Trying to learn more

[littlestix]

I'm just learning about the DVC membership and am wondering how do you decide what resort to buy in to?? I've never stayed at any of them. Can you take a tour of the one's you think you might be interested in?

 

[spiceycat]

if you are buying from DVC then it is SSR.

resales you can go with one that you like.

SSR lease expires 2054, the other 2042.

No tours - but you can go to the front desk and ask to see a 2-bedroom (1-bedroom and studio) at each of the resorts. if there is a room empty they will generally let you see it. So Sept would be a good time.

the tour is just for SSR.

 

[o.t.4disney]

That is interesting. I was at V.B. over the summer and I asked every day of our stay to see a Grand Villa. I was not allowed to see it.

 

[spiceycat]

I didn't say GV....

just the 2-bedroom (if available).

to see the GV your guide had to be with you.

 

[RobDoc]

Any of the resorts will be happy to let you see any of the accommodations- based on availability. Since there are only 6 GV's at VB, there may not have been any available (and clean) when you asked. Your guide does not have to be with you, but the front desk may send a CM with you to show you around.

The only resort where tours are currently available is at SSR. There is also a virtual tour of the other resorts available at the DVC sales center (also at SSR), so don't hesitate to take the tour.

Since all other resorts are already sold out (except for occasional ROFR and forfeited contracts), there is no sales staff available anyplace except SSR. Formal tours are all offered at that location. Casual tours of the other resorts are only available when a room may be unoccupied and already clean. The best time to go would likely be between 11:00am and 3:00pm- especially on a Friday when checkouts are the heaviest.

 

[littlestix]

Thank you for the replies! Is there a website where I can out find information about the dues I keep hearing about and the closing cost??
Sorry for so many questions, I'm not sure where to start.

Thanks in advance.

 

[kweaver]

We've checked out many of the DVC resorts, and asked for tours of the rooms if possible (including an OKW Grand Villa...why would your guide need to be with you?). The only one that turned us down was HH. They said they were completely full. Considering what I know now, and the fact that we visited in July, I'm sure they were being honest.

Probably the same situation with the VB GV. I hope you get to see one sometime...they are wonderful!

 

[Dean]

They will even let you see the GV if it's open and clean.

 

[littlestar]

If you want to take an online tour I think tagrel.com has a nice website with tours of the DVC properties/pools. Also, Deb Will's site has some great pictures allearsnet.com (just look under accomodations).

I noticed you're from Indianapolis (so are we)! We really enjoy our DVC membership. Our home resorts are VWL, BCV, and BWV. Good luck with your decision on where to buy.

 

[crisi]

I was popping in to recommend the same. Also suite disney has some really nice photos.

We made our purchase decision off photos and have been pretty content. With the exception of OKW the rooms are very similar at all the resorts - the decor changes and their are some minor variations (the built in dining table).

Unless decor is IT for you, you may want to consider some of the other attributes:

1. How many points does it take to stay (point value)
2. Historical dues
3. Room size
4. Location
5. Nearby restaurants
6. Hotel or condo feel (including availability of room service/valet/interior halls or close to your room parking)
7. Pool
8. Theme
9. Resort size (larger resorts are going to be easier to get into at seven months)
10. Availability of community hall

etc.


All of these are highly personal - and each person has to decide what is important or not important.

 

[spiceycat]

when I was at OKW a couple of years ago - I got told to tour the GV I need my guide with me - so I had to wait an hour for her to arrive.

So you want to tell me how you got to see the GV without your guide present????

 

[kweaver]

when I was at OKW a couple of years ago - I got told to tour the GV I need my guide with me - so I had to wait an hour for her to arrive.

So you want to tell me how you got to see the GV without your guide present????

I'll be glad to. We went to the front desk, let them know that we are members. We asked if it would be possible to see a Grand Villa, since we were considering an extended family vacation for the next year. The OKW CM kindly checked availability and then walked us over to a building across from the HH and gave us a tour.

I still can't figure out why Disney or DVC would require a guide to be present in order for a member to view a Grand Villa. Sure, it's a potential sales opportunity...but it seems to me that the guides are pretty busy folks. Maybe giving tours was just beyond the scope of the OKW CM duties...and that was their way to discourage it.

 

[spiceycat]

well it wasn't lately - a couple of years ago - when the sale force was at either BWV or Celebration.

she was at Celebration - the reason for the wait.

I guess I need to start asking again - if the CM will now take you!!!

 

[tjkraz]

IAll of these are highly personal - and each person has to decide what is important or not important.

Good list.

Here's one more to add. Please try to keep in perspective the fact that DVC is a very LONG TERM commitment. Not to offend anyone, but I do kinda chuckle to myself every time I see someone make the comment "we bought ___ because our children are young and we like ___."

Remember, if you have kiddies, they won't be young forever.

Depending on resort, DVC is a 40-50 year commitment. And you probably won't reach a breakeven point on that purchase until you have owned for 5-10 years (depending on how you use your points and the many assumptions you make in your own personal calculations.)

DVC is a great deal if you will be visiting WDW throughout the life of the contract. But make sure that it will still be a destination of choice for you 20+ years down the road. And, IMO, you're better off choosing a Home resort that suits you and your significant other. The kiddies tastes and interests will change over the years, and (heaven forbid) they may not want to be caught dead at WDW by the time they are teenagers.

Good luck!

 

[Dean]

when I was at OKW a couple of years ago - I got told to tour the GV I need my guide with me - so I had to wait an hour for her to arrive.

So you want to tell me how you got to see the GV without your guide present????

Just asked at HH, VB and BWV. Seen OKW several times so no big deal. It really comes down to who you talk to and whether one is open or not.