Thinging of buying a 2nd home....

[dozens]

Thinking of becoming a DVC member. I just got back from a three night stay the a Polynesian (12/8 - 12/11) and saw the DVC store while hanging around Main street. I have yet to go to the sales pitch session. I prefer hearing about something after getting some background info first....which I have done by visiting this board. I have a few more questions and I would appreciate feedback on them when people have time to respond.

1) Does it matter what "home" resort I choose, other then being able to book 11 months in advance ?

2) I have almost two year twins and staying at resort along the original monorail makes it easier to go to and from the Magic Kingdom. If I intend to stay at one of these resorts is DVC still worthwhile ? ie Are the points cost weighted more towards the non DVC resorts ?

3) I am trying to figure out my break even point, and not sure of all the cost associated with a DVC. I know I have to pay $75 a point (150 minimum) and some monthly dues ($50 ?). Is there anything else ?

4) I have never stay at any of the DVC resorts, will the DVC people pay for me to stay 1 or 2 night at one of them and check them out as part of their sales pitch ?

5) I see references to "AP" which I guess stands for annual pass. Can I get the annual pass because I am a DVC member or because I own "real estate" in FLA ?

6) Regaring buying from a reseller or via Disney...If the best I can do is $70-$74 a point via a reseller should I go through Disney ? At what cost per point is it better to go with a reseller ?

I am sure I will have more questions later...

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I can't address all of your questions, but if you are in DVC using the DVC resorts is definately a better deal for your points. We have 160 BWV and 100 VWL points. We stayed at the POly our first trip and went back this weekend on cash. We had an AP discount (you don't need to live in Florida for a regular AP by the way, only the Florida resident one, and no, DVCers do not qualify for that). We love the Poly and the monorail--my youngest was 2 on our first trip and is now 3 1/2--but we missed some of the DVC stuff we had in our 1BR BWV villa this summer, like a whirlpool tub in the master bath, much more room, and a washer /dryer (I imagine with 2 year old twins that would be a plus for you too! You pack less because you can wash stuff, plus we wash everything before we come home so we don't return to mounds of laundry!)
Which home resort you choose depends on a lot of things. It can be a cliche here, but you need to buy where you want to stay the most. BWV is close to Epcot and MGM which are DH's two favorite parks, and I wanted some VWL points (we haven't stayed there yet) because I like the theme and we can't stay at the lodge; too big a family. Also my favorite park is MK; another reason I wanted VWL.
You can only get VWL from Disney right now, and not for long! When the new Beach Club Villas go on sale, rumors are that the price will be as much as $10 higher per point (rumors, mind you). If you want OKW or BWV you will have to rely on the resale market.
Robin M.
Poly 6/2000
BWV 6/2001
Poly 12/2001
BWV/VWL 7/2002

 

[dozens]

What does VWL stand for ? I could not find it in the abbreviations list.

 

[Mickbee]

VWL = Villas @ Wilderness Lodge.

Though VWL is not located on the monorail it is a short boat ride from MK. We used it quite often (and will again in 11 hours!) and found it to be quicker than the monorail. We always rent a car. However, we often take the boat to MK and hop the monorail to other resorts or Epcot from there. No complains...

A benefit offered from Disney is called Magical Beginnings, which is a program that Disney buys back this years points for $10 a point for VWL. So it would reduce your initial out of pocket $ to $65 per point. At that price it makes it extremely competitive (IMHO) with resales. Another benefit of purchasing through Disney is they pay the closing costs ($350+ depending on # of points you buy) and pro-rate your first years dues based on the months remaining for the year. In other words; if you bought in Dec, you would pay 1/12th of the annual dues for 2001. Disney also offers financing that it appears as though the rates are fair competitive and a snap to arrange.

To break it down approximately:

$75 pp @ VWL
-$10 pp for MB
-3 pp (est closing costs: $450 for 150 points)
-------
$62 pp cost as compared to resale.

NOTE: this is just the late night calculations from me. If anyone differs, please hop in.

As you will hear many times: Buy where you plan to stay.

If you have small kids, you may find that the Boardwalk may be quite a hike for the little ones to walk to the monorail.

Good luck and ENJOY!!

 

[PamOKW]

I'll try to tackle some of the other questions.....

No, DVC won't give you a deal to try out any of the WDW DVC resorts. The resorts practically sell themselves so that type of incentive isn't necessary. The Magical Beginnings is the benefit they are currently offering. You can get "deals" to stay at HHI and Vero Beach when you agree to listen to the 90 minute pitch. DVC sales pressure is almost non-existent. The sessions are purely informative.

One of the other costs is the dues. These are assessed in December every year and due in January. You can arrange to have them automatically deducted from your account each month and spread the payments over the year. The dues are charged per point that you own and run about $3.00-$4.00 depending on which resort is your home resort. For 2002, VWL dues will be $3.80 per point. If you own 150 points that would be $570 per year or $47.50 per month.

Anyone can purchase an Annual Pass. DVC is very clear, however, that owning DVC does not in any way make you a FL resident and you are not entitled to any FL resident discounts.

 

[wdwnut]

hi: i'll try another of your questions regarding non dvc vs. dvc resort point usage. here's a link to the point calculator here on the dis. http://www.wdwinfo.com/resort/dvcpoint.shtml you can key in the same week and check out all the point differences between the dvc and non dvc resorts. it is more economical, pointwise, to stay at the dvc resorts. be warned though-once you stay in a 1br or larger villa, it is extremely hard to go back to a studio or even deluxe hotel room. by the way, i never took the dvc tour ever. we weren't in a great position financially in 93 and turned down the dvc offer. however, when bwv were up and running, we were able to buy there. our only regret was not buying in 93; both the contracts would've been paid for by now. if you haven't already done so, try reading the faq on this board. you can always call and have the info sent to you without any pressure or obligation. post if you have any other questions.