I downloaded and read the new PassPorter's Disney Vacation Club Guide: For Members and Members To Be (2009).

I highly recommend it for prospective and new DVC members! While there are a couple of web sites dedicated to the Disney Vacation Club, and DVC forums on many of the Disney fan site discussion boards, this new downloadable E-book brings all the information together.

At 168 pages, it explains what the Disney Vacation Club is, how much it costs, how to purchase it, how to use it, what the perks are, as well as reviews of every DVC resort and a discussion on how you can use your points outside of the DVC resorts.

If you've been a member for some time or have a good understanding of DVC, you won't find anything new. But it's a great guide book for those considering becoming DVC members or for those who have recently joined and want a great explanation of getting the most out of their membership.

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DVC Member - My 6 Home Resorts: BLT, VGC, AKV, BCV, BWV, and VWL!


A happy DVC member! My Facebook Page

                        

Thanks for sharing this Mike!

As you stated, for those that are new to DVC or are prospective buyers, this looks like a great source of information

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My Disney Countdown

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Thank you.
We are just in the very early process of becoming DVC members. I have downloaded it. It looks good. Any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated.
Pat

                        

I will be downloading very soon, thanks Mike

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Paul

All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.

                        

Thanks for the link Mike.

Pat,

What would you like to know? We'd be happy to give you our 2 cents...

Cheers!

Kathie

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Kathie

Wishes happen in the most unexpected ways!!! -- Jiminy Cricket in Wishes

                        

Pat, any questions you have, ask away! We'll all be happy to give our experienced opinions. I have been a member sine 2001, and have never had a moment's regret

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Mary

My Disney Countdown

Counting down to: A Return to WDW, 8 Nights at OKW!
See You All When I Return

                        

Ok, but remember you asked for it.
Is it better to buy a re-sale or new? Advantages and disadvantages of both.
Is it better to purchase while you are down there in the park or remotely. ( NB. we are 21 hrs straight driving, door to door).
Thank-you
Pat

                        

New vs Resale?
First time buyers, I would recommend new. Resale for add-ons. Here's why. Resales tend to be "stripped" contracts, that means, I own 200 points that I want to sell, I will use this year's points and either use or rent out next year's points before I put my points on the market. If you come buy my points, you will be paying maint fees on points that you cannot use until 2011! I will be vacationing, or making money off points that you are paying maint for. Is it fair? No. Is it legal? Yes. And though this may not always be the case, I have seen it more often than not when looking at resales through all the major timeshare resellers.
Second reason to buy new, expiration date. If you buy now at AKL or BLT, you are getting points with an expiration date that is up to 20 years past the expiration date of points at VWL, BWV, BCV etc. I only have 30some years left on my membership, whereas new owners have nearly 50 years left (more to pass on to children, grandchildren, etc)
Third reason to buy new, financing and incentives, DVC will finance your purchase over ten years. I do not know the current rate, but when I purchased it was 10.9% with no closing costs, no down payment, and hassle free financing (I later took a home equity on my home at a VERY low rate and paid off my loan) And incentives, DVC wants to sell to you, so they offer some great incentives to buy... $$ off per point, free trips/cruises or developer points, gifts etc. Check the current incentive before purchasing.

For going the resale route, the advantages are lower point price, possibly lower maintenance, 11 month booking window at what may be your preferred resort (i.e. maybe you love VWL, and want the advantage there) Motivated seller may be willing to work with you on the price (especially if the contract is stripped) And, there is no minimum point purchase for a resale, as there is if you are a new owner going through DVC.... maybe you only want 50 points to get a taste before committing to a large contract, you can only do this through resale.

The only advantages I can see for buying in person at DVC is that you can see the model rooms (not really a big draw for me) and the fun stuff you get on the tour... ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy, soda (whatever treats they are giving that day) fastpasses to compensate for your time, and the chance to meet your guide (though I never deal with mine unless I am looking to do an add-on). It is easy to purchase remotely, documents can be Fed-Ex'd back and forth, and it is really a painless process.

Whatever you decide to do, good luck!
Ask more questions if you have them, we're all happy to answer.
And let me know if you need a referral, I'll be glad to provide one

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Mary

My Disney Countdown

Counting down to: A Return to WDW, 8 Nights at OKW!
See You All When I Return

                        

Thanks Mary,
A lot of good information. I had seen a number of ads that stated no points until a certain time. Now I understand what was going on. We had pretty much decided on new but wanted to checkthe re-sale first.
We had the tour when we were down there last August and have been in contact with the sales rep since. But I am one of these people who has to thoroughly investigate something before I go for it And there is no one around here that are DVC members.
Thank you so much for the info on remote purchase. But I don't think I will tell a certain person about that just yet. Might get an unexpected trip to Disney this way.
Take Care,
Pat

                        

Pat -

We live in Ohio, and although we took the tour in person we did not purchase for another two years. Everything was done via telephone and mail. Disney pays all the postage; the paperwork is so well organized and self-explanatory that it's nearly fool-proof. Best of luck on your decision, if it hasn't been made already. If so, and you're in, welcome home!

Todd

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Todd

My Disney Countdown

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