Thinking about a DVC....where do I even begin?

[tchrrx]

I guess my first question is...what exactly is a DVC and how does it benefit me? Are these separate resorts and/or rooms, or is it just a better deal on the places I'm already staying? If DVC is separate from the regular resort rooms, where are they located.

My DH is actually considering doing a DVC (which is amazing, since he's told me for years how 'stupid' time-shares were!), but I need to have all of the facts in hand before we'll be able to go ahead with it. I'm completely clueless when it comes to this subject, so I'd appreciate anything you can tell me. Thanks!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Start here: http://www.****************/ It has alot of stuff about being an owner, by owners.

Edited: I guess that is not allowed. Sorry. I sent you an email and/or pm.

 

[disneydenisel]

Well, you came to the right place !

If I were you, I'd browse the boards and check out the www.disneyvacationclub.com website. Once you get a good overview of the club, then you can search these forums for answers to many of your questions.

Let's see if I can answer in one sentence. You buy points for ~$80-101/pt for any of the DVC resorts (min. 150 through Disney, but you can buy resale and buy less points), you use those points to stay at DVC resorts or trade them for other timeshares, and you pay dues every year for the use of those points.

I should add that once you get hooked, you will want more and more points ....Good luck!

 

[browniemtb]

Where do you begin???
Call Disney Vacation Club and get the DVD and book sent to you. This will give you a video tour of the resorts as well as some basic info on how the club works. I do not feel that his is a typical time share. It works on a point system so you are not locked into a specific week...you can travel anytime you would like. The DVC resorts are deluxe resort. There are studio units up to 3 bedroom unit. The 1, 2, and 3 bedroom units come with a full kitchen and washer and dryer. The studios have a kitchenettes. There are 5 on-site Disney resorts and 2 off site.....
Epcot area - Boardwalk Villas, Beach Club Villas
MK area - Villas at Wilderness Lodge
Downtown Disney Area - Saratoga Springs and Old Key West
Also just ask questions here in this forum, you will learn more here than anywhere else....Good Luck

 

[Granny]

A good place to begin is at the top of this page at the DVC FAQ's. Here's the link http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/faq.shtml

Here's another link for more information http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/dvc.htm

And last but not least, read this entire thread http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=28 It has a ton of great information that will probably spur more questions. Yes, it's a long thread, but if you are serious about plunking down several thousands of dollars for DVC you owe it to yourself to understand what you are getting (and not getting) for that money.

Read up on as much as you can about DVC. Read these boards, especially this one (DVC Operations). And ask specific questions by starting a new thread for each question. That gets the best and fastest responses.

Good luck in your research. DVC doesn't work for everyone, but for those who it fits it is a great vacation enhancer.

 

[3DisneyKids]

DVC is a wonderful program, but can be expensive and is not right for everyone. You are correct to do your research....and lots of it...before making any major decisions.

What others have said is good advice....go to the DVC website, cal DVC and get the free DVD and info. packet, and ask lots of questions. You can also do the the "tour" over the phone. Once you have watched the DVD, I would say that this is your next step. Remember, though, that taking the "tour" (even by phone) is a sales pitch...they want you to buy in. So use it as a source of information, but continue to do your own research as well.

As most here will tell you, there are a few questions that you can ask yourself right off the bat as to whether or not DVC is right for you:

--Do you plan to go to WDW at least once a year or once every two years?
--Do you usually stay in Deluxe resorts?
--Can you comfortably afford both the initial buy-in price as well as the annual maint. fees? (There are lots of threads around here about purchasing out of pocket vs. financing...many agree that you should only buy in if you can pay out of pocket, but that is a whole different topic....)

If you answer "yes" to each of these questions, then DVC may well be right for your family.

Keep coming to these boards...you'll learn way more than you even thought there was to know about DVC...

 

[CPTJAK]

Just to add 1 more tip:

Take your time do not jump in without doing extensive research on sites like these. You already started by finding the board.

If contacting Disney direct to discuss DVC make sure you understand that you can buy any of the DVC (not just the one SSR that they are selling now) you just may have to wait a little longer and there are many resellers out there.

 

[jetstream]

I beleive that the sponser of the board offers a 16 page document on DVC and resales. It is a sticky at the top of the section.

Might want to give them a call as well.

FREE New 16 page Brochure about DVC & Resales!

 

[bcvillastwo]

You will undoubtedly see the subject of "saving money" by owning DVC. Yes, and you will hear about the break-even point and all of the discussion that swirls around about thes two subjects.

As to the subject of "saving money" as you proceed through the life of your contract you could easily wind up saving money on your accomodations but you may also find out that after you buy into DVC you wind up spending more at WDW because you find yourself going more often and thus your non-DVC costs could increase.

On the subject of when you "break-even" and actually start saving money on your accomodations, well that depends on a number of factors that you will probably read about as you continue your research on whether DVC makes sense for you.

Like others have said, take your time, do you research, discuss it amongst yourselves, run the numbers and perhaps after doing all of that you will find that DVC actually does make sense for you.

Good luck