New to the Boards and to ownership

[ScottFurlong]

Hello all,

Just joined the DVC Boards last week. We took a trip to WDW a couple of weeks ago and did a tour of Saratoga Springs. We have considered this for a few years but now we took the plunge. Haven't received all of our info yet but have now committed:)

This probably makes sense to us since we have been going to WDW about every other year for the past 8 years. Looking forward to trying out our new home next time.

Scott

[idratherbeinwdw]

:welcome: Glad you found us and congrats on becoming a new owner! I wish you many happy healthy years with DVC. :howudoin:

[mssparrrow]

Welcome!!!

[mickeyndvcfan]

:welcome: :welcome: :welcome:

[withdisneyspirit]

Welcome Scott!!!:welcome:

Now you will be tempted to go every year!!!:goodvibes

[jnrrt]

We're glad you're here! Welcome to MO!

[jdvm]

what do you mean "every year", Lisa???...It's several times per year!! Welcome Scott...wish these boards were around in 1992 when I bought. You'll find a lot of nice people here.
john

[aamove]

:welcome: :welcome:

[Stimpy]

:jumpingbe Welcome!! Glad you found us!! :jumpingbe

[ILuvDVC]

WELCOME :welcome: :howudoin:

[tjkraz]

Congratulations!

[ScottFurlong]

Thanks for the welcome everyone..

Today we received our box of material. Sure is a lot of stuff there to interpret and get through. Any suggestions on what is real critical and what is not so critical?

Does anyone have comments on using their weeks through the exchange and how that all worked out? There are quite a few listed. I thought I had read somewhere that the real value in the program is going to the Disney resorts...but seems like you get a week w/ one of the exchanges.

So many questions...

Scott

[tjkraz]

Scott:

I'd say most of the really important information is in a sheet called the Product Understanding Checklist. That's the Cliff's Notes version of the POS.

As for using points outside of DVC, trading through II isn't as bad of a value as using points at the other Disney options. For example, a guest room at a moderate resort will cost you more points per night than any DVC Studio. When you consider that moderate rooms run nearly half the cost of a deluxe room when paying cash, I'd say that's pretty poor value.

Cruises aren't that economical either. If you compare the number of points required for a cruise with the cash price, you'll probably find that you are only getting about $6-7 per point in value for the cruise. In other words, if the cash price were $3000, the equivalent value in DVC terms is probably about 450 points. Then you factor-in the $4 or more you are paying in dues for those points (at least $1800 cash), and you're not getting a very good return on your investment--at least, not as good as using points at DVC resorts. Cruises also have a $75 cash fee that is charged when you make a reservation and again if you ever have to modify the reservation. If you should have to cancel the cruise, the DVC points become "Reservation Points" which have their own set of limitations.

As far as II goes, I agree that the point values aren't bad for trades. I've never done an II exchange myself. However, the one piece of advice that I've picked up from others is to REALLY do your homework about the destination resort before accepting a trade. Generally speaking, you'd be making a mistake in thinking that a "One Bedroom" suite at your exchange resort will be anything remotely resembling a DVC One Bedroom. That's not to say that there aren't good resorts out there, rather just don't going into it ASSUMING that every other property is a DVC-equivalent.

Aside from that, the only other negative I would throw out there is that you could probably find other timeshares that cost less and have just as good II trading power. DVC's maintenance fees, in particular, are on the high side for the timeshare industry. Those who intend to be frequent II users could just as easily find a cheaper timeshare and still trade themselves around the world.

If your goal is to consistently use points at DVC resorts, while appreciating the fact that II trades and other Disney options still exist if you need a change of pace, then I think you've made a wise decision.

Have fun reading!
Tim

[soozaay]

Welcome Home Scott!!
:welcome:

[athenna]

Congratulations and Welcome Home!!!:welcome:
And Welcome to Mouse Owners!:D

[Confetti Clowns]

Welcome!!! You'll sure learn alot about DVC here! :kickingco