Ack! Help me stay strong! Re GCV

[bethy]

I just got off the phone with our guide. Man did she talk circles around me! She's a professional and so I shouldn't be surprised. In short, DH met with her last week at DLR and we are sold on DVC overall and will buy there when the time is right (still figuring that out - we can pay cash now if it makes sense). But we are DLR people and decided we would take our chances with the GCV offering. We've never even been to WDW and don't really want to go there anytime soon. Our heart belongs to DLR.

I called her to tell her we'd take our chances and she of course told me there'd be NO WAY I'd be able to buy there as a current non-owner. She said "points are points" you can stay anywhere with them. Doesn't matter where we own etc. She's pushing SSR hard which makes me nervous in itself incentive or no incentive. (160 pts at purchase and 160 more in Oct.)

Sigh.

I keep reading here to buy where you want to stay (which isn't at WDW.) She said she couldn't promise me any particular room but that after a year or two the flurry of reservations at GCV would die down. Also she emphasized that West coast people most likely won't be planning their GCV DLR vacations 7 months out.

What do you guys think? Should we buy now? Ack!

 

[tammymacb]

When are they going to begin selling?

If I was really worried about it, I'd work on a 50 point resale now to "get me in the system", then I'd buy the points I wanted as a member.

 

[Donald is #1]

My recommendation would be that if you really want GCV, then wait for GCV. If it sells out, you should be able to buy points resale later.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

GCV is going to be a small resort, so comparing it to BCV and VWL, it's not impossible to get reservations there, only impossible some of the time. I think that's how GCV will shake out as well. Once the honeymoon period is over, it will be easier to book stays, but if you really want to buy there, wait and see what happens.

Some scenarios to consider...
* IF GCV sells out, you can still buy at WDW. AKV will be available and possibly KTV (Contemporary) if it's announced. You can ALWAYS buy other resorts via WDW or resale, too.
* GCV doesn't sell as rapidly as expected and you can buy!
* OR...you hold off even a little longer and wait for the first GCV to hit the resale market and purchase. Many people buy and then for various reasons (DVC not for them, financial hardships, change of plans, etc.) sell. It will take a while for them to hit, but AKV was announced a year or two ago and while there aren't many, there are AKV resales available.
* Lastly, you could buy something now, add on at GCV and then sell the other contract. This would probably be my last choice, but it would help your chances of getting in on the ground floor.

Best of luck. My true advice would be to wait on GCV, one way or another, as I would want home booking resort advantage there. It would really be disappointing if you bought points so you could stay there and then couldn't (e.g., Christmas, Spring Break, etc.). I don't think you would be too happy with your membership and that's why people will say buy where you really want to stay.

Wishing you the best of luck (and extra pixie dust!) on getting GCV!!!

 

[Mtnman44]

don't fall for it. However, I would urge you to consider a trip to WDW at some point. It's certainly a different kind of vacation, but if you love DLR, prepare to be amazed at WDW.

Now, stay strong and hold out for GCV. There will be somewhere over 700,000 points at least available for sale. For those to sell out prior to being available to non-members would mean that they would be selling DVC at a rate many, many, many times faster than at any other time in DVC history.

If you are THAT worried about it, I'd suggest getting a nice little 50 point contract via resale at one of the WDW resorts. not only will this come in very handy every three years or so over at wdw, it will also allow you to add on sooner at GCV when it becomes available...

 

[tinkryansmom]

OK I am with you on this. I have been looking at DVC for 3 years. We live in CA and are DLR'ers also. Been to WDW once and it was OK (no flames please) but like you said we are DLR'ers.

People here on the boards always tell you "buy where you want to stay" - which, as you stated, is not WDW - so i had always looked at Vero Beach and HH. But GCV is the California DVC we have been waiting for!!! UGH!! What to do. So right there with you.

What we decided....to buy a small resale contract now and pay cash to become DVC members (we are currently looking for the perfect contract) Then buy in at DLR with the initial offering. Not too sure with UY and 7/11 month window issues and EVERYONE wanting to come to CGV how this will all work out because as Californians we never book DLR that far out. ?? Not too sure this is sound but its what we decided to do. I hope booking is not too big of a hassle.

Plus there is that whole Hawaii thing....IMHO we west coasters will enjoy that ALOT since the flight times and prices are so great from the West Coast. And yes, we are planning an add on when Hawaii comes online.

Good luck with your decision - let us know what you do!!

 

[Mtnman44]

Just remember, if you don't ever intend or want to book more than 7 months out, there is really NO reason to buy at GCV. At seven months, all points are the same and GCV, with 50 units, is likely going to be the hardest reservation to secure after the 7 month window.

OK I am with you on this. I have been looking at DVC for 3 years. We live in CA and are DLR'ers also. Been to WDW once and it was OK (no flames please) but like you said we are DLR'ers.

People here on the boards always tell you "buy where you want to stay" - which, as you stated, is not WDW - so i had always looked at Vero Beach and HH. But GCV is the California DVC we have been waiting for!!! UGH!! What to do. So right there with you.

What we decided....to buy a small resale contract now and pay cash to become DVC members (we are currently looking for the perfect contract) Then buy in at DLR with the initial offering. Not too sure with UY and 7/11 month window issues and EVERYONE wanting to come to CGV how this will all work out because as Californians we never book DLR that far out. ?? Not too sure this is sound but its what we decided to do. I hope booking is not too big of a hassle.

Plus there is that whole Hawaii thing....IMHO we west coasters will enjoy that ALOT since the flight times and prices are so great from the West Coast. And yes, we are planning an add on when Hawaii comes online.

Good luck with your decision - let us know what you do!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

In looking at the trips that you have listed it does seem like you have a preferred time to visit - April, so maybe you do plan at least one trip out more than you think?

We're just buying a VWL resale and I do want to try and add some GCV points when that goes on sale. I too understand that most visitors to DLR don't do quite the planning, but honestly all of our trips to WDW have only been planned out 1-2 months in advance also. We'll obviously be changing that now with DVC and I don't have a problem with making that change as we also have the preferred times that we like to go.

What I have found is that it can be more difficult to travel to DLR on short notice and stay at a DLR hotel - there are less rooms, and less availability tends to mean less choice. And GCV is going to be the ONLY DVC on the west coast (at least for awhile) so I think it's going to be much more difficult to book on short notice unless you are just darn lucky!

We decided to get into the system to have a better chance at the points. Of course we also really love WDW so that was a no-brainer. My suggestion - either wait for GCV, and if you can't get it on an initial buy-in I'm sure that there will be resales that start popping up, or else buy a small resale at another resort to get into the system to move yourself up in line for GCV. I don't buy the sales line that you will easily be able to book within the 7 month window.

Thought of one more thing......we, as west coasters, will be planning our GCV vacation 7 to 11 months out. And then if other times we can catch a last minute opening we'd do that as well.

But that's just my guess.......

Oh - and one other suggestion........go to WDW! You might be surprised. And it might make the decision a lot easier.

 

[salmoneous]

She's a timeshare salesmen. And listening to some of what she's telling you, not a very honest one. If anyone ever tells you that points are points, stop listening to them.

She may be right about one thing - GCV may sell out before it gets to the general public. I'd put the chances at 50/50. But if DVC at DLR proves to be that popular, I guarantee you Disney will build more DVC's at DLR. They've got the space and the desire - they just need us to prove there is demand. Besides, you'll always be able to buy GCV resale.

The lesser version of "buy where you want to stay" is "buy where you wouldn't mind being stuck". It one thing to say, "I want BCV, but wouldn't being stuck at SSR". But if you want DLR, getting stuck at SSR isn't going to do you a bit of good.

Stick to your guns (and stop listening to that timeshare salesman).

 

[Brian Noble]

I would wait and see. If you can't buy into GCV, that's perhaps the time to consider buying elsewhere. I'm sure something will still be for sale in Florida, and there is always Hawaii.

And, that guide is full of it. Points are not points in DVC, because home resort advantage is often important. What's more, while left coasters are more laid back, I think it's a bit of a stretch to say that they won't plan ahead...

 

[moredisneyplease]

This is a real toss up.

I agree with the "if you arent going to book at 11 month/7 month then whats the point" approach. I'm a SoCal resident and I'd be using points at GCV on a month to month basis.....call at the beginning of the month and see where they have a night or two here and there. I think the purpose of having a home resort is to have priority of staying at the 11 month window over all of the other DVCers, right? so back to what i was saying, if you aren't using the advantage over the other DVCers, why pay the high rate you know its going to be at the beginning of the sales for GCV?

Then again, if you have your heart on owning there then just wait. Its your call!!

 

[bethy]

You guys are awesome - thanks for the encouragement. I'm still processing but at least that sense of urgency the guide pushed on me has already faded. I'm bummed that she is so lame and that we're stuck with her. If I had had any idea that DH would be remotely interested in DVC then I would have set up a meeting ahead of time wiht a recommended guide (from someone here who's had a good experience.)

I can tell you that she had an edge of irritation in her voice that seemed to stem from my pointed and informed questions. I could hear her rolling her eyes over the phone.

Anyhoo . . . I feel better now. I will get to WDW for sure. I just like the intimacy of DLR and being able to walk every where. I like being able to see everything in 4-5 days. And most of all I LOVE the short flight. I hate, HATE long flights esp with young children. Love the weather, too.

I am unusual in that I happily plan out my vacations about a year in advance. I have a room booked for a DLR trip in April already. So for me I would have no problem booking at 11 months. I'm just hoping that if I don't get in on GCV ownership but stll buy DVC that everyone else will wait longer to book so that I can get in there. So that typical west coast laid back attitude will benefit me maybe and make it work that I'm not an owner there.

I'm 95% certain I'm going to hold off. Also because it gives me that much more time to save more money so that a cash purchase would be all that much less painful on my bank account.

I hadn't given resale much thought. But that might be a great option so thanks!

 

[MagicalPins]

If you like Disneyland and never been to Disney World. Its defently worth a trip out to see it. They have 3 amazing theme parks, Magic Kingdom leaves a lot to be desired.

Anyways, I agree that Grand Californian will be hard to get as non member. Im not sure if it will sell out in presales or not. Who knows. I know it will almost impossible to book rooms there with points at another resort for several years. Not just for the fact that people will want to stay at DVC at Disneyland using their other points but most of the rooms will be booked by those that swooped in and purchased at the resort as soon as they could. They know they will have to book more than 7 months out or not be able to use their points at where they bought.

We will have to wait and see how the sales go. It sounds like a bad guide that is more interested in just trying to push a sale now than trying to help you get what you really want.

I finally broke down and purchased at SSR when Disneyland opened their sales center. I know I will be purchasing the max amount of points allowed for the Founder Presales, 160 points, and the second they open it up, I will be purchasing more to help me get to the number I truely want.

I have no problem booking reservations 11 months out, my Disneyland trips are usually annual traditions, ie Disneyland Birthday on July 17th and New Years in front of the castle.

 

[squidmo]

I hadn't given resale much thought. But that might be a great option so thanks!

We purchased a small 30 point contract at OKW last year specifically to be able to purchase GCV as members. There are a couple of other advantages to buying in as a member (other than the presumed ability to buy before the general public):

1) You can purchase fewer than 160 points. Depending on your travel patterns, this could save you some money.

2) You can break your purchase up into smaller contracts. This gives you greater flexibility to sell some of your points if your vacation habits change. It also allows you to divvy your points up between any children (or other family) when the time comes that you aren't able to do Disney anymore.

 

[snk4evr]

I'm a true DLR person,too. Nor Cal family - Been taking our sons - now 19 & 22 since they were 2 & 5. I, too, didn't want to do WDW, but had 4 southwest tickets to burn so we went there in '97 and bought @ BWV. Trust me, WDW will NEVER disappoint (although we try to travel there in the off-seasons) and if you love DLR, WDW is different but wonderful, too. Your guide is right, points are points. Since we've owned, we've only stayed 2 BWV twice, used our points for II exchange, Concierge Collection, and one of the best times ever - just the DH and me at the Grand Californian, with no kids. I'm sure there will always be an opportunity to buy at the GCV - despite what the sales people say - with proper timing, planning and some patience, you can generally get what you want ... and soon, the spotlight will move to the Hawaii location. Go with your gut on this.

Best of Luck

KMA

 

[snk4evr]

I'm a true DLR person,too. Nor Cal family - Been taking our sons - now 19 & 22 since they were 2 & 5. I, too, didn't want to do WDW, but had 4 southwest tickets to burn so we went there in '97 and bought @ BWV. Trust me, WDW will NEVER disappoint (although we try to travel there in the off-seasons) and if you love DLR, WDW is different but wonderful, too. Your guide is right, points are points. Since we've owned, we've only stayed 2 BWV twice, used our points for II exchange, Concierge Collection, and one of the best times ever - just the DH and me at the Grand Californian, with no kids. I'm sure there will always be an opportunity to buy at the GCV - despite what the sales people say - with proper timing, planning and some patience, you can generally get what you want ... and soon, the spotlight will move to the Hawaii location. Go with your gut on this.

Best of Luck

KMA

 

[nickspace]

Do not be pressured into a sale you are not happy with. Buy where you want to buy.

 

[Cherta]

I think "points are points" IF you are not traveling during peak season AND you are not picky about which resort you end up staying at. However, since you're located on the west coast (only one resort to choose from at this time) AND have your heart set on GCV, I would wait it out and buy the points there. Should you ever choose to visit WDW (or HHI or VB), you can always use your GCV points at the 7 month mark to book a stay at one of the other resorts...

Good luck with your decision!

 

[deej696]

We are WDW people, and in a little over a year have stayed at every DVC resort, including the new AKV, in fact we even visited DLR with our points over New Years. While some resorts are harder, with a little flexibility, we have been able to stay everywhere. For example, AK is a very tough reservation to get right now, yet I got one within 30 days of our trip next week. My point is, GCV will be a tough ticket, but it wont be impossible. Same thing goes for ownership there in my opinion. While I know it will be popular, I think the odds that it wont be opened to the general public are low. If you are concerned however, I would do what others have suggested. Pick up a small resale contract to get your foot in, and then add on at GCV when it opens up. Then use your resale contract as your "filler" points for when you are not outside the 7 month window, of for when you ever make a trip to WDW. Heck you can turn around and resell it again if you find you cant use it.

 

[drag n' fly]

don't fall for it. However, I would urge you to consider a trip to WDW at some point. It's certainly a different kind of vacation, but if you love DLR, prepare to be amazed at WDW.

Now, stay strong and hold out for GCV. There will be somewhere over 700,000 points at least available for sale. For those to sell out prior to being available to non-members would mean that they would be selling DVC at a rate many, many, many times faster than at any other time in DVC history.

If you are THAT worried about it, I'd suggest getting a nice little 50 point contract via resale at one of the WDW resorts. not only will this come in very handy every three years or so over at wdw, it will also allow you to add on sooner at GCV when it becomes available...

Good advice