Question: 7 month vs. 11 month ressie window

[John.Disney]

The way I understand it, you only get the 11 month window at your "home resort", but how do they define that when it comes to buying add-ons?

I see lots of posts about people liking a resort and doing an add-on there. Is this enough to gain access to the 11 month window? If so, doesn't this take away the advantage of buying through Disney, as you can just buy a cheap HH resale (or OKW with the low dues) and do the minimum add-on at the resort where you really want to stay?

Furthermore, is this really fair to those who bought in directly to VWL? This is a very small resort (136 units), relatively, and if everyone can get to the 11 month window by buying a small add-on, booking rooms there will be extremely difficult down the road.

TIA, I only have two weeks to decide on VWL apparently and I appreciate all your help...

John

 

[Dumbo]

John,

When you buy an add on you only get the 11 month window for the amount of points of the add on. Let's say you own 150 points at VWL, then at some time later you buy a 50 point add on at Hilton Head. You would then get the 11 month window at Hilton Head for only the 50 points. That would get you a 2 bedroom for one night during the summer.


Dumbo

 

[John.Disney]

Well, that makes more sense, thanks!

With only 136 units though it seems like this will be the hardest resort to book if it isn't your "home" resort. I'm not going to be down there until late next month so I guess I have a decision to make. Never thought I would buy in sight unseen but I find myself now considering it. Thanks again...

John

 

[PamOKW]

John, if you are considering buying VWL direct from Disney you may want to call and start a conversation with them (or call your guide if you have one). The rumor here has been they will cease doing new sales on Feb. 2.

 

[John.Disney]

Thanks Pam,

Yes, I have a guide that I spoke with just yesterday but forgot to ask the 7 month vs 11 month window question. The reason I called is because I had read about the Feb 2 date here on the boards and he confirmed that they will stop sales on that day.

We had hoped to check out the VWL in late Feb and decide between an OKW resale and VWL (we are staying at OKW) at that time but it looks like we won't have that luxury.

Two weeks ago we weren't sure DVC was for us at all. Now here we are considering buying in over the phone, crazy no?

John

 

[Granny]

JohnD....

Hate to see you feel rushed or pressured into a decision. VWL may sell out in the next couple of weeks, but it will be available via the resale market as well. Of course, you can only get the MB buying through Disney.

While OKW and VWL share a laid back, quiet atmosphere, they have quite a few differences. OKW has "drive up the door" parking. VWL is more hotel like, and is adjacent to a large resort (WL). The theming is quite different also.

If you think you like both equally, OKW will probably be less expensive via resale, and its annual maintenance dues are lower as well. However, OKW seems to be easier to book at the 7 month window (since it's a larger resort), so the 11 month advantage is more critical at VWL.

There are lots of considerations in making the right choice. If in doubt, ask yourself this question: "If I could only go to the same DVC home every year, which one should I choose". Most likely the answer to that question will answer where you should buy.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[John.Disney]

Granny,

Thank you for your comments, and the point about a VWL resale is well taken, although it may be a while before we have the selection that is currently out there with HH, VB, and OKW (and to a lesser extent BWV).

I don't have a problem with buying over the phone as we have stayed at WL and go down to WDW regularly. We are familiar with the resorts and I know VWL is for us. The proximity to FW is as big a selling point as the proximity to MK.

DW OTOH is not crazy about buying over the phone at all. I don't want to push even though I know once we are down there (we took last year off with a new baby) she will wish we did it.

All in all it's no big deal. We may very well fall in love with OKW when we are there, or maybe BCV if they are giving tours already next month, who knows...

Thanks again for the comments,

John

 

[Granny]

John.D....

We bought sight unseen after staying at WL and falling in love with its theming. We have no regrets with having done that and I was not disappointed when I did get a chance to visit in person.

If you really like the theming as much as we do, you might want to take PamOKW's advice and start a conversation with a guide from DVD. They are very low key, so you won't feel that usual timeshare salesman pressure. There's no down side to doing this and you will almost surely find out something you didn't pick up on this board.

If you are not sure, then I think waiting is fine. But if you really like VW, you will love VWL. And that, unfortunately, will be selling out soon.

Good luck.

 

[garycindy]

Just back yesterday from WL and ended up buying into the VWL after seeing the extremely beautiful and spacious accomodations. Any questions are more than welcome. I know you would not be sorry buying into these. I'm just glad we were able to get in there.