We have been members since 2002. Our first and second contract was direct through Disney. A couple of years later we purchased through resale. And then again, a few years later we purchased through Disney.
To be honest, although the resale route seemed to go smoothly. I was quite nervous about it.
I found it much easier to call my guide before or just after we arrive on our trip and make an appointment to meet with him. I understand fully not being able to purchase from home. When we first purchased, we lived in Ontario and we were able to go back home and think about it and call our guide to purchase.
Now that our province doesn't allow such transactions, we need to be physically at Disney to purchase. We go to Disney for 2 weeks every 6 months so it's not too bad. Although, our last contract was AKV and we missed out on getting our names on the tapestry because the offer ended before our vacation. I was upset and my guide felt bad but he couldn't do anything about it.
By the way, before we purchased, we went for a week once or twice a year. After we made our first purchase we went over a week once a year. Then we purchased more points and we started going for 2 weeks. Now after almost 9 years as DVC members, we go 2 weeks each time twice a year....that's 4 weeks a year
. If it wasn't for our points, we would not be able to go as often. Even with the Disney discounts and promotions, it still would cost us more.
However, you do have to take into account the maintenance/annual fee. Some resorts are less than others. I should caution you that just because it's lower now, it's not always necessarily going to be the case in the future.
So my suggestion is to purchase where you want to stay since in a lot of cases, Home resort priority could be a very important asset. And seasons are different as well. For instance, VWL is very busy at Christmas and BCV and BWV are popular during the Food and Wine Festival...etc. But I think that many have said that it's alway best to purchase where you want to stay and you can always try for the other resorts at 7 mths prior if you want.
Good Luck.
)then the balance at OKW - our home resort which we love. Only real advice is try to buy where you want to stay. Not a big problem for us as OKW is pretty big, but if you want Wilderness lodge or Beach Club around Christmas, you really want the 11 month booking window to be safe. I know many don't seem to have problems, but you certainly see complaints on the DVC boards here on the DIS about people unable to get all their nights during a busy time (Christmas, Easter and American Thanksgiving).
....there is not a lot on the market I guess it is due to the size. Is it hard to get reservations at VWL?
My arm is almost twisted
