New Golf resort?

[Mickeymac]

I'm not sure, but I think DH is becoming intrigued by DVC... I still dont' come close to understanding it at all. I'm a bargain basement traveler anyways, and would travel 4-5 times a year instead of once or twice for the same money, so in that way, DVC doesn't make sense to me, howEVER, I don't pay the bills around here and DH is asking...

Does anyone know anything about the new DVC villa opening next to Eagle Pines? Are they taking orders now? How can I get information on it? Are there any good DVC primers on the internet (DVC for Dummies)

[OKWTink]

Yes, there is a DVC near that golf course "planned." No, there is nothing offered for sale yet on that property.

To have a good feel for the DVC you can contact them and ask for their Video and other informational "stuff."

DVC does work out to be a good value for those folks who plan on visiting WDW at least once every three years and staying in at least a moderate.

Don't forget that when you have a DVC accomodation, you can spend so very much less on food (in particular) and the villas are much more comfortable than a regular hotel room. The extra space alone is worth it! Returning home with clean laundry (and being able to travel with less clothing) is a good bonus too.

I'll stop now, but do contact the DVC and ask for their promotional materials. They're only a phone call away!

[Mickeymac]

I supposed I've got to find the number now, huh? :D

[Redkop]

Disney Vacation Club (800) 800-9100.........well thats wot it says on the disney web site

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/waltdisneyworld/resorts/benefits/resortbenefitsindex?id=FAQPhoneNumberDirectory

chris

13!!!!!!days till WDW and only 20!!!!!!dasy till the Wedding

[Mickeymac]

Thanks, Redkop, what would I do without you? :D

[miraclemoments]

We sent away for the video and the informational guide, and while interesting, I still didn't feel that I came away with a "working knowledge" of the system. I have learned more from these boards then the video I think. Like you Mac, we are bargain basement travelers and would gladly go two or three times a year and stay in a value resort, than one time and stay in a moderate or higher. We just aren't in the resort enough to justify spending the extra money. Also, when I'm on vacation the VERY last thing I want to do is prepare meals or do laundry, so that wasn't a selling point either. I guess, once again, it just comes down to personal preference. Best of luck in your's and DH's decision...

[Mickeymac]

Thanks - I called for the video. I think the perk would be that we could travel to other locations - we definately want to do the 7 day cruise, and it's a cheaper way to go. Plus, the rep indicated that if you stay at the moderates, it doesn't take many days to equal the cost of the initial investment.

I'm not sold, but DH would really like to stay at something that feels a little more like home than at the All Stars. it's fun, and I will definately do it again, but as he points out, I go way out of my way to cook out of our room as it is, why not do it with a little more ease.

I'll wait and see. DC and OKWTink have definitely been more informative than what I've found. :D

[Redkop]

Originally posted by Mickeymac
Thanks, Redkop, what would I do without you? :D

find them yourself???????

chris

13!!!!!days till WDW and only 20!!!!!!!dasy till the Wedding

[Esmerelda]

OK, I am going to play the devil's advocate here. I am one of the minority that hasn't been pleased with my DVC purchase. A lot of it may have to do with my unique situation and character flaws.

First, if you are going to take several short trips a year like I do, it may not be worth it. We usually go four or five times a year for a four or five day weekend. The point values are almost double on the weekend, so your points can get gobbled up quickly on long weekend stays.

Second, I do not plan ahead well! To insure that you get the accomodation size and view you want you have to book eleven months ahead. I have a very difficult time planning that far in advance, and have changed or cancelled almost every one of my DVC ressies.

Third, even if your DVC is paid for, y ou still have to pay maintenance-mine is about $800 a year.

Fourth, I like trying other resorts. Although it is possible as a DVC member, the points required are often quite steep.

A lot of these reasons may just be common to myself, and not the general DVC population, but I thought I would play the devil's advocate.

Now for the good things about DVC.

First, once it is paid for it is paid for(except the dues). It makes vacationing a lot less expensive.

Second, the cooking facilities are great. Especially if you travel often and start spending more time at the resort. The kid's programs are a bunch of fun for the kids.

Third, you can rent your points if you have extra one year and can "earn" money to pay your dues.

Fourth, and maybe most important. The "points" that a resort costs cannot change over time. In five, ten, twenty years time the room rates for the resorts will go up substantially, but with DVC you are locked in at the current rates until the end of DVC.

OK, I will stop now. Is everyone MORE confused?

[Dawn]

Originally posted by Mickeymac
Thanks, Redkop, what would I do without you? :D

Live a slightly more peaceful life??

[Redkop]

Originally posted by Dawn
Live a slightly more peaceful life??

hey wot did i do........are sure its only 5 weeks and 5 days.....what if the liitle darling wants a couple of extra weeks vacation :D :D :D

chris

12!!!!!days till WDW and only 19!!!!!days till the Wedding

[dcfromva]

Mickeymac,
Wow! I think it is cool that you are even considering it!
We waited 10 years to buy in. I had made up my mind that I wanted accomodations on the monorail when DVC was first being offered. As our has family matured, our needs have changed and so I made up my mind that when BCV opened up, we would buy there because we enjoyed the location of the Beach Club so much. Your DH plan sounds similar. What could be more perfect for your family--Golf for your DH and close proximity to all the parks for the rest of the family?
Currently, DVC members has a Special Golf Offer available: The exclusive "Disney Vacation Club Golf Membership" offers special rates to Members and up to 3 guests for tee times after 10:00am. Includes one 18-hole round of golf per day, per guest, at Disney's Magnolia Golf Course, Disney's Palm Golf Course, Disney's Lake Buena Vista Golf Course, Disney's Osprey Rige Golf Course an Disney's Eagle Pines Gold Course.
DH and I were never fans of time shares. But, since buying into DVC, we have decided to either buy more points or buy another time share. I have had other DVC members tell me that using points to stay at non-Disney properties is not always the best use of points (the suggestion is if you want to go to another resort besides Disney is to rent your points and use the proceeds to fund your alternate vacation spot). Since we have at least 3 weeks of vacation a year to cover (and we like to go everywhere), I have been looking at the Marriot Club and I have also been looking at a club in New York. (I admit that I don't fully understand the Marriot program, yet, but on first glance it doesn't seem as flexible as DVC.)
This may sound really funny, but saving money wasn't my motivation for buying into DVC. I was more interested in locking in a certain level of comfort in my WDW accomodations that would last after I retire at a price I could afford. (I was thinking that after I retire in 8 years, our income stream will be a lot less, and I don't want to HAVE to go from staying at the Polynesian or Beach Club onsite to staying at the No-tell Motel offsite. Funny what motivates a person, isn't it?) Anyway, after staying at DVC property, the accomodations far exceeded our expectations and it truly is difficult to go back to staying at a regular hotel room. (I am definately going to have to do some serious brain washing to sell DH and DS on the advantages of staying at the Contemporary for our next trip in May--I know they are going to ask why aren't we staying at BCV--but, sheesh--the rate will never be lower at the Contemp... And we DO love the Contemp--and it also brings back lots of happy nostalgic memories when DS was just a little guy (sigh!)....and there is a great video game room..and the CA Grill and the monorail and pin trading area and walking to the MK and... ).
The beautiful thing about DVC is that it does grow with you. You can rent a studio, 1BR, 2BR or Grand Villa (at OKW, HHI and BW) depending on your family's needs and you are not locked into any one type of accomodation at any one time of the year. The only thing that limits you is the number of points you have--but, you have banking and borrowing which really increase your flexibility. I just haven't seen any program (yet) that matches the flexiblity that DVC gives you.
Anyway, if you have any questions about DVC, ask away....
-DC :ears:

[Mickeymac]

Wow DC, thanks for the great feedback - you raise some really awesome points. (haha no pun intended) My main draw is the ability to use the points at other venues - I love Disney, but I am dying to travel to England, Ireland, Greece, the Islands, you name it. DH is NOT a vacation kind of person - we never even took a honeymoon & our first seven years he never took a vacation. Since going to Disney, he's kind of hooked (although won't admit it) and really enjoyed his time playing golf in December and wants to do it again) Although I think along the lines of Esmerelda, he definately thinks along your lines. He just wants to lock something in for when he retires, at his comfort level, and at some place he's familiar.

Just trying to get him to make the commitment is another story. If I could just get him down there for the presentation, I think he would be sold. I'm the type of person that likes to make a decision and move on. He ponders *every*thing to excess... sigh...