Former owner thinking of buying again

[photobob]

I was an owner and sold my contract two years ago. I did so within a year after my DW was diagnosed with MS and it didn't seem like she could handle the rigors of a WDW trip.

This past November we went for the last week of Food and Wine and stayed at AKV with our closest friends who are DVC owners. DW was extremely apprehensive before the trip. We are all in our early-mid 50's and this was our first trip without kids. The trip couldn't have gone better.

We used our manual wheelchair and I must say that everything went smoothly getting around the world. We used Disney buses exclusively to get to and from the parks. DW can transfer from the chair into and off the bus and the chair very easily and quickly will fold up to carry on and off. The trip was truly a big confidence booster for DW.

We stayed four nights in a 2 BDR Villa savannah view at AKV, and the room at AKV was absolutely beautiful! The trip used our friends yearly allotment of points. They really didn't mind using them all for the trip and we are repeating the trip this November. We have traveled together several times.

I was thinking of buying a smallish resale contract where we wouldn't be dependent on our friends contract. We could either have one of us provide the room one year and the other be able to bank or just each provide our own rooms, not that I expect us to make same trip every year! We are rather spoiled by DVC accommodations and really don't care for just hotel rooms any more.

They only thing is we can only travel in cooler months and I can't imagine going when crowds are heavy with the wheelchair. Any input others may have would be appreciated.

 

[Splashboat]

I don't have a whole lot of input but we travel mostly in the fall/early winter months. I'm not so sure there is a slow time at Disney any more. We always see plenty of wheel chairs and people seem to do just fine with the crowds as long as it isn't right around the holidays.

Glad your wife is doing better. We love AKV too.

Good luck.

 

[disneynutz]

I was an owner and sold my contract two years ago. I did so within a year after my DW was diagnosed with MS and it didn't seem like she could handle the rigors of a WDW trip.

This past November we went for the last week of Food and Wine and stayed at AKV with our closest friends who are DVC owners. DW was extremely apprehensive before the trip. We are all in our early-mid 50's and this was our first trip without kids. The trip couldn't have gone better.

We used our manual wheelchair and I must say that everything went smoothly getting around the world. We used Disney buses exclusively to get to and from the parks. DW can transfer from the chair into and off the bus and the chair very easily and quickly will fold up to carry on and off. The trip was truly a big confidence booster for DW.

We stayed four nights in a 2 BDR Villa savannah view at AKV, and the room at AKV was absolutely beautiful! The trip used our friends yearly allotment of points. They really didn't mind using them all for the trip and we are repeating the trip this November. We have traveled together several times.

I was thinking of buying a smallish resale contract where we wouldn't be dependent on our friends contract. We could either have one of us provide the room one year and the other be able to bank or just each provide our own rooms, not that I expect us to make same trip every year! We are rather spoiled by DVC accommodations and really don't care for just hotel rooms any more.

They only thing is we can only travel in cooler months and I can't imagine going when crowds are heavy with the wheelchair. Any input others may have would be appreciated.

As a prior DVC owner, how did the product work for you and did you realize a savings?

Can you re-commit to yearly vacations or would renting a reservation from an owner allow you more flexibility?

What was your favorite resort and did you have a chance to stay at them all?

Bill

 

[jekjones1558]

OP, so happy to hear that you and your DW were able to enjoy Disney!
I think that Nov. - early March will work just fine for your DW. With the exception of the time right around Christmas/New Year and maybe the marathon in January, I don't think the crowds are bad and the odds are very good that you will not have excessive heat and humidity. Either renting or owning your own contract could work. I think it would be nice to own so that you don't need to be dependent on anyone else. My DH is having increasing difficulties but still loves to go to WDW. As much as we love treating others to rooms when we travel, it is less stressful when we travel alone because we don't need to worry if he prefers relaxing at the resort rather than doing the parks. We don't like to feel that we are encumbering anyone else.
Good luck with your decision. Whatever you choose I wish you and your DW many, many more happy vacations!

 

[photobob]

As a prior DVC owner, how did the product work for you and did you realize a savings?

Can you re-commit to yearly vacations or would renting a reservation from an owner allow you more flexibility?

What was your favorite resort and did you have a chance to stay at them all?

Bill

Thanks for the good questions.

I did enjoy the benefits of DVC as an owner and felt that it was a good investment particularly for what I have been paying for vacation rentals in the last two years!

As far as recommitting to a yearly vacation I think we can do that but renting points is something I have wondered about as well.

I have stayed at SSR, BWV, Vero, AKL, VWL, BCV and AKL. The only one I didn't really care for was SSR. Of the places I have stayed AKL has my favorite room theme, BWV is my favorite for location and VWL is the most beautiful resort. The easy access to Epcot and DHS and the feel of the boardwalk area would make BWV probably the most likely place I would buy. The bus service to MK and AK are not the best though!

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I was an owner and sold my contract two years ago. I did so within a year after my DW was diagnosed with MS and it didn't seem like she could handle the rigors of a WDW trip.

This past November we went for the last week of Food and Wine and stayed at AKV with our closest friends who are DVC owners. DW was extremely apprehensive before the trip. We are all in our early-mid 50's and this was our first trip without kids. The trip couldn't have gone better.

We used our manual wheelchair and I must say that everything went smoothly getting around the world. We used Disney buses exclusively to get to and from the parks. DW can transfer from the chair into and off the bus and the chair very easily and quickly will fold up to carry on and off. The trip was truly a big confidence booster for DW.

We stayed four nights in a 2 BDR Villa savannah view at AKV, and the room at AKV was absolutely beautiful! The trip used our friends yearly allotment of points. They really didn't mind using them all for the trip and we are repeating the trip this November. We have traveled together several times.

I was thinking of buying a smallish resale contract where we wouldn't be dependent on our friends contract. We could either have one of us provide the room one year and the other be able to bank or just each provide our own rooms, not that I expect us to make same trip every year! We are rather spoiled by DVC accommodations and really don't care for just hotel rooms any more.

They only thing is we can only travel in cooler months and I can't imagine going when crowds are heavy with the wheelchair. Any input others may have would be appreciated.

I'm so glad your wife got a confidence boost from this trip!! I used a scooter the year before I had both my knees replaced, because I couldn't walk for long periods of time. It was priceless, and nothing would stop me from hitting the parks after that. I know it's not the same as having MS, and I have two new knees now, but it gave me a taste of how effortless using a motorized seat when visiting Disney is. One thing I'd consider though, especially if you're thinking more during the F & W timeframe, that would be purchasing at either the Beach Club or the Boardwalk. We did a split stay when I was using the scooter between AKL and BWV. It was so much easier from BWV, when we could just "scoot" out the international gateway, than taking buses…not that busses were bad!

 

[disneynutz]

Thanks for the good questions.

I did enjoy the benefits of DVC as an owner and felt that it was a good investment particularly for what I have been paying for vacation rentals in the last two years!

As far as recommitting to a yearly vacation I think we can do that but renting points is something I have wondered about as well.

I have stayed at SSR, BWV, Vero, AKL, VWL, BCV and AKL. The only one I didn't really care for was SSR. Of the places I have stayed AKL has my favorite room theme, BWV is my favorite for location and VWL is the most beautiful resort. The easy access to Epcot and DHS and the feel of the boardwalk area would make BWV probably the most likely place I would buy. The bus service to MK and AK are not the best though!

Before you buy I suggest that you try to stay at BLT and VGF. Any interest in the Poly DVC that is being built?

For us, same age we have settled on VGF and VWL for MK stays and BWV for Epcot/DHS vacations. We really don't see a need to visit all the parks each vacation because there is always next time.

We have an Oct UY and vacation between Oct and May, always in December and maybe another vacation when we need a Disney fix. We own BCV, BWV, AKV, VGF, VWL, and BLT.

Bill

 

[DVCMomBLT]

I was an owner and sold my contract two years ago. I did so within a year after my DW was diagnosed with MS and it didn't seem like she could handle the rigors of a WDW trip.

This past November we went for the last week of Food and Wine and stayed at AKV with our closest friends who are DVC owners. DW was extremely apprehensive before the trip. We are all in our early-mid 50's and this was our first trip without kids. The trip couldn't have gone better.

We used our manual wheelchair and I must say that everything went smoothly getting around the world. We used Disney buses exclusively to get to and from the parks. DW can transfer from the chair into and off the bus and the chair very easily and quickly will fold up to carry on and off. The trip was truly a big confidence booster for DW.

We stayed four nights in a 2 BDR Villa savannah view at AKV, and the room at AKV was absolutely beautiful! The trip used our friends yearly allotment of points. They really didn't mind using them all for the trip and we are repeating the trip this November. We have traveled together several times.

I was thinking of buying a smallish resale contract where we wouldn't be dependent on our friends contract. We could either have one of us provide the room one year and the other be able to bank or just each provide our own rooms, not that I expect us to make same trip every year! We are rather spoiled by DVC accommodations and really don't care for just hotel rooms any more.

They only thing is we can only travel in cooler months and I can't imagine going when crowds are heavy with the wheelchair. Any input others may have would be appreciated.

No offense intended, but given your ages and your wife's MS, I don't know that it is worth committing to a long term timeshare. I would think you could rent points when needed and it would probably save you money in the long term and be less stressful.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We used to travel with my mother who used a manual wheelchair when we were at WDW and went at different times except for right at Christmas/NY. We never had any difficulty with busier park times compared to slower so I'd suggest not worrying about that too much. Manual wheelchairs are not quite as difficult to deal with as the motorized versions in crowds IMO.

AKV was probably the favorite for us to stay at with her. Good bus service everywhere and if anyone was tired and didn't want to head to a park we had a mini-park where we could go watch the animals.

 

[DizBub]

So happy to hear that your wife is doing well enough to be able to enjoy WDW trips again.

I believe that if you are considering buying DVC again you should go ahead and do it. Being a former owner you already know the system and the pros and cons. Plus you know that if you need to sell again you will be able to.

Sure, you could rent points but then you wouldn't have control over your reservations. With your wife's condition you may need to be flexible and since bookings must be done so far in advance owning your own points may be preferable.

A little over 2 years ago my husband was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. We were in ROFR for a resale at BCV and seriously considered backing out of the contract. We decided to go forward with it. DVC has been great for him, physically and mentally. We will continue to go to WDW with our DVC contracts until we can't go anymore. To do otherwise would be giving up. He is 65 and I am 62. We just got home late last night from a weeklong trip with most of our grandkids and their parents......I'm sore and tired. DH is in fantastic shape and planning more trips.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[photobob]

We used to travel with my mother who used a manual wheelchair when we were at WDW and went at different times except for right at Christmas/NY. We never had any difficulty with busier park times compared to slower so I'd suggest not worrying about that too much. Manual wheelchairs are not quite as difficult to deal with as the motorized versions in crowds IMO.

AKV was probably the favorite for us to stay at with her. Good bus service everywhere and if anyone was tired and didn't want to head to a park we had a mini-park where we could go watch the animals.

When I have seen photos of massive crowding at the parks I just can't imagine navigating through with a wheelchair. We use a transport wheelchair that easily folds, is fairly lightweight and very easy to push. She rarely requires it at home unless we go to the mall. She can walk at the grocery store using the shopping cart like a walker to keep her steadied.

We did really enjoy our AKV stay and the bus service was outstanding! When did they put monitors at the resort bus stops with wait times for the park buses? That was very nice. I didn't know if the bus service was always that good or if we just had fortunate timing.

 

[photobob]

So happy to hear that your wife is doing well enough to be able to enjoy WDW trips again.

I believe that if you are considering buying DVC again you should go ahead and do it. Being a former owner you already know the system and the pros and cons. Plus you know that if you need to sell again you will be able to.

Sure, you could rent points but then you wouldn't have control over your reservations. With your wife's condition you may need to be flexible and since bookings must be done so far in advance owning your own points may be preferable.

A little over 2 years ago my husband was diagnosed with inoperable cancer. We were in ROFR for a resale at BCV and seriously considered backing out of the contract. We decided to go forward with it. DVC has been great for him, physically and mentally. We will continue to go to WDW with our DVC contracts until we can't go anymore. To do otherwise would be giving up. He is 65 and I am 62. We just got home late last night from a weeklong trip with most of our grandkids and their parents......I'm sore and tired. DH is in fantastic shape and planning more trips.

Good luck with your decision!!

Thank you for sharing that! We have two children, one 27 and married and the other almost 22 and in college, no grandkids yet! It has always been a great reality escape trip for us!

 

[photobob]

I'm so glad your wife got a confidence boost from this trip!! I used a scooter the year before I had both my knees replaced, because I couldn't walk for long periods of time. It was priceless, and nothing would stop me from hitting the parks after that. I know it's not the same as having MS, and I have two new knees now, but it gave me a taste of how effortless using a motorized seat when visiting Disney is. One thing I'd consider though, especially if you're thinking more during the F & W timeframe, that would be purchasing at either the Beach Club or the Boardwalk. We did a split stay when I was using the scooter between AKL and BWV. It was so much easier from BWV, when we could just "scoot" out the international gateway, than taking buses…not that busses were bad!

I agree, we really love the Epcot resort area! We have stayed over there many times! Epcot is our favorite park too so if we buy again BWV would be my first choice.

 

[photobob]

No offense intended, but given your ages and your wife's MS, I don't know that it is worth committing to a long term timeshare. I would think you could rent points when needed and it would probably save you money in the long term and be less stressful.

No offense taken. Renting points is definitely an option as well!

 

[photobob]

OP, so happy to hear that you and your DW were able to enjoy Disney!
I think that Nov. - early March will work just fine for your DW. With the exception of the time right around Christmas/New Year and maybe the marathon in January, I don't think the crowds are bad and the odds are very good that you will not have excessive heat and humidity. Either renting or owning your own contract could work. I think it would be nice to own so that you don't need to be dependent on anyone else. My DH is having increasing difficulties but still loves to go to WDW. As much as we love treating others to rooms when we travel, it is less stressful when we travel alone because we don't need to worry if he prefers relaxing at the resort rather than doing the parks. We don't like to feel that we are encumbering anyone else.
Good luck with your decision. Whatever you choose I wish you and your DW many, many more happy vacations!

Thanks for your input! It is a special place for sure and we always have a great time. Many family memories there and more to come!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

When I have seen photos of massive crowding at the parks I just can't imagine navigating through with a wheelchair. We use a transport wheelchair that easily folds, is fairly lightweight and very easy to push. She rarely requires it at home unless we go to the mall. She can walk at the grocery store using the shopping cart like a walker to keep her steadied.

We did really enjoy our AKV stay and the bus service was outstanding! When did they put monitors at the resort bus stops with wait times for the park buses? That was very nice. I didn't know if the bus service was always that good or if we just had fortunate timing.

My mother normally just used a walker around the house and such and that was actually all we traveled with so she could use it around the villa too. Then we used the wheelchair assistance at the airport and rented a wheelchair from one of the off site companies at WDW. It worked very well for her and us.

Personally we've always had very good bus service at AKV - really the best of any resort IMO but I know some complain about the long rides. Since it's direct (only Jambo and Kidani) compared to multiple stops at some of the other resorts it all seems to even out and I'd rather be on a bus that's moving than one making lots of stops and having people getting on/off.

AFAIK the monitors are only at Kidani and at GF. I wish they'd put them other places too - it helps when you know how long you have to wait and if there's a hang up to maybe switch plans and head elsewhere.

 

[Greysword]

My $0.02

Overall, I agree with Bill. Rent points (through Dave's service if you don't want to deal with the paperwork yourself) for a couple trips to get back in the flow of things with no specific obligations.

However, there may be advantages to purchasing. If you kids like WDW, then maybe you could buy with the understanding that they can have the contracts when you are done with them (don't feel like going for one year or more). That way the investment is still being used. You would then act like a broker for them until you decided you truly were not going anymore, then pass (sell?) the contracts to them. There is also the option to rent your points to other users via Dave's, too, should you not go one year.

Of course, there is a new resort planned <cough Poly> , and you may be in a good spot to either get in on that early or just wait to see how the resale market fleshes out on it later. Either way, it will be shiny and new-ish.

Glad things went well with the family medical concerns, and you have the chance to visit the mouse again. WDW is amazing for people with with whatever issues, which makes it a great place to vacation regardless of the family situation.

 

[dgaston]

So glad to hear that both of you are adjusting to the MS. My mom had MS and I know the ups and downs. Recently my DH needed to use a wheelchair at WDW, and I found it not that bad. He has since been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing radiation and chemo. We do have an October trip planned with our DD and Dson-in-law, and DGranddaugher, hoping to celebrate remission. I don't yet know if we will be wheeling thru WDW, but did find the parks and CMs very accommodating.

Miss your photos!!

 

[Nanajo1]

I have MS. I use a power chair for mobility. We love WDW for its accessibility. I can go everywhere! If I tire it is easy to get back to our villa. We own at OKW and BWV but go to other resorts. Love AKL glad to hear you are enjoying DVC again.

 

[LSchrow]

when you sold, it was the right thing for that difficult and uncertain time.
it seemed all was left were those wonderful memories......fortunately, your last trip showed that there is hope, and that you can have many more years of fantastic vacations

(remember this post? "I'd being lying if I said I wasn't sad that DW and I aren't going, we have such great memories from our trips. I miss the anticipation. I keep a happy face for DW, I don't want her knowing of my disappointment, she would feel like it was her fault")

from all your posts (and amazing photos), WDW has been the "happy place" for you and your DW.... buy a small resale contract (owning would give you the necessary control if your needs change), keep the vacations slow & relaxing, and go enjoy those wonderful new memories you two are making!!!!

ps: i'm very happy to hear your DW is doing better