Final DVC questions before signing...

[Mr. Stitch]

Questions before final purchase...We have been thinking of doing the DVC for 3 years now, I think now is the right time, all financial stars are aligning even with the economy!!

So my questions are these (I keep thinking of more after we chat with our guide)....We are going to try to pickthe right resort, we could do BLT but will most likely prefer the AKL or Treehouse villas. If we do Treehouse villas we get the biggest discount, only 89 a point!! (From the webinar) Does anyone know if you buy into the Treehouse villas is your home resort Saratoga Springs?? We would never have 9 people to fill a Treehouse, we would only ever need a suite. Also, how do the points work on the crusies? The book makes it sound like they are per person so the listed point value should be doubled? Or do the points cover the first and second adult?

 

[treehugnmama]

yes it is i just bought seritoga springs

 

[stefanospops]

I just sent you a private message, but here are some more details:

The points listed for cruises are per person, and as I understand them, they can increase per year, unlike the points for DVC resorts which are locked. I may be wrong on the cruise points increasing, but I seem to recall my guide telling me they are renegotiated every year.

The webinar price is great, but if you have a member referral you can pay a higher price per point but get a free cruise. If you buy 270 points or more you get a free 7 day cruise for 4. You actually come out ahead when you calculate the price of the cruise versus the discount, if a cruise is of interest, to take the cruise and pay more per point. THis incentive is rumored to be going away after tomorrow, so consider getting in on it now and you have until the end of the week to decide between that or webinar pricing.

SInce I bought at BLT I do not know much about the TreehouseVillas (other than they look like a place I would like to stay). Most people will tell you to buy where stay.

 

[Donald is #1]

I believe that the cruise points are person, but since I have never done a cruise on points, I'm not positive.

 

[CarolMN]

Cruise points listed are per person, for the first two people in the cabin. Third and Fourth person rates apply after that.

If you buy "THV points", you are really buying SSR. The addition of the Treehouse villas enabled them to sell more SSR points, but the points you buy will be no different than any other member's SSR points. SSR will be your home resort.

Don't buy DVC to use the points to cruise. You will almost always do better ($$ wise) by booking DCL direct for cash. As already mentioned, the points required for cruising are renegotiated each year. They almost always go up.

The best value of a DVC point is using it to stay at a DVC resort.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Mr. Stitch]

Thank you!! We have decided to buy just need to make those final decisions on where and for how many points. Since it is just two of use we are deciding btw 160 and 180 for our pocket book and traveling needs (usually twice a year now). At Saratoga we get the most for out $$, and BTL is just too modern for us (although the monorail would be nice). Much to think about, leaning towards AKL cause I think that would be our best Home resort for our likes. It is the mid range on point value, but then we would probably only do 160 points. If we do Saratoga we would go for 180 and book in advance (we always plan way early anyway).

If those cruise line points are per person ... yikes ... we would be borrowing for any cruise and Adventures by Disney would be out of the question.

 

[Wendybird55]

If you don't mind me jumping in here - I was about to start a thread with similar questions.
Our friends want to sell their DVC points and DH and I are going to figure out today if and how we will pay for it (don't want any loans for financing).

Anyway, I pretty much know how things work for WDW (we rented 2 yrs in a row) and it's not a matter of convincing us of the value (we firgure it will pay for itself within 4 years including maintenance payments).

What I am curious about is other DVC trips....
Hilton Head and Vero Beach - are they similar point systems like WDW resorts?
More points? Less Points per night?

Disney Cruises - Estimation - how many points needed for a family of 3 (2 adults 1 child) to take a week long Disney Cruise?

And what about other Disney vacations - has anyone used them?

And can you use your points towards non-DVC resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian)?

And I gather DVC members get a discount on APs plus I know you can buy the meal plan without having to buy park tickets as well. Any other discounts or perks from being a member?

If we purchase it will be 150 points. I know what it can get me at WDW - I'm just curious about other DVC trips. Also I know I can use 3 years worth of points in one year by banking and borrowing.

I also know that Disney has 1st right of refusal - but I beleive we are offering a fair price - I checked on other re-sale sites to see what points were selling for and we're right in there.

Thanks for your input and information. We would really like to buy - it's just figuring out the finances - we weren't thinking of doing it now, but the opportunity presented itself to us....

 

[stefanospops]

Thank you!! We have decided to buy just need to make those final decisions on where and for how many points. Since it is just two of use we are deciding btw 160 and 180 for our pocket book and traveling needs (usually twice a year now). At Saratoga we get the most for out $$, and BTL is just too modern for us (although the monorail would be nice). Much to think about, leaning towards AKL cause I think that would be our best Home resort for our likes. It is the mid range on point value, but then we would probably only do 160 points. If we do Saratoga we would go for 180 and book in advance (we always plan way early anyway).

If those cruise line points are per person ... yikes ... we would be borrowing for any cruise and Adventures by Disney would be out of the question.

Based on where you would like to stay then you are best to buy at AKL. Remember that you can book at any resort at 7 months out. You are not limited to the one resort. The main advanatage is you get 4 months advance bookings at your home resort over other DVC members.

 

[Sandisw]

Thank you!! We have decided to buy just need to make those final decisions on where and for how many points. Since it is just two of use we are deciding btw 160 and 180 for our pocket book and traveling needs (usually twice a year now). At Saratoga we get the most for out $$, and BTL is just too modern for us (although the monorail would be nice). Much to think about, leaning towards AKL cause I think that would be our best Home resort for our likes. It is the mid range on point value, but then we would probably only do 160 points. If we do Saratoga we would go for 180 and book in advance (we always plan way early anyway).

If those cruise line points are per person ... yikes ... we would be borrowing for any cruise and Adventures by Disney would be out of the question.

It sounds like you have looked into a lot of pieces of DVC and are asking some great questions.

It sounds like SSR or AKV are the top two resorts you are considering. Are you aware that the prices for SSR, through resale, are a lot less then going through Disney?

Contracts are ranging between $65 - $75.00 per point right now. Going resale does have its drawbacks (takes longer than through Disney), but if SSR is something you are interested in, you may want to at least investigate this option.

Even AKV can be bought resale for less than Disney, but I am not sure how the savings compare giving the webcast.

I think that you should buy where you will be the most happiest, just in case you end up at your home resort. But as others have said, you are not really buying the THV. You are buying SSR, which would give you the 11 month home resort advantage to book. Even with this, depending on the time when you go, you may not always get one.

Good luck!

 

[CarolMN]

If you don't mind me jumping in here - I was about to start a thread with similar questions.
Our friends want to sell their DVC points and DH and I are going to figure out today if and how we will pay for it (don't want any loans for financing).

Anyway, I pretty much know how things work for WDW (we rented 2 yrs in a row) and it's not a matter of convincing us of the value (we firgure it will pay for itself within 4 years including maintenance payments).

What I am curious about is other DVC trips....
Hilton Head and Vero Beach - are they similar point systems like WDW resorts?
More points? Less Points per night?

There are links to the DVC Resort Point Charts, including VB & HHI at the top of the page. Be sure to look at the charts for 2010 when you are doing your "figuring".

Disney Cruises - Estimation - how many points needed for a family of 3 (2 adults 1 child) to take a week long Disney Cruise?

Depends on the itnerary. Here are some links to the charts for the 7 night cruises:

Disney Magic®—7-NIGHT CRUISE TO THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN

Disney Magic®—7-NIGHT CRUISE TO THE WESTERN CARIBBEAN

FWIW, paying for cruises with points isn't a good value. It's better economically to use your points for a stay at one of the DVC resorts.

And what about other Disney vacations - has anyone used them?

And can you use your points towards non-DVC resorts (Polynesian, Grand Floridian)?

Yes, you can. But again, it's not a very wise decision to buy with that use in mind. In most cases, you can get a 2 bedroom villa for less points than it costs to stay at the Deluxe resorts.

Look for yourself -

2010 Point Chart for the WDW Resorts

And I gather DVC members get a discount on APs plus I know you can buy the meal plan without having to buy park tickets as well. Any other discounts or perks from being a member?

Several, none as great (IMO) as the discount on the annual pass. But again, don't base your decision on the perks. They come and they go.

If we purchase it will be 150 points. I know what it can get me at WDW - I'm just curious about other DVC trips. Also I know I can use 3 years worth of points in one year by banking and borrowing.

I also know that Disney has 1st right of refusal - but I beleive we are offering a fair price - I checked on other re-sale sites to see what points were selling for and we're right in there.

Thanks for your input and information. We would really like to buy - it's just figuring out the finances - we weren't thinking of doing it now, but the opportunity presented itself to us....

Good luck with your decision. Good for you for asking questions. It's a lot of money so better to make an informed decision.

 

[Wendybird55]

Thanks for the info and links Carol...they are very helpful.

Yes, it does seem like the WDW resorts are the best use for the DVC points and that is why we are considering them.

I've been to Disney over 20 times and now my husband is hooked and my son's first trip was when I was pregnant with him. So I think we will get use from the ownership.

JUST ONE MORE QUESTION RE POINTS -

I think my friends point year begins Mar. 1.
If we move forward on purchasing the points now I'm thinking we should have ownership before March.

I would love to go next year the beginning of Dec. or end of Nov.
So if I book 11 months out and I need a few more points can I use my March 2010 points and borrow from my 2011 points if I make my reservations for Dec. 2010 at the 11 month mark (which will be before my March points year)?

Thanks...

 

[Deb & Bill]

...JUST ONE MORE QUESTION RE POINTS -

I think my friends point year begins Mar. 1.
If we move forward on purchasing the points now I'm thinking we should have ownership before March.

I would love to go next year the beginning of Dec. or end of Nov.
So if I book 11 months out and I need a few more points can I use my March 2010 points and borrow from my 2011 points if I make my reservations for Dec. 2010 at the 11 month mark (which will be before my March points year)?

Thanks...

Dec 2010 will fall in your Mar 2010 UY. You can borrow points from your Mar 2011 points for that trip.

 

[chalee94]

potential buyers really should take time to read the understanding use year thread.

 

[denegate]

I'm curious about the discount for SSR from the webinar. I participated in the web broadcast and they did not speak of any additional discounts for SSR or AKV. Can someone tell me what I missed? We are in the process of signing a contract for 160 points at AKV at $96.00 a point and don't want to miss out on further discounts. Thanks!

 

[Sandisw]

I'm curious about the discount for SSR from the webinar. I participated in the web broadcast and they did not speak of any additional discounts for SSR or AKV. Can someone tell me what I missed? We are in the process of signing a contract for 160 points at AKV at $96.00 a point and don't want to miss out on further discounts. Thanks!

I watched the webcast as well and it only talked about BLT. The price per point discussed for 160 contracts was $96.00 so no lower than what you are already paying. I do not think you missed anything.

Remember, if they come out with something better after you sign, but before you close, you can ask to have the contracts re-written. Rumor is things will be different tomorrow--have only heard that BLT is getting worse but nothing at all re: AKV or SSR.

Good luck!

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

How did you get to participate in the webinar? I just bought into BLT at $112 per point, but I haven't signed the paperwork yet.

 

[Sandisw]

How did you get to participate in the webinar? I just bought into BLT at $112 per point, but I haven't signed the paperwork yet.

I believe that they are over for now (they were last week). How many points did you buy?

I just added on with 50 points, and only paid $104.00 per point. You should not be paying that much unless you are a member who bought less than 50 points.

If you are a new member, something is wrong as you should have qualified for at least the $8.00 off. If you had a member referral, you would have qualified for additional incentives (cruise, additional discount, etc.).

If you don't have the name of a member, there is a referral thread on these boards where you can get one.

The only piece is that current incentives expired today, or so we were told, so I would contact your guide tomorrow.

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

I believe that they are over for now (they were last week). How many points did you buy?

I just added on with 50 points, and only paid $104.00 per point. You should not be paying that much unless you are a member who bought less than 50 points.

If you are a new member, something is wrong as you should have qualified for at least the $8.00 off. If you had a member referral, you would have qualified for additional incentives (cruise, additional discount, etc.).

If you don't have the name of a member, there is a referral thread on these boards where you can get one.

The only piece is that current incentives expired today, or so we were told, so I would contact your guide tomorrow.

I bought 200 points at $112 per point. I guess I didn't understand the incentives because my guide did say I would get $8.00 per point at closing & an additional $8.00 per point for a member referral as part of my down payment. I got $3200 towards the down payment, so if I do the math, I really paid $96 per point. Is that correct? Sorry to be stupid, I am new to this and my guide didn't say anything about the price per point ending up at $96 per point. When I first read this thread, I thought I got a bad deal.

 

[Sandisw]

I bought 200 points at $112 per point. I guess I didn't understand the incentives because my guide did say I would get $8.00 per point at closing & an additional $8.00 per point for a member referral as part of my down payment. I got $3200 towards the down payment, so if I do the math, I really paid $96 per point. Is that correct? Sorry to be stupid, I am new to this and my guide didn't say anything about the price per point ending up at $96 per point. When I first read this thread, I thought I got a bad deal.

Yes, that is what you paid. I was really worried for you!! And, it is always good to ask questions.

We just bought in to DVC a few months ago because of BLT. We have been going to the CR for years--it is my favorite--and never committed to DVC because we knew we wanted to be close to MK.

When they announced BLT, we knew it was time! I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to 160 so I started with a 50 point VWL contract with the plan to add on at BLT this summer.

Well....I was so excited that I added on in a week, realized that VWL was not for me, am selling that contract, and just added on another 50 points at BLT--so I am now up to 180 (the goal to be at 300 within the next 3 years!).

 

[BLTtinkerbell]

Sandi: Thanks for all your help! I really appreciate it. I too love the Contemporary. I stayed there many times as a child. Before my husband & I had kids, we stayed at many Disney Resorts, but not on the monorail (to save money), since we've had kids, we have stayed at the CR every time and at the Swan as an add to a trip. I love the CR, walking over to the MK, taking the monorail, boat too! I am happy w/my choice at BLT but just wonder if it is worth splitting up and adding AKV, 100 points each, so I can have 2 "homes"? Not sure if it is worth it money wise.