Buying into DVC while on a cruise

[bumbershoot]

From what I have read on the DVC boards the last year or so, the cruise deals are the same deals you can get on land.

So it's very important to KNOW what deals are being offered. That way you aren't suckered into something you THINK is only available on the cruise, when actually you could have taken some time to think it over, etc.

Also, be sure you can use an onboard credit if you get it! We attended the DVC presentation because the DVC desk told us we should (to get swag, LOL). We had no intentions of buying more, what we have works just fine for us. But if we had been swayed, the OBC would have been nearly useless. We were 2 days into a 3 night cruise. Seriously, there was no chance that OBC would be fully used. Would have been pointless for us. For another family, it could be used even on the last evening. Know yourself.

You also want to know WHAT dvc is! Although we have had a few annoyances with particular rooms or resort experiences, we are very happy with our DVC experience, and have no quibbles or qualms. But we feel that we knew exactly what we were getting by buying in. I think there was one thing that I had wrong regarding our exact purchase, but DH had heard the answer the correct way and was able to help me.

For us, buying in made sense, even though we financed, because we were already spending MORE than our payments each year just going to Disneyland. We knew we were about to embark on WDW and we would be spending MORE, so it made sense, even while financing, to go the DVC route. I'm the first to admit that we thought we would have had it paid off by now, and we do not, because other parts of life got in the way, so that's a bit of a bummer, and it's worth knowing that "stuff happens" and you might spend more than you planned, if you finance with the intentions of paying off early and then don't do it.



But the most important thing is to know what DVC is, if it works for you, if you WANT it, and what the deals are going straight through DVC (also if you WANT to buy through DVC vs a resale situation! so know the difference between resale and direct purchases). That way you won't feel the pressure of an immediate sale and won't buy something that doesn't make sense for you.

But definitely GO to the presentations. They give fun stuff!

 

[su_A_ve]

Last Feb, I can't remember what the special was (there was $ off points) but do remember they were also giving out $500 credit and $500 OBC. But they would also apply the $500 OBC towards the DVC purchase (ie $1000 off). I think this was for 160 points. Higher credit for higher points...

 

[mdurette]

We are considering becoming new members of DVC while aboard the Fantasy. Has anyone done this? Are there perks that aren't offered if we were to join on land? Any info is appreciated. Thanks

I just got off the Fantasy and started a conversation with the DVC rep while I was waiting for the next available CM to book my next cruise. He mentioned that a lot of people will purchase or add on points while on the cruise because the deals are better than in WDW.

 

[Mr&MrsMouse]

Hi I suggest you attend a DVC gathering on board. You can get meet other members and ask questions. We purchased are first home resort in 1998 at Old Key West. We have added on several times since, on board and on property. No pressure to purchase. One of the best ways we have ever spent our money. Have fun on you cruise our next is in June to Alaska. Michelle

 

[carissa1970]

The rational answer would be that one should never finance a luxury purchase.

People, however, have quite the tendency to be irrational.

People finance cars and homes all the time...those could be considered luxury depending on the type...

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[JanDave]

While on board the Magic last November, the DVC rep brought up buying resale through DVC. We bought our 3rd contract - 100 DVC resale points. Less $$$ and same perks as if buying new points from DVC. If buying resale from outside vendor, restrictions apply.

 

[Linda67]

Is there a minimum number of points that you can add on to your existing membership whilst on a cruise?

I'm sure that any perks and discounts only kick in at a certain purchase level but can you buy a small add on or is there a minimum?

 

[ChristinaDK]

What are the prices for be a part of DVC? The smallest amount of money

 

[keaster]

While on board the Magic last November, the DVC rep brought up buying resale through DVC. We bought our 3rd contract - 100 DVC resale points. Less $$$ and same perks as if buying new points from DVC. If buying resale from outside vendor, restrictions apply.

Just so you know...you are NEVER buying resale if buying from DVC, you are buying direct.

What happens is they reacquire points through the ROFR process and resell them as new contracts.

Seems that some guides are trying to change up the terminology to make it seem like you are buying resale without the resale restrictions if you buy from DVC.