What do you wish you would have considered

[Sammie]

Nothing actually. We waited many years and after staying at all Disney resorts before purchasing. We are very happy with our DVC and have no regrets. We don't seem to have the bad experiences others have.

 

[lovin'fl]

A few other points:
After our initial 200 point contract we added on several smaller contracts. I like having several smaller in that we can downsize as needed. I agree with the recent posts about plans change over time. When we first bought our kids were in year-round elementary and we figured we'd do trips every Sept and stay in 1BRs. Then we moved farther away from WDW and the kids were in traditional schedule school. So less trips were planned and we wished we could sell off some of our 200 points but can't break up a contract. But then the kids became teens and we needed 2BRs for our sanity...and our inlaws joined us many trips so we needed more points hence all the add-on contracts. But now we have one in college and two will be seniors this year, we foresee us going back to 1BRs since the kids likely won't all three be with us or even any of the three (for a few years anyway).

So if I were to start over with DVC today I would likely buy several smaller contracts... all with same UY (forgot to mention that we have 2 UY and it can be a pain). I'd buy resorts that we like to stay but are tough to book at 7 months...like BWV or BCV for F&W(we are ultimately happy with our BWV because they took out the jetted tubs and ceiling fans from BCV villas), VWL for Nov-Dec trips and we like our HHI for warm weather trips.

So this is what we have:
200 OKW, 50+50+25 HHI and 25+55 BWV in June and Aug UYs

And this is what I would rather have:
50+50+25 HHI, 25+55+45 BWV and 150 VWL all in Aug UY

 

[bwvBound]

What do you wish you would have considered ... before buying DVC?

While I had researched both DVC and other timeshare quite extensively before buying DVC, I do wish I would have considered ...

• Period of time between soft-good refresh and unit maintenance cycles. My other timeshare has a "like new, every time" model for unit maintenance. I sure wish I hadn't taken this model for granted when buying DVC.
• Disney's genera lack of regard for guest comfort and security.
• The large gap of disconnect between DVC members and DVC's board of directors. Best I can tell, DVC management and BOD wishes to never hear from us and has no ear for our comments, suggestions or concerns.
• That "member" simply means I'm a captive wallet.
• That DVC could make sweeping changes to unit configurations without any responsibility to the 'owner': removal of jetted tub; removal of ceiling fan; shift away from unique "theming" during refresh cycles; etc.

Basically, I'm feeling a string of little disappointments over 12+ years of ownership. Not any one thing is sufficient enough to cause me to sell (yet) ... but the changes add up over time.

 

[BillPA]

While I had researched both DVC and other timeshare quite extensively before buying DVC, I do wish I would have considered ...

• Period of time between soft-good refresh and unit maintenance cycles. My other timeshare has a "like new, every time" model for unit maintenance. I sure wish I hadn't taken this model for granted when buying DVC.
• Disney's genera lack of regard for guest comfort and security.
• The large gap of disconnect between DVC members and DVC's board of directors. Best I can tell, DVC management and BOD wishes to never hear from us and has no ear for our comments, suggestions or concerns.
• That "member" simply means I'm a captive wallet.
• That DVC could make sweeping changes to unit configurations without any responsibility to the 'owner': removal of jetted tub; removal of ceiling fan; shift away from unique "theming" during refresh cycles; etc.

Basically, I'm feeling a string of little disappointments over 12+ years of ownership. Not any one thing is sufficient enough to cause me to sell (yet) ... but the changes add up over time.

You nailed it. Good job.

 

[lovin'fl]

While I had researched both DVC and other timeshare quite extensively before buying DVC, I do wish I would have considered ...

• Period of time between soft-good refresh and unit maintenance cycles. My other timeshare has a "like new, every time" model for unit maintenance. I sure wish I hadn't taken this model for granted when buying DVC.
• Disney's genera lack of regard for guest comfort and security.
• The large gap of disconnect between DVC members and DVC's board of directors. Best I can tell, DVC management and BOD wishes to never hear from us and has no ear for our comments, suggestions or concerns.
• That "member" simply means I'm a captive wallet.
• That DVC could make sweeping changes to unit configurations without any responsibility to the 'owner': removal of jetted tub; removal of ceiling fan; shift away from unique "theming" during refresh cycles; etc.

Basically, I'm feeling a string of little disappointments over 12+ years of ownership. Not any one thing is sufficient enough to cause me to sell (yet) ... but the changes add up over time.

I am feeling some of this too... in my, now, 10 years of ownership. But I am still pretty happy when I can sell and actually make money (bought AKV for $66pp and sold 2 years later for $80pp)... no other timeshares can say that. But, yeah, I am bummed by the 'going vanilla' with all the renovations and removal of jetted tubs and ceiling fans PLUS the 'captive wallet' thing you mentioned. The DVC AP pricing increases really killed us (after those two great deals they offered we got used to an AP/ PAP). But we like the villa units and could never stomach to pay cash rates for those so... we're still glad to have DVC.

 

[Missyrose]

As far as points, I'm thinking 150-175 for now. At BWV that will get me a lot.

I would actually give yourself a bit of a cushion to go beyond standard view, just in case standard view isn't available when you book.

 

[bwvBound]

You nailed it. Good job.

Ah, but my DH disagrees. He said my last bullet was incomplete. Here is the revised version:

• That DVC could make sweeping changes to unit configurations without any responsibility to the 'owner': removal of jetted tub; removal of ceiling fan; shift away from unique "theming" during refresh cycles; removal of the DVD player (he replayed the awful antics of trying to request one; waiting for maintenance to come to install it; having to make a second call when the first one didn't work; etc -- lots of drama in his replay version!); removal of the alarm clocks. Stupid stuff, overall.).

 

[Mmw37]

(OP)
One of you nailed it, I think the biggest question for me right now is probably whether or not we should do it at all. We can afford it no problem both financially and in vacation time, but is it the best use of that time and money and will in still be in 10 or 15 years? I'm still leaning yes, but we do need to be sure and not get caught up in all the details until we are. Definitely going to keep reading and asking me questions! Our next visit is not unfortunately at a DVC property, we're going during marathon weekend and all that was available was SSR, so I booked a good rate at BCR through a TA. I have a lot to think about, thanks!'

 

[freediverdude]

One thing that I didn't really consider when buying was just how much time I would actually spend at the resort. We probably spend at least half our awake time now enjoying the resorts and all the amenities. So if there's a resort that's maybe a little more expensive, but you absolutely love it, it may be worth considering because you will be spending way more time there as a dvc member than you did prior to joining dvc.

I second this. DVC changes the way you vacation, and so things like the feel of the resort, the views from the rooms, the layouts of the rooms at each resort, etc. become a lot more important than when you were booking regular hotel rooms. You no longer have to get up early to be at rope drop with housekeeping knocking to get into the room anymore- the time is your own, and you can have a leisurely late morning breakfast on your balcony if you want. So I would take the atmosphere of the resort into consideration just as much as proximity to the parks, because it won't be all about the parks anymore.

 

[bakerworld]

Consider this: if you take the parks out of the equation will you still be happy? And which resort would you be happy spending a no parks vacation?

Example: We like the option of room service which takes OKW/SSR/HHI/VB off the table.

 

[Dean]

(OP)
One of you nailed it, I think the biggest question for me right now is probably whether or not we should do it at all. We can afford it no problem both financially and in vacation time, but is it the best use of that time and money and will in still be in 10 or 15 years? I'm still leaning yes, but we do need to be sure and not get caught up in all the details until we are. Definitely going to keep reading and asking me questions! Our next visit is not unfortunately at a DVC property, we're going during marathon weekend and all that was available was SSR, so I booked a good rate at BCR through a TA. I have a lot to think about, thanks!'

While I would consider 10-15 years down the road, I wouldn't let uncertainty at that time drive your decision. If you have sufficient Disney experience and it still makes sense the next 10 years or so, I'd likely proceed if you intend to keep going to Disney and staying on property is worth it to you to pay extra. But you're staying at Bonnet Creek so that will give you some reasonable comparison for non Disney timeshares. Wyndham will certainly do better overall if trying to cover both Disney and non Disney vacations using a single option as will several other timeshare systems and there is some economy of scale using one system in some cases though that's not true in most cases with DVC. Future uncertainty does magnify making good decisions now but I wouldn't let uncertainty give you cold feet given that you can afford it. At some point you just have to decide to walk away or give it a try. I will point out that there are in between options. Underbuying in terms of resort and points can give you the best of both worlds in many cases.

 

[mustinjourney]

(OP)
One of you nailed it, I think the biggest question for me right now is probably whether or not we should do it at all. We can afford it no problem both financially and in vacation time, but is it the best use of that time and money and will in still be in 10 or 15 years? I'm still leaning yes, but we do need to be sure and not get caught up in all the details until we are. Definitely going to keep reading and asking me questions! Our next visit is not unfortunately at a DVC property, we're going during marathon weekend and all that was available was SSR, so I booked a good rate at BCR through a TA. I have a lot to think about, thanks!'

For me, the decision was relatively simple. We were already planning two big trips with grandparents in the next two years. A two bedroom villa at VGF runs close to $2000 a night. 7 days would be about $14000, so two vacations would cost $28000.

Those same rooms with points cost about 300 points for a week. With costs of MFs, those same rooms are $1800 for the week. So each trip, I'm roughly saving $12000.

I found a 150 point contract that was loaded, for less than $22000. It will have paid for itself after our next two trips.

 

[Matty B13]

For me, the decision was relatively simple. We were already planning two big trips with grandparents in the next two years. A two bedroom villa at VGF runs close to $2000 a night. 7 days would be about $14000, so two vacations would cost $28000.

Those same rooms with points cost about 300 points for a week. With costs of MFs, those same rooms are $1800 for the week. So each trip, I'm roughly saving $12000.

I found a 150 point contract that was loaded, for less than $22000. It will have paid for itself after our next two trips.

We did the same thing, for a large family I think it is the way to go. Just wished we had figured it out before our trip in 2015 and found Disboards to do all the research.

 

[disneynutz]

DVC can save you money if you would be renting the same room anyway with cash. If DVC causes you to vacation more often at Disney or causes you to stay at a deluxe resort when you are happy at a moderate then the savings might not be the same.

The cost of renting a DVC reservation should also be considered as a way to stay in a DVC room without the purchase cash outlay or the dues payment. This might be a consideration for anyone not wanting to commit to yearly Disney vacations.

Bill

 

[ziravan]

1. We chose BCV over BWV for Storm along Bay. With 2 up and coming kids, that's a big consideration. No regrets.

2. Understand - really understand that DVC busy season is start of F&W through Jan Marathon (mid Sept through first week of Jan). Anything near resort will book promptly at the 11 month mark and everything else at exactly the 7 month mark.

"Buy where you want to stay" really means, "Buy where you want to stay from mid-Sept through 1st week of Jan".

3. Regarding #2 above, in the past, weekends were much more expensive and weekdays were much cheaper. If we were having this discussion 10 yrs ago, you'd be advised to keep in mind that weekdays book much faster than weekends.

Then DVC reallocated weekends cheaper and weekdays more expensive so there's not as much difference.

My point is that one of the reasons for DVC busy season is its the cheapest points seasons and we're all stingy with our points. If (WHEN) DVC reallocates Fall, that will change that equation again.

 

[BillPA]

My point is that one of the reasons for DVC busy season is its the cheapest points seasons and we're all stingy with our points. If (WHEN) DVC reallocates Fall, that will change that equation again.

If they do this, it will be time to sell off all my points.

 

[ziravan]

Cont from above:

4. DVC booking patterns will change over time. As DVC grows, there's a larger group of people looking to trade out at 7 months and that has put pressure on the 7 month window.

5. Your vacation pattern will change over time. We visited WDW about once every three years before DVC. With DVC and an AP, with both room and tickets paid, we've been coming 3x/yr.

We've added Wyndham points to our mix to stay at Bonnet Creek.

"You're going to Disney again?!"

"Yes. Yes we are."

6. Regarding #5 above, I wouldn't worry about buying too many points up front. The more likely outcome is that you buy too few. Many (most) of us here are constantly borrowing against next year.

7. Two small kids means studios work. For now. But when you move up to 1brs, that's twice the points. Food for thought.

8. Assume we're all point Scrooges. Stnd rooms book first, studios book first. Cheaper seasons book sooner. If there's an angle to shave points, that's where the trend will be.

 

[Mmw37]

Oh, we're staying at Beach Club Resort (not villas) in Jan, not Bonnet Creek - sorry for the confusion!

Now my new plan, after much more reading, is to try buying 125 at OKW. We like DS and enjoyed staying at POR last year, so I think we'll be ok staying there when needed. We're going to be stuck on school schedules for a while, so we'll plan to use those points in April and/or June for a couple of years to try different resorts. I looks like we should be able to try AKV, VWL, SSR, and hopefully BCV studios without too much trouble, based on past threads (subject to change, I know). Also plan to buy ~30 at BLT for a Jan stay there every other year for ~4 nights. Maybe add on 25-30 at BCV or BWV down the road for a long weekend at F/W every other year too. If, after a few years, we've decided that either the 7 mo booking is a PITA or that we definitely want to be near park 100% of the time, we can sell OKW and buy somewhere pricier with a better handle on what we like. Or add on, if it looks like 1BR will be available when we travel at resorts we like at 7 mo out, and not pay the point premium. Seems like a better way to get our feet wet than jumping in somewhere we've never actually stayed for $110 a point.

 

[mustinjourney]

Oh, we're staying at Beach Club Resort (not villas) in Jan, not Bonnet Creek - sorry for the confusion!

Now my new plan, after much more reading, is to try buying 125 at OKW. We like DS and enjoyed staying at POR last year, so I think we'll be ok staying there when needed. We're going to be stuck on school schedules for a while, so we'll plan to use those points in April and/or June for a couple of years to try different resorts. I looks like we should be able to try AKV, VWL, SSR, and hopefully BCV studios without too much trouble, based on past threads (subject to change, I know). Also plan to buy ~30 at BLT for a Jan stay there every other year for ~4 nights. Maybe add on 25-30 at BCV or BWV down the road for a long weekend at F/W every other year too. If, after a few years, we've decided that either the 7 mo booking is a PITA or that we definitely want to be near park 100% of the time, we can sell OKW and buy somewhere pricier with a better handle on what we like. Or add on, if it looks like 1BR will be available when we travel at resorts we like at 7 mo out, and not pay the point premium. Seems like a better way to get our feet wet than jumping in somewhere we've never actually stayed for $110 a point.

someone else will probably also chime in on this -- but based on your comments, it seems that SSR might be a better option for you. Lower MFs add up fairly quickly. if you're just looking to book at 7 months, SSR seems to be the resort of choice.

 

[Mmw37]

someone else will probably also chime in on this -- but based on your comments, it seems that SSR might be a better option for you. Lower MFs add up fairly quickly. if you're just looking to book at 7 months, SSR seems to be the resort of choice.

Any reason I wonder? Walking to DS vs boat? Longer lease maybe? On at least some resale sites OKW is significantly cheaper per point, and SSR is historically so available I didn't understand paying even $5-10 more per point just for home field advantage there. Please teach me though! I might be on plan #17 by the time I buy (if I buy), lol.