While I had researched both DVC and other timeshare quite extensively before buying DVC, I do wish I would have considered ...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 ...
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.
- 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.
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.While I had researched both DVC and other timeshare quite extensively before buying DVC, I do wish I would have considered ...
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.
- 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.
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.As far as points, I'm thinking 150-175 for now. At BWV that will get me a lot.
Ah, but my DH disagrees. He said my last bullet was incomplete. Here is the revised version:You nailed it. Good job.
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.
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.(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!'
(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!'
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.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.
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.
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.