How to best “preview” DVC?

[Cfabar1]

Hello,

I am considering becoming a DVC member. Am I thinking about this correctly?

1. Visit a DVC Property to see if I like it. How is best way to do it? Can you visit a DVC property by booking at Disney.Com And stay for a few nights?
2. Buy (if possible) a 150 point Disney Direct Cash Contract at a WDW resort on property, so that you have a “home resort” And receive the Blue Card.
3. Buy additional points in the same renewal month from DVC resale, perhaps at different resorts - or do I want a 6 month stagger on that front? If I do this, I’ll still get all the perks of buying direct. Will I be able to use these additional points at all resorts including Riviera?

 

[ehh]

Hello,

I am considering becoming a DVC member. Am I thinking about this correctly?

1. Visit a DVC Property to see if I like it. How is best way to do it? Can you visit a DVC property by booking at Disney.Com And stay for a few nights?

You can book DVC properties for cash from disneyworld.com (or disneyland.com or aulani.com). This is a good way to sample a specific accommodation.

Might I recommend renting points, however. You will save some money (like DVC) and you'll have reduced flexibility (directionally similar to DVC, though the specifics are very different). Bonus points for renting 11 months out and if you encounter availability issues.

DVC isn't just the rooms, it's also the system that you're committing to and that system is less flexible than booking on cash.

2. Buy (if possible) a 150 point Disney Direct Cash Contract at a WDW resort on property, so that you have a “home resort” And receive the Blue Card.
3. Buy additional points in the same renewal month from DVC resale, perhaps at different resorts - or do I want a 6 month stagger on that front? If I do this, I’ll still get all the perks of buying direct. Will I be able to use these additional points at all resorts including Riviera?

Buying direct first is a fine way to do it--you'll get your points much faster than resale-first. There's been tons of discussions/arguments about order of operations for this, but the end result is that they all work and they're similar enough if you want a blue card (or "DVC Y" these days).

It's generally good to match the UY across your contracts unless you have a very specific need to deviate/split them. I wouldn't jump into the deepend of split UYs until you're completely comfortable with all ins and outs of managing DVC points.

One advantage of resale-first is you can shop across multiple UY options that work for you, find the best deal, then add matching UY direct. Direct-first has a disadvantage where you pick your UY first then limit which resale contracts are a best fit.

Regardless of the order of operations, non-Riviera resale points cannot be used at Riviera and Riviera resale points cannot be used anywhere but Riviera.

 

[RoseGold]

You can rent DVC points from an agency, or some of them you can book cash. I would at least do that, as DVC overall has limitations, like no housekeeping, mattresses, toiletries, views, service, I can keep going.

I mean this kindly. This is a five figure product with a lot of strict, complicated rules. You need to understand what you are buying. Just based on your questions, you need to spend some time on these boards or on Youtube getting the basics about how DVC works.

 

[NVDISFamily]

1. Visit a DVC Property to see if I like it. How is best way to do it? Can you visit a DVC property by booking at Disney.Com And stay for a few nights?

Before you visit you can narrow it down quite a bit by doing you homework on lots of different sites. YouTube was great for us. We probably watched a few hundred different room/resort tours as a family. Matterport tours are also great to do virtual room tours. There are a few on the https://dvcfan.com/ site as well as other help sites.

Renting is a great way to stay and try before you buy and will be way less than paying Disney the "rack rate". You could also just stay near property and do a tour.

2. Buy (if possible) a 150 point Disney Direct Cash Contract at a WDW resort on property, so that you have a “home resort” And receive the Blue Card.

You don't have to go this route. You could start with any size resale contract and become a "white card" member with any size purchase. That could also help you establish your use year which can be very important. For example. Let's say a June UY was the best for your family but they really want to sell you a Dec. UY. If you already have a BLT 50 point June contract and go to add on at Riviera and they try and sell you a Dec. UY, you can say that you really want the UY to be the same (lots of reasons to do this and most will recommend that you do), and then Disney will be more likely to do it.

And you can buy more than 150 too.... Depends on what you need, plus there are good deals direct if you buy more. The key breakpoints for significant discounts seem to be at 200 and 300 points. But don't buy that many if you don't need them Also, if you buy resale first you can buy direct at the member rate/discounts.

3. Buy additional points in the same renewal month from DVC resale, perhaps at different resorts - or do I want a 6 month stagger on that front? If I do this, I’ll still get all the perks of buying direct. Will I be able to use these additional points at all resorts including Riviera?

Many will tell you to avoid 2 different UY unless you have more than enough points in each of them to use them without the other as this just makes life easier for you. For example, I have two different UY, DEC and June, and this works well for us as it gives us coverage for different seasons, and our most important months overlap in the "safe zone" for each membership. But both memberships have plenty of points so I don't "need" to use the points across the two memberships.

Benefits and restrictions are per contract and not per membership. So you only get 11 month window and other benefits for the contract. Similar to the use year, make sure you have enough points in each resort/property to do what you want. Some get creative and rotate so they bank one resort and use the other. So they can go to a nice room at that resort every other year. Others to split stays.

I mean this kindly. This is a five figure product with a lot of strict, complicated rules. You need to understand what you are buying. Just based on your questions, you need to spend some time on these boards or on Youtube getting the basics about how DVC works.

@RoseGold gives great wisdom here. Don't buy until you have done lots of homework. Most recommend not buying DVC unless you have been weighing the CONS and the pros (there are lots of CONS) for at least 6 months. If this purchase is not financially significant in any way and the dues (and their annual increases) won't harm your budget in a material way, then go for it! Points are fun.

 

[Her Dotness]

A great source of DVC information is right above this thread. Click DVC on the toolbar, and you'll open up DVC Fan. It has point charts which are essential for deciding how many points you'll need to buy. Be SURE to study the point charts for resorts you're considering.

Calculate how many points you'll need for when you plan to go and what room type you'll want. Look at both the current year and next year charts. Points get shifted from year to year, which can really mess with how you can use yours.

What can bring on addonitis sooner than otherwise is not buying enough points for the stays you want. That's the biggest newbie mistake we made--and had to add points a couple years after buy-in to continue going yearly. Yes, you can bank and borrow, but that easily becomes a vicious cycle. Buy 25-50 more points than you absolutely need, and you'll be cushioned.

I don't think you necessarily need a DVC stay to decide to buy in. If there's a resort you've stayed at more than once and really like, watch DVC room tour videos to familiarize yourself with how its villas differ from regular rooms.

That's pretty much what we did, figuring we loved the resort and knew it well. We knew a DVC stay wouldn't pamper us nearly as much (way fewer services comparatively) but had floorplans and decor that we loved just as much as the regular hotel rooms. As a result, we felt we got pretty much what we expected from DVC.

I'd also advise buying in only if you can pay cash. Yes, I know Pete Werner raves about how wonderfully easy it is to finance. It's also very easy to get in over your head by financing DVC. Save until you can pay cash.

 

[Nursemanit]

Also, remember if you want to try out a resort - one night in a different season may not let you see the overall picture of a resort. Try to stay a few nights at the time of year you want to vacation.

GFV in February for one night for example may not show you the long walk in the heat to get to the QS or the bus (or anything) from VGF1 in August. Or staying in the dry season might not show you the Skyliner and boats going down every night of the week during the daily thunderstorms.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

The main question is are you a Disney person? Do you want to go every year? If the answer is yes, the next question is am I flexible about dates and where I stay? Because even if you book early and get exactly what you want, you may find yourself scrambling if you have to change your reservation. Life happens. I suspect DVC is tough for people who are very specific about things. Next, be aware that dvc is not inexpensive, despite what the guides say you will not save money. But it does allow you to prepay a large part of your vacation.

 

[Her Dotness]

I suspect DVC is tough for people who are very specific about things.

Not sure what you mean here.

DVC is well-suited, IMO, to people who like specifics what with all the rules about when you can initially book, when you must use all points or bank them, what happens to points not used, etc.

Now, if you mean specifics as in wanting their creature comforts with little effort on their part, yes, DVC is not going to be easy. Too much DIY required.

Next, be aware that dvc is not inexpensive, despite what the guides say you will not save money. But it does allow you to prepay a large part of your vacation.

Actually, you can save a good deal of money per stay once you break even. Much depends upon where you stayed most prior to buy-in.

We typically stayed GF club level, main building. We broke even in 2 years and now, dues included, spend between 1/3-1/2 what those past trips cost us. And, we own and stay primarily at VGF.

Now, if a prospective buyer who stays in Values thinks DVC will be a money saver, I agree. They're unlikely to save with DVC, primarily because break-even will be so far in the future, and dues will eat into potential savings, too.

Way too many variables to say DVC won't save someone money.

 

[kanerf]

Most of the DVC resorts have an open house right now where you can go tour the rooms. There is a desk in the main lobby where you can sign up for the tour. There are specific rooms set aside for this of course.

 

[RoseGold]

Not sure what you mean here.

DVC is well-suited, IMO, to people who like specifics what with all the rules about when you can initially book, when you must use all points or bank them, what happens to points not used, etc.

Now, if you mean specifics as in wanting their creature comforts with little effort on their part, yes, DVC is not going to be easy. Too much DIY required.

By specifics, I'm pretty sure they mean things like having to keep TP and shampoo and a robe in your owner's locker, like I do. DVC is not to the standard of an $800/night hotel. I'm not even sure Poly cash is, but DVC certainly is not.

If you are particular about things like this, DVC might not be the right fit.

 

[sndral]

…as DVC overall has limitations, like no …, mattresses, toiletries, views, service, I can keep going.
…

I chuckled when I read this - I’ve always had mattresses, toiletries, & views in my villas, I assume you mean these things are different w/ DVC? I agree there are positive & negative differences, I love the space, spa tubs, washer/dryer etc. of the 1 br.+ DVC villas compared to cash rooms at the deluxe resorts, for example.

…I suspect DVC is tough for people who are very specific about things. Next, be aware that dvc is not inexpensive, despite what the guides say you will not save money….

I go once a year in the winter & book at 11 months at my home resorts, so pretty specific about things & it’s worked out for me.
I was reminded of just how much money DVC has saved me last week when I paid off my Oct. cash stay at the Grand Californian . Prior to DVC I was booking 2 deluxe rooms for cash, after DVC it was a 1 bedroom & it paid for itself by the second year & I liked the villa much better than 2 hotel rooms.
OP I’m cautious, I stayed in my proposed home resort in the size villa I planned to book at the time of year I planned to go before I first bought. For my second purchase I used the points I’d bought to try out 2 maybe resorts & am glad I did because I changed my mind about which second resort I wanted to buy.
I personally wouldn’t buy at a resort that I hadn’t stayed at just as I wouldn’t buy a new car w/out at least a test drive. But not everyone is as cautious as I am & not everyone plans to exclusively stay at their home resort. Someone planning to ‘sleep around’ likely cares far less about their home resort than I did.
DVC will be happy to show you model villas if you are at WDW, I believe they’ll even schedule your tour & transport you. If you go this route consider eating some meals at your ‘target’ resorts (I assume VGF or Riv,) & exploring the grounds, stores, boats & monorail at VGF, the Skyliner at Riviera, etc., so that you’ll have a ‘feel’ for the resorts before you do the DVC tour
.

 

[RoseGold]

I chuckled when I read this - I’ve always had mattresses, toiletries, & views in my villas, I assume you mean these things are different w/ DVC? I agree there are positive & negative differences, I love the space, spa tubs, washer/dryer etc. of the 1 br.+ DVC villas compared to cash rooms at the deluxe resorts, for example.

Glad to see you agree there is no housekeeping or service, LOL.

 

[Cfabar1]

I'm confused.... Are the mattresses really bad? Are there no toiletries? We have stayed with Hyatt Vacation Club... They always included mattresses and toiletries. Is DVC really that much worse?

 

[Sandisw]

I'm confused.... Are the mattresses really bad? Are there no toiletries? We have stayed with Hyatt Vacation Club... They always included mattresses and toiletries. Is DVC really that much worse?

We find the mattresses very comfortable and to be honest, as someone who likes it a little on the firm side, some are just too pillowy. The toilet paper is typical hotel room paper that you get at all WDW hotels...one ply vs. two ply. And, yes, they do include the toiletries. Though, some of the WDW resorts have gone to the shower wall containers and not the individual ones. I am going to really miss the H2O products now that the company is shutting down. Those were wonderful. Since Disney resorts manage the properties, they will be the same as when you stay in a regular cash Disney hotel.

I think they may be comparing them to a luxury experience at a 5 star hotel and some of those little "extras" would be different. But, I have stayed many places over time and the DVC villas are just as nice as many of the hotels we have stayed.

 

[we"reofftoneverland]

I chuckled when I read this - I’ve always had mattresses, toiletries, & views in my villas, I assume you mean these things are different w/ DVC? I agree there are positive & negative differences, I love the space, spa tubs, washer/dryer etc. of the 1 br.+ DVC villas compared to cash rooms at the deluxe resorts, for example.

I go once a year in the winter & book at 11 months at my home resorts, so pretty specific about things & it’s worked out for me.
I was reminded of just how much money DVC has saved me last week when I paid off my Oct. cash stay at the Grand Californian . Prior to DVC I was booking 2 deluxe rooms for cash, after DVC it was a 1 bedroom & it paid for itself by the second year & I liked the villa much better than 2 hotel rooms.
OP I’m cautious, I stayed in my proposed home resort in the size villa I planned to book at the time of year I planned to go before I first bought. For my second purchase I used the points I’d bought to try out 2 maybe resorts & am glad I did because I changed my mind about which second resort I wanted to buy.
I personally wouldn’t buy at a resort that I hadn’t stayed at just as I wouldn’t buy a new car w/out at least a test drive. But not everyone is as cautious as I am & not everyone plans to exclusively stay at their home resort. Someone planning to ‘sleep around’ likely cares far less about their home resort than I did.
DVC will be happy to show you model villas if you are at WDW, I believe they’ll even schedule your tour & transport you. If you go this route consider eating some meals at your ‘target’ resorts (I assume VGF or Riv,) & exploring the grounds, stores, boats & monorail at VGF, the Skyliner at Riviera, etc., so that you’ll have a ‘feel’ for the resorts before you do the DVC tour
.

I am not sure how many people travel with you, but the last couple of years, we have had to reschedule every trip we have scheduled in advance. Just this last year….

1. DS was in a play where the performances got pushed back a week. There goes the cottage at Vero. We managed to get the 2 bedroom instead.
2. DH had an add on business trip that was no where in the cards when we scheduled the 2 bedroom at riviera. We ended up getting a 2 bedroom at Saratoga the following week.
3. College student son decided he wanted to join us at the last minute, so we had to let go the studio at riviera that we’d booked on opening booking day (sigh) and switch it out for a one bedroom at key west.

We were fine with all of these. But I’m just saying. The more variables (ie kids), the more likely that things will get ____. Btw dh said we’re going to the cottage— who cares about the play lol. I was like you can’t do that.

 

[PalmettoPath]

Before we bought in to DVC, we wanted to stay at a resort that was not WDW or DLR (because we knew those properties well from the hotel perspective). So we did a cash stay at Disney's Vero Beach Resort. That did it for us. We have since visited Disney's Vero Beach Resort almost every summer for over 10 years, in addition to regular stays at WDW, DLR and Disney Aulani. So booking a cash stay is probably the best way to actually experience what it's like to stay in a villa as a try-before-you-buy (you can rent points too, but we take the path of least resistance even if it costs a little more).

 

[Cfabar1]

I have visited and eaten at Disney VB resort, but have never stayed there. It seems like a wonderful place, I hope it survives past 2042, but I am not optimistic. It already feels like they are avoiding putting in some renovations, and they recently sold a bit of the land.