Was this a sales tactic or must I buy ASAP?

[luv2sleep]

I talked to someone today about purchasing Aulani. I actually hadn't meant to. What happened was I went to Disney's DVC site and a chat box popped up and I started chatting with the person in it. Then that person said someone would call me. I said ok. I had questions and she didn't seem to want to answer them in chat mode. No problem. I was curious and had some questions. Of course, I was not ready to buy TODAY. Well, I start hearing about how this and that offer/perk/bonus are ending in May and June and will likely never be seen again. I didn't agree to purchase right then and there because I am just not ready. I am going on the 14 day Hawaii cruise in October and saving for that. Honestly I was thinking about making the purchase on that cruise and was just starting my DVC purchase research now. I'm not an impulse buyer, it's a big financial commitment and I know I am going to need months to stew over it and feel ready.

So, is a high pressure sales tactic or if I don't buy into Aulani now am I really screwing myself over? He was mentioning that because this is the 20th anniversary there are all kinds of incentives being offered. Does this mean that there will be no more incentives, perks, discounts, good offers after June? Just curious. Thanks!

 

[ELMC]

I talked to someone today about purchasing Aulani. I actually hadn't meant to. What happened was I went to Disney's DVC site and a chat box popped up and I started chatting with the person in it. Then that person said someone would call me. I said ok. I had questions and she didn't seem to want to answer them in chat mode. No problem. I was curious and had some questions. Of course, I was not ready to buy TODAY. Well, I start hearing about how this and that offer/perk/bonus are ending in May and June and will likely never be seen again. I didn't agree to purchase right then and there because I am just not ready. I am going on the 14 day Hawaii cruise in October and saving for that. Honestly I was thinking about making the purchase on that cruise and was just starting my DVC purchase research now. I'm not an impulse buyer, it's a big financial commitment and I know I am going to need months to stew over it and feel ready.

So, is a high pressure sales tactic or if I don't buy into Aulani now am I really screwing myself over? He was mentioning that because this is the 20th anniversary there are all kinds of incentives being offered. Does this mean that there will be no more incentives, perks, discounts, good offers after June? Just curious. Thanks!

Great question. The answer to all of your questions is sorta yes and sorta no. Let me explain. Everything about the timeshare sales industry is geared to motivate people to "buy now". It's one of the most (if not THE most) high pressure sales product that I know of. That being said, part of the design of timeshare pricing structures is that the price will never be any better than it is right now. They are built to increase over time and promotions that are available today can and will be pulled in the future and most likely not offered again at that price.

Now, that being said, if you are not ready to purchase now then you are simply not ready. Just because they are pressuring you does not mean you need to react. Take your time, do your research. Make an educated decision rather than an impulse one. In the course of your reading, please take the time to familiarize yourself with buying DVC resale. Yes, there are restrictions (the severity of which are highly debated on these boards), but they do not currently prohibit you from using the points to stay on ANY DVC property (based on availability). The perk of resale is that you can save up to 60% off of direct prices. It would behoove you to take the time to learn as much as you can before making your decision. Good luck and if you have any more questions, just ask!

 

[Shazzasmd]

While meeting with a "guide" at WDW today, we were told about the 20th anniversary specials - in this case, it was the 20 additional pts per 100 purchased, and the special "bonus" of 2011 pts as well (and yes, I've read how this is not a true bonus). This was for AKV.

This special double incentive supposedly ends Saturday - which is presumably the extra points portion, as we were previously told the extra 20 pts ends June 14 th...

Our guy was relatively low key.

 

[luv2sleep]

Thank you for your help. I was trying to find some Aulani reaales but there aren't very many out there yet I guess. I will keep looking.

While meeting with a "guide" at WDW today, we were told about the 20th anniversary specials - in this case, it was the 20 additional pts per 100 purchased, and the special "bonus" of 2011 pts as well (and yes, I've read how this is not a true bonus). This was for AKV.

This special double incentive supposedly ends Saturday - which is presumably the extra points portion, as we were previously told the extra 20 pts ends June 14 th...

Our guy was relatively low key.

There's some issue with the 2011 bonus points?

 

[ELMC]

Thank you for your help. I was trying to find some Aulani reaales but there aren't very many out there yet I guess. I will keep looking.



There's some issue with the 2011 bonus points?

True, you will have difficulty finding Aulani resales. Out of curiosity, how frequently do you plan on going to Hawaii? It might be better for you to buy at one of the on site resorts and try to book Aulani at the 7 month mark. Those that have done this can comment on it better than I can.

As far as the issue with the 2011 "bonus" points...the salespeople make it sound like they're doing you a favor by giving them to you, but they are actually required to by law. Even though you are buying in calendar year 2012, if you are buying a contract that is still in use year 2011 then they have to give you the 2011 points. For example, if you bought an Apr use year contract today, you would get the 2012 points. But if you bought a Jun use year today, you would get the 2011 points and another set of points in Jun 2012.

So it's really not a bonus. All you need to do is buy a use year that hasn't come up yet (provided it works for you in other ways as well...for more on that read the use year threads).

 

[luv2sleep]

True, you will have difficulty finding Aulani resales. Out of curiosity, how frequently do you plan on going to Hawaii? It might be better for you to buy at one of the on site resorts and try to book Aulani at the 7 month mark. Those that have done this can comment on it better than I can.

As far as the issue with the 2011 "bonus" points...the salespeople make it sound like they're doing you a favor by giving them to you, but they are actually required to by law. Even though you are buying in calendar year 2012, if you are buying a contract that is still in use year 2011 then they have to give you the 2011 points. For example, if you bought an Apr use year contract today, you would get the 2012 points. But if you bought a Jun use year today, you would get the 2011 points and another set of points in Jun 2012.

So it's really not a bonus. All you need to do is buy a use year that hasn't come up yet (provided it works for you in other ways as well...for more on that read the use year threads).

Oh wow, thank you! Of course, I had no idea! I am going to read more avout the use year concept.

Hawaii is somewhere I'd go yearly. I know it's unheard of but I have no desire to go to Florida every year or even more than a couple of times. I also want to go during summer or Christmas and am a hardcore planner so I'd prefer to book 11 months out vs chancing not getting what I want at 7.

 

[disneynutz]

The online chat person is limited to what they can talk about because they are not licensed to sell real estate. Their job like the ASA's in the DVC kiosks is to get you excited and get you to commit to a call back or sales presentation.

Disney creates the deals, it's a big game that they play. They raise the prices, then offer a deal that reduces the effective price if you buy now. It is well known that they close more sales if they don't give you time to think.

Aulani is a nice resort but it is expensive and if you truly intend to vacation there every year, there is only so much that you can do there. There are also less expensive resorts in Hawaii.

WDW ownership IMO is a much better deal, 4 parks, more resorts, more shopping, more restaurants, more bang for your buck.

DVC is a good deal if you intend to vacation with Disney at least every 2 years and if you love all things Disney. You also need pretty deep pockets to maintain the Disney lifestyle.

DVC is a better deal if you buy resale. Just wait a while and Aulani owners will be selling after the emotion, and novelty wears off and they start paying the bills.

Bill

 

[Dean]

I talked to someone today about purchasing Aulani. I actually hadn't meant to. What happened was I went to Disney's DVC site and a chat box popped up and I started chatting with the person in it. Then that person said someone would call me. I said ok. I had questions and she didn't seem to want to answer them in chat mode. No problem. I was curious and had some questions. Of course, I was not ready to buy TODAY. Well, I start hearing about how this and that offer/perk/bonus are ending in May and June and will likely never be seen again. I didn't agree to purchase right then and there because I am just not ready. I am going on the 14 day Hawaii cruise in October and saving for that. Honestly I was thinking about making the purchase on that cruise and was just starting my DVC purchase research now. I'm not an impulse buyer, it's a big financial commitment and I know I am going to need months to stew over it and feel ready.

So, is a high pressure sales tactic or if I don't buy into Aulani now am I really screwing myself over? He was mentioning that because this is the 20th anniversary there are all kinds of incentives being offered. Does this mean that there will be no more incentives, perks, discounts, good offers after June? Just curious. Thanks!

First, this his not high pressure compared to timeshare sales, it's no different than missing the sale at Sears. Historically DVC has offers that have expirations and they WILL stick to those expirations. They will not generally give you offers that have expired unless you were in the works already, even then, they often don't extend them or do so in a controlled way. DVC has also historically offered specials when one toured, like better financing, and they generally limit those to within 3 days of your sales tour and they will stick to those limits as well where applicable. If HI yearly is your main goal, DVC may not be the best option for you. You should look at other options like Marriott, Westin, Diamond or Wyndham and compare your prices and options. IF you decide DVC is best for your HI option, you may want to consider the fixed week option there where you can guarantee a reservation yearly but take points instead when you want. You would have to buy direct and actually pay a 10% bonus I believe. Assuming Aulani is your main goal and you'd have consistent timing most years, the extra is likely worth it.

For Full weeks in that location, I think the Marriott resale is a much better deal. Marriott also has resorts on Maui and Kauai (3). If you're looking at long weekends, Wyndham is likely a better choice. Just realize that getting in to any top option during peak times can be difficult to impossible. Xmas, Feb to March and mid summer are very difficult times to reserve with all systems I know of.

 

[crisi]

While there aren't many Aulani resales now, wait a year or two and they will be there. It takes time for the resale cycle to kick off with the newest resorts. So since you aren't ready, and have Hawaii plans, sit for a bit.

 

[luv2sleep]

I will wait it out. I love Disney and Hawaii is my favorite vacation spot so I am very interested in Aulani. I would prefer to spend my vacation time there vs Florida. Now that my finances are in a better position I've decided that I really want to do this. If the Grand Californian Villas were still selling I'd be looking at those too. Can't seem to find many of those for resale either though. Thanks for all of the advice.

 

[Shazzasmd]

...

There's some issue with the 2011 bonus points?

I think folks answered the question. I will say that my husband thought this was a good deal ( until I explained what I'd learned here in the forum). And it clicked when he found out we would pay MF for this year - albeit pro-rated.

 

[Missyrose]

I will wait it out. I love Disney and Hawaii is my favorite vacation spot so I am very interested in Aulani. I would prefer to spend my vacation time there vs Florida. Now that my finances are in a better position I've decided that I really want to do this. If the Grand Californian Villas were still selling I'd be looking at those too. Can't seem to find many of those for resale either though. Thanks for all of the advice.

Just as an FYI, Disney will sell you VGC. There aren't many resales and it is a very small resort, so buying direct through Disney is the way to go for that particular resort.

 

[luv2sleep]

Just as an FYI, Disney will sell you VGC. There aren't many resales and it is a very small resort, so buying direct through Disney is the way to go for that particular resort.

I asked about that and he was very discouraging....mentioned how long the waiting list is, etc. I will ask to go on the list. Thanks for posting because it have me a push to do that.

 

[Missyrose]

I asked about that and he was very discouraging....mentioned how long the waiting list is, etc. I will ask to go on the list. Thanks for posting because it have me a push to do that.

The DVC sales people get better commissions for selling the active resorts (Animal Kingdom, Aulani) than they do for selling the "sold out" resorts. There is a wait list for VGC, but you'll get your contract eventually.Goodd luck and I hope you get what you want very soon!

 

[Breyean]

I asked about that and he was very discouraging....mentioned how long the waiting list is, etc. I will ask to go on the list. Thanks for posting because it have me a push to do that.

My wife and I bought Aulani last year while on a cruise. We're in AZ and have owned at OKW since 1993, but don't get there as often since we moved away from the east coast. We figured we'd go to Hawaii every 3 years so we didn't buy a huge contract.

Then, when all the problems surface with the Aulani sales and they were halted, we sat back and really thought about how owning there fit into our lives. Yes, we'd go to Hawaii once in a while, but we looked at where we HAD BEEN going, and it was to DLR.

So when the Aulani issue was resolved, Disney offered us who had bought before the sales were halted the option to sell the contract back to them. We got to keep our gift card. We had used about 1/2 of one year's points on another vacation (at DLR) already, and we didn't have to make them up - if effect we got a free vacation. Plus they paid us interest on what he had paid for the time they had our money.

We then used that money and bought at VGC. We tried resale first, were ROFR'd twice, and said the heck with it. We bought two smallish contracts direct just before the latest DVC price increase.

We already have two vacations booked at VGC for this year. If we want to go to Aulani I bet availability will be easier to get than at VCG with it's whopping 48 rooms.

Anyway, this is just a vote for buying at VGC. Yes, you'll go on a waitlist. Our first contract we were on it about four months. The second took about 2 months. I think they are pretty aggressive about buying back there so you might not wait as long as the guide tells you.

Good luck.

 

[CMOORE185]

I am going on the 14 day Hawaii cruise in October and saving for that.

I would wait for the cruise. Traditionally they have some of the best incentives on the cruises. Good luck.

 

[ELMC]

I asked about that and he was very discouraging....mentioned how long the waiting list is, etc. I will ask to go on the list. Thanks for posting because it have me a push to do that.

Of course he did, because if you go on the waiting list you may or may not purchase at some future date. He wants to make the sale now, which is why he is trying to steer you away from that option. But if it's what you really want, then continue asking to be put on the wait list.

 

[luv2sleep]

Thank you. I will do that now and see what happens in October when we cruise. Buying into to VGC makes the most sense because I already stay on property at DL 2-3 times per year already. I can buy there first and maybe add on Aulani later.

 

[bdoleary]

While there aren't many Aulani resales now, wait a year or two and they will be there. It takes time for the resale cycle to kick off with the newest resorts. So since you aren't ready, and have Hawaii plans, sit for a bit.

I agree - some people are going to get tired of the MF bills and decide to sell.

 

[gkrykewy]

I would wait for the cruise. Traditionally they have some of the best incentives on the cruises. Good luck.

Agree.