Issues RE: Buying at VB and HH

[prncssjas]

I read somewhere on the DVC boards that people often get "duped" into buying at VB and HH by DVC sales people. The sales reps convince people to buy there and take advantage of MB and telling them that they would never have to stay there. Does this actually happen?!! Do people actually buy at HH and VB without ever having the intention to stay there? They simply did it to take advantage of MB???

I am curious! DH and I bought at VB and we LOVE it there. Right now, we only own points there (with the hopes of an add-on soon at a WDW DVC resort! ) so when we go down, we do stay at VB but also at WDW DVC resorts. I don't think there is anything wrong, however, with us just taking a trip to OKW or BWV or VWL. How does everyone else feel about this?

I realize that buying points where you would want to stay most is important--as the 11 month is critical during busy times or for securing specific days. But I would hate to think that you are frowned upon by staying where you don't own.

I have read some where on these boards where people buy at OKW for example, where dues are low, without ever intending to stay there--only at BWV or where ever else.

I am wondering how DVC owners feel about this...how does this affect membership? Perhaps this is not as controversial as the "pool hopping" issue but I would like to hear what you all think.

I think I have too much time on my hands right now....

 

[Cap]

Some people have supposedly been told by salespeople that they can buy at VB or HH with MB (thus lower initial point cost) and easily get point reservations at BWV, WVL, or other on-site locations.

This will work if A) there is open declared, but unsold inventory at on-site resorts (as when BWV was not sold out); B) during the initial sales period when people may be banking their points because they already went to Disney and bought while there; or C) when the VB or HH point owners have lots of flexibility for reservations. If they want prime dates on-site, then they end up in line behind all the on-site owners who have reserved during the 11 - 8 month owners window.

 

[Tomskatt]

I don't know how anyone else feels about this, but i can tell you from our own experience this past May, that YES we were told that if we bought at HH we could get in on MB and we wouldn't neccesarily ever have to stay there. As NYers we couldn't buy anywhere else due to licensing and sell outs in other DVC resorts at WDW, unless we wanted to sign right there and then.......too high pressure for me. Before I found this board I had no intention on spending any real time in HH but was sure I could stay anywhere I wanted at WDW as a member of DVC. I should have known that was too good to be true............oh and that cruising on pooints would be a terrific option, was also part of the sales presentation.........now I know better. But on the other hand, now I WANT to spend time in HH! (Thanks to Doc and others!)
So overall, of course it's all a sales pitch, but I don't think I have buyers remorse yet, and I can't wait to go Home to ALL the DVC resorts eventually........heck I've got 40 years to do it!
Kathy

 

[drusba]

I think you have seen views of those with strong opinions. Likely, there are some who buy at one place based on cost with the intent to stay elsewhere; there have also been some reports of some sales reps encouraging that, although it is likely the minority event. I am aware of a few people who bought at HH and Vero who happen to despise going to WDW (they wanted places on the beach or near lots of golf). In other words, I assume most buy at the place they prefer most. What they shouldn't do is buy at one place with the expectation of always being able to get the time and kind of room they want elsewhere, as that is not going to occur repeatedly with only the 7 month reservation window.

 

[PamOKW]

We've debated the need to buy where you intend to stay here before and, of course, that is the best option. But, it is not impossible to get WDW enjoyment out of your DVC purchase of points at HHI or Vero. As the number of WDW resorts continues to increase and the non-WDW DVC resorts remains constant, it may be much more difficult for those who want to use HHI and Vero at 7 months out to get reservations than it is for HHI and Vero folks to find something at WDW.

Princess I think you are asking whether other DVC members frown on HHI and Vero people purchasing with the intent to only use their points at WDW. No, not at all. It is their right and it is all spelled out in black and white how the program works. I think Rich has brought up what he forsees as a problem of people overloading OKW because of the lower point schedule than the other WDW options. He has also been concerned about HHI and Vero owners. (When they first opened offsite locations I was also concerned about how this would effect OKW. With the addition of more and more WDW options this hasn't been a problem.) So far, I haven't seen any evidence of problems at OKW and I hope not to in the future. Maybe if Vero had expanded to it's original full-size and the majority of purchasers intended to only stay at WDW there could have been a potential overload. Right now, it seems as if the DVC balance system is still working. Since HHI and Vero are close to sell-out it doesn't seem as if they will create a disaster situation.

I think everything tends to balance. Some people may buy OKW resales for the lower price and lower dues with the intent of staying at VWL most often. Someone who bought BWV may now find that they really like OKW and the lower points. Some people will never stay anywhere except OKW or BWV. Others mix it up all the time. If everyone who purchases at EVP really intends to stay at OKW, that could be a problem for short time reservations. I don't think that will happen. If you are paying a premium to purchase the points and (possibly) higher dues, don't you think you'd want to enjoy what you bought rather than save a few points? I use my Vero points primarily for Vero stays and I think others do the same with their add-ons at HHI. It's a balancing act but so far, DVC seems to have it working.

 

[prncssjas]

Great replies everyone! I love hearing what others think on this topic.

PamOKW, great point!! When DH and I purchased our points at VB, we WANTED a beach resort and time to relax after a trip to WDW. But because they are our only source of points right now, I find myself wondering if I should feel "guilty" for staying at WDW DVC resorts. I know that it's in the contract...however, my concerns were mainly about how this affected other members.

So far, we have had success with getting ressies for rooms at non VB resorts (OKW, BWV, etc..) and I would want to continue to vacation there until we can secure more points at WDW DVC resorts. And Kathy...I'm with you--I can't wait to spend the next 40 years exploring the resorts!

Thanks for the input!