know almost nothing, please help!!

[cristen]

Hi everyone, I was thinking og a timeshare, then I found this forum with so much info. Thanks. I just called Disney for them to send me a video with their info. I was wondering if that is enough, or is there much more I need to know before buying. I want to make sure this is going to be worth it & that I don't get something wrong because I am misinformed. ANY info would be a lot of help thanks Cristen

 

[WDWguru]

First off, let me say WELCOME to the Dis! You'll find many friendly and knowledgable folks here.

You should start by taking the FAQ (frequently asked questions) link at the top of this forum. This will answer most of the basics. The video and information from Disney will also help. Don't hesitate to ask your guide anything either - they're definitely unlike any other "timeshare" sales people in the universe - NO pressure whatsoever.

Once you've got the basics, come back here and post any questions you have. There will be little things you don't understand or don't find answers to, and that's what we're here for.

Hope to see you back soon!

 

[HookdonWDW]

Kim,

You are so right when you say that DVC is like no other timeshare out there. We had been to a few other timeshare presentations in the past, and were turned off by there strong-arm tactics, fuzzy math, and fast talk. We actually almost bought at one, until the sales-slime told dh that we could get double usage if we signed an agreement to NEVER STAY at our home resort!! (We were living in Hawaii at the time) That was the first time we started believing in the "buy where you want to stay philosophy". Why would I buy a timeshare, and never plan on staying at it?

Our DVC Guide (Randy) was so low-key from the get-go. He gave us the information we requested, and he's always been there to answer our questions. He called us as soon as BVC went on the market because he knew we wanted it, but he never tried to ply us with a zillion reasons why we "had to" buy at DVC. That's what I love about DVC... I think the program is so great it sells itself - no need for strong arm salesmen!

 

[cristen]

Thank you for replying so soon. I have been reading everything I can find on it & have read the FAQ. I have never been to WDW, but grew up in Disneyland. We are planning to go to WDW from now on, & is why I am looking. But having never been there I was wondering what resort do people think is the best or most popular? & what are maintenance fees? How much do they run a year, & things like that. Will I get most of this info from the video? Thanks again. Cristen

 

[WDWguru]

DVC has four resorts right now on Disney property, with two more planned in the next few years. If you're buying through Disney, only Beach Club Villas is available for purchase right now. However, you will find resales available through the Timeshare Store (linked at the top of this board) or atimeshare.com. There you will find older properties like Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas and the Villas at Wilderness Lodge.

To answer which is most popular is like asking someone which of their kids they like best. They're all fantastic but everyone has different things they like about each. Old Key West is on a golf course, with several different buildings made up of many units in each. It's a bit more spread out and away from the hussle and bussle. Boardwalk and Beach Club are in a more active area and within walking distance to MGM and Epcot. They are traditional hotel style buildings, as is Villas at Wilderness Lodge. The VWL is much like the main lodge - very tranquil and woodsy. It is very close to the Magic Kingdom (by boat or bus) but is also off on its own a bit with a woods/lake setting and very relaxing. Again, it just depends what atmosphere you like. You may want to visit www.disneyvacationclub.com as they have detailed descriptions. floor plans and photos of all the properties.

AND don't forget you can use your points to stay at ANY of these fabulous places! So don't feel like you have to lock yourself into just one! Where your ownership comes in is you'll have the opportunity to book 11 months ahead of your trip at your home, but just 7 months at other DVC resorts. So if you often go at busy times or during school vacations, this may make a difference.

Finally, dues. They are based on your points and vary from resort to resort. I believe they range from about $3.25 to $3.75 per point (please correct me if I'm wrong, fellow DISers) and are paid annually in January. You can arrange to pay them month by month if you do a direct debit from your checking or savings account.

I hope that helps - if you have any other questions, just post!

 

[adamak]

I think you should consider visiting WDW or Disneyland first before buying into DVC. Sure, you can research as much as you want, but if you don't think you'll like the environment, that' s just going to be a waste of money.

Make one trip to WDW. Visit DVC. You can even get credit for the trip if you buy into DVC.

 

[ncligs]

2002 Dues vs. 2001 Dues
OKW = $3.22 vs. $3.13 = +3%
BWV = $3.92 vs. $3.83 = +2%
VWL = $3.80 vs. $3.63 = +5%
HH = $3.49 vs. $3.32 = +5%
Vero= $4.17 vs. $3.97 = +5%

 

[Richyams]

Make one trip to WDW. Visit DVC. You can even get credit for the trip if you buy into DVC.

This isn't true anymore.

This was an old Magical Beginings incentive. It ended about four years ago.

The current incentive is $5 off per point or some free nights in WDW hotels...at BCV.

 

[JonHM]

that if she decides to buy shortly after she arrives, that they can (given availability) transfer her from where she's staying into a villa using her first year's points? We decided to visit DVC at the very end of our expensive stay at GF, and after I got back I read about someone who had visited DVC at the beginning of their trip, decided to buy, got transferred to BWV, and all of the money they *had* been going to spend on their hotel room instead went towards their DVC purchase. So I know that that was going on as recently as the beginning of last June.