Questions from a potential buyer

[debg60]

I have been thinking about buying at DVC for a few years. We travel every year-whether it be a cruise, Europe, somewhere warm to escape the cold winter up north. I just came back from disney and toured the mock AKV set up. Over the years I would have definitely paid for the timeshare if I had the foresight and money. However, I still love Disney and have been taking my nephews. My own children are 18, 19, and 23. One out of college and two in. My dilema is, the ownership proposal seems like a good deal however with my kids being older we don't necessarily go to Disney every year. My oldest may be getting married in two years and there is the potential of grandchildren. In talking with a guide at Disney, they made it sound very easy to use the points elsewhere- around the world or on cruises. I know that some of the places have higher points per night but the concept of having a vacation paid ahead of time is appealing and having the flexibility of points rather than a specific week is also preferable. Has anyone bought with the idea of using disney points at other places in the world? My kids would still go to Disney at their age but not spend as much time there as they used to. I'm only in my mid 40's so I like to travel and explore. I'm trying to make the right decision-any help will be appreciated. Also, outside of haveing more time to book your reservations, what is the main reason for buying at a particular property? Say if I bought at AKV, couldn't I use those points at any Disney property but would have less of a timespan in which to book it?

 

[RobDoc]

If you own at AKV, you may use your points to reserve at that resort 11 months in advance and at other DVC resorts 7 months ahead. The non-DVC options may all be reserved 11 months in advance and, in the case of the Disney cruise, up to 2 years ahead.

However, unless you do plan to use your points regularly at DVC resorts there are probably less costly ways to travel to other destinations. The non-DVC WDW resorts are more costly in most cases than staying in a 1BR at a DVC resort - so you might weigh that into your decision.

DVC is ideal if you will travel to WDW at least every other year and stay at DVC resorts. The non-DVC options are great for the occasional venture outside WDW, but regular use of those options will cost more thru DVC than some other timeshare options (but - none of those options are onsite at WDW).

You may find, especially with grandchildren to enjoy WDW with, that you will enjoy going to WDW more than you expect.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Doc is right, and some of us enjoy going to WDW into our 60's and older even when the grandkids DON'T go!

 

[RobDoc]

Doc is right, and some of us enjoy going to WDW into our 60's and older even when the grandkids DON'T go!

 

[flyerron]

Oh Yeah, We are in our 60's & can't wait to go back in Nov by ourselves & then in May with our DD's family. Our DD,DD,& DS are listed on our deeds so they will get them when we no longer can use them.

 

[Teyedoubleguhrrrr]

And even though our kids are young and LOVE Disney right now - every so often and only when we are alone - do we dream of going just the two of us and running amok without them!

I'll start a new ticker - only 28 years to go!

PS Darn it - tickers will only go until 2012....

 

[debg60]

thanks all. I know I am a true disney person at heart as well. I'm sure I will be buying soon!