How should I do it?

[BrettCo]

Hey everyone,

I am planning on joining DVC. First off, I enjoy what Disney Vacation Club has to offer, and, if it is all true to its word, DVC will be worth it to me.

So, I am planning on joining with Wilderness Lodge as my home port for 250 points.

# 1: Opinions on Wilderness Lodge please
# 2: I usually vacation some time between March and July, so what use year should I get? Or does it not even matter?
# 3: I am buying through a resale. Is this Okay? They are reliable.
# 4: Should I wait to buy later on in the new year, when it will be closer to my date I would like to vacation there?
# 5: Any aditional info I should be aware of?

Thank you everybody.

 

[walkdmc]

I can't answer everything as I've never stayed at the VWL. I love the lobby and the pool, though.

Resales are truly "Disney's Best Kept Secret", LOL. I dealt with the store featured on this site and I had no problems.

I was told UY does not matter if you vacation during the same time every year. I've also seen people write that as they aged, their vacation patterns changed and UY mattered more. There is a fantastic thread describing UY. It may even be a sticky on this board. I hope you can find it. I understood very little about UY before I read it, and felt like an expert when I was done.

I would figure out what UY you want, understand some are harder to find than others, know what you want to pay and make an offer then. I would not wait anywhere near when you want to vacation. The whole process can take 4-6 weeks from offer to closing. Then, add a week to get into the DVC system. Plus, if you're looking into going next year, many/most of those rooms at VWL are probably already booked. That seems to be a resort that fills and is hard to find space less than 7 months out.

Good luck. Can't think of anything else now.

 

[Sandisw]

We stayed at VWL and enjoyed the resort. It is small and peaceful. It was very easy to get to MK via the boat as well. We had a rental car while there so didn't use the bus system except for the afternoon we returned the rental car to the Dolphin so we picked up the bus at Epcot. In this one case, the bus arrived within 10 minutes of being at the stop so it went smoothly.

Buying in via resale is a great idea and a way to save money. I have bought and sold through TSS and both were a great experiences.

With March through July travel, I would go with a Feb or March UY. However, Dec UY would also work. Since you are going resale, having a few options would be good.

The resale process can take between 6 - 8 weeks so if you want to be able to use your points in 2011, I would suggest searching and buying from now. The sooner you are an owner, the sooner you can try to get something booked.

With DVC, last minute reservations are not as easy so the more time you have to book, the better your chances are of getting exactly what you want, where you want.

Good luck!

 

[disneynutz]

I recommend that you do a ton of research and rent points and stay at VWL before you buy.

Bill

 

[robertdangelo]

I highly recommend The Timeshare store... here is a link to listings: http://www.dvc-resales.com/dvclisting-wilderness.cfm
I suggest purchasing now, if there is no doubt that you want to do it, love Disney & will use it! DVC Members often say... we wish we had done it sooner!

Bob

 

[chalee94]

# 1: Opinions on Wilderness Lodge please

it's a popular resort in december and pretty small. if you can book at 10-11 months out and prefer to stay there, it's a good idea to own there.

OTOH, VWL contracts do expire in 2042.

# 3: I am buying through a resale. Is this Okay? They are reliable.

sure - resale is the way to go IMO.

be aware that trying to sell one 250 pt contract can take longer than selling smaller contracts of 50-100 pts.

 

[sweetdana]

UY If you usually go March through July. Get a UY just before that, in case you cancel a trip you have 9 months to re-use the points.

IE Jan o Feb would be good. If you never cancel a trip, it really doesn't matter. If you are buying resale you will need a few choices as it is not like direct, you get what is there not picking.

If you haven't stayed there I agree stay there 1st. You might love it and you might find out you don't love it more than say SSR at 25$ less a point. It is a small resort, so sometimes fills up before the 7th month window opens, so if you love it. You will want it, but going in blind is not recommended. You might love BWV or BC more which are both tough to get into. Or BLT even and have an extra few yrs on the contract.

Resale is the way to go 99%of the time. FOR sure for all sold out resorts as long as you can find UY and points you want. I went resale and loved it. The wait was tough, but well worth the extra $$. Especially for contracts over say 75 points. Under that it is not as much of a diff.

Later in the yr only matters if you buy direct, as dues are based on closing date. If you buy resale, it doesn't matter. No one here knows if values will go up 4$ or down 4$ in say the next 6 months. Buy when you ready, not a moment sooner or later

I would read a bit abotu MF, this is something I didn't pay as much attention too when I bought and it has a bigger impact on how many points you really want. The up front may not seem like it matters now between say 200 and 250 points, but every year the extra 5-6$ on 50 points may sway you on how many points you want.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Mtnman44]

If you want to own 250 points, make sure you purchase at least two contracts that add up to the 250 points, don't own them all in one contract.

 

[Granny]

If you want to own 250 points, make sure you purchase at least two contracts that add up to the 250 points, don't own them all in one contract.

This is good advice to enable you to sell some of your points in the future without having to sell all of them. For instance, you could buy a 150 point contract and a 100 point contract. Then if you vacation less often or need smaller accommodations down the road (empty nest) you could sell off the 100 point contract and still maintain ownership.

Just be sure to have the same use year on them to make the points easier to use and only one banking deadline. It isn't absolutely necessary to have the same UY but would make tracking the points much easier.

I agree resale is the way to go. It will save you many thousands of dollars on a contract that size.

 

[princessbride6205]

1: Opinions on Wilderness Lodge please - This is the one I can't answer. I've never stayed there, but I'd like to! Is VWL your favorite resort? If so, then it's probably a good choice for you.
# 2: I usually vacation some time between March and July, so what use year should I get? Or does it not even matter? Definitely read the thread on use year to make sure you understand. Based on your preferences I'd recommend February or March as your UY. If you might want to visit in December or January, as well as your March to July timeframe, you could also do a Dec UY.
# 3: I am buying through a resale. Is this Okay? They are reliable.
Yes, they are reliable. People on here have used Timeshare Store (myself included), Resales DVC, DVC by Resale and Fidelity.
# 4: Should I wait to buy later on in the new year, when it will be closer to my date I would like to vacation there?
I'd buy soon if you are sure this is the right choice for you. It will take 6-8 weeks before you are a member through resale, and you'll then be able to book 11 months in advance of your vacation (at your home resort).
# 5: Any aditional info I should be aware of?
Nothing specific, but I would encourage you to read some more of the threads in the DVC forum here to make sure you understand how everything works before you buy in.

 

[Dean]

Hey everyone,

I am planning on joining DVC. First off, I enjoy what Disney Vacation Club has to offer, and, if it is all true to its word, DVC will be worth it to me.

So, I am planning on joining with Wilderness Lodge as my home port for 250 points.

# 1: Opinions on Wilderness Lodge please
# 2: I usually vacation some time between March and July, so what use year should I get? Or does it not even matter?
# 3: I am buying through a resale. Is this Okay? They are reliable.
# 4: Should I wait to buy later on in the new year, when it will be closer to my date I would like to vacation there?
# 5: Any aditional info I should be aware of?

Thank you everybody.

1. I like VWL fine but even if you prefer it, I would not buy your points there due to the expiration date and the fact that you should be able to consistently get in to VWL if you plan at 7 months out during that time. Other options can give you a longer contract life and either more resale value and/or a cheaper up front price. Ultimately you'll have to decide what's best for yoj.
2. Feb or March are likely your best UY, Dec is next. April might be workable depending on how likely you are to use it in March. UY does matter but not enough to spend a lot more $$$ on.
3. Buying resale is fine through a number of possible companies.
4. If you plan to buy and have the money to use without financing, I'd start looking now and get serious once you have the info you need to make your decision. Then when the right contract comes along, you'll know it's the right one and be ready.
5. The other thing you need to know is there are some pretty reliable rumors that suggest DVC is going to differentiate where resales may not be treated equally to retail purchases. When I say reliable, I and at least 2 other people I know who are more in the know, have been told by insiders that there IS a change coming on this front. Thus it is possible to agree to a purchase and have the rug pulled out from under you buying resale because those in the purchase process are likely the only ones who'll get caught unawares. Those who have bought previously resale will likely be grandfathered in some way and those starting after any changes will know where they stand. How important that is to you likely depends on how much you care about things like exchange options. However, the possibilities are endless on this front. Personally I wouldn't let it deter me if DVC itself were a good choice otherwise because I think the other non DVC options are smoke and mirrors, but it is important to some. I guess you could write that in to your contract that if the rules change on how resales are treated while you're in the process, that you'd have options to get out or get a cheaper price.

While I would agree with others that owning smaller contracts is a great option, maybe even at more than one resort, getting there is the problem. IF you know you want/need 250 points and you go out to buy 2 contracts of say 150 & 100, you're likely to spend an extra $1500-2500 getting there resale. IMO, that's not a reasonable cost just to get options that may not benefit you in the future.

 

[tgropp]

If you buy 2 contracts to add up to 250 points, that is the best way to go but make sure that you get the same use year. JMHO

 

[backyardponder]

The only reason to buy a 250 point single contract is if you can get a really really really good deal on it. It is much harder to sell a 250 point contract than lower point contracts.

A suggestion on resort...every person has different feelings on the different resorts. I'd take a trip to WDW and visit them all. Rent a car so it is easier to get around. Go to the front desk and ask for a map and a recommended walking route around the resort. This will avoid a future "I wish I had bought there" feeling.

Good Luck!

John

 

[AJackson09]

Can someone point me in the direction of the UY informational thread? I'd like to read it. Thanks

 

[chalee94]

Can someone point me in the direction of the UY informational thread? I'd like to read it. Thanks

here you go:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1942668

 

[AJackson09]

Thanks!

 

[Dean]

The only reason to buy a 250 point single contract is if you can get a really really really good deal on it. It is much harder to sell a 250 point contract than lower point contracts.

A suggestion on resort...every person has different feelings on the different resorts. I'd take a trip to WDW and visit them all. Rent a car so it is easier to get around. Go to the front desk and ask for a map and a recommended walking route around the resort. This will avoid a future "I wish I had bought there" feeling.

Good Luck!

John

For resale you're looking at a difference of around $10 a point. Put another way, 250 points in one contract might be around the same as 200-210 points in 2 contracts. The ONLY benefit to buying separate at the same time is if you go to sell later. While I like the idea of having smaller contracts, one would be foolish to pay any significant amount extra for a potential later on. Better to buy less and make do in one contract if you're set on having smaller for potential sales later. The scenario is different for retail be because there is no closing cost if you own already and the price difference isn't as much.

 

[Jason@dvcstore]

# 3: I am buying through a resale. Is this Okay? They are reliable.

Feel free to email The Timeshare Store, Inc.® at sales@dvcstore.com with your name and email and we can add you to our distribution list. We receive about 160 to 180 new listings every month and you would receive an email when we get new listings.

Jason

 

[littlesighthounds]

We have been a member for 2 years now and love it. We think it is the best thing we have ever done for vacation purposes.

Good Luck

 

[Pizzaman12]

5. The other thing you need to know is there are some pretty reliable rumors that suggest DVC is going to differentiate where resales may not be treated equally to retail purchases. When I say reliable, I and at least 2 other people I know who are more in the know, have been told by insiders that there IS a change coming on this front. Thus it is possible to agree to a purchase and have the rug pulled out from under you buying resale because those in the purchase process are likely the only ones who'll get caught unawares. Those who have bought previously resale will likely be grandfathered in some way and those starting after any changes will know where they stand. How important that is to you likely depends on how much you care about things like exchange options. However, the possibilities are endless on this front. Personally I wouldn't let it deter me if DVC itself were a good choice otherwise because I think the other non DVC options are smoke and mirrors, but it is important to some. I guess you could write that in to your contract that if the rules change on how resales are treated while you're in the process, that you'd have options to get out or get a cheaper price.

While I would agree with others that owning smaller contracts is a great option, maybe even at more than one resort, getting there is the problem. IF you know you want/need 250 points and you go out to buy 2 contracts of say 150 & 100, you're likely to spend an extra $1500-2500 getting there resale. IMO, that's not a reasonable cost just to get options that may not benefit you in the future.

Are you able to confirm any approximate timeframe you think a change like this might be made in?