DVC- Grand Califorian

[pollypolly Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pollypolly]

Just got back from Disenyland & learned about the Villas at the Grand Califorian , we are interested in joining DVC but would only visit Disneyland, maybe once or twice a year, non peak times, we are new at this but just lost everything with a a now defunct destination club. Is is worth it to join directly with Disney, are there other ways to buy (secondary market) ? thanks for any help

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

DVC purchase...

The primary benefits of buying from the developer in this instance are 1) access to developer financing and 2) the ability to purchase at the Grand Californian (I have not seen any resales offered yet for this property) and have extended reservation privileges at this location.

Since you indicated in your post that you would only use the California location- a developer purchase may make sense for you "at this time".. Because so few DVC villas will be available at this resort, availability is expected to be limited. If you have patience- you can wait for resale opportunities to appear- but to be honest, resale prices may be quite close to developer pricing at first- and possibly higher than developer on the small point packages- at least until supply starts to match demand.

Two of the DVC resellers I often work with have already stated they have a wait list in place for small (75 pts of less) contracts at this resort, which a first time DVC buyer would then use via banking/borrowing to stay every other or every third year. (Hint.... Hint.... You may consider requesting that your developer purchase be deeded to you in two smaller point deeds. If Disney allows it, you may have an easier time selling in the future.).

The only other piece of advice I have is to ensure you've checked the current point charts to make sure you plan your purchase correctly. You sound like you plan on going multiple times per year- so ensure you buy enough points to meet your needs. Even off season- they can add up! Disney is also rumored to be considering a change to the current point charts which will reduce the difference between weekday and weekend requests. Your DVC guide should be able to help you.

Good luck,

Rich

[littlestar Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close littlestar]

I'd buy direct from Disney since you want Grand Californian. Do you have a referral from an existing member? If you do, I think there are extra incentives for having a referral. Here's a thread on current pricing:

Current Incentives/Prices from DVC - The DVC Boards at MouseOwners.com - the place to talk DVC and Walt Disney World

We have been DVC members since early 2002 and have definitely enjoyed our membership.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

I've owned DVC now for 4 years and honestly I travel at off season slower times most of the time and visit 2-3 times a year too. I own in SSR and so far have been able to get rooms at Beach Club during Presidents week, Kidani Village during food & wine, Treehouses during pre-Christmas break, SSR during Marathon weekend and Vero, OKW and Boardwalk during summer months without much of a problem. If you are a bit flexible I don't think it's worth buying direct from Disney but I'd look for a resale and just wait list. So far I have had most of my wait lists come thru. If not I always can get something somewhere. Maybe California will be different since it is the first timeshare but you can use your points in the other Disney hotels too. It costs a little more because you have to pay $95 to make the ressie but if I were to do it all over again I'd buy a resale in OKW or HHI and take my chances. Somehow I think Disney will find room for another timeshare in Disneyland if the sales on this one are successful.

[dvcforus Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close dvcforus]

We just purchased at Grand Californian because we live in Seattle now and plan to take short trips once a year or so. Since there are such few rooms there, we know we need the 11 month booking advantage. To be honest, I would rather own more points at Old Key West, but this made the most "sense" even if it cost more to purchase. We LOVE DVC because of the total flexibility in booking as little as one night. No regrets here!

[pollypolly Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close pollypolly]

We bought at Grand Califorian because we take multiple trips annually (albiet long weekends). Many thanks to all who gave us great advice. We would like to travel to Disneyworld & Vero occasionally and have lots of flexibility on when & where (although Vero Beach looks very nice for families). Can someone advise us on a broker or two to use, ebay ???, and the most cost effective resort to own at since we have so much flexibility. Also, when you add points, do members still manage reservations through a single website ? Thanks

[rikkis_playpen Diamond Club Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close rikkis_playpen]

I sent you a private message with a few broker referrals.