Were you in the same situation?

[harlen04]

DVC seems so difficult to figure out because it is different for everybody. I think I am in a slightly different situation. I go to Disneyland a lot (2-3 times a year) and right now I am on my first trip to Disney World. I would definitely like to visit the parks in Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong as well. So yesterday I bought into Saratoga with all of the great perks they offered and will be financing it over the next 10 years. I got an interest rate of 10% which is pretty good considering I am only 18 years old, and I plan on paying it off earlier. This is definitely something I want and will be able to use for the next 45 years with no problem, I have 640 points right now to use! My only fear is that Florida is a bit far away from my home in Seattle and I won't make it as often as possible.

Will it be possible to buy into Disneyland at the Grand Californian or are those lots already pre-sold? Do you think they will build another vacation club resort there? I just don't know if I should cancel it now and wait or continue paying... Thank you for any suggestions.

 

[Donald is #1]

Where were you when you bought SSR? I believe that I read that people who bought at DL will get first crack at GCV when the sales begin.

 

[harlen04]

I bought in Florida, and I really want a unit in Disneyland, so maybe I should get a refund and try to purchase in Disneyland at a later date?

 

[biolabetty]

Yep, we bought at Disneyland and do have first chance at the GCV when they become available.

 

[harlen04]

So did you just buy the minimum then, like 150 points a year, and then when Disneyland becomes available you can buy 150 more? If you own more than one can you combine them easily?

 

[Donald is #1]

Let's see. On deciding to wait to buy at DL, I am not sure if this will work if you are already in the system with a WDW guide instead of a DL based guide.

On having multiple resorts, after you have a master contract, i.e. your first contract, you can do an add-on at any of the DVC resorts including your current resort. These add-on contracts can be for as little as 25 points if you are paying cash or 50 points if you are financing. They can of course be much larger if you want than the minimum.

Anyways, let's say you have 225 points at SSR and 50 points at GCV. At 11 months, you can use 225 points at SSR and 50 points at GCV. In other words, the points can't be combined at 11 months. However, at 7 months, the points can be combined to be used at any resort.

 

[thepops]

yes you can buy the minimum and add on any amount over 25 point (50 if you are financing them) at any other resort. You can combine them, but only for reservations 7 months out. So if DL is where you want to be, and since there will be so few units, be sure to get enough to stay on your schedule there. (maybe not all of your trips will be DVC to start).

 

[SSRFred]

Cancel now. Objectively I can say this is the wrong decision, not necessarily a bad decision. As you said, it's different for everybody.
I say its wrong because:

1) Buy where you want to stay. Disneyland is the obvious choice for you and you will have an opportunity to buy there.

2) The contract is too large for your finances currently. Start off small and add on as you get more experienced.

3) Trust your gut. Florida is a much longer and expensive trip than California. You can drive to California.

I can say more but it would fall into the subjective realm based on personal experience. Wait for the Grand Californian to start selling. There are rumors about further expansion in Disneyland as well, which gives you even more options. Good luck.

 

[harlen04]

Thank you for all of your advice! I will cancel tomorrow, you are definitely right this isn't quite for me... yet. I am going to Disneyland next February so hopefully they will offer Grand Californian then, either way I do have too many points right now for my vacation needs. I didn't know you could add on so easily.

Thanks!