A few questions, please

[house_of_princesses]

I've read a lot of threads (four pages worh), went to DVC home page, and still have a few questions. (Am hoping to speak over the weekend re: purchasing w/ DH.)

1. How many points does it take for DCL? If I bought today would I be able to use some points for '04 cruise?

2. What happens in 2042? (I think it's 2042 when the DVC closes.)

3. I remember someone saying one benefit is being able to call for PS before the general public. (A character breakfast at the casatle always starts our trip. When I can get it!)

4. Are there any campgrounds included in the traded sites? We have a travel trailer and enjoy using that, too. Before anyone says it may not be worth it if we still use TT, we are able to travel just about anytime for whatever length of time we want.

5. Not yet fully understanding the actual purchasing of DVC, I think I can't go wrong buying straigt from DVC. Anyone disagree?

Thanks so much! I thought I'd ask you before calling a rep. Go straight to the source!

 

[CarolMN]

I'll start off with one or two answers and I'm sure others will jump in.

First, the easiest question -

3. I remember someone saying one benefit is being able to call for PS before the general public. (A character breakfast at the casatle always starts our trip. When I can get it!)

Sorry. That's just not true. DVC members are subject to the same windows for PS arrangements as everyone else.

1. How many points does it take for DCL? If I bought today would I be able to use some points for '04 cruise?

The number of points depends on the cruise (3 Day, 4 Day, or & Day), the itinerary if it's the 7 Day (Eastern or Western), the number of cruisers, category of cabin and the date (season) of the cruise.

If you are just buying DVC for cruising, you may want to reconsider. DVC members can only book a cruise 11 months in advance and not all categories are available for points (actually, I believe it's only the most expensive/top categories). Since cabins are assigned at booking, those who book way in advance for cash have the best selection. Many (but definitely not all) members believe that paying cash for a cruise is a better value than using points. They rent their DVC points and use the cash to pay for the cruise.

I'm sure you could buy today and use points for a 2004 cruise (subject to availability of course). If you would like me to look up the points for you, please post with the specifics of the cruise.

HTH a little. I'm sure others will be posting shortly. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Chuck S]

The first thing I would do is call DVC and ask for an info packet to be sent to you. Ask that a cruise point chart be included, if it isn't part of the standard packet.

Cruise trade points are renegotiated annually. Yes, you can book a cruise for 2004 (I've never booked a cruise, but I think you can do so up to 11 months out). If the point charts aren't available WHEN you book, your reservation will be made, and the points deducted when they are negotiated.

No one actually knows for sure what will happen in 2042. Contractually, our current DVC right to use deeds will expire and the property & resorts revert back to WDW to be used or demolished as they see fit.

As far as I know, there is no PS benefit for DVC members. There used to be a booking window for all on-site guests with confirmed reservations, but I don't know if that is still in effect.

Campgrounds? Again, I haven't poured through all our II options, but I doubt it. "Luxury" timeshares generally don't trade with campgrounds, as members will want to trade to accomodations comparable to what they own.

Purchasing through DVC (especially for your initial purchase) is probably easier for a novice. You know the price up front and there are no extra negotiations or waiting period for Disney to approve the resale.

 

[house_of_princesses]

Thank you for your input! Every piece of info helps finish off the puzzle! Hope my DH gets as excited as I am!

 

[Chuck S]

I just wanted to add, that while buying direct from DVC can be an advantage, it is also important to consider which DVC resort you will want to stay at the most because of the 11 month booking window, and that resort (like OKW, BWV or VWL) may NOT be available in the point quantity you want from DVC, so you would HAVE to look to the resale market for those resorts.