After all those years, a new DVC member

[carolina traveler]

My DVC Story

All started back in 1995 when I was a newly wed and on vacation at Disney world Dixie Landing resort. During my stay we were invited to tour DVC and even tough we were interested was not a priority and decided it was not a good time to such a financial commitment. Every time since, I used to stop at the information stands to look the books and all the pictures about DVC. Later moved to NC which is at a day driving of orlando and start to visit more frequently the area. I bought another timeshare resort (knowing anything about timeshares)Thinking that it would be cheaper than disney ,oh what a mistake.
At least it did not cost that much when comparing with today asking prices. A year ago learned about DVC new resort (Saratoga) and started researching. Found this boards and learned about the resale market. I was interested in Saratoga (mainly for the extra years among other things) but did not buy trough Disney and patienly waited for the correct contract to show up. 160 points beginning in 2005. Paid 75 per point plus closing and PASS ROFR. Now to wait for closing.

 

[CarolMN]

Congratulations - and even though it's a tad bit early, WELCOME HOME!

 

[spiceycat]

so you don't like OKW next door to POR (DL) in 1995 - or did they only show you BWV???

hope you love the next 49 years....

 

[bobbiwoz]

Glad you found a contract to buy, Welcome Home!

Bobbi

 

[carolina traveler]

Spiceycat

Glad to talk (write to you). Seems that you are everywhere, everytime. Yes ,I liked okw but its just was to much money at the time (and now looks like a bargain). Actually before bidding at SSR I tried a OKW resale but my offer was not accepted ,which I am glad since they were only 100 points. And after a long analysis decided SSR was better for me for the longer contract and for been the newest and like to go to Downtown D. I actually have a ? for you. Since I know you have several timeshares besides Disney. How do you complement each other. My other TS is also in orlando, would like to sale it and just have DVC (ideal world) but since I am not willing to give it away for peanuts (at least not yet) I will stick with it. I am thinking to use my week and use DVC for a few extra days or going in different times of the year. And since Hilton head its not so far away its also in my plans. Any advise is welcome. I am one of the few ones( Is there somebody else?) in this board who enjoy vacations IN and OFF site. Bought DVC as an upgrade to experience in site vacations and to combine with off site in good acommodations.

 

[spiceycat]

if you haven't already - go join
www.tug2.net
those people know alot!

though them I trade my Westgate several times for Marriott - hh and williamburg. the Marriott Grande Ocean at HH is a wonderful resort.

I have also brought a SA for my other off-site Orlando trips - staying Thanksgiving at the Sheraton Vistana Resort then going to Celebration world resort (this place allows pets!!!). Stayed at HGVC at SW last year.

yes I like off-site - fun to see and do different things! but for WDW nothing beats DVC.

I am giving my Westgate to a charity. the tax write off is bigger than what I have been offered for it. (alot bigger)

where else do you own in Orlando?

I kept a SW annual pass.

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

Congratulations!

 

[carolina traveler]

SPICEY CAT

Thanks for your response. What SA means? South Africa?
Just curious: Why are you giving Westgate away? Is is not better just use it as a Trade? I own at Summer Bay, bought it in 1999.
Summer bay is really a nice resort, beautiful surrounds, great pools for the kids, and a great place to walk and relax. I am happy with the resort. With I am not happy is the fact that fees are getting to high.The reality is that I could rent for little more than my fees. I dont see the advantage of been an owner. It was supposed to save me money in the long run, but has not turn out that way. For now its better keep it than try to sell it for nothing. .I am thinking to join RCI. Have you ever use them? What has been your experience? For what I read in their own community board its not good, lot of people really unhappy. Your opinion...

 

[spiceycat]

lots of rci member and tug members have a very weak week and before rci changed their policy - they were able to get the moon - carribean when they want it , Hawaii - you name it.

Now that there are more RCI members - RCI has stopped some of this from happening - if you don't have a top resort - even if there is availability at the top resort it won't come up on your list.

RCI has also decided to rent their (in their opinion) unused timeshares - this would be okay if there RCI dues or exchange fees went down to RCI members - they hadn't - they have go up.

So RCI has hurt some its best customers - also - the same company that owns RCI also owns Fairfield - so that is who they are pushing. Fairfield is fine - but no way is it their best resort property - not even close to HGVC.

so some of the timeshares who are own by their owners are also going to II. also some who know find they are in competition with RCI to sell and rent timeshares - like Sheraton Vistana - there have been several this year that also allowed their members to join II or RCI or both.

call your resort and see - if still just RCI - make sure they know (they should) that they are in direct competition with RCI -

II has higher standard - but you can also get some great trades.

Summer Bay is a GREAT resort - just go read tuggers comments on this place. much, much better than the average timeshare in Orlando - which is how I classify Westgate. So even in II it should be one of the best. You should be able to trade to the Marriott without problem - just not in the Orlando area.

the Marriott's Grande Ocean is definitely worth a trade!

however my problems with Westgate are quiet long - the managment has some serious problems - there is a long list of complaints against them. Westgate's management is Westgate's BIGGEST problem. My annual fee at Westgate has gone up just a little less than 400% than when I brought it. DVC has gone up 140% and I have it longer - much longer.

 

[salvatorejrm]

Congratulations and good luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[carolina traveler]

[:

 

[carolina traveler]

Spicey Cat

Thanks for your info. I think I will join RCI, give them a chance and try some trades, in and out the Orlando area.(Summer bay use RCI only). I have been reading TUG. With that and the Seven resorts that DVC has to offer I will be busy for a while. I'm planning to visit SSR and BWV for my first trip in 2005

 

[Maistre Gracey]

<font face="comic sans ms">CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME HOME! </font face>

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Congrats & Welcome home!!!!

Allison

 

[foofanella]

You'll love it!

 

[jimmytammy]

From one NCer to another, welcome home!