How can I learn more?

[lippylulu]

We rented points for 8 nights at SSR but I am curious about becoming an owner. How do we find out more about ownership? Does Disney offer any freebies or incentives to learn about ownership? I don't really understand how people decide how many points to buy and where?

 

[JimC]

Welcome!

Read these boards. There are lots of great threads that will help you understand the program and how to use it.

Also visit the DVC website and request a free DVD.

Renting is a great introduction. Have you taken your trip yet? If not, the preview center is at SSR and you can make an appointment to meet with a guide for an explanation of the program and a tour.

 

[chalee94]

you could also google DVC, there's a ton of information readily and freely available on the web.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/faq.shtml

http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/dvc.htm

http://www.tagrel.com/wiki/index.php?title=Disney_Vacation_Club_(DVC)_FAQ

review the resort locations and pictures...and the point charts are easy to find (look for a link at the top right of your screen.)

searching threads on these boards will quickly tell you what disney is selling different resorts for and how much a resale contract might go for...then all you have to figure out is how many points you can afford and whether you are interested in making a long-term commitment...(and if you need to get rid of your contract, selling DVC is much easier than selling many timeshares...if you hold on to SSR or AKV for a few years, you might even make a profit.)

 

[CarolMN]

And don't forget the official site:

Disney Vacation CLub

Order the DVD and/or call the number. There's no pressure and someone will be gald to help you.

Of course, I highly recommend asking questions and reading as much as you can stand of the DVC Boards right here on the DIS!

Good luck with your research!

 

[Donald is #1]

In addition to what everyone else has mentioned, when you are at SSR, go to any DVC booth and request a tour. Once on the tour (1 hour), a guide will explain the DVC to you and will show you the AKV models and some SSR units (one of each type). However, my recommendation is to do your research (from the sites mentioned in previous posts) before your trip so that you can have any questions ready for your tour.

 

[Mule2007]

There is a minimum buy-in of 160 pts - unless you go secondary market.

Other than that - focus on what fits a normal vacation trip -- do you like 4-7 days or 6-10days or even two 4 day trips, etc.

Once you figure what you like -- just look up the points you need.

Mule

 

[DisDaydreamer]

And don't forget the official site:

Disney Vacation CLub

Order the DVD and/or call the number. There's no pressure and someone will be gald to help you.

Of course, I highly recommend asking questions and reading as much as you can stand of the DVC Boards right here on the DIS!

Good luck with your research!

Carol is right. Order the information package to start. There will be NO pressure to buy. And you have come to the right boards. Just spend some time reading and asking questions. DVC members on DIS are extremely happy to share information and experience.

Notice at the top of this page there is a link to the points charts. This will get you started in figuring out the range of points that will fit your desires best.

One thing to keep in mind when you are calculating what you need and what the cost would be, is that you purchase the points to start, but you also pay maintenance fees (we pay ours monthly). I don't have a copy of the chart, but I bet someone will post it. Typically, the MF costs range between $4 & $5 per point (annually).

Have fun exploring the possibilities.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Here is the history of DVC annual fees at all of the resorts:

Year OKW BWV VB VB(sub) HH VWL BCV SSR AKV

2007 4.40 4.85 5.63 4.39 4.98 4.73 4.63 4.12 4.62
2006 4.24 4.69 5.27 4.12 4.34 4.61 4.48 3.98
2005 3.86 4.41 4.87 3.84 3.86 4.35 4.27 3.83
2004 3.68 4.25 4.67 3.67 3.70 4.22 4.18 3.80
2003 3.49 4.11 4.37 4.37 3.69 4.05 3.97
2002 3.22 3.92 4.17 3.33 3.49 3.80 3.77
2001 3.13 3.83 3.98 2.70 3.32 3.63
2000 3.16 3.94 4.07 2.87 3.25 3.62
1999 3.16 4.02 3.99 2.82 3.18
1998 3.17 3.94 ---- 2.76 3.20
1997 3.14 3.84 ---- 2.90 3.16
1996 2.99 3.70 ---- 2.82 3.16
1995 2.84
1994 2.70
1993 2.63
1992 2.56
1991 2.51