Why not buy the cheapest home resort??

[KANSAS]

if i could purchase at hilton head for same cost as beach club, and
if hilton head, annual dues were $1.00 less per point in annual dues.
I would not do this.
I guess. I am only attracted to annual dues of OKW, being less than beach club, because okw is on site dvc resort

 

[JimC]

Jaysue -- On top of that we are using OKW points for the AKL stay -- Surprising my wife with a concierge stay and Sunrise Safari that she has wanted to go on.

 

[PamOKW]

The home resort priority period is only guaranteed to be one month. A few years ago, DVC management did a poll with a question about going to a shorter home resort period. I assume the results were negative since it didn't happen.

 

[jaysue]

Right on the head Kansas - as someone else on the board mentioned in one of my threads:

1) Own points at an on-site WDW resort - that way you have the 11 month window

2) Own points at an off-site WDW resort (in this case VB) - that way you have the 11 month window off-site as well

The best of both worlds....

If you are flexible where you want to stay and plan ahead enough to take advantage of the home site window then by all means take the least expensive resort from a TCO (total cost of ownership) perspective and run with it knowing sometimes you will stay at that resort and other times you will be able to book elsewhere.

If you like a specific resort and most of the time want to be there then buy where you want to stay works

PamOKW, I like OKW - DW really likes it - we will be back after our whirlwind DVC tour.......if the 7 month window holds for us - if not off to BCV...

thanks
jaysue

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by DeeP
As an owner at BWV and gladly paying the highest of the DVC WDW dues, I will admit it does get frustrating when I have to juggle my dates to get into my own home resort and yet OKW is always available.

BWV owners already have a remedy for this issue- they can simply remove DVC as management for their resort. In doing so, no other owners could use their cheaper points to make reservations at BWV. The provision to do this is clearly stated in our documents. Using that method BWV owners wouldn't have to compete with anyone else, as they would be the only ones able to make reservations at that resort. Of course, they would also lose any ability to use their points at any other DVC resort or program.

For years now, the mantra given here to prospective buyers is "buy where you want to stay the most" (since it's "almost impossible" to make reservations at other resorts within 7 months). I'm amazed at the sudden realization that other owners ARE able to make reservations at non-home resorts within 7 months (and that some are bothered by it).

Perhaps the comments and advice given by the DVC guides about the 7 month window are, in fact, EXACTLY how the program is supposed to work.

Enjoy!

 

[DeeP]

So here is a case of a BCV owner staying at OKW - kind of the reverse of what is the conventional wisdom

jaysue,
Good point, but it would be interesting to see if in the real world of DVC usuage this is a normal trend for OKW owners. From my years of experience with booking at WDW DVC resorts, this is not the norm. I am very often shut out at of all resorts but OKW - unless I do major changing and altering of my trip dates.
Over the years I have gotten quite good at juggling trip dates---I now do nothing "including booking airfare" before I have my desired DVC resort locked in!

 

[AZKathy]

...and if one cannot get one's home resort at less than the 7 month window for a spir of the moment trip, then use the points for one of the "deluxe" resorts like the Poly!

There is so much flexibility within DVC, one can do most anything!

 

[KANSAS]

doc
are you stating, if a majority, of the owners at any dvc resort want to. They can deny access to their dvc resort, to anyone who is not a direct owner of that dvc resort, if they are willing to give up access to all other dvc resorts for the next 38 years.

if this is true, would this be attractive to BOARDWALK AND BEACH CLUB OWNERS?

 

[DeeP]

I don't see any differnece with what we are doing and those who only stay Sun to Thurs to save money and points.

I disagree, members that stay the vast majority of their stays at their home resort but only stay for week days are at least paying the higher dues for their resort all year long but only using their home resort Sun-Thurs. However, those that buy the cheapest DVC resort to save the cost of dues but then stay only at the higher dues DVC resorts are NEVER paying for the extended guest amenities and services!

 

[DeeP]

DeeP, have you ever needed to book BWV <7 months and not been able to?

Without having to change trips dates or altering from standard to preferred view????? Yes, Many times!!!!!!!!!

 

[JimC]

Sorry DeeP -- on this one we will need to agree to disagree. I think you are arguing for a point that is contrary to the design and intent of the system. But is has been an interesting debate.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by KANSAS
doc
are you stating, if a majority, of the owners at any dvc resort want to. They can deny access to their dvc resort, to anyone who is not a direct owner of that dvc resort, if they are willing to give up access to all other dvc resorts for the next 38 years.

if this is true, would this be attractive to BOARDWALK AND BEACH CLUB OWNERS?

VERY, interesting thought.

 

[KANSAS]

deeP
would you vote to deny access to boardwalk, to only boardwalk owners, in exchange, that you could only have access to Boardwalk, for next 38 years

if yes
I think boardwalk and beach club, would go dramatically in value and OKW,SSR&S, go down dramactically

Imho, because I ahve 3 friends, that have joined SSR&S, with 100% intent of using at Beach club and Boardwalk,not SSR&S

 

[MiaSRN62]

Attracting back OKW owners and others to the resort by making OKW more desirable than is is today (even though the lower point schedule doesn't seem to be enough to do it) can make it so that demand is more equal and take some fo the pressure off of the other more preferred DVC resorts (statement based on reservation availability).

I, along with other OKW "home" resort folks I'm sure, don't feel we need to be attracted back to OKW ? Now this is just my opinion, but when we became Members, one of the "perks" that attracted us was being able to stay and try all the DVC resorts. Even before we became Members we didn't just stay at one single resort ? We tried Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Dixie Landings, All Stars etc. Variety is the spice of life they say.
I didn't stay at the BWV this summer (which, btw, I was able to book at 53 days out in August), just to not stay at OKW. We love OKW---it was simply just our way of trying out new resorts. I honestly was a little curious as to what all the hoopala was with the BWV too. Yes, we had a nice time, but we're heading back to OKW next year. A friend of mine from work who bought BCV in the beginning of the year, said she plans on trying out all the other DVC resorts also.
I don't feel OKW owners need to be attracted back, but rather I feel alot of folks are just curious to check out the other DVC resorts, especially since it is within our rights and encouraged even. Since pool-hopping was stopped at SAB, I bet some owners want to stay at BCV (even if for a couple days) to have access to the BC's pool. Maybe if pool-hopping privledges hadn't been suspended (and yes, I understand the reasons for doing so), more members wouldn't be so quick to want to spend their points there ? It's just a hunch. I'm sure SAB isn't the only draw to the BCV. This is a fairly new resort too and bet some folks just want to see what it's like---give it a test drive so to say.
But like I said, I'll be heading back to OKW because this is our choice. We enjoy all OKW has to offer. It is our "preferred" resort.

 

[JimC]

When they have the members meetings at the resorts the guides make a big deal encouraging us to visit all of the resorts and try the various collection to trade into.

 

[DeeP]

Originally posted by MiaSRN62
I, along with other OKW "home" resort folks I'm sure, don't feel we need to be attracted back to OKW ? Now this is just my opinion, but when we became Members, one of the "perks" that attracted us was being able to stay and try all the DVC resorts. Even before we became Members we didn't just stay at one single resort ? We tried Contemporary, Wilderness Lodge, Dixie Landings, All Stars etc. Variety is the spice of life they say.
I didn't stay at the BWV this summer (which, btw, I was able to book at 53 days out in August), just to not stay at OKW. We love OKW---it was simply just our way of trying out new resorts. I honestly was a little curious as to what all the hoopala was with the BWV too. Yes, we had a nice time, but we're heading back to OKW next year. A friend of mine from work who bought BCV in the beginning of the year, said she plans on trying out all the other DVC resorts also.
I don't feel OKW owners need to be attracted back, but rather I feel alot of folks are just curious to check out the other DVC resorts, especially since it is within our rights and encouraged even. Since pool-hopping was stopped at SAB, I bet some owners want to stay at BCV (even if for a couple days) to have access to the BC's pool. Maybe if pool-hopping privledges hadn't been suspended (and yes, I understand the reasons for doing so), more members wouldn't be so quick to want to spend their points there ? It's just a hunch. I'm sure SAB isn't the only draw to the BCV. This is a fairly new resort too and bet some folks just want to see what it's like---give it a test drive so to say.
But like I said, I'll be heading back to OKW because this is our choice. We enjoy all OKW has to offer. It is our "preferred" resort.

One thing we must keep in mind is........................... the overall %'s of DVC member's opinions represented here on the DIS--- though we are a substanial group!----- is only a small % of the true # of DVC owners.

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by KANSAS
would you vote to deny access to boardwalk, to only boardwalk owners, in exchange, that you could only have access to Boardwalk, for next 38 years

if yes
I think boardwalk and beach club, would go dramatically in value and OKW,SSR&S, go down dramactically

The issue is not quite as simple as you may think.

If owners at a resort opt to remove DVC as management, they will have to select other management to run their resort. This would include having their own reservation system (they would no longer be part of DVC), their own houesekeeping and maintenence staff and find their own suppliers. If they chose to utilize the staff members already in place thru Disney, they would need to negotiate for those same services thru Disney. The same would go for transportation and resort amenities. Even things like Valet service and room service would need to be separately negotiated since most DVC resorts don't have their own restaurant (VB and OKW do have restaurants onsite at the resort). Discounts of any nature would need to be negotiated separately (some have suggested such negotiations would be better accomplished outside of DVC- I believe that if Disney is tough to negotiate with as a corporate partner, it would be even more so as an outside entity).

The new management could set up the reservation system as they'd like- no more 7 month priority. They can choose whatever renovation schedule is desired. They can make their own exchange agreement with II, RCI, Mariott, etc. and Cruise Lines.

Be careful what you wish for!

 

[PamOKW]

The key to Doc's statement is that you vote out DVC Management and would have to find another management company. I'm sure Disney would be most accomodating in letting that happen.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by DeeP
My problem is: if someone purposely bought at the cheapest dues resort knowing they were going to be staying at and enjoying a higher priced dues DVC resort for the vast majority of their stays at WDW and they bought the cheaper DVC resort just for the fact of saving money to pay for one level of service and receiving another, is wrong. I am sorry, and I know I am probably being very naiive but when people say buy where you want to stay it should also include "buy where you are willing to pay in order to stay".
One very big point that is always made about the various DVC resorts especailly those at WDW, is the difference in dues! If someone buys a membership at a resort they do not intend on using but instead plans on staying at another DVC they should be paying the dues that pay to use that resort's amenities.
BWV has always been one of the harder resorts to book at and it is frustrating when one's home resort requires juggling of dates to get a full trip at while which is your home resort that you gladly pay the higher dues for and must juggle, but yet OKW is ALWAYS available. I know OKW is approx 2x the number of BWV rooms, but when you take into account all of BWV's units and now with all the BCV & VWL rooms combined they are way more rooms than at OKW and yet they are mostly fully booked year round and yet so many OKW rooms are available at all times! It is like.............Does ANYONE but the DIS board OKW fans stay EVER at this resort????
I have from day one of my DVC membership always gladly paid the highest DVC dues because I wanted to stay at my home resort. But when it is hard to get into your own home resort, or get the view at your home resort you want, or get a parking spot at your home resort, or find a chair at the pool of your home resort, etc. etc., --it does get very annoying and frustrating!

DVC guides, Shontell, TSS reps, many on this board, etc have recommended buying at one resort to save and stay at others. It happens in different ways but the principles are usually the same. The DVC guides were touting HH for that reason with the cheaper dues. I must say I've never seen anyone upset before about buying one resort and staying at others. It's the timeshare way and last I checked, DVC was indeed a group of timeshares. I must think you have a problem with DVC participating with II then or at least with anyone exchanging in.

 

[LIFERBABE]

As a new OKW owner (just sent add on paperwork back this morning) We found OKW to be very attractive! Yes a pool slide is desirable for families, but OKW is a beautiful top notch resort and I know my immediate and extended family members will be thrilled to stay there. We visited OKW prior to purchase and were very impressed with the entire property.

It is a moot point to argue about exchanging resorts within DVC as this is the main selling point of DVC. This is another example of what I like to call ..."HOW THIS PERK ADVERSELY AFFECTS MY VACATION" One member has difficulty getting a ressie, parking space or a chaise lounge and they want to turn the program on it's ear!
As others have stated, this was no secret when we purchased and purchasing resales is always an option to own and pay what you choose. I see nothing wrong with using points at other DVC's. That member made the same committment as the rest of us and if that is what they choose to do with their points, then who are we to pass judgement. There is no line to cross/walk because DVD did not draw one.

I like the flexibility of DVC and that is why I chose them over other timeshares. DVC is by no means cheap and I am at a loss at why so many are willing to give up so much for the illusion of privilege and priority.

If a DVC chose to isolate itself by voting out mgmt., the members would cannabalize the resort without a release valve. I honestly don't believe the value would increase if members only had the 11 month booking window at ONE DVC. It would be like trying to get a PS for CRT. The early bird would get the worm and the other members would get to buy a ressie at their home resort on Ebay because they cant book elsewhere. A much more grim scenario then the policy in place now.

I own at BCV, OKW and SSR as they will give us the options and flexibility we need.

It's all about risk management. If a member purchases a resort with the intention of using the 7 month window to stay at others, that member has assumed those risks. With risk comes reward or disappointment. Don't get mad because a member is playing the DVC lotto and winning. He paid to play just like everyone else. maybe not as much you, but that was YOUR choice not his.