OK - decision time (for an indecisive family)

[miamimama]

I'm looking at trying to buy at BWV - I've just received my packet from DVC and Timeshare Store - realistically, we'd be going every other year for four years at peak time (until DD14 goes onto college) and then, in my scenario, going once or twice a year whenever the airfares looked good for the next 10 years or so. So, I'm thinking I could get the 15O points through Disney if it was available, or look for a a similar contract, maybe fewer points, through TSS. Or, am I crazy - just look for rental points and get ressies the old fashioned way (and pay $400/night for BWI) ? Advice?

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

As for where to buy, others will tell you to buy where you want to stay.

As for the size of the contract to buy, I have yet to meet a DVC family that stayed with their original plan when buying in. Once you do this, you'll realize how easy it is to go even for just a 4-5 night stay. I can only do one trip with my DH, but I will go with just my youngest DS this summer, and the whole family will go next November.

When we purchased, I did not plan on going this often! But then we bought annual passes, and once you have them, you might as well maximize them. I also thought I'd drive most of the time, but we found great airline deals, and DH used miles for our November trip. Then I got the Disney Visa card, and it was really easy to put a small add-on to our contract right on that! That led to us getting a voucher for AP's for next year, so now I'm planning out our trips for next year to maximize the vouchers we'll get then....

And it may never end. I have so many possible trips planned now, my head is spinning. DS and his friends, Dsis (x2) and me, maybe DH, I and his parents, maybe a trip with DH, DS, myself and my niece...and that's before I think about MY friends that would love to do a "girls only" trip...

Guess what I'm trying to say is...plan the place, get the points you can afford, and don't rule out the travel plans changing...or rather, the frequency of them....

Above all, have a great time! If you love WDW, you won't be sorry you did this! Just wish we'd purchased sooner....

 

[jekjones1558]

We have done several BWV add-ons, once through Disney and several through TTS. Either way is great, just depends on what is available and at what cost. We LOVE our DVC. It has changed the way we vacation and we couldn't be happier. Good luck with your decision.

 

[CPTJAK]

When I called my guide in March of this year she said I could buy any month use year for BWV so they are available through Disney Direct and you will get current year points. At Disney the price is the price.

With resales you can get all kinds of contracts (banked points, no banked etc..). Also with resales you will need to negotiate price, who pays closing, maint. Fees etc... in the contract.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I do agree that your vacation habits are likely to change once you become a member. It is just too easy to pick up and go when you know you have the right place to stay! I think starting with 150 points is an adequate place to start if you are thinking you will still do every other year. Beware though....! We originally purchased 230 points thinking the same thing, and in less than a year, we KNEW we would be going more often, so we added on another 150.

 

[Nala62]

Yes, and once you've stayed at your villa, it is awfully hard to go back to a regular hotel room again!! The huge bedroom, (in a one bedroom), the kitchen, the washer/dryer right in your room--I just can't live without them. We had a chance to stay at the SOG this fall, no comparison to our beloved BCV's!
And as others have stated, those discounted AP's make visiting during the different seasons irresistable! We love going during the Christmas season and, this past year, have discovered halloween and MNSSHP. Totally cool!! We also have 10 and 13 yo dd's and have to be careful about missing school.
But I say go for it! We have had so many great family times as part of DVC.

Geri
(Oh and thanks alot to SWairlines for sucking me in with those $49 ea way fares!!)

 

[Dennyha]

I have yet to hear someone say they bought too many points, or they should have waited longer, or they shouldn't have bought at all. What I commonly hear is "I wish I had bought sooner", We're new at this also, but since we've bought in, we're planning more visits to WDW. We're watching for low cost airfares, and planning a 3 day weekend with DW seems pretty inviting.

Everyone wants to balance $$ against fun and great family vacations. I don't know how to do that. Bottom line, is if you can afford it, I'm sure you won't regret it. The cost of DVC is high compared to other timeshares, but you won't lose your $$ like happens commonly with other timeshares, and well... they're just not Disney

 

[Didney Daddy]

If you love all things Disney, can plan in advance, know that this is a prepayment of vacation expenses and not an investment, and plan your trips 7-11 months in advance - then you will LOVE DVC!!!!!!

The biggest issue will be the add on itis that will develop. Just relax, go with it and enjoy the magic.

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

Since my first visit in 1997 I always said if i could ever afford it i would do it. In 2003 that dream came true and we have never regretted it. Even my DW who was skeptical, now can't imagine not owning DVC. In fact we just added 130 pts through a resale at SSR, mailed check and closing papers on tuesday.