DVC D.I.N.Ks out there?

[tjcj]

I came to the realization yesterday that we are DVC DINKs (dual income no kids).
Just wondering how many other DVC DINKs there are out there and how you use your DVC points?

[Claire L]

Yes we are DINK's. So far we have used our points for ourselves in studios but did invite DBIL and DSIl along in May to use up the developer points we had form our AKV purchase last year.

Claire ;)

[bellazachmom]

Alas ... we were once DINKs but have now become, as you can tell from my siggie, SIWKs!!!

However, we were DVC DINKs for a few years before the kids arrived and it was wonderful. We were living in England at the time (love the USAF!!) and used our points at Disneyland Paris and transfered our points to resorts in Europe. We then used our points to come "home" and also stayed at Hilton Head before the first little one arrived. Since then, our trips have pretty much been to WDW and HH, but hope to expand our horizons when the kids get a bit older.

[MinnieFan4ever]

We have 400 points at BCV. We have used our points to take our parents and stay in a 2 BR. I think we have done this 4 times now. We have also taken some friends with us. We used to stay in a studio when it was just the 2 of us. NO MORE. It is just so much more relaxing to stay in the 1 bedroom. When it is just us, we usually start the day kinda slow. Ease into breakfast. In nice weather we will then hit the pool. After lunch we head to the parks. Even if it is cool out, it is nice to sit by the pool and read a book and just "chill". :thumbsup2

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We are DINKS!

We only have 100 points but have managed in three years to:

stay in a 2 bdrm and a studio for 5 days with my sisters and their family,
go to Hilton Head in November TWICE, once in a studio, once in a 1 bdrm.
stay in a standard BW studio over a long weekend (4 nights)
and spend a week in a studio for a big birthday.

We have always loved Disney, and joke in saying, Why would anybody want to bring kids? With that said, we finally went with a 7, 8, & 9 year old and can see some of the joys and the frustration of bringing kids. My nephew saying..."I'm at Disney, pinch me!" was a major wow as well as a wonderful night in Fantasyland that was one of the best nights I've ever had at Disney. It was all due to seeing it through the eyes of the little ones.

DH and I have been trying to have kids for years, but are really close to giving up. Luckily, we bought DVC for us and not for the kids that we may or may not have. I'm not as crazy about the "family" car I bought 7 years ago. I should have went for the Mustang.

[Mick West]

pirate: Not sure if we qualify for D.I.N.K. We are "older", and meet the D.I. However we have a 31 year old and he's on his own! He and I love going in March for spring training and yes - we recently took our 3 year old grandson on his first DW trip - what a joy! Many times we have used our points to take friends who have never been, or they were there 20 years ago and think it hasn't changed! So maybe not a full blown D.I.N.K - but kinda!

[Disney_Villain]

DH & I are DINKS as well - and happy to stay that way. Neither of us ever wanted children and that isn't going to change.

We stay at the DVC resorts (WDW ones & VBR - studios only) and the Disney Collection (DCL and DL) for our accomodations. We haven't used the World Passport Collection yet, and we will not likely be booking through the Concierge Collection on a frequent basis. We'd never book through Adventures by Disney.

Our "Disney on Broadway" trips always come out of cash as we don't like the exchange rate for DVC points to stay in NYC through the Concierge Collection. Our last trip to DLP was on cash (we booked VERY last moment), but the next one will be on points through the Disney Collection.

We also have used our points to treat my MIL and FIL (in their mid-70's) to DVC resort stays.

[sean-1966]

Happy DINKS here!! We have used points to take family to WDW a couple times. When it's just us we visit VB for a few days first to decompress before we go to WDW. This year we have an extra 100 points:eek: that we'll be booking into next year. We're talking either a cruise and WDW trip next year or taking family again.

[Poppins2000]

We're DINKS too! Bought 360 points at SSR last summer and had enough points and developer points to enjoy a five night stay in a SSR one bedroom in December, a seven night cruise on the Magic in January and ABD trip to the Emerald Isle in May! We are heading to EPCOT F & W Fest in two weeks!
I'm so excited I can't sleep!:rotfl2:

[tigger795]

DINKs here too. We have 370 pts @ SSR. We usually try to get a 1 BR when we go unless we have more trips than usual planned. Then we get a studio to economize. We have stayed @ OKW, SSR, VWL, BWV and taken a cruise on points so far.

[Chellymouse]

DINKS here also! We currently have 225 points and are getting ready to add on. We've only been members for a year, (as you can see, our only regret was that we didn't buy in sooner!) and we are constantly vacationing at WDW. I was able to take my BFF this summer who had never been to Flordia and went to DL once when she was 8 (she's 43!), DH and I are going for 9 days in Dec. in a 1BR and looking forward to not living like slobs for the trip! :rolleyes1 (Gosh those hotel rooms are small!) and we have invited our friends to join us next summer when I graduate from grad. school. They are very excited as this is probably their "once in a lifetime" to take their son to WDW. Summer of 2010 we are planning our first family trip and it will be the first time our nieces and nephews and the rest of DH's family get to experience the magic. DH and I are planning a trip to Hawaii in a few years and we are also looking forward to going to Europe!

[wkrider]

D.I.N.K.S. here.....we have 250 points and manage at least two vacations per year and or a vacation and a cruise. We normally stay in studios but did "splurge" for our 15th wedding anniversary and stayed in a one bedroom and WLV. We are taking my Brother's family, sister's family and my parents to WDW in Jan. 0f 2010 for my parents 50th. Plan on getting a two bedroom and two studios.

[DisKimberly]

We are!! well Untill March (I'm pregnant with our first :banana:)

We have stayed in a 1 bedroom in BWV (twice) and a studio in AKL,
In December we are doing a family trip useing alot of points (and from next years too)
So we are thinking next year stay in a studio...

Kim

[Maistre Gracey]

We are, but not by choice.
We use our points on multiple trips a year. Usually get a 1br, and sometimes treat family to a cottage at VB followed by larger WDW accommodations.
We don't worry about weekends. :smokin:

MG

[LocustPoint]

I actually purchased my initial contract when I was single in 1999, so when I got married in 2005 my DH knew what he was getting into! I and later my DH have used my points to stay at HH, VB, SS, OKW, BCV and BWV. We have stayed in studios, 1 and 2 bedrooms depending on who is going and when we are going. I have also used points to stay at the Disneyland Hotel at Disneyland Paris and for a room at the Grand Califorian Resort at Disneyland. Love my DVC!

[WaltEeyoreWorld]

We too are DINKS. Have 450 points as well as 4 Marriott time shares. We go a working vacations to enjoy our evenings in WDW and else where, golf on the weekends, etc. We also like to take friends and family from time to time. Next trip starts next week for the F&W Festival. Our first and we can not wait for the party for the senses. :)

[disboro]

We used to be DINKs. Now we're SICK (Single Income, Couple Kids)!!!!
I wouldn't have it any other way!

[Dodie]

Us.
We have only been DVC members since April - own at our favorite - VWL. However, we've made yearly trips to WDW since our honeymoon in 1993, with a trip to Disneyland in California, a DCL Eastern Caribbean cruise, and a 3-night DCL Bahamas cruise mixed in there too.
Should have bought a long time ago - it would be paid for. We just weren't ready I guess.

We plan to primarily use our membership for Disney travel in the future and are looking forward to visiting the Hawaii property someday.

[Mouse511]

We are also DINKS!!! We just became DVC members this month. Our first trip home is coming up in a few weeks :thumbsup2 We love Disney and probably should have become DVC members sooner. If we have kids, hopefully they will love Disney as much as we do :lovestruc

[ScottakaMickey]

We are DINKS. 160 Points at AKV. Purchased Jul 07. Since joining we've stayed at every WDW DVC resort in Studio's. We are semi-local, so our trips are short stays and weekends. We go to a lot of Disney events and special occasions. We'd like to add-on, but need to pay off the first 160 points first.

Greatest regret was not purchasing sooner!!

[meriface11]

we are DINKS and just bought 160 points at AKV. we travel during adventure season weeks in september and january (kids are just back in school and the parks are pretty slow!). we'll be using our points to either 1) travel 2X per year in a studio, or 2) do 5 nights in a 2 bedroom and take family (SIL and BIL have my 4YO nephew and 1 YO trips) or friends so we aren't always vacationing alone. before this year's trip i would have been happy using them all by ourselves, but this september i decided it will be fun to be able to do it with my nieces and nephews and see the parks through a child's eyes...so long as they are not MY child's eyes...hahaha.

[Josh125]

We are also DINKS and will become owners on Oct. 5th (or whenever the FedEx guy drops the paperwork off). We toured the BLT rooms today and left all of our info with our guide. Just a few days till we can join the owners club.

[Maistre Gracey]

As I said earlier in this thread, My wife and I both work, and we don't have any kids. The latter is not by choice, however.

That said, It's a bit unclear why the "DI" portion is relevant. I certainly see why the "NK" portion is relevant, as that drastically changes the way we vacation at WDW.

The "DI" part really has no bering on anything. If the OP is trying to determine if one is well off financially, the "DI" really means nada. A "single income" can be much, much greater than a "double income".

I'm really not trying to upset the apple cart or be a party pooper, but I'm just not certain what the point is.. :confused3

MG

[Mickey'sApprentice]

As I said earlier in this thread, My wife and I both work, and we don't have any kids. The latter is not by choice, however.

That said, It's a bit unclear why the "DI" portion is relevant. I certainly see why the "NK" portion is relevant, as that drastically changes the way we vacation at WDW.

The "DI" part really has no bering on anything. If the OP is trying to determine if one is well off financially, the "DI" really means nada. A "single income" can be much, much greater than a "double income".

I'm really not trying to upset the apple cart or be a party pooper, but I'm just not certain what the point is.. :confused3

MG


MG: DINKS is just a term that entered pop culture a few years ago. Its the same kind of thing as Yuppies, and Guppies, and all the other cutesie little labels. I think its definitely time to retire Yuppie as that originally meant baby boomers who were Young Urban Professionals. I don't consider any boomer YOUNG anymore.

In general, DINKS may not generally make any more money than other people in the population, but do tend to have more disposable income and are not tied to school schedules.

[Maistre Gracey]

MG: DINKS is just a term that entered pop culture a few years ago. Its the same kind of thing as Yuppies, and Guppies, and all the other cutesie little labels. I think its definitely time to retire Yuppie as that originally meant baby boomers who were Young Urban Professionals. I don't consider any boomer YOUNG anymore.

In general, DINKS may not generally make any more money than other people in the population, but do tend to have more disposable income and are not tied to school schedules.
Thanx for your thoughts...
Just my opinion, but yuppies does seem descriptive of a personality type, where as dinks seems to describe... well... not much other than you and your spouse have a job, and you don't have kids.
Perhaps I'm looking at it too literally...??

Heck, what do I know??... I never even heard of Guppies. I thought that was some sort of fish.

Thanx again for your clarification.

MG

[tjcj]

Thanx for your thoughts...
Just my opinion, but yuppies does seem descriptive of a personality type, where as dinks seems to describe... well... not much other than you and your spouse have a job, and you don't have kids.
Perhaps I'm looking at it too literally...??

Heck, what do I know??... I never even heard of Guppies. I thought that was some sort of fish.

Thanx again for your clarification.

MG

For us it's not about the amount of money we make, it's more about our ability to take vacations (time wise). With both of us working it can be a challenge for us to get organized to take vacations no less take care of all the day to day stuff. Not that others don't have the same kind of issues....

What we are most interested in was to hear how folks with similar lifestyles use their DVC points (when they travel, do they take others with them....).

[danv3]

DINKs here and hopefully soon-to-be members...glad to see we're not the only ones! :thumbsup2

[WDWLVR]

We're DINKS as well. The childless part is not by choice but something we accepted long ago. We both work full time jobs and have the natural stresses that come with that. We both love Disney and enjoy the stress relief that comes from that. :)

We've been DVC members since early 2000 and thanks to that have been able to plan 1-2 really nice vacations a year. Many using points but some still with cash. This year we did a 7 night cruise (cash) with stays after at Boardwalk (points) and the 4 night member cruise (cash and points) with two night stays before (Beach Club) and after (Boardwalk) both on points.

DVC makes it easy to plan out our coming year and since we usually plan out more than 11 months out we've never really had any booking problems.

[janni518]

For us it's not about the amount of money we make, it's more about our ability to take vacations (time wise). With both of us working it can be a challenge for us to get organized to take vacations no less take care of all the day to day stuff. Not that others don't have the same kind of issues....

What we are most interested in was to hear how folks with similar lifestyles use their DVC points (when they travel, do they take others with them....).

I dunno judging by your profile pic you do have a "child." ;)

[tjcj]

I dunno judging by your profile pic you do have a "child." ;)

Well that is true; two to be exact (a yellow and black lab). So I guess we are really DIWDs (dual income with dogs):thumbsup2

[Inkmahm]

I guess we'd be "SINKs" since DH is retired early and I'm the breadwinner in the family. We have 530 points between BWV, VWL and AKV. I just standardized our trip planning to be spring at AKV, October at BWV and December at VWL. Except next year we're using our October points in August instead at the Grand Californian for a Disneyland trip.

We invite family to go with us often- parents, nieces, nephews, siblings. I don't think owing DVC has saved me any money at all since we end up paying for all the food, etc. on such trips.

[jimmacmn]

DW and I were DINKS until she retired two years ago (come to think of it, we still are since she does get a retirement check). We have 480 points and bought our first OKW contract in 1994. In our 14 years of membership, we have never gotten anything smaller than a 2br for any of our trips. We LOVE sharing our Disney experience with friends and family and over the years several of the folks we have taken have also joined DVC. We have used the points for OKW, SSR, BWV, HHI and DCL. An example of our usage started this week. DW just got back yesterday from 5 days with DSIL at BWV. MLK weekend DW and I are taking friends to OKW for a long weekend and the latter part of Feb, I am taking a couple of buddies for an SSR golf stay for 5 days before we go to Clearwater for a model railroad Symposium. We haven't made our fall plans yet but I'm sure there will be something.

[DisnutDave]

DW and I are DINKs as well (at least, as far as I know!!). We have 275 pts total, spread out among BCV, VWL and AKV.

WDW has always been a special place for us. We came very close to joining DVC in 1997, but at that time we were just a step above NONKs (NO income, no kids). We joined in 2002 at BCV and have added on since. We bought at VWL so that we could be there during holiday season at least every other year, and then fell in love with AKV. When we joined, I promised to give up my commando-style touring and 6 years later I'm getting better, I really am; now when we go, we usually have active mornings at the parks, then leisurely afternoons and romantic evenings. We've also had several trips with other family members, including a wonderful stay at HHI.

We generally take 1-2 trips to WDW each year, trying to time things so that we can get 3 trips off of one Annual Pass. We've also gone to Maui twice using our points, and really love it there. We're taking our first DCL cruise on points exactly one week from today (can't wait!).

[Flyerfan]

DINK's checking in. We have 200 pts and only bought last year. Our second trip this year is in 6 weeks - :yay: We hope to travel once per year or twice every other year and hopefully convince family and friends to come along. And that can only mean one thing........ADD-ON!

[jfinke]

DINKs here (w/ 4 cats).

150pts at SSR. Engaged and married at WDW.

[MagicalPins]

I guess I am a SINK.... I'm single and hate kids and have 200 points at SSR (looking to dump them as soon as I can get my hands on some Grand Californian points since I now can not stand Walt Disney World with the closing of the Adventurers Club).

[conandrob240]

Happy DINKS here too! We sometimes take my nephew, sometimes go alone (F&W festival) or sometimes give my sister/husband and nephew our points to use so they can go as a family. I also rent points occassionally.

[YellowMickeyPonchos]

We were DINKs for the first 12 out of 15 years of ownership and used the heck out of our 250 points.:banana:

In the beginning, we would go to WDW about 3-5 times/year, only got a studio once or twice when we were running out of points or wanting to budget. We did do a Grand Villa with 3 other couples and some single friends - that was a blast. We also seemed to do a lot of 2BRs with other couples/friends/family - and still do.

For the last 7 years, as we've gotten older and more spoiled, we don't settle on anything under a 1BR. We like our space and the jacuzzi!

Now, with kids, we do one WDW trip every year to 1.5 years and single night stays at the GCH or DLH at least twice a year.

I do miss those quiet and romantic late night post-Illuminations walks around an empty World Showcase!!!

[vascubaguy]

DINKS here too. We always stay in studios and so far have stayed at OKW, SSR, and BWV. Might do a small add-on at BLT so we can get MK Views every couple years....

[Disney-Kim]

DINKS here too. We have one furbaby. We have owned since 2003 and own BCV and SSR. :goodvibes

[NancyDVC]

We are DINKS. Two mature women (me and my DBF) who bought early into DVC. :thumbsup2 MY DBF is retired now.
Our first trip we banked points and took my parents, my sister and her 3 kids at Easter. We had a blast. :cool2: Since then it has been one or two trips a year with and without friends. We stayed at VB during the hard opening and moved to OKW the day they officially changed the signs to OKW.
We have stayed at HHI, BWV, the Wilderness Lodge before VWL, a DCL cruise on points, The PLaza in NYC and the Disneyland Hotel in CA.
Then we took the whole gang :grouphug: again at Thanksgiving a few years ago. Another blast.:woohoo:

Now my sister's kids are grown and we have let them stay on our points themselves.
I need to get back home soon but other obligations have kept me away. Thank goodness for the DIS boards. It keeps me sane!!:surfweb:

[DisneyDreamers2007]

We are DINKs, married 10.5 years, and hoping to have kids soon. Just bought 150 points at BWV and rented from other owners for the past 2 years at the BWV for a week in a studio room in May both times.

Yesterday we came home from a trip to Disneyland with my 3 year old nephew and it was so amazing to see his excitement and the wonder of Disney through his eyes. It was so much fun! Also way more exhausting, as our Disney trips are usually more relaxing and romantic. There is a season and time for every time of life at Disney, and each one has it's own magical moments :wizard:

[toocherie]

SINK here too (but I don't hate kids--)

My first trip "home" is Halloween! Can't wait!

[WDWcanuck]

DINKS here as well. Just bought a condo in the Spring. Then DVC last month. I'm already trying to prevent myself from adding on already. I think I may be able to hold out until December...I think.

[DisFlan]

I guess you could call us "RINK"s. Retirement Income and No Kids (at home). Our son is grown. DH and I had a wonderful time last week in a studio at BWV.

DisFlan

[ransom]

We're DINKs. In this economic environment, I'm not sure how much longer the "D" part will be true. But for now, we're DINKs.

[dizfanz]

We are DINKS-Dual Income No Kats (or kids) with 150 pts. We go January every year. The best time in our opinion.

[roselark]

Proud DINKs here! Just bought 100 points in June, but that is primarily for me. DH just isn't into Disney as much as I am and only wants to go very 3-4 years :confused: . I am taking my first solo trip in November :cool1: and I am taking DM for a long vacation over mother's day in May 2009. My goal is to take a solo trip every year and then a big trip with DH every 3-4 years. We have talked about inviting other family members, but I am gonna be stingy with my points until I can add on (will be a while). :)

[tjcj]

Proud DINKs here! Just bought 100 points in June, but that is primarily for me. DH just isn't into Disney as much as I am and only wants to go very 3-4 years :confused: . I am taking my first solo trip in November :cool1: and I am taking DM for a long vacation over mother's day in May 2009. My goal is to take a solo trip every year and then a big trip with DH every 3-4 years. We have talked about inviting other family members, but I am gonna be stingy with my points until I can add on (will be a while). :)

We got into DVC thinking it would be for "just us" and bought in with 160 pts. But right from our 1st trip we have shared DVC with others, in fact we have never gone without taking others with us (our travel buddies and family). Our sharing problem equaled an add on last year and we continue to bring folks with us. It's great to be able to share DVC with others and as for now we plan on sharing our trip with others.:cool1:

[ccigliano]

Proud SINK here which I have to say makes it much easier when deciding to do Add-Ons. I have 400 WLV points but I started out with 270 OKW which I sold to purchase the WLV because it is truly my favorite resort. I usually drag my parents who are in better shape than I am to traverse the parks and I just took my DS, DBIL, DNephew in April and let's just say I am now his favorite aunt:cloud9:

[Rozzie]

Proud to be DINKS here. We have 320 points at SSR. Our next add-on will most likely be at BWV in the next few years. We almost always stay in 1BR's and go 2-3 times a year. Hence why we need a add-on--seems like we are always borrowing! :)

[tvgfl]

DH and I bought in 2000 (prior to getting married). We are happy DINK's who now own 200 pts BWV, 150 pts SSR, and just bought 160 pts BLT. We occasionally share pts with DB, DSIL, DN4, and DN2, but seem to enjoy travelling without family (ie - kids). Kids have too much stuff - strollers, diaper bags, etc.