Deciding whether to join DVC. Pros? Cons? Warning? Anything I need to know

[randytenn]

My wife and I went on our second Disney Cruise in September, and listened to the DVC spiel. We liked what we heard, but didn't have the money for the membership.

After getting back from the cruise, we have continually talked about joining. What I am thinking about now is a resale membership from one of the two big resale places. We are probably looking at 150-200 points, at one of the on-site locations.

We have been to WDW twice, DL once, and DCL twice. We really enjoy a Disney vacation, love staying at the park, but also like the flexibility of chosing another vacation spot.

So, what would be your advise. Is there anything we need to know? Any surprises not mentioned? Anything to watch out for?

Thanks!

 

[kem330]

Randy,
The best thing you can do is spend a few hours reading through posts on this board. There is hoards of info here and very helpful people. As far as resales go: You mention the big 2- I'm guessing you mean the Timeshare Store and A timeshare Broker. Both are very reputable and another frequent poster on this board is Shontell Crawford, Timeshare by resale. The important thing is to get on their lists so when a contract becomes available, they will contact you. Many contracts never make the posting board, and with the Direct from Disney price rising to $84 I would suspect resales will become a popular alternative. Next is to beware of contracts with unavailable points. You are not getting as good a deal if points have been used up or borrowed. Also imoortant is buy where you plan to stay. The 11 month window can be important if you have a strong preference of one resort over another, or plan to visit over peak times.

 

[MrsG]

The best advise: (it can't be said enough)

Buy where you plan to stay! That 11 mo. window is great, especially if you visit during high occupancy times (holidays, summer).

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by kem330
The 11 month window can be important if you have a strong preference of one resort over another, or plan to visit over peak times.

Peak times doesn't mean peak WDW times...it also means peak DVC times. The first two weeks of december are very popular with DVCer's because of the (relatively) low point cost, holiday decorations and activities, AND the (relatively) low General Population attendence at the parks.

-Joe

 

[Bexx]

I thought December was going to be an easy time to book - I only found how wrong I was by reading these boards!!

If you do find a good contract with points you want to bank, either ask the seller to bank them or check there is enough time for closing the contract before your use years banking deadline. You can bank 100% of your points up to six months after your use year starts. I didn't realise this and spent a nail biting week waiting for confirmation! It did turn out alright in the end, though.

 

[HookdonWDW]

My advice would be:

1. Buy where you want to stay.

2. Really figure out how many points you will need each year, and purchase as much as you can comfortably afford.

3. Remember that DVC points are addictive!!! BE CAREFUL about add-on's (and you WILL be adding on ) it's easy to get carried away.