We didn't purchase our DVC contracts until we were in good shape financially and knew that vacations would be able to be taken (Airfare, park tickets, etc covered) and that our DSs' college tution was paid.
Several others said this, but Pinnie's is most succinct. As wonderful as WDW can be, taking vacations there (or anywhere) boils down to being a luxury. Simply put, it isn't sound financial planning to pre-pay vacation accomodations before being secure in your current situation regarding saving toward retirement, a home, emergency savings, and possibly a college fund for any children you may have. Once secure in those areas, only then would I consider tacking on the additional expense of a DVC membership (and keep in mind that there are those nagging recurring maintenance fees to pay each year). As many on this board have said before--and I agree with them--buying into DVC should not be regarded as an investment but as a prepaid vacation plan. All that being said, the only person who can decide what is truly right for you is. . .you. But, I'd like to caution anyone to not jeopardize their financial standing just to own a piece of the "magic." It will still be there in a few years.
disneyholic family
how much is the initial investment?
and how much are annual dues?
do you have to pay anything when you visit?
The minimum buy-in from DVC is 150 points at SSR, which equates to a bit over $14K. Annual dues, on average, are $4 per point, thus for a 150-pt contract, would run you $600 currently, though the dues (maintenance fees, actually) will certainly continue to increase over the years at roughly the inflation rate based on past history. As for paying if you visit, if you mean visiting as a member of DVC on vacation, then the answer is you do not pay anything for your accomodations since that's what the point purchase is all about (so, you are paying just not each time you visit
). You DO pay for food, souvenirs, theme park tickets, and the like.
If you're asking whether you have to pay to visit the DVC office at SSR for a tour, then the answer is absolutely not.
The visit/tour is a low-key way to fully understand what buying into DVC is all about. There is no strong-arming you, no high-pressure sales tactics employed, and no answer required at that time. In fact, our guide urged us to take the information we received from him home and think about it before making our decision. Not only is the tour free, but they will pick you up from where you are staying and take you back. If you have kids, the DVC tour office is co-located with a very nice indoor kids' activity center, staffed by professionals who will watch your children while you take the tour. After, you even stop by the ice cream parlor for free ice cream!
To those looking into DVC, just know what you're getting and be sure it's right for you and your family. Cheers!