Should I Buy?

[Dean]

When we bought we never compared it to the cost of a hotel room we bought because it made staying in a 2 bedroom more affordable. Sating two to three weeks in a hotel room would for us be a nightmare but with a full kitchen we are not stuck with Disney Dining night in night out which is great for short trips but gets old quick on a 14-21 night trip. Also laundry facilities mean I can keep my kids clean without actually feeling like I am spending time doing laundry. I throw a load in as we walk out the door and throw it in the dryer as we come back to go to the pool. With DVC save me money heck no as we will now go more often but it will enhance our holidays so for us that is value for money. Even my ten year old prefers the resorts to the parks now and visiting parks is an afterthought

But you've got to have some type of reasonable comparison to see what value you're getting outside the system. Comparing DVC to itself (rack rates esp) doesn't give you a true idea of your cost or dollar value. Whether that's discounted Disney hotel rates (2 for a 2BR), renting DVC privately, or off property options (Timeshares, Condo's, hotels, suites) each has to decide. However, one can't simply say DVC's rack rates is X and thus I'm saving Y with DVC. Once you compare you know how much DVC saves or costs and then can start to judge the overall value. One's historic type of accommodations is usually the best basis for comparison.

 

[Missyrose]

One question... with the annual pass, do I pay the standard price or the Florida residents price?

There is a DVC annual pass that is less expensive than the usual annual pass. But DVC members do not qualify for Florida residents APs.

 

[Minniesgal]

But you've got to have some type of reasonable comparison to see what value you're getting outside the system. Comparing DVC to itself (rack rates esp) doesn't give you a true idea of your cost or dollar value. Whether that's discounted Disney hotel rates (2 for a 2BR), renting DVC privately, or off property options (Timeshares, Condo's, hotels, suites) each has to decide. However, one can't simply say DVC's rack rates is X and thus I'm saving Y with DVC. Once you compare you know how much DVC saves or costs and then can start to judge the overall value. One's historic type of accommodations is usually the best basis for comparison.

Except we could have continued to stay in 3 bed roomed condos offsite which we used to do and we would never have made the decision to buy in on that basis. However, our DVC stays are much better than the offsite stays we used to have so for us the value is not measured in cash but in increased enjoyment not so tangible bit valuable to us all the same. My point is we bough something we wanted as opposed to spending money now to spend less later. Holidays are a luxury we could have saved by doing so etching different but we didn't we spend some money to stay where we want to stay in the size of accommodation we want to stay in. My point is it isn't always about saving x against rack rate as we knew fro. The get go we could stay cheaper elsewhere in Orlando.

 

[Dean]

Except we could have continued to stay in 3 bed roomed condos offsite which we used to do and we would never have made the decision to buy in on that basis. However, our DVC stays are much better than the offsite stays we used to have so for us the value is not measured in cash but in increased enjoyment not so tangible bit valuable to us all the same. My point is we bough something we wanted as opposed to spending money now to spend less later. Holidays are a luxury we could have saved by doing so etching different but we didn't we spend some money to stay where we want to stay in the size of accommodation we want to stay in. My point is it isn't always about saving x against rack rate as we knew fro. The get go we could stay cheaper elsewhere in Orlando.

Then the 3 BR off site is your best basis for comparison. Then you compare what you're getting to your increased costs and make judgements on long term benefit AND risk. Historically my non DVC trips to Orlando (and most other places) have cost me between $300 & $400 per week including many exchanges into DVC (I also own). Going forward my costs will be a little more but maybe $600 to $650 per week. I know people that actually prefer off site.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There is a DVC annual pass that is less expensive than the usual annual pass. But DVC members do not qualify for Florida residents APs.

Make that there is currently a discount on the AP for DVC members. Perks and benefits change all the time. When we bought in, we got discounted Length of Stay tickets (maybe 10-25% off).

All I know is that we would never have gone 30+ times if we didn't own DVC. We would have vacationed elsewhere. So my "breakeven" point might not still have been met after 15+ years as a DVC member.

 

[Nabas]

Except we could have continued to stay in 3 bed roomed condos offsite which we used to do and we would never have made the decision to buy in on that basis. However, our DVC stays are much better than the offsite stays we used to have so for us the value is not measured in cash but in increased enjoyment not so tangible bit valuable to us all the same. My point is we bough something we wanted as opposed to spending money now to spend less later. Holidays are a luxury we could have saved by doing so etching different but we didn't we spend some money to stay where we want to stay in the size of accommodation we want to stay in. My point is it isn't always about saving x against rack rate as we knew fro. The get go we could stay cheaper elsewhere in Orlando.

I think I understand where you are coming from.

We are frequent WDW visitors and have tried numerous onsite and offsite options. Most recently, we were able to get 2-bedroom suites at Wyndham Bonnet Creek for $100/night. Given it's location, it's almost like staying onsite.

However, the operative word is "almost". After many years of looking for the cheapest nice option, we decided that we finally had done our fair share of penny-pinching and that, from this point forward, we always wanted to stay onsite in Deluxe Resorts.

With resale prices being what they were and plenty of excess cash just sitting in the bank, buying a few resales for cheap was a no-brainer for us.

Now when we track our savings, we look at what Disney is offering for Deluxe Resort discounts and use that as our baseline. Because we often visit during busier times of year when WDW is not offering any discounts and bought resale for really low, we managed to reach our break-even in only 3 years.

The best part is all our DVCs are now worth more than we paid for them!

I suggest you look at discount rates at WDW's Deluxe Resorts for the dates you are going and use that as your basis.

Let's face it, if guests used offsite accommodations to estimate their savings, then no one with any money sense would ever buy DVC.

The same is just about true for WDW's Value or (in some cases) Moderate Resort.

If you really want a DVC it's because you've reached the point where it's a WDW Deluxe Resort all the way and you are just looking for the cheapest way to do it.

 

[Dean]

Let's face it, if guests used offsite accommodations to estimate their savings, then no one with any money sense would ever buy DVC.

The same is just about true for WDW's Value or (in some cases) Moderate Resort.

If you really want a DVC it's because you've reached the point where it's a WDW Deluxe Resort all the way and you are just looking for the cheapest way to do it.

I don't think that's completely true. I think everyone should at least be aware of what they're paying extra for. Then they can decide if it's worth it or not. The problem many get into is they make assumptions or they only have budget hotels off property for comparison. There are a number of timeshares that are every bit as nice as the DVC resorts. Thus all you're really paying for in comparison is the on property location when WDW is the focus but you're also giving up other things, esp non Orlando options for many of them.

 

[crisi]

However, the operative word is "almost". After many years of looking for the cheapest nice option, we decided that we finally had done our fair share of penny-pinching and that, from this point forward, we always wanted to stay onsite in Deluxe Resorts.

When I feel similarly - that's when I fall on the side of dumping my DVC. I like the Deluxe resorts. I like the better furnishings, I like daily housekeeping. DVC, to me, is inferior to a Deluxe resort. Two things combine to work in DVCs favor - I still like to penny pinch, and I couldn't have the kids in another rooms and maintain my frugal sensibility.

 

[Minniesgal]

I think I understand where you are coming from. We are frequent WDW visitors and have tried numerous onsite and offsite options. Most recently, we were able to get 2-bedroom suites at Wyndham Bonnet Creek for $100/night. Given it's location, it's almost like staying onsite. However, the operative word is "almost". After many years of looking for the cheapest nice option, we decided that we finally had done our fair share of penny-pinching and that, from this point forward, we always wanted to stay onsite in Deluxe Resorts. With resale prices being what they were and plenty of excess cash just sitting in the bank, buying a few resales for cheap was a no-brainer for us. Now when we track our savings, we look at what Disney is offering for Deluxe Resort discounts and use that as our baseline. Because we often visit during busier times of year when WDW is not offering any discounts and bought resale for really low, we managed to reach our break-even in only 3 years. The best part is all our DVCs are now worth more than we paid for them! I suggest you look at discount rates at WDW's Deluxe Resorts for the dates you are going and use that as your basis. Let's face it, if guests used offsite accommodations to estimate their savings, then no one with any money sense would ever buy DVC. The same is just about true for WDW's Value or (in some cases) Moderate Resort. If you really want a DVC it's because you've reached the point where it's a WDW Deluxe Resort all the way and you are just looking for the cheapest way to do it.

Exactly that is what I was trying to say. DVC is where we want to stay and we want to stay in 2 bedrooms. I see no point in running a financial analysis comparing what I paid to staying offsite as I know offsite would win. What we did was an affordability analysis. We could afford to buy where we wanted to stay so we did. For us it wasn't about saving against a deluxe resort as with three kids we wouldn't stay at a deluxe resort if not in DVC we would've in the three bed roomed condo offsite. Sometimes it is just about buying where you want to stay and making it as affordable as possible.

 

[markmcalear]

After doing some research and reading many threads on here, I am leaning towards buying resale into BLT at around $100/pt

 

[Nabas]

When I feel similarly - that's when I fall on the side of dumping my DVC. I like the Deluxe resorts. I like the better furnishings, I like daily housekeeping. DVC, to me, is inferior to a Deluxe resort. Two things combine to work in DVCs favor - I still like to penny pinch, and I couldn't have the kids in another rooms and maintain my frugal sensibility.

Just to clarify my earlier post, I lump DVC in with WDW's Deluxe Resorts because most are linked to Deluxe Resorts and use the same common facilities.

We prefer DVC because we do not like daily Mousekeeping. Just don't like the idea of someone in the room or having to tip every day. And my teenage daughters tend to keep their bedroom a mess! DW and I don't even walk into that room when staying in a 2-bedroom villa.

I think I need to pay closer attention to the furnishings. BWV (for example) was looking a bit run down but I believe there are plans to redo the furnishings there in a couple of years.

AKV and VGF furnishings were gorgeous during our most recent stays.

 

[markmcalear]

Just to clarify my earlier post, I lump DVC in with WDW's Deluxe Resorts because most are linked to Deluxe Resorts and use the same common facilities.

We prefer DVC because we do not like daily Mousekeeping. Just don't like the idea of someone in the room or having to tip every day. And my teenage daughters tend to keep their bedroom a mess! DW and I don't even walk into that room when staying in a 2-bedroom villa.

I think I need to pay closer attention to the furnishings. BWV (for example) was looking a bit run down but I believe there are plans to redo the furnishings there in a couple of years.

AKV and VGF furnishings were gorgeous during our most recent stays.

Theres no house keeping at DVC? What about fresh towels daily?

 

[DisneyDiana]

You get trash and towel service on your fourth day and full cleaning on the eighth day if you are staying that long. After that the cycle repeats, fourth day trash and towel, etc. You
can pay extra for housekeeping if you'd like.

 

[browniemtb]

We own at multiple resorts so we can book a stay at multiple resorts at 11 months. We love split stays. So we would use the AKV points for AKV at 11 months and the VGF points at VGF at 11 months. In fact this is what we have. For us it means switching at 7 months is never essential unless we want to go to Aulani as we have all the variety of resorts we really want as home resorts.

I guess then it would be beneficial to have multiple contracts. With 4 kids, going from resort to resort during our stay would be a fiasco as well as taking time away from the parks while you prep to move or be moved.

 

[crisi]

Just to clarify my earlier post, I lump DVC in with WDW's Deluxe Resorts because most are linked to Deluxe Resorts and use the same common facilities.

We prefer DVC because we do not like daily Mousekeeping. Just don't like the idea of someone in the room or having to tip every day. And my teenage daughters tend to keep their bedroom a mess! DW and I don't even walk into that room when staying in a 2-bedroom villa.

I think I need to pay closer attention to the furnishings. BWV (for example) was looking a bit run down but I believe there are plans to redo the furnishings there in a couple of years.

AKV and VGF furnishings were gorgeous during our most recent stays.

Mattress seem to be better at the Deluxe resorts. Furnishings turn over more often, rooms are refreshed more often. I like daily housekeeping. BWV just had all their furnishings redone three years ago (maybe four now) so if they are looking a little worn down, its wear and tear or a design decision. I say this because if I were expecting a Deluxe resort and got DVC, I'd be really upset. Frankly, Disney Deluxe resorts aren't very good if you are a hotel snob (which I am) and DVC are at least one big step beneath them.

But DVC is a timeshare, not a hotel. For a timeshare, it is perfectly acceptable - just don't set people's expectations at Deluxe Hotel. It isn't.

Mark, if you want clean towels daily you either wash them or pay for them. Same with having your trash taken out, your room vaccuumed or your beds made. Most members prefer this. I don't, but I'm too cheap to pay for it.

 

[Brian Noble]

Most members prefer this. I don't, but I'm too cheap to pay for it.

And that's really the difference between a hotel and a timeshare.

In a timeshare, the owners collectively and directly pay for all operating costs. That means you refurbish, clean, etc. on a schedule that satisfies the "average" owner. Some owners will always want more frequent refurbishments, towel exchanges, cleaning services, and others think dues are already too high and could live with a little less. Housekeeping is already close to 20% of the dues at most resorts; capital reserves (used for future refurbishments) are around the same ballpark. Daily housekeeping or much more frequent refurbishment cycles would result in substantially higher dues, and change the value proposition of DVC noticeably.

Now, some Members would happily pay that. Others think they would happily pay it, but would probably balk if presented with the real costs.

 

[kenspidey]

And that's really the difference between a hotel and a timeshare. In a timeshare, the owners collectively and directly pay for all operating costs. That means you refurbish, clean, etc. on a schedule that satisfies the "average" owner. Some owners will always want more frequent refurbishments, towel exchanges, cleaning services, and others think dues are already too high and could live with a little less. Housekeeping is already close to 20% of the dues at most resorts; capital reserves (used for future refurbishments) are around the same ballpark. Daily housekeeping or much more frequent refurbishment cycles would result in substantially higher dues, and change the value proposition of DVC noticeably. Now, some Members would happily pay that. Others think they would happily pay it, but would probably balk if presented with the real costs.

I don't want it and don't want to pay for it. The way they have it set up now is great. If you want it pay for it.

 

[markmcalear]

I don't want it and don't want to pay for it. The way they have it set up now is great. If you want it pay for it.

I wouldnt be against paying for a spot of housekeeping, maybe every 2 or 3 days. How much do they charge?

 

[Dean]

I don't want it and don't want to pay for it. The way they have it set up now is great. If you want it pay for it.

We prefer not to have others in our room. However, on a larger scale, there are always decisions to be made about what gets paid for by the group out of dues and what is pay to play. Generally things that are considered necessary for a resort and that are difficult to track are paid for out of dues such as pools and exercise equipment. A good example is the valet parking. Previously it was free and included but the contract expired and it was going to have to be paid for full price. DVC decided (correctly so) to not pay for it and let those pay that wanted it.

I wouldnt be against paying for a spot of housekeeping, maybe every 2 or 3 days. How much do they charge?

For all of the above, additional Housekeeping Services may be purchased.

Additional Housekeeping Service Daily Rates:

Full Cleaning Service for Deluxe Studio - $30 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 1-Bedroom Villa - $45 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 2-Bedroom Villa - $60 per day requested
Full Cleaning Service for 3-Bedroom Grand Villa - $75 per day requested
Additional Trash & Towel Service Daily Rates:

Trash & Towel Service for Deluxe Studio - $15 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 1-Bedroom Villa - $20 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 2-Bedroom Villa - $25 per day requested
Trash & Towel service for 3-Bedroom Grand Villa - $35 per day requested
Pay As You Play

With Pay As You Play service, you'll be provided with the following amenities free of charge at the start of your stay. After that, you may purchase more amenities for the following fees (fees are subject to change):

Toiletries Package, $5 - 1 facial soap, 1 bath soap, 1 shampoo, 1 conditioner, 1 shower gel
Coffee Package, $3 - 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners
Towel Package, $6 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat
Laundry Detergent (only in 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom Vacation Homes), $1 - 1 box

 

[Msmithmd]

Theres no house keeping at DVC? What about fresh towels daily?

Mark,

This was one of the things that I hesitated about before buying DVC. And I have to say that I actually prefer it to a regular hotel this way.

It's like being at home and having a cleaning service come in once a week. You hang up your towel to dry, and vacuum up yourself if your kids spill cereal, but weekly a housekeeper comes and does the full clean. And they do give you fresh towels on "trash and towel day," so you can wash them daily in your villa if that's your thing, or hang to dry and have fresh towels after three uses if it isn't.

As a practical matter, this means you don't have to pick up all your and the kids things daily, for the cleaning service to come. It really is nice to have it this way. I figured when I purchased that I would be spending the extra for daily cleanings, and yet after a few stays I'm really glad that it is the way it is.

There are some legitimate disadvantages to DVC versus cash deluxe resorts. In the opinion of most DVC owners, the cleaning schedule isn't one of them.