Newbie with Questions

[lclrml]

Hello out there!
This all started after I wanted to book a 10 day cruise to Tahiti this summer. My husband said he didnt want to take 10 days off work and fly to Tahiti and then he said we can go to Disney every year if you want to!!!!
We saw a DVC presentation in 2001 - we didnt really think it would fit our lifestyle then and we were looking at it to use points for trips outside of the Disney properties.
Well, now it is 2003 and we will be adopting from China later this year so we now have a little one who will always want to go and hopefully take the attention off me wanting to go
Anyways, I contacted DVC via the internet on Sunday and asked to be called. Yesterday, I didnt get a call so I called them and she asked for my name. The guy that helped us in 2001 was not in and she said they would send out the complete packet and he would call me. Well, still, no call...
How long does it take to get the packet of info and is there issues getting ahold of people at DVC?? I guess im just really ansy
I think DVC would be great for us now because we will at least go every other year and we generally go on long weekends - however, we can go for a week Dec - March. We like to stay at Poly concerg (I probably should have joined this before my trip in 2003) however, I think the DVC resorts will be nice with the small kitchens, etc. So, if were were to go for a week a year (I know times vary with rates) would 150 points be sufficient?
Also, in everyones opinion, what DVC is the most upscale? I like SSR because we always go to Downtown Disney at night but I like beach club too because of its closeness to epcot. Any reccomendations?
My husband is in Orlando now on buisness so I was hoping to have most of the legwork of investigation done before he gets home on Saturday.
Thanks,
Lisa

 

[spiceycat]

if you are buying from DVC - then SSR is what they are selling - I think all the DVC resorts are upscale - but that is my taste - not necessary yours.

Some sales guide get back in touch quick - others don't.

I think the pack takes around 10 days to get to you - it is big.

weekend are not the best deal - point wise.

go to the top of this board and click on the dvc points chart - they will give you an ideal about what you will need.

 

[lclrml]

Thank you for your response. I forgot to ask two other questions.
1) Are small pets allowed for DVC members? as we have two birds that love to travel.
2) Do you get all the same "stuff" books, etc.. if you buy resale?
Thanks again,
Lisa

 

[spiceycat]

no pet are allowed - but there are kennels in all theme parks and FW. - FW and Epcot are the closest to SSR and OKW.

I haven't brought resale - so I don't know - they have to send you something because the program is very hard to understand.
Of course they may be counting on DVC - just sending you the DVC member guide book.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by lclrml
So, if were were to go for a week a year (I know times vary with rates) would 150 points be sufficient?

That largely depends on the size of room you want and the time of year. You can get a studio for a full week at SSR for under 100 points most of the year. A 1B will be more like 182 per week in the lowest season, and it goes up from there.

You really do need to study the point charts to get a feel for it. Weekends (Fri, Sat) normally cost twice as many points as a weeknight. So, your points will go a lot further if you are content with a 5 night / 6 day stay. Some people will pay cash for the weekends or even stay at different resorts. This December we have a trip planned and are tentatively planning to arrive on Saturday evening. We would then spend that first night at a WDW Value resort or even off-site with our solitary goal being a good night's sleep. The next morning we will check in at SSR and plant ourselves there for the next 5 nights.

Also, in everyones opinion, what DVC is the most upscale? I like SSR because we always go to Downtown Disney at night but I like beach club too because of its closeness to epcot.

I don't think any one resort is more upscale than the others. But that's my personal opinion. Kinda like different flavors of ice cream--it depends upon what your taste might be.

SSR will have a full spa on site, so you could probably make an argument for that resort being the most upscale. Of course the only dining facilities will be counter service, so don't expect anything extravagant in that regard.

Ultimately you will want to figure out which resort is your favorite and purchase at that resort. The 4 month exclusive booking window may get more and more important in the coming years.

If you like the Downtown Disney area, I'd give a lot of consideration to SSR. It will probably cost you a bit more than one of the other resorts via resale, but the contracts run 12 years longer than all of the other DVC properties. Both BWV and BCV are right near Epcot. Chances are you will be able to book one of those two resorts often enough to satisfy your Epcot "fix".

 

[fsubigdogs]

I was told you should buy 160 pts. since trading weeks and such take atleast that many and you won't have to borrow. As far as you going to downtown at night forget it now that your adopting a little one I would'nt worry about nightlife. Either way I am sure you will enjoy...

 

[lclrml]

Yes, we probably wont be going downtown much late at night but we could still go for a nice early dinner.
The only thing that concerns me with SSR is the counter service but that probably is because DD is so close by with all the great dining options.

 

[rocketriter]

Once your little'un is old enough to want to go to sleep when you want to stay up, you'll start wishing you had enough points for a 1-bedroom. Besides, that full kitchen, washer-dryer and jacuzzi are mighty nice. If you can afford it (now or as a planned add-on in the future), consider taking enough points to get the 1-bedroom.