Good books geared towards DVC novices.

[deedisneydream97]

To the OP: The TimeShare Store once sent us a comprehensive booklet that very thoroughly explains DVC (they have a banner at the top of this page). We have purchased resale thru them....I think if you request more information via their website, they send you the booklet. It was more like a spiral bound notebook than booklet.

Jazz...I've heard rumors about Fort Wilderness doing a DVC! And don't know if you are aware that VWL does not have grand villas. Beautiful place though.

 

[RonaldBravo]

Thanks for the advice

 

[RonaldBravo]

Don't buy on emotion, wait several months after your Disney vacation, this is a business purchase. Take the time to find the right resort, we bought BLT thinking that we would love it and we don't.

Bill

If you don't mind me asking what don't you like about BLT?

 

[crisi]

i would say a few hawaii timeshares would be an exception and there are a handful of decent trading options, but typically you are trading down. you can get a much better deal just buying enough DVC pts for your disney trips and paying cash for other trips.

Or, buying a cheaper timeshare and using that for RCI trades. I like cash, myself - its infinately flexible. But there are some timeshare gurus here who do well with timeshares.

But that is what DVC is - if the word TIMESHARE scares you, then think twice. Its a nice timeshare, it holds its value pretty well for a timeshare, its pretty well maintained - but its a timeshare.

BLT Standard View is one that even eleven months out, it can be hard to get. Theme Park View is a little easier. VAKL Concierge is another one - as well as the VAKL Value rooms. In general, DVC members like point bargains - so it tends to be the bargain rooms that go first - particularly if the combine low points with close to a theme park.

The other one is that DVC busy times are counterintuative. The last quarter of the year is when rooms are hardest to get - that's when most people think Disney is slow - October and Early December? SLOW - not for DVC. In addition to liking our bargain points, DVCers like the low crowds and special events that happen during those months.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you don't mind me asking what don't you like about BLT?

We've stayed there once. Once is enough. We were on the inside of the C and it was very noisy. The pool noise (pool parties and such) drove me crazy during the day. At night the noise from the water parade (only a short time, but still annoying). Housekeeping was a mess there. We were supposed to get a full cleaning, but they messed that up.

Walking to the MK was easy and convenient. Buses to other resorts and monorail to Epcot was long. The pool right at BLT is small and noisy during the day when you go to the pool. We could have walked over to the non-themed pool directly at the CR, but we were lazy. And I find elevators annoying.

Plus you need to use so many more points than OKW where we are very happy. We'll probably never stay at AKV Savanna view or GFV for the same reason.

 

[disneynutz]

If you don't mind me asking what don't you like about BLT?

Views, condition of room furnishings, and we aren't fans of staying in a WDW resort that looks like every other modern building, we don't care for the sterile look.

As an owner IMO the selling dues were set too low and the guides made sure to tell you about the low dues there before you bought. Now Disney has increased BLT dues to over 6% per year now that the resort isn't actively being sold.

Bill

 

[Deb & Bill]

Also, at BLT, the furniture isn't good for sitting. Other than the sleeper chair. The sofa is horrible, the seat is too short and you fall off. The side chair is horrid. You can't adjust the back cushion and then the seat is too short. Very awkward.

I did like the bathroom in the master bathroom. Nice shower.

 

[DenLo]

For those of you who are DVC members, have you ever not been able to book your home resort in that 11 month window they give you?

Your success in booking rooms depends on the number of rooms available at the resort, the size of the room and the category/view.

Usually booking right at 11 months you can get what you want with AKV concierge and some standard/value views being the exception.

Bill

We own at AKV, BLT and Aulani. We have only had problems with AKV, Club Level (concierge). It's very popular and only 10 2BR lockoffs. I have heard that the Villas at the Grand Californian have problems during the 11 priority period but not exactly at the 11 month mark.