Tour Sold-Out Resorts

[disneyeveryyear]

My DH and I are planning to buy DVC, in the not too distant future, but not on this trip.

We took a DVC tour in '92 (I think) and have kicked ourselves for not buying.

I would love to take the DVC tour again when we go down next month, however, I truly think I would be more interested in re-sale, or buying a "sold-out" property from DVC.

If we ask to tour some of the "sold-out" resorts, will they do that, or is SSR the only place they will offer?

I know some people have been able to buy "sold-out" resorts through DVC, so will they show them to me?

Additionally, when we first toured, they had some kind of daycare available while we toured (no kids then). Is that still available? I would hate to try to listen while 5 and 10 year olds are babbling away and jumping on beds.

 

[Caskbill]

They currently are selling SSR and that is where all the sales offices are. There would not be any reason to give you a tour of any of the sold out resorts. The only models are at SSR, there are no models to see at any of the other resorts.

While Disney sells some points for sold out resorts, they are new points that they got back via ROFR, defaults, etc. They do not sell them to first time buyers but only as add-on's to current members so you cannot purchase any of the sold-out resorts directly from Disney. Besides, there is a wait list for current members wanting to buy more points at the sold out resorts.

I'm sure you could visit the other resorts on your own and check out the public areas. If you caught a maid she might let you peek inside a villa. You can try that approach.

The sales area at SSR does have facilities to watch the kids while you meet with a sales representative. They even have a viewing area so you can check on the kids without actually going inside the room and disturbing everyone.

 

[TLinden16]

Just a slight change to what Caskbill said. Disney will sell the sold out resorts to first time buyers if they have the points available--I just signed a contract to buy points at the Boardwalk Villas last week. They don't always have the inventory for it--but if they do, they will sell them to you.

Karen

 

[RobDoc]

Go to the front desk at any of the resorts and ask to see a 2BR lock-off. If available they will usually be happy to let you see the villa.

You might try to go before check-in time, as it tends to be busy around 4:00.

Enjoy!

 

[erikthewise]

We have done what Doc suggested at both OKW and VWL, and were treated very well at both locations, not by DVC employees as such but just by ordinary front desk CMs. We even said we were already members and were just interested in seeing a unit so we could decide whether we wanted to stay there.

 

[whjoyjr]

If you are interested in one of the existing resorts, request the DVC materials and you will get a call from DVC. They will then assign you a guide and you can then talk to him / her about buying in at one of the existing resorts.

Down side, fewer years until the contract ends.

I am in the process of buying into either Boardwalk or Beach Club thru Disney. Once you commit, they will obtain the points by exercising ROFR to fill your contract.

 

[kimpossible]

Don't forget...you can save some$$$ by finding a contract through brokers like the one who sponsers this site.

The down side...you have to go through ROFR...but for me it was worth it. I just bought at the BWV and saved over $1000 dollars. Also, I just stayed at the BWI a few weeks ago, and they showed us a 2-brm lock-off. Boy...I can't wait for our next trip now!


Kim

 

[disneyeveryyear]

Thanks everyone for your help.

It sounds like we may need to do a little legwork and check out potential "homes" by ourselves to determine what our preference in resorts may be.

Maybe I'll try to schedule an appointment on our last day since we won't be in the parks anyway.

 

[tjkraz]

You can schedule a tour of the SSR models, which I would HIGHLY recommend, even if you don't think it's your cup of tea. Photos really don't do the resort justice. And the DVC guides can be very helpful in answering your questions about the program.

Just be wary of any responses you might get to subjective questions. They should provide you with accurate info on functional issues (how does banking work...what options are available through II) but when it comes to questions like "how difficult is it to book outside of my Home in December", you'll get a much more down-to-earth answer here.

As Caskbill said, DVC has a childcare area and people to keep an eye on your little ones while you take the tour.

As for touring the other resorts, you really can't make an appointment to do that. I don't know that you would even get a good response by calling in advance. Most likely you'll just have to show up and see if they have an empty room to show you. If your trip is sometime between now and the end of the year, it may be tough since occupancy levels are near 100% at the DVC resorts. Your best shot would probably be a Friday or Saturday since many DVC members avoid weekends. Early Sunday may also be a good time from the standpoint of them having an empty room, but it is the busiest check-in day of the week, meaning that the front desk staff may be too busy to help you.

If you decide to buy a resort other than SSR, please make sure you research the resale market. Paying $89 per point direct from DVC is, IMO, a bit foolish. If you buy SSR direct from DVC you pay $4 per point LESS and get a contract that runs 11 years longer.

But, if you have your heart set on a location other that SSR, you'll probably pay closer to $80 per point (save $1350 over DVC price on just 150 points), and you may even be able to find a contract with banked points, meaning you get an extra year or more when going the resale route.

Good luck.