Need Some Advice!!!

[BrooklynMomof4]

Hi! I'm a first-timer here, so please bear with me.
My hubby and I already own a timeshare, but we were looking into purchasing into SSR. We love our resort, but nothing beats staying with Mickey. I have tons of questions, and would love experienced advice on any and all of them:
(1) I saw there's an increase due for March, but we were considering going down to tour the villas first when we're in Orlando in August. Should we wait to purchase until then? Are there any incentives for purchasing onsite versus purchasing from home?
(2) When will my points be ready for use? How long does the closing take?
(3) How often can I bank my points (we're dying to do Disney Cruise Line)?
(4) I see some DVC points for resale online. Is it possible, like with other timeshares, to pool all of the Disney points, although they're from different resorts?
(5) Is the expiration date for SSR for all members, or for those who joined on a specific date?
(6) How far in advance would you recommend reserving your stay if you use DVC?
(7) What exchange fees are involved when using DCL or other resorts?
Would love any answers at all -- thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The price per point goes up in early March. You can purchase a resale through an authorized reseller.

Home resort points have an 11 month advantage for making reservation. At 7 months any resort points may be used.

You can bank for up to one year. You can also borrow for one year.

If you purchase directly from Disney, you will close quickly and will be able to make a reservation almost immediately. If you go resale, it will take a month or more.

OKW, BWV, BCV, VWL VB and HHI end in 2042. SSR ends in 2054. AKV ends in 2057.

If you want to go at a busy time (school breaks, holidays, low point times) you'll want to make that reservation at 11 months or 7 months exactly if not at your home resort. There are some villas you will not get without home resort advantage - BW view at BWV, standard view at BWV, two bedroom dedicated with two queens in the second bedroom at BCV, 3 bedroom Grand Villas at OKW, BWV or SSR.

 

[IndianaMouseLover]

We called our guide on a Monday to start the deal. I gave a down payment on a creditcard at that time. I was able to book my first trip the next evening. We received the paper work about a week later. The paper work said closing would take about 3-4 weeks. I hope this helps.

I believe to stay at one of the other resorts at WDW or DL it doesn't cost anything. But to do DCL or any of the other trips there is a nonrefundable $75 fee. don't hold me to this statement, but this is how I understand it.