Unsure about buying DVC

[rthutchens]

I have loved Disney ever since my parents took me at 2 years old in 1976. We went every July for our family vacation. So, I am a seasoned Disney vet. For our honeymoon 10 years ago, DH wanted to go to Cancun, but I wanted Disney. Guess where we went? Of course Disney and we stayed at the Poly! To say the least he wasn't impressed, I didn't know if it was because it was his first time and he was 27 and just didn't get it or what. Fast forward to 2006, DH had been sick and my brother offered us a week at his time share which was minutes from AK and our first vacation since our honeymoon I might add. We did Universal and Disney. Before leaving Orlando I got so upset having to go home that I weaseled another trip out of DH for the following Feb. 07 because if we had gone 8 years without a vacation I was scared it would be another 8 years. I also found the Dis boards. The best website ever. I have learned so much about AP's, ADR's, codes, EMH, etc. So, I felt better informed. This time we stayed in a condo, off-site . We also did Universal and Disney, but this time DH was definitely swaying towards the Disney side. The one thing that we liked about the condo/timeshare was the extra space and washer and dryer. Before we left, I convinced him to at least upgrade our tickets to 10 day hoppers non-expiring. He agreed, so, I knew I at least had another trip out of them. Fast forward now to May 07, I come home on a Friday night and DH has a surprise that he wants to go to Disney asap. He needed to get away because work was killing him. I'm like ! We decided that we would upgrade to APs because we already had a grand gathering trip planned for October with my family. So, I got the room booked at CSR and airfare and we were gone within 5 days. That was probably my fav trip because it was so spontaneous.

Your probably wondering why I am giving you so much background info., but trust me I am getting to the real questions soon.

The trip in May was wonderful, great weather and low crowds. Much better than freezing our butts off in Feb. DH decided he didn't like moderates, so, we book WL for our Oct. trip with an AP discount of course. I WL. When I first walked through those doors, I felt like singing hallalujiah (sp?). The only word that comes to mind is majestic. So, by far this is our fav resort. At that point we decided to return for Christmas, had to get as much out of those AP's as possible, right. So we booked 3 nights at GF. DH knew how much I loved WL, but we could only get 2 nights at that point. So, we went in Dec. before the rush with 2 nights GF and 2 nights WL. I loved Christmas at both resorts, beautiful!

Well, my b-day is in February and we had done MNSSHP and MVMCP so I was very casual in saying you know we still have a few more weeks on our APs and we haven't done the P&P party. So, of course as any good Diser, I dropped the bomb that I wanted to go back for my birthday. So we went again Jan. 31 thru Feb. 4. We had AKL booked for one night and CR for 3 nights. Loved AKL, hated CR. Didn't like the lack of theming and the oldness of the resort. Loved walking to MK and the size of the room, but that was about it. Also, I was sick during this time which was a real downer. DH's birthday is in March and he tells me that he wants to go to Disney for his present. I'm like ok, don't know if financially we need to do this with so many trips the past year and we are going to Boston. He qualified for the Boston Marathon and rooms are expensive for that weekend. Luckily the tax stimulus money is paying for that . So, we decided we want to at least go back at Christmas again. So, I guess AP's are called for yet again. Don't you just love having AP's, its like burning a hole in your pocket to get back to the world. Now we are booked at AKL for 4 nights with AP discount of $168 per night, sweet.

Ok, now what you have all been waiting for the DVC questions. As you can see we LOVE Disney. I finally have a converted DH. Unfortunately, we do not have children and I do not know if that will happen, so, my questions will be based on 2 adults. DH refuses to stay in a Value. He would fall on the floor and laugh or just think I was crazy if I even suggested it. He doesn't like moderates, but if that was all we could get he would accept it but complain the whole time. He is in with deluxes and Disney theming. You might wonder about me, well if I have the chance to go to the world I would stay almost anywhere. But, I will confess deluxes of course is where I want to stay. We took the DVC tour when we went on our May trip last year and loved the rooms at SSR, but not so much the theming or lack of and location. Even though we live in TN we always fly, DH hates the idea of driving to Atlanta let alone to Orlando. We usually rent a car, but I like being in close proximity to the parks. DH doesn’t think he is at Disney if he can’t take a boat or walk to a park. So my questions are:

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us? I know he would always want a 1 bedroom or a studio if a last minute trip.

2. I understand the buy where you love philosophy, but the value is better at the older resorts. Have any of you purchased points at a lower cost or better incentive knowing you would use them elsewhere.

3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase? Typically we travel during off peak and during the week to get lower points/rates.

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney? I got all fuzzy and warm just when I pass a DVC kiosk or think about owning a piece of Disney.

7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

10. How long is the process through a resale store? I’m not in any hurry; I just wonder what is a typical time frame. Also, what extras do they charge for during closing or do most people get the sellers to pay closing.

11. Hawaii DVC, this really interested me and DH. We have said that we want to vacation in Hawaii in the next few years for our 15th anniversary. Do you think it would be hard to get reservations at the Hawaii, DVC?

12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

After talking to DH, he smiled and told me to start crunching numbers and get the good, the bad and the ugly. He wants to know what you do like and don’t like about ownership. He is anti-timeshare but DVC to me is not in the same league. Sorry I have been so wordy, but DVC really excites me. I am a over thinker so I need to put my mind at rest. I think about all of the visits we have and will make and the money spent on the resorts that could have been enough to pay for the DVC contract. Thanks for your help!

 

[thepops]

So my questions are:

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us? I know he would always want a 1 bedroom or a studio if a last minute trip.

2. I understand the buy where you love philosophy, but the value is better at the older resorts. Have any of you purchased points at a lower cost or better incentive knowing you would use them elsewhere.

3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase? Typically we travel during off peak and during the week to get lower points/rates.

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney? I got all fuzzy and warm just when I pass a DVC kiosk or think about owning a piece of Disney.

7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

10. How long is the process through a resale store? I’m not in any hurry; I just wonder what is a typical time frame. Also, what extras do they charge for during closing or do most people get the sellers to pay closing.

11. Hawaii DVC, this really interested me and DH. We have said that we want to vacation in Hawaii in the next few years for our 15th anniversary. Do you think it would be hard to get reservations at the Hawaii, DVC?

12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

After talking to DH, he smiled and told me to start crunching numbers and get the good, the bad and the ugly. He wants to know what you do like and don’t like about ownership. He is anti-timeshare but DVC to me is not in the same league. Sorry I have been so wordy, but DVC really excites me. I am a over thinker so I need to put my mind at rest. I think about all of the visits we have and will make and the money spent on the resorts that could have been enough to pay for the DVC contract. Thanks for your help!

OK .... let me take a shot at at least a couple of them..
1) Yup sounds like you're hooked and doing enough trips that it would make sense.
2) I bought AKV because we loved the theming. I'd still do the buy where you want to stay thing. In looking at the cost, you also need to look at the maint. fees since they'll make up a large part of your total costs.
3) if you are staying "off peak" you shouldn't have too much trouble (from what I've read, I'm still pretty new here as well).
4) don't know.
5) Use year only comes into play if you are going to cancel, or bank points into the next use year. (given the number of trips you're planning it doesn't look like banking will be in your future for a while).
6) Disney treats you the same once your in.
7) It depends on the time of year. Christmas time, spring break, not likely
8) sure is.
9) Due in Jan I believe. If you finance through Disney then you can spread them with your payments. Not sure if you buy outside.
10) don't know
11) hard to tell at this point since it's no where near ready
12)There are points charts for those, and they typically change each year (higher) I think the points link at the top of the page has them.

Good luck and hopefully we'll be "welcoming you home" soon!

 

[Paradise East]

We are in the same mindset as you, we love WDW, have been there both
on site and off multiple times, and are trying to decide if it is worthwile for
us as we are both 68, in good health, but that's another story .........

Just wondering what are AP's ? Seen them mentioned multiple times but
always as AP's, never spelled out.

Dave

 

[DVC Mike]

Just wondering what are AP's ? Seen them mentioned multiple times but
always as AP's, never spelled out.

Annual Pass - you pay one fee and get to enter all the parks for a full year.

 

[Modog814]

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us? I know he would always want a 1 bedroom or a studio if a last minute trip.

2. I understand the buy where you love philosophy, but the value is better at the older resorts. Have any of you purchased points at a lower cost or better incentive knowing you would use them elsewhere.

3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase? Typically we travel during off peak and during the week to get lower points/rates.

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney? I got all fuzzy and warm just when I pass a DVC kiosk or think about owning a piece of Disney.

7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

10. How long is the process through a resale store? I’m not in any hurry; I just wonder what is a typical time frame. Also, what extras do they charge for during closing or do most people get the sellers to pay closing.

11. Hawaii DVC, this really interested me and DH. We have said that we want to vacation in Hawaii in the next few years for our 15th anniversary. Do you think it would be hard to get reservations at the Hawaii, DVC?

12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

After talking to DH, he smiled and told me to start crunching numbers and get the good, the bad and the ugly. He wants to know what you do like and don’t like about ownership. He is anti-timeshare but DVC to me is not in the same league. Sorry I have been so wordy, but DVC really excites me. I am a over thinker so I need to put my mind at rest. I think about all of the visits we have and will make and the money spent on the resorts that could have been enough to pay for the DVC contract. Thanks for your help!

1. It sounds to me like DVC might be right for you, or at least worth looking into.

2. We bought at the AKV. We liked them better than SSR and kind of used the philosophy "Buy where you dont' mind staying." The trip we bought DVC the day we spent at AK had a special feel to it. The only other choice I would have went with would have been BCV, but decided on AKV because we're young and wanted the extra years for our children (and hopefully us too).

3. I'm a planner so I dont' usually take last minute trips, but I'd imagine it depends on what time of year you were going. We currently have a trip planned for Columbus Day weekend, at 11 months out we got the rooms we wanted, at 7 months minus a week we decided to stay a couple extra days and are waitlisted for those at SSR.

4. As a DVC Member, you recieve a $100 discount( I believe) on the AP. As for whether you'd get lower rates, I'm not sure. But I dont' think AP rates are always guaranteed at a time.

5. I'm not sure. We have April, and generally travel in August (this year will be October), and it works out well, we seem to get a point replenishment just as our "vacation season" starts. However, I think I'm leaning towards it doesn't really make that much of a difference.

6. I did not buy through resale.

7. Unsure.

8. Sounds like a good plan to me. However, depending on length of stay and accommodations (you said you wanted at least a 1 BR i believe) you might need more points that you think.

9. Maint. Dues are due Jan 15th of every year I believe. We have it arranged to come out of our checking account no the 1st of the month, so we're not hit with a huge sum up front.

10. I'm unsure.

11. My initial thought would be yes it would be hard for non-Hawaii DVC owners, but it's hard to say at this point. But you can also use your points to trade to II which allows you to stay in Hawaii for a week in a 1 bedroom for 160 pts. You could also add-on at the Hawaii DVC when it becomes available for say 60 pts and then go every 3 years using your 180 pts.

12. There are point charts for those, however, I'm not sure where to find them online.


I have a spreadsheet that should help you analyze the cost vs. savings through DVC. It allows you to put in financing (if app.), your estimated usage to get a feel for what your vacations would cost through dvc or if you just booked them regularly (or with AP Rate). If you'd like to see a copy just send me a PM with your email and I'll be happy to send it to you.


Good luck on your decision.

 

[abner1776]

From reading your post you are the ideal candidate for DVC...even more so that myself or half of the current DVC members...my only question is why you have not taken the leap before ???

We bought into DVC AFTER our DD's were grown-up and out of the house, so not having kids should not hold you back...and you never know...buying DVC now just maybe the missing ingredient to having kids in the near future...stranger things have happened !!!!

On a different note, hotel prices in Boston are some of the highest in the nation and add Marathon weekend to the equation and you in the stratosphere...have you checked into staying at peoples houses in the Hopkinton area ? Many locals open up their homes to the runners from all over the world and it works out for everyone.

 

[Laxmom]

We just had an offer accepted for a small contract. Here is our thinking; right or wrong. We have been contemplating for years. We decided to buy resale so that we could buy in at a smaller contract. With Disney, you must buy 160 points. That is a lot of money if you aren't sure it will work for you. We bought 50 points. Enough to travel off season, in smaller accomodations or by banking and borrowing from other use years. These contracts are in the $3500 to $4500 range. (including closing costs) That is easily the cost of lodging in one of Disney's higher level resorts. If, at the end of that year, we decide that it isn't for us, we can resell, because the smaller contracts sell well, and be out very little money.

Also, once you buy that 50 contract you are recognized by Disney the same as someone who purchased the 160 pts. If you want to add on, you can through them, if you choose.

The timeframe for resale looks something like - once you find your contract and paperwork is submitted -10-15 days for ROFR (right of first refusal where Disney has the right to buy it if the price is too low), 25-30 for the estopple process (where Disney does a bunch of paperwork) then closing and finally, about 10 days later, you are in the DVC system and able to make reservations. All total, about 6 weeks, give or take.

Good luck with your decision!!

 

[chalee94]

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us? I know he would always want a 1 bedroom or a studio if a last minute trip.

mostly, yes. but you should be aware that DVC (and timeshares in general) typically book well in advance and can be risky for last minute trips.

2. I understand the buy where you love philosophy, but the value is better at the older resorts. Have any of you purchased points at a lower cost or better incentive knowing you would use them elsewhere.

i've read a number of disappointed SSR purchasers who thought they could buy SSR but always stay elsewhere...it might work out but over the long run it's a lot more stressful than just buying where you want to stay. (i bought in at OKW...i would like to try the other resorts, but if it doesn't work out - and in december, when i like to travel, it usually won't - i'm happy to stay at OKW.)

but if you don't intend to book your stays more than 7 months in advance, then you won't be taking advantage of your home resort window anyway...so by all means, buy the cheapest pts you can get.

3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

1BR is more likely, but as stated above it can be a risky strategy.

4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase? Typically we travel during off peak and during the week to get lower points/rates.

the DVC discount ($100 currently) on APs helps...but you'd have to do the math on that one yourself. if you can avoid weekends, i think DVC is still the way to go...

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

aug or sept, most likely. but you can't cover yourself for both may and december trips. it depends on your situation whether may or december trips are more likely to need to be canceled...

6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney?

yep. after the paperwork is done, you get all the same membership benefits...(but you might have to buy the DVC tote bag on ebay.)

7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

not VWL in december and not the epcot resorts in october...not at all! as DVC gets larger i would expect availability 6-7 months to get even worse.

these three are relatively smaller DVC resorts. you might luck out and get them at less than 7 months, but if you do a lot of last minute booking, you'd better love the larger resorts like OKW and SSR...

8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

i think it's a GREAT plan! you still get the AP discount so you can get AP rates when you aren't staying on pts. assuming you like it, you can add on with just a phone call - preferably where you want to stay - and you don't have to buy a minimum of 160 pts anymore. with banking and borrowing, you could buy 3 small VWL/BWV/BCV contracts and stay at a different one every 3rd year with the 11 month window for booking.

9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

you can pay them all at once (due in jan) or you can pay them monthly.

10. How long is the process through a resale store? I’m not in any hurry; I just wonder what is a typical time frame. Also, what extras do they charge for during closing or do most people get the sellers to pay closing.

it typically takes about 2 months depending on a number of factors. TTS had no extra closing charges when i used them.

11. Hawaii DVC, this really interested me and DH. We have said that we want to vacation in Hawaii in the next few years for our 15th anniversary. Do you think it would be hard to get reservations at the Hawaii, DVC?

hard to say. i suspect if you are flexible, it can be done. i definitely would be trying to book at the 7 month window though...

12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

it's in the annual member handbook or online at the member site. it is expensive and usually goes up in pts each year. you also have to pay a $95 booking fee for these non-DVC hotel stays.

 

[rthutchens]

From reading your post you are the ideal candidate for DVC...even more so that myself or half of the current DVC members...my only question is why you have not taken the leap before ???

We bought into DVC AFTER our DD's were grown-up and out of the house, so not having kids should not hold you back...and you never know...buying DVC now just maybe the missing ingredient to having kids in the near future...stranger things have happened !!!!

On a different note, hotel prices in Boston are some of the highest in the nation and add Marathon weekend to the equation and you in the stratosphere...have you checked into staying at peoples houses in the Hopkinton area ? Many locals open up their homes to the runners from all over the world and it works out for everyone.

I have wanted to buy in since our May 2007 trip, but DH was like its just a time share. I am an overthinker so if they through in free APs or something then I would be like wow what a deal. It is still a great deal, but the only thing that does hold me back is you still have to buy APs, airfare, and of course food. We can't wait for Boston. If you know any fun things to do I'd love to hear about it.

 

[ZekeKelso]

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us?

You are almost the pefect candidate.

3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

This is why there's an "almost" in my answer above. DVC really works best if you can plan far in advance. While you can often get rooms with just a few months notice, at certain times of year - December in particular - you can't.

4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase?

DVC is going to still be a lot cheaper than AP-discount is you stay in Deluxes. And - you are hitting on one of the best perks of DVC - a great discount off annual passes. But keep in mind they can always remove that perk.

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

For now, don't worry about use year. It's just not that important.

6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney?

The warm and fuzzy feeling comes from ownership. And, once you buy in, all owners are the treated the same.

7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

Again, depends upon when you want to go. But these are some of the tougher places to get. If you want to go in December (or October of BCV or BWV) things may be sold out by the 7-month window.

8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

Many people do it. But it doesn't make sense to me, as small contracts are a lot more expensive to buy. If you want to get the feel, try renting points instread.

9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

Due in January. But you can have them deducted monthly from your bank account along with your mortgage.

12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

You'll find a lot of good info on the dvcnews website

 

[rthutchens]

It seems to me that DVC is a win win situation. If it doesn't work out it looks like the resale market does fairly well to where you would at least break even for the trips you have taken. When we go in May, I want to take the tour again and ask questions about use year and booking windows to figure out how it would work. I think ultimately I probably will buy just a smaller contract to get a taste and get addonitis. I love reading these boards and it seems all positive and not much negative about DVC. I wish we could stay in a villa for our upcoming trip, but I'm trying to be frugal since it is a last minute trip and we got a great AP rate on a standard AKL room. Please keep the encouragement coming, I'll let DH read all of your comments tonight.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

1. Do you think DVC would be right for us? I know he would always want a 1 bedroom or a studio if a last minute trip.

ABSOLUTELY!! - Although you may find yourself in 1 bdrms for last minute trips.

2. I understand the buy where you love philosophy, but the value is better at the older resorts. Have any of you purchased points at a lower cost or better incentive knowing you would use them elsewhere.

I think the better "value" is actually at the newer resorts. However in your case, I would purchase at VWL.


3. I’m nervous about the 11 month and 7 month booking windows. Sometimes we book with just a few months notice. Would we be able to get any accommodations with either a studio or 1 bedroom? I wouldn’t be worried about the location or view since it would be last minute.

This is going to get tougher as time goes on, but...if you are not banking or borrowing, there is no harm in making ressies and then cancelling them at or before the 60 day mark. I think you eventually get the hang of planning in advance.


4. I’m sure we would vacation twice a year so I would definitely want AP’s. Would you save more by using AP discounts at the resort hotels than through a DVC purchase? Typically we travel during off peak and during the week to get lower points/rates.

If staying in DVC, you can stay in a studio for the equivalent of about $42 / nt. I don't think AP Discounts are that good. High Season on weekends may be a much different story.

5. I’m still unclear about use years. We typically like to go to WDW in May, October or December. What would be a good use year for us?

Choose a use year just prior to when you most want to stay. I must admit though, I think having a February Use Year makes things a lot less complicated at this house. Our '08 points are primarily in '08, etc.


6. I’m a Disney lover…do you still get the same feeling of ownership through resales as you do through Disney? I got all fuzzy and warm just when I pass a DVC kiosk or think about owning a piece of Disney.

Yep


7. VWL, BWI, or BCV would be the resorts we would want to stay at primarily. Is it fairly easy to get these resorts within a 7 month window?

These tend to be the most difficult resorts to stay at in the 7 month window. December & VWL, & Fall for BCV & BWV are really tough/


8. I’m thinking of buying a small contract to get the feel of it, is that a good or bad plan? I know this can only be done through resales.

We bought 100 points and are very happy with them. You do have to be a little more careful with your banking and borrowing. However, if you plan to continue visiting Disney like you have been, you will NEED a much larger contract.


9. Maintenance Fees, when are they due and can they be included in the financing contract?

They can be paid in a lump sum in January or paid in 12 monthly installments. Disney gets the money later with installments, but paying the fees upfront helps with addonitis.


10. How long is the process through a resale store? I’m not in any hurry; I just wonder what is a typical time frame. Also, what extras do they charge for during closing or do most people get the sellers to pay closing.

FOREVER! Just kidding.


11. Hawaii DVC, this really interested me and DH. We have said that we want to vacation in Hawaii in the next few years for our 15th anniversary. Do you think it would be hard to get reservations at the Hawaii, DVC?
Don't Know


12. If we wanted to stay in a hotel room, I know that is a waste of points, but where would I find out how many points it takes to stay at a particular resort

Moderates are 16/nt. in the low season, deluxes range from 40-60/nt. in low season, GF Concierge level at Christmas is 183 points/nt. 3 day cruises start at 67 points PER Person, a trip to China using Adventures by Disney is 700 points per person.


He wants to know what you do like and don’t like about ownership. He is anti-timeshare but DVC to me is not in the same league. Sorry I have been so wordy, but DVC really excites me. I am a over thinker so I need to put my mind at rest. I think about all of the visits we have and will make and the money spent on the resorts that could have been enough to pay for the DVC contract. Thanks for your help!

We were also anti-slimeshare. You must have also been offered a free VCR or microwave oven in Gatlinburg. Beware, your folks may think you completely lost your marbles, or are very, very gullible. That has been our biggest problem. I suggest if this is the case, don't tell them.

One last consideration that we didn't really think about when purchasing...you still have to purchase plane tickets, APs, food, souvenirs, etc. Good Luck! I know you'll love it!

 

[wildernessDad]

By the way, you cans purchase 160 points at VWL, subject to availibility, directly from Disney as your initial purchase.

 

[rthutchens]

Thanks for all of your responses. Does anyone have pictures of VWL one bedroom units?

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thanks for all of your responses. Does anyone have pictures of VWL one bedroom units?

The DVC website has wonderful 360 degree shots of all of the rooms at all of the resorts. Make sure you also check out a GV at either OKW, BWV, SSR, or AKV so you'll know what your missing.

You may also want to check out www.allearsnet.com. Te have a wonderful slide show of both interiors and exteriors of all of the DVC resorts. I also believe their are good photos at wdwinfo.com.

Good Luck!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for all of your responses. Does anyone have pictures of VWL one bedroom units?

A link to some photos of a VWL one bedroom units was just posted on this thread...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=24370768#post24370768

 

[rthutchens]

Thanks the pics are great. I think now I just need to decide when to buy. Whether to buy through Disney or buy through resale. I guess I'll just have to see what incentives they throw at us when KT goes for sale. Thanks again everybody for the great info.

A link to some photos of a VWL one bedroom units was just posted on this thread...
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=24370768#post24370768

 

[4Pluto]

Use Years become important if reservations are cancelled. You would want to travel early enough after your use year that if you cancelled a trip you could either reschedule during the rest of your use year or bank before the 8 month deadline.

For trips in October, December and May, October Use Year would be great. Your points would be effective on October 1 and your banking deadline would be June 1. Any trip you scheduled for October, December or May could be rescheduled until Oct. 1 of the following year or banked by June 1.

By comparison, if you had a February Use Year, any trip you cancelled after October 1 would be too late to bank points and you would have to reschedule before February 1.

Having said that, if you never or very rarely cancel trips, Use Year won't make much of any difference.

Good Luck

 

[bobbiwoz]

DVC recently changed the banking windows. What was a "safe" time for us (still in a banking period), December, is no longer. So, plan as you will, there could still be glitches in what happens.

Bobbi

 

[rthutchens]

Do you get to pick your UY or does Disney give you your UY depending on what they are selling?