Thinking of being Vacation Club member - advice?

[Torontogal]

Hi,
My hubby and I are planning our 1st real Disney trip for Aug with the 2 little ones. Since Disney is something we plan to go to at least once a year - we are thinking of a "time share" concept. We never really concerned time share before but the Disney name really gives us piece of mind.

We are looking at Boardwalk Villas - possibly a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. I would love to know any advice you have on this and your experiences for newbies like us.

We really appreciate yout thoughts.

Nina
Toronto

 

[tjkraz]

Start with the FAQ here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/faq.shtml

Note that DVC is not a "traditional" timeshare in the sense that you need to pick a unit size and even a week of the year to travel annually. Instead you buy an allotment of points from DVC and are free to use those points however you see fit. The point costs for a single night vary depending upon resort, room size, time of the year and even day of the week.

You can find the point charts here:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml

If you want to continue vacationing annually, pick some approximate dates, a resort and a room size, and see how many points it would cost. That will give you a ball-park of what you need to purchase. Unused points can be banked one year into the future and you can also borrow from the next year if necessary.

You can buy points either direct from Disney or on the resale market. If you go direct to Disney, pretty much your only option is Saratoga Springs. The advantages to buying direct are that it is a very painless process, Disney can finance for you, and with points at SSR you get 12 more years of ownership than the other properties.

Going the resale route gives you many more choices of Home resort and can definitely save you money (figure +/- 10%.) But it does take quite a bit more patience and persistence, and you'll have to finance yourself or plan to pay cash.

At a minimum, plan to take the tour of SSR while you are on your upcoming trip. You could also make an attempt to visit the other properties on your own since you've never been to WDW before. It also wouldn't hurt to contact DVC now and request some info be mailed to you. Their sales "pitch" is virtually non-existent. Don't have any fear that you will get harassing phone calls after you give them your name.

Good luck!

 

[ParrotAtOKW]

Hi folks,

My first advice would be to be a little flexible about your home resort. The only way for you to get in to Boardwalk Villas now is to find something on the resale market. The only memberships selling "new" right now are at Saratoga Springs. There seems to be quite a few BWV's on the resale market just now though, so if your heart is set on it, go for it!

There is nothing wrong with buying resale at all - you get all the same benefits as anyone else. With reputable resellers like The Timeshare Store you even get the exact same new members documentation package as Disney customers, I've heard. The biggest drawback to buying resale might be that you have to waith through the ROFR process before your deal can close. Disney retains the Right Of First Refusal on all resales, so when you make an offer, that offer has to be presented to Disney and rejected by them before the seller can proceed to make the sale to you. Lot's of people do this though. If you scan back through postings here you'll see that it happens all the time, and there are lots of happy owners who got their piece of the magic through resales. Oh, and I forgot to mention that you can sometimes buy resales through Disney too - you just pay more, usually. That's what they do with the points they buy back through ROFR.

With any DVC membership, you can stay at any of the DVC resorts. It's just that you can't book at a non-home resort more than 7 months in advance. That might seem like a long time, but at a place like Boardwalk most of the low-cost (in points) rooms are booked by members with BWV as their home resort as far as 11 months in advance.

Regardless - if you really do plan on going to Disney at least once a year, and can afford it, by all means join the club! All of the DVC accommodations are superb.

And when you mentioned that you are insterested in a "possibly a 1 or 2 bedroom villa" - did you mean that's what you are insterested in staying in on this trip, or that is what you expect to "buy in to" with a membership? I ask because, in DVC, you don't buy in to one kind of accommodation or another. Rather, you buy "points" that can be used with any available accommodation, from studio to the 3-bedroom Grand Villas. Staying in a studio requires less points than staying in a 1 or 2 bedroom.

The kind of accommodation you want to stay in will help determine the number of points you'll want to buy up front: A full week in a 1 bedroom at Boardwalk in early may would cost you 210 poits, for instance. The same stay in mid January would only cost you 178 points however. During the last week of December, it would cost 310 points.

You might want to use one of the calculators available on the web to help you decide, if you haven't already. There is one here somewhere. I use the one at www.dvctrader.com.

Well, I've gone on rather longer than I intended to. I hope you've found at least a little something in here worth your while.

Best wishes,

ParrotAtOKW

 

[Torontogal]

for replying. Your info. is so valuable. The hubby and I are having a meeting about this tonight.
Seems very exciting! Wondering if you have heard of any "horror stories" from people who bought into this and regret it?
My husband is thinking of paying 50% and his father would also pay 50% in order to be able to afford this.

 

[JimMIA]

Hi Torontogal...welcome aboard.

You've already gotten some excellent feedback here already, but I have to be a bit of a contrarian on resales. I'm in the middle of one now, and if I had it to do over again, I'd sure think hard about it.

To get a view of some of the downsides to resale, click on the following links. They will take you to threads which describe some of the problems that exist in this system...even with "reputable" resale brokers. Actually, the first is more of a discussion of the differences between the two methods, the second is the angst thread, and the final one is some advice on what to do if you feel cheated.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=774072
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=773453
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=772822

Regardless of how you buy, however, DVC is a great program and you will find the people here to be a wonderful bunch. We don't always agree, but you will find a lot of people eager to help...as you have seen.

 

[bethp1968]

AFter much debate and research, we bought into DVC in 11/03. We figured that since we already vacation somewhere every year - the cost of the DVC will pay for itself (for us) in about 7 years. We bought 210 points and had some left over after going in Oct. 04. This June, we are taking extended family in a studio & 2 bdrm for 5 nights. Our home resort is SSR, so we have the vacation club until 2054. Right now, we are seriously considering buying more points. As the kids get older, we'll need enough for a 2 bdrm during the summer or going on the Cruise!!! If you love to travel, especially Disney, then go for it!!!

 

[DisneyPhD]

All good advice so far, there really is a lot already out there about the pro's and cons of DVC and reading it can really help you decied if it it for you. I love DVC, but it isn't for eveyone (it is for us.)

If you want to go to WDW, DVC is the best time share out to join. It is very flexible and it is great because you still get to stay on property at WDW.

But then again there are so many of happy DVC members on this board. (what was the last count? over 1,000 I think or more.

 

[tjkraz]

I don't know about horror stories, but there are certainly people for whom DVC doesn't necessarily "work". Some who fall into that category are:

1. Those who are forced to book on short notice. You can begin making reservations up to 11 mos ahead of time. For certain busy time periods (and not that DVC busy times and Disney busy times can differ) you really do need to book very early to be guaranteed the room and resort you want.

2. Similarly, those whose plans may change on short notice may have problems with DVC. In order to retain the full flexibility of your points you cannot cancel less than 31 days prior to a scheduled check-in.

3. Those who are heavy weekend users. When looking at the point charts, you'll notice that weekends often cost 2-2.5 times the weekday point amounts. You'll never save money with DVC using points exclusively for Friday / Saturday stays.

4. Those who normally stay at Value resorts or even Moderate resorts to some degree. DVC resorts definitely fall into the "Deluxe" category. If you do a dollar-for-dollar comparison with Deluxe resort cash rates, you'll probably break-even on the purchase in 10 years or less. If you start comparing to lesser resorts, you may never break even.

5. Those who intend to frequently use their points at resort that are NOT part of DVC. DVC does allow us to use points for things like Disney Cruises or stays at non-DVC resorts, but the values are very, very poor. Some people have an emotional attachment to resorts like the Grand Floridian or Poly, and get excited when they hear that they can still use DVC points to stay in those locations. But the reality is a room at the Poly will run you 3-4 TIMES the number of points required for a comparable DVC room.

Have fun in your research.

 

[juliesue]

We LOVE DVC! There is no way we could/would have spent the money to stay at a Deluxe resort without this. The accomdations are outstanding.

I only have one more potential concern that hasn't been mentioned yet. To me, this is a complete non-issue, but there are certainly those out there that are not happy about the trash and towel service. Be aware you do not get daily maid service in these rooms. They come in every 3-4 days and empty the trash and provide you with clean towels. They change the bed linen after 7 days, if you are there longer than that.

Now, please also be aware that there are washers and dryers in each room, so if you want to wash towels, you can. Again, I don't understand the issue this causes, but it seems to be a real thing for some people.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

You certainly can buy BWV and any of the other sold-out resorts through disney. I bought 150 points at BWV just last month. The only catch is that you have to go on a waiting list to for the points if they don't have them in inventory. Just get a guide and tell them that you want to buy points at BWV. Good Luck.

 

[SueOKW]

Our experience has been nothing but positive. In fact, it's more to our family than I ever dreamed it could be. We have a set vacation now, and the kids really love going - it's something they can count on happening every year - no matter what!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[tjkraz]

You certainly can buy BWV and any of the other sold-out resorts through disney.

You CAN, but for a contract of 150+ points it's the single most expensive purchase option available.

BWV Direct from DVC = $89 per point
BWV resale no more than $85 per point
SSR direct from DVC < $87 per point (with 12 additional years of ownership)

Those wanting large contracts at the sold-out resorts are MUCH better off going resale and trying to get a contract with banked points. Those without a strong desire for a single resort should buy SSR for the extra years--either direct or resale.

 

[crisi]

I don't know about horror stories, but there are certainly people for whom DVC doesn't necessarily "work". Some who fall into that category are:

1. Those who are forced to book on short notice. You can begin making reservations up to 11 mos ahead of time. For certain busy time periods (and not that DVC busy times and Disney busy times can differ) you really do need to book very early to be guaranteed the room and resort you want.

2. Similarly, those whose plans may change on short notice may have problems with DVC. In order to retain the full flexibility of your points you cannot cancel less than 31 days prior to a scheduled check-in.

3. Those who are heavy weekend users. When looking at the point charts, you'll notice that weekends often cost 2-2.5 times the weekday point amounts. You'll never save money with DVC using points exclusively for Friday / Saturday stays.

4. Those who normally stay at Value resorts or even Moderate resorts to some degree. DVC resorts definitely fall into the "Deluxe" category. If you do a dollar-for-dollar comparison with Deluxe resort cash rates, you'll probably break-even on the purchase in 10 years or less. If you start comparing to lesser resorts, you may never break even.

5. Those who intend to frequently use their points at resort that are NOT part of DVC. DVC does allow us to use points for things like Disney Cruises or stays at non-DVC resorts, but the values are very, very poor. Some people have an emotional attachment to resorts like the Grand Floridian or Poly, and get excited when they hear that they can still use DVC points to stay in those locations. But the reality is a room at the Poly will run you 3-4 TIMES the number of points required for a comparable DVC room.

Have fun in your research.

I'll add one after the recent debates

6. Those who ABSOLUTELY NEED non smoking or non handicapped rooms. DVC seems to "do their best" at meeting this need if its a medical need, but they are not guarenteed, even for medical reasons. If one night in a smokey room is going to send you to the hospital, DVC isn't worth the risk.

 

[TheBeast]

You're smart to buy early. After about 5 trips to Disney, DW talked me in to DVC last year. Wish we had done it at the beginning (silly me, thought we'd only go to WDW once or twice ). We had an awesome time at BWV last year, and are so looking forward to our BCV/Cruise trip this year.

Advice? Well, take a look at all the resorts while you're there and decide which you like best. Seriously look at resale - that's what we did and saved a lot. Read these boards as much as you can, there are so many good ideas and things to consider on them.

Best of luck. Hope to welcome you home soon!

 

[Disney Doll]

We LOVE DVC! There is no way we could/would have spent the money to stay at a Deluxe resort without this. The accomdations are outstanding.

I only have one more potential concern that hasn't been mentioned yet. To me, this is a complete non-issue, but there are certainly those out there that are not happy about the trash and towel service. Be aware you do not get daily maid service in these rooms. They come in every 3-4 days and empty the trash and provide you with clean towels. They change the bed linen after 7 days, if you are there longer than that.

Now, please also be aware that there are washers and dryers in each room, so if you want to wash towels, you can. Again, I don't understand the issue this causes, but it seems to be a real thing for some people.

Just an an additional FYI regarding the above...she is correct that the trash & towel service is every 4 days. However, if you choose to have daily maid service, it is available for an additional fee, which is based on the size of the unit. It is not soimething I have ever availed myself of, because it is just as easy to me to throw the towels into the wahser, but for those who don't wish to do laundry, but like fresh towels daily, there is an alternative.

 

[jmminarik]

Now, please also be aware that there are washers and dryers in each room, so if you want to wash towels, you can.

There are no W/D in the studios, but each resort has a laundry room that members can use for free. The 1,2 BR and GV's all have W/D. OKW even has a whole laundry room in each of these villa types.

-Joe

 

[drakethib]

Hi,
My hubby and I are planning our 1st real Disney trip for Aug with the 2 little ones. Since Disney is something we plan to go to at least once a year - we are thinking of a "time share" concept. We never really concerned time share before but the Disney name really gives us piece of mind.

We are looking at Boardwalk Villas - possibly a 1 or 2 bedroom villa. I would love to know any advice you have on this and your experiences for newbies like us.

We really appreciate yout thoughts.

Nina
Toronto

My wife calls me a tightwad all of the time so if you want to hear a penny pinchers view here it is.

I do not think of DVC as an investment, just as a prepayment for discounted vacations for the next 40 something years.

You will come out ahead somewhat financially after a few years but you must also realize that there are maintenance cost every year, it will cost you airfare or fuel to get to WDW, etc. so it will still cost money to stay at WDW, but nowhere near as much as if you wanted the same “grade" of accommodations.

After our last vacation, the wife and I agreed that we would not probably want to stay anywhere else in the world other then Disney Properties.

We initially bought 150 points through resale and thought it over and bought another 50 points direct from DVC.

I have no regrets about buying into DVC. I think it is money well spent and I have no doubt that you and yours will enjoy if you do make the purchase.

 

[Laurajean1014]

Do it!

 

[bcvillastwo]

To the orignial poster (OP) I'm not sure where you and your hubby are in your DVC deliberations but along with the advice you've already received I would add that you might consider (1) checking out each of the WDW on-site resorts before making your final decision and/or (2) consider renting points from a DVC member at the resort you think you will like best. I say these things because one of the consistent bits of advice that I see on these boards is to buy where you want to stay.

There are lots of things to consider as you enter your deliberations. For us, the most important one had to do with our love of WDW. After answering that question in the affirmative then the other aspects of the decision just kinda fell into place. But, ours was hardly an impulse buy as it took us over two years to decide that DVC was right for us. By the way, we have no regrets about taking two years to decide.

 

[Bracho]

When I first started looking into purchasing my time share, I was told that I couldn't purchase through the Disney Company because I reside in a jurisdiction where Disney Vacation Club is not registered, therefore I had to go through the resale market and I couldn't have been happier. I got the resort I wanted, the use year I wanted, the amount of points I wanted and it happened very fast, at least for us it did.

On one of the trips we took, I had my aunt with me and she lives in a state that could purchase so we got to look around each resort before we opened our check book. If I could offer any advice before the purchase... go and look at each resort before making your purchase. Remember you vacation habits at Disney, do you like to be in the middle of things (BWV,BCV) or off to the side (OKW,SSR), closer to the Magic Kingdom (VWL), do you rent a car or do you use Disney transportation only, what kind of themeing are you looking for..... there is alot to consider...

I would also suggest to puchase where you want to stay the most. You can reserve a room at your home resort 11 months out but only 7 months out at the others. That might be a problem if you go during busy times and you own at one place but want to stay at another...

There is alot to think about besides the money part before writing that check. DVC is a great time share for us and to alot of other folks as you will see on the DIS, just research before jumping...

Welcome to the DIS!!

Good Luck!