Wondering if we should join.

[BlakeNJ]

Subscribing to this thread..!!! DH and I are really considering DVC re-sale at BWV or BCV.

I do have a couple of questions...

I realize that there is no daily mousekeeping.. but, what if you need more towels? Do you call and ask for them?

Also, how is financing for re-sales? Unfortunately, we don't have all the money available to buy into it, are rates any good?


Thanks for all the information! We really are close to buying into DVC. But, hope it's "right" for us!

We just recently went through the whole DVC buying process. It's smart to ask lots of questions before you buy. I researched and read the DVC boards here on the dis for 5 months before we bought. Your knowledge can only make the process easier. The current rate for Saratoga Springs Resort is $86/point with a 150 point minimum through Disney. This has been the best deal out there. They call it their "Friends & Family Promotion" celebrating 15 years of DVC. In order to receive this offer, you need a referel from a current DVC member. The "rack rate" if you will call it is $101/point for SSR through DVC. Their prior offer was $10 off per point equaling $91/point. Clearly the current price is much better. This offer is only good until January 20. DVC charges a minimal closing cost of around $125. Far less than you would pay through resale. Let me know if you have anymore questions. I can also refer you to my guide if you want to get some paper work. Good luck!

 

[shellbelle1971]

I do have a couple of questions...

I realize that there is no daily mousekeeping.. but, what if you need more towels? Do you call and ask for them?

We just run a few though the washer/dryer that's in the unit. If you need more and don't want to run laundry, you can get a towel pack (bath and hand towels plus washcloth) for about $7, I think.

 

[paeskie]

We are new members, having just bought a resale SSR contract. We expect to visit WDW once every other year. We will probably bank some points, and rent out extras, as necessary.
We took the tour two years ago, and kept thinking and thinking, and analyzing costs. I am thrilled that we finally took the plunge.

 

[jimmacmn]

My wife and I purchased our first 210 points at OKW in 1994. Our first trip to WDW was in 1985 and between 1985 and 1994 we stayed at the Hilton, the BV Palace, several times at the Grand Floridian, the Beach Club and even at the Disney Inn (now Shades of Green). Over the years we we added an additional 100 points at OKW and recently another 170 at SSR. Each year since 1994 we have used all of our points on accomodations in DVC resorts, the Cruise line or for accomodations at a Deluxe Disney Resort. We do love the Disney experience!

One of the things we have started doing is spacing our Disney trips first 11 months then over a year apart. That way we can get the use of both our annual park pass and our annual DVC golf membership for two trips. Since my wife and I are both golfers, this adds another great feature to our Disney experience and the membership makes it very affordable for both us and any guests we bring.

At frist, like many of the other posters, we thought the Mousekeeping would be an issue for us. Our first visits, we had a full cleaning about half way through our visit, but since we haven't thought it necessary.

As far at the restaurant situation is concerned, we are happy that the Turf Club has been opened, but for the most part, we eat our breakfast in the unit and elsewhere on property for our other meals. There are so many fantastic restaurants on the property that I don't think the lack of upscale dining at OKW and SSR is significant.

Our most recent trip to WDW? Last month my wife and 3 friends had a 2 BR at OKW for a long weekend and the following week I joined her and two other couples in a GV at SSR for 5 days during the holiday season.

 

[dumbo71]

I think it should be noted that you can easily trade into DVC using II or other Timeshare trade networks.

The same easy trade into other resorts cannot be said for DVC. DVC is a poor trader.

You do not have to own DVC to stay at DVC Resorts.

 

[tjkraz]

I think it should be noted that you can easily trade into DVC using II or other Timeshare trade networks.

The same easy trade into other resorts cannot be said for DVC. DVC is a poor trader.

You do not have to own DVC to stay at DVC Resorts.

I think "easily" needs to be qualified a bit.

How successful will people be in getting BWV or BCV through II? How successful will they be getting ANY resort between Thanksgiving and New Year's?

Yes it is possible to trade in, but you'll hardly have your choice of dates, resort and room size. There will almost always be need to make compromises.

 

[dumbo71]

I think "easily" needs to be qualified a bit.

How successful will people be in getting BWV or BCV through II? How successful will they be getting ANY resort between Thanksgiving and New Year's?

Yes it is possible to trade in, but you'll hardly have your choice of dates, resort and room size. There will almost always be need to make compromises.

True but I still feel it easier to trade into DVC than out of it. I guess that is my main point.

 

[lambchop269]

Can you please clarrify why it is easier to trade in than trade out. This contradicts everything that I have ever been told. Thank you

 

[rie'smom]

Dear Mouse511,
You've absolutely come to the right place to ask your questions. We just bought DVC a couple of months ago and everyone here was very helpful. I don't feel compelled to go to WDW every year but I will for some time because my daughter loves it so much. There will come a time I'm sure when going to the parks won't appeal as much but when that happens, DH and I will still go to BWV because we love Florida and Orlando has more to offer than WDW.

 

[mj2vacation]

I think it should be noted that you can easily trade into DVC using II or other Timeshare trade networks.

The same easy trade into other resorts cannot be said for DVC. DVC is a poor trader.

You do not have to own DVC to stay at DVC Resorts.

Dumbo,

How many times have you traded into DVC?

Which resort do you trade into DVC that makes it so easy?

Just asking because it directly contradicts what II will tell you when you want to trade in for anything other than some off season weeks.

 

[littlestar]

I wouldn't say it's "easy" to trade into DVC through II. I've never seen Christmas or New Years weeks on II. I've seen mostly September and January. And usually a studio or one bedroom at Old Key West or Saratoga.

Considering that you need to own a decent quality resort to trade through II to get DVC, if your sole purpose is mostly DVC, it doesn't make much sense to buy something you don't really want to try to trade to get DVC. That would be an exercise in frustration for most people.

For a studio, by the time you pay dues on another resort, say $450 a year, trade fee through Interval $139.00, and $95.00 resort fee to Disney, and Interval Membership fee of $84.00, you're paying right at what renting DVC points would cost, and about $500 more dollars than what the dues on 80 points at OKW would be for a week. Plus, if you own DVC, you pick when you want to go, not when something "turns up."

You don't see the most popular resorts in II that much because just like DVC, if people want the ultimate availability to be able to go, they buy it so they can go when they want to.

 

[Eventer98]

Hi everyone! I am trying to process all this DVC information but it's a bit overwhelming!! My DF and I probably wouldn't be interested in buying in for at least a year. He is starting a new job and we have to see how that goes. I know these questions have been asked over and over but if someone could clearly answer them for me I would be VERY grateful!!

Is it better to buy re-sale? I know the points are cheaper but any other downfalls? I did remember reading on this thread that the closing costs are much higher?

What is the closing cost if I buy new? Was $150 right?? I guess I am comparing to when we bought our house and how cheap that sounds!

I am assuming that you have to stay at the same resort you buy points for everytime you go? Stupid question but I hate assuming!

Is there a down payment required if you are financing?

Last question I promise!! Are dues due all at once or can you spread them out onto some kind of monthly payment plan?

Thanks in advance to whoever answers these questions!!