Newer Members: Did you rent first?

[CRSNDSNY]

Rented a Studio in BWV for December 12 - 14, 2003.
Bought SSR early September 2003.

No regrets so far.

 

[MinnieGi]

Yes, we rented and then bought. I had to convince DH that DVC was for us!! He loved our rented point stay that by the third day we had an appointment with the DVC sales team. We then toured the properties and decided we wanted to buy at BWV. So as soon as we got home last Nov. we started looking for a BWV resale. We just had our first stay "home" the last week in October and DH even agrees we made a fantastic decision to join DVC!

 

[Lexxiefern]

We rented points for a studio at VWL in April (right before Easter) as a way of saving $$$. I wouldn't say we loved it - VWL is not for us - but I had discovered these boards before our trip and was already on my way towards addiction About 2 weeks after we got back we bought. We really loved the BWI when we stayed there and figured the villas would be just as nice. Little did we know they were BETTER!!!

So yes we rented first and then bought.

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

We just bought (July 2003) we're renting a few points for next trip.

Allison an associate

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Although we didn't stay at VWL, we did stay at WL prior to purchasing DVC. We were enthralled with the Lodge, and knew VWL would be a great fit...

PS- Almost forgot... No, I did not rent.

MG

 

[crcormier]

My best friends bought into it on one trip we all took down together because her sister owned. Then my girlfriend and I stayed with them at BWV and AKL last summer on their points, and my sister rented a 2BR BCV this summer for her DH, DD, me and my parents. My parents and I took the tour while we wour down there and right after I got back I bought into BCV, and so did my parents at BWV! And in just 14 days I head home for the first time! YAY!

 

[Lisa F]

We didn't rent but we DID stay at the Boardwalk Inn on an AP rate once. We were there about 10 minutes before falling completely in love with the place (and we had a view of the bus stop). We saw the DVC signs and figured that it would be a ripoff, but decided to hear the spiel anyway. When we ran the numbers (bought in in 1999 for $65/point minus $10/point for magical beginnings, though we had to pay prorated dues on those points we sold back so effectively we paid $57/point for our points) and realized that a studio that time of year (in january) would cost us about $530 for the week through DVC even taking into account interest for financing the purchase whereas our great AP rate was about $1300 for the same january week. It was a no brainer.

Of course the downside with DVC is that you stay "just once" in a larger unit to try it out and you QUICKLY become spoiled. Of course we are going to be paying less than that original AP rate for a 1 bedroom (twice the room, 10x the luxury) for a week during food and wine festival, about $1100 for the week... on the other hand, AP rates have gone up a bit so that even if we COULD get a boardwalk room during food and wine, it would run us more like $1550 for the week if we were to pay cash for a regular room with AP discount, so I think we are STILL ahead. I love my DVC!

 

[TandyR]

I point my finger at Lisa F as the reason we bought. I have known her and her husband for years and in 2001 when my DH and I decided to take our two DD to WDW, Lisa F helped us plan the trip. My family ended up staying at WL and Lisa F and her husband stayed at VWL we got to see their room and we loved it and then they explained DVC to us and then took us to have the speal and a tour and my DH and I took a few months and we decided it was right for us and never looked back.

 

[OurDogCisco]

We bought totally unseen. I am from California so it isn't easy to plan a quick trip to WDW to check out DVC. We are familar with timeshares though because we own a marriott. So, we know we don't like staying in hotels anymore. The last time we were at WDW we stayed at Polynesian which we loved but the room was too small. I like having a kitchen even though I don't intend to cook gourmet meals in it. But it is nice to cook a breakfast or lunch for the kiddos. We love Disney so, I just picked a resort near Epcot because that is our favorite place so, even when the kids go away to college we'll still have a fun place to go. I bought into BCV! Crazy I know....

 

[pmcpmc]

we bought Oasis Lakes and started a 3 day give away stay.
Our oldest wanted picked up at 2:00am at Pleasure Island on the first night.(didn't like the future as a taxi driver)
Went to Boardwalk that Day did the tour and Bought at Boardwalk ,our guide Cancelled Oasis Lakes and we moved to Boardwalk for the rest of our stay.
The rest is history.

 

[Fenceman]

I stumbled upon HH looking for a quick vacation. We had no intention of buying into a "Timeshare". The day we were supose to leave we were in the office signing on the dotted line.

It was a cash ressie.

 

[pjshaff]

No, actually I found this board and got hooked. Did alot of research by reading numerous threads here, and then brought it to the attention of DH. It took a little while to convince him, but we are now the proud owners of 50 points at OKW.

Our first trip home is from Dec 14- Dec 19 at BWV in a studio.

 

[eporter66]

Well - we really did not know much about DVC. We had seen the booths on previous visits but never inquired. Our last trip (October 2003) we stayed at Wilderness Lodge and loved it.

So - the factors for us were
1. We love Disney and figure on going a lot. In the 7 years we have been together we have gone 3 times, and had to cancel a 4th visit.

2. We saw the promotions on the TV while staying, so the Disney advertising campaign helped.

3. Reading this board - there were many great insights here.

So - the only thing we are unsure about is how we will like the location of SSR. We do enjoy downtown disney, and as long as the transportation is decent, I dont see a problem. Our favorite park (at this time) is EPCOT, so the only thing will be seeing how easy it is to book at the BW or BC resorts.