DVC advice- should we provide it?

[tjcj]

Friends of ours are considering a DVC purchase and of course have come to us with questions (buy direct vs resale, how many pts, is it worth it.....)
We want to help them make a good decision but are nervous about steering them one way or another on such a big decision.
We have talked basics and have steered them to this site- what else if anything should we do?
Has anyone else been in this position? What did you do?

 

[joandegennaro]

Friends of ours are considering a DVC purchase and of course have come to us with questions (buy direct vs resale, how many pts, is it worth it.....)
We want to help them make a good decision but are nervous about steering them one way or another on such a big decision.
We have talked basics and have steered them to this site- what else if anything should we do?
Has anyone else been in this position? What did you do?

When I talk to people about DVC I explain how it works for us. I explain all the added costs that you can control like tickets, food and transportation. I explain how for us it will provide a nice place to go every year since we were traveling there every year at a savings. I advise them of my buy in costs direct from Disney vs the cost of where we might have stayed (moderate resort) how it will pay for itself within 3 to 6 years depending on how often we go in any given year. I also tell them to do their own research as everyones expectations of what their ideal vacation is different. Plug in your own numbers and see where you come out. I also tell them that while you currently have the option of using your points elsewhere it is not the best value. they have to be willing to travel to the same location every year or two/three for the next 40-50 years depending on length of resort contracts.

 

[TosaTrio]

When I tell people about (who ask how it works) I go through all the details which I consider good and the things that some may think are not so good (banking deadlines, cost of tickets, etc). Than I tell them why it works for my family, how much we love it and how it has changed our Disney vacation.

I do not hide my excitement however I always end with it has to work your family...

 

[ToddyLu]

I have emailed info to one of the girls at work concerning websites, the DIS and resales. My BIL has seen the value first hand and we hope he will need advice in the next couple of years. So far haven't really explained it to many folks because no one really knows we own or that Disney actually has a Timeshare. Like the others I will explain direct vs resale, buy in cost, MFs, importance of UY and cancellation policies, etc. I would be willing to tell them how much we pay per month so they could better understand the cost. That is one of the problems I had--I wanted to know exactly what it cost--before I called. It was very hard to find that info until I went to DVCNews.com.

 

[Sandisw]

I have had a few friends who have asked about it and I simply give them the pros and cons from my situation as well as some of the facts about how it works.

I do include some of the pieces that may or may not be as clear from guides, such as how point allocations can work, the importance of UY, etc.

Most who ask know what a big fan I am of being a DVC member but I always try, when giving advice, is to simply give my honest opinion of things.

There are so many factors to consider but I do offer them the same type of information I share here on the DIS and tell them to just ask if they want more.

 

[momtofour]

For years we were enthusiatically pointing out the many pros of our DVC membership. Friends of ours were at Disney for the first time in 10 years staying at the Yacht Club. They took the tour and bought 275 points at the Beach Club direct from Disney. (High price.....sold out resort) Long story short, they held the contract for over 5 years and NEVER used one point. Paid thousands in annual dues etc. They could not get used to the need to plan for the busy periods. They would want to go at Christmas, would call 5 months in advance wanting a 2 bedroom at BCV and would be so disappointed they could not get in. Obviously, a waste for them and they ended up selling at a HUGE loss. They are not planners at all and the product did not work for them.

 

[DVC SSR Owner]

For years we were enthusiatically pointing out the many pros of our DVC membership. Friends of ours were at Disney for the first time in 10 years staying at the Yacht Club. They took the tour and bought 275 points at the Beach Club direct from Disney. (High price.....sold out resort) Long story short, they held the contract for over 5 years and NEVER used one point. Paid thousands in annual dues etc. They could not get used to the need to plan for the busy periods. They would want to go at Christmas, would call 5 months in advance wanting a 2 bedroom at BCV and would be so disappointed they could not get in. Obviously, a waste for them and they ended up selling at a HUGE loss. They are not planners at all and the product did not work for them.

Too bad they did not rent them out!!

 

[a742246]

I always give them a little overview, lend them my disney vacation planner, give them the disboard address, and tell them to check it out. Then
if they are still interested I would answer all their question and give them my favorable opinion.

 

[Sammie]

Stick to the facts, give them links to sites with facts. Keep the personal out of it.

 

[Sammie]

For years we were enthusiatically pointing out the many pros of our DVC membership. Friends of ours were at Disney for the first time in 10 years staying at the Yacht Club. They took the tour and bought 275 points at the Beach Club direct from Disney. (High price.....sold out resort) Long story short, they held the contract for over 5 years and NEVER used one point. Paid thousands in annual dues etc. They could not get used to the need to plan for the busy periods. They would want to go at Christmas, would call 5 months in advance wanting a 2 bedroom at BCV and would be so disappointed they could not get in. Obviously, a waste for them and they ended up selling at a HUGE loss. They are not planners at all and the product did not work for them.

Sadly that is one "fact" DVC guides will not share with someone considering, that be able to book 11-7 months in advance is a real necessity. They won't you to think it will be easy to book at less than that.

Due to work schedules, kids, ailing parents, etc. many many people simply can not plan that far in advance and DVC is not a good match for them.