DVC experience needed

Linda · 10-04-2002

It looks like there haven't been too many posts to the DVC area in a while.

Well, I need some advise for those of you reading the boards.

I am an inch away from purchasing at the BCV. I am truly excited about it, but a little reserved.

I need all the GOOD and BAD information you can give me about your experiences with DVC. I am hoping to make this transaction next week when my rep gets back from his Disney cruise vacation!

Any regrets, any problems, all the good things.....etc.

Resale vs. direct purchase?

:)

**mickey** · 10-04-2002

Linda

We purchased our DVC a couple of years ago through a reseller. I figured it saved us about $2,000, and we got all the benefits as someone buying through Disney, though we couldn't take advantage of them buying back the first year's points, like Disney does every once and a while. They also didn't offer financing, but I think most of them do now.

Personally, I love Disney compared to the other timeshare we own, Marriott. I like Disney in that you can stay 1 night, or as many as you have points for. The annual dues are reasonable, you can stay at any of the DVC resorts, and it doesn't cost you anything more, and honestly, it is the only way we can afford to stay on property with our kids.

Our four year system has worked well. We purchased 270 points at Old Key West. Year one, we bank points. Year two, we travel and use all of year one's points and most of year two's points. Year three we travel, and use all of year three's points and borrow from year four. So, we end up going twice in a 12 month period every four years. The only problem is that there is a three year gap of no Disney in between, but I can live with that. This way, we have 540 points to use every time we go. That will pay for 12 nigths in a three bedroom villa at Old Key West easily.

The only downside I can see is that the points expire in 39 years or so. But then again, I will be 75 at that time, and I don't know if I will really care.

Make sure you purchase points where you want to stay the most. When we purchased, there was only Old Key West and Boardwalk on property. We opted for OKW because the 3 bedroom units were much less expensive and the annual fees are as well. Of course, we can stay elsewhere, but it is a little more difficult if it is not your home resort. The Beach Club Villas are beautiful, and the location can't be beat. If that is where you want to stay, I would suggest buying there. You won't be able to find any resales for Beach Club yet, so you will have to go through Disney.

In the end, it is definitely the best purchase that we have made yet.

dvcguy · 10-04-2002

Never had a doubt.
It is great and the rooms are big.
Everybody has a home resort they like, I prefer OKW the rooms are bigger and they cost less points.
Many like BWV or BCV based on location.
Similar to the last post we go about every 2 years over Christmas, we bank and borrow as needed, works out very well and you can stay as long as your points hold out.

Remember nothing is perfect but I love DVC.

ilvminnie · 10-04-2002

We're new owners at DVC, but are so loving the flexibility. We figure it just "forces" us to go back to WDW more often than we would if we had to get rooms, too. We bought at the Beach Club, & at the time we bought they were offering free nights at an on-site hotel based on the number of points you bought or $5 off per point. Don't know what incentive they're offering now.

We, too, bought 270 points, but generally we'll only need a studio (until our DD gets married, has kids, etc.). That will enable us to go at least once a year. A year from now we're even doing the 4-night cruise. Mickey's done the math & says the cruise isn't a good way to spend points, but we figure our vacation budget goes largely to the DVC so might as well.

We did the Beach Club because we love the convenience of being so close to MGM & EPCOT. But we know we'll want to stay at WL from time to time, too, & its' nice to know we can.

I know you can buy re-sale, but not at Beach Club yet. The only thing I can suggest after hearing from some other folks who have bought re-sale is watch for points that have been borrowed from the next year already & the year has just started. For me it would be a bummer to buy & then not be able to use it for awhile. But I know you can save quite a bit of money buying resale.

Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide.

**BDavis932** · 10-04-2002

The only regret we have is that we waited so long to do it!!!
We started looking in 1994 and didn't buy until 2000!

We would definately do it again! We bought from Disney while we were there, and they made it so easy. I recommend it to everyone I know!!

By the way, we purchased 150 points at Old Key West and we have never needed any more points. We only get 2 weeks per year vacation from our jobs, so one week at Old Key west is 98 points (end of May and early June) and the rest of our vacation is drive time and relaxing a couple days, so it works great for us. We went to Keystone in 2001 and 6 of us stayed in a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo for 147 points. Someday we may wish we purchased more....but for now, it fits our vacation schedule!

DVC really makes arranging your vacations easy, too. I can book our resort vacation in about 5 to 10 minutes!

trishb · 10-04-2002

What is the average start-up cost for DVC and what are the yearly fees? I have been curious about this for a while!

ilvminnie · 10-04-2002

Trish, I believe it's up to $80/point right now. You must purchase a minimum of 150 points, & I understand the "average" is around 270. All closing costs are paid by DVC (at least they were in March). There's also annual dues of approx $3.77/point. That is the 2002 rate & could go up, although there is a cap on how much it can go up. The purchase price can be financed thru DVC with 10% (might be 20% now to get the incentive) due up front. (We put the up front costs on a credit card in 2 installments to give us time to pay that off without incurring more interest.) The annual dues can be paid on a monthly basis with no penalty or interest charges. I'm sure Mickey or someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that's it.

trishb · 10-04-2002

Thanks! You must be so excited!!!:p

graybill · 10-05-2002

Linda

I purchased 300 points at Vero Beach in Dec 2000 while staying at the BV. At the time, there was a real nice promotion for VB. The maint fees are higher there, but I feel I made up for that with the promotion. It was one of the best things I've ever done. In my opinion, nobody does it better than Disney. In fact, whenever I travel anywhere else, I find myself comparing the facilities, service and ambience to Disney and nothing comes close. When I heard about the Beach Club Villas opening, I bought another 100 points because the location is so great (My next vacation will be there this Dec).

I have always been very poor at finding time to take vacations but now the DVC makes it so easy that I am vacationing more than ever.

I also love the fact that my children and grandchildren will have years and years to enjoy the magic and the points will stay the same.

I don't think you can go wrong.

graybill

Linda · 10-09-2002

OK, so now I have decided to buy. How long does is take to close on the deal?

**mickey** · 10-09-2002

When we purchased our points via a reseller, it took about 3 weeks once we agreed on a price, and about two weeks after the closing for Disney to change the information.

If you purchase directly from Disney, I believe it only takes about an hour to do the paperwork while you are there, and you will get your welcome kit in the mail a couple of weeks later.

ilvminnie · 10-09-2002

Linda, I just got an email that said points thru DVC are going up from $80 to $84 as of Dec 1. Just FYI.....

Linda · 10-10-2002

Well, I have taken the Nestea plunge!

My paperwork should be in the mail as we write and hopefully by next week it will be back in the Fedex mail to Disney!

I can hardly wait. My parents and I have a trip to Florida the last week in October 2002 for my cousins wedding. I would be lucky to be able to use the DVC then, but we can at least take the tour of the complex.

I already have vacation reservations for the Polynesian for the week after Thanksgiving. This way I can "bank" my points for next year, and WOW, look out Disney!

I have asked for BCV, 200 points, and they have a special going right now that they will back up all the way to June to give you your use year. Unfortunately, no money incentives, but afterall, I keep telling myself, this is a pre-paid vacation plan.

There has been so much positive feed-back about the DVC that it was hard to resist. So, HERE I AM! Ready or not.
:) :laugh :) :D

graybill · 10-10-2002

Congratulations Linda!

I've only been a member for about 2 years but it just gets better and better.

We'll be staying at the BCV for the first time during the first week in Dec and I'll be sure to post all about it when we get back.

In Feb we'll be heading to Vero Beach for the first time as well and from the feedback I have heard, it is a great vacation even without the parks.

Welcome to the Club!

graybill

Linda · 10-17-2002

Well, I dropped my paperwork in the Fedex mail today. I'm almost there. My closing date is supposed to be November 19.

I already have the next three years planned for my vacation.

:laugh :) :D :)

10-04-2002	#1 (permalink)
Linda Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 119	DVC experience needed It looks like there haven't been too many posts to the DVC area in a while. Well, I need some advise for those of you reading the boards. I am an inch away from purchasing at the BCV. I am truly excited about it, but a little reserved. I need all the GOOD and BAD information you can give me about your experiences with DVC. I am hoping to make this transaction next week when my rep gets back from his Disney cruise vacation! Any regrets, any problems, all the good things.....etc. Resale vs. direct purchase? :) __________________ Linda 2004 May-BCV-Flwr Fest/Nov-BCV 2003 Hilton Head DVC-June/BCV-Nov 2002 POR/Polynesian 2001 POR 2000 Beach Club/Cape Royal 1999 Dixie Landings (POR) 1995 Dolphin 1993 Disneyland Hotel 84-92 Various off site hotels 1983 Disneyland Hotel 1972 First Visit to WDW

10-04-2002	#2 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	Linda We purchased our DVC a couple of years ago through a reseller. I figured it saved us about $2,000, and we got all the benefits as someone buying through Disney, though we couldn't take advantage of them buying back the first year's points, like Disney does every once and a while. They also didn't offer financing, but I think most of them do now. Personally, I love Disney compared to the other timeshare we own, Marriott. I like Disney in that you can stay 1 night, or as many as you have points for. The annual dues are reasonable, you can stay at any of the DVC resorts, and it doesn't cost you anything more, and honestly, it is the only way we can afford to stay on property with our kids. Our four year system has worked well. We purchased 270 points at Old Key West. Year one, we bank points. Year two, we travel and use all of year one's points and most of year two's points. Year three we travel, and use all of year three's points and borrow from year four. So, we end up going twice in a 12 month period every four years. The only problem is that there is a three year gap of no Disney in between, but I can live with that. This way, we have 540 points to use every time we go. That will pay for 12 nigths in a three bedroom villa at Old Key West easily. The only downside I can see is that the points expire in 39 years or so. But then again, I will be 75 at that time, and I don't know if I will really care. Make sure you purchase points where you want to stay the most. When we purchased, there was only Old Key West and Boardwalk on property. We opted for OKW because the 3 bedroom units were much less expensive and the annual fees are as well. Of course, we can stay elsewhere, but it is a little more difficult if it is not your home resort. The Beach Club Villas are beautiful, and the location can't be beat. If that is where you want to stay, I would suggest buying there. You won't be able to find any resales for Beach Club yet, so you will have to go through Disney. In the end, it is definitely the best purchase that we have made yet. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

10-04-2002	#4 (permalink)
ilvminnie House of Mouse Hostess Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 2,443	We're new owners at DVC, but are so loving the flexibility. We figure it just "forces" us to go back to WDW more often than we would if we had to get rooms, too. We bought at the Beach Club, & at the time we bought they were offering free nights at an on-site hotel based on the number of points you bought or $5 off per point. Don't know what incentive they're offering now. We, too, bought 270 points, but generally we'll only need a studio (until our DD gets married, has kids, etc.). That will enable us to go at least once a year. A year from now we're even doing the 4-night cruise. Mickey's done the math & says the cruise isn't a good way to spend points, but we figure our vacation budget goes largely to the DVC so might as well. We did the Beach Club because we love the convenience of being so close to MGM & EPCOT. But we know we'll want to stay at WL from time to time, too, & its' nice to know we can. I know you can buy re-sale, but not at Beach Club yet. The only thing I can suggest after hearing from some other folks who have bought re-sale is watch for points that have been borrowed from the next year already & the year has just started. For me it would be a bummer to buy & then not be able to use it for awhile. But I know you can save quite a bit of money buying resale. Good luck with your decision. Let us know what you decide. __________________ I WISH I WAS IN DISNEYWORLD NOW!!!

10-04-2002	#5 (permalink)
BDavis932 A dream is a wish.... Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central Texas Posts: 3,609	The only regret we have is that we waited so long to do it!!! We started looking in 1994 and didn't buy until 2000! We would definately do it again! We bought from Disney while we were there, and they made it so easy. I recommend it to everyone I know!! By the way, we purchased 150 points at Old Key West and we have never needed any more points. We only get 2 weeks per year vacation from our jobs, so one week at Old Key west is 98 points (end of May and early June) and the rest of our vacation is drive time and relaxing a couple days, so it works great for us. We went to Keystone in 2001 and 6 of us stayed in a 2 bedroom/2 bath condo for 147 points. Someday we may wish we purchased more....but for now, it fits our vacation schedule! DVC really makes arranging your vacations easy, too. I can book our resort vacation in about 5 to 10 minutes! __________________ DVC/BUDGET TIPS MODERATOR ºoº DVC MEMBER at OKW since 2000 ºoº Love my Mom "Trailblazer" & My Dear Sister "A Goofy Family" 77 DL85 (offsite)94 AS Sports97 ASMusic99 AS Movies00 ASMovies02 OKW03 WLV 04 OKW05 SSR05 ASM06 AKL/OKW/CSR07 DHHIR6/08 AKLV12/08 SSR3/09 AKLV Next Trips: 6/2011 AKLV, 12/2011 BLT, 3/2012 AKLV Buzzers I've met: Gingita, DisneyTeacher, RCharmicheal My Disney Countdown Counting down to:* Relaxin' in the Smoky Mountains... 150 days 20 hours 32 minutes

10-04-2002	#6 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	What is the average start-up cost for DVC and what are the yearly fees? I have been curious about this for a while! __________________ Trish

		MouseBuzz.com > Disney Vacation Club > DVC Corner
DVC experience needed

10-04-2002	#3 (permalink)
dvcguy Junior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 25	Never had a doubt. It is great and the rooms are big. Everybody has a home resort they like, I prefer OKW the rooms are bigger and they cost less points. Many like BWV or BCV based on location. Similar to the last post we go about every 2 years over Christmas, we bank and borrow as needed, works out very well and you can stay as long as your points hold out. Remember nothing is perfect but I love DVC.

10-04-2002	#7 (permalink)
ilvminnie House of Mouse Hostess Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 2,443	Trish, I believe it's up to $80/point right now. You must purchase a minimum of 150 points, & I understand the "average" is around 270. All closing costs are paid by DVC (at least they were in March). There's also annual dues of approx $3.77/point. That is the 2002 rate & could go up, although there is a cap on how much it can go up. The purchase price can be financed thru DVC with 10% (might be 20% now to get the incentive) due up front. (We put the up front costs on a credit card in 2 installments to give us time to pay that off without incurring more interest.) The annual dues can be paid on a monthly basis with no penalty or interest charges. I'm sure Mickey or someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that's it. __________________ I WISH I WAS IN DISNEYWORLD NOW!!!

10-04-2002	#8 (permalink)
trishb Mouse Meister Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,350	Thanks! You must be so excited!!!:p __________________ Trish

10-05-2002	#9 (permalink)
graybill Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 213	DVC experience needed Linda I purchased 300 points at Vero Beach in Dec 2000 while staying at the BV. At the time, there was a real nice promotion for VB. The maint fees are higher there, but I feel I made up for that with the promotion. It was one of the best things I've ever done. In my opinion, nobody does it better than Disney. In fact, whenever I travel anywhere else, I find myself comparing the facilities, service and ambience to Disney and nothing comes close. When I heard about the Beach Club Villas opening, I bought another 100 points because the location is so great (My next vacation will be there this Dec). I have always been very poor at finding time to take vacations but now the DVC makes it so easy that I am vacationing more than ever. I also love the fact that my children and grandchildren will have years and years to enjoy the magic and the points will stay the same. I don't think you can go wrong. graybill

10-09-2002	#10 (permalink)
Linda Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 119	Closing OK, so now I have decided to buy. How long does is take to close on the deal? __________________ Linda 2004 May-BCV-Flwr Fest/Nov-BCV 2003 Hilton Head DVC-June/BCV-Nov 2002 POR/Polynesian 2001 POR 2000 Beach Club/Cape Royal 1999 Dixie Landings (POR) 1995 Dolphin 1993 Disneyland Hotel 84-92 Various off site hotels 1983 Disneyland Hotel 1972 First Visit to WDW

10-09-2002	#11 (permalink)
mickey Administrator Join Date: Sep 2001 Posts: 6,232	When we purchased our points via a reseller, it took about 3 weeks once we agreed on a price, and about two weeks after the closing for Disney to change the information. If you purchase directly from Disney, I believe it only takes about an hour to do the paperwork while you are there, and you will get your welcome kit in the mail a couple of weeks later. __________________ Frank Costanza: You can drop a grand in Disney World, like that.

10-09-2002	#12 (permalink)
ilvminnie House of Mouse Hostess Join Date: May 2002 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 2,443	Linda, I just got an email that said points thru DVC are going up from $80 to $84 as of Dec 1. Just FYI..... __________________ I WISH I WAS IN DISNEYWORLD NOW!!!

10-10-2002	#13 (permalink)
Linda Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 119	Well, I have taken the Nestea plunge! My paperwork should be in the mail as we write and hopefully by next week it will be back in the Fedex mail to Disney! I can hardly wait. My parents and I have a trip to Florida the last week in October 2002 for my cousins wedding. I would be lucky to be able to use the DVC then, but we can at least take the tour of the complex. I already have vacation reservations for the Polynesian for the week after Thanksgiving. This way I can "bank" my points for next year, and WOW, look out Disney! I have asked for BCV, 200 points, and they have a special going right now that they will back up all the way to June to give you your use year. Unfortunately, no money incentives, but afterall, I keep telling myself, this is a pre-paid vacation plan. There has been so much positive feed-back about the DVC that it was hard to resist. So, HERE I AM! Ready or not. :) :laugh :) :D __________________ Linda 2004 May-BCV-Flwr Fest/Nov-BCV 2003 Hilton Head DVC-June/BCV-Nov 2002 POR/Polynesian 2001 POR 2000 Beach Club/Cape Royal 1999 Dixie Landings (POR) 1995 Dolphin 1993 Disneyland Hotel 84-92 Various off site hotels 1983 Disneyland Hotel 1972 First Visit to WDW

10-10-2002	#14 (permalink)
graybill Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ocean City, NJ Posts: 213	DVC experience needed Congratulations Linda! I've only been a member for about 2 years but it just gets better and better. We'll be staying at the BCV for the first time during the first week in Dec and I'll be sure to post all about it when we get back. In Feb we'll be heading to Vero Beach for the first time as well and from the feedback I have heard, it is a great vacation even without the parks. Welcome to the Club! graybill

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10-17-2002	#15 (permalink)
Linda Senior Mouseketeer Join Date: May 2002 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 119	Update Well, I dropped my paperwork in the Fedex mail today. I'm almost there. My closing date is supposed to be November 19. I already have the next three years planned for my vacation. :laugh :) :D :) __________________ Linda 2004 May-BCV-Flwr Fest/Nov-BCV 2003 Hilton Head DVC-June/BCV-Nov 2002 POR/Polynesian 2001 POR 2000 Beach Club/Cape Royal 1999 Dixie Landings (POR) 1995 Dolphin 1993 Disneyland Hotel 84-92 Various off site hotels 1983 Disneyland Hotel 1972 First Visit to WDW