DVC decision help

[Sonnyeclipse]

I amreally considering becoming a member and have been reading a lot about the DVC and am wondering if I can get some advice.

1. Has anyone bought resales? They seem much more reasonable as far as price but i'm worried there may be drawbacks.

2. Are there any discounts to park passes with the membership? I have read about annual pass discounts but may not get to the park enough to make that worthwhile.

3. What is the difference between studio and one bedroom? Does studio not have kitchen facilities and one bedroom does?

4. Has anyone used their points for anything besides WDW? I am specifically thinking of doing a Disney Cruise in the next 3-4 years and can't seem to find a place where it lists points required for that

5. Anyone financed a resale? That is basically what I am looking at and am curious what they offer.

6. Anyone know where I can find annual due costs?

Sorry for all the questions. I have gone through some of the posts to answer some of my questions but just have quite a few to ask. I am nervous about laying out such a large sum of money and want to make sure it is the right decision.

Colin

 

[ssonley]

1. Has anyone bought resales? They seem much more reasonable as far as price but i'm worried there may be drawbacks.

I am in the process of closing a resale contract... only potential drawback is having to wait on Disney's ROFR. Otherwise you will be treated exactly the same as any other member!

2. Are there any discounts to park passes with the membership? I have read about annual pass discounts but may not get to the park enough to make that worthwhile.

Only discounts for the APs - not on passes...

3. What is the difference between studio and one bedroom? Does studio not have kitchen facilities and one bedroom does?

Studios only have microwave and fridge - one bedrooms have full kitchens...
Go to disney's dvc website and take the 3D room tours... sorry I can't post the link as I don't have enough posts yet...

4. Has anyone used their points for anything besides WDW? I am specifically thinking of doing a Disney Cruise in the next 3-4 years and can't seem to find a place where it lists points required for that

This I can not help you with - although based on my readings here I've hear it is not cost effective to use points for the cruises. Often you are better of renting your points and paying cash...

5. Anyone financed a resale? That is basically what I am looking at and am curious what they offer.

Go to "The Timeshare Store" link is at the top of this page (banner) - also a Search disboards for the post "DVC Dues History 1991 - 2007"

6. Anyone know where I can find annual due costs?
Search disboards for the post "New DVC Resale Financing" - also sticky'd at the top of DVC - operations forum

I hope that this helps...
Scott

 

[TenThousandVolts]

You need to get the DVC info pack from Disney- most of your questions are answered there- like points for cruises, diference between room types, etc. Look at the sticky thread on this board about resale financing. Financing seems pretty expensive and if you have the $ it is prob best just to pay for the whole thing- ALthough Disney has a good option of 50% upfront and finance the 2nd half for 12 months- it is under 5%- I make more interest in my simple savings acct- so that is a good choice if you buy direct from Disney- Also- if you have a member refer you- cost thru Disney is $86 a point and the contract will have all points in tact- look at that when comparing resale prices.
Good luck.

 

[LisaS]

3. What is the difference between studio and one bedroom? Does studio not have kitchen facilities and one bedroom does?

Studios typically have one queen bed and a full-size sleeper sofa, except at OKW where they have two queen beds. There is a kitchenette with a microwave, toaster and a small fridge. You get paper plates and plasticware, four real glasses and two coffee mugs. The 1BR and larger villas have a master bedroom with a king bed, large bathroom with jacuzzi tub, and a living area with queen-sized sleeper sofa, full kitchen with real pots and pans and real plates and utensils. To see for yourself, go to http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/index Scroll down the page and select a resort. When that page loads, select "View 360 degree Room Tour" and you can see each villa type at that resort. Also, over on the left select "Accommodations" and click on the links for "Studio", "One-Bedroom", etc. to view a floorplan for that villa type.

There are also some great photo tours of several different villas at www.tagrel.com. Roll your mouse pointer over "Disney Vacation Club (DVC)" and click on one of the "Tour" links in that menu.

6. Anyone know where I can find annual due costs?

Go to http://personalpages.tds.net/~rb/DIS/DVC/DVCDuesHistory.htm The figures listed are "per point", so multiple by the number of points you are planning to purchase.

 

[dumbo71]

I amreally considering becoming a member and have been reading a lot about the DVC and am wondering if I can get some advice.Colin

I hope this doesn't come off as rude because it isn't intended to be.

I really hope you are in the early stages of the decision because based on your questions you should be no where close to a decision.

This is the place for the answers for sure. Do tons of reading and ask away with the questions. You'll know when you are ready.

There are far better timeshares in Orlando for far less money. You really need to be sure simply being on property is worth the premium. More and more with the changes we've seen at the world I'd say it isn't.

Good luck, pm for a list of "other" timeshares if interested. DVC is not the only player. Consider all choices.

 

[Mtnman44]

Not challenging, I just want to know your thinking on this. I know there are LESS EXPENSIVE ways to timeshare other than DVC, but for a WDW vacationer I'm not sure I've ever seen anything "better".

PM a list of some of your top choices if you'd like to, however being on site with the Disney Atmosphere is pretty high on my list as is walking to Epcot and MGM. The other huge factor for me is the "ala cart" points system that let's you book a day or a week or 8 days or whatever without having to worry about weeks or checkin days, etc... Any other resorts that do that? I'd like to know. Thanks.

There are far better timeshares in Orlando for far less money. You really need to be sure simply being on property is worth the premium. More and more with the changes we've seen at the world I'd say it isn't.

Good luck, pm for a list of "other" timeshares if interested. DVC is not the only player. Consider all choices.