[wdwspider]

OK, first of all I am talking about things I know very little about. :)

Having said that:

1. How can people not in DVC stay at Villas?

2. I've heard that you can buy time from other DVC members, is there a page with availablity listed?

3. Is there pressure to buy into DVC if you stay as a non-member?

4. I know about Sarasota Springs, Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, and the Wilderness Lodge Villas. Are there any more at WDW?

5. Are there any DVC resorts near Disneyland?

[llama]

Although we're DVC members, I can only answer a couple of your questions.

1. Non-members can book into the DVC villas just like any other hotel in WDW. The rates seem to be on par with any of the Deluxe resorts.

2. I know you can do this, but I don't know the procedure. Others here do. Hopefully, they'll answer this for you.

3. I can only speak as a member. When we purchased we experienced no pressure at all. We spent a really enjoyable afternoon with a representative who answered all our questions and was really accomodating, but I didn't feel pressured. I can only speak from personal experience. As I've never stayed as a non-member, I can't give you a definitive answer, but pressure doesn't seem to be the Disney way.

4. At WDW you can also stay at the Beach Club Villas. They also have properties at Vero Beach and Hilton Head.

5, There are no DVC properties, but you are able to convert your DVC points to use at the Disneyland Hotels.

[mickey]

I will try to fill in the holes:

2. I've heard that you can buy time from other DVC members, is there a page with availablity listed?

While there is no place in particular where you can find it, the best place seems to be here:

DVC Forum

While you don't rent "time", you can rent points, which you can convert to nights. Well, the owner makes the reservation, and you stay there. Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive than weekday nights. If you need to find out how many points you will need for a stay, just ask. Points usually run about $10 each to rent, so if you need 200, figure about $2,000.

3. Is there pressure to buy into DVC if you stay as a non-member?

I have rented points to family, friends and others over time, and not one of them has been approached to "purchase", unless they inquired first, and then they are treated just like anyone else interested in DVC. In fact, they are treated just as members are when staying, same privileges, etc.

One thing to remember when you are renting points from a member, there will be no housekeeping during your stay. If you just rent directly from Disney, as any other hotel, you will get housekeeping.

[graybill]

Before I joined DVC, we stayed at a 1 BR Villa at the Boardwalk that we booked through a travel agent. When we arrived, we were so impressed with what we experienced that I actually sought out a DVC rep to get the presentation. There was no pressure and I would have probably joined without the presentation.

graybill

[wdwspider]

If I did go this route it would be to explore the DVC offerings a little closer cause I am interested in joining.... someday.

Is it cheaper to rent the points or just book through Disney?

How do you find out the amount of points you would need? (Ex. Let's say Oct. 20th - 24th at the Wilderness Lodge Villas : our projected vacation dates and destination)

[LAURENGOLD]

Hey Spider-

I just found this point chart for you:

www.dvcbyresale.com/DVCPointsChartVWL.html

If for some reason this link does not work, it's at allearsnet.com
under accomodations, home away from home, DVC points.

Good luck!

Lauren

[mickey]

Is it cheaper to rent the points or just book through Disney?

Depends. If you are incorporating some Friday and Saturday nights, might be less to just pay Disney. If you can find a room only discount on the room, it is a close call, and I would rather pay Disney, than a third party. (unless you are renting from me, in which case, I am more trustworthy than Disney )

How do you find out the amount of points you would need?

Studio would be 70 points and a one bedroom would be 142. The Wednesday and Thursday nights are 12 points in a studio and 24 for a one bedroom, while the Friday and Saturday nights are 23 and 47. You can see why people plan to stay starting on Sunday for 5 nighs. If you were to stay Sunday through Thrursday, your cost would be 48 points in a studio and 96 in a one bedroom, significantly less. Also, that would mean you were only paying about $120 per night for a deluxe room at WL, or $240 for a one bedroom villa.

[wdwspider]

Thanks everyone. This is really interesting and helpful.

Now, does a two bedroom mean three beds? (In case DW's family decides to go with us)

Also, how does a studio compare to a regular room at the Lodge?

[mickey]

Now, does a two bedroom mean three beds?

A two bedroom will sleep 8, a king in the master, two queens in the second and a fold out in the living room area.

Also, how does a studio compare to a regular room at the Lodge?

Similar in quality, maybe a bit larger. You cannot get bunk beds, but there is a kitchenette, small fridge, microwave, etc. Of course, you are the villas, and not the lodge, which can be good or bad.

[LAURENGOLD]

Spider-

Have you checked out Allearsnet.com? They have such great information, and pictures too!

Happy Planning!

Lauren

[wdwspider]

Originally posted by LAURENGOLD
Spider-

Have you checked out Allearsnet.com? They have such great information, and pictures too!

Happy Planning!

Lauren

I looked at that chart, but I plan to check it out in detail later tonight. Only so much you can get by with while working. :nervous :laugh

[jmouse]

Not all two bedroom villas have 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom. If you have a dedicated 2 bedroom villa at the Wilderness Lodge then you will have 2 queen beds. If you have a lock-off (can be rented separately as a studio and 1 bedroom villa), then the 2nd bedroom will have 1 queen bed and a sleeper sofa.

[soxmets]

Consider a one-bedroom villa instead of a studio. With a one-bedroom you get a full kitchen, washer/dryer and a jacuzzi and large shower. More $$$$, but well worth the comfort. :D

[BDavis932]

Originally posted by soxmets
Consider a one-bedroom villa instead of a studio. With a one-bedroom you get a full kitchen, washer/dryer and a jacuzzi and large shower. More $$$$, but well worth the comfort. :D

My opinion is just the opposite! For us, the amount of time that we spend in our room is minimal we sleep, shower, and eat a bowl of cereal in the morning and that's it!! So it is not advantageous for us to pay the extra for the full kitchen because we do not cook on vacation and I don't do laundry on vacation either:laugh. Two really great excuses for us to spend less on the room and more for our favorite restaurants at WDW!!!

By the way, the studio's at The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge are awesome!! It is our favorite resort ANYWHERE! I wish we could live there, they are just breathtaking!!

If your in-laws decide to come with you, in most cases, it is "cheaper" (point wise) to book 2 studios than share a 2 bedroom. We are doing 5 nights in March (Check in Sun, Check out Friday) for 55 points per room at Old Key West. A 2 bedroom would have run us 150 points and that would be for 8 people in one villa. So for 110 we each get our own "space" and we've saved 40 points!!

[iluvwdw]

Originally posted by WDWspider
Is it cheaper to rent the points or just book through Disney?

Spider, I think it is a lot cheaper if you rent points through an owner. I recently rented points at OKW and spent less than $300 TOTAL for 3 nights. If I went through Disney directly, the rate was $256 a night PLUS TAX, so I saved a boat load of money by renting points.....:D