Nervous about purchase . . . Help!

[Lizardbeth61]

Husband is convinced we made the right decision. I am not. We still have 7 days to back out. Help. Any words of wisdom? I've read so many negative lately that I'm even more concerned . . . alarming increase in dues, ants, mold and mildew . . .

I like nice hotels and having to pay extra if I want maid service is wierd enough. Yet we love to visit Disney at least once a year.

Like I said, some words of wisdom would be great so I can sort out the decision . . . fast!!

Thanks.

[tiggerguy2000]

Don't worry be happy.

[disny4ever]

The only thing everyone here can offer you is this their own feelings. My feelings when I 1st entered our home resort at BCV'S for the first time was WOW !! The DVC is the best way to stay,relax, and have a wondeful and magical time at WDW.
If you still get that Disney feeling when you are at WDW, then you will multiply it when you know you are a member of the magical place called Disney World.
It's probably common for many people to worry, I did too. In my heart I know we made the right decision and definitely do not regret it at all. Good luck and Congrats on joining our neighborhood !!

[Mrs. Snowgod]

We bought in '00, and have never, ever regretted the decision.

I try to imagine what I'd feel if I was just preparing to buy now...
For one thing, we were not acquainted with the DIS boards until at least a year after our purchase, and only knew about the DVC because our daughter's then-BF's family were members, and went annually. On our 25th anniversary trip, we did the tour and knew it was the right choice. The cost of our WL lodging for 8 nights was 1/3 of the cost of 200 points!

Anyway, there are many comments in several of the threads that say that great experiences don't get the write-ups and reactions that bad ones do. I concur, and my own personal experiences have backed that up.

DH and I are very happy DVC Members, with 200 points at VB, 100 at VWL, and in the next 2 weeks will add-on at BCV. We love BCV, are not concerned about DVC blowing off the ant problem, nor any other problem that serious. We have complete faith that they will be resolved. We have encountered way more magic at WDW and DVC than at any other vacation venue, and while nothing is ever perfect all the time, it is closer to perfect at WDW than elsewhere.

And BTW, our decision to buy BCV is still a bit up in the air - we are thinking that maybe instead of 150 points, we should go a bit higher. We love the Epcot area and want to be able to go back there every fall for the FWF, and have enough points for a 2BR so we can bring friends and family.

You certainly must make the decision that feels right for you, but if it is being so strongly influenced by what you read here, I hope my humble opinion may help.

:bounce: :jester: :Pinkbounc

[PamOKW]

If you look hard enough on the boards you will find problems/complaints about everything and anything at WDW. 65,000+ families have purchased DVC so chances are you won't be staying in some hell hole. If that were the case, you'd be reading expose articles in all the major newspapers and magazines.

If financially it is doable for your family and you do enjoy vacationing at WDW and plan to do so regularly, your husband is right. You have made an excellent decision for your family.

Keep in mind that nothing is permanent. If you do discover this isn't right for you, you aren't locked in forever. You can always sell your membership, very often with little or no loss.

alarming increase in dues

This one I'm not sure about. There was a bump in dues this year but it was preceeded by several years of no increase and/or decreases. I would scratch this from your list of concerns.

[jimmytammy]

We bought sight unseen at VWL. My DW was holding out to the bitter end to purchase. I am like Davy Crockett, if it feels right, then I go ahead. Well now my DW feels a lot better about it, especially after our first trip home.

I went through something similar, reading some of the negatives about VWL. If it hadnt been for folks like Granny( yep, he's a guy ) I would have fallen into the same trap your in now. I agree with someone here who said there are 65000+ members and you sometimes will hear only the negative. Im sure BCV is having a few bugs ( no pun intended ) to work out because it is still fairly new but they will fix the problems and all will be forgotten in time.

Check out the the thread Great things about BCV on this same forum, it will serve as some reassurance also.

Just look forward to that first trip home, stay away from the negative posts and think about all the memories to come!

[timC]

Please don't consider the anticdotal stories you read on these boards as representative of a DVC experience. Reading a story or two about mold does not reflect the experience of a typical DVC stay. These boards can be a great help, but IMO we tend to over analyse. As Pam notes, there are 65,000+ happy DVC's. Disney too feels they are successful...they keep on building new resorts. :D

Regarding dues' I double checked my BWV dues. Since 2000 my dues have averaged 2% increases...sounds like it's keeping up with inflation to me. The jump in 2003 was higher than in past years, but again, I perfer to look at trends, not anticdotes.

Bottom line. If you love WDW, and want to stay in a luxury resort, year after year, this is the best deal out there.

[Mickey]

It was the best thing we ever did was purchasing DVC. We thought about it in 97 and backout, then again in 99 and backout again. It wasn't till last year we said it's now or never. We purchased resale and it is was the best purchase we ever made. The only thing I regret is not buying more points. Once you take your first trip you will agree it was a great purchase.

[JR]

We joined DVC in 96 and have added three times since. We have never had a "bad" stay at any of the DVC resorts.

JR

[ncligs]

We went for the first time in 1996 when my sister joined and invited us to OKW. If you go every year or every other year it is a "wise' investment.We bought in 1999 at OKW @$65 pt. As you can see the value of our points have gone up ($84 pt now) .Now 4 members of our family our DVC members.:D

We started with 300 pts at OKW and have added on 300 pts at VB. It is the best decision we have ever made. We will have wonderfull vacations and memories that will last a lifetime over the next 39 years. We also have 2 kids(29-17) that will enjoy
it. :p

[Maistre Gracey]

[pretend to hear tune]Woo hoo hoo hoo hahoo hahoo,,,, hahoo hahoo,,,, woohoo hoo.........Don't worry,,, be happy.....[/pretend to hear tune] :cool:

[Cruelladeville]

DH wanted to join in 92 but I refused, due to the lack of maid service. I just thought it was a terrible waste of money, even though we went to WDW every year. In 97 we were staying at Poly and were interrupted by the maid at a very inoppertune moment:eek: and that ended my love affair--no pun intended--with maid service. We went to visit BWV and that's when we joined with 170 pts. We are now up to 700 pts, and we love every minute of our time there. Believe me, you will not miss the maids! After staying in a DVC resort all the time, I stayed in a regular room at BC last year, and HATED the maids banging on my door at 8:30 every morning!!!! That's when I really knew that I wouldn't go back to pre-DVC for anything!! We bought with MB for only $54 a point, today it sells in the mid 70's, which covers ALL my dues since we joined, so don't let the increases worry you. We are only paying slightly more than what we paid in in 97, which isn't too bad.;)

[cjp/dvc]

We just celebrated 10 years of membership in May at OKW and have added on there, Hilton Head & Beach Club...Whenever possible we add points instead of other gifts, purchases etc....and never once have we regretted it!! From cozy short visits in studios to longer and larger trips with family and friends in 2 bedrooms or grand villas it is truly our home away from home. We have watched our son grow up on Disney vacations...from an adolescent...to college kid who spent spring break on our points...to a young professional seeking some relaxation...to planning his engagement...Disney Style! I know if we did not belong to the DVC we couldn't have afforded to vacation so often in luxury...and Everyone who has ever joined us is blown away by the beauty, upkeep, condition and luxury of the units and grounds...and clean up maid service every few days has always been more than enough...We have had financial guru friends take a look at the financial end...and they bought without ever seeing the place...it was and is still a great deal if you enjoy Disney level class both at WDW..and elsewhere...the trading locations are first class all the way from cruises to resorts...even on Disney property...everytime we have traded in points for other than DVC resorts we have been upgraded to the best available rooms far beyond our expectations...this has been true at all the resorts on property (most recently Animal Kingdom Lodge) as well as exchanges in Vermont (Top Notch at Stowe) etc...etc...
We have compared prices of what we have used our points for and discovered regularly that the price is always cheaper via the Vacation Club!
Everyone else who posted is ABSOLUTELY correct...those of us who have had great experiences don't post them...probably because we expect and get a great experience... Good Luck...your only regret will be what I hear from everyone else I have ever met who joined DVC...I SHOULD HAVE DONE IT SOONER!!

[Deb & Bill]

Unless you are a total pig, you really won't miss daily maid service. We always make our bed at home, so it is nothing to make it at WDW. We hang up our towels at home and do it at WDW. And if you make a mess, you still have a vacuum cleaner if you need one, plus a dishwasher and washer and dryer.

Like Cruelladeville, we find daily maid service more of an interruption to our life and no daily maid service.

[NancyDVC]

We joined in early 1992 and have never regreted it. Yes I did have concerns-"Can we afford this? Is it the right thing to do?" Then our first stay convinced us that it was definitely the right thing to do.
Where else can your investment give you great accommodations, member services to help you with all those little details of a trip, and wonderful fellow members to answer your questions?
Don't worry about negative comments. Remember no matter what the situation those who have had a 'problem' will always speak out and those who have no problems will just go about there business not saying a word. In my opinion most members don't have complaints we have concerns that we bring up to make things better for all of us.
Go for it, enjoy being DVC members with all the rest of us.

[TexasAggie]

We bought in Nov. 97 and have never looked back. We have looked at cash room rates for some of our DVC vacations and feel that we are thousands of dollars ahead (based on what we paid for points and dues that got us those accommodations, vs what they would have cost in cash). Not to mention the fact that in five more years, the mortgage will be paid, and we'll be able to enjoy the same great accommodations for the price of dues alone! We have been able to invite friends and family to come with us and have had wonderful times with them, we have gone on a Disney cruise and had a wonderful time. So we feel it's well worth it (and every time the cost of points goes up again, we're so glad we didn't wait any longer!).

[anniet]

We signed the papers on vacation in March of 2002, and I went back to the room that night and stared wide-eyed at the ceiling thinking "What did I just do?"

I still had two weeks to back out if I wanted, but I didn't, and I am so glad I didn't!!!!!

We had our first trip home to VWL in January-10 days in a studio- and as we were silently driving the rental out of the VWL parking lot on our last day there DBF patted me on my knee and said "Don't cry!"

I told him, "I would be crying right now, if I didn't know we have forty more years to do this!!!!!"

[TChrist05]

My wife and I have for years talked about joining...went as far 2 years ago to sign the contract and pay the deposit.....then came home and had second thoughts....cancelled.....now two years later we cruised on May 10th and booked on the ship for BCV....just received the FedEx package to send the signed forms and the check for $10,600....sorry I backed out the first time....cost me two years of using it and 2000 bucks more.....have made over 40 trips down....already made reservations for 3 nights in September and 7 nights in December....at say $100. a night it would cost us at least $1000. plus tax....so....we do feel we did make the absolute right decision now....and 39 more years to play down there.....and the way I figure it.....buying into this vacation club is like buying 1/3 of a car.....go for it!
Tom

[jaysue]

You will love it - since you plan to go to Disney at least one time per year you have already virtually guaranteed a good return on your investment.

We had butterflies as well, but when I stayed in that 1BR at OKW, the rest was history

thanks
jaysue

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Cruelladeville
In 97 we were staying at Poly and were interrupted by the maid at a very inoppertune moment:eek: and that ended my love affair--no pun intended--with maid service. .

http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/otn/shocked/Wow1.gif..................http://www.smilies-world.de/Smilies/Smilies_klein_1/knuddel.gif

[StormTigger]

I have but one regret since joining DVC...

I didn't do it sooner!! :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Lizardbeth61]

Keep the good comments coming. We were talking about it to friends today who bad mouthed time shares and it didn't even shake me. I figure as long as dh will let me do the Poly from time to time or another hotel with the "romance spoiling" LOL maid service, it should be great.

We were talking to DS (7) and DD (10) a bit about it tonight at dinner and they seem pretty excited. They don't understand the whold idea of a vacation club or time share, but if it means more Disney and a nice pool they think it sounds just dandy!

wow, Wow, WOW as Figment said in his original attraction! I'm starting to get excited. Still nervous, but you have ALL been so helpful and reassuring. I think most of you have had the reservations about it like I have and have clearly recovered WONDERFULLY!

This really is a great board! Thanks again all.

P.S. Wanna hear a dumb hang up for me? Our son and daughter don't do well sleeping in the same bed and in time it won't be appropriate either. Our guide suggested an aero bed since the only reason we need more than a studio or a 1-bedroom is so they can have their own beds. It seems off to have to pay all this money to have a kid sleep on the floor. Has this been a problem for anyone and how did you resolve it. A 2-bedroom is extreme just for an extra bed.

[Lizardbeth61]

Also, how hard is it to make ressies? Do you rarely get what you've requested or is it pretty okay if you're not too specific? Also is it hard to trade out to Interval International. DH and I wouldn't mind spending our 20th anniversary in England using our points.

[JimC]

We are very satisfied with our membership. At the very least we stay at better than deluxe resorts for the price of moderates.

Once you start staying at 1 br units you quickly get hooked. We actually prefer not having daily housekeeping. If you need something they are only a phone call away.

The only regret we have is not buying in 1992 when we first looked. But we were saving for a house in 1992 and just could not figure a way to do both.

Good luck with your decision.

[jimmytammy]

LizardBeth
Glad to hear things are getting better for you already.

As for the 2 bed deal, our first stay with DD 10 and DS 8 was a studio and we know we can get by with that for a few more yrs but we will be staying in a 2 bed next trip with Grandma making trip. We juggled pts and made it happen. That is so cool cause we arent sacrificing next yrs annual visit. By doing studio first we were able to bank leftover pts and still have pts from next use yr. We dont have a huge amount of pts yet we arent behind for trips down the road. Dont know if this post makes much since, but from my vantage point, DVC has us way ahead of the game and thats good!!

Hang in there cause it just keeps gettin better and better!!!!!!!!!

[skelooch]

I bought in May 2002, BCV.
So far have made 3 trips, Studio, 1 BR & 2 BR.
Never regretted for one moment, bought sight unseen.
I think it's great not having maid service, it's nice to know everything is going to be the way you left it when you get back to your room.

You won't be sorry!

[RweTHEREyet]

I cannot wait to read your post when you say, "we didn't miss the maid service at all." I have not seen anyone post that they missed it. All the other amenities/conveniences far exceed the maid service, such as larger rooms, microwave and fridge in even a studio, etc., etc. The money that those alone save you outweigh the maid service.

As far as the aerobed, when you start considering using points for a 2-bedroom versus just using points for a 1-bedroom, you will very quickly get over bad feelings about the aerobed. Save those points for another trip. We bought the queen-sized bed at BJ's for $99.00, and it fit just fine in the living room of OKW.

As far as making reservations, make your plans in advance and call as soon asyou know what you want to do. The 11-month window is the best way to go, but you can almost always get something even at less than that window.

[sitchu2]

Hi Lizardbeth,

Werent you on the Magic Feb 1 ?? I recognize your screen name.

Anyway , to share our experiences, We first took the tour of DVC in 95 and were going to do anything we could to make it happen, then we became expecting parents again and put vacationing on hold for 6 years.

We got wind of BCV pre selling and had always dreamed of staying there. We added up the cost and figured it paid for itself in 5 years, then we noticed the appreciation in the cost since 95 and we did not want to wait any longer.

We started with 300 BCV points. Then added on 3 times in the last year and a half.

Our first trip to BCV was beyond the description of Superior. We visited a second time after the cruise this Feb, and It was just a Magical wonderful place to stay. We paid for our cruise with our DVC points, not the most practical use of points, but we had so many because we did not sell back our first use year and splurged.

We loved the area so much that we added on at BWV too, I have never stayed there , and have heard good and bad, but I dont think I am the kind of person to let small annoyances ruin my vacation. (Granted they are not small to some it is all IMHO)

Now , when I purchased DVC, I never gave it a second thought, It gave me a happy feeling with no regrets, which is highly different from the way I usually feel when making any larger purchases. I always get a sick feeling thinking maybe I should not have. ( furniture, automobiles ect...) I Never Never had that feeling , It always will give you something wonderful to look forward to which makes everything else in life just seem better, and more tolerable. The planning is so much fun.


sorry for being so long , Good luck whatever you choose.

[Smiles4Disney]

I am in the middle of finalizing a surprise 300 point BCV contract as a surprise for my DW. It will be the first actual DVC contract for us and I CAN'T wait to give her the good news(This Thursday...gulp!) We got engaged on a rented pontoon boat on the lake in Epcot on 6-16-96 and have been hooked on WDW since. When I heard that Disney was offering BCV I knew that this would be perfect for us and our DD...8 months old. In fact we already took our DD for her first trip to WDW earlier this year. I know that we are going to enjoy DVC for the rest of our lives!! Don't back out of this...you'll only regret it later.

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Lizardbeth61,

Just wanted to update my response to you... I was the 3rd or 4th poster to reply to you when you started this thread... well, we decided to add-on 200 instead of 150, because the BCV points are selling fast, and we want to increase our contract before any potential price increase comes along. I agree with the other posters saying "wish we'd done it sooner"... I wish we'd bought these additional points in '00 before the subsequent price increases!

But, they'll still appreciate. Hope you see it through!

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Smiles4Disney
I am in the middle of finalizing a surprise 300 point BCV contract as a surprise for my DW. It will be the first actual DVC contract for us and I CAN'T wait to give her the good news(This Thursday...gulp!) . .

Smiles4Disney,

"Welcome Home".....and to the DIS!!http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/beerchug.gif Your DW will love this suprise.http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/biggthumpup.gif

[Loubon]

We just joined in Feb. with our first trip as members in Aug. With all due respect to the posts that cause concern (because I'm sure within their own contexts they are important to the posters), I really can't be bothered worrying about the toilet paper, the termostat or a whole other variety of issues.

When we go, we will expect the best. If we are wrong we will try again. If we are continually wrong (and only then) we will sell and probably breakeven at worst. I don't expect that at all.

As for the kids getting older one thing that may buy you some time is to sleep with your daughter and have your son sleep with your husband. Just a thought. I have 2 girls so I don't have that problem but we are trying the studio squeeze and I'm sure that won't last long!

[DebbieB]

When I bought at Boardwalk in 1999, there were alot of negative posts about it that worried me a little. At that time there was just OKW & BWV at WDW, so it was alot of "my resort is better than yours" type arguments. We've now stayed at OKW 4 times and BWV 3 times and I'm not sorry at all. We didn't always get our requests but it wasn't a big deal. We've never had a major problem with the room. No regrets... :D

[Lizardbeth61]

I get all Disney warm and fuzzy. You all have been so great! I'm actually getting excited as long as I don't let those fears creep in. I think we're "gonna just do it," and stop thinking so darn much! We'd spent a bundle on a camper that we're now trying to sell. That was a bigger mistake than this decision could ever be! I hate camping, but tried it 'cause we thought the kids would love it. I admire those of you who camp, but Disney's my kind of camping!

Maybe it's off the topic, but I have a question or two and since you've all been so helpful and encouraging, perhaps you won't mind. Everyone seems to be talking about adding on points. I can see some reasons for it, but in some cases I can't figure it out. Someone has 700 points? Some have more. Do you have that much vacation time or are you renting your points? What's all that about? I know there's an advantage to having extra contracts because you can get that 11 mos reservation advantage. Is that what it's about?

We're about ready to just go for it so this question isn't to milking your human kindness, but I checked airfare today also to see what we're looking at. I'd forgotten that if we're going to all these DVC's we're going to be spending a lot more in air . . . almost cancelling out the savings. Not sure I really care since we pretty much live for vacation, but has that been an issue with anyone? There are lots of places with interval International that we can trade out that are within driving distance, but with Disney points, it makes a person want to go to a Disney owned place since it's such a class act. Oh well.

Sitchu2, yes, we were on the 2/1 cruise. It was great for us. How about for you? I think Disney needs to build a resort on a Caribbean island that's just like the cruise . . . kids clubs, activities, all inclusive etc. May post a separate thread about this . . . How did you remember me? The name is a bit memorable I'm afraid. Real name's Elizabeth! Get it?

[Boardwalk4me]

We joined in 1997 and have never regretted it. If we have ever had problems, they were resolved. We started with 175 points at BWV , we have added 5 times as we can afford. We now have 375 pts at BWV and 325 points at BCV. We are now looking forward to planning towards our retirement and DVC is a part of that. We have taken such wonderful trips with family and friends that we could never have afforded for one trip expenditures. We are now used to staying in luxury resorts that we did not think was in our future a few years ago. Our DD-20 still enjoys
vacationing with us as we all have our own space and privacy. It is a big step to buy into DVC, but the most important advice I
can give you is for you and your DH to be in agreement on this purchase. If you are, then quite possibly (highly likely) you both will have many wonderful years of experiencing all that DVC
has to offer.

[sitchu2]

We added on because we did not first plan on more then one trip a year, then with our first annual pass , and some points to spare, we couldnt resist visiting in the summer, now we make it our vacation plan for one summer and one winter trip. I get 4 weeks vacation and DH gets two, so we have to save up.

I added on at Boardwalk for the 11 month window, we have never actually stayed there, but have 2 teenage sons, that we feel will have a great time staying where so much action is. The BWV also took our breath away the first time we saw them, on the Friendship from Epcot the first night we visited in 2001 after not having been there for 6 years. The sight of the lit up BWV was so beautiful and we walked thru the lobby in awe. We caught the bus there to DTD and saw the Cruise ship busses all lined up in front of the Hotel, and that was the start of our larger vacationing dreams which have all come to be:p

I agree that a Disney Island all inclusive getaway would be the best!! I had a great time on the 2/1 Magic too!!

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Lizardbeth61
Maybe it's off the topic, but I have a question or two and since you've all been so helpful and encouraging, perhaps you won't mind. Everyone seems to be talking about adding on points. I can see some reasons for it, but in some cases I can't figure it out. Someone has 700 points? Some have more. Do you have that much vacation time or are you renting your points? What's all that about? I know there's an advantage to having extra contracts because you can get that 11 mos reservation advantage. Is that what it's about?


We have added on a few times to give us 600 pts (300-OKW 300-VB). DW is a teacher and off all summer and Easter week, 10 days at x-mas. I work at GM and get 5 weeks vacation, 10 days at x-mas, 2 week shutdown(all of GM) in July. So yes we have more than enough vacation time to use the points.

We are also fortunate enough to only have the dues payment($200 month), and no house payment. Since we are both only 4 years from retirement(at age 51) we will be spending at least 6 weeks at OKW during winter http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/family/stanico.gif. We have never rented our points and don't plan on doing so in the future.

The reason we split our pts into 2 contracts(OKW+VB same use yr) was to have the 11 month window for on-site(OKW) and off-site(VB). I also have 4 brothers and sisters that are DVC members and we combine pts to get 2 GV's or Beach Cottages every other year.

[Lizardbeth61]

Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments. Between all your help and then seeing picutres of all the places on All Ears, I finally told DH, "Okay. Let's finish signing on!" It's done and we are now DVC Memebers and I'm . . . . EXCITED!!!! Can't wait to figure out our trip dates and make ressies! Thanks again.:Pinkbounc

[sitchu2]

Welcome Home Elizabeth and Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:bounce: :bounce: :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc :Pinkbounc



Here try this link for great pics http://*********************/id247.htm

[skelooch]

Welcome Home Lizardbeth61 and congratulations, you wont be sorry.

[jimmytammy]

Congratulations and



W
E
L
C
O
M
E



H
O
M
E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're gonna' love it!!

[PKay]

Your concern caught my eye because we just went through the same thing your going through! We signed the contract, first time on the tour, on May 11th. My husband and I did the 15 day countdown with a lot of anxiety - and now that we passed backout period, we are trying decide on how many points we want to close on (still with lingering anxiety). On one hand, we can purchase points for $74.00 per point with magical beginnings so we should get as many as we can afford; and on the other hand, we haven't ever stayed in a DVC resort - realize we'll incur airfare expenses - and have other things to pay for in life as well besides vacations................. We are thinking that 200 points may be the right number............ I'm just saying that I can identify with you and your anxiety but I've read so many great things on this forum that I'm really excited to start using the DVC.

Although we are living in Indiana - My husband and I were born and raised in State College, PA ... All of our family still lives there.

Good luck with your decision!

[Lizardbeth61]

PKay, what's magical beginnings? I assumed that's what we had because we got this year's points as a bonus with a use year that starts in December for our regular use year. We're paying $84.00/point. I thought that was the standard . . .
:confused: Interesting. May have to call DVC guide to figure out.

Since there's a State College connection with PKay, would love to email directly, but can't figure out how to do that.

Thanks for the post.

[Lizardbeth61]

Oooh! I figured out how to add a little lizard to my posts and I think I figured out how to get private messages. I learn something new on the computer EVERYDAY!