Nervous about purchase . . . Help!

[StormTigger]

I have but one regret since joining DVC...

I didn't do it sooner!!

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Keep the good comments coming. We were talking about it to friends today who bad mouthed time shares and it didn't even shake me. I figure as long as dh will let me do the Poly from time to time or another hotel with the "romance spoiling" LOL maid service, it should be great.

We were talking to DS (7) and DD (10) a bit about it tonight at dinner and they seem pretty excited. They don't understand the whold idea of a vacation club or time share, but if it means more Disney and a nice pool they think it sounds just dandy!

wow, Wow, WOW as Figment said in his original attraction! I'm starting to get excited. Still nervous, but you have ALL been so helpful and reassuring. I think most of you have had the reservations about it like I have and have clearly recovered WONDERFULLY!

This really is a great board! Thanks again all.

P.S. Wanna hear a dumb hang up for me? Our son and daughter don't do well sleeping in the same bed and in time it won't be appropriate either. Our guide suggested an aero bed since the only reason we need more than a studio or a 1-bedroom is so they can have their own beds. It seems off to have to pay all this money to have a kid sleep on the floor. Has this been a problem for anyone and how did you resolve it. A 2-bedroom is extreme just for an extra bed.

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Also, how hard is it to make ressies? Do you rarely get what you've requested or is it pretty okay if you're not too specific? Also is it hard to trade out to Interval International. DH and I wouldn't mind spending our 20th anniversary in England using our points.

 

[JimC]

We are very satisfied with our membership. At the very least we stay at better than deluxe resorts for the price of moderates.

Once you start staying at 1 br units you quickly get hooked. We actually prefer not having daily housekeeping. If you need something they are only a phone call away.

The only regret we have is not buying in 1992 when we first looked. But we were saving for a house in 1992 and just could not figure a way to do both.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[jimmytammy]

LizardBeth
Glad to hear things are getting better for you already.

As for the 2 bed deal, our first stay with DD 10 and DS 8 was a studio and we know we can get by with that for a few more yrs but we will be staying in a 2 bed next trip with Grandma making trip. We juggled pts and made it happen. That is so cool cause we arent sacrificing next yrs annual visit. By doing studio first we were able to bank leftover pts and still have pts from next use yr. We dont have a huge amount of pts yet we arent behind for trips down the road. Dont know if this post makes much since, but from my vantage point, DVC has us way ahead of the game and thats good!!

Hang in there cause it just keeps gettin better and better!!!!!!!!!

 

[skelooch]

I bought in May 2002, BCV.
So far have made 3 trips, Studio, 1 BR & 2 BR.
Never regretted for one moment, bought sight unseen.
I think it's great not having maid service, it's nice to know everything is going to be the way you left it when you get back to your room.

You won't be sorry!

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I cannot wait to read your post when you say, "we didn't miss the maid service at all." I have not seen anyone post that they missed it. All the other amenities/conveniences far exceed the maid service, such as larger rooms, microwave and fridge in even a studio, etc., etc. The money that those alone save you outweigh the maid service.

As far as the aerobed, when you start considering using points for a 2-bedroom versus just using points for a 1-bedroom, you will very quickly get over bad feelings about the aerobed. Save those points for another trip. We bought the queen-sized bed at BJ's for $99.00, and it fit just fine in the living room of OKW.

As far as making reservations, make your plans in advance and call as soon asyou know what you want to do. The 11-month window is the best way to go, but you can almost always get something even at less than that window.

 

[sitchu2]

Hi Lizardbeth,

Werent you on the Magic Feb 1 ?? I recognize your screen name.

Anyway , to share our experiences, We first took the tour of DVC in 95 and were going to do anything we could to make it happen, then we became expecting parents again and put vacationing on hold for 6 years.

We got wind of BCV pre selling and had always dreamed of staying there. We added up the cost and figured it paid for itself in 5 years, then we noticed the appreciation in the cost since 95 and we did not want to wait any longer.

We started with 300 BCV points. Then added on 3 times in the last year and a half.

Our first trip to BCV was beyond the description of Superior. We visited a second time after the cruise this Feb, and It was just a Magical wonderful place to stay. We paid for our cruise with our DVC points, not the most practical use of points, but we had so many because we did not sell back our first use year and splurged.

We loved the area so much that we added on at BWV too, I have never stayed there , and have heard good and bad, but I dont think I am the kind of person to let small annoyances ruin my vacation. (Granted they are not small to some it is all IMHO)

Now , when I purchased DVC, I never gave it a second thought, It gave me a happy feeling with no regrets, which is highly different from the way I usually feel when making any larger purchases. I always get a sick feeling thinking maybe I should not have. ( furniture, automobiles ect...) I Never Never had that feeling , It always will give you something wonderful to look forward to which makes everything else in life just seem better, and more tolerable. The planning is so much fun.


sorry for being so long , Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[Smiles4Disney]

I am in the middle of finalizing a surprise 300 point BCV contract as a surprise for my DW. It will be the first actual DVC contract for us and I CAN'T wait to give her the good news(This Thursday...gulp!) We got engaged on a rented pontoon boat on the lake in Epcot on 6-16-96 and have been hooked on WDW since. When I heard that Disney was offering BCV I knew that this would be perfect for us and our DD...8 months old. In fact we already took our DD for her first trip to WDW earlier this year. I know that we are going to enjoy DVC for the rest of our lives!! Don't back out of this...you'll only regret it later.

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Lizardbeth61,

Just wanted to update my response to you... I was the 3rd or 4th poster to reply to you when you started this thread... well, we decided to add-on 200 instead of 150, because the BCV points are selling fast, and we want to increase our contract before any potential price increase comes along. I agree with the other posters saying "wish we'd done it sooner"... I wish we'd bought these additional points in '00 before the subsequent price increases!

But, they'll still appreciate. Hope you see it through!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Smiles4Disney
I am in the middle of finalizing a surprise 300 point BCV contract as a surprise for my DW. It will be the first actual DVC contract for us and I CAN'T wait to give her the good news(This Thursday...gulp!) . .

Smiles4Disney,

"Welcome Home".....and to the DIS!!

Your DW will love this suprise.

 

[Loubon]

We just joined in Feb. with our first trip as members in Aug. With all due respect to the posts that cause concern (because I'm sure within their own contexts they are important to the posters), I really can't be bothered worrying about the toilet paper, the termostat or a whole other variety of issues.

When we go, we will expect the best. If we are wrong we will try again. If we are continually wrong (and only then) we will sell and probably breakeven at worst. I don't expect that at all.

As for the kids getting older one thing that may buy you some time is to sleep with your daughter and have your son sleep with your husband. Just a thought. I have 2 girls so I don't have that problem but we are trying the studio squeeze and I'm sure that won't last long!

 

[DebbieB]

When I bought at Boardwalk in 1999, there were alot of negative posts about it that worried me a little. At that time there was just OKW & BWV at WDW, so it was alot of "my resort is better than yours" type arguments. We've now stayed at OKW 4 times and BWV 3 times and I'm not sorry at all. We didn't always get our requests but it wasn't a big deal. We've never had a major problem with the room. No regrets...

 

[Lizardbeth61]

I get all Disney warm and fuzzy. You all have been so great! I'm actually getting excited as long as I don't let those fears creep in. I think we're "gonna just do it," and stop thinking so darn much! We'd spent a bundle on a camper that we're now trying to sell. That was a bigger mistake than this decision could ever be! I hate camping, but tried it 'cause we thought the kids would love it. I admire those of you who camp, but Disney's my kind of camping!

Maybe it's off the topic, but I have a question or two and since you've all been so helpful and encouraging, perhaps you won't mind. Everyone seems to be talking about adding on points. I can see some reasons for it, but in some cases I can't figure it out. Someone has 700 points? Some have more. Do you have that much vacation time or are you renting your points? What's all that about? I know there's an advantage to having extra contracts because you can get that 11 mos reservation advantage. Is that what it's about?

We're about ready to just go for it so this question isn't to milking your human kindness, but I checked airfare today also to see what we're looking at. I'd forgotten that if we're going to all these DVC's we're going to be spending a lot more in air . . . almost cancelling out the savings. Not sure I really care since we pretty much live for vacation, but has that been an issue with anyone? There are lots of places with interval International that we can trade out that are within driving distance, but with Disney points, it makes a person want to go to a Disney owned place since it's such a class act. Oh well.

Sitchu2, yes, we were on the 2/1 cruise. It was great for us. How about for you? I think Disney needs to build a resort on a Caribbean island that's just like the cruise . . . kids clubs, activities, all inclusive etc. May post a separate thread about this . . . How did you remember me? The name is a bit memorable I'm afraid. Real name's Elizabeth! Get it?

 

[Boardwalk4me]

We joined in 1997 and have never regretted it. If we have ever had problems, they were resolved. We started with 175 points at BWV , we have added 5 times as we can afford. We now have 375 pts at BWV and 325 points at BCV. We are now looking forward to planning towards our retirement and DVC is a part of that. We have taken such wonderful trips with family and friends that we could never have afforded for one trip expenditures. We are now used to staying in luxury resorts that we did not think was in our future a few years ago. Our DD-20 still enjoys
vacationing with us as we all have our own space and privacy. It is a big step to buy into DVC, but the most important advice I
can give you is for you and your DH to be in agreement on this purchase. If you are, then quite possibly (highly likely) you both will have many wonderful years of experiencing all that DVC
has to offer.

 

[sitchu2]

We added on because we did not first plan on more then one trip a year, then with our first annual pass , and some points to spare, we couldnt resist visiting in the summer, now we make it our vacation plan for one summer and one winter trip. I get 4 weeks vacation and DH gets two, so we have to save up.

I added on at Boardwalk for the 11 month window, we have never actually stayed there, but have 2 teenage sons, that we feel will have a great time staying where so much action is. The BWV also took our breath away the first time we saw them, on the Friendship from Epcot the first night we visited in 2001 after not having been there for 6 years. The sight of the lit up BWV was so beautiful and we walked thru the lobby in awe. We caught the bus there to DTD and saw the Cruise ship busses all lined up in front of the Hotel, and that was the start of our larger vacationing dreams which have all come to be

I agree that a Disney Island all inclusive getaway would be the best!! I had a great time on the 2/1 Magic too!!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Lizardbeth61
Maybe it's off the topic, but I have a question or two and since you've all been so helpful and encouraging, perhaps you won't mind. Everyone seems to be talking about adding on points. I can see some reasons for it, but in some cases I can't figure it out. Someone has 700 points? Some have more. Do you have that much vacation time or are you renting your points? What's all that about? I know there's an advantage to having extra contracts because you can get that 11 mos reservation advantage. Is that what it's about?

We have added on a few times to give us 600 pts (300-OKW 300-VB). DW is a teacher and off all summer and Easter week, 10 days at x-mas. I work at GM and get 5 weeks vacation, 10 days at x-mas, 2 week shutdown(all of GM) in July. So yes we have more than enough vacation time to use the points.

We are also fortunate enough to only have the dues payment($200 month), and no house payment. Since we are both only 4 years from retirement(at age 51) we will be spending at least 6 weeks at OKW during winter

. We have never rented our points and don't plan on doing so in the future.

The reason we split our pts into 2 contracts(OKW+VB same use yr) was to have the 11 month window for on-site(OKW) and off-site(VB). I also have 4 brothers and sisters that are DVC members and we combine pts to get 2 GV's or Beach Cottages every other year.

 

[Lizardbeth61]

Thanks to all of you for your encouraging comments. Between all your help and then seeing picutres of all the places on All Ears, I finally told DH, "Okay. Let's finish signing on!" It's done and we are now DVC Memebers and I'm . . . . EXCITED!!!! Can't wait to figure out our trip dates and make ressies! Thanks again.

 

[sitchu2]

Welcome Home Elizabeth and Family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



Here try this link for great pics http://www.***********.com/id247.htm

 

[skelooch]

Welcome Home Lizardbeth61 and congratulations, you wont be sorry.