DVC Questions

[justhat]

We just got back from a wonderful stay at Disney and got lots of info about the DVC. We're interested in joining and our home resort would be the BCV so we're trying to get more info from other DVC members, especially in regards to the new BCV. It seems like a good idea, but we'd like to hear more from actual members, not just what Disney will tell you. Specifically, we're wondering how easy it is to book rooms, like has anyone ever been told nothing at their home resort is available when they want to go (excluding times like Christmas, etc.)? Also, is it easy to stay at Disney resort hotels? I know they cost more points per night and that their point values increase, but does that point amount great increase each year, or is it pretty consistent? Any other info would be great since we're hoping to make a decision before we go back for Valentine's Day.

 

[EmptyNester]

We bought a resale in April of 2002 and get to take our first trip home next month!!!

You'll get great answers on the Disney Vacation Club board: http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=28

Check out this FAQs also: http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/faq.shtml

Hope this helps!
- Sharon

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

EmptyNester is right, check out the DVC board. Do so with a grain of salt, however, as there are many strong opinions resident there!!!

Seriously, I'm a DVC member and after purchasing 200 points at VB back in 2000, found the need to add on another 100 at VWL. DH & I have never been sorry, and only wish we could afford more points, now. If you are a regular WDW visitor, and would like to go back at least every 3 years, and you tend to stay on property, this could be a wise investment for you.

DH & I tend to go at off-peak times, and have gotten what we wanted every time. We always start with a flexible attitude (i.e. willing to book at 2nd or 3rd choice resort and waitlist for what we want), use our 11 month home resort window, then change at 7 months if applicable.

We have not yet used points to trade out or stay at a non-DVC resort, and frankly I'm worried that being spoiled by DVC amenities will tarnish my upcoming stay at the Poly (always wanted to try it, got a great price). We'll see.

Just a very little bit of info, I could write pages more. HTH!

 

[Scoootch]

Originally posted by justhat
We're interested in joining and our home resort would be the BCV so we're trying to get more info from other DVC members, especially in regards to the new BCV. It seems like a good idea, but we'd like to hear more from actual members, not just what Disney will tell you. Specifically, we're wondering how easy it is to book rooms, like has anyone ever been told nothing at their home resort is available when they want to go (excluding times like Christmas, etc.)? Also, is it easy to stay at Disney resort hotels?

We joined DVC 5yrs ago and our home resort is OKW. Joining is definetly a good idea if you intend to return to WDW year after year as we have. We have gotten our money's worth and then some . So far we haven't had any problems booking and getting either our 1st or 2nd choice but we like to stay at many of the Disney resorts so if our 1st choice isn't available, it isn't usually a problem for us. There has always been availibility somewhere, just not always our 1st choice if it fell during busy season. All in all though, we like staying at OKW most of the time for our longer stays as we love the spaciousness & theming and because it's a little bit larger of a resort and we like to go all different times of the year, we usually get in without any problems. The 11 month booking window is also a huge help. As almost any DVC member will tell you though, BUY WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO STAY THE MOST. Most DVC guides will say that the 11month booking window isn't a problem but if you like to stay in a particular resort- especially at a busier time of year, than the 11month booking advantage is a huge factor. Keep in mind also that slow season at the regular WDW resorts (GF,YC,POR,etc.) tends to be busy season for DVC -- Oct/Nov. for example. As DVC members like to be there during the off season. You mention buying into BCV's. That is wonderful and I wish you the best! If however, you think you'd rather stay at OKW or VWL(for example) more often, I would suggest buying re-sale as this would not only give you the 11month booking window at the resort you are more likely to want to stay in but will most likely be much less expensive to purchase. BCV's are currently selling at $84 a pt I believe and you can buy re-sale at the other DVC resorts for more like $68 a pt.

As for how difficult it is to stay at the regular Disney resorts (yacht club,GF,POR, etc.etc.), we have done it many times and found it to be no more difficult than booking at the DVC resorts. It does cost much more though point wise per night. We did it in the past for a night here and there to see what the resorts were like but it's gotten to be too many pts for us and now we mainly book only at the DVC resorts and do our 1 nighters like the one we have coming up in Feb. at the GF with our AP discount.

Hope this was of some help and we'll all be welcoming you home. And good luck with your decision!

 

[Scoootch]

P.S. -- I see you live in Morristown, N.J.

We moved down here to FL only a year and a half ago and are originally from Vernon, N.J. Only about an hour away from you!!

Small world

 

[EmptyNester]

Originally posted by Mrs. Snowgod
Do so with a grain of salt, however, as there are many strong opinions resident there!!!

That may be the understatement of the day Mrs. Snowgod!

 

[ncligs]

We have been DVC members since 1999. It was a very good decision for us. If you plan on going at least once a year, it is a good decision to join. 4 members of my family have joined since 1996.
You get to stay at 1st class,large,etc resorts on WDW property.Plus you have the option to have ocean front DVC at 2 resorts (Hilton Head and Vero Beach).

P.S. If you have any other specific questions you can PM or e-mail me also.

 

[justhat]

Thanks everyone! I had been looking for a DVC board since I knew I had seen one inthe past, but couldn't find it (probably since I was looking in the Trip Planning Forums). It was very helpful, especially with info about resales, which we hadn't thought that much about but will be definitely considering now due to their great prices!

 

[SlyHubby]

>
BCV's are currently selling at $84 a pt I believe and you can buy re-sale at the other DVC resorts for more like $68 a pt.
>

Shontell currently has a BCV resale posted at $75/point.