Is the tour a good idea?

[tksbaskets]

We will be in WDW at POR right after Christmas for 4 days before our cruise. We are likely to purchase DVC points towards the end of January so I'd like to have a DVC cast member show the us a resort. Time is short though.

How long does the tour take?

Can you fit it in when you have time? (People standing by to take you on a tour) Or do you need to 'book a time'?

Is the tour worth it or do I probably know everything they are going to tell my by combing the DVC boards?

Can we tour BWV since that is the resort I'm, er I mean WE are leaning towards?

Any treats for taking a tour?

Thanks for any advise.
Teresa

 

[Tinkmom]

I sent you a PM, although I just realized I missed a question. . . or two. . .

 

[Olaf]

I would definitely take the tour before buying. We spent about 1 1/2 on our tour, mostly with our guide asking questions. At that time (2001) they were giving out free lunch vouchers.

 

[POLLY ANN]

I would definitely go on a tour.

We purchased in 95, and at that time, we scheduled a time first thing in the morning, like 8am). They picked us up at our resort (Caribbean) and brought us over for a short movie about DVC, (a continental breakfast, too!) and then showed us their plans for other resorts (Vero and HHI were the next one after OKW I think, can't remember!) We did go on a tour of OKW of a 2BR and a Grand Villa and bought on the spot. Did our paperwork right there and everything! I would spare at least 2 hours, IMO, especially if you are considering buying.

Since BWV are sold out, I don't know if they would show you anything there, but the floor plans of Saratoga Springs are the same although different decorating scheme.

Good Luck!

 

[Granny]

I think the tour is definitely worth it, though we bought sight unseen. The difference was we bought at VWL and were very familiar with the theming of WL so we knew what we were buying with VWL.

If you are looking at buying BWV, the tour would probably be much less beneficial since you'll only view the SSR villas. And you'll get a serious push to buy SSR instead of BWV since that is what Disney is actively selling now.

If you want BWV, I'd look on the resale boards for a contract. You can buy directly through Disney if you're persistent but you can save money through resale. On the other hand, with resale there is a lot more to consider such as the condition of the contracts (lots of points available or stripped?), getting the right number of points, and clearing Disney's ROFR (right of first refusal) which they exercise to keep the resale prices relatively high...though still less than buying direct from Disney.

 

[4Pluto]

I was told by my guide that if I took the tour, I would have only 3 days after the tour to take advantage of the friends and family discount ($86 ppt). Instead, I visited the models during the members hours (5pm daily I believe). They had a grand villa, and a 2 bedroom lockout available to tour and there was a guide there to answer questions. And I could take my time afterwards to decide what and when to buy. No movies and no free ice cream cones, but no pressure on getting to use the discount.

 

[skibum]

I would recommend you call DVC and talk with a guide before you go. that way you will have a better understanding of the program and will get an info packet/DVD in the mail.
This will give you time to think of questions you want to ask when you get there, and will most likely save you time while on your vacation.
Good luck!

 

[bpmorley]

How long does the tour take?

Can you fit it in when you have time? (People standing by to take you on a tour) Or do you need to 'book a time'?

Is the tour worth it or do I probably know everything they are going to tell my by combing the DVC boards?

Can we tour BWV since that is the resort I'm, er I mean WE are leaning towards?

Any treats for taking a tour?

Thanks for any advise.
Teresa

It takes about 1 1/2 hrs.
Go into any DVC kiosk or store and they'll send a car for you and they'll take you where you want to go after the tour.
The tour will give you a better look @ SSR, but you can get more advice here
I think all tours are for SSR, but don't quote me on that.
We were giving fast passes for a couple rides for taking the tour, but I've heard of people getting meals and ice cream

 

[surfer_ed]

If you have time, do the tour....plus you get ice cream and usually a Fastpass or something. If you don't have time, we didn't learn too much I had not aleready pciked up but you at least want to see the resort.

 

[tksbaskets]

Thanks everyone!

 

[WDWLVR]

Hi Teresa!

Looks like you and Walt are finally joining DVC! Congratulations! I hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as Mark and I have.

When we joined in 2000 we went down with full intentions of buying but still took the tour. Our guide had all our paperwork done so after the tour was over we just had to sign the papers. It was very quick and painless.

Happy Thanksgiving!