DVC questions questions questions

[Zdog]

Our family of four just returned from a weeklong trip to Wilderness Lodge, and decided we are true dis addicts. We had such a good time, and meant to stop at a DVC kiosk to get more information on becoming members. So I turn to people on the boards to answer some questions we probably could have had answered at the WL, but perhaps here, with more honesty and minus the dis 'spin'.

First and foremost, the cost. I realize this is essentially a real estate transaction, so, do I need a lawyer to finalize this deal, or to look over the documentation? If it's hard to estimate the cost, what are the low and high levels?

What benefits, other than the obvious, come with DVC membership? Do we get discounts on park passes?

Ultimately, is DVC membership a good deal? I think we determined on this most recent trip we love vacationing here, and would have no problem doing so yearly. We've been down 3 times in the past 3 years, and area already talking about our vacation next year.

Any advice/help/honest opinion would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Dodie]

You need to go to the DVC boards here to get answers. There are lots of DVC owners there and they are very helpful.

Do you know about the DVC boards? There are a few. I think the one where potential buyers ask the most questions is the DVC Operations Board.

Let us know if you can't find that.

DIS DVC Boards

 

[jen3003]

I agree with Dodie, check out the DVC boards.

We bought into DVC at Kidani Village last December and are actually staying on developer points that we received as an incentive at SSR in just 10 days!

We were able to go to Doorway to Dreams and take care of all our paperwork there with Derek our guide (he's amazing).

You won't need a lawyer and the DVC guides are extremely helpful with everything. Yes, they are deals on annual passes.

Whatever you decide good luck and congratulations if you do choose to buy into the "cult".

 

[MelissaFromRI]

As a DVC owner , I can't reccomend it enough !!!

The value is amazing , especially if you take more than 1 trip per year.

I purchased my DVC points from the Timeshare Store and saved alot of $$$$

 

[TheTXTaylors5]

We bought into DVC two years ago this October. Our "home" resort is Animal Kingdom Villas. After visiting WDW a few times, we wanted to know Disney's "Best Kept Secret".

Yes, it is a timeshare investment. But, NOT like other timeshares we've been pitched. You buy a certain amount of points at a "home" resort. Presently, through DVC directly there is a minimum of 160 points buy-in. However, when buying through a reseller there is no minimum. You have first priority to book at your home resort at the 11 month mark. "If available", you can stay at any DVC property. The booking for a non-home resort is 7 months out. If there is no availability for your desired property, you can be placed on a waitlist if wanted in hopes your desired resort and dates open up. It has happened to us on numerous occasions.

Each property has a different point value (ex: it costs more points to stay at the Beach Club Villas than Saratoga Springs for the same dates.) Also just like the regular resort rooms, there are peak seasons and non-peak seasons (more and less points per night) and the different type rooms have different point values (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, grand villa). You can use the points any way you want. One big trip each year at a more points resort (BLT, BCV, AKV, etc ...) or more trips at the lesser points resorts (SSR and OKW). Also, you aren't limited to just WDW to use your points. They have DVC properties in South Carolina (Hilton Head Island) and Vero Beach, FL. They are opening Grand Californian Villas at Disneyland California this fall (November 2009) and a property in Hawaii is scheduled to be completed in 2011. They offer non DVC property trips/hotels (Member Getaways Program and Concierge Collection) you can use your points on. Also, Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and RCI accept points as payment when booked through DVC. However, the high point value for the non-DVC property trips and even DCL and ABD is NOT worth it in my opinion and our calculator. To get the best value out of the points, it is best to stick to DVC properties. IMO

You DO get some perks when joining DVC.

Perks:
Discounts on golf, shopping, spa treatments (at Saratoga Springs)
Discount on Annual Passes
Dining discounts at select restaurants (usually 10% - 20%)
Discounted tickets for Disney Quest
Discounted tickets for the water parks
Free valet parking at select DVC resorts
In-room washer and dryer in one-bedroom villas and up.
Full kitchen in one-bedroom villas and up (full refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, fully stocked with pots, pans and silverware.)
Pool-hopping privileges at other Walt Disney World Resorts (excluding the Animal Kingdom Villas and Stormalong Bay at the Yacht and Beach Club and Beach Club Villas), when pools are not at capacity.

When staying on points at WDW, you still get a KTTW at check-in and you are eligible to purchase the DDP. However, you do NOT get maid service every day.

When we did the tour of the models, a BIG selling point to be was the in-room washer and dryer. With three children, it has been so nice to throw in a load of laundry on our way out to a park and then throw it in the dryer when we got back. Also, the one-bedroom villas and up have a huge deep tub AND separate shower. I don't normally soak in a relaxing bath on vacation. But when staying at WDW, I make sure to pack the bubble bath. It's a great way to wind down after a day in the parks. I can't say enough good things about buying into DVC. No regrets here!

Jennifer