HELP. Need a math geek! NEWBIE that can't seem to "get it"

[ppony]

Okay. I'm an artist. The right side of my brain is MASSIVE and has overtaken the left's hemisphere not allowing for math comprehension. Well, almost. I've been thinking about DVC for so many years. Too many, we'd probably be enjoying it now if we had just done it when I thought about it. But both DH and I simply can't wrap our brains around it.


I saw YourEveryDayAdam's post. I'm still lost. But bless him for being so diligent!
We both LOVE deluxe accomodations. If we don't stay in one exclusively for a whole stay, we split it w/ a mod. Never do values. Also, because we spend that much, we can't go every year and flying down is between $800 and a grand RT for us. Driving isn't an option unless we want to spend 3-4 days on the road. (do people do that? honestly, I wonder if it IS doable)
Anyway, there is not a way to be able to buy w/o financing for us so that's one issue. We are not well-to-do by any stretch. Hubby has a blue collar job at 3M and I'm a SAHM but do my art on the side to make ends meet. Another is I'm not sure even if we had a DVC place, we'd be able to go every year. We'd LOVE to and perhaps wouldn't have to stay for 2 weeks when we do because we could go more often. But I dunno. When we vacation, we like to do it "our way" and not pinching pennies which is why we do it only every few years.
Is buying into DVC only a good idea if you can make it there annually? Every 2 years?

Does anyone know if they do a speil for it on DCL? I'll be there this fall and while DH is out w/ our oldest, and I'm w/ the baby, I could listen to it.

I've gotten the DVC DVD but still, w/o actual number and numbers associated w/ different loactions, it's all Greek to me. And if it helps... we loved the AKL so doing a figure based on that would be so helpful.

I TOTALLY understand this is a highly loaded post and will require someone that has a bit of free time and a lot of patience for repetition to answer, , but I really, REALLY would appreciate it if someone could be so kind. I've been reading the board often and just can't seem to wrap my head around some things. I understand each palce ahs points assigned to it's value and are different at certain times of the year. But I don't understand "add-ons" borrowing/renting points, coupons. None of that. I'm almost 40 and feeling that my DVC life has probably already passed me by. : ( Our kids are still young and DH and I will always love going even when they are out of the house... but if its just silly to buy in for us.... is it? I know the term "silly" is relative but I'm looking for opinions so go for it.

I'm so confused. I promise, I've tried to understand for years. I'm not just posting the second I think of something w/o trying to research. It's just not sinking in.

 

[rowbear]

You are actually in a perfect position to buy DVC because you can buy less and still have a great vacation. In any year you can bank all of your points so that they will be safe and available the next year. So if you buy 130 points you can have a 260 point vacation every other year. If you buy resale you might be able to get even less points but still have an excellent time.

The main advantage is the accomodations. Personally I have a hard time living out of a hotel room for more than 5 days but with a condo you can stay for as long as you can afford because it really is like having a second home.

Right now they are running tons of Disney vacation deals and even though I have not done the math I am sure at this moment it will seem like it will take much longer for the DVC to pay for itself. But keep in mind that is still based on a hotel room not a condo. Also keep in mind that the deals that are running now may eventually evaporate.

I like it because it provides me a vacation on my terms. If I want to have a lazy morning and not leave the room until 10am it is no problem because I have everything I need. I hate the idea of eating 3 meals a day at a restaurant. No. I despise it. It may sound silly but I love going back to the room in the middle of the day and fixing myself a sammich. If I have more than one heavy meal in a day it makes me feel bad.

 

[ppony]

You are actually in a perfect position to buy DVC because you can buy less and still have a great vacation. In any year you can bank all of your points so that they will be safe and available the next year. So if you buy 130 points you can have a 260 point vacation every other year. If you buy resale you might be able to get even less points but still have an excellent time.

The main advantage is the accomodations. Personally I have a hard time living out of a hotel room for more than 5 days but with a condo you can stay for as long as you can afford because it really is like having a second home.

Right now they are running tons of Disney vacation deals and even though I have not done the math I am sure at this moment it will seem like it will take much longer for the DVC to pay for itself. But keep in mind that is still based on a hotel room not a condo. Also keep in mind that the deals that are running now may eventually evaporate.

I like it because it provides me a vacation on my terms. If I want to have a lazy morning and not leave the room until 10am it is no problem because I have everything I need. I hate the idea of eating 3 meals a day at a restaurant. No. I despise it. It may sound silly but I love going back to the room in the middle of the day and fixing myself a sammich. If I have more than one heavy meal in a day it makes me feel bad.

THANKS!!!! I think I'm going to do some covert investigating (with fellow DISers help ) before I pass anything to DH. He's a great man but the whole idea scares him because he doesn't understand either, so I need to be prepared before I try my OWN spiel on him

And SORRY GUYS! I posted in the wrong forum, I sent a PM to a mod to move it to the right one. See? Told ja I wasn't all there.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

DVC lets you stay Deluxe for moderate prices.

Since you are an artist and love to stay in Deluxes, I wouldn't worry about whether its a good deal or not, as some things don't have a price tag. You sound like you are more concerned about the visual and atmosphere vs how much its cost. How does staying in a deluxe vs a moderate make you feel? Do you like both equally, or do you like staying at the deluxes more, due to the balconies, closeness to the parks, choice of restaurants etc.

For example, if you were going to the east coast for a vacation and absolutely loved the beach and wanted to stay at a beach side resort, would it matter what it cost (within reason) vs. getting a hotel inland. The whole BEACH/OCEAN atmosphere would be non-existant (sp?)with a hotel inland. Why pay the money to stay there vs an ocean view resort. Yes, you could enjoy the beach during the day, but wouldn't it be nicer to not have to drive to go to and from the beach but just to walk out your door and be there? Is the inland resort really a bargain?

That is what you need to decide.

I bought into the BW (while they were selling SSR at a $15 discount) just so I could be within walking distance to Epcot and DHS. I find being at the BW is so worth it because I find being right there in the middle of the action or within a 5 -15 minute walk is priceless. However, I also get to stay in a 1 bedroom, with a full kitchen (saves money on breakfast & lunch), w/d and a king size bed!!!! YEAH!!!! To me, that is priceless.

To solve the "every year" problem, just buy enough points to stay in a 1 bedroom every other year. We started with just 150 points, paid that off, then bought 30 more, paid that off and held off because the BLT was "hopefully coming" and when they turned out to be true we bought 160 more points. If you need 300 points to stay for a week, just buy 150 and borrow and bank your points.

Once DVC is paid for, it really doesn't matter what it actually cost you to purchase as the accomodations are just fantastic. You see I'm a very frugal person and know where I spend every penny, so I would not be staying deluxe much unless I got a great deal. But with DVC it is affordable every year (once the intial purchase is paid off) and the experience of staying in a 1 bedroom (when we used to do values)and being so close to the parks is just priceless to us and adds so much magic to our vacations.

Dvc has held its value so if you do decide to buy and absolutely hate it, you can always sell.

Just determine what is important to you in a resort and see if DVC can offer it and don't worry about whether its a good deal. GOOD LUCK!

 

[ppony]

I hate the idea of eating 3 meals a day at a restaurant. No. I despise it. It may sound silly but I love going back to the room in the middle of the day and fixing myself a sammich. If I have more than one heavy meal in a day it makes me feel bad.

OH yeah and this part:
Our last trip we stayed for almost 2 weeks. By day 11, I had had ENOUGH of eating out and spending over $100 on a meal I just plain didn't care for. I like lots of WDW restuarants, but after a few weeks, it's just OLD.

 

[ppony]

DVC lets you stay Deluxe for moderate prices.

Since you are an artist and love to stay in Deluxes, I wouldn't worry about whether its a good deal or not, as some things don't have a price tag. You sound like you are more concerned about the visual and atmosphere vs how much its cost. How does staying in a deluxe vs a moderate make you feel? Do you like both equally, or do you like staying at the deluxes more, due to the balconies, closeness to the parks, choice of restaurants etc.

For example, if you were going to the east coast for a vacation and absolutely loved the beach and wanted to stay at a beach side resort, would it matter what it cost (within reason) vs. getting a hotel inland. The whole BEACH/OCEAN atmosphere would be non-existant (sp?)with a hotel inland. Why pay the money to stay there vs an ocean view resort. Yes, you could enjoy the beach during the day, but wouldn't it be nicer to not have to drive to go to and from the beach but just to walk out your door and be there? Is the inland resort really a bargain?

That is what you need to decide.

I bought into the BW (while they were selling SSR at a $15 discount) just so I could be within walking distance to Epcot and DHS. I find being at the BW is so worth it because I find being right there in the middle of the action or within a 5 -15 minute walk is priceless. However, I also get to stay in a 1 bedroom, with a full kitchen (saves money on breakfast & lunch), w/d and a king size bed!!!! YEAH!!!! To me, that is priceless.

To solve the "every year" problem, just buy enough points to stay in a 1 bedroom every other year. We started with just 150 points, paid that off, then bought 30 more, paid that off and held off because the BLT was "hopefully coming" and when they turned out to be true we bought 160 more points. If you need 300 points to stay for a week, just buy 150 and borrow and bank your points.

Once DVC is paid for, it really doesn't matter what it actually cost you to purchase as the accomodations are just fantastic. You see I'm a very frugal person and know where I spend every penny, so I would not be staying deluxe much unless I got a great deal. But with DVC it is affordable every year (once the intial purchase is paid off) and the experience of staying in a 1 bedroom (when we used to do values)and being so close to the parks is just priceless to us and adds so much magic to our vacations.

Dvc has held its value so if you do decide to buy and absolutely hate it, you can always sell.

Just determine what is important to you in a resort and see if DVC can offer it and don't worry about whether its a good deal. GOOD LUCK!

EXCELLENT EXCELLENT. These are things I needed.

AHH, so if we only plan on going everynother year, then buying teh ponts to do that is an AWESOME idea and then buy more when we can. Good.

And you got me pegged! Atmosphere is everything to me, and thankfully to DH. We always like a deluxe more than a mod. the mod is just a way to bridge the financial gap for the length of stay. I would do everything possible to do that stay ON the beach as opposed to inland. I cannot stand compromise and just won't do something if I have to compromise too much.

DISers rock! Thank you SO much for taking the time to help.
DH and I had been talking about moving up and buying a bigger house next year BUT, honestly, I'm not jazzed about the idea of another 30 year mortgage (we're half way through the one we're in now) at 40 and enjoying our lives sounds SO much more appealing. Our house is fine. Not great, but fine.

 

[rowbear]

OH yeah and this part:
Our last trip we stayed for almost 2 weeks. By day 11, I had had ENOUGH of eating out and spending over $100 on a meal I just plain didn't care for. I like lots of WDW restuarants, but after a few weeks, it's just OLD.

Yeah and who wants to be surrounded by parents trying to get their kids to behave 3 meals a day? If you made a drinking game of taking a drink every time you heard a parent threaten not to let a child go swimming or to a park during a meal you would die of alcohol poisoning. Sometimes a sammich in the room feels like eating like royalty just because you can have some peace and quiet.

 

[ppony]

And when all else fails, click on a sponsor's ad! That has helped too.
DUH moment

 

[disneynutz]

Looking at it from a financial perspective, buying a DVC Membership makes sense if doing so saves you money compared to not being a Member. If you love Disney so much that you regularly visit WDW and you love to stay in the deluxe resorts then you can save money.

If you only go once in a while and you love to vacation at other places then I would pass.

Once you buy, you have to go, or rent your points every two years or you lose them. You have to spend money on park admission, travel, and food. It can really add up. For some it's just another expense, for others, it's an expense indulgence.

 

[ppony]

Looking at it from a financial perspective, buying a DVC Membership makes sense if doing so saves you money compared to not being a Member. If you love Disney so much that you regularly visit WDW and you love to stay in the deluxe resorts then you can save money.

If you only go once in a while and you love to vacation at other places then I would pass.

Once you buy, you have to go, or rent your points every two years or you lose them. You have to spend money on park admission, travel, and food. It can really add up. For some it's just another expense, for others, it's an expense indulgence.

All good points! No pun intended.

I think we would go even more if we had a place to go and incentive to be able to go. So if we could finance the deal, then we'd be good. We just don't vacation anywhere else. We talk about it but never seem to be able to tear ourselves away from the mouse. I was telling DH that Hawaii might be nice in 2012 for our 20 year anniversary, but something tells me that we'll like our 1st cruise this fall that that won't happen either.

Good shtuff to think of guys! It's starting to gel. I'm working up a list of questions to ask a generous DISer that offered to let me call.

 

[bobbiwoz]

There's also the idea that you buy to go every 3 years, using points that have been banked and borrowed for one trip every 3 years. You do have to go in the year that the points have been banked into, because you can only bank those points once. If you have a history of going at least every other year, DVC may be for you, and so, keep asking questions.

If you think you will cook then you should look at the points for a 1 bedroom. At AKV which you say you like, you can sleep 5 people and there are 2 full bathrooms, and the master baths in Kidani are huge and very attractive.

They do sell DVC on DCL, and it would be wise to know what you think you want before hand, how much the points cost direct from Disney and they do offer discounts on board above what you would pay if you bought at WDW.

Good luck as you try to figure these things out.

Bobbi

 

[ppony]

There's also the idea that you buy to go every 3 years, using points that have been banked and borrowed for one trip every 3 years. You do have to go in the year that the points have been banked into, because you can only bank those points once. If you have a history of going at least every other year, DVC may be for you, and so, keep asking questions.

If you think you will cook then you should look at the points for a 1 bedroom. At AKV which you say you like, you can sleep 5 people and there are 2 full bathrooms, and the master baths in Kidani are huge and very attractive.

They do sell DVC on DCL, and it would be wise to know what you think you want before hand, how much the points cost direct from Disney and they do offer discounts on board above what you would pay if you bought at WDW.

Good luck as you try to figure these things out.

Bobbi

Oh my GOSH you guys! (Yes, I'm almost 40 and I said that ) SO many options and options that make things even MORE affordable and make sense. The "sell" to hubby might not be as difficult as I thought. I'm positively vibrating!
I've got 4 months to the cruise, so plenty of time to figure stuff out with your guys' help! OOOOO I'm finally starting to "get it!" Miracle of miracles!

 

[arthur06]

Looking at your signature, it looks like you travel every 2-4 years! And judging by where you stay, I would say that enough points for an every 2-3 year vacation would be a good purchase. One thing you need to know, is how to use your membership. Make sure you familiarize yourself with banking, borrowing, UY, and all other aspects...you don't have to be an expert, but just a core understanding makes a huge difference!

 

[ppony]

Looking at your signature, it looks like you travel every 2-4 years! And judging by where you stay, I would say that enough points for an every 2-3 year vacation would be a good purchase. One thing you need to know, is how to use your membership. Make sure you familiarize yourself with banking, borrowing, UY, and all other aspects...you don't have to be an expert, but just a core understanding makes a huge difference!

I'm glad you looked there. Yep. The 4 year stretch won't happen again if I can help it! That was when we had our first child and ....ugh! Now we have our second and I'm ready to roll! Thanks to you guys and the private messages, I am finally getting a grip. NOW I get hat you mean by banking and borrowing. Getting a little grip on the core is what I needed. I was just spinning my wheels.
It's looking like it really IS a good idea. Where's that money tree. Who's got it?!?! Fess up.

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

ppony,

If you want to tell me what your typical vacation is like... how many days in a deluxe and how many days in a moderate. Also, how often do you go? Once every two years, etc?

Let me know and I can put together a math analysis for you on the numbers.

 

[ppony]

ppony,

If you want to tell me what your typical vacation is like... how many days in a deluxe and how many days in a moderate. Also, how often do you go? Once every two years, etc?

Let me know and I can put together a math analysis for you on the numbers.

I'll PM you! Far be it from ME to keep a numbers man from crunching when he so willingly wants to! THANK YOU!!!!

 

[toniosmom]

Where's that money tree. Who's got it?!?! Fess up.

If you find that money tree, please save a branch for me!!!

I am in the same boat with you -- I'd love to go to WDW every year, but I have the airfare to consider. While my son is young, it is my hope that we will go every year, but I can imagine that as he gets older, we may skip a year here and there. The fact that we can bank and borrow points (in essence, using 3 years worth of points for one trip) was a major factor for me in taking the plunge.

Only you know whether or not you can afford to finance this. In this economic climate, I was a bit reluctant myself, but am comfortable with my decision. In the end, I think it was a sound investment in my family. We have already begun creating precious memories....and those are PRICELESS.

All the best to you....

 

[Gina35]

Sorry I can't offer to help with the #s, but I just want to share my family's story. We bought into DVC when we were about the same age as you. We have 3 children, and the youngest was about 8 (he's now 20). My 2 DDs are in their 20s as well (25 and 28). We bought 175 points, so that every other year we could stay in a 2 br for a full week. Believe it or not, we have basically done that....every other year....and continue to do that to this day. Once we went 2 years in a row, but the rest of the time we've only done every other yr b/c of the airfare, etc. I cannot express to you how much DVC means to us. The best thing about it is that we "have" a vacation waiting for us to plan every 2 years. Since the points are there, we DO it....if it were up to us to do on our own, I could see us coming up with a million other things that we need the $$ for. Although my kids are now grown, they still continue to come with us each time we go. All throughout teenage years, etc., they've come...and loved it! They feel that they've kind of grown up with Disney. Now my oldest DD has a beautiful little girl, and this year we get to take her on her 1st Disney trip. It's SO much fun to enjoy the vacation all together, in one large suite. Although it wasn't easy for us to afford (and sometimes is still difficult to come up with the $ for the airfare & DP, etc.), we wouldn't change it for the world. My DH totally agrees. I hope you'll seriously consider DVC. Your family memories are worth every penny!!! Best of luck.

 

[ppony]

AHH. you guys are touching my heart. I've got goosebumps. Memories are exactly what is most important to us. I know it sounds morbid to say but I just have the feeling that I'm not meant to live a very long life as most of us expect it. I try not to talk about it because it's just a feeling I have. And when we see thing like what just happened at WDW, it really makes you think about what is important to you. My family is and every moment I can spend enjoying what life has to offer us. For us, there is no better vaction than WDW. NEver has been and I just can't see that there ever will be either. Doing without other things like the daily Starbucks , eating out half of the week because we're too lazy to cook, and gosh knows what other things we just toss money at. I'd really rather see the $ go to something tangible and invested in our futures.

I LOVE your input and stories. Believe me, I'll be having DH read this thread. He's a softy too. I think you guys may have helped more than you know.

 

[ppony]

wait for it.....







DH says he's "open to the idea"!!!!! "I think I'm ready."

A year ago it was "Don't even think about it."


THANKS GUYS! Each one of you helped! Well, we're not there YET, but closer!