Looking to join

[Dax]

Hi everyone. I am looking to join the DVC and was looking for opinions on how the program is? I am looking to VWL as my home resort but have yet to take any tours. Still gathering info. I am a young 23 yr old who is engaged to a soon to be 25yr old. Any tips advice comments?

 

[Donald Duck 57]

Hi Dax,
We just became members on 5/18/01. We took the tour of the VWL and loved the rooms and the grounds. The staff was friendly and helpful. As far as an opinion I would really consider buying into the program. We are in are mid 30's and wished we did this long ago. If you like going to Disney then this is for you and the location as a home resort can't be beat. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

[Tiggeriffic]

I think the general opinion of people on this board is that DVC is great. You should definitely read the DVC FAQ post. It will answer a lot of your questions.

I'm not sure if you're looking at VWL because you love it or just because that's the only on-site property that Disney is now selling. If it is the latter, you may want to consider a resale. There are some BWV and OKW resales available. Currently, they may not save you much money, but the strongest advice most people will give you is to buy where you plan to stay!! This is extremely important so that you can get the 11 month booking advantage.

I'm sure other people will chime in with their advice, but keep asking questions.

Good luck!!

 

[A1A1]

Congratulations on your engagement and best wishes on the upcoming marriage.

The program is wonderful, and has allowed for our vacationing when I don't believe I would have otherwise forced myself to take one. I love the disney hospitality, which is why I wanted to join the club. I trust disney, where I don't trust other well known names as much. The program is flexible in that you can vacation at different locations in and out of WDW, you can vacation at different times of the year, or you can postpone your vacation without losing your points for up to three years. You do that by banking and borrowing points. The accommodations are first rate.

If you have the cash to buy in, definitely consider doing it. You may be able to finance your initial by-in, which is a minimum of about $10,500 plus your annual dues (minimum of about $500 per year). Or you could pay cash or credit card. You could pay the annual dues all at once or monthly.

If you plan to vacation each year for the next forty years, or every other year, vary the length of your stay, invite family and friends down with you, so as to vary the size of your accommodations, this might be for you.

Just one thing: Not to get too personal, but do you own a home or plan to in the near future? You may wish to consider that large chunk of money for a downpayment on a home instead. The DVC has no investment value other than the enjoyment you get from vacationing. A home for you and your new bride might be the better investment if you have to choose between the two. If you already have a house or do not want one, pardon me. Just trying to help with all sides of this big purchase.

 

[dtheboys]

I'm sure that you have read enough of the posts on this board!
What does everyone say:..... I only wish that I would of done it earlier and bought more points.
So I don't think that you will ever regret your purchase.
WELCOME HOME!!! I never get to be the first to Welcome anyone home!!
SO.....Now I am!! WECOME HOME!!!
Doug

 

[wdwnut]

hi: another general opinion you'll find on this board is:
"wish we would've done this sooner!", me included. still kicking myself for not buying in in 93.

 

[Ed T]

Hello:

I guess I can echo all the above sentiments but most importantly to buy where you are going to want to stay. The 11 month booking window I believe is going to become more and more important as DVC grows.

I sent you a PM so check this out for more info.

Ed
DVC 1994

 

[crazyaboutdisney]

Just do it!!! I wish that i was your age when I joined. I'll be in my 80's and still be going down those water slides. The thing that makes me the happiest about dvc is knowing how many great vacations my ds5 and dd7 months still have to look forward to. Don't hesitate ,JUST DO IT!!!

 

[Rob_b]

Dax,

I joined when I was 27 and my girlfriend(now wife) was 25. I justified the 1/2 down payment as a honeymoon. We used our points on a 4 day cruise and 7 nights at BWV. I purchased in 99. I paid off my loan in Feb this year.

I think it would be a great compliment to your annual pass.

 

[rombar]

I LOVE how you justified it Rob! Great advice!

 

[KNWVIKING]

Take the $$$ your planning on spending on a big wedding and use it to purchase more points. Take your wedding gift money and buy more points. Take the $600.00 tax rebate and buy more points. don't have kids for a few years and buy more points. Maybe I'm being a little too subtle but you won't be disappointed.

PS: If your new bride has a trust fund or inheritence.....

 

[Richnj]

A Disney Wedding with a DVC honeymoon. Do It all! A wedding you will never forget and A great place to vacation with the your wounderfull wife and A Grand Villa for those extra little people.

 

[akghutton]

My husband and I joined in 99 when we found out I was pregnant for our son. We looked at it as a gift for our child and any other kids that come along in the future. We saw it as a way to insure that we have some great family vacations for years to come. We were both 27 when we joined and were also planning on buying a house, which we did later that year. Just look over your finances and be sure not to spread yourself too thin. You want DVC membership to be a source of great joy, not great stress. Two years later we are glad we joined before we had kids because now that we have one, there doesn't seem to be as much extra spending money We are taking our son to the Jefferson in DC through DVC this summer and are going home to BWV next summer. That is one of the main reasons we love DVC: you are forced to take much needed vacations.
Good luck with your decision!

PS To Rob: Greetings from a fellow Rochesterian