Why I Plan to Hold My 2042 Contract

The first wave of DVC contracts is set to expire in 2042, including those at Old Key West (other than those extended to 2057), BoardWalk, Beach Club, Boulder Ridge, Vero Beach, and Hilton.  Since these contracts officially end as of January 31, 2042, the number of years left on them is actually closer to 16.  As the number of years left on the 2042 contracts dwindle, it’s understandable that some DVC Members may be willing to part with their DVC contracts.  After all, the resale value is bound to decline as we get closer to 2042.  

Despite all this, I plan to hold my BoardWalk contract as long as possible for a few main reasons.  

Home Resort Advantage

I’ve mentioned before that I’m something of a home resort point miser.  Those BoardWalk points are gold to me, and I rarely ever use them to stay at another DVC resort.  Knowing I want to stay at the BoardWalk for most trips, I can’t quite see giving up that contract anytime soon.  Sure, it’s possible to book the One Bedroom Villas or the occasional Deluxe Studio at the 7-month mark (especially the Preferred View ones that have a larger inventory), but if I want to guarantee a BoardWalk stay, I’m always better off booking at the 11-month mark.  

The Low Points Chart

Not only has the price per point risen over the years for newer DVC resorts, but the points chart values have too with each new resort.  Just as a comparison, take a look at a Resort View Deluxe Studio at the BoardWalk versus one at Riviera.  Both are EPCOT resorts, but BoardWalk’s Resort View Deluxe Studio ranges from 9 to 24 points per night whereas the comparable room at Riviera goes for 14 to 32 points per night. Over the course of a trip, that 5 to 8 point difference a night makes a big impact on the total points required for a reservation.  I for one love to be able to get as many stays as possible for my points.  

With the high possibility of DVC eventually reselling BoardWalk with a brand new (and much higher) points chart after 2042, I’m going to enjoy stretching my points for as long as I can with this older BoardWalk points chart.

Core Memories

Then of course there are the sappy, sentimental reasons for wanting to keep my BoardWalk contract.  This is admittedly the least logical and perhaps least compelling reason for keeping a 2042 contract, but it still matters.  

When I was growing up, the Yacht Club was one of my parents’ favorite resorts, so I have a lot of fond memories of the Crescent Lake area.  We would always visit the Boardwalk to enjoy the nightlife after coming back from the parks.  On the final night of our vacation, we would grab some ice cream at the old Seashore Sweets (where Abracadabar now stands), sit on a bench by the lake to soak in the atmosphere, and reflect on another wonderful trip.  

Now, it comes full circle, and I get to make memories at the BoardWalk with my son.  He is only two but already seems to feel right at home at the BoardWalk. He runs carefree around the Village Green and watches excitedly as the Friendship boats go by.  To me, it doesn’t get much better than sitting on the balcony of our Boardwalk View room and watching Luminous with my family. 

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When they say that DVC is not an investment, it’s a valid point.  I may miss out on any financial gain by keeping my 2042 contract instead of selling it off, but it’s the non-monetary value of DVC that is more of a priority to me.  It’s the future stays that I still have left with those points.  It’s the memories that are yet to be made with my family.  

My son will only be little for so long. I know that the years will fly by, and I want to make the most of them.  To be able to hit the pause button on the stresses of everyday life every once in a while, visit our home away from home in the Disney bubble, and savor the magic together is everything.