[soxmets]

I am a DVC owner at Disney's Beach Club Villas which opened at WDW in July 2002. I love it!

Just curious. Are there any new owners at Disney's Saratoga Springs, which opens this coming Spring? I am interested to hear your reasons for buying at SSR. Looks like a great resort.

Any DVC owners adding points using SSR? :)

[jmouse]

If I had extra money to buy more DVC, I might buy SSR. The extra length of time for the ownership doesn't matter to me as I won't be around that long to enjoy it. But the resort does look mighty relaxing.

[MickeyMamma]

We bought SSR. There was a good discount on the points so we bought there.

We have our first DVC stay coming up, although it won't be at SSR because I didn't want to end up hearing construction sounds during my vacation.

[skwak]

We also bought at SSR. It was just our time to get into the DVC since we have been "looking into it" for 4 years. The discount at the time ($10/point) made it very practical vs. buying a resale. Also, the 10 extra years is nice. Now my wife and I are determined to live until the ripe old age of 88.;)

[eeeee]

We are about to set things up for SS. I am very excited. However, I read another post that made it seem you would be spending way more money than staying at a moderate. It kind of makes me nervous. Any words of encouragement? I am going to call today!

[skwak]

Hi eeeee,

I have tried to crunch DVC numbers every which way I can. I think it is more expensive than a moderate room. However, the models that we saw are just stunningly nice especially for a 1 bedroom. I think the extra space will be a real benefit as our 3 kids get older and don't want to be right next to Mom and Dad all the time.

Take your time (took me 4 years of thinking). The DVC rep will use a computer program to help you analyze just how many points you will need to take the type of trip you like. It is very low pressure.

Good Luck!

[LAURENGOLD]

Originally posted by eeeee
We are about to set things up for SS. I am very excited. However, I read another post that made it seem you would be spending way more money than staying at a moderate. It kind of makes me nervous. Any words of encouragement? I am going to call today!

Call Soon!! I received a post card in the mail today from DVC stating that effective April 4, 2004 the price will increase from $89.00 to $95.00 per point. Quite the increase!!! Just wanted to give you the "heads up"

Good luck with your decision, I would buy in a second if we weren't already paying on another timeshare:(

Lauren

[soxmets]

Thanks for the price hike alert Lauren. :nooo:

You are correct Disney Vacation Club is going up to $95 a point. It seems to me they raise prices about twice a year. I suspect we will see $100+ within the next year, but that is a guess on my part.:cry:

As long as people continue to buy, DVC can charge what they wish. Just take a look at Vero Beach. Sales were slow, so the price remained low. Saratoga Springs appears to be popular, so they can make a decent profit even after a price hike. :)

[wdwjeff]

Originally posted by soxmets
Just take a look at Vero Beach. Sales were slow, so the price remained low. Saratoga Springs appears to be popular, so they can make a decent profit even after a price hike. :)

You don't really have to pay that much, though. I just bought resale at VB for $60/pt. plus $400 in closing costs. I'll probably never stay there, though. The only difference between booking at your "home" resort and any other resort is that you can book11 months in advance at "home" and 7 months in advance anywhere else. I just don't see it being all that difficult to get a room/suite 7 months in advance at WDW unless you want a specific resort. Saving $35-$40/pt. seems worth the 4 month wait to me.:heart :)

[skwak]

Originally posted by soxmets
Thanks for the price hike alert Lauren. :nooo:

You are correct Disney Vacation Club is going up to $95 a point. It seems to me they raise prices about twice a year. I suspect we will see $100+ within the next year, but that is a guess on my part.:cry:

The one good thing about SSR sales being strong is that your investment doesn't lose value as quickly. We bought in November when they were running a special for $79/point. If we decided to sell 10 years from now when our kids are older, then the fact that DVC is charging a more for initial purchases (maybe $120/point by then) helps us to retain value (I think.;) ). It is very much like being a home owner. You love property values to rise as long as you are a happy owner of a house. if you're a buyer then you are not so pleased.

FYI - while I may not completely agree with wdwjeff, I think he makes a good arguement for approaching this from a differnt angle. Thanks!!

[eeeee]

We now own at Saratoga Springs! We paid 84 a point. It is for 50 years! And we bought from Disney. I am so excited. We plan on going the week before Christmas and plan to stay at our home resort. I can't wait. Right now I do not regret a thing. Most members I have talked to are very happy with their membership. I haven't heard anyone complain. If we decide to not go to WDW we can go to Hilton Head or Vero beach for a change of pace. Or we can just bank our points and really have a long vacation the next year. The possibilities are endless! Looking forward to December. I guess I need to reset my counter.

[LAURENGOLD]

Congratulations!!!! Thats so great!!!! I'm soooooooooooooo
jealous!!!:D \

I am sure it is a decision you will not regret. Enjoy your many years vactioning at the best place on Earth!!

Lauren

[mattomouseman]

We bought 175 points in August when we were in WDW. We are planing on going back in August fro our first DVC trip.

[eeeee]

We plan to visit Hilton Head in June then we will still have enough points for SS in Dec. Where some folks may be a little nervous about the investment, I am relieved that my desperate searches for a cheap value resort have come to an end. We bought 160 points. We may buy more at a later date. That 7 day cruise looks fab!:whistle:

[soxmets]

WDWJeff...glad to see you got such a great deal. Good approach! Don't rule out Vero Beach though. It appears to be a great resort.

eeeee...Congratulations & Welcome Home!

You will find planning these trips is half the fun.

Again, Congratulations and Good Luck.:D