Questions about buying..

[zandjmom]

1. Can you go on a tour of the different properties to help determine what's out there?

2. Can any of your points be used at the resort hotels?

3. Is it possible to plan last minute trips and get in?

I would love to do this but don't really know a lot about the process. I may be out there in March and could go on a tour if they have them. Can kids come along or is it adults only?

Thanks for any info.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by zandjmom
1. Can you go on a tour of the different properties to help determine what's out there?

2. Can any of your points be used at the resort hotels?

3. Is it possible to plan last minute trips and get in?

I would love to do this but don't really know a lot about the process. I may be out there in March and could go on a tour if they have them. Can kids come along or is it adults only?

Thanks for any info.

1. You should call and talk to a guide before you get there. If you don't have a guide, I can highly recommend Randy Kruger (800- 501-8671). He's very knowledgable and low-key with zero pressure. There are models of different resorts, but not all. If you are buying directly from DVD, I believe that they are only selling SSR and VB right now (maybe OKW, although those points might be restricted to people who already own). Your guide may be able to arrange for you to tour other resorts.

2. Yes. They can be used at any of the deluxe and moderate resorts except for those with a DVC Resort attached to them (cannot be used at BWI, WL, and BC) and the cabins at FW. Please keep in mind that there is a HUGE premium charged to stay at a resort instead of DVC. Most don't find it to be worth the points. An example of this is that if you stay for a week during value season at the YC in a standard room, it will cost you 263 points. To stay at BCVs during Adventure Season (DVC's lowest cost season) for 7 days it would cost you 104 points for a studio, 200 points for a 1 BR, and 270 points for a 2 BR. Quite a price difference!

3. Is it possible to get in at the last minute? Yes, it is possible depending on how flexible you are (resort and room size) and the time of year. We've literally lucked into a room while we were already in Orlando. You shouldn't buy into DVC planning to always make last minute reservations though, or you could be headed for disappointment.

Kids can go along on the tour if you'd like. You aren't required to leave the kids behind, although there is a nice room for them if you are so inclined. HTH!

 

[Dean]

Great answers. Just to add a couple of things. DVC will not give you an official tour of the non selling properties though they do have mock ups of BWV, BCV and SSR at the current sales center. They did have a mock up of VWL but don't know if they still do. Regardless, you could tour the resorts yourself on your own. You can even ask at the desk or the maids to see a room which they will usually allow. The Disney Collection is the progarm when you can use DVC points to stay at non DVC hotels. You cannot stay at any resort that has a DVC option but as pointed out, YC is separate and therefore still available. The option is VERY expensive in terms of points. The program could also be cancelled tomorrow but I'd doubt it, just that it's not guaranteed.

As for last minute trips, they sometimes work out but I wouldn't count on it and certainly wouldn't buy if this was my usual approach to vacations.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

It also depends on your definition of last minute. If you mean, let's go to DVC next week, probably not, depending on time of year. If by last minute you mean in a couple of months, again, depending on time of year, you may work something out at OKW. DVC also offers wait list, so you can book a regular room and then switch to DVC if the waitlist comes thru. Again, a lot of this has to do with timing and the holiday period you may be working around and if it is spring break, etc.

 

[Richyams]

Hopefully Dean won't see this...

You can also use your points for concierge stays. It is alot of points, but they are only points, I never would have spent the money for an AKL or Poly concierge stay, but I did spend the points.

AKL concierge is really great. When I do it again, I would hope to have as good of a room as I did last time. Right on the top floor balcony overlooking the AKL lobby, wow, it was great. Just a few steps from the concierge lounge...we will do that again(sorry Dean)

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Richyams
Hopefully Dean won't see this...

You can also use your points for concierge stays. It is alot of points, but they are only points, I never would have spent the money for an AKL or Poly concierge stay, but I did spend the points.

AKL concierge is really great. When I do it again, I would hope to have as good of a room as I did last time. Right on the top floor balcony overlooking the AKL lobby, wow, it was great. Just a few steps from the concierge lounge...we will do that again(sorry Dean)

No such luck Rich but you can send me any of those points you want to give away. Seriously, there's no question there are some great options within DVC including DCL, DC, CC, II, and the adventurer collection. It's just too bad they rarely provide a fair value. Rich or anyone else can do what they want with their points no matter how poor a value it is.