New to DVC...help!

[sushinut]

Hi everyone. So much good information. Thank goodness for this site! I've learned alot. Wanted to know a couple of quick things:

1) As I'm reading, I'm finding that getting reservations seem to be a major concern for people, I'm wondering. My H and I like to take spontaneous weekend trips. What is the possiblity of getting our first pick resort and room type at the last minute?

2) Also, if I make reservations early and have to cancel, what is the cancellation policy? Is there a penalty?

3) Apparently, Disney only allows 500 of the 2500 interval internation resorts to be rented. Is that correct and how do I get the list of the permitted resorts for exchange?

 

[JimMIA]

Hi everyone. So much good information. Thank goodness for this site! I've learned alot. Wanted to know a couple of quick things:

1) As I'm reading, I'm finding that getting reservations seem to be a major concern for people, I'm wondering. My H and I like to take spontaneous weekend trips. What is the possiblity of getting our first pick resort and room type at the last minute?

That depends entirely on when you want to go, where you want to stay, and what kind of accommodations you want. Many times, you will be successful if you are flexible as to resort. Some times of the year, you will be doomed. The tough thing is that DVC peak times are not necessarily Disney World peak times, so what might seem like a slow time to you, may in fact be an impossible time for DVC. Early December and F&W are classic examples of that.

2) Also, if I make reservations early and have to cancel, what is the cancellation policy? Is there a penalty?

You really need to research that for yourself, and understand it thoroughly. Basically, there is no penalty as long as cancellations occur 31+ days prior to scheduled arrival. OTOH...if the points are borrowed, or if you are close to the end of your use year, or if you've passed your banking deadlines...that's a different kettle of fish. It really depends, and you need to study the nuances so you don't shoot yourself in the foot.

3) Apparently, Disney only allows 500 of the 2500 interval internation resorts to be rented. Is that correct and how do I get the list of the permitted resorts for exchange?

I don't know about the numbers, but certainly most II resorts would be excluded from the DVC program. I assume it's the old GIGO (Garbage In, Garbage Out) principle. DVC is a deluxe timeshare; they are not going to exchange for anything other than very good timeshares because exchanging is a two-way street.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Just my opinion, but it doesn't sound like DVC would be a good fit for you. Have you looked at any other timeshares? Fairfield has a new resort adjacent to Disney property that could be used at other places a bit more easily, plus still get you to WDW. From what I've heard, you want to pick up a resale for Fairfield instead of buying directly from the company to save a lot of money.

 

[sushinut]

Our first priority is still to go to Disney so that's why we purchased the DVC. Because we also are interested in other vacation options, we decided to go with a lower number of points so that we would still have option to vacation elsewhere. From my discussion with other timeshare agents, it seems that DVC is the only timeshare that retains its value down the road, whereas other companies, Marriott, Fairfield, etc... usually depreciate in value. Was a consideration, although not major, in our buying decision.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Our first priority is still to go to Disney so that's why we purchased the DVC. Because we also are interested in other vacation options, we decided to go with a lower number of points so that we would still have option to vacation elsewhere. From my discussion with other timeshare agents, it seems that DVC is the only timeshare that retains its value down the road, whereas other companies, Marriott, Fairfield, etc... usually depreciate in value. Was a consideration, although not major, in our buying decision.

The questions you asked in the op made us all think you were thinking of DVC and not yet an owner. You need to go through your documents so you have at least a little bit of an idea of how the program works, and then come back and ask specific questions. You might also want to visit the DVC website.