If they’re right you’re staying home for the next forty years.
If your going to take the trips anyway your looking for the economic way of doing so with the extra space that timeshares have to offer.
The money is gone whether you rent, stay in a motel etc.

If you are going to compare the cost timeshare vacation accommodations against other vacation accommodations I believe timeshares will usually turn out to be more expensive. The exceptions would be holidays and special events

Now your considering what’s important!!!
What are the benefits worth in $ that you mentioned? Add in upgrades & discounts
What are benefits that don’t have a $ amount attached worth to you?
How much is it worth to you to pick a view, room, tower, floor, etc ?

If you can afford it paying cash and you’ve already stayed at the resorts [taking them for the test drive] knowing Wyndham VIP is right for you.
Then I say go for it!!!

I’ve always said to ignore those about investing the money instead. If they’re right you’re staying home for the next forty years.
If your going to take the trips anyway your looking for the economic way of doing so with the extra space that timeshares have to offer.
The money is gone whether you rent, stay in a motel etc.

Once you decide you like the Wyndham product and if you have the money, the choice isn’t between buying from the developer or staying home. The choice is retail or resale

Buying on the secondary market will usually be the most cost effective way to enjoy the Wyndham resorts

Consider two owners Mr A and Mr B both have $65000 to commit to vacation ownership and both have plenty of income to pay maintenance fees

Lets assume owner A pays $65000 to get platinum and assume 1 million points and assume he will get every vacation at a discount

owner B buys 2 million points ($15000 or so) on the resale market to duplicate owner A’s vacation power. And he puts $50000 (65-15=50) in a nice muni bond paying 5% maturing in 10 years

Over 10 years owner A will spend $60000 mf plus the $65000 buy in or $125000

Owner B will spend $120000 mf plus the $12000 buy in; or $132000 minus the $25000 interest earned on the bond and he will have $50000 when the bond matures

So to compare. Both owners started with $65000. After 10 years both owners have enjoyed the same vacations. Owner A has 1mm points worth about $6000 and owner B has spent $17000 less over the 10 years and he owns 2mm points worth $12000 and he has $50000 in the bank

 

[Braindead]

, the choice isn’t between buying from the developer or staying home.

Both owners started with $65000. After 10 years both owners have enjoyed the same vacations. Owner A has 1mm points worth about $6000 and owner B has spent $17000 less over the 10 years and he owns 2mm points worth $12000 and he has $50000 in the bank

The reason I say you’ll stay home if you want to talk about investing money verses money spent on vacations.
If the OP or any owner has 1 million points or more their MFs will be over $4,000 a year. Let’s say total vacay cost $5,000 a year.
The OP is talking 40 years at $5k a year is $200,000. Invest that $5,000 a year you would have atleast $500,000 in 40 years.
Money spent on vacations can’t be compared to investing the money or you’ll stay home and invest the money every time.
It doesn’t matter if you buy a timeshare or stay in a hotel or rent from an owner — the dollars say stay home and go local.

Your using 10 years when the OP is thinking 40 years. That makes a difference when comparing owner A verses owner B.
I’ve always said age makes a big difference in decisions like the OP is making.
I’ve always said the VIP benefits that don’t have a dollar value attached have value. Every owner has to decide for themselves how much those benefits are worth to them.

Some people go on vacation staying at the Ritz Carlton while some stay at Motel 6, who’s wrong? I say personal decision
Some even stay in a tent

I remember Ron P posting that he never stayed in a Presidential unit. I think you could’ve afforded the extra points. Was that a personal decision on what a Presidential unit was worth to you at the same resort?

 

[Richelle]

Based on what you want to do (unlimited HK) can’t you just get gold VIP?
Keep in mind weekend availability may be limited unless you book way in advance. Also peak time advance booking are 3 nights minimum.
Not familiar with point charts for those resorts you mentioned but I know reunion is high. I think 1 million points won’t go very far...
Maybe get the gold and a bunch of resale points and hope they don’t change the rules...

285,000 for a week in Reunion during prime season. Cheaper then a 3 bedroom at Bonnet Creek during prime and the Reunion rooms are bigger and have an extra bath. A million points will get you 3 rooms. Reunion is further away from the parks which is probably why it’s cheaper then Bonnet which is less then a mile from Disney’s gates.

 

[ronparise]

The reason I say you’ll stay home if you want to talk about investing money verses money spent on vacations.
If the OP or any owner has 1 million points or more their MFs will be over $4,000 a year. Let’s say total vacay cost $5,000 a year.
The OP is talking 40 years at $5k a year is $200,000. Invest that $5,000 a year you would have atleast $500,000 in 40 years.
Money spent on vacations can’t be compared to investing the money or you’ll stay home and invest the money every time.
It doesn’t matter if you buy a timeshare or stay in a hotel or rent from an owner — the dollars say stay home and go local.

Your using 10 years when the OP is thinking 40 years. That makes a difference when comparing owner A verses owner B.
I’ve always said age makes a big difference in decisions like the OP is making.
I’ve always said the VIP benefits that don’t have a dollar value attached have value. Every owner has to decide for themselves how much those benefits are worth to them.

Some people go on vacation staying at the Ritz Carlton while some stay at Motel 6, who’s wrong? I say personal decision
Some even stay in a tent

I remember Ron P posting that he never stayed in a Presidential unit. I think you could’ve afforded the extra points. Was that a personal decision on what a Presidential unit was worth to you at the same resort?

I stayed in regular units rather than presidential units for the same reason I drive a Ford and a Honda, rather than a Lincoln and a Acura .... I dont see the difference... Its also why I stayed at Bonnet Creek the week before Christmas rather than Christmas week..

I understand personal choice and i truly dont care how anybody spends their money. Hell, I own two boats. Buying them was a stupid financial decision, and there is no way I can justify them with a dollars and cents argument. but I did it anyway

we are talking about 2 different things here. You are making a personal choice argument and im only looking at dollars and cents.

and sure over 40 years I agree that paying developer prices makes sense....A lot can happen in 40 years, I rather have the $50000 in my pocket rather than in Wyndhams even if my annual costs are more

 

[paxsarah]

285,000 for a week in Reunion during prime season. Cheaper then a 3 bedroom at Bonnet Creek during prime and the Reunion rooms are bigger and have an extra bath. A million points will get you 3 rooms. Reunion is further away from the parks which is probably why it’s cheaper then Bonnet which is less then a mile from Disney’s gates.

Inside Disney’s gates (though not on Disney’s land).

 

[antjmar]

285,000 for a week in Reunion during prime season. Cheaper then a 3 bedroom at Bonnet Creek during prime and the Reunion rooms are bigger and have an extra bath. A million points will get you 3 rooms. Reunion is further away from the parks which is probably why it’s cheaper then Bonnet which is less then a mile from Disney’s gates.

Thanks.
The point I was trying to make was 1 million points isn’t much if she wants to rent 2 weeks and for her weekend gateways she will often have to stay 3 nights.
Like Ron said better off with 2 million resale.

 

[vacationhopeful]

Take your BUY-IN costs, put into a money market and rent units (instead of paying MFs) for a couple of years BEFORE you buy anything. It sounds likes like a wonderful dream, but you will find it might NOT all that wonderful. With a timeshare, you pack and stay for a week or less ... then, pack out and return home.

My avatar picture is of a vacation home I have owned since 1976. Under $250 monthly carrying costs ... but I have to remind myself to get my butt there WAY more often than me thinking "I need to go relax in the mountains". I know NO ONE in the neighborhood (they all have died off or move out) ... and while the area was a VACATION development .. it is now either commuters to NYC or locals. I am the ONLY vacation owner still there ... and I would bet, most think that old lady (me) is in a nursing home .. .after all who in their early 20s buys a vacation home? (Less than a 2.5 hour drive one-way).

As a side note, my rodies did growup up nicely.

PS I did rent it the first 10+ years ... to pay off the mortgage.

 

[Richelle]

Inside Disney’s gates (though not on Disney’s land).

I was quoting what was on the Bonnet creek resort page on the website.

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[paxsarah]

I was quoting what was on the Bonnet creek resort page on the website. View attachment 9484

I think they're selling themselves short, because when I say gates I mean those big Disney arches that you have to drive through to get inside the Disney bubble, and WBC is definitely inside the bubble. If they mean the park gates, then you can't get to the car entrance of any of the parks in less than three miles - but that's still closer than many of Disney's own resorts.

 

[Braindead]

You are making a personal choice argument and im only looking at dollars and cents.

and sure over 40 years I agree that paying developer prices makes sense

I agree with those two statements.
There’s definitely two ways to look at it.
I think an individual needs to consider both when making their decision.
Sometimes I think there’s so much ridicule on here on becoming VIP.
Or trying to make people think that there’s no way in hell should they consider becoming VIP and they are fools for even considering it

 

[cbyrne1174]

The more I think about it, the only scenario that makes any sense in my mind is MAYBE buying 49,000 retail points and using PIC to get to VIP Silver since the rules for PIC can change at anytime. Even then, only enroll weeks that you would actually use.

At the moment, I own 329,000 points that averages to $5.7/per 1k AFTER the program free is included, and spent only about $300 more than the cost of the points already loaded on the contracts.

 

[Richelle]

The more I think about it, the only scenario that makes any sense in my mind is MAYBE buying 49,000 retail points and using PIC to get to VIP Silver since the rules for PIC can change at anytime. Even then, only enroll weeks that you would actually use.

At the moment, I own 329,000 points that averages to $5.7/per 1k AFTER the program free is included, and spent only about $300 more than the cost of the points already loaded on the contracts.

I know people who had weeks enrolled before 2005 could and still can, have unlimited PICs enrolled, but they would have to buy more points every time. Today, you can only do two. They may eventually change it to one, or reduce the amount of points each week is worth. If they do the either, they would likely grandfather the existing PIC users to the old rules. If enrolling Your week into PIC is important to you, I would consider doing it now. I have no reason to believe any changes are coming, any time soon, but they likely will sometime down the road.

BTW, if you can swing it, I’d recommend picking up an additional fixed/float week on eBay and enroll that into PIC as well. You’ll need to buy 98,000 points to enroll two, but they will be in now before they have a chance to change the rules. The minimum buy in could increase later one when point prices are higher. However, If it will put you in a tight spot financially, it’s not worth it. If you do get a second one, make sure it’s a three bedroom, with low MF, in a location you want. Gold and silver crowns are the best town because they are nicer. Twin Rivers in Colorado is less then $600 a year for a three bedroom.


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[HitchHiker71]

I know people who had weeks enrolled before 2005 could and still can, have unlimited PICs enrolled, but they would have to buy more points every time. Today, you can only do two. They may eventually change it to one, or reduce the amount of points each week is worth. If they do the either, they would likely grandfather the existing PIC users to the old rules. If enrolling Your week into PIC is important to you, I would consider doing it now. I have no reason to believe any changes are coming, any time soon, but they likely will sometime down the road.

BTW, if you can swing it, I’d recommend picking up an additional fixed/float week on eBay and enroll that into PIC as well. You’ll need to buy 98,000 points to enroll two, but they will be in now before they have a chance to change the rules. The minimum buy in could increase later one when point prices are higher. However, If it will put you in a tight spot financially, it’s not worth it. If you do get a second one, make sure it’s a three bedroom, with low MF, in a location you want. Gold and silver crowns are the best town because they are nicer. Twin Rivers in Colorado is less then $600 a year for a three bedroom.


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I had a sales weasel at Governor’s Green over this past weekend tell me that both the PIC program and the VIP program levels will be changed in the near future. He kept referring to grandfathering me now as the only way to ensure I can keep my VIP levels. I kept asking for details on what exactly he meant, he said my PICs could convert to RCI points at which point I would lose my VIP, so best to buy 508k developer points now to lock in my VIP benefits. Uh, no thanks!


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[T-Dot-Traveller]

I had a sales weasel at Governor’s Green over this past weekend tell me that both the PIC program and the VIP program levels will be .....
I kept asking for details on what exactly he meant, he said my PICs could convert to RCI points at which point I would lose my VIP, so best to buy 508k developer points now to lock in my VIP benefits. Uh, no thanks!

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The only thing that was lost - was his dream
of $$ commission .

 

[Richelle]

I had a sales weasel at Governor’s Green over this past weekend tell me that both the PIC program and the VIP program levels will be changed in the near future. He kept referring to grandfathering me now as the only way to ensure I can keep my VIP levels. I kept asking for details on what exactly he meant, he said my PICs could convert to RCI points at which point I would lose my VIP, so best to buy 508k developer points now to lock in my VIP benefits. Uh, no thanks!


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I would imagine they use a similar tactic with anyone who uses PIC. Surprisingly, the only time a sales person mentioned PIC to me, told me I was not getting the full allotment of points that the PIC was eligible for. To my surprise, he was correct. Obviously he tried to tell me the only way to fix it was to buy more points. I declined and owner care fixed it for free. So I got more points and was grandfathered to Silver VIP (which I should have had from the beginning), and didn’t have to spend a dime. The one and only time an update actually provided me with any benefit.


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[HitchHiker71]

I would imagine they use a similar tactic with anyone who uses PIC. Surprisingly, the only time a sales person mentioned PIC to me, told me I was not getting the full allotment of points that the PIC was eligible for. To my surprise, he was correct. Obviously he tried to tell me the only way to fix it was to buy more points. I declined and owner care fixed it for free. So I got more points and was grandfathered to Silver VIP (which I should have had from the beginning), and didn’t have to spend a dime. The one and only time an update actually provided me with any benefit.


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The funny part to me is that every update starts out with a public 30 minute presentation where whomever does the presentation gets up and tells everyone about how Wyndham works and about the various programs that many people aren’t aware of. The guy at the GG presentation actually brought up both VIP and PIC, specifically telling the entire group the various benefits for each program.

Then I get to the sales manager, who then tells me that I’m going to lose these great benefits somehow. So first they tell you how exciting these programs are, and then they end up using scare tactics and telling you effectively that these programs could change at any time and I’m in danger of losing the program benefits. Well which one is it Wyndham?

As long as I continue to get free stuff for an hour of my time, that’s all that matters to me.


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[drepublic]

After all this input, I'm starting to feel that the only contracts worth paying more than $500 for are Disney ones lol.

I've thought about Disney DVC but honestly I think I'd rather just rent points from a DVC owner with priority booking at the resort I would prefer to go to (Beach Club!!!).

Disney for me would be rare as my boys are 11 and 8 but for the price of a one bedroom for a week at Beachclub Hotel I could rent a one or two bedroom Villa from an existing DVC Owner ($14'ish or maybe less per point) provided I went off peak etc. I have friends who are DVC owners who I'm sure will get tired of Disney soon enough and will want to go somewhere else. I mentioned the idea of us trading points sort of speak where I book for them anywhere they want to go in Wyndham and they get me a week at my favorite Disney resort. And on this trade I'll swing the points more in their favor given my cost to rent DVC Points for a week versus my cost of maintenance on my existing points. Say they want Clearwater Presidential Suite Spring Break I could book that week, and then go to Beachclub 1 bedroom a week off peak for them.

Just a thought. Network with DVC owners who are tired of Disney (or kids are grown) and want to go other places, or find people on these forums who are owners of points at the resort you like for booking priority and rent their points. This way you avoid the upfront cost and still get that Disney vacation.

 

[grab]

You can enroll up to two PIC weeks for a maximum for 508,000 points (two 3 bedrooms). Then you have to buy 492,000 points to reach Platinum. The more points you buy, the bigger the discount. I say offer $125 per 1,000. They may counter with $140, but you can probably squeeze out $135 out of them. So platinum at that price will run you just under $67,000. I believe telesales is offering piggyback deeds which may reduce your overall cost. Now the question is, even if you get it for $40,000, is platinum worth that much to you?

Piggyback deeds? Are you referring to conversion of fixed weeks or something else?

 

[Richelle]

Piggyback deeds? Are you referring to conversion of fixed weeks or something else?

They sell you one deed, and throw another one in with it, for a much cheaper price. It’s usually higher maintenance fee resorts. I remember one person being offered a 259,000 for $12,000. Another was offered 105,000 for $10,000 if they bought 105,000 for $23,000. So $33,000 total for 210,000 points. That would have worked out to $157 per 1,000 points. Higher then I would be willing to pay.


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