Prospective New Member questions?

[dcal]

My family (5 kids 6,4,1) and I are planning to buy SSR. We stayed at Hilton Grand Vacations Club this October. My brother in law's friend has DVC. He says "DVC makes Hilton look like Motel 6!" I read up, and we're convinced. Here are my questions:

1) If I'm a SSR member (home resort) how hard with 3-7 mos notice, off season (September, October, January), is it to reserve BWV or BCV or OKW?
2) How many points do you recommend for a family of five? We want to take vacation in a 2BR. 5 days january, 7 days September or October. I'm thinking 300. I want maybee a tad more than i'm going to use. (rollover the spare points)
3) I'm getting the 15% referral (83 dollars per point). Am I missing any other offer?
4) Do you feel out of the park at SSR or OKW? I mean, can we go back to SSR or OKW for lunch? I know where they are, how's the transport?
5) What other goodies can I expect? (Discounts, gifts,offers etc)

Thanks,
Dan

 

[littlestar]

We love our DVC. We usually go in September or early October, January, and May (3 trips a year). I think you would have a good chance booking OKW easily in September or January (as long as it's not MLK weekend or close to the New Years holiday). September is low season and it's hurricane season. I don't think you would have any problem with September. If you run into October that gets more busy - you have Mickey's Scary Halloween party and the Food and Wine Festival.

Our home resorts are BWV, BCV, and VWL. But we also love OKW for it's tropical palm trees/landscaping, Florida feel, extra large rooms (it has the biggest rooms). It doesn't feel too far away from the action to me. It feels like Key West Florida with a Disney spin. Yes, you can go back for lunch. We usually always take a mid day break from the parks.

I went over to SSR again on our last visit. I can honestly say I thought it looked really nice this last trip. I could find my way around better since a lot of the streets are more finished now. SSR is very pretty - it's big, but they've done a nice job with it. And the extra years for a young family would mean a lot if buying in new now.

3 months notice on booking would be pot luck I would think. I would try to book closer to the 7 month mark, especially if you want BCV (it's small). I had to go on the wait list for OKW at 3 months out for May this year. That's the first time that's ever happened to me. But, it was over the Memorial day holiday.

 

[sleepydog25]

Can't answer all your questions, but I will do so with those upon which I can reasonably comment. I'm sure others will come along and offer their advice, too.
1) You'll likely get conflicting answers, but in our experience, the 7 mos window hasn't been all that hard to use if you're willing to be flexible as to dates or length of stay (sometimes you can find a 5-day block but not a 6 or 7, for example).
2) According to my figures (I used four weekdays/one weekend day for the 5-day stay and the weekly rate for the other trip; I used the cheapest season rates, as well), you would need approx. 369 points to stay at BWV, 360 points at OKW, and 450 points at BCV if you made both trips in the same year. Weekend days are about twice the cost of weekdays, so they add up quickly. For example, a Sun - Thur day at BCV is 30 points, while a Fri or Sat is 60 pts. If you do intend to travel to WDW twice each year for the length of time you mentioned, you will need more points. That is unless my caffeine hasn't kicked into gear yet this morning.
3) I'm not aware of any other offers to new members, currently.
4) Buses are the primary means of transport, and they can take awhile even under the best of circumstances, so getting back for a quick lunch might be hard. If, on the other hand, you are like us and hit the parks early, then return for the bulk of the afternoon to lounge at the pools or let our daughter take a nap, then it shouldn't be an issue. Buses do run regularly to each, but by their very nature, aren't the quickest means of transportation.
5) There are some discounts available such as on an AP, some shopping, some restaurants, and occasionally other offers such as photo packages. By and large, though, I wouldn't recommend joining DVC for the discount perks since they are never guaranteed. DVC is ideal for those looking to prepay their accomodations at WDW (and other resorts worldwide though opinions vary whether they're such a good deal) over the course of the next 40+ years (SSR). Being in DVC allows you the luxury of staying in superb suites with the flexibility you don't find in other timeshares. It is not to be considered a financial investment, but rather an investment in vacation time with your family for years to come. At least, that's my honest assessment. Good luck! aw:

 

[navy63]

hi i am considering but into the ssr dvc, but i just read this 15% rebate 83 $ a point, i am been offer to buy it from my "guide" for 90 a point. whats this rebate and if anyone wants to refer me let me know, i am always willing to save a buck especially at those prices

also another question, everybody seems to praise this dvc and "locking" in prices. but what about the "dues" they seem to have gone up everyyear from my research. paying 2k every year seems like to be paying twice for a vacation? once for the points and loan hahah and another for the maintaince

any views on that subject would love to hear because we are 50/50 on it. especially since i am driving distance from wdw

 

[Deb & Bill]

I don't quite agree with the Motel 6 comment regarding Hilton Grand Vacation Club. We checked them out, plus have friends who are members of HGVC, and they seemed pretty nice to me. The new Tuscany resort near the Outlet mall seems real nice.

If you have more places to go to than Disney, HGVC may just be the way to go. If you want to visit Disney most of the time (which we do), DVC may be the way to go.

 

[tjkraz]

hi i am considering but into the ssr dvc, but i just read this 15% rebate 83 $ a point, i am been offer to buy it from my "guide" for 90 a point. whats this rebate and if anyone wants to refer me let me know, i am always willing to save a buck especially at those prices

The $83 price is a "friends and family" special that DVC is currently offering. As long as you have the name of a current DVC member to use for the referral, you should be able to get that price.

also another question, everybody seems to praise this dvc and "locking" in prices. but what about the "dues" they seem to have gone up everyyear from my research. paying 2k every year seems like to be paying twice for a vacation? once for the points and loan hahah and another for the maintaince

It's hard to respond to your "2k" comment without knowing exactly how many points you are considering. I'm going to guess that you are considering a smaller number of points, and that dollar amount represents the mortgage payment plus annual dues. If that assumption is correct, remember that the mortgage payment disappears after 10 years, and you then have another 39 where your only responsibility are the dues.

As for the increases, that's to be expected. Our dues cover the annual operating costs of the resort. We pay for everything from front desk staffing to housekeepers to in-room furnishings. As such, you can expect annual increases in the 3-4% range over the lifetime of the contract.

But realize that room rates at the cash resorts will increase by at least this much annually. Over the past two years, the rack rate increases averaged 3-5%. And don't forget to consider the compounding impact of those increases. A 3% annual increase in rates on a trip that costs you $2000 cash will be a whole lot more 20 years from now than a 3% increase on dues of $600.

any views on that subject would love to hear because we are 50/50 on it. especially since i am driving distance from wdw

In most cases DVC will save you a lot of money in the long run--assuming you don't double or triple your vacation frequency. Living that close, the one issue I would consider carefully is your intention for using the points. Point values on the weekends are 2 - 2.5 times weekdays. Buying into DVC with the intent of doing a lot of long weekends at WDW would probably not be wise. The best value will always be Sunday - Thursday night stays.

Also realize that availability on short notice is dicey. If you plan to book well in advance, you'll be fine. But don't go into this with the expectation of getting having your choice of resorts on 1-2 months' notice. DVC is not a good fit for spur-of-the-moment travelers.

 

[crisi]

October is not off season for DVC. Points are low and the food and wine festival brings people in. And I've been able to peice together that availablity for January is spotty now.

But in general, right at seven months you should be able to swap into the resort you like. You may not get a standard view or BW View at the Boardwalk (although sometimes even these are available). Keep in mind the supply/demand equation - there are simply less rooms at BCVs than at SSR, and at seven months everyone who owns at VWL/OKW/HH/VB/SSR and BWVs who really would like to stay at BCVs can call.

DVC is a timeshare that typically has sold itself. The 15% deal is the best I've seen and there isn't anything else you can stack currently (unless maybe there is still a CM discount - I don't know about that or if such a thing would stack) You get a backpack or lithograph or something when you close, but I wouldn't buy for goodies. Nor would I buy expecting perks - right now there is a nice AP discount, but perks are subject to change.

We do seven days in October in a 2 bedroom at BWV every other year - thats 282 points (know that one off the top of my head), so if you want another January trip in a two bedroom, you'll want more than 300. Check the point calculator - there is a link at the top of the page. You will want to buy two 150 point contracts (or two 175 point contracts, or one 150 and two 100s - i.e. don't buy a large lump contract) due to the possibility of resale - you can't split a contract and if you need to or want to sell some of it off, buy it in chunks that will let you split it up - and be easier to move on the resale market (50 point contracts can go for a premium resale).

Other things you should know that have been the cause for dissatisfaction. DVC will not guarentee smoking preference. The threads on this here over the years have me convinced that if you require a non-smoking room, DVC isn't for you. Note that the risk of staying in a smoking room seems fairly small when we run polls, but if I had an asthmatic kid, we wouldn't own DVC. The other is that DVC members don't qualify for specials - for instance, we don't have a dining plan currently. You can get one like everyone else, by booking a room at a regular resort, but on points, no dining plan, and no "pay three, play five" type specials. DVCers OCCATIONALLY feel that they aren't treated with the same pixie dust as "regular guests." And I suspect that this is very much the case. With a committment to WDW as a vacation destination, there seems to be less effort in making sure your view is "right" (not that this is always possible at the regular resorts either), and it seems rare that even when DVC screws up, DVC members get the comped rooms and fruit baskets of a screwed up resort stay (not that they always do that either). Towel animals seem to be a lot rarer (might have something to do with the reduced maid service). Rooms are kept in good shape - but can get a lot of wear between refreshes (in my mind, DVC does a good job balancing keeping dues low while maintaining acceptable rooms, though it appears sometimes they slip. I do think the regular resort rooms are kept in better condition on average.)

 

[dianeschlicht]

Everyone has given great advice so far. I just wanted to say that we like to stay in 2 bedrooms all the time too. We own 380 points at OKW, and usually get two 10 night trips a year, and sometimes more. Being flexible with dates, unit size and resorts, can give you lots of options. January is an easy time plus low point costs. October is difficult on short notice because of the F&W festival, but probably more so at the Epcot resorts than at SSR and OKW.

As to the maintenance fees... ALL timeshares have maintenance fees just like you have maintenance costs in your house. Taxes must be paid, painting done, physical plant kept in good condition. It's just a necessary evil of ALL housing ownership.

 

[DE38]

What's the weather usually like in January? With the lower points and presumably lower crowds it seems like a nice time to go.

 

[littlestar]

Navy63,

We get about 20 to 21 days a year out of 340 points. Dues run around $1450. We compared Disney cash rates with AAA or an AP and we would spend around $5,500 to $6,000 for the cash equivalent of these rooms without our DVC. So it's worth it for us. We also bring our grown kids and treat them to rooms through our DVC membership.

I would only buy if you go to Disney every year or every other year, plan to stay on site in deluxe or moderate accomodations. If you don't mind offsite, there are a lot of nice timeshares/hotels in Orlando for cheaper.

We sat down with a sheet of paper, listed everything out, pros and cons, and cash vs. buying in, and it made sense for us.

Good luck.

 

[tjkraz]

What's the weather usually like in January? With the lower points and presumably lower crowds it seems like a nice time to go.

Weather ranges from cool to cold to downright freezing.

At high noon, it can get into the very low 70s on some days. Average is in the mid-60s. We visited in Jan '03 and two days before we arrived Orlando had a daily high in the mid-50s.

At night (actually as soon as the sun sets) it will always be cold. Every day plan on wearing jeans / pants and a sweater / sweatshirt after sundown. You will need to bring both a light jacket and winter coat (with hat and gloves) and dress accordingly for the forecast. It can easily get into the 40s or even upper-30s at night.

The one thing you probably won't have to worry about is rain. Not much precipitation in January.

Plan on comparatively short park hours and a handful of attractions being closed for scheduled rehabs. The short park hours are offset by the lower crowds, meaning you can still probably get just as much done in a typical day.

It's a great time to visit from a park touring perspective. But be prepared for days when it's just downright cold all day long. If you live in the north, I'm sure it will be warmer than back home. The question is whether it's warm enough to really permit you to enjoy your vacation.

 

[sagwanamu]

If you buy 300 points, I recommend you to buy multiple contracts in smaller size, for example, 140 and 160. I am sure many people will disagree with me, but for some reason, if you need to sell your contract, it will be a lot easier for you to sell if you have small contracts (and sometimes higher price per point).

 

[J and R's mom]

If you buy 300 points, I recommend you to buy multiple contracts in smaller size, for example, 140 and 160. I am sure many people will disagree with me, but for some reason, if you need to sell your contract, it will be a lot easier for you to sell if you have small contracts (and sometimes higher price per point).

I agree. Plus, thinking down the line, if you want to divide your DVC contracts amongst your three children, it'd be MUCH easier if you had three separate contracts.