You asked a lot of great questions. In the interests of keeping it brief, I'll try to provide shorter answers to your questions. Please let me know if something I say isn't clear because of this.
We are considering DVC after a recent trip to the World. However, since it only covers your sleeping arrangements, do you veterans of DVC find it saving you money over all? I used to stay at Poly, but with costs we are now staying at POR. I like the idea of DVC and Deluxe, but still seems like alot of money. Seems like paying monthly on DVC and then still having to pay for all your dining, park tickets etc. doesn't get you much back until the DVC loan is paid off? Anyone out there able to give me any insight on what you think? TIA!
DVC really isn't about saving money from a cash flow perspective. It's about being able to book stays at Disney Deluxe resorts for a predetermined and (somewhat) prepaid (with the exception of dues) amount. There are many threads out there that break down the numbers of buying DVC vs. paying cash for rooms and how the numbers shake out really depends on the time of year you go and what discounts are available, as well as whether you purchase direct or resale. The general consensus is that over the long term, buying DVC can save you money over similar accommodations. If you stay in moderates, it is likely that your cash outlay will be the same over the long term but you will be staying in nicer accommodations. One thing to note, however, is that the interest charges you pay if you finance can change these numbers drastically and may make purchasing DVC a disadvantageous situation. Also, many people have noted that owning DVC has led to more frequent trips to Disney and those come with added expenses.
So to answer your question briefly (because I sort of fell short on that promise with my answer above), I would recommend against purchasing DVC if your priority is to save money or if you have to finance the purchase. Anything is possible, but odds are that it will not work out the way you are hoping.
Thank you so much for the advice. Does anyone know about or recommend buying resales or is this not a good idea?
There are entire threads dedicated to this topic. The majority opinion on here is that buying resale is a sound idea. But you need to be informed, so I would recommend reading some of those threads to know exactly what you are getting in terms of the buying process and restrictions placed on resale points.
I may have to save a little while to be able to pay in cash. The resale sounds really good considering I only want to use it in WDW or DL, but I have heard it is hard to add points later? Also DVC can turn down the sale? Still researching, just looking for thoughts.
These questions were answered above, but I would add that having to save up before you purchase isn't the worst thing in the world. I know it delays gratification, but it also greatly increases the chances that you will be a happy DVC owner who is pleased with her decision.
Thank you so much for all of the replies. I think resale may be the way to go. Do any of you have a DVC home resort that you would recommend more than another?
Again, many threads dedicated to this. Picking a home resort is a very, very personal choice. I would recommend spending a day on your next trip touring the different resorts. They all have different themes, styles, feels and benefits and drawbacks. You need to first decide what is important to you and then we can help you narrow down your choices. (For example, my main priority is to be able to walk to the parks, as I'm not a huge fan of the buses. So my choices were really between BLT, BWV and BCV).
This is such a huge decision and there is a lot to learn. My advice would be to just spend a few months reading the different threads here on the DIS. There is so much information to be had, and it will equip you with the knowledge that you need to make a decision that will work for you in the long run. Have fun with the process and good luck!
