Newbie to DVC, I have ?'s

[allflgirl]

First, let me say, how great this site is for information. I've been reading for nearly a month and have learned so much about DVC through the questions and answers posted on this board.

I live in the Tampa Bay area and will be touring SSR tomorrow with a Disney representative. This gentlemen sold OKW to my friend nearly 14 years ago, so I feel confident that he'll be able to answer all the specifics about the DVC, however, I still would like to ask some questions of those who have actually owned DVC.

Just for some background, I've lived in FL all my life and have visited Disney more times than I remember, probably going on 100X. My husband worked for Disney when we were first married 18 years ago and we went nearly every Saturday during our first year of marriage. With that said, he and I just got sick of Disney and didn't go back for over 13 years. Our last trip to Disney was in 2001 and I really enjoyed myself. MGM and Animal Kingdom were totally new since I last visited and several things had changed at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot.

Although we haven't gone to Disney in 5 years, we often vacation in the Orlando area for short stays of 2 - 3 days at a time, normally during the week. I love the area and it's just far enough away (approximately 1 1/2 hours) that it really does feel like vacation to us. We go skiing or cruising for the other week per year. Although I don't see myself actually visiting the parks every year, I would LOVE to stay at a WDW property when I do visit Orlando the 5 - 6 days a year that I'm going now. When we visit Orlando we normally stay either at The Peobody, Gaylord Palms and the Omni @ Champions Gate (we're staying there tonight). These are the types of places we normally stay, however, I would prefer a studio room or 1 bed to just a normal hotel room.

Sorry for such a LONG e-mail, but I wanted everyone to have a good idea of where I'm coming from. So, here's my questions:

1. Based on 150 points purchased at SSR, I feel we could take 3 short trips (2 - 3 days during S-T) per year, however, I do not want to stay at SSR more than once a year. How difficult is it to get into the other resorts during the lower seasons (Jan, Sept, early Dec, Nov, May)? We would typically only rent studios and 1 bedrooms. This is very important to me, as I like variety in my yearly vacations, hince why we stay at 3 different Orlando resorts now.

2. The lease on SSR is until 2054. I don't see myself vacationing that long, as I'll probably be in a nursing home by then. We do not have children to leave our ownership to, so I don't see us using this for more than 15 - 20 years, maybe 25 if we stay in good health. At that time, I plan just to sell my membership for as little as I can or possible just trade/sell my points each year to another DVC member. Is my reasoning logical? Current owners, what did you think when you got into it, do most people feel they'll keep it for the entire length of the ownership? If I had children, which I still may, I would definitely pass it onto them, but for now, that's not an option. This is another very important item for me, so I would really appreciate your comments and thoughts.

3. Last question, as a DVC member, if you were touring a property tomorrow, what are some of the things you recommend I pay extra attention to while on the tour? Any specific questions that I should ask that I may not of thought of not being a DVC member? I'm bringing a digital camera to take pictures and a note pad with me so that I can review the pictures and notes when I get home and make my decision then. I never buy on the spot and always sleep on it before I make these types of purchases.

All other questions have been answered by this board or by my friend or can be answered by the rep tomorrow. Again, thanks for reading my thread and giving me your 2 cents.

ORLANDO ROCKS!!

Julia

 

[Granny]

I see this is your first post, and let me be the first to welcome you to the DIS Boards!! Now, let me take a stab at your questions:

1. Based on 150 points purchased at SSR, I feel we could take 3 short trips (2 - 3 days during S-T) per year, however, I do not want to stay at SSR more than once a year. How difficult is it to get into the other resorts during the lower seasons (Jan, Sept, early Dec, Nov, May)? We would typically only rent studios and 1 bedrooms. This is very important to me, as I like variety in my yearly vacations, hince why we stay at 3 different Orlando resorts now.

The lower seasons for general WDW resorts don't necessarily translate into the lower seasons for DVC. In particular, early December is a very popular DVC time period due to the Christmas decorations and the low points needed. Other than that, though, I don't think you'll have much trouble with the other times you noted. At the 7 month window, you can probably get a studio or 1BR at most resorts for January, September, November (before Thanksgiving week starts) and May.

2. The lease on SSR is until 2054. I don't see myself vacationing that long, as I'll probably be in a nursing home by then. We do not have children to leave our ownership to, so I don't see us using this for more than 15 - 20 years, maybe 25 if we stay in good health. At that time, I plan just to sell my membership for as little as I can or possible just trade/sell my points each year to another DVC member. Is my reasoning logical? Current owners, what did you think when you got into it, do most people feel they'll keep it for the entire length of the ownership? If I had children, which I still may, I would definitely pass it onto them, but for now, that's not an option. This is another very important item for me, so I would really appreciate your comments and thoughts.

You can always sell after 20-25 years and there will definitely be some value at SSR with 23-28 years on it. It's hard to project out that far into the future, but if things hold they way they are now, you'll probably get a good percentage of your original payment back. Or you can rent points, though at that age you might not want that kind of hassle. I wouldn't worry about having an asset with years left on it that you can't unload.

3. Last question, as a DVC member, if you were touring a property tomorrow, what are some of the things you recommend I pay extra attention to while on the tour? Any specific questions that I should ask that I may not of thought of not being a DVC member? I'm bringing a digital camera to take pictures and a note pad with me so that I can review the pictures and notes when I get home and make my decision then. I never buy on the spot and always sleep on it before I make these types of purchases.

Good idea to sleep on the decision. And even better idea to research it before you take the tour. You said you've been reading this board for a month, so you have seen many of the questions come up. I did the same thing and when I purchased (on the phone without a tour) I think I might have known more about DVC than my guide!

More so than the notes, I'd focus on mentally comparing the DVC villas you visit with the places you have traditionally stayed in. To us, the most important part of our DVC decision was not to save money but to increase the quality of our vacation time.

It looks like you've already done a lot of homework, and your post suggests a very methodic and excellent approach to this major purchase. Personally, I think DVC will be excellent for you given the frequency of your Orlando trips and because most of your stays will be week nights when the points are lower.

Good luck in your decision, and keep asking questions!

 

[allflgirl]

Thank you Granny for your insights. I am mainly considering DVC for the same reason you did, increasing the quality of my vacation time, while overall keeping the costs of my vacations consistant, something that is hard to do paying cash for the resorts I stay at now. Again, I love Orlando and feel that our vacations there will only be enhanced by staying at one of Disney's vacation clubs. I've seen a 2bd at Boardwalk Villas, as my friend frequently stays there. Outside of the fact it's more like a condo setup, the quality compares to the other resorts that I stay at in Orlando and I've got all the extras that Disney has to offer (restaurants, attractions, night life) right outside of my door.

Thank you again and I'm so looking forward to seeing SSR. I've heard it is absolutely beautiful. They also have a spa onsite, which is my biggest draw to this property.

Have a great weekend all.
Julia

 

[m4travel]

To us, the most important part of our DVC decision was not to save money but to increase the quality of our vacation time.

And this is what you'll find at DVC. As Californians, we purchased (and added on) at Disneyland Resort before ever visiting WDW (or Florida, for that matter). Making that visit last January convinced us that we had made the right decision. Although we have been known to stay 'across the street' from DLR so that we can visit more often, we always prefer to stay on site - especially at the Grand Californian, when the price is right.

Our timeshares in Mexico are not the largest or flossiest resorts, but they are quality which is very important to us. We were very happy with our stay at OKW and tour of SSR this past winter. So happy that we've added on small contracts at OKW and BWV to gain the eleven-month booking advantage at those resorts.

It sounds as if you are approaching your decision very well informed, and I think you'll find that quality experience you're seeking at DVC.

 

[rinkwide]

...touring SSR tomorrow with a Disney representative...

Before you tour, make sure your "representative" knows that you would like to hear about all current promotional discounts but without the pressure of a 3-day expiration date. That may only be for DVC prospects who contact and sign up for the tour while visiting Walt Disney World but you may want to double-check.

On the other hand, if you feel you need a little extra incentive to help you make a decision...

 

[imaniceguy]

Before you tour, make sure your "representative" knows that you would like to hear about all current promotional discounts but without the pressure of a 3-day expiration date. That may only be for DVC prospects who contact and sign up for the tour while visiting Walt Disney World but you may want to double-check.

On the other hand, if you feel you need a little extra incentive to help you make a decision...

Just wondering Rinkwide, would you recommend SSR to family and friends?

the truth

 

[bongo59]

i dont understand all the SSR prejudice..............we own at every resort and our last 3 visits were great at SSR................i just dont get the issues................youre still at WDW and you get more yrs..........there.

 

[Chuck S]

i dont understand all the SSR prejudice..............we own at every resort and our last 3 visits were great at SSR................i just dont get the issues................youre still at WDW and you get more yrs..........there.

I think they're just jealous.

 

[sushinut]

My agent told me that DVC is the only timeshare that has really retained it's value in the timeshare market, b/c Disney maintains a strict control over pricing making sure that points are bought at a decent value...ie: ROFR.

This helps to maintain value. Also DVC points continue to go up as well. However, I think you have a good concept, which is don't buy based on the fact that you will get your money back when you go to sell in 20 yrs.


PS: SSR is great! You can walk to Downtown Disney and boat to Pleasure Island. Besides, rooms are newer. I love it.

 

[tomandrobin]

I really would suggest you buy where you see yourself staying at the most in Disney. Since the length of contract does not seem important to you, the contract difference between SSR and the rest of the resorts are a nonfactor. I think that at the 7 month window, if you bought SSR, you will not have a problem booking, except early December (SSR and OKW would probably be available).

 

[allflgirl]

Thank you all for your responses to my e-mail.

I toured SSR and was also able to see OKW, BWV & BCV. My favorite of them all is definetely, OKW. I just loved the layout of the rooms and the overall atmosphere there.

Our decision is to buy and I'm really looking forward to our first vacation. Now the wait begins.

Thank you all again and I'm so glad I found this site!

Julia

 

[dianeschlicht]

Glad you liked our OKW home!