Should I buy into DVC Sight-unSeen?

[Mrs Potato Head]

I also had the concern about SSR being too far away from the "action". My first love is the Boardwalk. But SSR is a walkway away from DD, and/or boat ride. That's a nice convenience with teenagers, so I reasoned that one. Also, I don't have any problems with the bus systems, and some folks just hate them. DH plays golf, so any of the resorts would be good for him, but he liked the SSR a lot.

But the key for me is the longer term of the contracts at SSR, and the newer resort. I know Disney keeps their stuff top notch, but I love new, and the longer I get before it loses it's new smell, the better.

Besides, I really don't need to be on the Boardwalk everytime I visit...and I can go there if I really want to...but when faced with the chance to stay there or at SSR in May and NOV, I opted to go to SSR.

The noise of the Boardwalk resorts is hit or miss depending on your rooms...if you want it, and like it, no problem. But when DH and I went for our 15th anniversary, he'd booked us in the Yacht Club, concierge level. We had a room overlooking the big pool, and I about cried as soon as we walked into the room. I didn't really want to watch the kiddos play when I'd left mine home. So our CM gave us a choice of THREE other rooms we could have
and one of them was a one bedroom at the Beach Club. BLISS!!

I like a little quiet at times...so the SSR is ok.

Guess I already feel like an owner...

 

[Disneyhappy]

We bought unseen because I couldn't get Dh to take the tour (he hates timeshare presentations). So after 5 years of dreaming, I posted in these boards and the members here gave me the confidence to go ahead and do it. If we ahd done it 5 years ago, we would probably be really close to being in the green already! The resources available on the internet make it easier to visualize your purchase as well. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Luvmyfam3]

Bought BWV sight-unseen!!! And still doing the happy dance!!!

 

[Forever a Princess]

Hi there!

I would say take your time and visit the DVC resorts. Looking at pictures is one thing. Walking around the resort and taking a look is quite another.

You have time, don't let the happy hormones sweep you off of your feet.

We bought our first contract by resale at VWL. We have stayed numerous times at the WL so this was a "natural" purchase for us.

We found that we really like the DVC properties that are attached to a Disney resort itself. Meaning we like to eat at the WL restaurants, use the pools, partake in the boat launch to the Magic Kingdom.

I'm trying to paint a bit of a picture here.

We knew that we wanted to add on and I was convinced that we should add on at SSR. DH thought otherwise and ended up being correct. Whilst on a trip to Food and Wine Festival we stayed at POR. ONe day we took the boat to Downtown Disney and then hopped the bus to SSR. We walked around the common areas and checked the place out.

SSR is a beautiful resort but we found that it was not for us. We wanted something that was closer to the action. What everyone wants is relative. Some would say that being a bit further from the parks is more relaxing, etc. To each their own and that is the beauty of DVC.

Touring SSR saved us a $10,000 mistake (for us).

Went down to Disney in December and checked out BWV and BCV. DH had stated to me on our F&WF trip that we "must" buy at an Epcot DVC resort. Glad to oblige I said.

Anyhow, went to BCV and at the front desk showed my dvc card and driver's liscence. We politely asked to see a room. Said that we were seriously thinking about adding on at this resort. Had a terrific tour of the BCV by two CMs. The tour included the showing of a room.

Then went over to BWV. Asked the guides to see a room. The model room apparenlty had some rain seep in overnight so we could not see that one. Walked around the Boardwalk for a bit to look around. We've been to the Boardwalk a few times prior. Decided to call our guide at that point and added on.

I'm rambling on here but these are my points.
1. Pictures do not do justice to the beautiful resorts. It's just like looking at pictures of houses on Realtor web sites.
2. Spend a little time on your next trip and pick your DVC home. OUr walk around ssr took about an hour total and our tours of BCV/Boardwalk took us about an hour and a half.

The DVC van picked us up and took us to the SSR offices to sign our add on contract. Disney bent over backwards to accomodate us on the timing of this and the whole signing took about an hour.

Good luck on your decision. Where ever you decide to buy at-enjoy!

 

[ericamanda01]

For our upcoming Sept trip I rented points. The more I learned about DVC on these boards the more I wanted to buy in. So Sight-un-seen we signed our paperwork yesterday and I am sending it out today. When were there in Sept we are going to tour SSR. I am so excited!

 

[TAKitty]

I was concerned about buying SSR without having been there, but we knew the longer contract was for us. My guide even stated, "You know you don't have to stay there." Although we love the BC, we are really more of a 7 month or less trip planner, so owning at BC wouldn't matter then. I personally look forward to staying at all the DVC properties. I am staying at OKW in April and BW in July.

 

[MareQ]

We're another family that bought sight un-seen. We weren't even thinking about it - never in any of our previous trips did we look into it - just always seemed like it wasn't something for us.

Then.... a co-worker asked me to help him plan a one day(painful I know but that's a story for another day) trip for his family. I said sure - started poking around and before we knew it - we had joined. It was the most expensive favor I've ever done for anybody before - LMAO!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

Here is my next question - and I apologze if its a bit wordy - I don quite now how to say what I am wanting to know. Here it goes...

I am not all that thrilled with SSR - DH wants to be close to the action and SSR seems so far away. If the Poly had villas we would buy there in a heart beat! That being said - Would we get the same point value anywhere we stay thats in the DVC plan? I mean - could we stay at BWV or BCV if we wanted to for the same value per pint just like as if we stayed at SSR? (Hope that makes sence??) Am I correct that the only difference is that I am guarenteed a spot at SSR, my would be home resort, rather than the desired resort? Is that too wordy?

And - Does Disney themselves sell re-sales or would I have to go through the timeshare Store to do it? Thanks again you all have been every helpful!

Buying sight unseen...probably not huge deal. All the resorts are nice. Decorated and themed differently, but IMHO equal in their level of accomodations & amenities. Make sure you buy where you want to stay. Your home resort gives you an 11 month booking window, the other resorts give you a 7 month booking window, which could make a difference depending on what time of year you travel. You can buy some resales from Disney, but they will "push" SSR at this point, since that's the newest resort.

We bought our first contract from Disney. We bought our second contract a few years later from The Timeshare Store. Both transactions were pretty seamless, easy, quick.

As far as point value...you buy "X" number of points and spend them according to room size, resort and length of stay. Some of the resorts have lower per night point values than others. For example, OKW has the lowest points per night "cost" for all of their rooms. Boardwalk Villas have 2 different sets of point costs depending on whether it's a standard or premium view.

You would not be guaranteed a room at SSR. What having SSR as your home resort does is give you the 11 month booking window.

 

[blossomz]

My sister and I also bought sight unseen. We decided we wanted to go down more frequently and DVC just couldn't be beat! Our favorite is VWL, but we bought at BCV and stay at both. Never had a problem. Our only regret is not buying sooner!!