DVC for Dummies?
 

I'd love to buy into DVC, but am totally clueless about it. We won't be able to do it for a while, until DH gets a job and we're financially back on our feet again. But until then I can dream about it, right?

Is there a site or something somewhere that lists the what's and about's of DVC, the pros/cons of resale vs. purchasing from Disney, and anything else I should know about this before taking the plunge? My DH loves to know all the facts, so I figure that if I can start now and get everything together it will help the decision making process in the long run. I know I'll have to make a spreadsheet comparing & contrasting resale vs. direct sale, so it will take me a while.

Thanks in advance!

Oh, Yes, my Favorite is Mouseowners.com

It is really good.

Also Passporter.com has an ebook that explains the ins and outs of DVC.

I joined thru the resale with a baby contract, of 25 points, it is about $2,000 but it gets you all the perks and discounts as the big owners, you get access to the Members only site, the planning book and I added on at our convenience. by saving the points banking and borrowing we were able to go and stay at few resorts.

They are not easy to get (people snatch them quickly)

That is how I did DVC with a small budget, I just wanted to be a member.
In time we added AKV, the 25 points was OKW. by being a member I could also get control of my reservation
by getting transfer or buying points from other members.

Hope this helps.

Note: in 3 weeks or so the Resale rules are changing so you might have to look into that

My sister joined directly from Disney, so she bought Bay Lake Towers
I had AKV so it gave us a variety.

I did a lot of research on DIS before I bought... I drove myself crazy with spreadsheets - points/costs. :pc: Then Disney went and changed the points charts the following year so all my planning when out the window.

Like Teresa, we have two small contracts... 50 points BWV and 50 points OKW. I bought both through resale channels. Just so you know, some members aren't too concerned about the upcoming changes (the ones that only use their points for DVC properties), but you might be (I am!). If you buy resale before the March 21st deadline, you can use the points at more places, including the Disneyland Hotel / Paradise Pier. Those that purchase resale after won't be able to use them there. You'll still be able to use them at Grand Californian... if you can get it. It is super hard (I was lucky when I reserved it for you).

In addition to DIS, I also recommend DVCNews.com and ResalesDVC.com

I bought from Disney...Back in 1993 we took a tour at OKW and was going to buy then..But with the my daughter in college and my sons in private schools, I thought I would be stretching our money too far...We continued to go to WDW each year, so when we wer on vacation at Disney back on June 2000 and we took a tour at BWV...I really like it...My son was interested too..So he bought enough points for a 2 bedroom for a week in the peak time..This was great, now I didn't have to buy...I thought I would be able to use his points...NOT!!! His girlfriend at the time, now his wife, didn't like that idea...So when we came home, I called his sales rep and bought 270 points at BWV...I have since purchased an additional interest of 30, 25 and 50 points at BWV...

We have a friend who really did his research...He looked into the cost of the dues at the different DVC's and that is were he bought his interest...At the time Hilton Head had the cheapest dues, so that's where he bought...He still was able to take advantage of all the other DVC...

The sites that Carol & Teresa are a good start for info...Or you cam get a DVD from Disney...

Actually you can go to Disney Vacation Club.com and you can watch it on Line!

My Guide just send me two awesome Links and I am extracting some pics for my Scrapbooking Layout (floor plans of the rooms etc):yeah:

I am also scanning some images from the old Members book that has awesome stuff! cannot wait to use in my Layout.
I still have to make albums for:

OKW
Bay Lake Towers
AKV Jambo House
AKV Kidani
Beach Club
Saratoga Springs

lots of :scrapbooking: to do

I really, really wish that my DH had a job, that way I could at least get a mini contract before the deadline. He has a job interview next week (his first one in 7 months!), so here's hoping...

We bought into DVC in Nov 2008 shortly after they starting selling BLT. We have stayed 6 times at BLT, 2 times at SSR, 2 times at OKW. I love it. My husband is the number cruncher and saves for our trips...I'm the planner.

BLT is amazing! I am truly amazed each evening with the fireworks and view of the park at night. The location is perfect for us..walking distance to MK and a monorail hop to EPCOT.

For us DVC was an investment in family memories while my children are still with us at home, our retirement vacations without children :woohoo: and also to pass along to them once we are gone. They will definitely have to wait. :)

I also frequent DVCnews.com for information as well. I'll have to try the mouseowners.com as I've never been.

I hope your husband gets hired!! I know that must be so very stressful. I'll keep you in my prayers.

As long as you purchase before March 20, 2011 on the resale market, there is no difference between the resale ownership and buying direct from Disney except the per point price and the availability of all resorts on resale. We are a sponsor on mousescrappers and please feel free to visit our website, www.ResalesDVC.com for much of the info you are looking for.