Should we get into into DVC?

[garrett79]

We are avid Disney fans who live about an hour away. We usually stay at All Star or Coronado Springs. We would like to get into the DVC but question whether to go through Disney or through a resale broker. The Disney rep tried to steer us to VB but we wondered how difficult it is to get reservations at anything on property as that would be where we spend the majority of our time. Any complaints on availability when the home base is VB?
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[Cap]

I strongly recommend you buy where you want to stay. If you have lots of flexibility on vacation times, then you may be satisfied using the 7 month reservation window to reserve at DVC, OKW, or WVL at Disney. However, if you want the best choice, or do not have much flexibility, buy at Disney.

There are good resales available. Look at the Timeshare Store or others. BWV and OKW are sold out from Disney, so that's the only way to get points at OKW or BWV.

Cap

 

[RoutemanDan]

We own in VB and just made a ressie last week for OKW in April.I don't know if we just got lucky or if it's always this easy because this will be our first trip as DVC members.Also,we don't have children and are very flexible with what size accommodations are available,and what resort.
The rule to follow seems to be "Buy where you plan to stay most".For us VB will, in all probability, work out fine.If I had a larger family,I probably would have purchased VWL or a resale.

<img src=http://www.geocities.com/waltsdream_club/rmandandvc201.gif>

<img src=http://www.geocities.com/routemandan/NJdvcers.gif>
Dan ºoº

 

[mickeyc]

I recently purchased at BWV via resale. When I took the DVC tour in Aug. 2000 I discussed this circumstance with the guide. She confirmed what I was thinking that having the 11 month window at your home resort is invaluable. I was thinking of purchasing at VB because of the incentives; however, I explained to her that I would not go back because I don't like VB. Although I was thinking of the 11 month window it was nice to hear the guide confirm the issue. As it turned out I had the opportunity to buy a resale and she the price was good. She remained very helpful. Good Luck! I am sure you will make the right decision.

 

[Lisa P.]

You are avid Disney fans who live in FL, only an hour away. I'm just curious why you want to join DVC?

It seems as if FL residents wouldn't have as much to gain with DVC. FL residents may purchase lower cost annual or seasonal passes. For good room rates, you have all the options of Upsells, Managers' Specials, AAA or DC discounts, AP discounts and FL resident rate specials - at a much wider variety of resorts than just DVC's. So your base cost for a typical cash stay is lower than most people's.

Also, it would seem more likely that a FL resident would use DVC points for Fri/Sat stays rather than for weeknight stays. Fri/Sat nights in DVC require a much higher points usage than weeknights. So your DVC costs may be higher than most people's.

Is it still worthwhile to you, to join DVC? I've made some assumptions here that may not apply to you or work for you. In your own situation, is it worthwhile? <IMG SRC="/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif" alt="confused">

 

[Beth]

We also live about an hour away.

DVC has far exceeded our expectations. But we use our membership much differently than most.

We joined in April '97, and have made over 40 reservations since then. On average, for 2 nights at a time. It has been WONDERFUL!! The DVC resorts make GREAT getaways from work! And, living so close, you can be SO much more flexible with your dates!

We've sent my parents, my husband's parents, my sister-in-law (for her honeymoon to San Francisco, White Swan), my sister and her husband, my boss, a co-worker, my niece, my nephew, and my aunt/uncle, all over several times! A one or two night stay makes for a GREAT birthday or Christmas present. For my (argh!) 30th birthday last year, I got a GV and 2BR at OKW for Memorial Day and took all 12 of us over. We did the Illuminations cruise and had a nice dinner. I couldn't have had a nicer birthday!! Without DVC, we could have never done something like that!

So, yes, for someone that lives so close, I think you'll REALLY enjoy your stay. We've stayed at all the DVC resorts several times each, and have also done the cruise and used the CC for Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC.

As far as the home resort, you WILL have more flexibility living close, so you may be able to work with buying somewhere other than where you (primarily) want to stay, but I wouldn't recommend it. If you ever want to book during a peak time, you may need the 11-month window.

Good Luck with your decision -- you'll really enjoy it!

<img src="http://www.geocities.com/dvcmbrokw/BethScottDon.jpg" height ="95" width="75">
MVMCP, 2000

 

[Ed T]

As you know OKW and Boardwalk are sold out resorts that can be only purchased through resale. I bought through A Timeshare Broker, Jaki Apetz 888-345-2622. email japetz@attglobal.net website www.atimeshare.com
She was very professional, low key and kept us very informed on new listings.
It is a good idea to get on her list so she can give you a call when new listings come up.
Make sure you buy into the resort you want to stay at when you go down to disney.

Best of luck with your decision.

Ed
DVC 1994

 

[TampaDisneyFreaks]

You have heard my opinion over and over again "neighbor". We hope to say Welcome Home to you soon. If you have more questions, feel free to ask.

 

[spiceycat]

when I first became a member the majority of the DVC were from Florida - Miami and Tampa I asked why - I was told that they loved to go Christmas shopping at WDW, but hated the drive back or the hotel stay. They generally got at least a 1-bedroom for the weekend and did all their shopping at the DD. This is when we had free tickets to the parks, they were giving them away they did not want or need them. I think that Florida is one of the biggest DVC states, along with NJ, & NY.