Questions And Your Thoughts

[Sandisw]

Ouch--that's the kind of thing that I was afraid of. We've really got to think about this, I guess.

Questions:

1. If we cancel, are we going to get blacklisted or anything by the DVC sales folks if we ever decide to purchase again?

2. Does it make more sense to buy into VWL directly from DVC or from a reseller? The DVC sales person mentioned all kinds of potential problems with resellers, such as the possibility of buying a contract with used-up current year or borrowed points, etc.

3. The current price for VWL is $101/point for a 32-year contract, compared to $115/point at BLT for a 50-year contract. From a strictly economic point-of-view, the BLT contract is a better deal. We'd have to be able to get VWL for $73.60/point to equal out the initial purchase (maybe possible through a reseller?), and of course the maintenance fees are higher at VWL. (However, we really love the WL.)

We've got less than a week to figure this all out. Help!

Thanks very much for any further input!

Go with where your heart is and cancel the BLT contract. If you buy there and then find out you have trouble getting what you want at VWL, you will be disappointed.

DVC is a lot of money to own somewhere that is not your first choice, IMO.
We bought BLT because we love the CR and being able to walk to/from MK. We initially bought in via resale at VWL (small contract), and then just added on at BLT a few weeks later.

However, when it came time to plan, I hated not being able to book at BLT for the whole trip. So I sold VWL and re-bought everything at BLT and could not be happier. We could have saved about $5000 to buy in at SSR, but not worth it in the long run.

Resale is the best way to go for VWL, if you have the time to wait. It will take about 2 months or so from offer to closing. Going through Disney, while more expensive, will get you your points to make reservation within days. For that 160 points, it will cost you about $3000 more to get them through Disney.

Good luck!

 

[okie from muskogee]

I gave you my experience earlier in the thread. It's expensive to sell and then purchase a resale as I did. If you can cancel and consider your options, I'd do it. Disney will always be ready to take your money in the future. It will become harder to get into the smaller resorts (BCV and VWL) at the 7 month window. If that's where your heart lies, follow it. My resale at BCV was at 85 per point and came with a full year of banked points. There are still good deals on resales, unlike the current Disney offerings. Hope this helps.

 

[Corwin]

Thanks for all of the input!

I keep going back and forth as to what to do.

All of us (me, my wife, and especially my son) love the WL. However, my wife likes the idea of buying into a brand new resort with low maintenance fees and a long contract even better.

While I certainly wouldn't mind staying at the BLT, I'm not sure I will like the lack of theme and the general sterility of the surroundings over the long haul.

I just get such a sense of peace at the WL.

Unfortunately, I think my wife is set on buying into BLT--at least for the moment.

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks for all of the input!

I keep going back and forth as to what to do.

All of us (me, my wife, and especially my son) love the WL. However, my wife likes the idea of buying into a brand new resort with low maintenance fees and a long contract even better.

While I certainly wouldn't mind staying at the BLT, I'm not sure I will like the lack of theme and the general sterility of the surroundings over the long haul.

I just get such a sense of peace at the WL.

Unfortunately, I think my wife is set on buying into BLT--at least for the moment.

Well, then...if the DW is all set (and you are anything like my DH), you will be a BLT owner soon!!!

As he always tells me, a happy me, equals a happy him!!!! Good luck!!!

 

[Crystal_27]

All of us (me, my wife, and especially my son) love the WL. However, my wife likes the idea of buying into a brand new resort with low maintenance fees and a long contract even better.

As a BLT owner myself, I'm admittedly a bit biased, but it really is a great resort. Its closeness to MK aside (and the fact that it's on the monorail and within walking distance to the resort busses), although the decor is not in-your-face Disney themed, it is very classy and cool, with subtle Disney touches everywhere. When we took the tour and bought in (before BLT was opened) I wasn't blown away by the rooms, but we bought BLT because we like to be on the monorail. Still, when we stayed there in September, I fell in love with the resort. I really don't think that you can go wrong with BLT (even if its not your first choice); there are some very compelling reasons to buy there.

 

[Corwin]

Update: After much discussion, we have decided to cancel our BLT purchase.

While we would certainly not mind staying at BLT at some point, I don't think we would be happy there in the long run. The monorail has never been that much of a selling point for us, nor is the view of the MK. While the BLT is very nice and brand new, the theming does not really do a whole lot for us.

Over the long run, I think that we would really rather stay at the VWL. We love the quiet seclusion there and the layout of the resort. We like the dining options there as well. Finally, we absolutely love the boat ride to the MK.

Based on everything that I have read over the last few days, it looks like a VWL resale would be best for us. Yes, the maintenance fees are higher and the length of the contract is shorter than at BLT, but we like to plan ahead and would appreciate being able to book early where we really like to stay.

I very much appreciate all of the input that I have received here. This is a big purchase for us, and I really want to help ensure that we are making the best choice.

Thanks again!

 

[Sandisw]

Update: After much discussion, we have decided to cancel our BLT purchase.

While we would certainly not mind staying at BLT at some point, I don't think we would be happy there in the long run. The monorail has never been that much of a selling point for us, nor is the view of the MK. While the BLT is very nice and brand new, the theming does not really do a whole lot for us.

Over the long run, I think that we would really rather stay at the VWL. We love the quiet seclusion there and the layout of the resort. We like the dining options there as well. Finally, we absolutely love the boat ride to the MK.

Based on everything that I have read over the last few days, it looks like a VWL resale would be best for us. Yes, the maintenance fees are higher and the length of the contract is shorter than at BLT, but we like to plan ahead and would appreciate being able to book early where we really like to stay.

I very much appreciate all of the input that I have received here. This is a big purchase for us, and I really want to help ensure that we are making the best choice.

Thanks again!

Congratulations and I think this is a good idea. We stayed at VWL last summer and it is a beautiful resort. Just from your post, you will love it and being happy and excited to be where you love, IMO, is the most important!

 

[Corwin]

Well, I'm more than a little upset here.

I called our sales person to tell him that we are canceling our BLT purchase. (I wanted to tell him over the phone before sending the written notice.) I was very surprised at his reaction.

Now granted, we never should have signed the purchase agreement in the first place. The only reason we did is because the sales person told us in the DVC showroom that if we were on the fence about purchasing, we could go ahead and sign the documents there (for the sake of convenience) and if we changed our minds later we could cancel with no penalty or hard feelings. "We're not going to hate you or anything if you later decide to cancel," he said with a smile.

However, when I told our sales person of our intent to cancel today, he came right out and said, "I hope you don't have any intentions of buying a resale, because we will ensure that any purchase with your name on it will be bought by us using our ROFR."

Astonished, I asked the sales person if we were being penalized for having attended a DVC presentation and/or having cancelled a contract. "Absolutely," he replied. "We have invested a lot of time in you, and your name is now in our computers." (Actually, we spent a total of about 3 hours with them, which was twice as long as they promised it would take, BTW.) I replied that I would never have attended a DVC presentation nor would I have signed any purchase agreement if we were going to be penalized in such a fashion.

Now I see that the legally-mandated cancellation clause in the DVC purchase agreeement specifically states that we "may cancel this contract without any penalty or obligation within 10 calendar days after the date" the agreement is signed. If what the sales person says is true, then they are violating this provision, in my opinion.

We are incensed at this. I'm not sure if this simply a DVC salesman who is disappointed that he lost a sale, or Disney corporate policy.

If this is corporate policy, then it is short-sighted in the extreme. Until a few hours ago, my wife and I were enamored with Disney. We are ideal customers of theirs. We've gone a lot, and spent a lot of money there. We have made three trips in the last 3-1/2 years (including two in the last six months). We have gone on a Disney cruise, and booked a second cruise while still onboard the first. We have probably spent close to $20K on Disney trips in the last 3-1/2 years.

We have also talked up Disney to our family and friends since our first family visit in 2007. We've brought relatives there and convinced several families we know to go.

Now we are reconsidering our upcoming trip, and wondering if we really want to go back. We are seriously considering canceling our upcoming cruise as well. My wife doesn't want to have anything to do with DVC at this point, not even via resale.

This whole experience has really soured us on DVC, and on Disney in general.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Well, I'm more than a little upset here.

I called our sales person to tell him that we are canceling our BLT purchase. (I wanted to tell him over the phone before sending the written notice.) I was very surprised at his reaction.

Now granted, we never should have signed the purchase agreement in the first place. The only reason we did is because the sales person told us in the DVC showroom that if we were on the fence about purchasing, we could go ahead and sign the documents there (for the sake of convenience) and if we changed our minds later we could cancel with no penalty or hard feelings. "We're not going to hate you or anything if you later decide to cancel," he said with a smile.

However, when I told our sales person of our intent to cancel today, he came right out and said, "I hope you don't have any intentions of buying a resale, because we will ensure that any purchase with your name on it will be bought by us using our ROFR."

Astonished, I asked the sales person if we were being penalized for having attended a DVC presentation and/or having cancelled a contract. "Absolutely," he replied. "We have invested a lot of time in you, and your name is now in our computers." (Actually, we spent a total of about 3 hours with them, which was twice as long as they promised it would take, BTW.) I replied that I would never have attended a DVC presentation nor would I have signed any purchase agreement if we were going to be penalized in such a fashion.

Now I see that the legally-mandated cancellation clause in the DVC purchase agreeement specifically states that we "may cancel this contract without any penalty or obligation within 10 calendar days after the date" the agreement is signed. If what the sales person says is true, then they are violating this provision, in my opinion.

We are incensed at this. I'm not sure if this simply a DVC salesman who is disappointed that he lost a sale, or Disney corporate policy.

If this is corporate policy, then it is short-sighted in the extreme. Until a few hours ago, my wife and I were enamored with Disney. We are ideal customers of theirs. We've gone a lot, and spent a lot of money there. We have made three trips in the last 3-1/2 years (including two in the last six months). We have gone on a Disney cruise, and booked a second cruise while still onboard the first. We have probably spent close to $20K on Disney trips in the last 3-1/2 years.

We have also talked up Disney to our family and friends since our first family visit in 2007. We've brought relatives there and convinced several families we know to go.

Now we are reconsidering our upcoming trip, and wondering if we really want to go back. We are seriously considering canceling our upcoming cruise as well. My wife doesn't want to have anything to do with DVC at this point, not even via resale.

This whole experience has really soured us on DVC, and on Disney in general.

I am so sorry to hear how you have been spoken to - and I am not surprised you and your wife feel this way at the moment!

If it was me I would ring DVC and make a complaint about this Guide - I do not believe that this can be their policy, but rather a salesman with 'sour grapes' because he has missed out on a sale.

Please let us know what they say - I am feeling angry that you were spoken to in such a way and threatened - that is absolutely disgusting!

 

[CarolAnnC]

Well, I'm more than a little upset here.

I called our sales person to tell him that we are canceling our BLT purchase. (I wanted to tell him over the phone before sending the written notice.) I was very surprised at his reaction.

Now granted, we never should have signed the purchase agreement in the first place. The only reason we did is because the sales person told us in the DVC showroom that if we were on the fence about purchasing, we could go ahead and sign the documents there (for the sake of convenience) and if we changed our minds later we could cancel with no penalty or hard feelings. "We're not going to hate you or anything if you later decide to cancel," he said with a smile.

However, when I told our sales person of our intent to cancel today, he came right out and said, "I hope you don't have any intentions of buying a resale, because we will ensure that any purchase with your name on it will be bought by us using our ROFR."

Astonished, I asked the sales person if we were being penalized for having attended a DVC presentation and/or having cancelled a contract. "Absolutely," he replied. "We have invested a lot of time in you, and your name is now in our computers." (Actually, we spent a total of about 3 hours with them, which was twice as long as they promised it would take, BTW.) I replied that I would never have attended a DVC presentation nor would I have signed any purchase agreement if we were going to be penalized in such a fashion.

Now I see that the legally-mandated cancellation clause in the DVC purchase agreeement specifically states that we "may cancel this contract without any penalty or obligation within 10 calendar days after the date" the agreement is signed. If what the sales person says is true, then they are violating this provision, in my opinion.

We are incensed at this. I'm not sure if this simply a DVC salesman who is disappointed that he lost a sale, or Disney corporate policy.

If this is corporate policy, then it is short-sighted in the extreme. Until a few hours ago, my wife and I were enamored with Disney. We are ideal customers of theirs. We've gone a lot, and spent a lot of money there. We have made three trips in the last 3-1/2 years (including two in the last six months). We have gone on a Disney cruise, and booked a second cruise while still onboard the first. We have probably spent close to $20K on Disney trips in the last 3-1/2 years.

We have also talked up Disney to our family and friends since our first family visit in 2007. We've brought relatives there and convinced several families we know to go.

Now we are reconsidering our upcoming trip, and wondering if we really want to go back. We are seriously considering canceling our upcoming cruise as well. My wife doesn't want to have anything to do with DVC at this point, not even via resale.

This whole experience has really soured us on DVC, and on Disney in general.

I see back in your post #17 you expressed a worry of being "blacklisted" by DVC if you were to cancel. That is not something that I have ever seen happen before, and I am wondering if you had heard of it happening to anyone else and therefore had this concern?

I have to say our experience with DVC has been quite the opposite of yours. My initial buy was through DVC direct, but I have addeded on more than once via resale. There has never been any repercussions, and I have also added on direct via DVC since my resale purchases. In fact, I have excellent relationships not only with my wonderful Guide, but also with other Guides who I have come to know over the years. And I might say that some of them have never received so much as a $ of my business directly..

I would suggest calling and speaking to the DVC manager on duty and express your concerens to him/her. This is definitely not something that is promoted, nor routinely stated by DVC staff..

Let us know how you make out..

 

[Corwin]

I see back in your post #17 you expressed a worry of being "blacklisted" by DVC if you were to cancel. That is not something that I have ever seen happen before, and I am wondering if you had heard of it happening to anyone else and therefore had this concern?

No, I have never heard of this happening before. That's why I was so surprised.

Please note that we did not exchange any harsh words with our DVC guide. Our conversation was cordial even when I called him to cancel.

He just matter-of-factly told us that we would be blocked from getting a resale because our names were now "in their computer" and that if we wanted to purchase an ownership interest we would have no choice but to purchase directly.

My step-daughter is also interested in possibly buying into DVC, probably at SSR. I've already told her to not go to a DVC sales presentation under any circumstances.

 

[CarolAnnC]

No, I have never heard of this happening before. That's why I was so surprised.

Please note that we did not exchange any harsh words with our DVC guide. Our conversation was cordial even when I called him to cancel.

He just matter-of-factly told us that we would be blocked from getting a resale because our names were now "in their computer" and that if we wanted to purchase an ownership interest we would have no choice but to purchase directly.

My step-daughter is also interested in possibly buying into DVC, probably at SSR. I've already told her to not go to a DVC sales presentation under any circumstances.

I am noticing from your posting that you signed for the resale a few days prior to canceling your direct buy contract with DVC (within the 10 day period). I am just wondering if perhaps that came into play in your conversation with the Guide?

My daughters have attended DVC presentations since they were children, lol. They probably have been to more of them than most buyers since it took me about 4 years of thought process before making my initial purchase. We had lots of tours and ice cream socials, lol.

Proudly, my oldest DD made her first DVC purchase on her own last Fall. She had enough background from being part of a DVC family, and did not attend a formal presentation, but bought via telephone direct from home.

She is now a happy BLT owner, and I am happy that she could successfully purchase and finance via Disney all on her own.

I hope your daughter is able to make her first purchase and start to having many happy DVC/Disney vacations in the coming years!

 

[Corwin]

I am noticing from your posting that you signed for the resale a few days prior to canceling your direct buy contract with DVC (within the 10 day period). I am just wondering if perhaps that came into play in your conversation with the Guide?

Actually, I never discussed any potential resale with my guide except in the most general terms. I certainly did not tell him that we were canceling our direct purchase in favor of a resale.

Also, although I did not formally cancel until yesterday, I did speak with my guide earlier in the week (prior to initiating any potential resale) and told him that we were reconsidering our purchase and were considering canceling. He asked to me to think things over and to call him back in a few days after we had finalized our decision one way or the other.

Also, for what it's worth, for a brief time, we actually considered purchasing both contracts (BLT direct and a VWL resale).

 

[ToddyLu]

Please tell us you called and reported that stupid guide?!? That type of conversation would sour me, too. I would not let the "nice" attitude of someone "threatening" me go un noted. Please speak with a supervisor, cancel the contract, and by resale--then enjoy Disney like you planned. It angers me that someone has put a negative on such an enjoyable purchase. Ask for a different guide for sure.

 

[ToddyLu]

Last year my Guide, George, helped me out of a bad situation with our reservation. In fact the reservation that I screwed up had been part of the deal for the sale-more or less. When he helped me, I wrote a very nice letter to Jim Lewis and then George's direct boss explaining the circumstances and how he had helped me. To make a long story short. About 2 weeks later a nice lady from Disney called an left a very nice detailed message on my vioce mail explaining how much they appreciated the letter and that it would go in his file. When George called me after the Christmas Webcast he was checking on us and thanked me himself for the letter. Please take the time to report this to a supervisor . I would then write a letter telling them how I felt. I know that seems like a lot right know in the wake of being hurt and angry---this guy just needs to be told he handled the situation WRONG!! It isn't his name and money that is coming under attack and I would explain it in just that way, too.

 

[Corwin]

Update: I received a call from a DVC representative (not my guide) confirming that our purchase agreement had been canceled within the 10-day rescission period. I was then asked if I had any comments regarding the DVC sales experience, so I informed this representative of what our guide had said. This DVC representative appeared to be shocked, and was adamant that it is not Disney corporate policy to penalize people for canceling a DVC purchase or to single people out for retaliation.

I hope that this is indeed the case.

I actually wrote a letter that I was intending to send to Disney, but I am debating as to whether it would be a good idea to send it or not. Is it a good idea to put this all in writing, or would it be better to just let our verbal complaint be the end of it?

We actually do have a resale contract that just went in for ROFR. I'm wondering if a letter reporting our guide's threat to single us out for ROFR is likely to affect this one way or the other.

 

[maryloubsw]

We just got back from WDW and bought 160 points in BLT at $120/point with a $5/point discount (total of $115/point).

Our favorite resort is the WL, and we actually were interested in buying at VWL. However, our sales person said that it was fairly easy to get reservations at VWL, whereas it was hard to get reservations for BLT. He indicated that we wouldn't have any trouble either getting a reservation at VWL, or making a reservation at BLT at 11-months out and trading with somebody later, because BLT reservations were hard to come by. Is this correct?

Also, the sales person mentioned the length of contract. The VWL contract expires in 2042, whereas the BLT contract goes to 2060, so the latter has more residual value.

And for what it's worth, the BLT rooms look beautiful. We wouldn't mind staying there, either. (But we really like WL, where we've stayed twice. We've never stayed at the Contemporary.)

I'm now wondering if we made a mistake purchasing at BLT. What do you all think?

(BTW, ordinarily, I would have researched this all to death before committing, but we went ahead and signed up with the understanding that there is a 10-day rescission period. We are still in that period, so I can make changes or cancel.)

Thanks for any input!

I just bought at BLT but wanted to stay at BCV because of the pool for our August trip (which is not a usual time we will go but we are going this year) and when I called yesterday (a little over 5 mths out) I got a 1br at BCV for 4 of the days (other 2 nights were not available and am staying at BWV). So, I think it just really depends on the room type you want and what week you are going. Maybe in busy times you won't get it but if you can be flexible with dates I'm sure it will be fine.

 

[Sandisw]

Update: I received a call from a DVC representative (not my guide) confirming that our purchase agreement had been canceled within the 10-day rescission period. I was then asked if I had any comments regarding the DVC sales experience, so I informed this representative of what our guide had said. This DVC representative appeared to be shocked, and was adamant that it is not Disney corporate policy to penalize people for canceling a DVC purchase or to single people out for retaliation.

I hope that this is indeed the case.

I actually wrote a letter that I was intending to send to Disney, but I am debating as to whether it would be a good idea to send it or not. Is it a good idea to put this all in writing, or would it be better to just let our verbal complaint be the end of it?

We actually do have a resale contract that just went in for ROFR. I'm wondering if a letter reporting our guide's threat to single us out for ROFR is likely to affect this one way or the other.

I think at this point, if it were me, I would let the fact that you shared the information with someone else suffice.

When your contract closes and you are a member, if you are assigned this guide (ie: decide to add on and contact Disney again), then I would mention it when you ask to be assigned to someone else.

Other than that, enjoy the fact that you made the best DVC for your family!!! Here is the pixiedust that you pass ROFR!!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Thanks for all of the input!

I keep going back and forth as to what to do.

All of us (me, my wife, and especially my son) love the WL. However, my wife likes the idea of buying into a brand new resort with low maintenance fees and a long contract even better.

While I certainly wouldn't mind staying at the BLT, I'm not sure I will like the lack of theme and the general sterility of the surroundings over the long haul.

I just get such a sense of peace at the WL.

Unfortunately, I think my wife is set on buying into BLT--at least for the moment.

I love the VWL, it is my absolute favorite resort. However, as the new resorts come around, AKV and BLT, I really like the fact that the 1 bedrooms have 2 full bathrooms and they sleep 5. I've changed some VWL reservations because of that. I have an upcoming 3 person vacation and I changed from 2 studios at VWL to 1 bedroom Kidani. With my DGF's I think it's just going to be nicer to have the living room to be together and my DGF who will sleep in the living room will have a bathroom all to herself.

We had a great family BLT stay in January. I changed another of my VWL stays to BLT. We had a 2 bedroom and a studio at VWL initially. There were 5 adults and 3 children in the party. All 8 of us were very very happy in the BLT 2 bedroom. The 8 of us wouldn't have been able to sleep in the VWL 2 bedroom, but the sleeper chair made the difference. DSis said that it was very comfortable. Again, having the 3 bathrooms made it extra nice. Plus the eating arrangement was better for us at BLT.

All of us still love VWL. I have 2 studios booked for our December vacation and that won't change.

Best wishes as you make your decision. I have had excellent luck changing reservations at 7 months. We have 6 home resorts, and go to WDW a lot with friends and extended family.

Bobbi

 

[Crystal_27]

Update: I received a call from a DVC representative (not my guide) confirming that our purchase agreement had been canceled within the 10-day rescission period. I was then asked if I had any comments regarding the DVC sales experience, so I informed this representative of what our guide had said. This DVC representative appeared to be shocked, and was adamant that it is not Disney corporate policy to penalize people for canceling a DVC purchase or to single people out for retaliation.

Thank you so much for the update! I'm glad that you shared your experience with the DVC representative that called you back. As to whether or not to send your letter, if you were able to keep emotion out of it (which would be difficult, in this case) and you are truly intending to just report your experience with your Guide, I would send it. But, if the letter is full of emotion or accusation (and, like I said above, who can blame you if it is) I would hold off on sending until you are less passionate about the issue, or just toss it. AND, good luck with your resale contract -- hopefully, we'll be welcoming you home very soon!