Confused and Feel Uneasy...

[BrettCo]

Hey all,

This counts as post #1 for me. First off, thank you for the great website and for all of the great, helpful people. I have been going through every thread for advice, but now here goes mine...

I feel uneasy about my decision to join DVC. I absolutely love the idea,and I absolutely love Disney (I go almost every year), but I just feel as if the Disney reps left little details out that I may have wanted to know. For example, I did not know that maids do not come in to clean up the room, I thought it would be just like booking any vacation...Are there any other surprises like these? Anything that made people a little dissapointed with their first planned vacation through DVC?

I have 160 points at SSR that I bought through a reseller (TSS). According to the points chart, if I wanted to stay in Animal Kingdom, I could stay for one week at 99 points somewhere in the month of May (Dream Season). That means I practically have another 60 points left over...Can I still add more days to that trip? I would want to use it all in one shot every year, so does this mean around 12 or 13 days vacation? It was like the disney rep didnt want to tell me the truth or something and he made me feel very uneasy about it (that is why I took my business over to the resellers). I just simply want to know that, if I want to book a vacation, I go by the points chart and book it, and its as easy as that...But is it?!

What does everyone think about 160 points? Is that enough to go on trips elsewhere for about a week? I'm just so confused and this is becoming more of a headache than it is fun, which I am hoping to have everything clarified so I can begin to enjoy my decision...but if I cant seem to find content in it, I have my 10 days to cancel my contract, according to Florida's Real Estate Laws.

Sooo, can I call up in my 7 month window, book my trip (lets say Animal Kingdom for my first) with no problems, and use my points to get me approx 11-13 days there? I dont want to go through with this and then find out all of the catches...

Sorry for the long email but this just isn't gonna happen if all of the answers come out during my booking process.

ONE MORE THING:
I have 72 points left over that I want to use...My use year is in April...What do I do with these points/do they expire? I get my new 160pts in April. How do I handle this, and what do I need to remember with any of my leftover points if I have some leftover each year? Thanks everyone.
-brett

 

[bwvBound]

Brett - it sounds, to me, like you might be jumping in too early. You might be better off canceling the purchase contract, if this option is available to you, and spending a few months in serious research before buying any timeshare.

I thought it would be just like booking any vacation...Are there any other surprises like these?

I don't know what you don't know -- but I'd say, "Sure, plenty of surprises." Your later questions indicate you have gaps in your understanding of the banking rules. (You are not alone - many new owners and likely several seasoned owners have questions on banking, borrowing, use year and similar topics!)

Take a step back ... and research your decision until you have a higher comfort level.

 

[bwvBound]

On the other hand ... buying 160 points SSR resale isn't a bad decision if you can comfortably afford it. The April UY is a really good choice if you often travel in May. Yes, AKV studios in May range between 82-137 points per week depending on view (using the 2010 point chart). Yes, if you have points left over you may upgrade your room type, lengthen your stay, bank the points into the following year, book an additional DVC visit or trade out for non-DVC stays.

DVC is quite flexible ... and lots of fun. Plenty of folks buy into the program without any research and are successful through "on the job training." Good luck with your decision.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

Curiosity question. What "Disney reps" misrepresented things to you or didn't explain the details adequately? Seeing how you didn't explicitly use the word "guide", it makes me wonder if you never talked to anyone at Disney, especially since you bought resale.

Resellers are NOT Disney; even GMAC who is sanctioned by DVC. Due diligence comes into play, even when dealing with an "official" Disney guide but ESPECIALLY when you're not.

 

[Cmbar]

Brett,

We are in the process of buying DVC right now. Trying to be sure before we jump in. We have rented several times over the years so I am very familiar with the in and outs of DVC. That said it has still taken us time to really decide to buy in. First we wanted to have cash to do this, so that was why we waited some time.

OK 160 points is enough if you are happy to stay in a studio or occassionally a 1 bedroom depending on which resort and which vacation season you pick.
If a guide didn't tell you, the point charts changed for 2010, so you need to find those so you can look at those. 160 points will probably still cover a weeks worth of vacation (and possibly 11 to 12 in a studio) but you may want to look because we are finding that we think we might need 170 for the travel days we usually take.


Do you have children? Will you need to be on the monorail? How big is your family and will it get bigger? Will you want to bring family and therefore need extra rooms? Will you need to travel during high season because of school? These are all questions that have to be answered to determine if you think you have enough points and are at the right "home" resort.


Is SSR a resort you want to stay in? The mantra around here mostly is "buy where you want to stay". This is because you aren't really guaranteed to get in at any other resort. That doesn't mean you shouldn't or couldnt expect to stay at the other resorts it just means that if you got "stuck" at your home resort would you be happy. This is an important question for most new owners. You don't want to spend the money and get there and be unhappy.

Yes the housekeeping is not included. For some that is not a big deal because some of us don't like the maid coming in our rooms and can live with an unmade bed. If you do stay 11 to 12 days you will get a full cleaning after day 8 I believe. you will get trash and towel service after four days as well. Again, we don't mind using our towels a few days in a row and if I need to I can grab more towels at the pool or if in a 1 or 2 bedroom throw them in the washing maching.

You get to purchase dining and do get free magical express if you are a DVC owner staying on points. You also are entitled to a $100 discount off any annual passes you may want to buy. This may be a great saving for you if you plan on long trips. Maybe try to stagger your trips each year so that you get the use of two long trips out of one annual pass.


Of course, you get to stay at Deluxe resorts for prepaid prices. There is no doubt that DVC is a deal in the long run, particularly if you are not financing the purchase and were able to get a good deal on the resale market. Even with the great deals Disney is offering in this economy, things will change and become more expensive.

If you just bought a contract that has 78 points left with an April use year I believe you need to use those points by Mar 31 (someone please correct me if I am wrong). Those points COULD have been banked into the 2009 use year if the owner had banked them prior to November 30th, 2008. The banking and borrowing rules can be confusing, but you will get the hang of it.

Good luck with your decision. I feel bad that you are not happy but anxious about the decision. I don't think in the long run you will regret this if you know you want to vacation at Disney in the future.

 

[doconeill]

Your questions are somewhat vague, especially about "surprises", since we don't know what you are expecting. For the most part, the major difference between a standard Disney resort stay and a DVC points stay is how often you get the room serviced. But trust me, unless you are generating a ton of trash and dirt, its not that big a deal. I think part of what you need to think of is that with the non-studio rooms, you are more or less moving in for a short time - and probably don't want the room disturbed as much.

You CAN opt for additional trash-towel or full services, at additional cost.

As for points use, you are NOT restricted to a single week or anything like that. You can book as many days (nights) as you want that you have sufficient points available for - you can even borrow from the next use year if necessary. Our April trip at AKV is for 8 days in a 1BR.

Is 160 points enough for "elsewhere"? Depends on what you mean. It could be alone, or with banking/borrowing.

The 72 points you have left over from the current UY will go away April 1st unless you can use the right now. Unfortunately the banking window is 4 months from your UY (for you, November 30th is the deadline). you MAY be able to talk to MS because you just bought the contract and get them to bank them. I'm not sure how flexible they are with a resale though.

If you follow the link in my signature, I have attempted to break down how points can be banked, borrowed, etc. in what I hope is an easy to understand manner.

 

[Lynne M]

I'd suggest getting out of this deal, too. If you're feeling confused about what you're buying and how DVC works, then back away, thoroughly research the program, and then decide whether or not you want to purchase.

It's a large amount of money to spend when you don't really understand what you're purchasing.

DVC is a great deal for some, not so much for others. I've found that the unhappy DVC owners are the ones who didn't do research up-front, and had incorrect expectations of what the program includes. Booking DVC is not always just a matter of picking up the phone, as it is with WDTC. To get the most out of your points, you have to understand point management concepts like banking and borrowing, booking windows, busy seasons, etc.

Just a note on your comment about housekeeping: Limited housekeeping is the norm at all timeshares. Since the members' dues pay the operating costs of the resort (including housekeeping), DVC has a pay-as-you-go system. You get a full cleaning about once a week, and towel replacement and trash removal inbetween, there's no charge for that. If you want more frequent cleaning, you pay for it on a per-day basis. That way, since the majority of members DON'T want daily cleaning, we don't have to pay for it in our dues, but those who want it can still get it.

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Hey all,

...but if I cant seem to find content in it, I have my 10 days to cancel my contract, according to Florida's Real Estate Laws. . . .


-brett

As others have suggested, if you are uncomfortable with your purchase, you should cancel your contract and spend some time learning more about DVC before buying in (or deciding its not right for you). DVC will still be around later if you decide to buy.

But make sure you follow the rules on that cancellation carefully (how many days, how to send it, etc.), otherwise you ability to cancel may be just one more thing about which you are disaapointed. Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[LisaS]

Make sure you understand the consequences of canceling. If you buy directly from Disney and cancel within 10 days of signing, you get your deposit back. I don't know if the 10 day cancellation period applies to purchases on the resale market but even if it does you may lose your deposit. Be sure to read your paperwork carefully to see what you agreed to when you signed the purchase agreement.

ETA: It's hard to tell from the original post, have you just put down a deposit or have you already closed on your purchase? Where are you in the process right now?

ETA: I checked my paperwork from my initial purchase (which was through a resale broker) and it states that I had 10 days from the date I signed the Purchase Contract to back out without penalty. But after that point, failure to follow through with the purchase by the date stated in the contract would have resulted in the loss of my deposit.

 

[BrettCo]

thank you all for your responses...It really sucks when you really want something but cant understand it to its fullest. I know that DVC is most likely an amazing thing to be a part of, and I want that more than anything (and still may be), but perhaps I should just wait. I just made my way to the finish line (offer accepted, loan approved), and now I'm getting my second thoughts...I will keep checking if anyone still has their opinions, as I am still deciding myself...Thanks again everyone, especially Cmbar for your in-depth response.
-Brett

 

[LisaS]

In addition to reading lots of threads and asking questions here on the DVC boards, you might want to check out this site: http://dvcnews.com/ There are links down the left side of the home page (under "DVC Program Information") to topics like "DVC for Beginners", "Owning DVC", "Policies & Procedures", etc.

 

[BrettCo]

As of now, I have not even sent in a deposit and it still going through Right of First Refusal through Disney. It is within 10 days, so if I decided to back out, how do I do so? Who do I contact? This is just in case, and worst case scenerio. Thanks

 

[WilsonFlyer]

As of now, I have not even sent in a deposit and it still going through Right of First Refusal through Disney. It is within 10 days, so if I decided to back out, how do I do so? Who do I contact? This is just in case, and worst case scenerio. Thanks

Maybe the person putting the deal together for you?

In the state of FL, according to others on this board (and they will correct me if I'm wrong), you have 10 days from the day you sign to back out. I would assume that it must be in writing (your request).

If you haven't even sent a deposit, I can't imagine how anybody could have you bound to anything yet. Have I missed something?

 

[LisaS]

Most brokers require a good faith deposit that is due at the time you sign and return the Purchase Agreement. Are you purchasing through a broker or from a private party? What sort of contract do you have?

The Purchase Agreement I signed when I purchased through a resale broker spells out exactly what I would have needed to do if I had wanted to back out during the 10-day period. Look at the papers you signed to see what it says you need to do. In the past, people here have stressed that it is very important to do exactly what the provision in your paperwork tells you to do.

 

[Sandisw]

I am sorry that you are feeling overwhelmed and confused about your DVC purchase. I agree with you that this should be an exciting time.

Many have already shared with you the way that the points system works. What is most important about getting the rooms that you want is being happy with your home resort and booking in advance. You, as a member, get to book stays at your home resort, SSR , 11 months in advance. Others, who do not own there, can only book at 7 months.

It is the same with you. If you want to stay at AKL, you can book 7 months in advance. Depending on availability, you may or may not be able to stay there. If there is a specific DVC resort where you want to stay, and you can book between 8 - 11 months in advance, then that is where you should own your points. Some times of the year (ie: Christmas) are very busy and trading out from your home resort to other places could be difficult.

I agree with many others that you may be better off getting out of this contract and spend, even if it is just a few weeks, learning more about DVC and asking lots of questions. I believe that once you learn about it from the wonderful people on this site, your excitement will return and you will enjoy your purchase. You will also feel more confident in choosing a home resort as well as the number of points that suit your needs. 160 will definitely get you stays each year, but as others have said, esort, room type, and time of year, all play a role in how many days you can stay. For example, weeknight points are cheaper than weekends (which is why Disney reallocated points in 2010--to balance things out).

When I bought in last month, I spent a few months on this site researching DVC. I already knew I wanted to buy at BLT since MK is my favorite resort and the Contemporary is my favorite hotel. I love to be able to walk to MK so knew which resort to pick. But I also knew I didn't want to start out with the 160 Disney required me to buy as a new member. I ended up buying a small resale contract to get in to DVC and then added on at BLT.

Hopefully everyone's advice will help. Just don't be afraid to ask any questions you have, no matter how small, as it will help you feel much better as to how to proceed!

Good luck!

 

[Lynne M]

It really sucks when you really want something but cant understand it to its fullest. I know that DVC is most likely an amazing thing to be a part of, and I want that more than anything (and still may be), but perhaps I should just wait.

When I hear a prospective owner say something like "I really want DVC, but I don't understand it", that sets off all kinds of alarms for me. It's very easy to get caught up in Disney's very effective marketing.

DVC is, at its core, is a way to pre-pay for your hotel stays. That's ALL it is. A different way to pay for lodging.

Run the numbers and make decisions based on the finances, because there's nothing that DVC gives you that you can't get in other ways. You can book any DVC villa for cash through Disney just like any other hotel room. You can book stays at other timeshares for cash. The discounts on dining and shopping are minimal, and similar discounts are often available to AP holders. It's not like you're going to become part of a select group that gets ultra-special treatment that other guests don't get - you get the same perks that any other resort guest will get.

The core benefit of DVC is that it can save you a good bit of money when compared to the cost of booking a deluxe room or a villa through Disney.
It tends to be a good value for those who will stay at DVC resorts at least every two-three years. It's a poor value if you plan to trade out a lot, if you compare the cost of DVC to other timeshares.

Take your time, make sure you understand everything. Ask all sorts of questions on these boards, the folks here are friendly and tremendously knowledgeable. There's no need to rush your decision, DVC isn't going anywhere.

Good luck!

 

[BrettCo]

I agree with you and I am most likely going to cancel, especially since it was not very difficult to optain those points (only took one day to find it and seal the deal with the seller). Plus, it was fun waiting for the perfect sale to come around! Thank you for your input. There is no way I would give up this oppurtunity, its just not the right time. I bet within this year or next, I will have more points, and more importantly, more of an understanding of the system.

 

[hsteacher]

Our biggest mistake was waiting 25 years to buy DVC BUT one of our greatest decisions was waiting until we were sure. Here are some things we went through in our 25 year quest:

we def. bought where we wanted to stay per these boards. Have you stayed in the resort you're considering? I would highly recommend really researching your home resort as that is the only resort you can sometimes reserve. I have only stayed in my home resort once (BWV) but it is def. where I want to stay if I can't get BCV or the new BLT. BCV were priced about $5 more per point and we wanted to pay cash and that little increase was just a bit more than we wanted. There are positives and negatives to each resort and it's really a personal decision based on your personal needs.

we really didn't believe we'd visit DW every other year. Well we did - in fact we've visited the world or been on DCL almost every year. Sometimes we just went the the parks for a day or 2 and enjoyed the resort, swimming, etc. We wasted lots of money not being in DVC for this alone. We really didn't think our kids would want to be there all the time -- silly us!

We have 2 children and having the kitchenette or full kitchen would have been wonderful when they were younger and is def. more wonderful as they are 24 and 18. They LOVE having the extra room of a 1 or 2 bedroom and they can bring a friend! I've done "girls only" vacations and brought a few friends for long weekend getaways.

we really, really enjoy the service we receive as DVC owners. When we drive up to the resort, things are just taken care of for us. From the valet when we rent a car, to Magical Express when we don't. It's just taken care of and less for me to plan and obsess about. I love the grocery delivery (small charge) and the convenience of the kitchen as we just don't eat 3 meals out - not due to finances but just to eat healthy and eat when we want.

since purchasing DVC resale, I don't really like staying at the regular resorts. I have and as wonderful as they are, there's something (feeling, imagined or real) that we, as a family, feel when we are on points. I've had a studio, 1 bdrm and 2 bdrm and we've found all great. I stay away from the studio when I have both grown children as it's just a bit too many adults. We really don't fit adequately in 2 rooms in a regular resort so for us, getting the 1 or 2 bedroom really makes our stay lovely.

we don't like maid service everyday when we're vacationing for several days. It's kind of like the night before the cleaning lady comes -- you have to pick up and clean up. My husband loves just leaving the room how he wants without thinking about the maid coming in.

it is a "pre-paid" vacation and it took lots of convincing, even after 25 years, for my DH to agree. I crunched numbers for all our past vacations and he still isn't quite sure that it's really financially a correct move BUT I look at the figures and, for us, this was a smart move. We vacation and we vacation in FL. We've been other places but we always return to FL and DW. Crazy as that may be.

So consider several things before finalizing your purchase. I would def visit the resort and if possible, stay at the resort. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you have put down a good faith deposit and you back out once ROFR is obtained, you will forfeit your deposit. Half will go to the seller and half to the agent working the sale for you. I have already gotten two half deposits on a single contract that passed ROFR, but the buyer backed out.

If you think you want more time, contact your agent and back out now. Send an e-mail, send a letter and call. Today.

DVC is a timeshare and not a hotel system. It's a point based system rather than a week at a time system, so you can go anywhere that is available at your booking window as long as you have the points to go, for as long as your have enough points. You can bank and borrow points.

The 72 points are lost at this time. The seller should have banked them at 4 months from the end of the UY to save them into the next year. Unless they were already banked and then they would have expired anyway, unused.

 

[crisi]

DVC is a timeshare and not a hotel system. It's a point based system rather than a week at a time system, so you can go anywhere that is available at your booking window as long as you have the points to go, for as long as your have enough points. You can bank and borrow points.

One of the biggest things to know. That means that if all owners use all their points, all the rooms would be booked all the time (they keep some out for maintenance, but not many), making short notice booking often difficult. That means no daily housekeeping. That means that you get a pull out couch in a studio. That means maintenance is paid for from dues, not profit from the hotel, and that means upkeep MAY be disappointing if you are used to hotels (I find it to be acceptable for the trade in dues).