Potential DVC Member

[DisneyAunt]

Hi All

I am new to this site and have been lurking for a few days. I am seriously looking at buyng into DVC. There is soooo much inforamtion on this boards that has been very helpful yet it can be confusing at times. I am single and have no children (if there any nice singles guys out there I'm available ) but have nephews that I frequently take on vacation. I have been to Disney many times with and without children. We just went in May and are going again in a few weeks. We have stayed at the Animal Kingdom ..the kids absolutely love it. Anyway my questions are...Would I be able to use my points to stay at the animal kingdom? Will DVC give you "how to guide" on using your points? Anyone out there have any drawbacks at buying DVC? Does Disney give you any incentives for taking the tour (i.e. dinner voucher, tickets, etc.) Please be honest.

I will be looking at Sartoga Springs on my next trip in February.

Thanks!!

 

[CarolMN]

Yes, you can use DVC points to stay at the AKL. However, most do not consider that to be an economically wise decision. The best value of DVC points is found when you use them to stay at a DVC resort. You will be better off paying cash if you mainly plan to stay at non-DVC resorts.

DVC members do get a Member Guidebook with most of the basic info you need to know. This particular forum is wonderful for finding out some of the details that aren't in the book as well as for reading about other members' experiences.

If DVC is right for you, the only regret you'll probably have, is that you didn't buy in sooner.

As far as I know, there are no incentives for taking the tour. Some have reported getting a meal voucher or a fast pass or two, but apparently not everyone gets them. Best to not plan on anything just for taking the tour.

DVC works best for those who go to WDW at least every other year, stay in at least moderate accomodations when they do, and for those who can plan 11 months or more in advance. If you go more often and stay in deluxe resorts, you'll save even more. (That said, DVC isn't always a "money saver" - many members report that they go more often after DVC than they did before DVC). If that fits you, DVC is certainly worth a hard look. You'll stay in very nice accomodations for less than you are paying now.

Best wishes and good luck with the decision making process -

 

[cruise-o-matic]

DVC is best to use at the DVC resorts only. For the point cost of one room at AKL can roughly get you a one bedroom DVC villa. That way you and your nephews have seperate sleeping quarters, a full kitchen and W/D.