touring DVC

[phawley]

My husband and I will be at DW in February and want to hear the presentation on DVC-we don't yet own, but are thinking about it. We have been working over the phone with a sales rep, but that person has only mentioned meeting us there-nothing about the presentation and really doesn't see why we have to "see" the resorts anyway. From those of you who have been there and done that, it is worth the time to sit throught the presentation, or should we skip it and meet only with the rep? We really want to visit each resort to see what we like best, and may end up purchasing resale instead of SS (which is really being pushed). I would appreciate your thoughts on the process!

 

[vernon]

1) I'm certain your rep intends that you take the presentation, perhaps (if I'm reading you correctly) they are suggesting you don't need to see all the other DVC resorts. Personally if you're going to lay out a serious amount of cash and aren't familiar with all/many of the other DVC resorts it would be worth dedicating an afternoon to visiting each of the resorts you don't know and take in their atmosphere.

2) Yes it is certainly is worth taking the presentation.

From my look at the current resale prices and what I think Disney is likely to do to "kick start" sales I'd guess that SSR will show a $ advantage if you are able to do an accurate value for the last 10 years. A resale will look cheaper on paper, but I think that those that buy into SSR early will get their extra 10 years ( granted at the end of their contract) at a very keen price.

 

[rocketriter]

Some people have reported that after a presentation they are only allowed 3 days to take advantage of the $5/point buying discount, while there doesn't appear to be a time limit on purchasing over the phone. You might want to check this with your agent and make sure you don't accidentally start the clock ticking.

 

[mbhoxsie]

I would take an afternoon or two and explore all of the different resorts on your own if you have a chance...

Each resort is great, and I don't any would be a wrong decision...

Some things to consider while looking though...
1) The rooms at OKW are a bit bigger, and IMHO make better use of space..
2) OKW and BWV are the only two onsite resorts with Grandvillas.. (SSR will have them as well..)
3) BWV is the only resort where you can reduce the amount of points you are going to spend on a stay by requesting room with a "Standard View".
4) BCV and BWV are within walking distance to Epcot and MGM..
5) VWL is the only DVC resort with boat service to the MK..
6) Currently OKW is the only dedicated onsite DVC resort... SSR will be the 2nd dedicated resort once it opens.
7) BCV has one of the most popular pools at WDW with Stormalong Bay...
8) As already mentioned, the contracts for SSR expire on 2054, whereas the other resorts expire in 2042. (12 extra years of use..)

DVC will naturally try and recommend that you purchase through them for either a contract at SSR or at VB so that they get the sale... (My DW and I took the SSR model tour and were really impressed with the room decor and layout... So much so that now we are considering another add on.. )

The biggest piece of advice you hear given on this board is: "Buy where you want to stay..." These are words to live by when purchasing...

The only way you will know which resort suits you best is to research on your own ahead of time...

After you feel comfortable with a specific resort, I would only then either go to DVC for the SSR presentation, or contact a reseller.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I also would encourage you and DH to visit the actual resorts yourself. You get a much better "feel" for the resort by actually going there than by just seeing a model room, although I know that this isn't possible with SSR. And remember that the only way you'll get exposed to OKW is by going there, there's no model room at the presentation. And I speak from personnal experience when I say they are so nice about showing you an actual room at OKW. That is, at least the nice man who took us to one was (wish I'd gotten his name-isn't hind-sight great?)

 

[Cruelladeville]

I couldn't agree more--you really need to see all the resorts in order to make an informed decision. Don't be afraid about making your feelings known, if your guide doesn't want to show you around--it's part of his job--you can always ask for a different person to guide you. You have to be somewhat assertive--not like at most timeshares, though.

You also need to consider whether or not you will need financing. If you do, you will probably have to go thru Disney unless you are arranging your own thru a mastercard or similar.

What is your age? If you are in your late 40's or older, SSR's 10 extra years won't do you much good, so that might not be much of a consideration for you. After all, most of us won't be vacationing much when we are 100!! In that case, a resale would be a better value for you.

Check the resale boards so you know what you are talking about, price-wise, and remember to add another $500-$600 to those costs for closing. You can make a more informed decision when you know what DVC costs at each resort.

 

[Doug Wolfe]

I would go see the individual resorts themselves. You have nothing to lose, and since you are doing a big dollar outlay it's just plain smart.

I own at Beach Club Villas and love it.

I would also do this before meeting with the sales person as suggested by others.

 

[spiceycat]

DVC sales guide can't sell the other resorts - only SSR

it is to his advantage that you DON'T see the other resorts.

Try to get another sales guide if you can.

if you think you might be interested in the other DVC resorts then you need to go through a resalers

here is a list
www.atimeshare.com
www.dvc-resales.com
www.timesharesbyresale.com shontell crawford
www.thetimesharewarehouse.com
www.reid4florida.com


I can only personally recommend Shontell - she is a very nice lady. and I am sure she would be willing to meet with you and see the other resorts.

She like you - would need to go through the front desk. She is not a WDW or DVC employee and does not have direct access to the DVC resorts.

www.disneyvacationclub.com
has some some good pictures of the other resorts. Now I don't think their pictures of VWL did it justice at all - but they are accurate