Should we become members?

[Disneynut4ever]

We have all but signed the papers, and my husband is very excited. What's funny is that I am the Disney nut and he has been wanted to vacation "elsewhere" to give the kids some diversity. So tell me, should we really become members? DH is very excited about all the off-site locations he will be able to stay at. Is it a good idea if we are thinking of going to all the off-site locations, instead of WDW every year?

 

[WolfpackFan]

To be frank, if DH feels that way, I would think twice about buying. The DVC guides do a good job of pushing the non-Disney possibilities for your points, but in actual fact, if you're not planning on going to WDW every year or HHI or VB, DVC probably isn't for you. If you read back over the posts here, you will find alot of discussion on this but the pure and simple fact is exchanging for other uses is not the best way to use your points. Plus you have the problem of getting the exchange itself. For example, right now we're trying to do an exchange in Hawaii. We've been on the list for over a month now. No word at all on when or even if we will get an exchange. We're being flexible but still getting an exchange is a waiting game. Luckily we're retired and are very flexible and so hopefully our exchange will come thru sooner or later. But if I was working and trying to make definite plans, I'd probably feel a whole lot different.

 

[tinkerbellsaratoga]

We've been DVC members for two years. My daughter loves it and so far it works for all of us. Our points are based out of SSR and we've have been to Disney four times in the last three years...we really enjoy Orlando. Our thinking -- there is so much to do in and around the area for ages 2 through 70. It's a great place to invite family and friends. We feel DVC members make each vacation, a vacation -- well maybe a working vacation, but that's fun for us. The pools are great at SSR. They have poolside events for the kids and the slides are great. Although they could use more chairs during peak weeks poolside. I guess you have to say to yourself, hmmm is this going to work for us. So far, we have looked forward to each and every trip...

 

[hellerjw]

As most people will tell you the best use of DVC and your points is to stay within the DVC resorts (WDW resorts, VB & HH). We live in SC so HH was a big plus for us since we can go there easily and feel like we are away from WDW but still stay at a DVC resort. We bought in at AKV, but knew we would go to HH about every 4th or 5th trip and possibly VB on occasion.

We did like the flexibility that DVC offered to exchange points for stays elsewhere but knew the value of your points doesn't go as far doing that as it would at a DVC resort. We knew we would only be doing exchanges on rare occasions so simply having the ability to trade-out was a nice bonus, not really something we planned on taking advantage of often.

It really depends on what you want to get out of your DVC membership. Trading out is not the best use of your points and in some cases is very costly point-wise (the Disney cruises for example). However, if you only plan to do these exchanges occasionally then DVC still may be a good choice for you. If exchanges outside the DVC resorts are really important then there are other timeshares that would be a better choice.

 

[flyerron]

No one should make up your mind for a purchase like DVC. If you have just about made up your mind & have allowed enough time to make reasonably sure of the purchase, then do it. It is natural to have some jittters unless you have the ability to afford it without concern. By the same token if you feel pressured into the purchase, hold off & make sure it is for you. Either way, good luck!

 

[rinkwide]

...DH is very excited about all the off-site locations he will be able to stay at...

Your guide deserves a raise.

 

[Albytaps]

My wife and I are in the same boat. We want to get a Boardwalk 2 bedroom but are worried that we'll pay too much. They are really pushing the Animal Kingdom one but we rather get the Boarkwalk for the nightlife. However, I think we can be swayed from that to Animal Kingdom if the price is right I guess, we all like animals... I was just hoping not to smell them when I wake up every day.

So where were you thinking of buying the interest?

 

[Disneynut4ever]

No one should make up your mind for a purchase like DVC. If you have just about made up your mind & have allowed enough time to make reasonably sure of the purchase, then do it. It is natural to have some jittters unless you have the ability to afford it without concern. By the same token if you feel pressured into the purchase, hold off & make sure it is for you. Either way, good luck!

No one is really "pressuring" us, but I think my DH may be misunderstanding the use of off-site vacations, and I wanted some clarification, since when we call, we are assured it is great for both WDW and other vacations. Our rep claims since she works at Disney, she bought in for the benefit of staying anywhere but Disney.

 

[Disneynut4ever]

My wife and I are in the same boat. We want to get a Boardwalk 2 bedroom but are worried that we'll pay too much. They are really pushing the Animal Kingdom one but we rather get the Boarkwalk for the nightlife. However, I think we can be swayed from that to Animal Kingdom if the price is right I guess, we all like animals... I was just hoping not to smell them when I wake up every day.

So where were you thinking of buying the interest?

We would buy at AKV. We have stayed at AKL and absolutely loved it! And don't worry, we did not smell any of the animals.

 

[dunkie7557]

I am planning on going down to disney in 2 weeks. i wanted to take the tour but i had been dealing with a phone rep to get material. she tells me that if i go on the tour that i would have to split the commission between her and the tour guide. Plus she claims that they present different incentives and you have 3 days to decide? all I want to do is see the models and the grounds . i hear they take you to Saratoga Springs. the phone rep tells me i can see the models through her if i become a disney VC member right away for $500.00 which is refundable. Anyone heard any of this and have any ideas for me? i am not buying sight unseen

 

[dunkie7557]

I have heard people complaining about the food at AK. Do they have stuff that appeals to kids or broad based American fare/ don't want to buy into it if the kids will have nowhere close to eat if we want with kid type food. Any suggestions as to which DVD does have this ammenity of American fare?

 

[Disneynut4ever]

I am planning on going down to disney in 2 weeks. i wanted to take the tour but i had been dealing with a phone rep to get material. she tells me that if i go on the tour that i would have to split the commission between her and the tour guide. Plus she claims that they present different incentives and you have 3 days to decide? all I want to do is see the models and the grounds . i hear they take you to Saratoga Springs. the phone rep tells me i can see the models through her if i become a disney VC member right away for $500.00 which is refundable. Anyone heard any of this and have any ideas for me? i am not buying sight unseen

I don't know anything about sharing the commission (and who cares who they split it) but as far as 3 days to decide, that is really not true. Our rep said that "loosely" and when we got home, we called to ask for more time, and she gave it to us, actually a couple of times. Our "deadline" to get the incentives she offered us was (I think) June 20th and we didn't put the $500 down until July 2 (almost 2 wks later).

They do take you to SSR for the models (and maybe the AKV model is open now).

 

[Disneynut4ever]

I have heard people complaining about the food at AK. Do they have stuff that appeals to kids or broad based American fare/ don't want to buy into it if the kids will have nowhere close to eat if we want with kid type food. Any suggestions as to which DVD does have this ammenity of American fare?

We didn't eat in the "table service" restaurants when we stayed at AKL, but we did eat in the "counter service" restaurant, which definitely had american fare.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I have heard people complaining about the food at AK. Do they have stuff that appeals to kids or broad based American fare/ don't want to buy into it if the kids will have nowhere close to eat if we want with kid type food. Any suggestions as to which DVD does have this ammenity of American fare?

The two table service restaurats at the main lodge are very ethnic, but don't forget that there will also be seperate dining facilities at the new DVC building. Besides, it's a timeshare.....meant for a "home away from home", and that means a full working kitchen etc.

FWIW, Jiko is our favorite restaurant in all of WDW.