Can someone explain DVC?

[littleangel]

Ive read some things about it but still not sure

Is it just a way of buying a set number of years holidays at a particular resort for a one off large amount?

How much money do you need to get started with it?

[Slowhand]

Ive read some things about it but still not sure

Is it just a way of buying a set number of years holidays at a particular resort for a one off large amount?

How much money do you need to get started with it?

Basically becoming a member of DVC involves purchasing a number of points which you can then use in exchange for accommodation anywhere within WDW [along with several places throughout the World including the Disney Cruise Line] at any time of the year.
Each year is made up of 4 seasons, each with varying amounts of point usage depending on when and where you want to stay.

You have to purchase a minimum number of points [I think it is around 150] at a one off purchase cost of around $100 per point, and you receive this amount of points annually. They offer finance if you prefer not to pay cash for your membership.
You can bank your points from one year to the next, or borrow points from your next use year if you need to fund your vacation this way.

There are several perks associated with DVC membership such as discounted AP`s along with several other benefits including the facility to pool hop at many of the resorts.

Each year you have to pay your annual dues which are based on $`s per point purchased.

We have been members since 1992 in the days when the cost was around $50 per point [and they threw in free admission to the parks for 10 years or so] and by now we have more that recouped our original investment. My only regret is that I didn`t purchase more points than I did at the time.

[Tink]

Yep! Same here! We joined in 1996 when we were living in the Northeast. We now live within 20 minutes of WDW and still love (and use) our DVC!

We have used it to stay at WDW properties, Disneyland CA properties, and other places not at WDW. There is a pretty extensive collection of places you can use your points if you don't want to use them at WDW proper.

There is a model set up at SSR, with guides to answer all your questions. It is NOT a hard sell at all. It's more like an informative session with you being able to come and go as you please. If you call over there, often there are little perks just for visiting...

Hope that helps a bit!

[Casey3557]

We purchased our membership in 1992 as well. Back then, the minimum purchase was 230 points, which we still have and it has worked out extremely well for us.

We had a great guide named Judy Kauffman and she was just marvelous as she walked us through the process. We took some time to mull it over, but were basically sold when we visited the model site!

There is a lot to consider and DVC is not for everyone. We visit every year and up until the time of purchase, were staying at WDW deluxe or moderate resorts (mostly split stays). DVC is perfect for us in so many ways. There are different size units and the "price" (DVC points) of usage depend on both the size of the unit and the time of the year. You are also able to stay at some of the other WDW (hotel) resorts (but it costs too much in points, IMHO). You can also use points for the Disney cruises.

The resorts are exceptionally nice and all have different themes. We have visited a good variety of the other resorts. At your home resort, you are able to make reservations 11 months in advance; it is 7 months for all other DVC resorts. There is a dedicated line for members.

We love it and have never once regretted it! Good luck w/your decision!