Some beginner questions

[New England Eeyore]

I'm toying with the idea of buying DVC resale and I'm just starting to wade into the mounds of research that go along with it.

I would want the option to stay at an Epcot resort every year during F&W. Am I correct in assuming that I should not consider any other home resorts than BCV or BWV because the 7 month window is too hard (impossible?) to get at that time?

It seems most the sites I looked at have those two resorts as "sale pending" - do they tend to get snapped up quickly?

How are the sleeper sofas really? I would always be traveling with adults and somebody will end up on one - is it terrible or reasonable?

With the different type of housekeeping do you get enough towels to last 4 days or is the assumption that you will reuse them? With no daily trash pickup - are they the tiny little trash cans you get in most hotel rooms or are they bigger? (We can adjust either way - just trying to understand.)

Forgive me if these are questions that are asked all the time, I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the information out there and DISers are always a great source of info! Thanks in advance!

 

[ELMC]

I'm toying with the idea of buying DVC resale and I'm just starting to wade into the mounds of research that go along with it.

I would want the option to stay at an Epcot resort every year during F&W. Am I correct in assuming that I should not consider any other home resorts than BCV or BWV because the 7 month window is too hard (impossible?) to get at that time?

Although it can be done, booking a room at BCV or BWV for F&W at the 7 month mark requires you to be flexible with your dates, type of room you want to stay in as well as your willingness to move rooms during your stay. And even then there are no guarantees. If you want to go every year, I would strongly recommend buying at one of those two resorts.

It seems most the sites I looked at have those two resorts as "sale pending" - do they tend to get snapped up quickly?

Yes. This is a very high demand/low supply time for DVC resales at those two resorts.

How are the sleeper sofas really? I would always be traveling with adults and somebody will end up on one - is it terrible or reasonable?

That depends on how easy going you are. As far as sleeper sofas go, they are of the higher end. But they're still a sleeper sofa. Personally, I wouldn't do it, but I think I'm higher maintenance than your average bear.

With the different type of housekeeping do you get enough towels to last 4 days or is the assumption that you will reuse them? With no daily trash pickup - are they the tiny little trash cans you get in most hotel rooms or are they bigger? (We can adjust either way - just trying to understand.)

These are good questions that aren't answered in the brochures. They expect you to reuse your towels. You can pay a nominal charge (about $10-$30 depending on how many guests you have) for replacement towels if you wish. The garbage cans are small, but there are places for you to empty them yourself in the hallways. Personally, I enjoy not having daily housekeeping as I like to spread out my stuff and I feel that it gets in the way of the housekeepers.

Forgive me if these are questions that are asked all the time, I'm a bit overwhelmed with all the information out there and DISers are always a great source of info! Thanks in advance!

Good luck with your hunt!

 

[rlovew]

I would want the option to stay at an Epcot resort every year during F&W. Am I correct in assuming that I should not consider any other home resorts than BCV or BWV because the 7 month window is too hard (impossible?) to get at that time?

Hi there! I haven't seen you around in a bit!

For using points during the F&W festival and wanting to regularly stay in an Epcot resort you will want to buy in at whichever resort of the 2 you would rather stay in most of the time.

Rebecca

 

[JimMIA]

I would want the option to stay at an Epcot resort every year during F&W. Am I correct in assuming that I should not consider any other home resorts than BCV or BWV because the 7 month window is too hard (impossible?) to get at that time?

I'm not normally a "buy where you want to stay" advocate, but in this case I'd say yes, buy BCV or BWV -- PROVIDED you can reliably plan ahead and book right at 11 months to stand the best chance of getting what you want, when you want it.

If you can't reliably USE your booking window (and for F&W or other peak periods that means exactly at 11 months), then it really doesn't matter where you buy.

It seems most the sites I looked at have those two resorts as "sale pending" - do they tend to get snapped up quickly?

Yes, especially BCV because it is a very small resort. Small resort -- fewer points and contracts outstanding -- less supply in the resale market.

How are the sleeper sofas really? I would always be traveling with adults and somebody will end up on one - is it terrible or reasonable?

I personally hate them, but there is also more to accommodations than sleeping space. You also need room for everyone's stuff, and in most groups of adults just about everyone will want to occasionally use the bathroom. Those two space factors may be more important than where people sleep.

With the different type of housekeeping do you get enough towels to last 4 days or is the assumption that you will reuse them? With no daily trash pickup - are they the tiny little trash cans you get in most hotel rooms or are they bigger? (We can adjust either way - just trying to understand.)

I have the same problem in timeshares that I have at home -- no daily housekeeping service. I've mentioned that to my wife, but DIS posting guidelines prohibit printing her responses.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The sleeper sofas they currently have at BWV and BCV are the better ones in my opinion. More like a real mattress than the foam pad like at most of the other DVC resorts. These flip from the back and the cushions stay attached to help support the foot of the bed.

But they could replace them anytime with the three section foam pad ones like at most of the other resorts.

A studio at BWV and BCV (as well as a one bedroom) will have four bath towels, two hand towels and four face cloths. If you need more than that before you get your housekeeping services every four days, you can launder them yourself or you can pay for extra service or extra towels.

BWV only has lockoff two bedroom villas, should you be interested in a two bedroom. That means, a combination of a studio and a one bedroom. So only two real beds (one king in the master and one queen in the second bedroom). The other four sleeping spaces are sleeper sofas (one queen in the living room and one double in the second bedroom). Neither BWV or BCV have the twin sized sleeper chair in the living room because there just isn't room for it. BCV does have dedicated two bedroom villas, but some have two queen beds in the second bedroom and some have a queen bed and a double sleeper sofa because the room was smaller.

These one bedroom villas currently allow a fifth person aged three or older, but DVC will not provide a rollaway or cot for that person. And they won't provide bed linens or towels. You have to provide them yourself.

You will find extra trash bags in the bottom of the trash can and you can take your trash and recyclables to the trash room located on your floor.

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks so much for the help! I knew I'd get good information here. I have to lock in my vacations for work by December for the following year, so the 11 month window will not be a problem for me. For such an expensive purchase out of pocket, the sleeper sofa situation is a bit of a downer, but I think we can deal.

I've never stayed in a DVC resort. Do you think it's worth taking a DVC tour on my next trip even though I really have no intention at buying at a new resort? I think I might like to see a sample room, even if it's not going to be exactly what I end up with.

I take an annual trip to F&W with my Dad. I also travel with my DH and adult stepdaughter typically every other year, at varying times of year so I figure that would give us the chance to try different resorts and sized units.

Hi there! I haven't seen you around in a bit!

Rebecca! I know - I've been MIA for a looooong time! Hope you are well!

 

[iluvthsgam]

Thanks so much for the help! I knew I'd get good information here. I have to lock in my vacations for work by December for the following year, so the 11 month window will not be a problem for me. For such an expensive purchase out of pocket, the sleeper sofa situation is a bit of a downer, but I think we can deal.

I've never stayed in a DVC resort. Do you think it's worth taking a DVC tour on my next trip even though I really have no intention at buying at a new resort? I think I might like to see a sample room, even if it's not going to be exactly what I end up with.

I take an annual trip to F&W with my Dad. I also travel with my DH and adult stepdaughter typically every other year, at varying times of year so I figure that would give us the chance to try different resorts and sized units.

Rebecca! I know - I've been MIA for a looooong time! Hope you are well!

It sure wouldn't hurt to do a tour next time. I think they still give some consideration for doing the tour right? Some fast passes or such? If you can spare a few hours it would be good to see the accommodations.

 

[parlay]

I've never stayed in a DVC resort. Do you think it's worth taking a DVC tour on my next trip even though I really have no intention at buying at a new resort? I think I might like to see a sample room, even if it's not going to be exactly what I end up with.

I wouldn't necessarily announce that you intend to buy resale. I've read on these boards that the disclosure gets you a different attitude from some guides. And the tour will include the accomodations that are currently (actively) being sold - AK, and Aulani (and soon VGF). I know there was a "model" BWV room last summer at BWV that you could tour, and you could always go to the front desk of BC during a slow time and ask if they have any empty Villas you could possibly look at. Certainly worth a try. Good Luck

 

[BestDadEver]

I wouldn't necessarily announce that you intend to buy resale. I've read on these boards that the disclosure gets you a different attitude from some guides. And the tour will include the accomodations that are currently (actively) being sold - AK, and Aulani (and soon VGF). I know there was a "model" BWV room last summer at BWV that you could tour, and you could always go to the front desk of BC during a slow time and ask if they have any empty Villas you could possibly look at. Certainly worth a try. Good Luck

I wouldn't tell the guide you want to buy resale . Of corse they aren't going to treat you the same , your wasting their time and telling them that . There is no real reason to tell them . They won't give you honest advice about resale anyway .

 

[Minniesgal]

Definitely do t tell the guide you plan on buying resale. They spend a lot of time on the tours and will most likely cut it short if you do. It would be like going to a car showroom and looking around the new and used cars with a salesman and then asking him for advice on buying your neighbors car second hand.

 

[nyck]

Thanks so much for the help! I knew I'd get good information here. I have to lock in my vacations for work by December for the following year, so the 11 month window will not be a problem for me. For such an expensive purchase out of pocket, the sleeper sofa situation is a bit of a downer, but I think we can deal.

I've never stayed in a DVC resort. Do you think it's worth taking a DVC tour on my next trip even though I really have no intention at buying at a new resort? I think I might like to see a sample room, even if it's not going to be exactly what I end up with.

I take an annual trip to F&W with my Dad. I also travel with my DH and adult stepdaughter typically every other year, at varying times of year so I figure that would give us the chance to try different resorts and sized units.

Rebecca! I know - I've been MIA for a looooong time! Hope you are well!

Why not rent a room at BCV or BWV and stay? The tour isn't going to show you how these look, only how AKL or VGF look. You can rent directly from Disney or a DVC member. Your chances of renting for a member for this year FW festival this year would be slim since it is all booked up, but u could probably get 1-2 nights in one to see what it is like

 

[JimMIA]

When I took the tour, I told the guide up front that I was not going to buy that day -- not because I was going to buy resale (didn't know resale existed!), but simply because I wanted them to understand that up front. The guide was nice, spent a good bit of time, and took no for an answer with no fuss. We initially bought resale, but later bought from her direct (times and prices were WAY different then).

I agree with the others not to tell them you're going to buy resale, but not because they will cut the tour short. The reason is they are likely to focus too much on misinformation about resale and not enough on what DVC is, how it works, etc. You don't want to waste the guide's time, but you also don't want to waste your time being led astray.

DVC guides usually do not tell blatant lies (some do, some of the time), but obviously they are going to present only one side of the story. They are going to give you the arguments supporting a purchase from them, not give you an unbiased even-handed introduction to all possible alternatives. The person who takes you on the tour is a timeshare salesman...NOT your friend.

I would learn as much as you can before the tour, ask a lot of nuts and bolts questions, don't mention resale or the DIS, and gather information. Then, come back here and clarify anything that's still confusing.

 

[New England Eeyore]

Thanks for the continued great info.

I have some free time to play with this upcoming trip so I think I will try the tour. I would not tell the tourguide that I was thinking of resale, but I would say that I was definitely not going to be buying that day. I'm traveling without my husband - that kind of takes care of itself. I will also check to see if I can view the model villa at BWV.

It's too crazy expensive to book from Disney but I may see if I could rent one night from a member for this Nov trip.

 

[DisneyRREngr]

When I took the tour, I told the guide up front that I was not going to buy that day -- not because I was going to buy resale (didn't know resale existed!), but simply because I wanted them to understand that up front. The guide was nice, spent a good bit of time, and took no for an answer with no fuss. We initially bought resale, but later bought from her direct (times and prices were WAY different then).

I agree with the others not to tell them you're going to buy resale, but not because they will cut the tour short. The reason is they are likely to focus too much on misinformation about resale and not enough on what DVC is, how it works, etc. You don't want to waste the guide's time, but you also don't want to waste your time being led astray.

DVC guides usually do not tell blatant lies (some do, some of the time), but obviously they are going to present only one side of the story. They are going to give you the arguments supporting a purchase from them, not give you an unbiased even-handed introduction to all possible alternatives. The person who takes you on the tour is a timeshare salesman...NOT your friend.

I would learn as much as you can before the tour, ask a lot of nuts and bolts questions, don't mention resale or the DIS, and gather information. Then, come back here and clarify anything that's still confusing.

Thanks Jim for the info, that was helpful. This is my first post on the DIS Boards and a newbie with DVC. I have a question about buying a resale. My wife and I really like the Wilderness Lodge and would like to purchase a resale there. What would be the best place to purchase said resale? Thanks in advance.

 

[vicki_c]

Thanks Jim for the info, that was helpful. This is my first post on the DIS Boards and a newbie with DVC. I have a question about buying a resale. My wife and I really like the Wilderness Lodge and would like to purchase a resale there. What would be the best place to purchase said resale? Thanks in advance.

I don't think I there is a best place, other than from one of the well regarded brokers frequently mentioned here that has the contract you want at the price you want to pay. I don't recall seeing many VWL listings in the Timeshare Store's listings lately.

 

[JimMIA]

Thanks Jim for the info, that was helpful. This is my first post on the DIS Boards and a newbie with DVC. I have a question about buying a resale. My wife and I really like the Wilderness Lodge and would like to purchase a resale there. What would be the best place to purchase said resale? Thanks in advance.

There is no question in my mind that The Timeshare Store is the best. I've bought and sold with them and they are outstanding.

However, I would not limit yourself to them. TTS does not co-broker, so they will not have access to contracts listed on other broker's sites. I would take Vicki's advice and check with the 3-4 top brokers.

VWL is a very small resort and there are never going to be huge numbers of VWL contracts on the market. In that situation, I'd do my research thoroughly BEFORE I started looking and be prepared to pounce when I started my actual search for a contract to purchase.

Also, with such a small market, you don't want to be so concerned with grinding out every last penny of savings on a resale. You want to pay a fair price that will pass ROFR. Buying a timeshare is a longterm thing, so don't focus on saving another $100 going in.

The last thing in the world you want is to find the perfect contract and then lose it to ROFR.

 

[crisi]

The Timeshare Store has an easy link at the top of this page.

The other brokers can be found with a google search - DVC resale. You want to look for someone who knows DVC, not someone who has a lot of timeshare contracts and sometimes gets something DVC in.

 

[DisneyRREngr]

Thanks Crisi Vicki and Jim for the good info and links and that brings up another question. Why do the DVC purchases expire in 50 years our less. ie the Wilderness Lodge listings I saw expire in 2042 and revert back to Disney ownership. Seems like you are paying double for your vacations up front then loose your investment. Disney gets their money years before you vacation then gets the property back at the end. Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Minniesgal]

That is the deal that is offered through DVC, all resorts have an expiry date. you have to make your money back before then which shouldn't be a problem as 2042 is 30ish years from now

 

[chalee94]

Why do the DVC purchases expire in 50 years our less.

disney has no interest in selling you the land, just leasing you the use of it.

for one, you are not obligated to buy in if it doesn't seem like a good deal.

for another, you are welcome to buy in at other timeshares which allow perpetual ownership. the downside is that few people want to buy in to a 50-60 year old building in need of significant updates - and you can often buy contracts for such resorts for $1 on ebay...as owners are desparate to sell to get away from the annual dues.

with DVC, you get a limited term. at a certain point (2042 for many resorts), you and disney both get to walk away. you are no longer obligated for annual dues and walk away free and clear. disney gets the property back to level or resell as suits their business purposes.