Haven't been to WDW since 1977!

[Dad of twins]

but thinking about joining the DVC sight unseen instead of "wasting" money on 1st trip before buying in anyway.

still waiting for my information package, so I'm still a bit clueless other than what I've read here. I have a couple questions, though.

1) does it matter which is your home resort? I know BCV is the one available now, but should I try to get OKW through resale instead since that one is cheaper?

2) which DVC resort is best for young kids?

3) how do you "rent out" your points if you aren't using them in a year?

4) can family and friends use your points in your place?

5) what do I ask for when joining? that $1500 promotion I've read about here wasn't brought up by the sales person I was dealing with.

6) how many points do I need? I know you'll all say the more the better, but for example, what do I get with the 150 point minimum? does that get me a week in a 2 bedroom?

thanks all. little stressed about the decision!

[draje01]

Okay Dad!,

First let me say that we've not regretted joining DVC since we did in 1999. Let me see how many questions I can answer:

1) I don't think it really matters which one you join at, the only difference is that at your home resort, you get to make reservations 11 mths. in advance and for the others, 7 mths. You could get OKW at resale and it would be cheaper. I'm not sure what the disadvantage to that would be, if there are any

2) I think all DVC resorts are great for kids, but BCV has the best pool!

3) To rent out pts., you simply reserve your vacation home and let them know someone else will be using it and then charge them a per night rate. (I think that's how it's done!)

4)Yes

5)Not sure about that one. I would definitely ask your salesperson

6)We have 150 pts and it only cost us 110 to go in December for 5 nights (Sunday to Friday) at Old Key West. Typically it will get you about 5 nights anywhere, provided you don't stay on Friday or Saturday night.

Hope it helps

Jen

[draje01]

Oh, by the way, you do get to use those maintenance fees as a tax deduction since technically you do own a piece of property. I can't say enough about how good we feel about the decision we made about DVC.

[OKWTink]

Hi! Another satisfied DVC owner here. Buying site unseen is one thing, but do not buy uniformed!

1. Home resort is a matter of preference. I find OKW to be the best choice for a number of reasons, cost is one. It is larger in terms of land, and the vacation homes are larger than the rest. Buying resale is a viable option, just be certain to know what you are getting. Check on points used.

2. Again, personal preference. BCV has the best pool hands down, but OKW has the most pools. BWV has a clown themed pool and it scares me, never mind little ones! WLV has a pretty neat pool too, and is closest to MK.

3. With great caution. I've never done this, so can't help other than recommend you really have a good contract with the renter. You can also bank your points into the next year for use then. I've never had a problem using the points!

4. Sure. They make a great gift. Just remember family, friends or renters...if anyone damages anything, it is on your "account" and you are held responsible.

5. Not positive, but that promo may be over. Ask if there are any promotions, buyer's incentives, or special offers.

6. Point use depends upon the time of year you are going (which Disney season) which DVC you are staying at (some require more points, OKW is the "cheapest" point use wise) and what type of Vacation home you are booking (the studio requires the least points, upwards to the Grand Villa {not at all DVCs} which costs the most.

It is a major purchase to be sure, but you are correct in thinking that one Disney vacation can be one heck of a downpayment!

Please do be certain to do the research though! We can tell you what we know, and give you our opinions, but a purchase of that magnitude really does need the DVC guide. They are the only ones that truly have the authority to give the current information.

[DisneyFreak]

If you haven't been there since 1977 you are going to need a lot more than five days to catch up. LOL!

I'm not a DVC member but both my parents and sister are and I get to benefit from those points as much as they do. Both are extremely happy that they bought in when they did. My parents have, I think, around 400-450 points and my sister has 150. They have used the points for stays at WDW, the Disney Cruise, a weekend stay in Chicago, a week stay at a Dude Ranch in Arizona and a week stay in Williamsburg, VA.

Buying into DVC and there is nothing to worry about.

[Dad of twins]

Yes, I have a lot of catching up to do since 1977. Probably hasn't changed much though, right?

you've all been a great help. one other thing. we're a family of 5. does this mean I'll always need a 2 BR? from what I've seen, the 1 BR's only sleep 4. Thanks!

[OKWTink]

With anything less than a two bedroom, you'll only have one bath. One bedrooms and studios are meant for 4, but if you want to put five in, just remember that you won't have any linens of any sort or enough supplies otherwise. Having said that, many DVC members put five in a studio! It all depends upon what your comfort level is and if someon wants to sleep on the floor.

I forgot to mention that my guide told me recently that they expect to sell out of inventory (BCV) very soon. They'll start to sell Saratoga Springs sometime after that, but it is a long way from being built. The price per point will go up too.

[Dad of twins]

But it really doesn't matter about selling out, right, since I could buy at any DVC resort through resale? It seems resale is the best option anyway, since you can get it closer to $70 per point. Or am I missing something?

It's a shame you can't add a cot in a 1 BR.

One more question. Can you use points at other non-DVC resorts at WDW? For example, if I want to save some points for next year, can I stay this year at a cheaper place that sleeps 5 like one of those cabins at FW or at POFQ?

Thanks!

[OKWTink]

Not being all that familiar with resale, the immediate problem that pops into mind is that you may have trouble finding a resale contract for the number of points you want.

You can add a cot, if you bring it yourself.

You can stay at the other WDW resorts, for cash, of course, but if you mean can you use your points to stay at the WDW resorts, the answer is yes. It is not "cheaper" by any means though. The points to stay at a resort are generally considerably higher than the points needed to stay at a DVC resort. It's usually though of by DVC members as not being a good use of points.

Without checking the member's guide, I can't tell you if the FW cabins are included in the resorts where you are allowed to use points to stay, but I know PO is. All Stars are not, but the moderates and deluxes are. Keep in mind that the Boardwalk and Beach Club, although deluxes, will only allow DVC members to stay at the DVC portion of the resort while using points. If you want to stay in the "Hotel Proper" you'll need to book a conventional reservation.

There are many, many other places that allow you to use your points. You will get an entire section in the Member's Guide that explains where you can stay throughout the US and other countries. There is also the opportunity to trade points through Interval International and Buena Vista Trading company for things like safaris! I've never done this so am not a great resource for you. I just know that the opportunity exists.

[dcfromva]

Dad of twins,
We are relatively new DVC members (we bought last year) and are happy with our purchase.

1) does it matter which is your home resort?

Yes--Buy where you want to stay unless you can never, ever foresee a time that you will be able to plan your vacation more than 7months in advance or you don't mind at which resort you stay at premium peak times--(or, you never, ever plan to go to WDW for Christmas, New Years, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Spring Break, et'c.)

1a) but should I try to get OKW through resale instead since that one is cheaper?
If you are able to get Magical Beginnings (MB), it is almost a wash with the discounts. Disney has a thing called Right of First Refusal. It means if someone offers a contract up for a resale, Disney can buy it back if they want to. I have heard that Disney has been exercising this option quite vigorously lately--if the points are being offered for sale for less than $70-72 per point. If you go through Disney, Disney pays for closing costs. If you go through a resale, typically the buyer pays closing costs which I have heard are in the range of $400. If you get a good deal on Magical Beginnings--a $10 per point reduction bringing it to $74.00 per point. (I have heard of guides back dating contracts --with MB you sell back you first year's points--but, if they back date it into say 2002 points and your use year is December, you get all your 2003 points when Dec comes around--not sure how they worked that out, though). A resale would have a distinct advantage if you could get a nice juicy one that had banked points.


2) which DVC resort is best for young kids?

Every DVC has it's own special appeal. Don't forget that young kids grow up really fast and you are going to have your DVC for the next 39 years. In my own family, we have had a definate interest shift. When DS was a little guy, it was great being over by the MK. Now, at age 14 BCV is perfect for our interests (we like to be able to walk to EPCOT and take a boat launch over to MGM). We really like OKW, too--because of the room sizes and bedding configurations and the parking right out in front of our villa.... (You can see this is a really difficult question to answer ).

3) how do you "rent out" your points if you aren't using them in a year?

You advertise what you have and then you have a private agreement with someone to rent your points. There are lots of internet sites which permit you to post your rental proposal. I think the going rate is somewhere around $10.00 a point. (Being a relatively new member, I have not personally rented out any points, though).


4) can family and friends use your points in your place?

Yup! (Can I be your friend ).

5) what do I ask for when joining? that $1500 promotion I've read about here wasn't brought up by the sales person I was dealing with.

Ask about Magical Beginnings (if it is still being offered).

6) how many points do I need? I know you'll all say the more the better, but for example, what do I get with the 150 point minimum? does that get me a week in a 2 bedroom?

It depends on when you go. During the Adventure Season (for example, January) at OKW, Sun-Thurs, you could stay for 5 nights for 110 points (The whole week is 218). The highest season is Premier which is Spring Break and Christmas, a 2BR at OKW Sun -Thurs is 205 points. (For a whole week incl sat/sun, it is 405 points!).

BCV has higher point values for the same seasons. For a 2BR unit, adventure for 7 days is 270/premier is 462.

Also of note, it costs fewer points to get 2 studios instead of a 2 BR unit--for example, 1 studio at OKW during adventure for 1 week is 80 points (X2=160 points). However, there are some real advantages to the 2BR unit--it has a washer/dryer and a full kitchen/living room with real plates/silverware, etc. With the 2 studios, you have a little kitchenette--the refrigerator is the smaller sized one, paper plates, there is a community laundry et'c.

Good luck with your decision!

-DC