Torn

[Tamplain]

Have really been researching the DVC system lately as we just got back from a very nice trip to WL early December. We would love to go back more as we missed so many things in the constant search for princesses. Just looking at the cost for the one trip and if we go back a couple of times plus we like to try to take one nice trip someplace either in the US or outside once a year or every other year. Sometimes smaller, shorter trips are necessary in certain years.

The DVC seems very enticing to us with its flexibility and options.

I just spoke to DVC agent today and all they were offering was the BLT and AKV. While these aren't my two top choices BLT is more interesting to me than AKV (not interested in a bus everywhere's after the disaster we had on the buses our recent trip). Also was told the prices would be going up after January 15th. Not sure if this is for the AKV or BLT or both.
We are looking at 200 points for a family of 3 would be plenty for us. Still looking at getting the cost, etc.
While I am really wanting to pull the trigger on it something is holding me back and pulling me (could it be the thought that we may never be able to get reservations when we want to go or will the BLT be too ultra modern and not have a homey comfortable feeling). I am looking at Timeshare store as well but fell I might get better luck financing and rate with Disney. 6.5 % isn't to bad or at least I think that is what they said. Have to see it in writing first I guess.

Sure all this has been out on the boards a thousand times before so sorry.

Guess ultimatly its up to me to pull the trigger or walk away. I am not one who likes to linger on decisions. I usually just do things and live with the decision.

 

[hakepb]

You can buy at any DVC resort, DVC will sell you VWL (at full price) and there may be a waitlist, so the resale market would be (much) cheaper, but not as financing friendly. If you can get other financing, even a higher rate may be negated by cheaper points..

I would not advise buying a place that you do not love. You may be better off by using a BLT stay and seeing if you love it first.

 

[mcorbo]

Better check on that financing rate from Disney. I have not seen anything from them under 10%.

Have really been researching the DVC system lately as we just got back from a very nice trip to WL early December. We would love to go back more as we missed so many things in the constant search for princesses. Just looking at the cost for the one trip and if we go back a couple of times plus we like to try to take one nice trip someplace either in the US or outside once a year or every other year. Sometimes smaller, shorter trips are necessary in certain years.

The DVC seems very enticing to us with its flexibility and options.

I just spoke to DVC agent today and all they were offering was the BLT and AKV. While these aren't my two top choices BLT is more interesting to me than AKV (not interested in a bus everywhere's after the disaster we had on the buses our recent trip). Also was told the prices would be going up after January 15th. Not sure if this is for the AKV or BLT or both.
We are looking at 200 points for a family of 3 would be plenty for us. Still looking at getting the cost, etc.
While I am really wanting to pull the trigger on it something is holding me back and pulling me (could it be the thought that we may never be able to get reservations when we want to go or will the BLT be too ultra modern and not have a homey comfortable feeling). I am looking at Timeshare store as well but fell I might get better luck financing and rate with Disney. 6.5 % isn't to bad or at least I think that is what they said. Have to see it in writing first I guess.

Sure all this has been out on the boards a thousand times before so sorry.

Guess ultimatly its up to me to pull the trigger or walk away. I am not one who likes to linger on decisions. I usually just do things and live with the decision.

 

[mistydoodles]

I'm feeling the same way. I just can't make up my mind if joining the DVC is a good deal or not. What has me rethinking it is the annual dues. If they were a set price for your whole contract that would be one thing but the idea that these can go up over time makes me wonder if it would end up costing me more than what I would spend getting a room for our regular vacation. We typically stay at moderate resorts right now but I would love to start staying at a deluxe resort especially once our children get older and no longer want to share a bed on vacation.

I wish I could make up my mind about this. Good luck with your decision.

 

[quentina]

Have really been researching the DVC system lately as we just got back from a very nice trip to WL early December. We would love to go back more as we missed so many things in the constant search for princesses. Just looking at the cost for the one trip and if we go back a couple of times plus we like to try to take one nice trip someplace either in the US or outside once a year or every other year. Sometimes smaller, shorter trips are necessary in certain years.

The DVC seems very enticing to us with its flexibility and options.

I just spoke to DVC agent today and all they were offering was the BLT and AKV. While these aren't my two top choices BLT is more interesting to me than AKV (not interested in a bus everywhere's after the disaster we had on the buses our recent trip). Also was told the prices would be going up after January 15th. Not sure if this is for the AKV or BLT or both.
We are looking at 200 points for a family of 3 would be plenty for us. Still looking at getting the cost, etc.
While I am really wanting to pull the trigger on it something is holding me back and pulling me (could it be the thought that we may never be able to get reservations when we want to go or will the BLT be too ultra modern and not have a homey comfortable feeling). I am looking at Timeshare store as well but fell I might get better luck financing and rate with Disney. 6.5 % isn't to bad or at least I think that is what they said. Have to see it in writing first I guess.

Sure all this has been out on the boards a thousand times before so sorry.

Guess ultimatly its up to me to pull the trigger or walk away. I am not one who likes to linger on decisions. I usually just do things and live with the decision.

6.5% is really low...I think they are running 10% or close to that through Disney.

 

[Tamplain]

Yea that is kind of why I may have misheard him or maybe not but would want to see it on paper first but I could swear he told me 6.5%.

I stayed at the Contemporary during a previous visit and didn't mind it but just didn't get that same feeling as we did with the WL. We just felt really comfortable there. From the Artist rendering of the BLT it seems to be really ultra modern. Of course this in itself could be good as would be buying into a very new facility. (hehehe) here go again putting much thought into where I would sleep for a week.

Ah well still gathering more info and awaiting some info from Disney plus more talks in order to get final pictures with regard to incentives, etc. Haven't ruled out Timeshare store possibly as I could do my own financing but 6.5% would be really good. I wanna rush into it but not gonna let myself until I have clear picture.

 

[tea pot]

Buy the resort that you love
DVC will and can sell points from the other resorts but they usually push the current resort.... now BLT and AKL.
VWL is the smallest and as DVC membership increases booking will become more difficult. We added on at full price last August for this same reason and very glad we did.
I suggest that you compare Disney with resale then go for the best deal you can get.
Good Luck

 

[5forDiz]

Yea that is kind of why I may have misheard him or maybe not but would want to see it on paper first but I could swear he told me 6.5%.

I stayed at the Contemporary during a previous visit and didn't mind it but just didn't get that same feeling as we did with the WL. We just felt really comfortable there. From the Artist rendering of the BLT it seems to be really ultra modern. Of course this in itself could be good as would be buying into a very new facility. (hehehe) here go again putting much thought into where I would sleep for a week.

Ah well still gathering more info and awaiting some info from Disney plus more talks in order to get final pictures with regard to incentives, etc. Haven't ruled out Timeshare store possibly as I could do my own financing but 6.5% would be really good. I wanna rush into it but not gonna let myself until I have clear picture.

It is a significant investment and most members here will tell you to buy at the resort where you'd most want to stay at especially since that will give you booking advantage with 11 month window. Unless you are absolutely certain that you would be happy staying at any DVC resort and that for now and for many, many years to come you will not make a reservation more than 7 months in advance then it probably would be best to stay if possible at the resorts where you are considering purchasing beforehand and experience them before making decision where to buy.

Also, you mention purchasing 200 points - if you plan to visit WDW every other year then you can start off with 100 points and with banking you'd have 200 points to use every other year or 300 points every third year with banking and borrowing. If you start off with less points you can then add-on points if you find in the future that you do want to travel more often or book larger villas and buying less points to start gives you the option to purchase the add-on points at any of the other DVC resorts so you do not need to have all your points from just the resort of your initial purchase.

Best wishes & good luck on your planning. These boards are a great place to learn and ask any and all questions & possible DVC options you may wonder about

 

[hockeyprincess]

We bought recently via resale and so far are very happy with our purchase. We bought at OKW and mostly because I just love the "laid back" feel of the resort, it's not stuffy, like some other resorts, but I love the flexibility of being able to stay at ANY of the resorts, including BLT & AKL. We actually used our home equity to purchase the contract, at a WAY lower interest rate than Disney is offering. We bought thru Jaki & **** and couldn't be happier, they come with rave reviews here on the boards. They have helped many people achieve their dreams of owning DVC. For us it made perfect sense, our children are young and at this point we will be able to enjoy Disney with our grandchildren, and stay at the best resorts, nicest accomodations (in my opinion) and it's all going to be paid for! Good luck with your decisions, but don't just zero in on the direct from Disney purchase, explore your Resale options as well. There are many, many contracts to choose from on the resale market, and now is definitely the time to buy.

 

[Tamplain]

Nope am looking at the resale options. Especially if I go with VWL.

Thanks for the info.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

You can buy new at any DVC resort direct through Disney if you want to use their financing. Each resort has it's own pricing as noted below: listing by dvcnews

New Member Purchase

Animal Kingdom Villas***
$104 base price less $6.25 promotional discount; 100-point purchase
$104 base price less $6.25 promotional discount; matching set of Developer's Points to be used at Saratoga Springs or for Interval International exchange by October 3, 2009; 160-point minimum purchase; first points available in 2008 Use Year but cannot be used until after 5/1/09 due to Kidani Village construction
Special Offer: $104 base price; 160 - 219 points; $1000 Gift Card; complimentary 3-night stay in One Bedroom villa at any resort (subject to availability) by October 3, 2009.
Special Offer: $104 base price; 220+ points; $1000 Gift Card; complimentary 5-night stay in One Bedroom villa at any resort (subject to availability) by October 3, 2009.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Villas****
$112 base price less $5 promotional discount; matching set of Developer's Points to be used within 12 months of purchase; 160-point minimum purchase; points cannot be used until after 9/1/09 due to resort construction
Special Offer: $112 base price; 160 - 219 points; $1000 Gift Card; complimentary 3-night stay in One Bedroom villa at any resort (subject to availability) by October 3, 2009.
Special Offer: $112 base price; 220+ points; $1000 Gift Card; complimentary 5-night stay in One Bedroom villa at any resort (subject to availability) by October 3, 2009.

Beach Club Villas*
$104 base price; 160-point minimum purchase

BoardWalk Villas*
$104 base price; 160-point minimum purchase

Hilton Head Island*
$92 base price less $5 promotional discount; 160-point minimum purchase

Old Key West***
$101 base price; 160-point minimum purchase

Saratoga Springs**
$104 base price; 160-point minimum purchase

Vero Beach*
$92 base price less $5 promotional discount; 160-point minimum purchase

Villas at Wilderness Lodge*
$101 base price; 160-point minimum purchase

 

[WolfpackFan]

If it's any comfort - I read posts like yours and it takes me back to when we were trying to make the decision whether to purchase into DVC. We struggled for weeks whether or not we were doing the right thing. It took us about a year to make our final decision. Now looking back on it now some five years later, we consider it to be one of the best purchases we've ever made. Since our original purchase we've done two add-ons and we don't regret our purchase at all. We just got back from spending Christmas in a 2BR unit at VWL with our two grown children. We had an absolutely wonderful time and most of it attributable to our having such a nice and large accommodation to stay in. If we had been stuck in two small hotel rooms, we would have been miserable. Because of DVC we were able to take Christmas decorations, a tree, all our presents, food, drinks; everything we needed to have a nice Christmas. DD cooked our son's birthday cake while down there. We cooked breakfast Christmas morning. At night we had plenty of room to spread out without getting on each other's nerves. I can't imagine taking a Disney vacation now without staying in a DVC room. Plus the great thing was when we checked out, all we had to pay was our room charges (meals, souvenirs, etc.). I would never have thought we'd ever get to the point where we would go to WDW 2-3 times a year, but that's what we've been averaging. Without DVC we could never be able to do this. I look back now to when we were struggling with making the decision to join and I just laugh. My only regret is that we didn't join DVC earlier.

As far as which resort to buy, buy where you think you want to stay most often, even if it means going thru the resell market.