Looking into Buying

[a_sailor's_wife]

DH and I are looking into buying DVC in the next or so. I'd like to do a little bit more research on it. We've toured, but I'd like to really know the ins and outs before purchasing. Can anyone point me to a good website or an email address that I could tons of questions? Thanks!

 

[OKWNutt]

I am in process of purchasing my first DVC points.
I did A LOT of research before buying.
I would suggest dvcnews.com
Also if you contact the folks at The TimeShare Store (dvc-resales.com) they have a twenty page booklet that they may be able to send you. They also have a number of resale listings.
dvcbyresale.com is another resale broker and they have a lot of information on their site.
And of course Deb's Unofficial Walt Disney Site at allears.net has all sorts of Disney Information including lots of pictures of all of the DVC resorts.
Happy Shopping!!

 

[chalee94]

just ask questions here. (you can also scan through recent threads and do searches to figure out how things work.) there's a lot of information.

here are the basics to see if DVC is a good idea for you:

DVC works best for people who:

1) go to disney at least every other year
2) prefer to stay onsite at deluxes (or at least moderates)
3) can plan their vacations 10 or 11 months in advance
4) can limit Fri-Sat stays since weekend point costs are significantly higher (although this may be changing)
5) intend to use DVC primarily for staying at a DVC resort at disney (rather than trading out for other timeshares or cruises, etc.)
6) need or prefer larger accommodations than a basic hotel room

OTOH, there are lots of good reasons to balk at buying DVC:

1) thousands of $ upfront plus annual fees require a certain level of financial ability and commitment (and still need to pay for tickets and travel, etc.)
2) commitment to wdw/fear of wdw burnout (sorta - while you can trade out, the best value is staying at the DVC resorts)
3) DVC not as deluxe as deluxe hotels in some senses (limited housekeeping, sofabeds, no room service at some DVC resorts)
4) prefer to stay on weekends and weekend point costs are MUCH higher
5) financing a depreciating (sooner or later) luxury purchase is generally a poor idea
6) happy with value hotels
7) amenities like a kitchen and washer/dryer have no value for you
8) you don't/can't plan my vacations 6+ months in advance
9) you enjoy hunting for deals/bargains for each trip

If you’ll be upset when other people can pay cash for a room and get a discount or get “free” dining thrown in, then DVC is not for you.

here are links to a couple of DVC FAQs:

from all ears

from tagrel

 

[DenLo]

There is a good intro to the DVC on DVCNews.com. http://www.dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/dvc-for-beginners

 

[a_sailor's_wife]

Thanks for the information. This is a large purchase if we go with it so I want to be informed. Thanks again!

 

[sjpvac]

One of the other considerations is the declining value of the Disney timeshare investment. With 270 points, I went from a investment in OKW that used to supply admission media, valet parking, etc. with maintenance fees of less that $1000 to the current situation where there are no tickets, no parking, no real ticket discount and maintenance fees of over $1400 per year. While parking is not a big issue, it just points to the fact that Disney continues to reduce the value of the timeshare while they incentivize the general public with free nights, free tickets and free food. Now that RCI is the exchange group instead of Interval, many of the places I might have exchanged for are gone. For the annual maintenance costs involved and constant reduction of benefits, you really have to consider whether there is any longterm value to buying the timeshare or using what would be the annual fees to just stay there.

 

[js]

Thanks for the information. This is a large purchase if we go with it so I want to be informed. Thanks again!

Hi. I sent you a PM. Please let me know if you get all the informaiton.
Also, as I said in the PM, for any t/s purchase, getting information
from tug2.net is a VERY good source for t/s users, buyers and renters.
You do pay yearly for the site (not sure how much since I renew at 3 year increments) but it is less than $20 and VERY worth the price, especially if you are interested in purchasing a t/s/DVC.

My best advice for you is purchase resale. You will save THOUSANDS of dollars. I own three t/s, one of which I own a 3 bedroom in HHI and paid $6,000. We purchased 300 SSR points resale (from the Timeshare Store) and saved close to/a little over $10,000. We didn't need to finance so that was a huge savings!!! (I only say that since I thought the Timeshare Store didn't finance).

Read, read and read more. If you are not in any hurry, start also looking at the thread of what just passed ROFR for the property you wish to purchase to see what a fair market price is for your offer and to make sure it passes through.

Good luck and happy planning!

 

[DenLo]

I saw some good information here on the DVC boards that might help you.

Thread by DVC Mike
Choosing Your Home Resort - What to Consider?
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2152512

Thread by CarolMN
Understanding Use Year
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1942668