Strongly considering DVC membership, but lots of questions, please help

[dbkelly]

My husband and I are strongly considering DVC membership, however we have a lot of unanswered questions. First of all, how difficult or easy is it to book a vacation at a non-disney property. Has anyone had the experience, especially over in Europe? We wanted to purchase at OKW, but it is sold out. The Disney guide told us that we could make a reservation for February or April Vacation week at the Wilderness Lodge at 11 months and then at 7 months try to get OKW. Has anyone tried to get a 1 bedroom at OKW with only 7 months in advance for a school vacation week? We have also looked at resales on the internet for OKW, but in most cases all the points for the current year and next year have been used up.

 

[BobBrazeal]

I can't help with non-Disney properties as I've not done that.

The one thing that you will hear over and over is buy where you want to stay the most. If OKW is where you want to vacation most of the times you are at Disney, then look for and get an OKW resale. I did just that.

Back in Feb, I went through the same thing you did. I was leaning toward getting points at VWL but really wanted my main home resort to be OKW. I came to these boards and was convinced by everyone here that I should buy where I want to stay.

Since I've purchased my 260 points at OKW I've added on at VWL with another 70 points. I really like VWL and wanted to have the 11 month booking window to stay there but still want most of my vacations at OKW. As VWL sells out I think that the 11 month window will be more important at all the resorts. You may very easily get what you want at the 7 month window, you may not. I didn't want to take the chance either way. That is why I purchased originally at OKW and then did the add on at VWL.

Just keep watching the resales. Call the resale brokers and tell them what you want. Many of the good contracts are probably sold before they make it to the web sites.

Good luck and welcome to the boards.

 

[TrudyZ]

dbkelly:

I just purchased at OKW (closed last week). What the Disney guides are not telling you that they are available, just not through Disney. You need to go to the resale market.

There are two or three brokers who handle them, I would highly recommend Jaki Apetz from atimeshare.com


She found a exactly what we wanted. Most of the good contracts never make it to the posting. Mine had nearly full banked points from 1999, 2000, and all of 2001 points in place. You can email me direct and I can give you all the details (price, closing costs, negotiable issues, etc.) as well as her #--as you need to get on her list to find out about these contracts.

Regards,
Trudy

 

[CarolAnnC]

Although it is possible, you cannot count on getting what you want for school vacation week ressies 7 months in advance. You may have to compromise and take a different type of unit or perhaps split the vacation between two resorts. But if you are flexible, you should not have a major problem. Non holiday and non school vacation weeks are generally easier at OKW to book 7 months out.

 

[Ed T]

Hi

Bob is correct, what the sales guide is not telling you is that Boardwalk and OKW are available but through resale. I would certainly investigate that source as well. If you check your private messages I have given you some additional information on resales.


As for using points in Europe we are leaving next week for Ireland and England and are booked into the Dorchester in London for 4 nights. We are excited about it since we heard that it is a very expensive hotel with great amenities. The process of booking was painless and easy. You do have to pay a $ 75 fee for making the reservations. Send me an email after July 4th and I'll tell you more about it.

Good luck and check your pm's

Ed

 

[travelbug]

This year we needed to take our DW trip over Easter week. I had reservations at BWV (home resort), but called at the 7-month window to see if I could get a 1 BR at OKW. Wanted to be greedy and save on points! I'm happy to say I was successful on the first try. We LOVED OKW and can't wait to go back.

Best wishes as you make your decision! Keep asking questions on these boards. There are so many nice people ready to help! Good luck!

 

[mickeyc]

I have read the advise given concerning the 7 month & 11 month window. I think there maybe some merit to the issue. However, the flexibility of the Disney timeshare is the key. The resale market I think at this time maybe over priced. I purchased a resale and I am satisfied. However, given the current market conditions if I were not able to buy a resale at a fair price I would consider VWL. Bottom line is the resales are not the buy they were 8 or 9 months ago. IMHO it does not make sense to overpay for a resale to obtain a specific location. I had success booking under the 7 month window at my home resort which is BWV. I am not sure if this was unique or not since it was my first time. According to MS there were plenty of vacancies. It seems to me there are plenty of options when booking. For example, you use the wait list when booking, and I would think if BWV is not available OKW maybe or vice versa. I hope you get the resort you want at a fair price. Enjoy!

 

[Richyams]

If you prefer OKW, remember, it also has the lowest dues. $0.50 less than VWL. That is a $75 savings each and every year. Paying a little bit more for the 11 month window AND the lowest dues is definitely worth something.

 

[penguincruiser]

FWIW, we did an exchange to Spain this year (had points to be used) and got what we wanted at 5 months out within 3 weeks of the request.

I think it depends on how flexible you are.

JJ Penguin