just bought into the DVC lots of questions

[Dznypal]

just got back from a great stay at the world---so great we finally bought into the DVC

so this is all so very new to us--were planning an extra special trip for next yr since Ill be at the end of my cancer treatments --after what weve been though along with our families (who have all been totally helpful and supportative)

so Im looking for any advice tips the dos and donts--anything that could help us plan this trip

our home resort is the Poly which is where wed like to stay the first time--I know we can book 11 months before but is it hard to get in--this is for early feb--

our guide told us for example if we want a 7 nite stay does it have to be sun through sat to get the weekly rate--what wed like to do is stay a couple of nites were also looking into a cruise not sure yet of where I guess when they release the itineries then well make our plans
so wed like to stay a few nites before the cruise and then maybe 5 nites after

so like I said anything anyone can through my way I would greatly appreciate it

thanks all

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Getting a poly studio can be hard, so you should book as soon as you know what your dates are. You can book for however many days you want, as long as they are available. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends - you can look at a point chart to see what the specific points are for each day at the poly (it depends on the season). The great thing with DVC is you can book now and reschedule later, if things change.

 

[JWigs]

With you having home at Poly and 11 mos you have a better chance than those who don't home there.

Sorry to hear about the cancer treatments but glad you are enjoying life and disney still

You don't have to stay a whole week the week long points I believe is still the same rate as daily just shows a cleaner chart. So if you want to stay less than 7 days you should. You won't "save" points by staying 7 days.

 

[DVC Mike]

just got back from a great stay at the world---so great we finally bought into the DVC

so this is all so very new to us--
so like I said anything anyone can through my way I would greatly appreciate it

thanks all

Start here:

http://www.disboards.com/threads/★-☆-★-the-dvc-information-center-★-☆-★.3436037/#post-54182075

http://i235.************************************************************* DVC Mike - *******.com

 

[disneynutz]

You should scan this section for other "bought while we were there" threads to read about the pros and cons with additional info about the DVC.

Bill

 

[supersnoop]

just got back from a great stay at the world---so great we finally bought into the DVC

so this is all so very new to us--were planning an extra special trip for next yr since Ill be at the end of my cancer treatments --after what weve been though along with our families (who have all been totally helpful and supportative)

so Im looking for any advice tips the dos and donts--anything that could help us plan this trip

our home resort is the Poly which is where wed like to stay the first time--I know we can book 11 months before but is it hard to get in--this is for early feb--

our guide told us for example if we want a 7 nite stay does it have to be sun through sat to get the weekly rate--what wed like to do is stay a couple of nites were also looking into a cruise not sure yet of where I guess when they release the itineries then well make our plans
so wed like to stay a few nites before the cruise and then maybe 5 nites after

so like I said anything anyone can through my way I would greatly appreciate it

thanks all

Let me be the first to kill your pixie dust buzz. If you're still in the 10-day rescission period, cancel the purchase. Then research. If you discover you actually do want to buy PVB, it will still be there next week, next month, and even next year.

At this point, it is not difficult to book any room at PVB at seven months with points from any other resort. That might change as it sells out, but not for another two years or so.

 

[msjprincess]

Getting a poly studio can be hard, so you should book as soon as you know what your dates are. You can book for however many days you want, as long as they are available. Weekdays are cheaper than weekends - you can look at a point chart to see what the specific points are for each day at the poly (it depends on the season). The great thing with DVC is you can book now and reschedule later, if things change.

Really? There always seems to be availability when I check dates, except for busy times like 4th of July weekend.

 

[supersnoop]

Really? There always seems to be availability when I check dates, except for busy times like 4th of July weekend.

Right. PVB is wide open at five months out. Even during the peak season (October through December) it will be easy at seven months.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

As of right now, with Poly maybe 30% sold and 60% declared, I have a hard time believing availability is challenging, save for a few holiday periods. I've never seen it not available at 7 months, save a day or two or a holiday.

 

[drusba]

If you are looking at Feb 2017, you can reserve 11 months out in March 2016. You do not mention any real reason for delaying beyond March to make the reservation. That you are waiting for exact cruise dates is not a reason to delay. Take the best guess and reserve Poly becuase you can change or modify the reservation later without incurring any penalty. (The general advice is to reserve 11 months out at home resort, to assure you have a room, unless you have a real reason to wait.) You can attempt to change the reservation later, including trying to switch to another resort at 7 months out.

As to necessity, Poly has not been difficult to get even by those from other resorts reserving 7 months out. Moreover, February is a low to moderate DVC demand time, except that one part of it is somewhat on the high demand side -- no, not Presidents's Day weekend, but instead the weekend after that when there is the Princess half marathon. Likely, you can wait for a while to reserve but again you really do not have a reason to wait since you can change later without penalty.

Each night of the year has its applicable points so if you reserve a week, your point requirement will simpy be the addition of the daily count applicable to each day of that week. The DVC point charts provide points needed during each season per night Sun -Thur, points needed per night Friday and Saturday (somewhat higher than those weekdays), and points needed for a week, but again those shown for the week are just the addition of those points required daily. If booking a week, it can start any day of the week. You can reserve time before the cruise or time after, or both, although both would require two separate reservations.

 

[ptlohmysoul]

Really? There always seems to be availability when I check dates, except for busy times like 4th of July weekend.

Now that I think about, the only time I checked was around Thanksgiving and Marathon weekend - both busy times.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

our home resort is the Poly which is where wed like to stay the first time--I know we can book 11 months before but is it hard to get in--this is for early feb--

our guide told us for example if we want a 7 nite stay does it have to be sun through sat to get the weekly rate--what wed like to do is stay a couple of nites were also looking into a cruise not sure yet of where I guess when they release the itineries then well make our plans
so wed like to stay a few nites before the cruise and then maybe 5 nites after

Poly is quite easy to book at this time - as it sells out that may change a bit but personally I don't think you'll ever have a problem right at 11 months and definitely not for next Feb if you book during the home resort priority period (11-7 months).

Since DVC is a nightly point system it doesn't matter what nights you book. The weekly total that is shown on a point chart is really just a helpful calculation - it's adding the point requirements for each of those 7 nights in that season. If you booked across the seasons the total would be based on each individual night also. As long as all the nights are in one season you'd have the same point costs for a Wed-Tue stay or a Mon-Sun stay as you would for a Sun-Sat stay, so your guide was not correct with that information.

You mention that you want to stay PVB for your first DVC stay but is that where you will always want to stay? PVB is very expensive and if you don't plan on staying there virtually all the time then there are financially better options to own. And PVB is a different resort for the DVC system in that they built only studios and then the very cool, but very expensive bungalows. If you are going to consistently want larger villas or to move around to various resorts then it also makes financial sense to own elsewhere. Just a few things that the guide probably didn't mention.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

The problem is that only Aluani and PVB are the only open sales right now (according to DVC) - so probably the OP was told that was their only choices. And I wouldn't purchase Aluani if you are going to be visiting DW more often. If you ask them, you can sometimes get other inventory.

However - to the OP - please do not listen to some of the downers here. Personally, I would like to welcome you home. No matter which resort you purchased (and I for one love Poly), you and your family will enjoy your DVC membership for many years to come. If you are like many of us, you will eventually end up owning points in more than one resort. DVC is addicting!!! Your Poly points will give you an advantage in Poly, and still be usable for any other Disney property, including DCL, Disney Adventures and RCI! (The same people here will tell you not to use points for those things. However, I maintain that they are your points to use as you choose. personally, I like taking cruises and I don't make DW every year and it's not worth the hassle to sell my points and buy DCL - so I cruise with them. My choice!).

enjoy your membership and welcome home!!!!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The same people here will tell you not to use points for those things. However, I maintain that they are your points to use as you choose.

I don't think anyone here doesn't maintain that they're his points to use, because, obviously, they are. We simply urge understanding the value trade-off being made.

We also all know very well that Disney DVC sales guides have no incentive to tell people about resale, about the ability to get points at the resorts some individuals really want to stay at, and have seen a large number of emotional decisions report to the DVC forums to ask how they can "trade" their home resort because they didn't want studios at all, really, and now they own at Poly, or they own at Aulani and won't go to Hawaii save once in the next 20 years. Disney guides also overstate 7-month availability for many room types and resorts.

Recovery from cancer is, of itself, a hugely emotional time. If he bought direct, he has 10 days to rescind if his DVC purchase was also emotional, and if in his heart he hopes to be renting 2BR units and bringing the extended family for years to come.

 

[gdrj]

just got back from a great stay at the world---so great we finally bought into the DVC

so this is all so very new to us--were planning an extra special trip for next yr since Ill be at the end of my cancer treatments --after what weve been though along with our families (who have all been totally helpful and supportative)

so Im looking for any advice tips the dos and donts--anything that could help us plan this trip

our home resort is the Poly which is where wed like to stay the first time--I know we can book 11 months before but is it hard to get in--this is for early feb--

our guide told us for example if we want a 7 nite stay does it have to be sun through sat to get the weekly rate--what wed like to do is stay a couple of nites were also looking into a cruise not sure yet of where I guess when they release the itineries then well make our plans
so wed like to stay a few nites before the cruise and then maybe 5 nites after

so like I said anything anyone can through my way I would greatly appreciate it

thanks all

First off congratulations! As a member for 16+ years we have been very happy with our purchase. In fact we bought a second contract at the Poly.

I know it can be dizzying with the info they tell you, what you think they tell you and what you might think they told you.

As far as availability as any location "sells out" availability does become tighter in general. I did a quick look 6 months out and there is full availability. Once you close you will have access to see availability online.

There are a number of threads that will give you info. One thing to remember is not everything here is gospel or 100% accurate. How you vacation will be different than others might.

Best of Luck!

 

[DisDadDVC]

The problem is that only Aluani and PVB are the only open sales right now (according to DVC) - so probably the OP was told that was their only choices. And I wouldn't purchase Aluani if you are going to be visiting DW more often. If you ask them, you can sometimes get other inventory.

However - to the OP - please do not listen to some of the downers here. Personally, I would like to welcome you home. No matter which resort you purchased (and I for one love Poly), you and your family will enjoy your DVC membership for many years to come. If you are like many of us, you will eventually end up owning points in more than one resort. DVC is addicting!!! Your Poly points will give you an advantage in Poly, and still be usable for any other Disney property, including DCL, Disney Adventures and RCI! (The same people here will tell you not to use points for those things. However, I maintain that they are your points to use as you choose. personally, I like taking cruises and I don't make DW every year and it's not worth the hassle to sell my points and buy DCL - so I cruise with them. My choice!).

enjoy your membership and welcome home!!!!

And I would say that this is TERRIBLE advice. Calling those people "downers" is not fair. Most if not all of them own DVC. Myself included. Having said that, I think the OP should 110% cancel ASAP. They simply do not know enough about how DVC works yet. Once they have learned and they still want to buy PVB direct (I bet they won't...) then that is fine.

And just because those are "your choices", doesn't mean they are good financial choices.

 

[Allidez]

Wishing you many years of health as you continue on your road to recovery. Congrats on your purchase. Just felt the need to chime in. I have been a member for almost 23years (Pioneer Member)! Purchased my first DVC contract in 1993. Have added on three more contracts since. Most recently at GF. NEVER for a second have I ever regretted any of the purchases. Truly feel it has been one of the best decisions I ever made for my family. So many great memories made with many more to come! Now with that said....

I always book what I think I want and tweak it later if I am concerned about availability. As long as the changes are before 30 days to the first date on the reservation the points can be returned to your account as usual. Wait listing has always worked out for me in the event I need to add a day or two. Also some last minute trips with limited availability worked out by waitlisting desired dates.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The problem is that only Aluani and PVB are the only open sales right now (according to DVC) - so probably the OP was told that was their only choices. And I wouldn't purchase Aluani if you are going to be visiting DW more often. If you ask them, you can sometimes get other inventory.

However - to the OP - please do not listen to some of the downers here. Personally, I would like to welcome you home. No matter which resort you purchased (and I for one love Poly), you and your family will enjoy your DVC membership for many years to come. If you are like many of us, you will eventually end up owning points in more than one resort. DVC is addicting!!! Your Poly points will give you an advantage in Poly, and still be usable for any other Disney property, including DCL, Disney Adventures and RCI! (The same people here will tell you not to use points for those things. However, I maintain that they are your points to use as you choose. personally, I like taking cruises and I don't make DW every year and it's not worth the hassle to sell my points and buy DCL - so I cruise with them. My choice!).

enjoy your membership and welcome home!!!!

Not downers, just trying to give the whole picture. How many times have we heard new members come back and complaining that they couldn't get this location or that location or they didn't realize it would cost that much, etc. The "guides" (or sales people as the realists know them) don't give the complete picture many times. I've heard them outright lie to someone. It's better to rescind within the first ten days and learn more and then go out and rebuy any way you want, than spend your money, not knowing everything about what you bought and being unhappy later on. Especially if they want a theme park view at BLT in a one bedroom. Or any one bedroom for that matter. Polynesian Villas don't have one bedrooms. And probably never will.

 

[Sammie]

How many of us knew much more than the OP when we bought. Be honest now. I not saying anyone is a downer but my goodness some you would scare the living daylights out me if I had just posted for the first time as a new owner.

Dznypal, if you come back to your posting and you are not ready for all this "expert" advice and are happy with your purchase but just want some info, and are leery now of asking, you are more than welcome to Private Message me, I will be glad to help anyway I can.

 

[DisDadDVC]

How many of us knew much more than the OP when we bought. Be honest now. I not saying anyone is a downer but my goodness some you would scare the living daylights out me if I had just posted for the first time as a new owner.

Dznypal, if you come back to your posting and you are not ready for all this "expert" advice and are happy with your purchase but just want some info, and are leery now of asking, you are more than welcome to Private Message me, I will be glad to help anyway I can.

The OP has not done their due diligence on this purchase. The only good advice is to cancel and take the time to learn about it. No one is saying they should never buy into DVC. I have no problem with them buying direct if that is what they want. But what if it turns out the VGF is their favorite and they can rarely get in there owning at PVB?