Considering DVC - need input

[MSH1420]

We are considering buying into DVC and have a couple questions.

1. How quickly do you pick up on the point system? It seems very confusing.

2. How difficult is it to make last minute ressies other than at peak times?

3. On board, you don't hear much about the other vacation collections. How difficult is it to book out of WDW resorts?

4. We're a family of 5. We were told by our guide we could do 5 in a 1 bedroom (realizing it would be tight, but don't spend a lot of time in our room). The contract states only 4 in a 1 bedroom. Is this strictly enforced?

Thanks for your input!

 

[weathernlu]

1. It's pretty easy to pick up on it. It's really not hard except for the banking and borrowing. I'm still not 100% sure on some of that.

2. Not really sure. From what I read, it depends on what you are willing to accept.

3. Not sure I understand, are you talking about the other vacations you can take?

4. You'll be just fine.

You can e-mail me at hurrcane@bellsouth.net with any questions, I'd be more than willing to help.

 

[MSH1420]

3. I'm talking about the Concierge Collection. I've always wanted to go East and thought this might be my only opportunity down the road.

 

[drusba]

1. It is not that hard. If I can learn it anybody can.

2. Can have difficulty but can often find something but not necessarily at resort of choice. Also be aware that "peak" DVC times are not the same as peak Disney times. For example, DVC is very difficult first two weeks of December unless you use the 11 month window. On the other hand, summer, other than July 4 time, can often be reserved closer to the time you are going. Its a points thing. You can get higher demand during lower point times which are Disney's usual off-seasons.

3. Difficulty depends on location, e.g., Hawaii can be difficult to get as well as prime ski areas in winter. It is easier for DVC members to get reservations out than for other timeshare owners to get reservations into DVC.

4. You are about to enter the realm of continuous debate. There is supposed to be only 4 to a 1BR (but you can have a child under 3 in a crib). Many have strong opinions about this. Nevertheless, DVC continues to allow 5 in a 1BR although it does not provide the additional bedding needed.

 

[MSH1420]

Thanks for the replies. I appreciate all input. Also, thanks for the email address, weathernlu. I just might email you. We just got back from por on 5/8/04. Had a nice time. Thats when we talked to a DVC guide and got interested.

 

[Sammie]

While the guides will tell you you can have 5 in a one bedroom, DVC won't provide extra bedding for this person or resort ID.

The other thing is the guides will tell you this, but if you email Member Services and ask this question they will quote occupany levels of 4 with one under 3.

 

[disneycrazed139]

1. You study the point system for a little while (it's fun!) and then it is a piece of cake really. Not hard to understand at all.

2. I don't have any experience here but I have heard that it varies from time to time. I have heard that the waitlist often comes through.

3. There have been threads about booking outside of Disney. I am pretty sure that you need to be fairly flexible on dates and resorts if you are interested in the weeklong exchanges. If you are talking about the Concierge Collection, the consensus seems to be that you will get the most benefit (financial) out of DVC by booking within the DVC collection. But that said, everyone uses their points differently and different things make different people happy.

4. I think you can have 5, such as 1 child in a pack and play or crib. Not sure.

 

[Scoootch]

1. Point system will be easy to pick up on

2. How difficult is it to make last minute ressies other than at peak times?

If you are willing to be flexible about which resort you end up staying in and flexible about your dates and unit size, it's not usually all that difficult. OKW being the largest and now with the addition of SSR you could probably get in those resorts last minute without too much problem -- if you are looking to get into BCV's or VWL though you most likely won't have much luck. So it really all depends on which resort you're trying to get into last minute.

3. Sorry, Can't comment as I've never traded out.

4. As other's have stated occupancy for the 1bdrm's is 4 or 5 if 1 is a child under age 3 in crib or pak-n-play. Regardless of the big debates about this subject though, I'd consider the fact that anything over 4 you are talking about needing extra bed space not provided. Are you willing to bring extra bedding and towels and whatnot not provided? and then you also need to bring an aero bed unless you are talking about a child who will have to sleep on the other sofa (if they fit) or squeeze them in someone elses bed or heaven forbid someone sleeping on the floor in just a sleeping bag -- not my idea of comfortable personnally. Plus it's extra stuff to pack. So while you may be able to get away with it, you need to decide if it's really worth it being that they won't provide the extra bedding and such. Alot of people bring aero beds with them that only have 4 in a villa because of having 2 kids that are of the oppossite sex and won't sleep together and it works out great for them though so again, it's if it would work for you or not -- personnally I'd much rather move up to a 2bdrm.

 

[Pa@okw95]

I would plan on buying enough points to rent a 2 bedroom with 5 children. The guide is just telling you that it is ok for a one bedroom to make the sale. I think in the future we will see a crack down on people stuffing people into these units. At the present time the max is 4 in a one bedroom with one child under 3 that they do not count. It can be difficult to make reservations at peak times, then again some peak times at DVC are not the same as they are at WDW.