Heading to OKW in less than 2 weeks

[weathernlu]

Thanks to the help and points of a very nice member of this board, me and my family will be trying out the DVC properties to see if it is something we would like to purchase into. We will be in a 2 bedroom at OKW and I am sure we will not be disappointed. Two questions before we go:

1) Will there be a worthwhile, and I mean worthwhile, presentation that we will be able to attend where we can learn even more about DVC and maybe talk to someone about it?

2) Any suggestions, tips, pointers, or otherwise good information that anyone could give about OKW or just how to get the most out of our DVC stay would be much appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[michaeln]

Well I can't give you any suggestions as my wife and I just bought into it last month and have not had our first visit to disney as DVC members as of yet.

However, there are a few DVC booths in each of the parks and one in downtown disney. The people are very nice, and no they are not pushy.

You just walk up and let them know you would like to talk with a guide, or you can always ask them any questions you have. They will fill out a quick (30 second) form making you an appointment for you to see a guide at the BoardWalk Villas at some time during your stay.

They will send a van to pick you up from where you are staying and the driver will walk you to the meeting with the guide. After the meeting, about 45 minutes if you do not purchase (approx. 2 hours if you do), the van will take you right to the front of whichever park you choose to go to for the day. They even gave us a few extra fast passes but we did not need them as it was Sep.

Anyway the guide will stay with you as long as you are interested. He was very nice about it.

I would say if you are interested in buying into DVC it is worthwhile.

However, you have to understand there is nothing more worthwhile than the testimonials of happy customers which is why we bought. Well I better rephrase. That is why we didn't cancel after we got home. We had thought about it but then found this board and read many many posts.

From what I have read if you aren't big on Disney this isn't a good buy. It isn't a good investment that will bring a return later as it is good for only so many years so every year that goes by is one less year you can eventually sell to someone else.

From other things I have read if you don't mind staying off of Disney property it may not be a good buy for you as you can buy an actually owner based timeshare that you will always own. However, if you are like my family and love to stay right in the middle of the magic it is a great buy.

When we go to Disney we like to stay right there. Be able to get up at 8:30 in the morning and walk out to the bus. Catch one 10 minutes later to the park we want to go to and are there 10 minutes later. Then take a bus later from that park to another park and from there to downtown disney and then back to the resort we are staying at. I think it is great.

I hope that helps.

 

[weathernlu]

Thanks for the info. Sounds good as far as the meeting with the guide and all. We will do that before we leave. I am really interested in SSR, because we can buy now, and I believe you do not have to make the first payment until May when the resort opens, which works good for us since we are already going for the year in two weeks. That way we don't have to start paying until it's closer to when we go again. My wife is a Disney nutm and much like your sig phrase, I am somewhat in denial, although I could never be the nut she is. I mean that in a good way. We surely want to do it, but we want to read the fine print, see the properties for ourselves, see what the payments look like, and make sure it's in our best interest.

Thanks again for the help!

 

[michaeln]

No problem.

Like you I can't be the nut my wife is. She is starting to collect Disney stuff now. Not sure I can afford it. LOL

We were told and so far it has rang true that you do not have to make any of your annual dues or your loan payments to Disney until May 2004.

The only thing you have to pay is your down payment which I believe was 10%-20% or more if you choose which is advisable if you can afford it.

Good Luck and have fun on your vacation.

 

[zurgswife]

The sales presentations are very low key ...I'm sure you'll enjoy the time and it is a great group to join...

 

[weathernlu]

Any pointers for OKW?

 

[tvwalsh]

I don't think anyone told you about the member meeting on Tuesday at OKW. There is no checking to see if you are a member, and your interest in joining would be more than enough. The meeting is in the Community Hall at about 8 AM. You will also enjoy the free breakfast.

I think this will be a good presentation without any pressure. You may even win a door prize!