DVC waiting lists

[wen-tom]

Could anyone tell me the deal with the waiting lists for other resorts apart from your home resort? I dont understand what it means?

I am just about to buy at SSR but would probably never want to stay there as I prefer the Wilderness Lodge. Our guide told us that this wouldn't be a problem and that we could simply book SSR at 11 months and then transfer the booking at 7 months ahead. As we are in the UK we have to book flights early to get a guaranteed seat.

what are my chances of ever getting my booking transferred to wilderness lodge?

 

[DisneyPhD]

I wish salespeople (DVC guides) would quit telling (or implying) this to people. The general consensus of DVC owners is "buy where you want to stay." Keep in mind that VWL is the smallest DVC property and so can be difficult to get into especially at peak times even right at the 7 month window. Now that being said, you most likely will be able to get in if you change or make your reservation right at the 7 month window but you can't count on it. We have noticed when making our reservations for the last couple of trips (Jan and May) that the only resort available at 4 to 6 months out was SSR. We own at VWL but we do wish we had waited a few months for BCV. I wouldn't say our guide pushed us into VWL but she did give us the same idea that it wouldn't be any problem to get in BCV when it opened. If you plan on staying at VWL every (or most every) trip, then you should buy there. There are lots of resales for VWL available right now from The Timeshare Store (a sponser of this site). I think your guide's main job is to sell SSR which is why they're steering you away from where you really want to stay.

 

[disbest]

Could anyone tell me the deal with the waiting lists for other resorts apart from your home resort? I dont understand what it means?

I am just about to buy at SSR but would probably never want to stay there as I prefer the Wilderness Lodge. Our guide told us that this wouldn't be a problem and that we could simply book SSR at 11 months and then transfer the booking at 7 months ahead. As we are in the UK we have to book flights early to get a guaranteed seat.

what are my chances of ever getting my booking transferred to wilderness lodge?

I would recommend that you buy at the resort you prefer to stay. We own at SSR and each time we try to book the BCV 7 months in advance we get put on a waiting list. I have not been successful with the waiting list. When you are placed on a waiting list, they normally do not notify you until 30 days prior to your trip. This makes it difficult to plan your vacation. It also seems to me that renters have preference over DVC owners. If I wanted to rent a BCV room from Disney (online), I was able to, but I was not able to get a room through the DVC.

After visiting the BCV we ended up regreting buying at SSR. We were told switching resorts would not be a problem. But the reality of it is that people with the home resort have the advantage. As they build more and more DVC units it will become more difficult to switch resorts. I was told by friends who own at other resorts that this became an issue when they built SSR.

Good Luck with your decision. I hope this helped...

 

[wen-tom]

Thank you both for your replies. As we are in the UK, we would normally have to book up as early as we could to guarantee the flights at the right time.

I think we are going to go ahead at saratoga Springs...(We are going to call the DVC today anyway so fingers crossed) as they currently have an offer of a free years points when you buy direct from them which would come in really handy for us at the moment.

I feel that the problem with buying a resale is the possibility of the current owner already having used some/all of their points which will cause probs for our holiday plans. Also their current use years are sometimes not great for us.

Its not that we dont like SSP. We veiwed it on Tuesday before coming home to the UK and it looks like it will be a nice resort when its completed.

:wave:

 

[disbest]

Thank you both for your replies. As we are in the UK, we would normally have to book up as early as we could to guarantee the flights at the right time.

I think we are going to go ahead at saratoga Springs...(We are going to call the DVC today anyway so fingers crossed) as they currently have an offer of a free years points when you buy direct from them which would come in really handy for us at the moment.

I feel that the problem with buying a resale is the possibility of the current owner already having used some/all of their points which will cause probs for our holiday plans. Also their current use years are sometimes not great for us.

Its not that we dont like SSP. We veiwed it on Tuesday before coming home to the UK and it looks like it will be a nice resort when its completed.

:wave:

I don't believe you can use your points until you make settlement on your DVC. It took us 8 weeks to settle. Check with your sales rep. Also, if you buy resale, I heard the process is longer because you have to go through the ROFR process.

Also you should do some analysis with buying through resale. The points are cheaper through resale and that might outweigh the benefit of getting the extra points. Remember, if the points are not available this year you can always borrow from next year's allotment.

Good Luck!

 

[slappy magoo]

If you're buying "re-sold" points, most companies that specialize in DVC re-sales will not only tell you when the use year begins, but also if the seller had points used or banked, so it shouldn't be difficult to make an educated decision if you or anyone else opts to buy points this way.

And yes buying from a re-seller will be cheaper than buying direct from Disney, and then you might have more options of a "home resort." But also bear in mind
a: There will be closing costs involved with the purchase, and probably no added value, like the bonus points DVC currently offers.

b: buying re-sold points from any other resort besides SSR will become deeded back to WDW much sooner. I think you get an extra 9 years of use out of DVC.


I believe getting into a different resort besides your home resort used to be MUCH easier pre-SSR. But because SSR will be SO big when completed, and anyone buying into it is now thinking that they can use their points elsewhere (whereas prior DVC members don't seem as quick to go to stay at SSR, certainly not while it's still under construction and while Downtown Disney is under such extensive replanning and refurbishment), the idea of it being "easy" to switch your reservation to another resort at th 7-month window seems more and more like a sales rep's little white lie. Any old-school DVC members here that could tell us if it used to be more or less difficult to get a room outside of their home resort?

 

[disbest]

b: buying re-sold points from any other resort besides SSR will become deeded back to WDW much sooner. I think you get an extra 9 years of use out of DVC.


(whereas prior DVC members don't seem as quick to go to stay at SSR, certainly not while it's still under construction and while Downtown Disney is under such extensive replanning and refurbishment),

Do you know what the plans are for Downtown Disney?

 

[ncstate7991]

In an attempt to not start a new thread for every question I think of, I am going to pull this one out of the archive!

We will probably want to stay at BLT for the first 10 years and then maybe other resorts (AK and Epcot area) some after that. This is mostly do to our childrens age (19 mo and due in Sept 2010) and the ability to walk to MK. My wife is a year-round school teacher because of this we will probably mostly travel the last two weeks of Sept and the first two weeks of Dec. We would be able to book at the 11mo window at our home resort and the 7mo window for non-home resort b/c we know her schedule well in advance.

Now, try to keep all of that in mind. I have spoken with a DVC rep and a resale rep with The Timeshare Store. Both seem to think that time of year we could easily buy into SSR and switch resorts at the 7mo window to BLT or others. The only reason I am considering SSR is b/c of the resale price. I can get into SSR for around $68-72/point where BLT is around $105-110/point.

After reading some post above (from ~2006) it seems this is not as easy as the reps are making it out to be to switch. Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[toolsnspools]

Both those times of year tend to be lower attendance, so I would expect that you'd be able to switch. DVC peak times don't always match up with the parks peak times though, so that might not be the case with those windows.

We just took out first DVC trip in Feb. We bought into BLT but we stayed at AKL. We didn't have a problem booking at the 7 month window. We'll be spending next years points at sea on the Disney Dream, so you might get to stay in BLT before we do. :lol:

 

[lumpydj]

In an attempt to not start a new thread for every question I think of, I am going to pull this one out of the archive!

We will probably want to stay at BLT for the first 10 years and then maybe other resorts (AK and Epcot area) some after that. This is mostly do to our childrens age (19 mo and due in Sept 2010) and the ability to walk to MK. My wife is a year-round school teacher because of this we will probably mostly travel the last two weeks of Sept and the first two weeks of Dec. We would be able to book at the 11mo window at our home resort and the 7mo window for non-home resort b/c we know her schedule well in advance.

Now, try to keep all of that in mind. I have spoken with a DVC rep and a resale rep with The Timeshare Store. Both seem to think that time of year we could easily buy into SSR and switch resorts at the 7mo window to BLT or others. The only reason I am considering SSR is b/c of the resale price. I can get into SSR for around $68-72/point where BLT is around $105-110/point.

After reading some post above (from ~2006) it seems this is not as easy as the reps are making it out to be to switch. Thanks in advance for your help!

December is typically a VERY busy DVC travel time due to the low points and Christmas decorations/festivities. I'm not saying nothing will be available, but your choices will be limited. I don't see the end of Sept being an issue. Good luck! :wave:

 

[slappy magoo]

Over the next 4 decades, membership in Disney Vacation Club is only going to get larger. Granted, more resorts will probably also open up at the same time, but this means that the prime locations - like BLT and Beach Club - are going to be harder and harder to book at the 7 month window, unless resorts that are considered even more of a premium location pop up.

If BLT is where you'll want to be staying, try to get your points there. At the very least, buy the minimum amount of points you can for resale at SSR and then add on at BLT so you have options.

 

[cemeb4dk]

With BLT being the closest, dont forget the other theming for children. Beach club has an awesome pool, as does boardwalk, both great theming for kids. Also Animal Kingdom with all the animals. While I have not stayed at BLT yet I will be in Oct, it seems to be a more contempary resort, while the pool looks great sometimes you want that extra Disney Theming in your resort. So like the other stated, book where you think you will want to stay the most. Then on the year you think you want to try somewhere else book your home resort at your 11 month window to ensure you have a place, and then try at your 7 month window for other resorts. But always book your home resort especially as it sounds like you have a set time for vacations.

And to echo what was said, while Disney lists the early part of Dec as a quiet time, its not for DVC. Due to lower points needed and all the holiday decorations I think it is prime time for DVC members to go.

Good luck in what ever resort you choose, as I own at BCV and love it their and my daughter who is 4 always has also. Plus Disney makes getting around very easy, so while BLT is the closest to the Magic Kingdom, that would not make me purchase, solely on that reason. The resort has to make you feel comfortable and relaxed and like they say Welcome Home. And we feel that way at BCV, and others feel that way elsewhere, its only you and your family who can decide.

 

[ncstate7991]

Over the next 4 decades, membership in Disney Vacation Club is only going to get larger. Granted, more resorts will probably also open up at the same time, but this means that the prime locations - like BLT and Beach Club - are going to be harder and harder to book at the 7 month window, unless resorts that are considered even more of a premium location pop up.

If BLT is where you'll want to be staying, try to get your points there. At the very least, buy the minimum amount of points you can for resale at SSR and then add on at BLT so you have options.

Okay, please explain the minimum point thing to me. I have asked about buying say 150 points at SSR and then 25 or 50 at BLT, but I was told that would not really help me in trying to use all points at BLT b/c I could only count my 25 or 50 pionts at BLT at the 11 month mark. So, if I needed 200 points for a 1 bedroom I would have to wait until the 7mo mark. Does that sound right? I think I am missing some trick or something that some people do b/c I have seen people recommend this several times.

 

[disneyny]

I am a brand new member but as I understand it you are correct. If you buy at BLT with 50 points you can only make a reservation 11 months out for the 50 points- not all you have at all resorts put together. I don't think that is fair but it is the case and probably stops people from buying 50 at each place so they can book everywhere at 11 months:animwink: That being said if you only want to stay at BLT every few years you could bank those 50 use your current year and borrow for a total of 150. Probably still not enough to get you what you want there but is an idea. I just went through the very same thing and almost bought at SSR for the price BUT decided to follow everyone's advice and go where I really want to go- VWL. Love that boat to the Magic Kingdom................. Good luck!!

 

[ncstate7991]

With BLT being the closest, dont forget the other theming for children. Beach club has an awesome pool, as does boardwalk, both great theming for kids. Also Animal Kingdom with all the animals. While I have not stayed at BLT yet I will be in Oct, it seems to be a more contempary resort, while the pool looks great sometimes you want that extra Disney Theming in your resort. So like the other stated, book where you think you will want to stay the most. Then on the year you think you want to try somewhere else book your home resort at your 11 month window to ensure you have a place, and then try at your 7 month window for other resorts. But always book your home resort especially as it sounds like you have a set time for vacations.

And to echo what was said, while Disney lists the early part of Dec as a quiet time, its not for DVC. Due to lower points needed and all the holiday decorations I think it is prime time for DVC members to go.

Good luck in what ever resort you choose, as I own at BCV and love it their and my daughter who is 4 always has also. Plus Disney makes getting around very easy, so while BLT is the closest to the Magic Kingdom, that would not make me purchase, solely on that reason. The resort has to make you feel comfortable and relaxed and like they say Welcome Home. And we feel that way at BCV, and others feel that way elsewhere, its only you and your family who can decide.

I really appreciate your feedback! In all honesty I wish I could just take a trip to WDW to tour the different DVC properties. We were just down there, but I didn't have time for that :animwink:. I MAY have a chance to go to Orlando in the fall for something different and I MIGHT be able to squeeze in some time at the resorts for this research.

Being able to walk to a theme park is very appealing to me. BW was another resort I was considering, but the contract ends sooner than BLT. When the children are older being able to walk to Epcot and DS would be very nice. I know Disney has a great transportation system, but being on a bus and waiting for a bus is not very appealing or relaxing to me while I am on vacation.

Only going to BLT would probably only happen the first 10 years after that the children would be 8 & 10 and we would probably want to experience other resorts. We would be going to WDW about every two years, so we aren't talking about enough points for 2 or 3 trips a year.

 

[dizzney]

We own at both BWV and BLT, and we have stayed at other resorts, otherever it is difficult especially if you are going at peak times. It was easy when we first bought to go at off times and we could get in anywhere, but as our oldest entered junior high, we had to stop doing that, and moved to going when school was closed and therefore higher crowds.

We now make sure we plan our vacations far enough in advance to get the accomodations we want, even our nlast trip though, going NYE and staying thru 1/9 5 nights at BWV and 4 at BLT, we wanted BW view and MK view, at 180 days I was wait listed for NYE BW view on a two bedroom, got the two bedroom for 1/1 thru 1/5 but not 12/31. We finally cleared a one bedroom BW view which worked since our extra 3 guests werent coming until the 1st and 2nd (i just didnt want to have to move and they arranged our room for the next door studio to open) That wait list cleared 4 months prior (I had booked a one bedroom pool view in case it didnt at BWV).

If you want to stay at a resort, buy into that resort, we have never regretted the resorts we bought into, love the walk from Epcot to BWV, and the BW location and amenities.

We also love the BLT location and the amenities there, BLT is very different from BWV but thats why we like it, its nice walking to and from MK or hopping on the monorail to go to the Polynesian for dinner etc.

Love where you buy BEFORE you buy and you will be happy with your investment.

If we are offered an extension on BWV we will buy it.

 

[cemeb4dk]

I agree with Dizzney, Love it before you buy it, but looking back when we bought into BCV, all we could view was a mock up room at the BWV. Where DVC had their sales office, and we had to look through a telescope across the lake to the BC resort under construction. But we more fell in love with the general area, and were complete newbs about DVC. Back in 02 when we bought on our honeymoon, we had never een heard of DVC until we stopped at one of the booths at Epcot.

Overall we have been very satisfied with our purchase, and to me its paid for itself already. We only have 150pts, so if you were thinking of going every 2 years you can bank a year and still get a great vacation out of it deopending on accomodations and season. FOr example we are staying 10 nights 10/25-11/4 3 nights in a 1 bdroom lake view at BLT, then 7 nights at BCV in a 1 bedroom. So you don't need a ton of points just enough for your family to be happy with it.

We also would be first in line if they ever offered an extension to us.