A couple of questions before I sign on the dotted line

[mattnkatsmum]

I'm from the UK and took the DVC tour when on holiday in March. I've done loads of research, crunched the numbers and decided that I'd like to give DVC a whirl. I'd love some input on the following please:

1. When we took the tour we were given a price (I think from recollection it was $98 per point discounted to $90), to sign up within 72 hours of coming home). I didn't want to make a decision so quickly so spoke to DVC who kept the deal open for another couple of days. I decided I needed more time and didn't want to make a decision under pressure (subtle 'Disney' pressure, but still pressure). Now I know that discounts are currently being offered, based on whether you use last years points or not. I am prepared to proceed if I can secure $93 per point plus 2005's points. Does anyone know if DVC will offer me this deal, given that I didn't sign up immediately after my trip? I have emailed DVC, but haven't yet had a call.

2. I don't want to commit too heavily, just in case DVC isn't for us, plus I don't want to rely on financing. My thought is to buy 150 points at SSR and use those points to fund two separate weeklong trips per year, paying out of pocket (perhaps with an annual pass discount), for the Friday and Saturday night. I thought about buying a smaller contract, but as the exchange rate is so good right now (pound v dollar) I don't want to wait too long. Are there any obvious flaws in my logic?

Sorry to hijack the US boards, but I know this is the best place to get answers.

Cheers,

Karen

 

[rinkwide]

...Are there any obvious flaws in my logic?

Transatlantic flights don't come cheap. Would you normally go to Florida twice a year if you didn't buy in?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Hey there! I'll take on your questions quickly!

1. I do not think they will give you the better deal, but talk to your DVC guide (it's worth the overseas call - or better yet call in the morning your time, leave a short message, and have your guide call you back, letting DVC eat the cost of the longer call). I would expect that they would not still give you the better deal is that they have just recently (1st April) raised their price per point to $101, and are not currently offering any reasonable incentives for new buyers (to my knowledge). On the price issue, I would recommend waiting for the next incentive offer, and grabbing that; in fact, I'd recommend telling your Guide that's what you're doing and seeing if he/she offers you a deal (if not, tell them to call you back when they have a nice incentive to offer you). As for the 2005 points issue, I would imagine that if you Use Year is summer or later, you should be entitled to these points.

2. I think you are right to start small, pay cash, and see how it works for you. It is generally advisable to buy smaller contracts anyway as these seem to be more liquid, and to command higher per point prices on the resale market. As your finances allow, you can then add additional contracts to your account, building up your points position. Furthermore, since I trade currencies for a living (I am a financial analyst in FX markets), I think the the US Dollar is going to continue falling in value versus the Pound Sterling. So waiting should be to your advantage.

Another thought, going back to your first issue, have you considered going to the Resale market to buy your initial contract? Pricing should be better than buying direct, though there is the ROFR process to get through, and then closing costs; but since you are happy to wait a little (from what I gather from your post) this should work well wih your schedule. Here is the link to Board sponsor The Timeshare Store; prices there for SSR range around us$85, though you might not have this year's point available.

Good luck with your decision process and your search.

 

[mattnkatsmum]

Transatlantic flights don't come cheap. Would you normally go to Florida twice a year if you didn't buy in?

Ahem.....I've been twice this year already with another trip booked. I the USA!!

 

[abner1776]

It sounds like you have thought things out very well and I would agree with the previous posts as well as your original post. Just make sure that SSR is where you want to stay for the next 46 years. Booking at the other resorts can be an issue depending upon when you want to visit.

While airfare across the "pond" can be expensive, the exchange rate has been very favorable for people coming into the US which has made visiting the US less expensive.

 

[rinkwide]

...the exchange rate has been very favorable...

And it's unlikely to stay that way indefinitely.

 

[byoung]

1. When we took the tour we were given a price (I think from recollection it was $98 per point discounted to $90), to sign up within 72 hours of coming home). I didn't want to make a decision so quickly so spoke to DVC who kept the deal open for another couple of days. I decided I needed more time and didn't want to make a decision under pressure (subtle 'Disney' pressure, but still pressure). Now I know that discounts are currently being offered, based on whether you use last years points or not. I am prepared to proceed if I can secure $93 per point plus 2005's points. Does anyone know if DVC will offer me this deal, given that I didn't sign up immediately after my trip? I have emailed DVC, but haven't yet had a call.

Only the offer they have not, will not bargin with you.

2. I don't want to commit too heavily, just in case DVC isn't for us, plus I don't want to rely on financing. My thought is to buy 150 points at SSR and use those points to fund two separate weeklong trips per year, paying out of pocket (perhaps with an annual pass discount), for the Friday and Saturday night. I thought about buying a smaller contract, but as the exchange rate is so good right now (pound v dollar) I don't want to wait too long. Are there any obvious flaws in my logic?

Your logic is Ok. Good luck on your decision.

 

[mattnkatsmum]

Only the offer they have not, will not bargin with you.

I don't think I made myself clear here. What I meant to ask is whether DVC will let me have the current offer (whatever that is), given that I didn't sign up within 72 hours of taking the tour. I know that they won't bargain with me.

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, in most cases you would be able to secure your purchase at the current rate with any applicable incentives. Presently, that would mean the $93 rate ( $101 - $8) including points in the current Use Year - and the 2006 maintenance fees would be prorated based on your purchase date.

"Current" points could be 2005 points, if the Use Year is June, August, Sept, Oct or December - but would be 2006 points for Feb, Mar or April so the availability of "current" points thru Disney will depend on your Use Year. It's often possible to find banked points with a resale purchase though.

Good luck with you decision!