Considering DVC, but I don't see how it's beneficial...

[BigAforJ]

So, we are a family of 4 and take a WDW vacation about once/year (we just booked our 4th trip in as many years). I'm new to most things Disney (including DIS) but have looked at the DVC numbers over and over again, and I don't see how spending over $20,000 is in my favor. Am I correct in assuming it only covers your resort stay and not flights, dining, or park tickets? And only discounts on a few of those things? These are the things that really seem to consume the Disney budget anyway right? We usually stay about a week and have never spent more than $1500 on a hotel room for that length of time. Sometimes we even get it free using Starwood points at Disney's Swan/Dolphin. So it would take over 13 years for it to pay off for us at that price point, not including annual dues - which are nearly as much as we pay for our resort. So, all things considered, I like the idea of joining DVC but I don't really see how it's a great deal. Can someone please break it down for me in easy-to-understand terms? What are the real benefits?

 

[DisK]

You are correct, it doesn't include flights, tickets, food, or anything else. If you don't usually go to Disney and stay in Deluxe accommodations, DVC will not save you any money. To elaborate slightly, with DVC you're paying for future accommodations at today's prices. The break even point is usually 8-10 years down the road.

 

[DVCcurious]

If you buy direct from Disney then, no, it's not a great deal. If you buy resale then, yes, it can be a great deal.

But it's only got the potential to be a great deal if you always stay Deluxe. If you stay at Moderates then it wouldn't pay off for you. You mention never spending more than $1500 for a week. In that case DVC probably wouldn't save you money.

As an example suppose you need 150 points for a week trip when you usually go. Let's suppose you buy at Boardwalk using resale. Your cost would be $12,000 ($80 X 150) plus $900 per year in dues ($6 X150). Since you never spend more than $1500 this purchase would only save you $600 per trip ($1500 usual cost - $900 in dues). With $12,000 up front it would take you 20 years to break even (12,000/$600 savings = 20 years). So in your case it probably doesn't make sense to buy into DVC.

 

[JimMIA]

At today's prices buying direct from Disney, I can't make an honest, sensible argument for DVC.

If you buy resale, the picture changes somewhat, depending on what you buy. But you'd have to research resale and see how those numbers work for you. There are some minor restrictions on resale points, but those restricted options are pretty value-challenged uses of your points on their best day.

The biggest positive for us -- family of 3 -- was the much greater space. We stayed almost exclusively in one bedrooms, and having the space, washer & dryer, full kitchen, etc was a major benefit.

There are several other options. One that I would suggest before you actually buy is to rent a reservation from a DVC owner. That will give you an opportunity to experience the difference firsthand, and probably for no more than you would pay for a hotel room.

Another option is offsite. There are too many offsite options to mention, but the most popular are renting either a vacation home (often with its own pool) or renting an offsite timeshare like Sheraton Vistana or Wyndham Bonnet Creek from owners. You would probably be most comfortable in a two bedroom, and you can usually get those for under $1,000 for seven nights.

There's a LOT to research, so take your time and do your homework. Good luck.

 

[suebeelin]

If you only spend $1500/wk (or $200/day), then it won't make sense to have dvc.

We wanted to be on property. We want to either monorail or walk to the resorts. The resort we wanted was appx $350-500/night. We get to stay in a 1bd instead of a small hotel room.

Swan/dolphin is a great alternative. They are about $250-300/night.

It just depends on what you're looking for.

That being said, if we resell our dvc now we would make a profit and only be out the maintenance fees (400 points at $2200/year-- that gives us 2 wks in a 2bd during low season, or 30 days in a studio... Lol)

Good luck!

 

[BigAforJ]

Ok! Good points! I like the idea to rent a reservation from a DVC owner. That might make more sense for us for now. But just to clarify, we ALWAYS stay onsite for the perks and always find a way around rack rates, either with a seasonal discount or Starwood points. I'm a bargain hunter who is intent on an onsite WDW yearly vacation so finding a way for DVC to pay off for us is crucial to us joining. Thanks for the info! Keep it coming!

 

[Deb & Bill]

One more thing. If you get free dining or reduced rates or tickets included in your deals, you won't get any of those with DVC. Bargain hunting and DVC don't usually go together.

 

[gojoe]

It worked for us in a big way. We always stayed at a value resort, our girls were young and the small rooms were tight but OK. We always were commandos, out the door for rope drop at extra magic hour parks then back to the resort for afternoon pool time the back to the park with late extra magic hours. Our girls were getting bigger heading for the teenage year. We knew we would have to get 2 rooms. Well long long story short when I looked at room cost (not factoring in price increase yearly). We purchased a resale contract at Boardwalk We had the cash so I didn't have to factor in any finance cost.

Here is what I didn't factor in. More good meals in our villa. This gave us more time in the parks and less time spent on food. The perks change often so we never figured the savings but there are some nice dining, tours and recreational discount we always take advantage of. Another thing we were now staying at a luxury resort compared to a value. I know a room is a room when you go commando but after several years you no longer spend all your time in the park.

At today's prices buying direct from Disney, I can't make an honest, sensible argument for DVC.

If you buy resale, the picture changes somewhat, depending on what you buy. But you'd have to research resale and see how those numbers work for you. There are some minor restrictions on resale points, but those restricted options are pretty value-challenged uses of your points on their best day.

The biggest positive for us -- family of 3 -- was the much greater space. We stayed almost exclusively in one bedrooms, and having the space, washer & dryer, full kitchen, etc was a major benefit.

There are several other options. One that I would suggest before you actually buy is to rent a reservation from a DVC owner. That will give you an opportunity to experience the difference firsthand, and probably for no more than you would pay for a hotel room.

Another option is offsite. There are too many offsite options to mention, but the most popular are renting either a vacation home (often with its own pool) or renting an offsite timeshare like Sheraton Vistana or Wyndham Bonnet Creek from owners. You would probably be most comfortable in a two bedroom, and you can usually get those for under $1,000 for seven nights.

There's a LOT to research, so take your time and do your homework. Good luck.

 

[JimMIA]

But just to clarify, we ALWAYS stay onsite for the perks...who is intent on an onsite WDW yearly vacation...

Hmmm...

Having stayed at the Swan/Dolphin for professional conferences, I consider it a very nice business hotel. I don't really think of it as a "Disney thing" at all, although they do have some of the perks of an onsite Disney stay. I know they have bus service, and I assume they have access to EMH. But they sure DON'T have the theming of a Disney hotel or DVC resort!

First, I think you need to reconsider "perks." Certain "perks" come with any onsite stay at a Disney resort, whether you own DVC or you're staying two nights at All-Stars. There are additional "perks" with DVC, but NONE of those are guaranteed and could go away with a swipe of the Mouse's pen with no notice to anyone. So, I'd strongly advise you not to even consider any current DVC "perks" in your purchase decision.

The real differences, to me, between DVC ownership and cash reservations are as follows:

• Timeshare ownership, with DVC, is a 30-50 year financial commitment.
• There are also "little details" about when and where you can make a reservation, how and when you can cancel a reservation, and a host of other aspects of the timeshare ownership that are VERY different from making a simple cash reservation at a hotel.
• A DVC timeshare gives you apartment-like accommodations instead of a hotel room (to me, using DVC or any other timeshare for studios is a total waste of money). See space, kitchen, etc above.

To me, if whatever benefits to your family would accrue are not obvious, you really should not be searching for them.

 

[disneynutz]

For Disney it's all about the numbers, for DVC buyers it should also be about the numbers and the value that you place on the DVC resorts, rooms, and locations.

The real downside IMO is that Disney knows that they have a committed customer and little reason to provide exceptional service. There isn't any reason that I can think of where using the DVC website that we pay for should be a constant challenge.

Bill

 

[illinidp]

So, we are a family of 4 and take a WDW vacation about once/year (we just booked our 4th trip in as many years). I'm new to most things Disney (including DIS) but have looked at the DVC numbers over and over again, and I don't see how spending over $20,000 is in my favor. Am I correct in assuming it only covers your resort stay and not flights, dining, or park tickets? And only discounts on a few of those things? These are the things that really seem to consume the Disney budget anyway right? We usually stay about a week and have never spent more than $1500 on a hotel room for that length of time. Sometimes we even get it free using Starwood points at Disney's Swan/Dolphin. So it would take over 13 years for it to pay off for us at that price point, not including annual dues - which are nearly as much as we pay for our resort. So, all things considered, I like the idea of joining DVC but I don't really see how it's a great deal. Can someone please break it down for me in easy-to-understand terms? What are the real benefits?

The real value to this point is that the cost per point has always gone up regularly. If you have paid cash for a contract close to the 50 year issue you have been able to sell it after 20-30 years for a small profit, including interest and maintenance fees. Plus you have had lodging for 20+ vacations in deluxe villas for "free". We usually travel with a group of 8 and stay in 2BR villas and those units go for $1000-$3000 per night. There is no way be would be able to stay in these resorts is we weren't in the DVC, so there is an additional "value" to us just to be able to stay in these locations. This doesn't even include occasionally renting out your points.

 

[djohn06]

Right now I can stay at BWV or AKV in a studio for about $75 a night. Many of my resorts I can sell and profit about 20 to 25 percent of my initial cost and that is taking into consideration all closing fees.

While, you never know what your exit price is, one thing that is a given is, if you go to Disney at least once every other year and are spending over $210 per night on a hotel room, a DVC resort should be in your plans. AKV, BWV, SSR or OKW specifically are the resort to consider. Plus, there are many perks to being at these resorts vs others.

Another factor to consider too is that many sell half their points for double their yearly Maint fees and thus, are only on the hook for their initial cost.

 

[dsnydaddy]

So, we are a family of 4 and take a WDW vacation about once/year (we just booked our 4th trip in as many years). I'm new to most things Disney (including DIS) but have looked at the DVC numbers over and over again, and I don't see how spending over $20,000 is in my favor. Am I correct in assuming it only covers your resort stay and not flights, dining, or park tickets? And only discounts on a few of those things? These are the things that really seem to consume the Disney budget anyway right? We usually stay about a week and have never spent more than $1500 on a hotel room for that length of time. Sometimes we even get it free using Starwood points at Disney's Swan/Dolphin. So it would take over 13 years for it to pay off for us at that price point, not including annual dues - which are nearly as much as we pay for our resort. So, all things considered, I like the idea of joining DVC but I don't really see how it's a great deal. Can someone please break it down for me in easy-to-understand terms? What are the real benefits?

I was in a very similar state of mind as you are about two years ago. I crunched the numbers dozens of times and it really didn't add up to me. When we went to WDW we stayed at a moderate resort and the cost of DVC was at best a break even proposition for us. Then two things happened:

1. My kids grew up and the two of them sharing a bed is becoming more difficult with each passing year.
2. We went to Hawaii and stayed at the Marriott Ko Onlina and the Disney Aulani. Having the extra room was HUGE! Plus the Kitchen saved us a bundle on not eating out and we were hooked on rooms like these.

I went back home and re-calculated based upon what we would spend staying in a better room compared to DVC and guess what. Still didn't add up. However, when I started looking at resale it all came into focus. Much cheaper buy in. And the Maintenence fees are far less than what I would spend on a comparable room.

Benefits:

1. Getting more than a hotel room and as a result we have a bed for each of the kids. And a kitchen to make our own cheaper meals.
2. I have a place to stay when I go to Florida (which is far more often that I every thought I would)
3. Right now, it's easy to trade into the Aulani.
4. Once in a while Disney does throw DVC owners a bone with discounted tickets or the such.
5. It's not usually discussed on the boards (and probably because any sort of timeshare can tank at anytime and become worthless) but DVC does actually hold value. I know people who sell their timeshares for pennies on the dollar just to get out from under them. DVC is different. One friend of mine bought into VGC when it was first released at it's opening price. His contract is now worth far more than he paid for it. It's not a guarantee and shouldn't be counted on, but DVC historically holds is value and in some rare cases appreciates. If I were to sell my contract right now, I'd stand to make $12-14 per point. Easily the reverse could be true, but with DVC I feel that I have some expectation that I will be able to recoup some of my initial investment should I decide to sell.
6. I looked into other timeshares and frankly came away wanting. Oh sure some were beautiful and in places that I would love to vacation in. But DVC's simplicity is attractive. (yes, I know there are confusing things about DVC such as Use Year, but just try to wade though the complicate mess that other timeshares maintain.) With an added bonus of websites like this one where owners can compare notes, talk, teach and learn. No one else can boast a fan base that tracks and disseminates information like the DIS.

Cons:

1. It can feel like you are tied to a Disney Vacation. (in reality you are not. You can rent your points out and use the cash any way that you want.
2. You could probably buy into a different timeshare via resale for less than Disney with cheaper MF's.
3. You cannot take advantage of Disney promotions such as Free Dining. (you can, however, rent out your points and stay wherever you want and get the promotion)
4. I think that we will miss POR.

 

[crisi]

DVC fits a specific type of traveler - and my bet is that MOST DVC members don't save money - they get more value but end up spending more. Jim's example of staying in a one bedroom for instance - that won't save you money, it might make your vacations much more pleasant.

Rent points if you are really interested. Spend some time reading here. People here tend to really like their DVC - this forum tends to collect the specific type of traveler DVC works for - or at least worked for in the past (Jim doesn't use his much anymore. I've rented my points for the last few years - but it worked well for us for a long time).

 

[soma151]

Time share is the worst investment you can every make, i built them for 27 years in Mexico and Belize. That being said Disney time share is the best of all time share out there. At least you can resale them? Most time share you are stuck for life and your grandkids life.

 

[coastalhh]

I like one bedrooms and such but I do not agree that studios is a waste. We bought to save money in the place we like to stay. Animal Kingdom Lodge. We now pay 90 to 120 a night in annual fees so we will get our (resale) price back in 7 to 10 years and then consider it a break on the rooms from 10 years on.

We go multiple times a year, Drive in 4 to 5 hours and have annual passes. So for us it made sense

We have stayed in Values, Moderates and Deluxe, We wanted the Deluxe but couldn't justify spending that on most trips until we bought in. Now we pay our value prices but get to stay where we want. Is that worth it for many people? No Was it worth it for us, YES.

We also pay cash for our points so we have no interest cost

Anyway- back to the "its only worth it if you do 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom" talk.

Before DVC we were staying in regular hotel rooms. We can get by in studios now as well. If we start getting into 1 and 2 bedrooms the annual fee cost per night is double for 1 bedroom and triple for 2 bedrooms

This Thursday if you were a AKV owner a Savannah view room would cost you 119 for studio, 240 for 1 bedroom and 315 for 2 bedroom. If I wanted a condo experience for 315 I would rent basically anywhere off site for a larger room.

Also I have no desire to pay for others vacation room. The best piece of advice I got when I bought and was deciding if I needed enough points for a 2 bedroom to bring guests was "You dont pay for other peoples vacation now, why would you start just because you own DVC?"

 

[jodifla]

I like one bedrooms and such but I do not agree that studios is a waste. We bought to save money in the place we like to stay. Animal Kingdom Lodge. We now pay 90 to 120 a night in annual fees so we will get our (resale) price back in 7 to 10 years and then consider it a break on the rooms from 10 years on.

We go multiple times a year, Drive in 4 to 5 hours and have annual passes. So for us it made sense

We have stayed in Values, Moderates and Deluxe, We wanted the Deluxe but couldn't justify spending that on most trips until we bought in. Now we pay our value prices but get to stay where we want. Is that worth it for many people? No Was it worth it for us, YES.

We also pay cash for our points so we have no interest cost

Anyway- back to the "its only worth it if you do 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom" talk.

Before DVC we were staying in regular hotel rooms. We can get by in studios now as well. If we start getting into 1 and 2 bedrooms the annual fee cost per night is double for 1 bedroom and triple for 2 bedrooms

This Thursday if you were a AKV owner a Savannah view room would cost you 119 for studio, 240 for 1 bedroom and 315 for 2 bedroom. If I wanted a condo experience for 315 I would rent basically anywhere off site for a larger room.

Also I have no desire to pay for others vacation room. The best piece of advice I got when I bought and was deciding if I needed enough points for a 2 bedroom to bring guests was "You dont pay for other peoples vacation now, why would you start just because you own DVC?"

Maybe you have the wrong set of friends. We take guests all the time. It increases our fun and our child's fun exponentially.

 

[coastalhh]

Maybe you have the wrong set of friends. We take guests all the time. It increases our fun and our child's fun exponentially.

Its not wrong to have a different perspective on things. We go with friends also but they pay for their own rooms. I dont feel the need to provide them a room

 

[kbender23]

A few things. First, your questions is VERY valid. Its a conversation I have had several times. My conclusion is this.
1. Booking is easy. I have so many points and now I just figure where to use them. No time looking at the special offers or off Disney travel sites to get the best deals. It's easy. Like the dining plan. I know I DO NOT save money on the dining plan. It probably actually costs me a little more actually to have it, but its so easy. I don't have to worry about prices or taking out my credit card to pay each meal. Its paid for already and that is easy. With DVC you are basically prepaying for all your trips.
2. We are banking on the fact that Disney will increase room rates. Only DVC members are hoping that rooms at deluxe resorts go up and up in price every year. Cause 20 years from now when a standard room at Animal Kingdom Lodge is over $600 a night, we will still be paying the same point value that we are today (give or take a few points from moving around their schedule). So is DVC worth it now? Probably not. Will it be worth it 20 years from now? I would guess yes since Disney raises prices almost annually.
3. Hard to explain this one but I think most DVC owners would agree. There is something extra special about being a part of the DVC club. I can't explain it but you do sort of feel like VIP.

Hope that helps. I was on the fence for years, finally bought it and have since bought more points because I loved it so much.

 

[CarolynFH]

We've been DVC for over 17 years and for us it's been well worth it. Like you we were family of four and had come every year for four years. Had children who couldn't share a bed, and a single hotel room was becoming way too crowded. Also, hotel prices were increasing every year. We bought to have extra space and to pre-pay our accommodations. Kids are grown now so it's most often just DH and I, but we did get a GV last year and brought the whole family, and we're planning a trip with DD and DSonIL next year. DH and I are doing split stay AKL/BWV for 10 nights in a 1-BR this December, and it's costing us about $1800 in dues. Cash, even renting, would be far more than that.

On the other hand, without DVC would we have gone to WDW as often as we have? Maybe, maybe not; it's definitely our happy place now!