Just put down our money on VWL and had a question...

[rtkane]

My wife and I just put down $500 to hold 270 points for VWL direct from DVC (they have 5000--err.. 4730 points for Feb use year) and are going on a previously planned trip on March 27th to finalize the paperwork and "take a look around". As someone new to this, does anyone have any thoughts about things to be aware of before signing or questions to ask while there? I guess what I'm asking is this: is there anything that you wish you knew before you had signed up (hidden costs, strange rules, little-known promotions, etc.) that may not have affected your decision, but would have been good to have been aware of?

We're both extremely exited that we got VWL--we stayed at WL several years ago and it always felt like home. Now it will be.

Also, one other question, I've been looking at the boards for a few days now (very good info, thanks to everyone) and haven't been able to figure out what the "d" is when someone is referring to a spouse, such as "DH" or "DW", or other family member.. anyone shed some light on that for me?

Thanks.

--Ryan

 

[Maistre Gracey]

<font face="comic sans ms">CONGRATULATIONS & WELCOME HOME! </font face>

Originally posted by rtkane
We're both extremely exited that we got VWL--we stayed at WL a several years ago and it always felt like home. Now it will be.
--Ryan

I agree completely...We love VWL too!!!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Originally posted by rtkane


Also, one other question, I've been looking at the boards for a few days now (very good info, thanks to everyone) and haven't been able to figure out what the "d" is when someone is referring to a spouse, such as "DH" or "DW", or other family member.. anyone shed some light on that for me?

Thanks.

--Ryan

D stands for Dear....Dear Husband, Dear Wife, etc...

 

[HookdonWDW]

First of all...

WELCOME HOME!

I just can't find enough good things to say about DVC. We have totally enjoyed our purchase. We were the typical couple who hemmed and hawed over whether or not we should purchase, and now that we have, we just wish we had done it sooner, and had bought more points originally! We've already completed one add-on, and we're contemplating adding another 100 or so at VWL (ROFL - this after we waited for BCV, because we didn't think we'd like VWL).

BTW, the "d" in front of names depends on the mood... generally it stands for "dear", but it has been known to stand for "darn" "dumb" "darling"... it's all a mood thing - except for MY dh, who, if he's reading this is always "dear" to me.

 

[vbfamily]

Just make sure you are fully aware of how housekeeping is run, how each room is set up and how many people are allowed in each room.

Also, take a look at what size room you think you will want to stay in the most and buy the appropriate number of points.

Make sure you know exactly how dues work.

You can see that non DVC members do have a lot of discounts to take advantage of recently but you really have to run the numbers. Will these discounts always be available? No one knows.

Just make sure you go over everything and look over banking and borrowing guidelines.

Talk with your family about when you think you are most likely to go and see how many points it takes to stay in the type of room you want for the time you want to go.

Don't be afraid to ask questions while you are down there. DVC will do whatever they can to answer your questions.

You will know when you are down there, if you don't already, if DVC is right for you. Follow your heart. If it feels good, go for it, if it doesn't then don't.

When you go on your trip in March think about the things you like and dislike the most while you are there and then see how these would be better or worse in DVC.

Good luck.

I hope this post doesn't present a negative tone to you-just giving you some suggestions. As said by many other posters, you are the only one who can determine if DVC is right for you.

 

[dizneeluvr]

Congrats on your pending DVC purchase. VWL is our home resort as well and we couldn't have made a better decision for us!

DVC was one of the smartest "family decisions" we've ever made. It's a great place to look forward to--and make memories at--together.

Enjoy every moment!

Laura

 

[littlestar]

Congratulations.

We have no regrets. We love it! We've got 200 VWL points and 60 at the Beach Club Villas. We started out with 150 VWL points (figured that's all we'd need - right!) ha. Just added 50 more at VWL in February. The lodge is our favorite Disney resort (and the villas are equally as wonderful).

 

[WDWguruDH]

We avoided the presentation for several years, even though we went 4-5 times a year; the whole "timeshare" stigma. We finally took the presentation to kill time and loved the low pressure and bought. We have loved it, no surprises, etc. We have actually added on three times in the first year. A few things to be prepared for:
Be prepared for the no housekeeping - we actually prefer it.
Be prepared to stay in a one bedroom and never go back to a studio - you'll love the accommodations, so have the points.
Don't be intimidated by the bank/borrow system, but learn it so you can plan the maximum use of your points.

 

[maryp]

I always thought the "d" stood for Disney! Welcome to the VWL, you'll never regret it!!

 

[tiggerguy2000]

I just wanted to add my WELCOME HOME to you and your family.
The Wilderness Lodge Villas was my first home resort and enjoyed staying there.I know have two home resorts after buying into the Beach Club. Disney Dvc is the best .
tiggerguy2000

 

[rtkane]

Thanks, everyone, for the information and congrats.. I appreciate both and can't wait to get my info in the mail!

 

[Credit Man]

Congratulations and Welcome Home!!

 

[MaryJ]

Just wanted to also say Welcome Home! We are checking in at VWL on March 26th and staying until the 31st. If I see two people "looking around" with excited looks on their faces, I'll figure it must be you! VWL is our home resort, and I feel sure you'll be glad to make it yours too.

 

[crisi]

Best advice, search this board (or maybe someone will come on and give us links) for the DVC point planners (caskbill has one and the other is the DVC Point Manager - both are wonderful, but have different uses). This will allow you an easy way to dream and plan.

Make sure you understand banking and borrowing. And make sure you understand the implications of booking outside DVC. Those two things are the things most people get "gotcha'd" on.

Welcome home

 

[rtkane]

Again, thanks everyone for all of your help!

 

[jimmytammy]

We joined last year not completely aware of the ins and outs of DVC knowing we would learn along the way, just knowing it was Disney we wouldnt go wrong. Our hunch has been right so far. You wont go wrong with DVC and you will absolutely love owning at VWL, we do!

 

[zurgswife]

Welcome HOme....

 

[TeresaNJ]

Welcome Home, Ryan, not only will we be DVC neighbors at VWL. but we're also NJ neighbors! We bought in April 2001 at VWL and have not regretted it for a second. We also bought at BCV last May. They are my two very favorite resorts, but VWL is my number one. I love the woodsy mountain lodge atmosphere, decor, and feel of the whole WL resort, and I love the bright, sunny, beachy atmosphere of the Beach Club, plus it's proximity to Epcot and MGM. The nice thing about DVC is that you can stay at any of the resorts! We used points to stay at AKL this past December when we couldn't use our points for a last minute trip to Disney, as that is the busiest time of the year for DVC members. Not the best use of points, but we really wanted to go. My only advice is that if you want to go to Disney during a highly popular, low point time for DVC members, plan early!

 

[rtkane]

Wow.. everyone has made me feel so welcome and really has given me a great feeling about shelling out the cash for DVC. Thanks to all.

TeresaNJ, looks like we are neighbors... South Jersey for me as well (Mt. Laurel exit 40 off 295).

 

[poj7]

Ryan,

I think you made a wise choice buying VWL because you've been there before and it feels like home. That's a great reason for choosing a home resort. We bought in Sept. '02 on our first trip to BCV and felt the same way. We bought there.

I like the point amount you decided on (270) makes a lot of sense. If you want to trade high season for a 2-bedroom with interval or Buena Vista Trading Co. you're covered without borrowing. You also have flexibility of staying any time of the year in basically any type of the DVC accomodations.

Well done. Congratulations!

Paul