Even if you buy DVC, you will still need to buy park tickets and pay for the dining plan. All DVC gets you is lodging, prepaid (at least some of it, you still pay annual member fees each year based on the number of points you own). If moderates or values are fine, you like free dining, DVC probably really isn't for you.
Exactly.
I'm not opposed to DVC. If I had $30K in disposable income I could spend, I'd probably join. There are just so many questions you need to ask yourself:
-Will you be financing? If so, DVC probably isn't a good idea.
-Are you absolutely certain you'll be going to WDW every year for the next 40 years?
-When do you typically go to WDW and how much more is it with points for your week of the year versus other times?
I think a huge part of the DVC decision is one based on personal beliefs. Most people think I'm nuts going to Disney every year and paying to stay in Deluxe resorts. That's all fine. But my personal belief is if I can afford it, I'll do it. From year to year. Buying into DVC to me is exactly what it is - Paying for your vacations for the next 40-50 years in advance. I just don't agree with that. There are too many variables in life. I like knowing that if I can't afford to go one year, I don't have dues to pay for. Sure, you can always rent the points out, but that's just something else to deal with.
Honestly, I've found renting points from DVC members to be the best way to go for me. I love the 1 bedroom villas, and if I can rent points at $12 per point (just did for 2014), then that's great. I'm saving a bunch of money off of what Disney would charge me, but there's no long term obligation.
Bottom line - There is no right or wrong answer. You shouldn't go into DVC thinking of it as an investment, because it most certainly isn't (unless you're in the real estate game). It's a lifestyle choice that you need to make and be comfortable with.
That being said, one word of caution I would always give - NEVER buy into DVC while on vacation in WDW. 95% of those buys are bought because you're wrapped up in the magic of WDW. Take the material home, study it, crunch the numbers, THEN decide.