Newbie Questions

[lts862]

Hi!
My family and I are travelling to WDW this week. My father has indicated an interest in purchasing into the DVC. Here are a few questions that may help him (and DH and I) understand the program a little better, before walking into the sales presentation.

1)If he wanted to become a member, would he be able to buy into an existing resort (he seems to like the BCV) or is the only availability to new members at the Saratoga?

2) What is the length of ownership? He wants to be sure that my children (who are very young) will be able to use it into adulthood.

3)Is it advantageous to buy a minimum number of points if you will only be traveling every other year, and banking the off years for extended stays?

Any help is appreciated.
Thank you-
Lynn

 

[tjkraz]

1. The only resorts you can buy from DVC now are SSR and Vero Beach. If you want one of the sold-out resorts, DVC MAY offer to help you out, but you are much better off (financially) looking for a resale.

2. All of the contracts end on January 31, 2042 EXCEPT Saratoga Springs. SSR runs through 1/31/2054. Make sure you factor those additional 12 years into your decision.

3. Absolutely. The minimum you can buy direct from DVC is 150, so that would give you 300 points every-other-year. If you don't need that many, you could look for a resale with fewer than 150.

 

[speedway66]

Lynn,

Since you're going to be there anyway, just start talking to to one of the DVC sales agents in the kiosks located EVERYWHERE on Disney property. They all seem to be very nice and no-pressure types, and they can answer your questions better than we can on this board. Also, you can visit the existing resorts and see for yourself what DVC has to offer. Use the internal transportation and explore on your own, without a sales agent.

Also, get lots of points even if you only go every other year. The built-in flexibility can either lengthen your stay or put you in a nicer room/suite- until you figure out that every other year isn't enough!!!

Jim

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by speedway66
Since you're going to be there anyway, just start talking to to one of the DVC sales agents in the kiosks located EVERYWHERE on Disney property. They all seem to be very nice and no-pressure types, and they can answer your questions better than we can on this board.

Well I don't know that I necessarily agree with that.

Yes, the materials and presentations that DVC provides are very valuable, but if you want to talk in terms of getting the Good, the Bad and the Ugly on DVC, the Guides tend to omit the Bad and the Ugly.

When I hear that people were ENCOURAGED to buy Vero Beach even if they intend to always stay on-site, it really makes me question whether it's a case of ignorance on DVC's part or outright deception.

It's also worth noting that DVC doesn't make any money off of resales. I'm sure that they give the impression during their sales presentations that SSR is the ONLY resort available. The fact is not only can you buy the other resorts, but it can be cheaper than buying from DVC.

I would never discourage people from contacting DVC or taking the tours. But supplement that knowledge with the years of real-world experience available on this board. If you know what you are getting into up-front, it reduces the chance of disappointment down the road.

 

[speedway66]

I understand your point, but I stick with my first statement, with a few additions. When we bought into BWV, we knew nothing except we liked the Boardwalk and we wanted to stay at WDW. Period. I think some people get talked into buying in the wrong place because they aren't sure what they want. In that respect, buying into DVC is no different than buying a new car. If you're sure you want a Toyota, they can't talk you into a Hyundai.

Make sure the Sales Agents know what you want, let them make their sales pitch, then LEAVE. Go think about it, log into the forums and browse, or maybe post specific questions. DVC members can't even agree on which resort is best , so take all advice accordingly.

 

[Cruelladeville]

The best advise any of us can give is to buy where you want to stay!! Most times of the year it's not really that important, but it's crucial at Easter and Christmas-New Year's. Now, I don't know Grandpa's age, but I would guess he is at least in his late 50's. He needs to think about passing DVC to YOU not to his grandkids, since he will only get about 15 years out of it. You need to hear the DVC talk, too. DVC is only important for you to take your kids down, not for the kids to inherit, since inheritance will mean a large debt for them, nothing more. I have 700 pts. Can you imagine inheriting those 700 pts, which mean that every year you must PAY $3000? If you have $3000 and like Disney, that's great, but otherwise Grandpa won't be looked upon with fondness. He also needs to consider his later retirement--unless he's different than the rest of us, he will have to depend upon Medicare for any illness later in life. If he has to go into a home for any reason, at $5000 per month, it will eat up his reserves quickly, and Medicare only pays the first month. He will need to sell everything except his house, and that includes DVC. If Grandpa is already in his 60's, he needs to consult a lawyer before he buys. I speak from experience on this--my Dad died last summer.