Newbies here ... just joined DVC

[BananaCupCake]

Just came back from the WDW trip couple days ago. We decided to join the DVC on the very last day. In the past 5 years been to there 3 times with kids and it seems like we will keep going there every year or 2. So might as well. Hope we made the right choice...

We picked Polynesian as our home resort. But I have a question here, other than we can book 4 months ahead of non-home resort member, any other kind of difference on the home resort? Apprently some resort they required less money per point. Thoughts - since the points are all the same, would that be better value if I pick a resort required less money per point and take advantage booking a more expensive resort?

 

[disneynutz]

Like anything that you buy, you need to understand the product. DVC has pluses and minuses and each resort has something different to offer. Buying direct from Disney costs more and they only offer you the resort that is currently considered available by their management even though all resorts are available direct.

If you are unsure, I suggest that you rescind the contract and take some tome to read the posts here in the DVC section of the DIS. Later if you still want to buy direct, you can.

Bill

 

[bwvBound]

• Annual Dues vary based on Home Resort.
• The Poly lacks standard 1BR, 2BR, 3BR GV units. (Yes, the Bungalow is a 2BR -- but priced exceptionally higher than a typical 2BR or 3BR GV at other locations.)
• Buying resale (used) will always be fewer $$ per point on the initial buy-in.

 

[chalee94]

If you will be disappointed to get stuck somewhere besides the poly, you probably made the right call.

If you want the best deal, resale is better.

The home resort window can be valuable sometimes. If you can book 11 months out, you would almost never be disappointed.

 

[magicaldisney]

Did you research before doing this purchase on your vacation? If so, and you are fully educated on how DVC works, then you know if what you purchased is right for you and your family. If you did not have time to fully research DVC before purchasing, then you might feel better equipped to make the best decision for your situation after rescinding and starting over. You have a short time to rescind, but that is an option. Did you visit other DVC resorts before making this purchase? Example, would your children prefer Stromalong Bay at Beach Club, so you would be better off owing that resort? Would you like to take advantage of the low points needed for the value rooms at Animal Kingdom Villas, requiring you to own there?

There are scenarios that can come up in future visits to WDW that can make you happy where you own, but there are also reasons you may not want to own the Poly. If you are not sure, you should take some time to be sure.

 

[BananaCupCake]

Thanks for all your advice. Good that I found this board!
My husband prefer to get luxury resort and options of transportation in poly are good. We did stay in AK Kidani studio suite before but for some reason he doesn't like it. Kids love it too as they can see MK across from the lake. However, will need to do some extensive research to ensure we got the right thing we need but have to do it in this few day before the end of 10 days.

 

[mouseaider]

I've got two words for you....... BOAT HORNS!

I've stayed at the Poly and I will never stay there again. The Ferry Boat for MK sounds the horn for every departure and arrival, We had a MK View room (now a DVC studio) and we didn't get any sleep at all! If your hubby wants luxury you might better bought in at the Grand Floridian.

 

[dizfan]

Each resort has a different expiration year.

Jan 31, 2042 - BCV, BWV, HHI, VB, VWL
Jan 31, 2042 or Jan 31, 2057 - OKW. Varies because Disney offered an extension and some bought it, some did not.
Jan 31, 2054 - SSR
Jan 31, 2057 - AKV
Jan 31, 2060 - BLT, VGC
Jan 31, 2062 - Aulani
Jan 31, 2064 - VGF
Jan 31, 2066 - PVB

Some decide on the value by dividing the price they paid by the remaining years. Resale is certainly a better value, but it requires some patience. It also comes with what many call minor restrictions. Each person is different and only you can decide what works best for you.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[freediverdude]

Wow, I did not realize that the BCV and BWV only have 26-27 years left. That could be a factor in buying the newer resorts instead- if you're in your 30's, say, chances are you would outlive the contracts at BCV or BWV. As opposed to the Poly right now where they are offering 51 yearly sets of points buying new from Disney.

 

[chalee94]

Wow, I did not realize that the BCV and BWV only have 26-27 years left. That could be a factor in buying the newer resorts instead- if you're in your 30's, say, chances are you would outlive the contracts at BCV or BWV. As opposed to the Poly right now where they are offering 51 yearly sets of points buying new from Disney.

the other side of that is that you are statistically unlikely to still be a DVC member 12-15 years out.

if you really want to stay at BCV for stormalong bay, or at BWV in the cheaper standard villas, you can do that by owning there while it's more of a crapshoot if you own elsewhere.

 

[thebigman65]

You didn't mention how many kids you have, so the other thing you might want to consider is that when they get older a 1 bdrm may be a better option. You do not have that option at the Poly. Yes they have adjoining Studio's, but from my understanding you are not guaranteed to be side by side, unless that has changed.

Good Luck!

 

[magicaldisney]

Just curious what you decided to do? You are just about at your 10 day mark or close to it.

 

[freediverdude]

I think if someone is unlikely to be a member for more than 12-15 years (basically just buying it for raising-kids years) then they probably should not be buying. That's right at the point where DVC starts to turn into a really good deal. You should be buying for the years after that.

And if you need a 1 bedroom then probably should be trying to buy at VGF or BLT, although true I haven't found out if they will guarantee the connected studios at Poly, that's a good question.

 

[zavandor]

Thanks for all your advice. Good that I found this board!
My husband prefer to get luxury resort and options of transportation in poly are good. We did stay in AK Kidani studio suite before but for some reason he doesn't like it. Kids love it too as they can see MK across from the lake. However, will need to do some extensive research to ensure we got the right thing we need but have to do it in this few day before the end of 10 days.

DVC is going to sell the Poly for the next few years and before increasing the price, they often give a "last minute call, hurry up to get the deal" warning. So my suggestion is: unless you are 100% sure you know everything you need, just cancel within the 10 days and maybe buy again a bit later, if you still want. You are not going to loose anything.
DVC is a complex system and getting to know all the inns and out may take some time. I read every single post on these boards for 5 months before purchasing. The more you know, the less the chances that you may regret it.

 

[BananaCupCake]

Just curious what you decided to do? You are just about at your 10 day mark or close to it.

After lots of research online and reading, we decided to keep it. GF sold out already so it's not in our option. I told my DH the boat horn seems like a problem with all the reviews and he said he is fine (not sure about kids). We have big family and our siblings, nieces and nephaws would be able to enjoy the benefit and get our money worth a while.

 

[southerngirl528]

Hi Bananacupcake! Welcome Home!

Like you, I have 3 kids and this is one of the main reasons I bought DVC 22 years ago. Yes. You read that right. 22 years ago, so I more than disprove the ol' "12-15 years" thing. Not saying some folks don't want to sell after that long, but I could give you a Santa sized list of members like myself that have been around since OKW first opened. And we love it!

I moved to FL several years after becoming a DVC Member, and of course in 22 years, my small 3 kids, have become young adults. Soooo…..folks ask me, "Do you even still NEED your DVC membership" I mean, you live here now,". I always laugh! Why? Because my family just keeps on growing! 2 of my 3 are now married and I have 2 step kids, one of whom is married, and one will be getting married in a few months. When each of them get married, I give them a wedding gift of a week wherever they want to go in the world (that I can book via DVC). They choose, I book it for them to use on their first anniversary. Two have chosen 7 nt Disney cruises, and one has chosen Hawaii. Pretty sure the stepson will be choosing Hawaii as well.

My kids live all over the country now, so each year I book a Grand Villa for a week and send out the invites to see how many kids I can gather at one time. It's great. If they were to all show up, I would need a GV PLUS a Studio! At the very least. The "kids" are starting to have their own kids now. No doubt you're getting the picture that I happily use my nearly 500 points each year!!!

I think a valuable thread for you to read is the "How Many Points Do You Have?" thread. Sorry I was mid-typing so I don't have the link to post for you. That thread lists lots of long time members and how they love using their points.

Though I totally get why some folks rush to tell a brand new DVC Member to rescind, it is NOT the right recommendation for everyone. If someone knows that they know they will never, ever, ever use their points for anything but DVC resorts and/or trade for another TS via RCI, then that might be a good decision for them. But DVC does retain the right to change the rules for resale members at any time. For several years resale members were treated just like any direct buying member, but that changed a good number of years ago. I would not be surprised to see it change again, though who knows? Just keep in mind that there are a couple of folks here that are in the resale business. It's always wise to consider what folks have to say, and to explore all your options, like resale. But if you have decided it's best for your brood, be happy, and if you enjoy your membership as much as I have mine for over two decades, you will be very happy you joined! We have used our membership for DCL about 8 times over the years. And many of those cruise I truly would not have been able to pay the cash rate. It was wonderful to not have to come up with anything but the $95 booking fee. And yes, cruises DO cost a lot of points as they are all-inclusive so it is certainly not your best bang-for-your-buck.

Lastly, as the mom of 3 who has rarely stayed in a Studio, (after all, I'm a spoiled longtime OKW member! LOL!), I have to say that after seeing the Poly Studios a few times, I think they will far and away be the most comfortable for a larger family to stay in because the rooms are quite large by Disney standards, and the huge split bathrooms will be a great asset for you. The Polynesian is a special resort loved by many since WDW opened. Since you have decided to keep your new membership, learn from the great folks here, so that you can put your brand new membership to its very best use for YOUR family!

 

[chrisaman]

Great post southerngrl. I hope to have my dvc membership for 22 years. We only have 100 vgc points right now. Got it for disneyland half marathon weekend. I am hoping to add on some day enough points for a one bedroom every year for a week at disneyworld. Can't wait to some day have family gatherings at disneyworld. People like you are why the bug exists in us dvc'rs to keep buying more

 

[gmboy95]

Just came back from the WDW trip couple days ago. We decided to join the DVC on the very last day. In the past 5 years been to there 3 times with kids and it seems like we will keep going there every year or 2. So might as well. Hope we made the right choice...

We picked Polynesian as our home resort. But I have a question here, other than we can book 4 months ahead of non-home resort member, any other kind of difference on the home resort? Apprently some resort they required less money per point. Thoughts - since the points are all the same, would that be better value if I pick a resort required less money per point and take advantage booking a more expensive resort?

Easy for me to say, as i originally bought at $70 a point....but i also bought a resale a few years later, and found it to be so much cheaper then the prices at the time through Disney...and if you are looking for monorail, there are BLT and GFV resales available in places

 

[gmboy95]

Hi Bananacupcake! Welcome Home!

Like you, I have 3 kids and this is one of the main reasons I bought DVC 22 years ago. Yes. You read that right. 22 years ago, so I more than disprove the ol' "12-15 years" thing. Not saying some folks don't want to sell after that long, but I could give you a Santa sized list of members like myself that have been around since OKW first opened. And we love it!

I moved to FL several years after becoming a DVC Member, and of course in 22 years, my small 3 kids, have become young adults. Soooo…..folks ask me, "Do you even still NEED your DVC membership" I mean, you live here now,". I always laugh! Why? Because my family just keeps on growing! 2 of my 3 are now married and I have 2 step kids, one of whom is married, and one will be getting married in a few months. When each of them get married, I give them a wedding gift of a week wherever they want to go in the world (that I can book via DVC). They choose, I book it for them to use on their first anniversary. Two have chosen 7 nt Disney cruises, and one has chosen Hawaii. Pretty sure the stepson will be choosing Hawaii as well.

My kids live all over the country now, so each year I book a Grand Villa for a week and send out the invites to see how many kids I can gather at one time. It's great. If they were to all show up, I would need a GV PLUS a Studio! At the very least. The "kids" are starting to have their own kids now. No doubt you're getting the picture that I happily use my nearly 500 points each year!!!

I think a valuable thread for you to read is the "How Many Points Do You Have?" thread. Sorry I was mid-typing so I don't have the link to post for you. That thread lists lots of long time members and how they love using their points.

Though I totally get why some folks rush to tell a brand new DVC Member to rescind, it is NOT the right recommendation for everyone. If someone knows that they know they will never, ever, ever use their points for anything but DVC resorts and/or trade for another TS via RCI, then that might be a good decision for them. But DVC does retain the right to change the rules for resale members at any time. For several years resale members were treated just like any direct buying member, but that changed a good number of years ago. I would not be surprised to see it change again, though who knows? Just keep in mind that there are a couple of folks here that are in the resale business. It's always wise to consider what folks have to say, and to explore all your options, like resale. But if you have decided it's best for your brood, be happy, and if you enjoy your membership as much as I have mine for over two decades, you will be very happy you joined! We have used our membership for DCL about 8 times over the years. And many of those cruise I truly would not have been able to pay the cash rate. It was wonderful to not have to come up with anything but the $95 booking fee. And yes, cruises DO cost a lot of points as they are all-inclusive so it is certainly not your best bang-for-your-buck.

Lastly, as the mom of 3 who has rarely stayed in a Studio, (after all, I'm a spoiled longtime OKW member! LOL!), I have to say that after seeing the Poly Studios a few times, I think they will far and away be the most comfortable for a larger family to stay in because the rooms are quite large by Disney standards, and the huge split bathrooms will be a great asset for you. The Polynesian is a special resort loved by many since WDW opened. Since you have decided to keep your new membership, learn from the great folks here, so that you can put your brand new membership to its very best use for YOUR family!

we are also 15 years in and love it more today now that the kids are older....this was a great post!!!!

 

[com_op_2000]

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