Can't Plan for Baby? Better Plan for Disney! -- PTR

[inkedupmomma]

HI! Joining in! Trying to get better about posting in tr's of people who post on mine

First off, I'm sorry for your current struggle with fertility. I'm always amazed at it, as it seems I have no trouble. I wish I could give you what I got! I will give you prayers though, and hugs! I think taking a break and letting your body not stress about it is a great idea! I am SO impressed at how gracefully you handle it all. I know I can't see you in real life, but your posts on here are admirable! I wish more people were like you!

Speaking of kids, holy cow your sister has a lot! this is going to be one wild trip! I'm so excited to share along!

I think it is awesome that you see your nieces and nephews so much! They will love you like a mom for the rest of your life!

and holy cow..looking at your prices makes me want to cry lol! when you put it out like that

DVC does sound like a good route for you guys!

Looking forward to more and subbing!

[oboedm]

Art of Animation: Pricing

Welcome back! I decided to price AoA today because I was interested to see how much it costs.

First I priced it regularly with Deluxe Dining, then I priced it with the free dining special. After that, I priced it with a room discount.

Here are the room configurations for AoA.

Wendi (DSis)/Doug (BIL) —Emma (12), Sara (6), Kaelyn (4), Benjamin (2)
Paula/Evan—Bryant (9), Alyssa (8)


Regular Priced Package: September 30- October 11
Wendi/Doug Room--$8,959
Paula/Evan Room-- $7,519
Flight-- $4,050
--------------------------------------Total: $20,528


Regular Priced Package: October 7- October 18
Wendi/Doug Room-- $9,066
Paula/Evan Room-- $7,626
Flight-- $4,050
--------------------------------------Total: $20,742

It seems that when free dining specials are offered, you get the “regular” plan for free at the moderate and deluxe resorts, and the “quick service” plan for free at the value resorts. So, we would get the QSDP for free and then upgrade to the Deluxe.

Here is the 2013 QSDP dining plan information:

Quick Service Dining Plan:
5 Adults: $38 x 11 nights = $3080
4 Children: $15 x 11 nights = $660
----------------------------------- $3740

This would be deducted from the total of the package:

Free Dining: September 30- October 11
With Free Dining, Total: $16,778


Okay, now let’s move onto a room discount. The Annual Passholder discount would probably be 20%, since it is a value resort and not a moderate, right?

Regular Prices: September 30- October 11
Two Rooms—(20% discount) = $5,453
Flight-- $4,050
Food-- $6,688
Tickets-- $3,170
--------------------------------------Total: $19,361


Regular Prices: October 7- October 18
Two Rooms—(20% discount) = $5,623
Flight-- $4,050
Food-- $6,688
Tickets-- $3,170
--------------------------------------Total: $19,531

So, once again, the best discount for us would be the free dining, then the room only Annual Passholder discount, then the regular rates. Here is how AoA stacks up next to the moderates.

From least to most expensive:

Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)—AoA: $16,778
Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)-- POFQ/Standard POR/CBR: $16,829
Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Standard: $17,015
Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)-- POR/CSR Preferred: $17,447
Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)-- POR Royal/CBR Pirate: $17,682
Free Dining: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Preferred: $17,756

Room Discount: (9/30-10/11)— POFQ, Standard CBR/POR: $18,554
Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)-- POFQ, Standard CBR/POR: $18,659

Room Discount: (9/30-10/11)-- POR/CSR Preferred: $19,203
Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)-- POR/CSR Preferred: $19,310

Room Discount: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Standard: $19,333
Room Discount: (9/30-10/11)-- POR Royal/CBR Pirate: $19,333
Room Discount (9/30-10/11)—AoA: $19,361

Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)—AoA: $19,531
Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)-- CSR Standard: $19,440
Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)-- POR Royal/CBR Pirate: $19,440

Room Discount: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Preferred: $19,593
Room Discount: (10/7-10/18)-- CSR Preferred: $19,698

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)—AoA: $20,528
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)—AoA: $20,742

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)— Standard Room POFQ/POR/CBR: $20,657
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)-- POFQ, Standard CBR/POR: $20,808

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Standard: $20,843
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)-- CSR Standard: $20,995

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)-- POR or CSR Preferred: $21,275
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)-- POR/CSR Preferred: $21,427

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)-- POR Royal Room or CBR Pirate: $21,510
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)-- POR Royal/CBR Pirate: $21,615

Regular Prices: (9/30-10/11)-- CSR Preferred: $21,584
Regular Prices: (10/7-10/18)-- CSR Preferred: $21,738

So, if we can get free dining, AoA is actually our best choice, and it would give us the most square footage, four bathrooms, and DSis and BIL can stay together.

If free dining doesn’t come out, our next best choice (money wise), is a room discount at a Moderate. Finally, if no discounts come out and we have to pay regular price, AoA is the cheapest choice.

However, with the room (moderate or AoA) costing over $5,000 for the trip, I am really starting to lean towards renting DVC points or purchasing DVC. If we could rent a deluxe villa for the same price, why not do that?

If we spend an extra $10,000 and get a small resale, we would be paying more for this trip but we would have 40+ years worth of vacations in the future. Something to consider!

[oboedm]

Originally Posted by francis6306

I am so sorry that your friends weren't more gentle in their news. I had a friend that I knew was in the middle of the struggle, and I sent her a private message on facebook a few days before I made it public. I actually waited until she responded before I posted it on FB, and we weren't all that close. But I just wanted to make sure she saw my message. Anyway, I have several friends that have struggled, so I know to be gentle when I know about it. It's not like they didn't know that this was a soft spot for you! But the silver lining, is that your husband can focus on his feelings now.

All that math!! haha! I'm hoping for a good AP discount for next year, because my BFF is planning on getting one this year and we are planning a girl's trip in April!

That is really considerate of you! I love when people send me private messages and give me a few days to process things. Yes, I am really happy that he is getting better and starting to process everything that has happened. He is the greatest! Even if we never have kids, I know that we will always have each other.

I love Disney Math! Although, I am getting a bit worried about those regular prices. I don't really want to bank on free dining and/or an AP discount either. Maybe renting DVC points is the way to go-- that way I won't have to worry about discounts ever again!

Originally Posted by Alysa

I'm so sorry about your friends and how they hurt you. I know how insensitive people can be. I also know things will work out in the end for you and that you will be carrying that little bundle down Main Street before you know it! My friend just lost twin girls and it's hard to know what to say when a friend is hurting but know that if you need someone, we're always here.

Thanks! I appreciate your support! I love all the love I get from my DIS friends!

Originally Posted by dismom75

It really stinks when people aren't sensitive to what you're going through/have gone through. I think that, sometimes, people who have no trouble getting pregnant have a hard time understanding those of us who have a hard time of it. I'm glad you're taking a break from it all. Time helps clear your head a little and help you see what direction you want to take this. I hope everything works out for you.

Yes, I think you are right! It is really difficult to understand. I think that many people think that kids are just another "thing" to acquire, and so they don't get the losses that comes with infertility. We are happy to be taking a break! We just can't handle being disappointed again, so we are focusing on things we can control-- like next October's trip to WDW!

Originally Posted by SOUTHERNtinkerBELLE

Paula, I am so sorry that you are having to deal with some insensitive people. People really don't get it, do they? Even though I didn't have to struggle for long this time, I was still very sensitive to pregnancies after my diagnosis. When Miguel told me his cousin's girlfriend had gotten pregnant on accident, it was hard, but I dealt with it. When we found out his brother's girlfriend of less than a year was also pregnant unexpectedly, I lost it. I hope your break will help to clear your mind and give you some renewed hope.

Thanks, Courtney! You are an amazing person, truly. I am so happy for you and Miguel. You are wonderful people who seem to in love! In fact, the first time I saw your picture, I thought-- they would make cute babies! Can't wait to see your little bundle of jou!

Originally Posted by artemis908

I had the same problem, but I am not so vocal about it. My husband's sister "accidentally" got pregnant. She was suppose to be on bed rest but instead she was going to parties and going out all the time, using it as a vacation. She gave birth prematurely and was in the hospital for several days. At one point I was just crying and refusing to go to visit her because it was her own fault for being in the hospital. She didn't listen to the doctors and so ended up paying for it with a lot of time in the hospital and a surgery.

Same thing with my husband's cousin, who gave premature birth at 18 (shotgun wedding) and lost the baby. Then immediately got pregnant again, even though the doctor told her not too and that it was dangerous. She completely ignored them and then gave birth 3 months early, the baby barely made it, was in the hospital for a long time and still looks like he is having developmental issues.

It drove me crazy, that here I am trying so hard to get pregnant, going through endless medications and treatments and nothing works. We are ready, I am almost 30, I want it so badly but nothing works. Everyone around me just has no problem getting pregnant and sometimes I just get fed up and completely angry.

Argh! That is such a frustrating situation. The two nieces that we took to WDW in Feb of 2011 are adopted from foster care. The majority of their health issues come from their mother, it seems. They were taken from her because of drug use, I think. I get angry sometimes too, and the thing is, I feel entitled to being angry because I don't have a kid. They can have their kids, as long as I get to be angry. That's an awful thing to say, but it's how I feel in the moment. The anger usually gives way to sadness eventually, which sucks. However, I don't think that sadness eats away at me like anger does, so that is usually easier to get over.

Originally Posted by JennisSilly

Paula... I'm so sorry.

It's so frustrating to be so entrenched and deal with all the emotions that come with the process of trying to become a parent. It's even harder when the people you count on the most can't respect or try to understand your feelings.

Unfortunately some people think an experience of having to wait a few months to conceive (even though an RE won't see you unless you have a diagnosis or have been actively trying for 12 months) is the same as going through IF treatment- or they think that complaining about a an unwanted pregnancy to someone who's been trying so hard is appropriate.

There are no words- so instead I just offer prayers of peace for you and DH, and prayers of hope, because I know your baby will come to you!

Thanks! I appreciate your words of encouragement. The more we talk about things, the more I can't believe sometimes that we are "those" people. The people who have lost four pregnancies and have been struggling for years. Now that we are taking a break, it all just seems like a bad, ridiculous dream. Hopefully in a year or so we will be ready to make new decisions. I am leaning towards adoption right now, just because I am so tired of trying and losing the "game!" But I don't want to feel as though I am taking a baby from someone who needs it, because I can get pregnant. I am trying to will myself not to think about it for the next year....

Originally Posted by inkedupmomma

HI! Joining in! Trying to get better about posting in tr's of people who post on mine

First off, I'm sorry for your current struggle with fertility. I'm always amazed at it, as it seems I have no trouble. I wish I could give you what I got! I will give you prayers though, and hugs! I think taking a break and letting your body not stress about it is a great idea! I am SO impressed at how gracefully you handle it all. I know I can't see you in real life, but your posts on here are admirable! I wish more people were like you!

Speaking of kids, holy cow your sister has a lot! this is going to be one wild trip! I'm so excited to share along!

I think it is awesome that you see your nieces and nephews so much! They will love you like a mom for the rest of your life!

and holy cow..looking at your prices makes me want to cry lol! when you put it out like that

DVC does sound like a good route for you guys!

Looking forward to more and subbing!

Thanks so much! It will be a wild trip! I think they do look at us like second parents, which is such a blessing. Somehow we got on the subject at dinner the other day about us being sad. Kaelyn asked why and I explained. She said, "We can be your kids when we are at your house." Sara said something similar the other day. Evan said that he was sad because we didn't have kids and Sara said, "We can be your kids! " These six kids are the best!

[silverhaze269]

So sorry to hear about your "friends" If they didn't take your feelings into consideration when they made the announcement, I don't know what kind of "friends" they were to begin with Stuff like that always sucks though, but what's done is done, and now you can move on at least

In terms of resort choices, I'd love to steer you guys towards the CSR but by the sounds of things, AoA would be the best choice regardless. It looks like an awesome resort though, and having 4 bathrooms will make a huge difference. The pool there would be awesome for the kids too

[onescgirl]

Sorry about your friends. When I went through infertility, my husbands ex-wife, his sister & sister-in-law were all pregnant during the same time. It was a awful time.
It did make me realize that you never know what is going on with others and that you need to be sensitive in everything.
For example, I kept talking about how much of a wonderful husband Brad was to me & always talking about what he does for me to a co-worker. I later found out the co-worker was having marital problems & my bragging on my DH was making her feel worse that her husband did not treat her good.
I always try to be more aware of others now.
On Mother's Day, on facebook, I always mention that I'm praying for those who are missing their mothers & those who wish to be mothers.
I also will never brag about my kids grades on Facebook because that just makes others feel worse who have kids struggling.


For your trip plans-
I think deluxe dining would be way too much eating especially with kids.
We just got back with regular dining and every one of us gained 5 lbs!!!
We loved the Table service meals to do characters so we had easy access to pictures, but they take so long out of the day. I couldn't imagine having to stop for two table services everyday.
My kids (& us) would rather spend time in the parks playing rather than eating.

[oboedm]

Originally Posted by silverhaze269

So sorry to hear about your "friends" If they didn't take your feelings into consideration when they made the announcement, I don't know what kind of "friends" they were to begin with Stuff like that always sucks though, but what's done is done, and now you can move on at least

In terms of resort choices, I'd love to steer you guys towards the CSR but by the sounds of things, AoA would be the best choice regardless. It looks like an awesome resort though, and having 4 bathrooms will make a huge difference. The pool there would be awesome for the kids too

Yeah, that's what we thought too, after the fact. It is just weird to be friends with someone so long and then realize that it isn't going to work out, you know? I am sure our reaction disappointed them as well, which makes sense, but we were ready to move past everything. This was the only time we have ever really hurt each other, and it is sad that they couldn't seem to forgive us.

I really, really want to stay at CSR sometime. I have planned two December trips there, but both were cancelled! The four bathrooms is super tempting. We shall see! I am actually looking at DVC now...

Originally Posted by onescgirl

Sorry about your friends. When I went through infertility, my husbands ex-wife, his sister & sister-in-law were all pregnant during the same time. It was a awful time.
It did make me realize that you never know what is going on with others and that you need to be sensitive in everything.
For example, I kept talking about how much of a wonderful husband Brad was to me & always talking about what he does for me to a co-worker. I later found out the co-worker was having marital problems & my bragging on my DH was making her feel worse that her husband did not treat her good.
I always try to be more aware of others now.
On Mother's Day, on facebook, I always mention that I'm praying for those who are missing their mothers & those who wish to be mothers.
I also will never brag about my kids grades on Facebook because that just makes others feel worse who have kids struggling.


For your trip plans-
I think deluxe dining would be way too much eating especially with kids.
We just got back with regular dining and every one of us gained 5 lbs!!!
We loved the Table service meals to do characters so we had easy access to pictures, but they take so long out of the day. I couldn't imagine having to stop for two table services everyday.
My kids (& us) would rather spend time in the parks playing rather than eating.

Thanks for your comments. I completely see what you are saying. I hope to develop more compassion for others, and honestly, I am doing it (I think). Once I got past the awful month that was August, I was able to let some of that anger go, which allows more love in. =)

I feel "bad" for all the wonderful things I have in my life, and I don't feel as though I can share most of my awesome life with my family-- because they are jealous. I don't know where that fine line is between sharing your true self and what you are doing-- and being considerate to their feelings. I don't want to have to stifle my excitement over things. I don't want to make them feel bad, of course, but I also don't want to feel as though I can't share anything. I probably will never figure out the answer to that, LOL!

Great point about DxDP. I highly doubt we will use that option, I just figure that is the greatest possible amount that anyone could spend on food, so I used it in calculations. If DVC ends up being a good option, we will probably do TIW. We can still do TS restaurants, but we won't be tied down as to what we order. We also won't feel pressure if we decide to cancel an ADR.

[oboedm]

Let’s talk buying DVC, shall we? Is it a good idea for me/Evan to purchase DVC instead of renting points? Evan and I have decided that we would need around 200-250 points each use year in order to make this trip work. We figure that we could bank, use, and borrow points from 2012, 2013 and 2014 in order to make the Oct 2013 trip work.



We are staying a Monday through the following Friday. It isn’t that much more to fly out on a Sunday, so if we stay DVC we may do that as well. We could have Saturday to prepare and two days to unwind before the daily grind. That would also give us more rest time/time in the parks.



Side Note: the plane fares for the end of October 2012 are pretty low right now, so I need to set a calendar reminder to check fares each day leading up to our trip next year. We may be able to get a credit on the flights we purchase outright. Maybe enough for a trip in 2014! The cheapest fares tend to be flying out of MCO around 6:00 in the morning, so maybe we will stay Friday night and fly back early Saturday morning. Decisions, decisions (to be made at a later date, of course).



Back to your regularly scheduled DVC reporting. =)

I am eyeing a DVC contract that is 210 points at AKV (we’ll get into the “why” of AKV later). The use year is September. Our vacation time renews every September, so it would be nice if the two things aligned.

All 2012 dues are paid, we just have the upfront cost of the points and the closing costs of $500. The sellers are asking $69 a point. Let’s assume that they are unwilling to come down in price.



Initial Cost of DVC:
Points: $14,490
Closing Costs: $500
__________________ Total: $14,990

Honestly, I don’t want to try and predict inflation, how much dues will increase per year, etc. According to this website, dues increase at roughly the same rate as resort room rate increases.

And according to this website, the average rate of inflation is 3.43%-- slightly higher than the average DVC due increases/resort increases.

I feel comfortable using today’s dollars to calculate the next 45 years’ worth of information, since room costs/dues and inflation seem to be increasing at a similar rate.



Just so you know, I do consider the following a “benefit” to owning DVC:

• Discounts: APs, MNSSHP/MVMCP tickets, TIW card
• Pre-paying for part of our vacations?
• Not having to wait for specials. The economy will turn around… will Disney be offering free dining when people are thriving? I don’t know that they will…
• Ability to be generous with friends/family members.

However, let’s not try to quantify those benefits. Let’s look at this from the pure perspective of cost, just because it is easier. =)



Stay tuned for the next post where I do more Disney math!

[Alysa]

I think you sound like an amazingly strong woman!
With so much love and compassion in your heart I know things are going to work out for you!

Great news about the DVC! I think you've found a great deal, AKV's are beautiful! September is our use year time as well and it's a good one. Plus you are buying the same number of points as us and it's the perfect amount. We've done so many big family trips with everyone, my sister and her family, my aunt and hers, my aunt and uncle, my brother and his wife, my parents, my husband's family. Just great.

But you know what I think has been the most important benefit. It's that because we have these points, we sometimes go when we would ordinarily say "Oh, we can't afford to go this year". So by prepaying for it, it makes us slow down and take some time for each other. We almost always go for a least a day or two to Vero as well and it keeps my husband and I even more in love with one another. You and Evan look like a wonderful couple, very happy and very in love. I think you are making totally the right decision.

[pinkxray]

I'm so sorry to hear about inconsiderate friends. I'm sure that is tough to deal with. We were trying for about 6 months before it got too stressful to constantly be thinking out it so we are taking a few months off. I work in the x-ray dept. and have to ask every pt. if there is a chance of pregnancy and it was tough seeing some of the people who said yes who should not have been or the young girls with infants who had a total dislack of interest in their child. It also didn't help that about 6 coworkers have been pregnant in the last year.


Anyway, your Disney math overwhelms me considering I've been looking at buying a car and those prices can cover a new car

I have run the numbers 100 times for DVC and it doesn't make any sense for me since DH is anti Disney and the amount of Disney trips we will be taking will be slowing down, but I think in your case it would be a great option.

If you plan on going at least every two years buying into DVC totally makes sense.

[HermanTriplets+1]

Hi! That's so great that you are going ahead with the DVC purchase! That's a gift that keeps on giving!
I also wanted to send you my prayers for your baby quest. We went through an fertility process which led, after a few very difficult years, to our now 15 year old triplets, followed 2 years later by a spontaneous-from-the-heavens singleton. It was 15 + years ago so some of the treatments were different, but the emotional pain was just as sharp. The thing that helped me the most during those years was the women in my RESOLVE group. I joined a support group through the RESOLVE organization. At first we had 10 sessions led by a social worker, and after our official meetings were over we continued to meet as a group. We decided that we'd stay together until every member of the group had a baby, somehow. And we did! Some women did conceive spontaneously, one had egg donor, some had complicated cycles with all kinds of hormonal manipulations, etc. We had IVF babies and IUI babies and all the other initials that exist. But we all had our babies at the end. Some had started a process for adoption as well, though in our particular group no one adopted during our time together. I just wanted to let you know about RESOLVE, in case it can help you, too. It was such a relief to meet once a week with a group of women who understood how hard it was to see a car with a carseat parked on the street.
Disney is a great was of bringing joy into your life! Keep it up!

[teekathepony]

I'm very interested to see how the DVC process goes, I've thought about looking into it many times but never really did. I hope that you find it works out for you! DVC would be so exciting!

[DMGeurts]

Hi Paula!!! I followed your link from the Oct 13 group on FB.

Now, I need to catch up... It might be a while.

D~

[DMGeurts]

Originally Posted by oboedm

Let’s talk buying DVC, shall we? Is it a good idea for me/Evan to purchase DVC instead of renting points? Evan and I have decided that we would need around 200-250 points each use year in order to make this trip work. We figure that we could bank, use, and borrow points from 2012, 2013 and 2014 in order to make the Oct 2013 trip work.

We are staying a Monday through the following Friday. It isn’t that much more to fly out on a Sunday, so if we stay DVC we may do that as well. We could have Saturday to prepare and two days to unwind before the daily grind. That would also give us more rest time/time in the parks.


Side Note: the plane fares for the end of October 2012 are pretty low right now, so I need to set a calendar reminder to check fares each day leading up to our trip next year. We may be able to get a credit on the flights we purchase outright. Maybe enough for a trip in 2014! The cheapest fares tend to be flying out of MCO around 6:00 in the morning, so maybe we will stay Friday night and fly back early Saturday morning. Decisions, decisions (to be made at a later date, of course).


Back to your regularly scheduled DVC reporting. =)

I am eyeing a DVC contract that is 210 points at AKV (we’ll get into the “why” of AKV later). The use year is September. Our vacation time renews every September, so it would be nice if the two things aligned.

All 2012 dues are paid, we just have the upfront cost of the points and the closing costs of $500. The sellers are asking $69 a point. Let’s assume that they are unwilling to come down in price.


Initial Cost of DVC:
Points: $14,490
Closing Costs: $500
__________________ Total: $14,990

Honestly, I don’t want to try and predict inflation, how much dues will increase per year, etc. According to this website, dues increase at roughly the same rate as resort room rate increases.

And according to this website, the average rate of inflation is 3.43%-- slightly higher than the average DVC due increases/resort increases.

I feel comfortable using today’s dollars to calculate the next 45 years’ worth of information, since room costs/dues and inflation seem to be increasing at a similar rate.


Just so you know, I do consider the following a “benefit” to owning DVC:

• Discounts: APs, MNSSHP/MVMCP tickets, TIW card
• Pre-paying for part of our vacations?
• Not having to wait for specials. The economy will turn around… will Disney be offering free dining when people are thriving? I don’t know that they will…
• Ability to be generous with friends/family members.

However, let’s not try to quantify those benefits. Let’s look at this from the pure perspective of cost, just because it is easier. =)


Stay tuned for the next post where I do more Disney math!

Jumping in at the end, before reading anything else...

I just went through the whole "do I do DVC, or do I not do DVC" thing a few weeks ago... I did all the math too (if you are interested, maybe about page 30 or 35 on my PTR?) and in the end I determined that it's something that we really can't justify right now - especially since we love POFQ and the cost is so much less than DVC... However, I haven't ruled it out completely, especially once the girls leave for college... And we have all that disposible income.

I can't wait to see if your figures come out better than mine. Because if there is any way I can justfiy it - I would love to!

D~

[oboedm]

Originally Posted by Alysa

I think you sound like an amazingly strong woman!
With so much love and compassion in your heart I know things are going to work out for you!

Great news about the DVC! I think you've found a great deal, AKV's are beautiful! September is our use year time as well and it's a good one. Plus you are buying the same number of points as us and it's the perfect amount. We've done so many big family trips with everyone, my sister and her family, my aunt and hers, my aunt and uncle, my brother and his wife, my parents, my husband's family. Just great.

But you know what I think has been the most important benefit. It's that because we have these points, we sometimes go when we would ordinarily say "Oh, we can't afford to go this year". So by prepaying for it, it makes us slow down and take some time for each other. We almost always go for a least a day or two to Vero as well and it keeps my husband and I even more in love with one another. You and Evan look like a wonderful couple, very happy and very in love. I think you are making totally the right decision.

Thanks for your post! I appreciate your thoughts about the resale we are looking at. It's good to know that 210 is a good amount! I like that it forces you to take some time for the family! =0

Originally Posted by pinkxray

I'm so sorry to hear about inconsiderate friends. I'm sure that is tough to deal with. We were trying for about 6 months before it got too stressful to constantly be thinking out it so we are taking a few months off. I work in the x-ray dept. and have to ask every pt. if there is a chance of pregnancy and it was tough seeing some of the people who said yes who should not have been or the young girls with infants who had a total dislack of interest in their child. It also didn't help that about 6 coworkers have been pregnant in the last year.

Anyway, your Disney math overwhelms me considering I've been looking at buying a car and those prices can cover a new car

I have run the numbers 100 times for DVC and it doesn't make any sense for me since DH is anti Disney and the amount of Disney trips we will be taking will be slowing down, but I think in your case it would be a great option.

If you plan on going at least every two years buying into DVC totally makes sense.

yes! That is why we are taking such a long break. I am in the middle of my cycle right now-- and I have no idea what day I am on or anything! It is rather freeing, I must say!

The numbers overwhelm me as well! I am hoping that the DVC numbers make sense to us. I just feel as though I could "justify" DVC at this point because we will be paying so much for this trip. We shall see, though! We have a big family, and I love the thought of being generous and allowing them to rent points for the cost of our dues or something...

Originally Posted by HermanTriplets+1

Hi! That's so great that you are going ahead with the DVC purchase! That's a gift that keeps on giving!
I also wanted to send you my prayers for your baby quest. We went through an fertility process which led, after a few very difficult years, to our now 15 year old triplets, followed 2 years later by a spontaneous-from-the-heavens singleton. It was 15 + years ago so some of the treatments were different, but the emotional pain was just as sharp. The thing that helped me the most during those years was the women in my RESOLVE group. I joined a support group through the RESOLVE organization. At first we had 10 sessions led by a social worker, and after our official meetings were over we continued to meet as a group. We decided that we'd stay together until every member of the group had a baby, somehow. And we did! Some women did conceive spontaneously, one had egg donor, some had complicated cycles with all kinds of hormonal manipulations, etc. We had IVF babies and IUI babies and all the other initials that exist. But we all had our babies at the end. Some had started a process for adoption as well, though in our particular group no one adopted during our time together. I just wanted to let you know about RESOLVE, in case it can help you, too. It was such a relief to meet once a week with a group of women who understood how hard it was to see a car with a carseat parked on the street.
Disney is a great was of bringing joy into your life! Keep it up!

I have heard of RESOLVE, just haven't pulled the trigger on any support groups! Maybe I will have to look into that! Disney does bring joy-- especially bringing my nieces and nephews there. I love treating family members to trips that they wouldn't be able to take on their own.

Originally Posted by teekathepony

I'm very interested to see how the DVC process goes, I've thought about looking into it many times but never really did. I hope that you find it works out for you! DVC would be so exciting!

Resales are much less expensive than I thought they would be, actually. Sure, you have to make sure the dues work for you on a yearly basis, but if you can save for a bit and hold off on taking trips for a bit, you may have enough to pull the trigger! That is what we did, anyway... By the time we go again, it wil be 2.5 years since we have gone. Essentially we will have put the money from another 2011 and 2012 trip into DVC. =)

Originally Posted by DMGeurts

Hi Paula!!! I followed your link from the Oct 13 group on FB.

Now, I need to catch up... It might be a while.

D~

Welcome! I have to find your PTR as well! =) Thanks for joining!

[oboedm]

Why AKV? Why 200-250 points?



We have decided that if we purchase, we will probably do so at AKV. Why?



• The contract is for 45 years (2012-2057) as opposed to 40 years (2012-2042)

• The prices are reasonable. I love BLT and GCV is closer to me, but couldn’t justify paying that price per point. I would rather get more points and try my luck at getting BLT or GCV @ 7 months.



• The dues are also reasonable. Currently AKV is $5.43 per point. BLT, GCV, OKW, and SSR are lower ($4.22, $4.32, $5.23 and $4.73 respectively). BLT and GCV are a higher cost per point, which we have already addressed, and we have already addressed the contract expiration.

• Another consideration to me, and the big reason why we aren’t interested in SSR or OKW, is point rental. If we don’t want to go to WDW every year or every other year, we would like to rent our points to someone else. AKV points may be easier to rent than SSR or OKW. I think that because AKV have the value studios, savannah views and the safari experience only available to people staying at club level, our points could be attractive to other people.



• P.S. I know AKV is far from everything, and that there are complaints about buses, but oh well. I think there are pros and cons to every resort.



Why 200-250 points?

• Because it will allow us to take the Oct 2013 trip and stay only on our points. We wouldn’t have to rent from anyone!

o For this trip, we will need anywhere from 315 points (three AKV value studios) to 597 points (a two bedroom + a studio at BCV or VWL). Using the 210 point contract as an example, we could potentially have 630 points available (210 points banked from 2012, using 210 points from 2013, and borrowing 210 from 2014).



• Dues would be reasonable. 210 points with dues of $5.43 per point would be $1140.30 per year, or $95.00 per month. We could swing that.

• We could continue to treat people to WDW trips for years to come. Whether they rent our points at a discounted rate or we just let them use our points for free, being generous with Disney trips is “our thing.” We could easily take Carol, Steven, and the girls for a week in 2014 and/or do another trip with the people we took in 2010. This makes us excited for the future.