DVC member & I have friends looking to join, what are current incentives?

[disneychic]

My DH and I have been DVC members since 2000. We have friends who are coming on a Disney Cruise w/ us in April. They have been to WDW twice in the last 5 months & are hooked on Disney, so they want to join DVC. Does anyone know what the current incentives are for first time buyers? I called my guide, but haven't received a call back from him yet. Our friends are staying on property before the cruise, but I wasn't sure if it is better for her to join while they are on the cruise or after? I didn't know if there was a different incentive?? Any info would be greatly appreciated. I put in a call 2 days ago and I thougth I'd have some info for her by now.

 

[spiceycat]

well a cruise was definitely one of the incentives.

let them go on the cruise - it has been reported that the incentives on the cruise are much, much better than on land.

 

[Ed T]

I think this is all still available

Current Incentive being offered...

Initial purchases:
minimum of 160 points.
existing DVC members can add-on a minimim of 25 pts.(cash/credit),50 pts. (financing).
minimum add-on at BLT is 100-points.

The developer points incentives for BLT/AKV have been replaced with a free cruise on Disney Cruise Line:

Existing members:
Add on 100 pts: a 3 night cruise for 4 (160 for newbies)
Add on 125 pts: a 4 night cruise for 4 (200 for newbies)
Add on 200 pts: a 7 night cruise for 4 (270 for newbies)

BLT new members
BLT = $112 - $5 incentive = $107
Equal # of points that can be used only at SSR, DL or IIl (can't be banked and expire after Oct 2009)
Dues start @ your unit's occupancy date (9/1/09)
BLT points can't be used until Sept 2009

BLT member add-on
add-on 100 or more points, get matching developer points, and the $5 off per point ($107/pt)

 

[disneychic]

Is the cruise offered to 1st time buyers as well as the developer points?

 

[zulemara]

I just went over to SSR today to have a presentation and I knew I wouldn't be able to invest right now, BUT the fact that they are giving away a FREE cruise...omg!! I am going on the podcast cruise in May so it might be time to invest when I get on that ship!

 

[Cmbar]

Is the cruise offered to 1st time buyers as well as the developer points?

Yes, I don't know why that is not showing up in the post above. The new members get:
160-199 3 day cruise
200-269 4 day cruise
270... 7 day cruise

I believe the better deal is definitely on the ship because in addition they give you shipboard credits for that trip.

 

[AnnaS]

well a cruise was definitely one of the incentives.

let them go on the cruise - it has been reported that the incentives on the cruise are much, much better than on land.

Yes, I would also let them go on the cruise and check those incentives. They are usually what is on land with an extra incentive like on-board credit.

I am ever in the market again for points, hopefully I would be on a cruise and add-on there.

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Yes, I don't know why that is not showing up in the post above. The new members get:
160-199 3 day cruise
200-269 4 day cruise
270... 7 day cruise

I believe the better deal is definitely on the ship because in addition they give you shipboard credits for that trip.

We just purchased 300 points at BLT last week. No mention was ever made of the cruise, although we specifically spoke about how much we loooove cruising. Does anybody have any more information about this? Perhaps it is expired? I will definitely be contacting my DVC agent, but any extra info prior to my call would be much appreciated.

 

[Cmbar]

We just purchased 300 points at BLT last week. No mention was ever made of the cruise, although we specifically spoke about how much we loooove cruising. Does anybody have any more information about this? Perhaps it is expired? I will definitely be contacting my DVC agent, but any extra info prior to my call would be much appreciated.

Yes call them right away. That is crazy and no it has not expired. If you bought last week you are entitled to a 7 day cruise. Did they offer any incentives for buying?? Did you get developer points instead?? That is crazy. What point cost did you pay?? That sounds crazy since the cruise incentive has been in place for at least a month and all the guides should have known that and been offering that. I assume you haven't "closed" yet, so be sure to get your incentives! Good luck.

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Yes call them right away. That is crazy and no it has not expired. If you bought last week you are entitled to a 7 day cruise. Did they offer any incentives for buying?? Did you get developer points instead?? That is crazy. What point cost did you pay?? sounds crazy since the cruise incentive has been in place for at least a month and all the guides should have known that and been offering that. I assume you haven't "closed" yet, so be sure to get your incentives! Good luck.

Thank you so much for your quick response. I actually have been writing down many questions since I returned home yesterday, as I keep thinking of more and more things to ask! No, we have not closed yet, thank goodness! We signed the paperwork last week as we were told that being from Canada, it was much more difficult (and depending on your province impossible) to do this long distance.

We paid $112 US per vacation point, and purchased 300 points. We like to do Disney cruises, and have been staying on site yearly the last few vacations. Our incentive was $5 per vacation point gift card, which was used towards the down payment. We also received 300 additioinal points which expire in October, these can be used with RCI and are good for 2 years once they start the "search". We also received 2 annual passes to DisneyWorld. (could have been Disneyland as well, but these expire at the end of 2009, the World cards have no expiry date). We will not be vacationing at Disney again in 2009.

Now, something that makes me want to cancel our deal is this - we live in Western Canada, the airfare to Florida is very expensive for our family of 4 (between $4000 - 5500, depending on travel times). My husband and I stated that we vacation in California more often (Florida only for cruising, and that is only every 2-3 years). We were told that the Grand Californian was not available for purchase to the general public yet, but we could purchase some extra points there when it opens up. Well, as I do more research I realize that if we buy 100 points there, we can book these points 11 months out, but can't transfer the remainder of the points until 7 months. What are the chances of being able to arrange a vacation this way? We made the purchase in California, but our "property" is BLT. We love the plan, and it totally works for our family vacations, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we should wait it out and purchase in California.

 

[Sandisw]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I actually have been writing down many questions since I returned home yesterday, as I keep thinking of more and more things to ask! No, we have not closed yet, thank goodness! We signed the paperwork last week as we were told that being from Canada, it was much more difficult (and depending on your province impossible) to do this long distance.

We paid $112 US per vacation point, and purchased 300 points. We like to do Disney cruises, and have been staying on site yearly the last few vacations. Our incentive was $5 per vacation point gift card, which was used towards the down payment. We also received 300 additioinal points which expire in October, these can be used with RCI and are good for 2 years once they start the "search". We also received 2 annual passes to DisneyWorld. (could have been Disneyland as well, but these expire at the end of 2009, the World cards have no expiry date). We will not be vacationing at Disney again in 2009.

Now, something that makes me want to cancel our deal is this - we live in Western Canada, the airfare to Florida is very expensive for our family of 4 (between $4000 - 5500, depending on travel times). My husband and I stated that we vacation in California more often (Florida only for cruising, and that is only every 2-3 years). We were told that the Grand Californian was not available for purchase to the general public yet, but we could purchase some extra points there when it opens up. Well, as I do more research I realize that if we buy 100 points there, we can book these points 11 months out, but can't transfer the remainder of the points until 7 months. What are the chances of being able to arrange a vacation this way? We made the purchase in California, but our "property" is BLT. We love the plan, and it totally works for our family vacations, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we should wait it out and purchase in California.

First, if you are new members and feel that the VGC is going to be a better option, I would just buy the minimum points of 160 at BLT. Or, even consider a small resale purchase to become a member. Then, you can add on at VGC so that more of your points are where you see yourself going more often.

You were probably not offered the cruise option (instead you were given Developer points) because you need a member referral for that. If you didn't tell them that you had the name of a current member, they probably didn't mention it to you (if you are interested in the cruise and need a name, PM me).

I would certain call my guide and and ask what would be the minimum you have to buy. I know that new members can buy in with only a 100 pt minimum at AKL (and I was told SSR as well). That would put your investment at WDW a lot lower than the 300 you are at now. I don't think that would qualify you for the cruise, but you would still get the DP's.

What intrigues me is the AP's you got. I had not heard they were giving those as incentives...where did you buy? On a cruise or just by calling DVC?

 

[Cmbar]

Thank you so much for your quick response. I actually have been writing down many questions since I returned home yesterday, as I keep thinking of more and more things to ask! No, we have not closed yet, thank goodness! We signed the paperwork last week as we were told that being from Canada, it was much more difficult (and depending on your province impossible) to do this long distance.

We paid $112 US per vacation point, and purchased 300 points. We like to do Disney cruises, and have been staying on site yearly the last few vacations. Our incentive was $5 per vacation point gift card, which was used towards the down payment. We also received 300 additioinal points which expire in October, these can be used with RCI and are good for 2 years once they start the "search". We also received 2 annual passes to DisneyWorld. (could have been Disneyland as well, but these expire at the end of 2009, the World cards have no expiry date). We will not be vacationing at Disney again in 2009.

Now, something that makes me want to cancel our deal is this - we live in Western Canada, the airfare to Florida is very expensive for our family of 4 (between $4000 - 5500, depending on travel times). My husband and I stated that we vacation in California more often (Florida only for cruising, and that is only every 2-3 years). We were told that the Grand Californian was not available for purchase to the general public yet, but we could purchase some extra points there when it opens up. Well, as I do more research I realize that if we buy 100 points there, we can book these points 11 months out, but can't transfer the remainder of the points until 7 months. What are the chances of being able to arrange a vacation this way? We made the purchase in California, but our "property" is BLT. We love the plan, and it totally works for our family vacations, but the more I think about it, the more I wonder if we should wait it out and purchase in California.

OK First off the PP is correct, you probably were not offered the cruise because you do need a referral. That is not a problem, just Pm the PP above or certainly if you know of a DVC owner then use their name. They will get a little perk for referring you but then you will be eligible for the cruise. The Cruise would be INSTEAD of the matching developer points that have to be used by October. Now I also am very intrigued by the added WDW passes. We have not heard of anyone getting those. Where did you buy?? At WDW??? Or in California.

Now if you really believe that Villas at Grand Californian is where you want to own (and therefore have 11 months booking prividledge) then you really should buy there as that will be a small resort and will be difficult to get into at 7 months. I think VGC opens up March 25th but I believe that is for current DVC members only. So if you want to own at DVC prior to that I agree with PP who said to buy a minimum at AKV (100), SSR(100) or BLT(160). I really think you should reassess buying such a high value of points at BLT if you are concerned you won't use them as much as in California. It is rumoured that once VGC is sold the other Californial hotels will be removed from the DVC plan. So it is possible that you won't be able to use all those points on trips to Disneyland unless you can get into GVC (someone please correct me if I am wrong)!

At the VERY LEAST, if you buy 300 points at BLT, see if you can break the contract up into smaller pieces. Then if you want to sell off some of your points you can. I don't know if they will let you do that at BLT because you would need a 160 contract. Once you do that they may let you have the additional 140 as a separate contract. This would allow you to sell off one of those contract at a later date and possibly purchase VGC or Hawaii since those seem a little easier to get to. WOW, I could never fathom being able to buy 300 points and then spend 4-5 grand to just get to Disney!! I really hope you rethink the VGC. That sounds like a better option. YOu have time to back out completely also, so be sure to get your questions answered!

Good Luck!

 

[Hanny&AlsMom]

Firstly, I have to thank all of you for your great information and advice . I knew that I could come home and check the boards to get answers to many (or most) of my questions.

First, if you are new members and feel that the VGC is going to be a better option, I would just buy the minimum points of 160 at BLT. Or, even consider a small resale purchase to become a member. Then, you can add on at VGC so that more of your points are where you see yourself going more often.

You were probably not offered the cruise option (instead you were given Developer points) because you need a member referral for that. If you didn't tell them that you had the name of a current member, they probably didn't mention it to you (if you are interested in the cruise and need a name, PM me).

I would certain call my guide and and ask what would be the minimum you have to buy. I know that new members can buy in with only a 100 pt minimum at AKL (and I was told SSR as well). That would put your investment at WDW a lot lower than the 300 you are at now. I don't think that would qualify you for the cruise, but you would still get the DP's.

What intrigues me is the AP's you got. I had not heard they were giving those as incentives...where did you buy? On a cruise or just by calling DVC?

The annual passes are a promo that was offered to us at Disneyland in California. It is a one time thing - not supplied annually, just 2 adult APs. We chose the DisneyWorld passes, as we were told the Disneyland passes expire at the end of this year, and due to Florida laws there is no expiry on those passes. They are good for one year from time of activation. I hope this clears up any confusion - I apologize for not being clearer in my explanation

A little add on to my airfare saga - the very cheapest I have ever seen 4 flights to Orlando being sold for was $3800.00. I was volunteering in our community this morning, and spoke with 2 different parents about their upcoming trips to Orlando. Both families of 4 are flying for just over $1000 (2000 total). There was a 24 hour blitz sale that I missed out on - that seems to be the story of my life!

Thank you all again for the fabulous input you've provided. It helps our decision immensely!