Combo of aftermarket and direct ???

[hrsewoman]

Hi. We just bought into the AKV direct. So I understand about the 11 month window and what is it 7 mos for all other DVC resorts. My question is - if we want to add points later on and buy an aftermarket contract, will we still have the 11 month window if we buy resale at a different resort? For example we really would also like to have BLT. So if I buy an aftermarket BLT and I have 100pts/yr from that contract. Can I book 11mos inadvance at BLT for say a week, use up all those 100pts and dip into my AKV points if I need more for that stay? And still get my 11mos in advance reservation?

So far we are happy with the plan. We were able to book a quick trip with the points given us when we bought in just a month in advance at our home resort. There were more limitations then we originally expected but since we intend to stay relatively flexible, I don't see why this won't benefit us greatly in the next 40 years. We already were able to stay in a room that's usually $1000 a night rack rate. We don't like the that fees are pretty high at AKV but that was the only option we had direct at the time and frankly I love the place. Our rep was awesome, turns out he was from the same area we live in, coincidence I don't know. Did not try to sell us something we didn't want or couldn't use, laid out all the pros and cons that he knew of. What I personally think they should add to the contracts is if you book a certain time in advance, you should be able to use those points for non-DVC rooms. Meaning I wouldn't expect to demand a room 2 wks in advance but if you can't get into a DVC room 4 months in advance and there are regular rooms available at a non-DVC room/hotel then they should make provisions for you to use your points. Restrict it to DVC properties only if you want. That would be my only complaint so far.

Otherwise Disney's attention to detail, service, and staff are second to none - we went down twice this year already. I get that the Mouse has to make his money. But they truly have created a place where you can get the most important thing in life - fun with family and friends and MEMORIES.

 

[Breyean]

The points you buy at any resort have the 11 month advantage at only THAT resort. So if you buy at BLT, your BLT points can be used at 11 month, but your AK points could only be used for a non AK reservation at 7 months. At 7 months you can combine them; not at 11.

As for your guide, not to throw cold water on your purchase, but you mentioned AK was pretty much your only choice direct. Did he mention DVC sells all their sold out resorts direct? The are all available, some with a wait for points, others immediately, as DVC is constantly getting contracts back through foreclosures and ROFRs of resales. The guides usually don't mention them, but you could have bought any DVC resort you wanted from him.

Finally, you obviously know about the resale market. AK contracts are plentiful on it and would really save a lot of $$. If you're considering BLT resale, why not AK?

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Hi. We just bought into the AKV direct. So I understand about the 11 month window and what is it 7 mos for all other DVC resorts. My question is - if we want to add points later on and buy an aftermarket contract, will we still have the 11 month window if we buy resale at a different resort? For example we really would also like to have BLT. So if I buy an aftermarket BLT and I have 100pts/yr from that contract. Can I book 11mos inadvance at BLT for say a week, use up all those 100pts and dip into my AKV points if I need more for that stay? And still get my 11mos in advance reservation?

So far we are happy with the plan. We were able to book a quick trip with the points given us when we bought in just a month in advance at our home resort. There were more limitations then we originally expected but since we intend to stay relatively flexible, I don't see why this won't benefit us greatly in the next 40 years. We already were able to stay in a room that's usually $1000 a night rack rate. We don't like the that fees are pretty high at AKV but that was the only option we had direct at the time and frankly I love the place. Our rep was awesome, turns out he was from the same area we live in, coincidence I don't know. Did not try to sell us something we didn't want or couldn't use, laid out all the pros and cons that he knew of. What I personally think they should add to the contracts is if you book a certain time in advance, you should be able to use those points for non-DVC rooms. Meaning I wouldn't expect to demand a room 2 wks in advance but if you can't get into a DVC room 4 months in advance and there are regular rooms available at a non-DVC room/hotel then they should make provisions for you to use your points. Restrict it to DVC properties only if you want. That would be my only complaint so far.

Otherwise Disney's attention to detail, service, and staff are second to none - we went down twice this year already. I get that the Mouse has to make his money. But they truly have created a place where you can get the most important thing in life - fun with family and friends and MEMORIES.

Agree with previous poster, but also add that the 100 points can be banked, used the next year with current year points, and even borrow another 100 points from the future year for a total of 300 points to use for 11 months advance booking at BLT. On the other years, you can use your AKV points.

 

[Dean]

Otherwise Disney's attention to detail, service, and staff are second to none - we went down twice this year already. I get that the Mouse has to make his money. But they truly have created a place where you can get the most important thing in life - fun with family and friends and MEMORIES.

I'm not in complete agreement here. Many feel that the service and attention to detail have slipped over the years and that appears to be more true for DVC than otherwise. Personally I find that all other timeshares I frequent consistently out perform DVC in attention to detail and responsiveness. Imagine DVC without the parks.

Agree with previous poster, but also add that the 100 points can be banked, used the next year with current year points, and even borrow another 100 points from the future year for a total of 300 points to use for 11 months advance booking at BLT. On the other years, you can use your AKV points.

That process is possible but does increase the risks involved related to changes, cancelations and rentals.

 

[hrsewoman]

As for your guide, not to throw cold water on your purchase, but you mentioned AK was pretty much your only choice direct. Did he mention DVC sells all their sold out resorts direct? The are all available, some with a wait for points, others immediately, as DVC is constantly getting contracts back through foreclosures and ROFRs of resales. The guides usually don't mention them, but you could have bought any DVC resort you wanted from him.

Finally, you obviously know about the resale market. AK contracts are plentiful on it and would really save a lot of $$. If you're considering BLT resale, why not AK?

No he did not but obviously now we know. We already own AK. We would like BLT for the 11mo window on that property. But we'll see. If and when we want more points and this whole "window" thing doesn't really end up mattering because of the way we travel, then we'll just go for the cheapest option.

 

[hrsewoman]

I'm not in complete agreement here. Many feel that the service and attention to detail have slipped over the years and that appears to be more true for DVC than otherwise. Personally I find that all other timeshares I frequent consistently out perform DVC in attention to detail and responsiveness. Imagine DVC without the parks.

.

To each their own. We bought DVC because of the flexibility and RCI exchanges although the value of the exchanges I don't know anything about yet. I personally like most all of the Disney resorts to go down and just have a vacation w/o the parks. There's plenty to do down there and frankly for us a few days in the winter where we can get some sun is well worth the trip. Additionally I have celiacs which Disney deals with incredibly phenomenally well, sadly so much better than most all restaurants near where I live so to be able to take a vacation and eat three meals a day without fear of getting sick is like Christmas for me. I don't know if I can get that kind of attention elsewhere yet.

 

[DizBub]

Ok, now you know that you cannot combine points from 2 resorts at 11 months but have you considered doing a split stay between AKV and BLT? They can both be used at the same 11 month window.

I did that this year, booked both my home resorts for an 11 day stay in September. 4 nights at BLT and 7 nights at BCV (ended up moving from BCV to BWV at 7 months).

Not to mention you can combine points from both to stay at either or for an entirely different resort at 7 months.

 

[DisneyBill]

Hi. We just bought into the AKV direct

Welcome Home! & Welcome to the Disboards.

 

[Dean]

To each their own. We bought DVC because of the flexibility and RCI exchanges although the value of the exchanges I don't know anything about yet. I personally like most all of the Disney resorts to go down and just have a vacation w/o the parks. There's plenty to do down there and frankly for us a few days in the winter where we can get some sun is well worth the trip. Additionally I have celiacs which Disney deals with incredibly phenomenally well, sadly so much better than most all restaurants near where I live so to be able to take a vacation and eat three meals a day without fear of getting sick is like Christmas for me. I don't know if I can get that kind of attention elsewhere yet.

Much of that is not a function DVC and you can get without staying on property but in Orlando. From a stay and no parks standpoint, I think there are a number of resorts in Orlando that are better overall than the DVC resort though DVC has nice resorts as well. As for exchanging to RCI, it's complicated and generally not a good value. If one does their homework, realistic and plans 1-2 years out, it can be workable if one owns already.

 

[bakerworld]

Congrats on your purchase and Welcome. We love our DVC altho we're are only 5 years into club ownership. You'll find many posters who are long time club owners feel disinchanted with the club. The double-edge sword of the forums is learning cool tips and question answers but you'll also learn what you've missed.

We take one or two vacations a year at other venues and Disney is a win in terms of cleanliness and detail attention. I've yet to stay anywhere that does a better job than Disney.

 

[k3chantal]

To each their own. We bought DVC because of the flexibility and RCI exchanges although the value of the exchanges I don't know anything about yet. I personally like most all of the Disney resorts to go down and just have a vacation w/o the parks. There's plenty to do down there and frankly for us a few days in the winter where we can get some sun is well worth the trip. Additionally I have celiacs which Disney deals with incredibly phenomenally well, sadly so much better than most all restaurants near where I live so to be able to take a vacation and eat three meals a day without fear of getting sick is like Christmas for me. I don't know if I can get that kind of attention elsewhere yet.

Welcome home Neighbor (our home resort is AKL)!
I agree; that Disney is attentive to food needs. I took my friend's family on a trip. She is deathly allergic to onions and after 20 years of friendship and numerous meals out with her, I can attest that she gets very mixed results from restaurants accommodating her. (the worst was in S.F. she had a full blown reaction to onions that the restaurant insisted were not in her soup) But at WDW, they actually made meals that were not on the menu for her. She was so very thankful; it really made her trip.

Don't let anyone pop your excitement about your new purchase. There is a lot to learn about DVC but many opinions on this website. How you decided to purchase your points and how you ultimately end up using them, is all up to you. I have no regrets about purchasing our 280 points direct. My family has really enjoyed using our points for other trips besides WDW including cruises. Living on the West Coast and factoring in airfare costs, means we often need to manipulate our trips to keep the other costs down. In 7 years of membership, we have used our points for 3 seven night trips in two bedroom villas to WDW, 2- 2 night trips to Vero Beach, exchanged our points with RCI for a 7 night ocean-view trip to Kauai, Hawaii, had a 7 night stay at the Grand Californian at DLR, and sailed on two 7 night Disney cruises. Sure, if we had only used our points at WDW we would have spent even more nights vacationing there; but my husband's job doesn't give unlimited vacation time. So, for us, using our points to 'pay for' these trips, keeps a better cash flow, thus what we do during our trips can be more exciting.

Have fun!

 

[hrsewoman]

Congrats on your purchase and Welcome. We love our DVC altho we're are only 5 years into club ownership. You'll find many posters who are long time club owners feel disinchanted with the club. The double-edge sword of the forums is learning cool tips and question answers but you'll also learn what you've missed.

We take one or two vacations a year at other venues and Disney is a win in terms of cleanliness and detail attention. I've yet to stay anywhere that does a better job than Disney.

Thank you bakerworld. Agreed 100%. I do not understand why some folks continue to negate everything people post on here in answer to questions and continue to slam the company. If you don't like the DVC then don't buy into it and sell your shares out if you have them. I don't mind learning what I've missed, if I were to wait and do 100% complete research on everything I bought I'd die not having done a darn thing in my life. But don't sit there and tell me their service is terrible because I have not yet experienced that in any of my visits.

I am a little annoyed with the Magical Express system - our last trip was the first we'd used it and we had to be back at the hotel to leave 4 hrs before our flight because we had to stop at a couple other resorts first. That's a huge waste of my time - it literally wasted our day - and next time I book I"m going to ask where the bus goes first. I'd rather spend $50 on a car and have it pick me up when I want to leave. This is probably not the case all the time depending on where you stay and the bus routes they have. If there's a published document that anyone can point me to, then I'm all ears, but I'm going to assume that it changes an awful lot.

 

[hrsewoman]

Welcome home Neighbor (our home resort is AKL)!
I agree; that Disney is attentive to food needs. I took my friend's family on a trip. She is deathly allergic to onions and after 20 years of friendship and numerous meals out with her, I can attest that she gets very mixed results from restaurants accommodating her. (the worst was in S.F. she had a full blown reaction to onions that the restaurant insisted were not in her soup) But at WDW, they actually made meals that were not on the menu for her. She was so very thankful; it really made her trip.


Have fun!

Thanks They do a phenomenal job with food allergies and that IS one of the reasons that we bought into them. I was floored with how well they dealt with celiacs - and what's more is that both reps on the phone I talked to while booking our trips this year knew all about it too and they don't even WORK in food service. I do not have to live on my GoPicnics when I am there and for those without severe food allergies they just will never understand what that means. It means for me that I don't go on vacation without having access to a grocery store and carrying food around with me all day long and that is NOT my idea of a good time.

 

[Dean]

Thank you bakerworld. Agreed 100%. I do not understand why some folks continue to negate everything people post on here in answer to questions and continue to slam the company. If you don't like the DVC then don't buy into it and sell your shares out if you have them. I don't mind learning what I've missed, if I were to wait and do 100% complete research on everything I bought I'd die not having done a darn thing in my life. But don't sit there and tell me their service is terrible because I have not yet experienced that in any of my visits.

I assume you're referring to me. All you have to do is follow here on DIS to realize that there are issues. For me personally I stay in maybe 5-6 timeshares a year (sometimes more) generally Wyndham, Bluegreen, Marriott, Hilton and DVC. They are all good in their own way and all have their own issues as well as there is always the risk of a bad trip anywhere with anyone. I've owned and stayed DVC since 1994 and had considerable general timeshare experience since about 1997 or 1998. I don't know how long you've owned but DVC has certainly slipped. The truth be known, it was never as good as some thought or as bad as some have come to believe. It's still a very good timeshare system but it is not the end all other than it's locations on park property.

 

[disneynutz]

I think that it's the newbies and the oldies. The newbies are all excited and still learning while the oldies have seen and experienced the changes, some negative, and we have seen behind the curtain.

We aren't trying to ruin your magic but trying to prepare you for the truth.

Disney does a great job selling the DVC as something special but they don't tell you the whole truth, the problems, restrictions, management, booking and website issues.

DVC is a discounted room that you have contracted to occupy until you sell or your contract runs out. In exchange for the room discount, you will commit to taking Disney vacations.

For some it's a good deal, for others not so much. I have to assume that is one of the reasons why there is an active resale market.

Bill

 

[bakerworld]

I am a little annoyed with the Magical Express system - our last trip was the first we'd used it and we had to be back at the hotel to leave 4 hrs before our flight because we had to stop at a couple other resorts first. That's a huge waste of my time - it literally wasted our day - and next time I book I"m going to ask where the bus goes first. I'd rather spend $50 on a car and have it pick me up when I want to leave. This is probably not the case all the time depending on where you stay and the bus routes they have. If there's a published document that anyone can point me to, then I'm all ears, but I'm going to assume that it changes an awful lot.

We just recently found the Mears can be arranged as little as the day before leaving. They call it a multi-stop van however the most we've experienced has been 2 stops. It's quick because the drivers really do want that tip. $28

We have also had to grab a cab in a hurry to arrange for a flight when our flight had been cancelled. The taxi was $58 (you would not have believed that trip - we tipped him $40 cash because he met the challenge). There was 4 adults BLT to MCO so $98 for 4 seemed like a deal plus we caught the flight - SNAP!

 

[bakerworld]

Wonder if some of the long time owners feel DVC service slippage isn't more they're tired of the Magic, the Parks, bought in '94 more for the perks and miss the 'suit' destination experience.

Annually we travel to other destinations checking off items on our bucket list but I've yet met anything that matches DVC for cleanliness or detail. I want to vacation in Capri's - no heels or dress - and still feel like I am at a nice place. To me Disney excels at making me feel like I am welcome in my Keen flips.

 

[Dean]

Wonder if some of the long time owners feel DVC service slippage isn't more they're tired of the Magic, the Parks, bought in '94 more for the perks and miss the 'suit' destination experience.

Annually we travel to other destinations checking off items on our bucket list but I've yet met anything that matches DVC for cleanliness or detail. I want to vacation in Capri's - no heels or dress - and still feel like I am at a nice place. To me Disney excels at making me feel like I am welcome in my Keen flips.

I'm sure that plays in for some but DVC has clearly slipped from the early days. Some of it was necessary because they couldn't keep up the small personal package they started out with. However, when it comes to housekeeping and maintenance, they've clearly slipped as well.

 

[hrsewoman]

Ok, now you know that you cannot combine points from 2 resorts at 11 months but have you considered doing a split stay between AKV and BLT? They can both be used at the same 11 month window.

I did that this year, booked both my home resorts for an 11 day stay in September. 4 nights at BLT and 7 nights at BCV (ended up moving from BCV to BWV at 7 months).

Not to mention you can combine points from both to stay at either or for an entirely different resort at 7 months.

Yes, thanks for reminding me of that...and they will move your bags and stuff for you if you want. What we ended up doing is booking our 11 mos out at our home resort so we have a place to go regardless, and at the 7 mth window we'll see what BLT has open...we'd like to stay at the BCV at some point but that one seems awfully popular and hard to get into?

 

[DizBub]

Yes, thanks for reminding me of that...and they will move your bags and stuff for you if you want. What we ended up doing is booking our 11 mos out at our home resort so we have a place to go regardless, and at the 7 mth window we'll see what BLT has open...we'd like to stay at the BCV at some point but that one seems awfully popular and hard to get into?

Yes, they will move your bags and stuff for you, no problem.

BCV is small and a little hard to get into especially during F&W but I had luck one year at 7 months. We ended up buying a contract there after failing the next year. My kids had better luck getting a 1 bedroom fairly consistently. 1 bedrooms seem to go last.