non-DVC member questions

[KelseyLaPerle]

We are going to WDW Nov.28-Dec.4. Is there some way I can get more information on DVC while on vacation there? We are semi-interested in becoming DVC members....but need to seriously be convinced that it's a smart decision for our family. I know most time share companies have viewings/meetings/information booths, etc. Is there anything like this available at WDW?
Thanks!

 

[Lynne M]

Oh, yes, there are DVC booths all over Disney property. You'll find them in the theme parks, DTD, and the resorts. They can set up an appointment for a meeting with a guide at the DVC sales center, which is located at Saratoga Springs.

You can also go to the Disney Vacation Club web site and request information there. You'll be assigned a guide (who won't pester you at all), and you can arrange for a tour with that guide during your vacation.

And please feel free to ask all the questions you'd like right here on the DVC boards. You'll get tons of useful information, and straight answers about DVC.

 

[chalee94]

And please feel free to ask all the questions you'd like right here on the DVC boards. You'll get tons of useful information, and straight answers about DVC.

by all means, set up a tour of the models of BLT and AKV at wdw. and drop by the model of BWV on the boardwalk for fun.

but this is the best place to learn about DVC right here.

 

[Donald is #1]

I'll second (or is it third) Lynne M's and chalee94 recommendations. Definitely get the tour while you are at WDW. And don't be afraid to ask us questions on here. Many of us started posting on this thread before we became members so that we could learn more.

 

[mikron]

After a tour if you think you would like to become a DVC member check the resales on the timeshare store. You can get good deals for less money, all resorts can be booked if you own any membership.

 

[LCoulter]

If you are staying right at a Disney hotel, they will have a DVC booth right in the lobby as well as in all of the parks. On May 14, we made an appointment at SSR and they picked us up in the DVC van where ever we wanted and spoke to the rep for a couple of hours...it was non-pressure which was nice. Afterward, they dropped us off where we wanted. We made a second appointment 3 days later to ask more questions and ended up buying into BLT.

For your time, they gave us each a special fast pass card, with 3 fast passes on each card. These passes were great once we figured out how they worked. Just walk up to a fast pass ride when there is a long line and as long as they still have fast passes available, and you get a fast pass for that moment so you don't have to wait to ride.

Also, you get a free 5x7 photo that they take of you right there. We were with our two year old so they took the picture of her in their ice cream shop. They do have a playroom for kids with a tv and free ice cream before you leave. There are other refreshments available during your appointment.

 

[DisneyWalker44]

We are going to WDW Nov.28-Dec.4. Is there some way I can get more information on DVC while on vacation there? We are semi-interested in becoming DVC members....but need to seriously be convinced that it's a smart decision for our family. I know most time share companies have viewings/meetings/information booths, etc. Is there anything like this available at WDW?
Thanks!

DVC is supposed to be a secret. So it can be pretty hard to find any information on it. But if you look real carefully, you might find one or two people who can help

 

[christa112]

Definately take a tour, but also keep reading the Disboards and asking questions. You will find the pros & cons to the DVC here.

 

[Crystal_27]

First of all, welcome to the DVC Ops Board - - I think you'll find us friendly and helpful about all things DVC!!

Since you are on the fence right now about DVC, it's probably wise to do a lot of research about DVC before you go on your trip. There are DVC kiosks throughout the parks, resorts, and DTD which allow you to book a tour at SSR (Saratoga Springs Resort) which has model rooms of its own resort as well as AKV and BLT. If you like what you see during the tour, you can literally become a DVC member within about an hour or so, with a membership card and access to your points for booking.

I will tell you that, while the tour is absolutely no pressure, the Guides (salespeople) are going to make DVC very very attractive, and the numbers (especially if you travel to Disney at least once a year) are going to really work out for you. That's why I highly recommend doing your homework so you can make sure before you tour that you aren't buying into DVC on impulse/emotion and that you've given yourself time to consider if you: (i) can afford DVC; (ii) are willing to commit to go to Disney for the next 45+ years and want to take the majority of vacations at Disney; (iii) are willing to shell out money every year for annual maintenance fees; (iv) want to buy direct through Disney or via resale; (v) want to stay at a particular home resort and how many points a typical stay would cost; and (vi) will finance the purchase or pay cash.

You can of course spend a lot of time here on the Boards but also take time to view the DVC DVD which will probbly answer a lot of questions you may have. Your Guide will also be able to help you with any cost questions, and will be able to give you an idea of what your monthly payments would be if you wish to finance through Disney.

I will also tell you that typically when you buy Disney offers two types of incentives: typically a discounted point price (to get you in the door) and an additional perk if you have a referral from an existing DVC member. For example with the current incentives for BLT, if you buy a 160 point contract, DVC is offering a discount of $8 off per point (which sounds great, right?). However, if you mention the name of a DVC member, you get a second perk of an additional $6 off per point *or* a cruise. So, it is beneficial for you to use a DVC member referral. If you do not know anyone personally, there is a thread here on The DIS with many members who are willing to act as referrals.

Either way, best of luck to you as you go through this decision.