DVC Presentation: Thoughts before and after becoming a DVC Member / DISboarder

[emchen]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to share some observations after attending my first official DVC Presentation as a member and DISboarder. I hope prospective members as well as other current members can glean up-to-date info from this experience. I also hope other members will share their personal experiences and compare and contrast their own impressions pre- and post-membership.

Set the scene:

Went to Disneyland yesterday, stayed at VGC 2-BR room 5506 overlooking Cal Adventure.

We had extended family with us. We had a great brunch at Storyteller's Cafe around noon then explored the lobby and did the hotel trick-or-treat with the kids (8-12, 2 boys, 4 girls).

A friendly DVC guide approached my sister-in-law's husband and convinced them to take the tour. They offered 4 FP for everyone in the group (10 of us). He said that they can offer my family the FP despite us already being members because we would attend with a non-member family. He also guaranteed it wouldn't be longer than 60 minutes (as long as we don't ask too many questions of the guide). It was 3:30 and we had time to kill before the room was ready, so we said yes.

Observations:
1. Facilities are up to snuff. More open than the one at Aulani, with a good sized Activity Center for the kids.

2. There were 4-5 "sales rooms" conforming to the curved shape of the building. Aulani was more standard office layout with similar number of rooms.

3. They only had Aulani model-rooms (no Riviera). Same in Hawaii.

4. Adults waited a few minutes in Waiting Space for Daisy Salesroom to be ready. Much smaller waiting area in Aulani.

5. There is a "type" of guide on the west coast. Middle aged, slightly overweight, white, male, overtly non-aggressive appearing, opposite of car-salesmen. Granted, I have a personal N=2 but these are just random observations, not scientific. I found it funny that my guide here (Geoffrey) seemed the physical and temperamental twin of the one I had in Hawaii (Dan).

6. They like to compare Animal Kingdom Lodge Value Rooms to generic "hotel room rates" to accentuate the savings (even when pushing Riviera). I and other members know that this is not a valid comparison since Value Rooms are even difficult to get for AKL owners at 11 month. As I recall they did the same in Hawaii, but I didn't know that it was not a practical comparison as I do now.

7. Presentation software still had minor glitches but less than Hawaii 4 months ago. In Aulani, videos froze and lagged repeatedly.

8. Kids had fun in the Activity Center for 60 minutes, no prob. Kids were at the pool when we attended in Aulani, lol.

9. No ice cream, just canned sodas, water, and coffee. Same for AUL.

10. In-laws are veterans of many timeshare presentations and stated, "this was the best presentation" and "least pressure" that they had ever had at a timeshare presentation. They went in and left not being sold (guide was excellent in reading SIL's facial expression and body language and did not push).

11. The AUL deal from earlier this year, with "free" 2018 UY points was a great incentive. They don't offer that anymore as of September 2019. Geoffrey kept reminiscing about how AUL contracts were selling like "hot cakes" because of that deal. For prospective AUL owners, it might be worthwhile to wait until 2020 to see if the deal comes back. If it does, wait until July to buy, since the annual dues are prorated for the year.

In summary, a nice experience for all. My in-laws got the $100 Disney Gift Card. Everyone got 4 unrestricted FP. Kids loved the golf cart ride to Disneyland Hotel from GC Hotel and Spa. And we killed an hour of the wait for the room (unfortunately we waited almost another hour till it was finally ready! But that's another story.)

PS. What are peoples thoughts on attending for unrestricted FPs?

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for sharing so many insights. There is one thing thst stsnds out and that is the free points.

When you buy, depending on the UY you get, is what generated those free points,,,which were not free but rather the current UY points at the time.

Yes, they feel free because you buy in the next calendar year. Right now, anyone buying with a Dec UY, except Rivera, will get 2018 points unless Disney is out of that resorts points.

Once we hit 2020, people buying will get 2019 UY points as long as they get a UY that hasn’t started it’s 2020 UY.

im going to guess that when you bought, the reason you got 2018 points is because you were still in the 2018 UY for whatever month you chose,

 

[emchen]

When you buy, depending on the UY you get, is what generated those free points,,,which were not free but rather the current UY points at the time.

Once we hit 2020, people buying will get 2019 UY points as long as they get a UY that hasn’t started it’s 2020 UY.

You must be right about that. They want to give the buyer a chance to still be able to bank the points. If I bought AUL back in July, I could bank by 9/1 if buying DEC UY contract.

The guide said they are currently (as of Oct 2019) selling APR 2020 UY contracts. I asked if a buyer can still select whichever use-year he/she wanted and he said, 'yes'. I believe it was implied that APR 2019 UY points would be free of MF.

So this means for the new buyer wanting a contract right now (for Riviera, AUL, Copper Creek, sold-out DVC with availability):
1. Ask for DEC 2018 UY contract if you can spend the points by 11/30 of this year (too late to bank and doesn't apply to RIV).
2. Ask for DEC 2019 UY contract if you don't care about the "free extra points" from 2018 (will be able to bank 2019 point by 7/31/20 and won't have to pay MF for 10-11 of the 12 months).
3. Ask for DEC 2020 UY contract (and maybe you can get "free 2019" points that can be banked up to 7/31/20 without having to pay MF). ***this last point is speculation since I didn't think of asking the guide if this is an option.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes! Since MFs are based on calendar year, it does feel free. And if you buy toward the end of a UY, the next set of points come up soon so it seems like double points.

I wI’ll be buying an August UY for my RIV points. I’ll get the 2019 points...since that is the current UY..but only pay two weeks of dues since the resort doesn’t open until December.

So, there is a benefit for sure being able to buy later in a UY, but when the guides say free, it sounds better..hahaha

 

[emchen]

I wI’ll be buying an August UY for my RIV points. I’ll get the 2019 points...since that is the current UY..but only pay two weeks of dues since the resort doesn’t open until December.

Cool that you can buy August 2019 UY since the resort isn't even open yet. I had thought they only had DEC UY...

Wonder if you can buy AUG UY after Jan 2020 instead? Then you don't even pay 2 weeks of dues and still get everything you would get if you bought now.

 

[Sandisw]

Yes, I could wait to get an Aug UY any time I want in 2020. I could actually wait and buy in June of 2020, still get 2019 points, and pay only 6 months for 2020 in dues.

But, I have a use for them and owning soon, so I’ll pay 2 weeks of dues to own sooner! Lol


EDITED To ADD. The 2019 points would only come up until July 31st,2020 before the Aug 2020 UY begins!

 

[emchen]

Yes, I could wait to get an Aug UY any time I want in 2020. I could actually wait and buy in June of 2020, still get 2019 points, and pay only 6 months for 2020 in dues.

But, I have a use for them and owning soon, so I’ll pay 2 weeks of dues to own sooner! Lol

Makes sense!

 

[Lumpy1106]

No ice cream?!? That's a deal-breaker.
I always wondered - they are selling you RIV, but you are in VGC. Are they offering you (false) hope that you will be able to book VGC @ 7 months?

 

[bwvBound]

Most fascinating to me are the observations about the sales guides physical appearances and temperament.

We stumbled into the sales center at DLR a few years after buying direct through WDW. We just wanted to see the Grand Cal models. The sales gal who led us through was entirely different from the sales dude back east. We liked her, enjoyed her rapport and purchased our largest contract from her. She was g-o-o-d!

 

[MouseOfCards]

Thanks for sharing, OP. 4 unrestricted FP's for every person in your party sounds pretty good, especially since you're already members! Was the $100 gift card also included and expected from the start?

 

[emchen]

No ice cream?!? That's a deal-breaker.
I always wondered - they are selling you RIV, but you are in VGC. Are they offering you (false) hope that you will be able to book VGC @ 7 months?

Lol, lucky it was a windy and cool day so it wasn’t missed!

No they actually didn’t ever use the VGC point chart as a sales tactic. Your question does shine a spotlight on the fact they used Value Rooms at AKL and Tower Studios at DRR (both with very low point costs) to highlight potential savings.

Not completely transparent and found that a little disappointing. We have always been 1-BR and up family, so I never held it against them, but if we were a childless couple or empty nesters...it would be a different matter.

Thanks for sharing, OP. 4 unrestricted FP's for every person in your party sounds pretty good, especially since you're already members! Was the $100 gift card also included and expected from the start?

The gift card was included and expected from the start for each “non-member family” unit accompanying the member family.

My SIL and her husband were actually the ones wanting to go just to get those incentives!

 

[The Jackal]

Not too many people buying “hot cakes” from DVC. They have been selling Aulani since 2010 and is no where near to selling out. You can buy AUL resale and save a ton. It’s usually around $100 pp. Maybe some day DVC will learn off property resorts don’t sell as fast as on property. Reflections will be sold out before AUL will, unless they drastically lower the price. I’m not knocking the resort, it is beautiful, just not what the average Disney fans destination for Disney trips.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Not completely transparent and found that a little disappointing. We have always been 1-BR and up family, so I never held it against them, but if we were a childless couple or empty nesters...it would be a different matter.

No kidding! Have you seen the 1BR point charts?!? The MF's too - OUCH! That is a total deal-breaker for me (BLT owner). I've always seen the tower point charts as a bit of a teaser rate. Get people in thinking they can book with fewer points, then re-adjust the charts later so the points on the larger units aren't so outrageous.

 

[emchen]

You can buy AUL resale and save a ton.

I did, and saved even more with a subsidized contract!

No kidding! Have you seen the 1BR point charts?!? The MF's too - OUCH! That is a total deal-breaker for me (BLT owner). I've always seen the tower point charts as a bit of a teaser rate. Get people in thinking they can book with fewer points, then re-adjust the charts later so the points on the larger units aren't so outrageous.

Yeah, luckily with my small 75-point "blue card compliance contract" I can still stay a week in a 1-BR every other year during adventure season. This year I am doing split stay during Magic Season cuz family and I are so excited to check it out in person: 2 nite Preferred Studio, 1 nite Preferred 1-BR, 4 nite Bahama DCL cruise, and 1 nite AKL Value 1-BR (using SAPs).

Can't wait for Spring!

 

[The Jackal]

I did, and saved even more with a subsidized contract!

Yeah, luckily with my small 75-point "blue card compliance contract" I can still stay a week in a 1-BR every other year during adventure season. This year I am doing split stay during Magic Season cuz family and I are so excited to check it out in person: 2 nite Preferred Studio, 1 nite Preferred 1-BR, 4 nite Bahama DCL cruise, and 1 nite AKL Value 1-BR (using SAPs).

Can't wait for Spring!

I think the AUL subsided contracts are the best bang for your buck of any DVC resort. They are even a better value than SSR.

 

[E2ME2]

Yes! Since MFs are based on calendar year, it does feel free. And if you buy toward the end of a UY, the next set of points come up soon so it seems like double points.

I wI’ll be buying an August UY for my RIV points. I’ll get the 2019 points...since that is the current UY..but only pay two weeks of dues since the resort doesn’t open until December.

So, there is a benefit for sure being able to buy later in a UY, but when the guides say free, it sounds better..hahaha

So, if i want to add on more points with my same June Use Year, what's the best timing that would afford me the "seems like free/double points" ?

 

[Sandisw]

So, if i want to add on more points with my same June Use Year, what's the best timing that would afford me the "seems like free/double points" ?

April/May. For example, in April 2020, you’d still be in your June 2019 UY. You would get those points, and of course, June 2020 is just around the corner,

Your MFs would be prorated for 2020 from date of purchase until the end of the year,

Now, the one potential glitch could be them not having June UY points if you are trying to add on at an older resort. If adding on at either RIV or AUL, which are actively selling, it won’t be a problem.

I did that years ago with BLT...called in March and added on. It was great!

 

[E2ME2]

April/May. For example, in April 2020, you’d still be in your June 2019 UY. You would get those points, and of course, June 2020 is just around the corner,

Your MFs would be prorated for 2020 from date of purchase until the end of the year,

Now, the one potential glitch could be them not having June UY points if you are trying to add on at an older resort. If adding on at either RIV or AUL, which are actively selling, it won’t be a problem.

I did that years ago with BLT...called in March and added on. It was great!

Awesome Sauce -- THANKS!

 

[ELMC]

So this means for the new buyer wanting a contract right now (for Riviera, AUL, Copper Creek, sold-out DVC with availability):
1. Ask for DEC 2018 UY contract if you can spend the points by 12/31 of this year (too late to bank and doesn't apply to RIV).
2. Ask for DEC 2019 UY contract if you don't care about the "free extra points" from 2018 (will be able to bank 2019 point by 7/31/20 and won't have to pay MF for 10-11 of the 12 months).
3. Ask for DEC 2020 UY contract (and maybe you can get "free 2019" points that can be banked up to 7/31/20 without having to pay MF). ***this last point is speculation since I didn't think of asking the guide if this is an option.

This isn't entirely correct. Points have to be used prior to the first of the month, so DEC UY points have to be used by November 30. You buy the UY as a month and it is a function of where you are in the calendar year. So you're buying a DEC UY and if it's prior to December you are in the previous use year in relation to the calendar year. I couldn't buy a DEC 19 UY now because we are still technically in the 2018 UY for DEC contracts. That said, I'm fairly certain they will waive the banking deadline for newly purchased contracts.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I would love to take the tour for 4 FP. Total no brainer. Too bad it doesn't apply to current owners, but I can see why it wouldn't. Maybe they'd compromise and give me 2 FP to not waste their time?

 

[emchen]

This isn't entirely correct. Points have to be used prior to the first of the month, so DEC UY points have to be used by November 30.

I stand corrected, you are absolutely correct. Thank you.

That said, I'm fairly certain they will waive the banking deadline for newly purchased contracts.

That would be nice! So if someone purchased direct a SSR DEC UY contract now, they may be able to get the best of both worlds: free 2018 points that may still be banked AND only one month of annual dues.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I would love to take the tour for 4 FP. Total no brainer. Too bad it doesn't apply to current owners, but I can see why it wouldn't. Maybe they'd compromise and give me 2 FP to not waste their time?

In fact it does apply to current owners under one condition. The work-around is to bring adult non-members or a non-member family unit. If you do, then you get 4 unrestricted FPs for everyone in your party! We got 36 FPs.

Yup! Brought my DD for a $75 gift card and 4 FPS each::though ours did have restrictions

It's true, ours did too. "Unrestricted" was the term used on our tour, but it is with caveats: no shows and no SWGE (makes sense cuz no FPs yet for MF ride).