How long to decide to purchase?

[Cruelladeville]

We went to a sales presentation in 92, and I refused to buy, because there was only limited maid service. DH wanted to join, but I wouldn't hear of it. He continued to bring up DVC, and I continued to refuse, until 97 when we stayed at Poly, and got "interrupted" by a maid bringing us extra towels. I am embarrassed even thinking about everything she saw that day So we went to dinner and I walked right up to the BWV reception podium. I told them, "if you don't have maid service, I'll buy!" DH yelled, "Hurry, before she changes her mind!!" We have been happy members ever since!

 

[WDWLVR]

We actually signed the papers the day of the sales presentation, but I voted within 6 months because we had them send the video and pre-sales book during that time. By the time we were down there we knew we wanted to buy and would only back out if there was something in the sales presentation we didn't like.

Bought in Jan. 2000 and had our first trip home that December with a 1 bedroom Boardwalk view!

 

[sumessefui]

At first we thought it was another typical timeshare and were not interested. Then read about it in the Disney Mag and it sounded good. Called the 800#, Byron sent us the prsentation package, a week later bought over the phone.

 

[disneymom99]

We decided at the presentation that we wanted to buy, however, it took a few months of praying, number crunching and saving to make it happen. Very happy we did. We are constantly kicking ourselves for not buying years earlier. Oh well, live and learn.


Gayle

 

[POOH&PIGLET]

I didn't vote in the poll.
We bought sight unseen without a presentation.
It took me about 3-4 months to convince my DW it was a good idea.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

My parents bought a timeshare back in 1987, then I bought one in 1991, checked into the Disney timeshare when it was new, just couldn't comprehend the point thing, had my head in the sand and could only comprehend fixed week, specific room size, etc. Never toured, but stopped by over the years at the kiosks and asked questions, probably have made a trip every year since about 1988, stayed in the Wilderness Cabins in 1999 and thought how great it is to be at Disney and have a kitchen!!! Stayed in the Inn rooms and studios at Vero a few times, then rented points at OKW in November, 2002. Prior to the trip, we put a bid in on a resale at VWL!!! So it actually took 12-13 years for us to buy!!!

 

[yesdisneyfool]

No presentation here either. We'd been going annually for a few years and MIL put me in touch with a coworker who was a Member. Asked lots of questions on the phone (before I was introduced to the DIS), got the video and bought OKW within 2 months. 1 year later, became the proud parents of a bouncing little addon.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

Right when the villas opened in 2000 we toured the newly model. I was one of the first persons to offically use the lobby potty. Loved the space nad decor--as the WL was our favorite resort.

Bought before our 2001 trip. Cancelled 5 nights at AKL and stayed on points at VWL instead.

 

[MiaSRN62]

We thought (dreamed) about buying in 1997, but it was not in the budget at that time. Then, in mid 2000, we had gotten a promo "postcard" rate at Vero Beach---which required a DVC presentation. We have family members in nearby Sebastian, so I wanted to book Vero at the great rates I got on the postcard. We scheduled the DVC presentation at Vero in the middle of our trip. We attended with the mind-set that "we're just going to go listen and not buy". My husband and I SWORE up and down we weren't going to buy. We left, knowing we were sold....but still trying to deny it. We actually sat in our Inn room and made up a list of "PROS" and "CONS" to becoming Members. The PROS far outweighed the CONS and we were signing on the dotted line the very next day. We haven't regretted the decision for a split second. Our home resort is OKW---even though we adored Vero. Wow....we toured the 3 bedroom cottages there---just awesome ! We technically purchased OKW sight unseen. The day after we signed, we drove to WDW and straight to OKW just to see what we had bought. We showed our signed copy of the contract to a maid and she let us in to one of the vacant villas (there was an OKW manager with her) and we were delighted with what we saw. The villa was so big and gorgeous.
We've used our points to stay at OKW and do the Wonder cruise so far.

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Johnnie Fedora
I was one of the first persons to offically use the lobby potty.

My sister puchased in 1996 and had us come down and join them in a GV at OKW in 1997.........we bought in early 1999.

 

[erikthewise]

What?! They have a sales presentation? Really must go see it sometime.
I can't decide whether to call it 6 weeks or 10 years...

Dec 1992: I noticed DVC display during our stay at the Polynesian, but was disgusted that Disney had sunk to the level of selling timeshares. Ignored them. Many years pass....

Dec 2001: our first WDW trip in seven years. I spent a lot of time on these boards planning the trip. We visited WL and noticed VWL. Ignored it. We visited BC and noticed the BCV construction. Ignored it.

April 2002: I was checking out the DVC board and noticed a price increase was imminent. Decided to thoroughly investigate DVC so I could decide not to join "once and for all". Spent more time on the DVC board.

May 2002: Still unconvinced either way. Contacted DVC and was assigned a guide who immediately left for three weeks (one week cruise duty, two weeks vacation).

June 2002: Became a BCV owner. No sales presentation, not even a decent conversation with our guide. Entirely self-educated DVC member.

Dec 2002: First trip home. Now happy as a clam with our membership!

 

[Dancind]

Yep, I think you need another category. "Pre-sales presentation". We rented points for a 1 BR at OKW in 2001, which I learned about doing on these boards. Before we got there, we were in the process of purchasing a contract at OKW. This was all within a week, I think. Did my research on the internet. We were delighted with our first stay at OKW, good thing! Diana

 

[skelooch]

I forget how I heard about DVC, but when I did I sent for info and bought in within a month sight unseen and have added on twice since. Wish I heard about it sooner, before my wife past away I know she would have loved it as much as I do. She always wanted to buy something in the Disney Area for our Grandchildren, which is a big reason why I bought.

 

[NancyDVC]

At our sales presentation. I think I took longer to decide to buy my house. I think we drove our guide crazy with questions.
Best thing that I have ever done! 11 years and loving it!