Anyone dissapointed with DVC?

[Demosthenes]

My wife and I are on the verge of buying points @ the BCV. We will be @ BC in 2 weeks, and we will make our final decision then, when we tour a villa. I'm just curious if anyone on these boards regrets their DVC purchase, and if so, why? I have found no real negative comments as I've looked around, and I'd like to hear the downside of ownership to give us a contrasting point of view.

[PamOKW]

Negative views will be hard to find on these boards. Awhile back we did have someone write very eloquently about the reasons why she gave up her DVC membership. Unfortunately, I can't remember what she said. Maybe she'll re-post.

As I recall, even in that case, it wasn't so much a dissatisfacation with DVC in terms of there being anythingn "wrong" with DVC but rather that it just didn't "fit" into their lifestyle.

If you do your research and have an understanding of the program and the costs of maintenance fees, travel, etc. you should be able to make a decision that will be right for you.

[Maistre Gracey]

No regrets here. We just love it!
I must qualify that statement, as we have not yet used our points for a stay. The important thing is that we did NOT have that "guilty feeling", or "feeling of uncertainty" that sometime one gets after a large purchase. This tells me that we made a great choice. Good luck with your decision.

[ceejay13]

I only have one regret, we didn't buy sooner! I don't think you'll be sorry. We purchased 2 years ago and are in the process of adding on for the second time. We think it's the only way to travel.

[westjones]

We are new, so no personal experience. But on this board and people that I have met personally who are member have all had good things to say.

Now for us, one of the things we did consider was that we did not want ALL of our vacations tied to Disney. We do want to do other things.

But that is why we liked the 'bank & barrow' options. We just bought this year and we are banking all of our points for next year, then we are also going to 'barrow' from the following year.

By 'banking and barrowing' we can have a very nice vacation with Disney every other year (or go for a real big vacation and use 3 years of points all in one year by BOTH banking AND barrowing in the same year).

So we only bought the 150 points, planning to bank and barrow a lot. Next year we are planning on going on the cruise (3 day) and staying at WDW for 4 days before heading out. Then the following year we won't be going (we already know in 2004 we are going to Hawaii), so we will plan another wonderful trip for 2005.

Anyway, my point was, that I didn't want All Our Eggs In One Basket, so we bought the fewest points and look forward to enjoying a very nice vacation every other year.

DJ

[SusanD]

Although we love Disney, we wondered how practical it would be to own a timeshare in Florida when we live on the west coast. I agree that the banking and borrowing aspect of DVC has made it workable for us.

The other issue is if our children would still be excited to go when they were in their teens. The magic still hasn't worn off and my children are very delighted to hear we'll be going this year. It has become a tradition and a bonding time for our family.

[scootert]

DH and I are also new to DVC. It's not a problem for us, but If you are a "spur of the moment" person, I think DVC would be frustrating as you may not be able to get into the resort you would like. I think the program works best if you are able to plan very far in advance to take advantage of your 11 month window.....

We also bought a limited number of points, with the idea of banking and borrowing. It's just the two of us so we can be flexible with studios or a one bedroom (although it's true that once you stay in a 1 bedroom it's hard to go back). We will probably look into using the Concierge collection next year as we don't want to do WDW every year

[Eeyore2U]

We have owned for two years. DW and I took an adults only trip this past October. That told it was the PERFECT thing for us. I think WDW is more for adults. The only negative is that we don't have all our points in one place.

[Doctor P]

It's a big expense, there is some level of uncertainty, but all in all we have been ecstatic with our purchases. We are using it (as intended, I think) as a prepaid vacation plan. Nothing more. Nothing less. As a prepaid vacation plan, it's a nice deal and gives one some piece of mind over some of the major factors that tend to increase the costs of vacations. I think many people do end up dissatisfied if they do not like planning vacations ahead of time, do not plan on going to WDW every couple of years or so, or look on it as an investment.

[I <3 Eeyore]

No regrets at all. We're so happy with it we bought more points this Spring.

[Maistre Gracey]

Just to follow up: For us it is more expensive than the way we used to do things. However, Our frequency and quality of vacation accomadations has gone up proportionally higher than cost. This was our choice, as we could have bought less points, kept our vacations about the same and come out less expensive.
At least for us, it was not as much about money, as it was a lifestyle decision. There is something to be said for "pride of ownership". My wife and I have been coming to WDW for several years, and we are proud to be associated with a top notch company like Disney.

[Bennet]

Not at all. Turned out better than we expected, well except for the Disney addiction. :D

We added more points via resale to keep them all at BWV. Very happy with it.

[CarolMN]

Awhile back we did have someone write very eloquently about the reasons why she gave up her DVC membership.

Pam - I think this is the thread you remember. The poster was Lisa P. It's well worth another read, IMHO. Carol

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=66538

[Demosthenes]

Thanks for all the input. DW and I make at least two long weekend trips or 1 week long trip to WDW each year. We ahve been ADP holders for several years, and spend quite a bit @ WDW. We think this might be a good wau for us to save money. After reading your replies, and older threads, I'm closer now to committing than ever before. Thanks again for your input.

[sgtdisney]

We have been members since 1992. No regrets yet... ;) ;)

[AnnK]

No regrets, DVC has been wonderful for us, but I would suggest:

#1 Buy where you want to stay,even if it means going resale.
#2 Buy a little more than you think you need, (cause it seems like you always need more.)
#3 Buy only if you like to plan in advance, and plan to mainly use your points at WDW DVC resorts, trading out is a great option, but not the best point value.
Good Luck, Hope to "Welcome you home soon!":)

[MdmMim]

We just love our DVC! We're two old fogies (joined in Oct/00), but we have so much fun at WDW! DVC has made our vacations so much more enjoyable--no worrying about getting that elusive room discount; no concern over higher resort rates. Our stays are much longer--9 days in Dec., 3-4 weeks during the winter. We usually stay in studios, as DH prefers them to the 1-bedrooms! :crazy: He just needs a bed and shower. :rolleyes:

I, too, regret that we did not buy in sooner, but I would always walk by the DVC booths and think we could not afford it. (And probably back then, we couldn't.) It's so great to know we have our vacation taken care of.

The flexibilty of DVC is also great. DH is thinking of taking some friends to WDW, staying in a 2-bedrm, then heading off to Daytona for the 500. If you plan in advance, there are so many possibilities. :D

[Jeanne]

We have been members for 4 years, and wish we had joined when we first toured 10 years ago. We have taken family trips, couple only, last year I took my best friend who had never been, and this is the year my teens have been waiting for, the year they each get to bring a friend. Only regret, wish we had more points. We are moving to Florida this summer and are looking forward to shorter trips, but going more often.

[MAC3]

Even with the fact of being nervous that it won't always fit into our financial scheme of life. Hesistant at first, we just did an add on and I can't forsee any regrets at the moment .

Like others I wish we had bought in sooner. With all the trips to Disney we had taken it could have payed for itself.
DH and I have decided if/when it becomes too much for us we will bestow it on our dd and whatever family she will have to enjoy it.

But in all honesty, I doubt it!

[Dean]

One should buy DVC to use, not to trade or the other points options. I haven't heard anyone going that route that was unhappy. Even the complaints on this board are almost always from people who are pleased with the program overall and just unhappy about one aspect or another.

The person who sold and still posts here is Lisa P. It was simply a financial decision as I understand it. She owns other, far cheaper resorts that allow her to do what she wants overall. DVC wouldn't do what she wants by itself.

[ncligs]

We bought in 99 and wished we would have bought back in 96 when my sister(DVC member) took us to OKW ad we stayed in a GV. Now we have added on 3 times already. If you plan ahead for vacations, DVC has many advantages:D . It is an expensive timeshare but, it is 1st class all the way!!!!!!:D

[ripleysmom]

I consider it one of the best things we ever did!!

[jasmine206]

We haven't regretted a thing since we bought resale at OKW last year - oh, except that we couldn't buy more!!! We love DVC and WDW and our kids will be able to enjoy WDW much more frequently with DVC. Good luck!:D

[POOH&PIGLET]

Not dissapointed at all. :D
Only regret is that we didn't buy sooner.

[Paul in CT]

We have been DVC members since 1995 at OKW and added on points in 1999 at OKW. We have really enjoyed it both with and without our children who are now young adults. BTW, they still enjoy going with us when we let them. ;) We are going to be at BWV in August and BCV in early December. We love the flexibility.

IMHO, if you like going to WDW every year or two and the cost of points is not an issue, you will be glad you joined.

Oh, I almost forgot, if you join just be ready for your friends/family/co-workers reaction - "You're going to Disney AGAIN????" :D

[jcanary]

We have been owners since 1992 and we love it. Yes it is probably more expensive to take vacations but the accomodations and never having to worry about what the hotel may look or be like, is well worth it. My oldest who is now 21 looks forward to these vacations and when she was given a choice of a trip for her 16th birthday to Hawaii or to WDW with the option of bringing two friends she choose WDW. Now my youngest will be turning 16 next year and she has been to Hawaii but has also chosen to share your vacation for her birthday to WDW with some friends. This would not have been possible if it wasn't for the DVC. Two years ago, Christmas 1999 we brought my 75 year old mother, who has never been to WDW, my 65 year old aunt, and my brother and his wife for a wonderful holiday week at OKW. They still talk about and my aunt is a world traveler and she talks about the DVC accomodations the most.
We have been able to send friends that never would have been able to afford a vacation like this, and you talk about being rewarded, just seeing their faces and tears of happiness that they can show their kids a wonderful dream vacation is worth every penny we have spent. We look forward to alot more years enjoying disney. Last year on our way back from Hawaii we used some of our points to stay at the Grand Californian in Disneyland and it was GREAT.
If you enjoy vacations and the security that your accomodations are going to be first class, go for it and you will never regret it.

[lsutigger]

As many others have stated, we have no regrets, only that we had done it sooner! We've used our points once and loved it and look forward to our next trip in October 02 at the BCV.

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by Dean
One should buy DVC to use, not to trade or the other points options. I haven't heard anyone going that route that was unhappy. Even the complaints on this board are almost always from people who are pleased with the program overall and just unhappy about one aspect or another.

This is a good point. I have a friend who went to HH with her husband on one of those incentive deals ($99 a night in Feb and one night free, or something like that). They like to travel alot, really didn't like HH that much, but bought thinking they would mostly trade out. They are having some problems getting reservations at the destinations they want, especially on shorter notice.

I'm single and one thing that helped ease my fears about buying is that there is a big resale market. If I would lose my job and need money, I could always sell it pretty easy.

[llp479]

We have no regrets. We bought at BWV in '98 and just bought an OKW resale in March. We go to WDW every year, sometimes twice. What I really enjoy about it is I know what to expect. I don't have to worry what will the room be like, will there be food my children will enjoy, is it safe, etc. Consequently, I can relax knowing I'm "going home".

[DeeP]

I have a friend who went to HH with her husband on one of those incentive deals ($99 a night in Feb and one night free, or something like that). They like to travel alot, really didn't like HH that much, but bought thinking they would mostly trade out. They are having some problems getting reservations at the destinations they want, especially on shorter notice.

Your friends are having a hard time trading out i.e. a week at HH for a week at another timeshare resort? I am surprised since I read that DVC was so easy to trade and other timeshare owners got on waiting lists to be able to trade into a DVC resort. I have no intention of trading out my DVC, I use it all up and then some every year LOL! But,........... I must admit that hearing about other DVC owners having a hard time trading out DVC for another timeshare is not good news. I wonder if it because the contract is at HH? Maybe HH is harder to trade out then a WDW DVC resort would be? Anyone else have any information or experience with this??? Thanks!

[Dean]

Originally posted by DeeP


Your friends are having a hard time trading out i.e. a week at HH for a week at another timeshare resort? I am surprised since I read that DVC was so easy to trade and other timeshare owners got on waiting lists to be able to trade into a DVC resort. I have no intention of trading out my DVC, I use it all up and then some every year LOL! But,........... I must admit that hearing about other DVC owners having a hard time trading out DVC for another timeshare is not good news. I wonder if it because the contract is at HH? Maybe HH is harder to trade out then a WDW DVC resort would be? Anyone else have any information or experience with this??? Thanks! The way DVC trades, II doesn't know which resort they will get until the deal is done so the home resort is not an issue. Like DVC, most other highly desirable choices are hard to get also. While I think DVC has very good trade power, it is not the best due to the generic way things are done through II using DVC.

[WebmasterDoc]

They like to travel alot, really didn't like HH that much, but bought thinking they would mostly trade out. They are having some problems getting reservations at the destinations they want, especially on shorter notice.

The flexibility of the DVC program works both ways. It certainly allows us to make reservations in all types of accommodations, at all times of the year...but it also can be challenging to make reservations if we aren't flexible in dates and destinations. This is particularly true with the II exchanges. The closer you wait until the date, the less availability will be found at the more popular destinations.

Actually, DVC often uses HH as the exchange resort for our DVC points used for exchanges. That is the basis for the 55 points for a week in Hawaii, which has been found successfully many times. Dean is referring to some Timeshare programs (like Marriott) which offer internal exchanges to their own members, before turning over inventory to II. Thus, DVC members don't even get the choice of going to some locations until after that organization's members have already passed on the resort.

[DebbieB]

Your friends are having a hard time trading out i.e. a week at HH for a week at another timeshare resort? I am surprised since I read that DVC was so easy to trade and other timeshare owners got on waiting lists to be able to trade into a DVC resort.

I'm not sure if it was an II trade. They were trying to get into Key West for the fall, she called at the end of last year but it was booked up. I don't know if she's on a wait list. She is currently waiting for an answer on a New Orleans hotel, she called last week. I think they bought 200 points at HH and added 50 at VWL. They did stay at OKW last fall and brought another family and absolutely loved it, but they don't want to go to WDW that often (can you imagine? ;) ) They are in their late 40's, no kids.

[PamOKW]

She is currently waiting for an answer on a New Orleans hotel, she called last week.

That's probably the Windsor Court which was just added to the Concierge Collection within the last week or two. It has a reputation as one of the finest hotels in the world. Hopefully, she'll get in. Maybe you can keep us posted on her success and any thoughts they share on their stay.

[LarryK]

I dont think you will have any regrets. We just added on for the third time.
After staying with us, both of my sisters and my cousins family bought in, and my nephew
just became a member. A great way to keep the family together at least every other year.

Only down side: Ouch, those annual dues hurt!

[DebbieB]

Originally posted by PamOKW


That's probably the Windsor Court which was just added to the Concierge Collection within the last week or two. It has a reputation as one of the finest hotels in the world. Hopefully, she'll get in. Maybe you can keep us posted on her success and any thoughts they share on their stay.

Pam,

I think that is it, she said it was new.

Debbie

[dvc_bwv]

. . . but they don't want to go to WDW that often (can you imagine? ) They are in their late 40's, no kids.

I can't imagine! My DH and I are in our late 40's early 50's, no kids (my kids [1st marriage] are all grown and on their own, DH doesn't have any) and WDW is our favorite place to vacation. We bought DVC in Sept 2000 while on our honeymoon and we love it!! Our only regret...that we didn't buy sooner!! As you can see by my signature we have spent quite alot of time at WDW and it was always just the two of us except for one time when we took my niece and our November 2001 trip when my 31 yr old son went along. Now he's talking about buying DVC himself and he's a single person!!

Go for it!! You'll never regret it if you love Disney!!

[dianeschlicht]

I too can't imagine not going to WDW every year!:D

I also find it curious that someone buys DVC if WDW is not their choice of location. I am not sure trading on a regular basis is really a good use of points. I have done a trade out to II for Hawaii and had a very successful experience, but I would not want to do it all the time.

As to the original question....

No, we have NEVER been dissapointed with DVC. We have owned since 1997, and have nothing but positive experiences....even with trading out.

[nuthut]

Let see, purchased in 1995 at somewhere around $60 a point. We have used the points for 7 years and now they are worth more than when we purchased($75). We have used the most fabulous accomadations at WDW for the cost off our annual dues. Let's see that puts our Old Key West stays at 25-50 a night in a studio and at BWV at 30-60 a night for a studio, not to mention in ever increasing value (Next increase on June 2 will put more than several thousand in my pocket minus taxes, of course) When I find something to complain about you will be the first to know!

[joepoe]

Originally posted by MdmMim
. We usually stay in studios, as DH prefers them to the 1-bedrooms! :crazy: He just needs a bed and shower. :rolleyes:

The flexibilty of DVC is also great. DH is thinking of taking some friends to WDW, staying in a 2-bedrm, then heading off to Daytona for the 500. If you plan in advance, there are so many possibilities. :D

Ohhhh, I get it! When he goes with you, a studio is good enough, but when he goes with his buddies, he needs the 2br!

LOL LOL Just teasing, MdnMim!!!

[JonHM]

First, regarding the following quote from LarryK: Only down side: Ouch, those annual dues hurt!

One very nice thing about Disney and the annual dues is that you have two options: you can pay them all in a lump sum at the very beginning of the year, OR they will break them up for you into 12 monthly payments at NO interest! That really helps us out - and they'll draft them straight out of your account, if you'd like, so you hardly have to think about it.

As far as what everyone has been saying about DVC being great *IF* you're the kind of person who can plan in advance, I have this comment: I am NOT the kind of person who plans in advance - we have various friends who get irritated with us because we ask them to do things *that* day, or over the next few days. Everyone wants us to plan ahead, but I just have trouble with it.

BUT we went on a trip to BWV in late January, have ressies for VWL for Halloween that we got at the 11 month mark, will make ressies next month for May 2003 at BCV, and late this year will call up and make ressies for October 2003. (And one annual pass will cover those next three trips :) ) So my point is, even if you're not *usually* the kind of person who plans ahead, DVC is SO wonderful that it may very well *make you* into the kind of person who can plan ahead... at least where trips to WDW are concerned! :D

Take Care! Good luck with your decision!

:bounce: :bounce:

[DVC-LEROY]

Last year we made our first trip to VWL and loved it - we had bought in sight unseen - except for going to the lodge for a meal and walking around and ... For a few years in a row we stopped in to look at the Boardwalk rooms. We never really thought about it seriously until having our son. We brought him to WDW at age 2 and he was hooked. Then everything started to make sense for us.

We'd now be there at least once a year - even without DVC.
We like to plan our vacations ahead of time.
We like staying on the property.
We like having at a minimum - a refrigerator - ($10/day?)
If we were going more often - we wouldn't be so inclined to go out for meals as much - so having a kitchen or kitchenette would be great.
We are suddenly had a son addicted to Disney.

[yesdisneyfool]

After getting back from our trip in 2000 we immediately made our next trip for 2001. Around July we decided to join DVC (sight unseen) because we were on the verge of going to Disney every year.

Well, when we walked into our 1b :bounce: (WOW) :bounce: we could not believe our eyes (come see this, come see what we got, etc). It was from this point that we decided that we would be making more than 1 trip a year.

During the month of April, we made our 1st addon.

We love it and you will too. Good luck with your decision. :)

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by JonHM
So my point is, even if you're not *usually* the kind of person who plans ahead, DVC is SO wonderful that it may very well *make you* into the kind of person who can plan ahead... at least where trips to WDW are concerned! :D


This is EXACTLY what happened to DH and I! We're childfree and travel a lot - very often spur-of-the-moment. We met every "requirement" for DVC (stay in deluxes, travel multiple times a year, etc) except for the "plan travel ahead." It was by far our main concern before buying. We decided that since we travel during off-peak times anyway, we'd give it a shot.

As it turns out, we have SO much fun playing with our points, we have our trips planned out THROUGH our 2004 use year! We've been known to spend an entire Sunday just pulling up the spreadsheets, planning program and going through the guidebook and dreaming about ways to use our points. Just this past weekend, in fact, we were rearranging things just to see what all our options are for a big trip with family in the fall of 2004.

So I must agree with JonHM - even if you're not a big planner now, there's an excellent chance you may become one! We still don't do this with our other trips, but it's almost become a hobby (obsession?) with DVC.

[TrishYBrown]

We live in Daytona and use our points on lots of spur of the moment trips over. Often I call same day and am most often able to get what I'm looking for. It has been a wonderful purchase for us.

[travelbug]

I've only been a member for 2 years, but haven't had a single regret. Besides the wonderful trips I'm able to take, I can't believe how much enjoyment I get out of the planning. Love to probe those point charts for lots of different possibilities! I also love being able to share trips with family members who wouldn't be able to swing a WDW trip otherwise.

40 more years of enjoyment still lie ahead... :bounce:

[Pa@okw95]

People with negative views of DVC have never been welcomed here. It does not suprise me that you found little in the negative department. I purchased in 95 and over-all I am happy with the purchase. But I am not happy with the direction WDW has gone in the past years. I would suggest to anyone that goes down there to take a close look at WDW and the direction it is going. Take a look past the hype at what has been constructed in the past few years also what has been taken away.

[JonHM]

Do you mind if I ask what specifically has made you unhappy with WDW's direction? I only ask because I've been going since 1971, off and on, and just think it is SOOOO much better now than it ever was when I was younger. I'm just curious to hear your perspective. Thanks!

Jon

:bounce: :bounce:

[sgtpet]

I have secured my family vacations for the next 40 years. That will go for several generations and that makes me thrilled. It is a thrill to we can invite our parents and someday we will be able to invite our grandchildren. That is exciting. Plus the superb location and designs of the DVC's is just icing on the cake.

[Pa@okw95]

JonHM--This is exactly the way it starts and why people with negative comments get bashed. I am happy for you that you think it is sooo much better. If you think I am going down that road guess again. I have been on these boards since they started and believe me you can never say anthing about the mouse that is negative. WDW as far as I am concerned has been going down hill for years. Again I am happy for you. The list is too long and I am not going to get into it. Have a nice day.

[JonHM]

I am sorry that you feel that way. I certainly had no intentions of starting any sort of fight, and would *definitely* not want to get into a situation where your feelings would be hurt or you would be attacked. I was just curious since we seem to have such different perspectives. I wish you well and I hope you find many years of joy to come, both in the rest of your life and while you're at WDW. Sorry if I upset you.

Take Care,

Jon

[Dean]

I don't think I've ever been uncomfortable posting things about DVC or WDW I didn't agree with or feel could be improved. While I think there is definitely a pro Disney slant on this board, I think it should be that way. Still there are many things I feel could be better with both WDW and DVC and have always been willing to say so. Sometimes there's a lot of Disney and DVC praise on this board and I don't usually post "me too" type of posts. That means that many of the things I have to say at times are the negatives even though I feel there are a lot of positives.

As an example, I've posted a number of times how I feel there are better resorts on HH than the DVC there. Does that mean I don't like DVC-HH, quite the contrary, just the there are even better places from many ways of looking at it. I'm actually surprised that no one has taken me to take on that one, much like the OKW vs BW debate. Another example are the points exchange options. I'm pretty negative on that in many ways but it's nice to at least have some options just in case.

If this board because a Disney or DVC worship board not based in reality, I'd personally have to look elsewhere. DVC and WDW are great in their own right but there's always room for improvement. I can think of a lot of ways I'd like to see it improved and we've talked about many of them over the years.

[ALLDISNEY]

No regrets other than should have bought sooner. Yes we initially only bought 150 points and thought about every other year but have decided that we want to go every year so we had to purchase more points so we can stay longer every year. The thing is you can't try to do all the parks when you go down. Just do one or two depending on your length of stay. Instead spend time at the pool and going to the Boardwalk or downtown Disney. There is actually a lot to do without having to go to the parks. I find a lot of people tend to try to spend there whole vacation running from one park to the next and wearing themselves out and not feeling like they have been on vacation. Disney is always going to be there or at least for the next 40 or so years, so enjoy!!

[PamOKW]

While every resort has people who have bad experiences, these are sometimes isolated incidents. If we hear about good trips, bad trips and trips in-between we can assume things are "normal". However, I'd hope people would be free to share in case a pattern of all negative stays were to develop.

I also think we can share by being each other's eyes around the resorts and parks for the same reason. All of us at one time or another may have an "off" trip. But, if every trip is "off" then we may have a problem developing. Sharing with each other helps us all have a better perspective. I hope everyone shares the good and the bad.

I have not been to HHI yet. But, a relative did comment how she was surprised that Disney hadn't built on the ocean like many of the other resorts. I guess they must have gotten into the game too late to buy oceanfront property.

There are also changes that are beyond WDW's control. I would say there are changes in the attitudes of guests that make for a different experience than we had 10-15 years ago. Even things like maintaining cleanliness are more of a challenge to WDW. When you are cleaning up after guests who are leaving normal litter etc., it is easier than when you are trying to clean up after people who are behaving like animals. Or trying to deal with people who are "trying to put one over" most of the time. Not all guests all the time, but enough to create problems that didn't exist in the past.

[Mooobooks]

The most important thing to note in Lisa P.'s comments about selling her DVC interest is that she liked staying off-site as much as staying on-site.
Well, if you don't care about staying in "the World," then DVC certainly isn't for you. You can stay in condos for less than half the price only a few miles away!
Happy DVC members know that the only way to enjoy "the world" is to stay in it! We want happy Disney smilies and Cast Members all around us for our entire vacation.
I have stayed off-site at a condo with my folks and it just wasn't the same at all. Now that my wife and I are DVC members, my folks come stay with us ON-site.
So, if staying in "the world" is as important to you as it is to the rest of us, then BUY BUY BUY (resale, of course. NEVER pay retail).
And remember the mantra:
You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.You can never buy enough points. You will always want more.:)

[Snowgod]

Our only regret is not buying sooner. :smooth: :wave:

[joepoe]

We bought at BWV sight unseen in 98 after a great vacation at OKW. We also just bought a re-sale for OKW a couple months ago. Now we can go down twice a year (if we can swing decent airfare!) For us, it is a lifestyle choice. It's really our home away from home. It's cheaper and less hassle for us than having a second vacation home. We love being "in the world". It's the total pleasantness of the experience that make it so much of a getaway from the mundane. When we stay at BWV, we don't drive a car for a week! We don't care to trade to go anywhere else yet- we are not finished exploring all that Disney has to offer and we know what we are going to get when we get there. To specifically answer your question- regrets? none for this family.

[yesdisneyfool]

Originally posted by WDWguru
As it turns out, we have SO much fun playing with our points, we have our trips planned out THROUGH our 2004 use year! .... but it's almost become a hobby (obsession?) with DVC.

This is me, have you be spying? I have a spreadsheet all the way out to 2010 and including future addons. Obsession, YES :D

Since purchasing, we go home about 3 times a year and don't try to do all the parks when we go or we will just do the things we like or didn't do on the last trip because we know we are coming back.:)

[sueg]

We bought at OKW, when it was just called Vacation Club. Later we did an add-on at HH. We have had many wonderful vacations, some of which we would have never done w/o DVC. We usually stay at OKW when at WDW, but we have stayed twice at BWV. We have tried VB & we love our other home at HH. The summer HH trip usually tied into side trips as we drive our way down from NJ to SC. Last summer, we used pts. to try Grand Californian, in DL. When I think of these trips, I smile. Would we have gone on vacation each yr. w/o DVC? Yes. Would each trip be as memorable? I don't think so.

[crisi]

Originally posted by Mooobooks
The most important thing to note in Lisa P.'s comments about selling her DVC interest is that she liked staying off-site as much as staying on-site.


Also that FOR HER FAMILY the DVC membership was too expensive. She had $1200 a year in fees (not unusual) and didn't feel this was a good expense FOR HER.

For many families out there $1200 is fees is a lot of money to spend every year. There are certainly more economical was to travel, if money is a consideration. (But if money wasn't a consideration at all, I'd be in a suite at the GF).

We don't generally know what someone else's financial situation is. If this is money you are going to spend anyway (go every year or every other year, stay in a moderate or a deluxe on site, etc.) DVC is generally a good choice. I suspect that many people who resell their contracts made a poor financial choice - their DVC mortgage or dues is money they really need somewhere else.

[koslo]

In the hopes of giving the initial poster some additional things to think about here are what I percieve as things that could be better with DVC. But first let me say I am a DVC owner at BWV since 1999 and have no intention of selling.

My biggest complaint about DVC is (and I know this may sound crazy considering it is Disney) that the rooms are not designed for young families. We are a family of Four, 2 adults a 3 yr old and a 6 yr old. We usually get a one bedroom (sleeps 4, supposedly) but the sleeping arrangements are anything but optimal. If we put the kids in the Pull-Out then we have to go sit on the bed if we want to watch TV or whatever. It would be much nicer, in my opinion, to have an option for 2 double beds in the bedroom and no pullout. These rooms go for about $400/night, and claim to sleep 4, at that price I would expect to be able to sleep on something nicer than a pull out sofa.

Some people may say get a 2 bedroom, but it seems ridculus to have to get a room that supposedly sleeps 8 to comfortably sleep a small family of four.

Just my gripe, of course we still go every and work it out somehow.

[westjones]

You know, I agree with that comment, I would rather have two double beds in the bedroom and not have to use a pull out for the kids. I wondered why they choose to do it this way.

DJ

[Dean]

Originally posted by westjones
You know, I agree with that comment, I would rather have two double beds in the bedroom and not have to use a pull out for the kids. I wondered why they choose to do it this way.

DJ Several reasons I can think of. First, while the studio and 1 BR will sleep four, they're aimed more for 2 adults. And will the 2 BR will sleep 8, it's aimed more for 6, especially if you exclude OKW. Look at the kitchen capacity at the other resorts. Also, the industry standard for luxury timeshares is a King with large Bath and whirlpool. The want to sleep 6 in a 1 BR which we've seen listed here is a product of the points system and the desire by some to conserve points.

[ALLDISNEY]

That is a good point about the one bedroom, except I have to say I like the arrangement the way it is. My husband and I can retire to "our room" and watch tv and the kids have the "living room" to watch their movies. It is a pain though putting the bed away.

:bounce:

[DISNEYDEVOTEE]

My decision was made during the 25th anniversary year. We stayed at the Beach Club twice that year. Each week cost us about $5,000. We visited the DVC center, reluctantly I might add, and walked away wondering What am I missing, This is too good to be true. After a month or so we bought 220 points.

We just returned on 5/13 from a 6 night stay at the BWV's. Over and over again we laughed at our good fortune, especially since we got in at $54 per point!! No regrets.

As for change, it is reported that there are 2 new parks planned and 15 more resorts planned. 40 years to go!!

Bob
Bellmawr, NJ

[pwoodham]

I think each family needs to consider their individual needs. Our guide told us that they had calculated that we would save about 50% off lodging costs at WDW over the life of the contract (including the cost of maintenance fees) by purchasing. I have not done the math, but it sounds reasonable to me. The thing to remember, however, is you are saving 50% at fairly expensive places (at least to our family). You certainly could stay off-site and be better off financially, at least from some of the deals I've seen on the web. It also makes you feel like you NEED to use those points, which can be a negative if you can't afford the other expenses that go along with the trip.

That said, there are some distinct advantages to DVC, and for us the main one is location. With 5 children, we will want to stay at an Epcot resort for the foreseeable future. It's just too convenient and to be honest, we're spoiled. Another plus is that we know we will be taking a nice vacation at least every other year. That was not always a given before our purchase. I love WDW, but my husband tolerates it. Our kids love it now, and we made the purchase assuming we'd all still be willing to go to WDW at least every other year for a very long time. You need to make that evaluation for yourself.

My sister owns at three other timeshare companies, including II. They are not as expensive as DVC, so if you don't specifically want WDW, buy your timeshare somewhere else. You can still get the advantages of trading your points (or week, or whatever)for a lower cost. Just a caution, however. II told my sister WDW was an option for trading, but MS told me that II folks rarely actually get a reservation - DVCers use them first.

I know WDW is a first rate place, but I have had good and bad experiences with the service, both at the hotels and in the parks. I know many CM's are wonderful, but many aren't. I don't go to WDW with the expectation that everyone around me will feel as magical as I do. It's a great place, but it's not the only great place in the world. The question is where it ends up in your family priorities.

Again, however, I must say that WDW has provided my family with some of the most wonderful, bonding experiences we have had, and I'll love that place forever for providing the environment that gave us those moments. That's the reason we bought into DVC. Dollar for dollar, we find it gives our family the best vacation experience for the money.

[PamOKW]

II folks rarely actually get a reservation

Just a side note. A few years ago at OKW I met a woman who worked for II. She said how they are allowed once a year to travel to any of the resorts for free but she loved OKW so much she became a member. In her opinion, it was the finest timeshare out there. (I think this was either pre-BWV or just as it was opening -- so other DVC'ers don't take offense).