2 Year Lookback at Decision

[zmanandshan]

I am approaching 2 full years as a DVC member. After this amount of time and 2 trips completed with another planned in May, I feel it is worth commenting on my experience overall. No intended audience, no plans to bash, just honest feedback. Perhaps this will help some of those who are on the fence to buy, or allow longer term members to think about the good old days, but this is not necessarily intended. In no particular order:

- I purchased Resale at BCV from the sponsor of this page. Great Experience. Would do it again regardless of the changes (more on that below). Though about it for 2 years before I bought in.
- Overall would I do it again, YES. Is it perfect, NO, but I never expected it to be.
- First trip was at BLT in 2010. Resort was nice, but thought my room was pretty beat down for its age. Perhaps it was bad luck, perhaps the quality of the furniture was sacrificed for cost, not sure.
- Second trip at my home resort in BCV. Great experience, great pool. Epcot is our fave, so perfect location, but again, I didnt expect the Taj Majal. Resort condition seems to be a step below normal rooms - been to WL prior to DVC member (rebooked BCV in May despite my curiousity of other resorts)
- Seems like flexibility beyond WDW was marketed pretty heavily, but IMO, the flexibility comes at a price. To me it is not worth using points for anything but WDW DVC stays. I accepted this going in, so I was ok with it.
- Lack of true perks - Perks arent owed to me and I get it, but after seeing all the dining deals, extra days, etc, it would be nice to throw a bone to us DVCers.
- Experience of THE World. Being totally immersed and staying at Deluxe resort in DW is more than I would have hoped for. My family loves DW and this is a great (but not cheap) way of experiencing it. I travel a lot on business and have to worry about renting cars in foreign countries, taking trains to where I am not familiar with, etc. To get to DW, get picked up at the airport on ME and just not have to worry about any of that is awesome for me. The disney bus transportation is not perfect, but it is a great service IMO. No worries about tolls, parking, getting lost, forgetting what color the rental car is, or where the heck I parked. Placing the blackberry in the room safe after the first day of vacation - PRICELESS, and a first for me.
- Flexibility of using DVC - awsome. I originally thought that I'd be taking most trips in May. Turned out not necessarily the case. Although UY has an impact, I still can enjoy different seasons. I originally underestimated its value. Still UY, is an important factor when/if deciding to buy IMO.
- Planning 11 months in advance - totally not an issue for me. I'm a planner, so even though taking a last minute trip would probably be out of the question in Disney's eyes, it's not something I would typically do, anyway.
- In-law fighting increased. Took my parents in Oct. Taking friends of ours with a 12 YO daughter in May who has never been. In-laws want their turn, but they are big PIAs. (may need some help from you all on avoiding this...). Once people know you have avail for 2BR at DW, you will be getting hints dropped.

To me this whole DVC thing has worked out pretty well.

John

 

[recmouse]

- Overall would I do it again, YES. Is it perfect, NO, but I never expected it to be.

- Seems like flexibility beyond WDW was marketed pretty heavily, but IMO, the flexibility comes at a price. To me it is not worth using points for anything but WDW DVC stays. I accepted this going in, so I was ok with it.

- Lack of true perks - Perks arent owed to me and I get it, but after seeing all the dining deals, extra days, etc, it would be nice to throw a bone to us DVCers.

To me this whole DVC thing has worked out pretty well.

John

Hey John,

We've been DVC'ers since 2008. We've had our ups and downs. We've been able to use our points to the max though. Staying at different times of the year, tried Vero twice, and will soon be going on our first Disney cruise.

As far as trying to stay at an RCI resort or something like that - we haven't had any luck with that. Especially if you want to plan early. They want to book a week - not nightly... so it hasn't worked for us.

I totally agree with you as far as true perks... I find it very frustrating as well. Like you said - throw us a bone.

When they are available - I do like trying the different resorts too.

We would most like buy in again too.

 

[vandy]

Thanks for your thoughts and I am sure there are many that share them. I know I agreed with your comments and have thought DVC was a good decision. Was it a money saver? It ended up being so at first considering what lodging would cost for six of us. Maybe as the years go by it won't be so much, but all the other factors you mentioned come in to play and that is what makes DVC a good fit for us.

 

[DenLo]

Thanks for your thoughts, John. They sort of sound familiar since we joined in May 2009 and have had some similar opinions.

As to the in-laws, I don't seen how you can ignore them without putting stress on your DW. But if you do invite them, get them a separate villa. I see no reason to share a room with someone like that. Also make sure they know up front that only the room is free and they have to pay for everything else for themselves. Finally, agree to no more than one meal with them a day. And make other reservations without them so you can say, we already have another commitment so we'll see you later.

 

[BeccaG]

I think this summary would be useful for those considering DVC. It's balanced and that was hard to find when I was buying DVC 6 years ago. I don't regret it, but some of the gilding has come off for sure and I am worried that I will take a friend and get one of the nasty rooms and embarrass myself.

 

[Dean]

I am approaching 2 full years as a DVC member. After this amount of time and 2 trips completed with another planned in May, I feel it is worth commenting on my experience overall. No intended audience, no plans to bash, just honest feedback. Perhaps this will help some of those who are on the fence to buy, or allow longer term members to think about the gold old days, but this is not necessarily intended. In no particular order:

- I purchased Resale at BCV from the sponsor of this page. Great Experience. Would do it again regardless of the changes (more on that below). Though about it for 2 years before I bought in.
- Overall would I do it again, YES. Is it perfect, NO, but I never expected it to be.
- First trip was at BLT in 2010. Resort was nice, but thought my room was pretty beat down for its age. Perhaps it was bad luck, perhaps the quality of the furniture was sacrificed for cost, not sure.
- Second trip at my home resort in BCV. Great experience, great pool. Epcot is our fave, so perfect location, but again, I didnt expect the Taj Majal. Resort condition seems to be a step below normal rooms - been to WL prior to DVC member (rebooked there in May despite my curiousity of other resorts)
- Seems like flexibility beyond WDW was marketed pretty heavily, but IMO, the flexibility comes at a price. To me it is not worth using points for anything but WDW DVC stays. I accepted this going in, so I was ok with it.
- Lack of true perks - Perks arent owed to me and I get it, but after seeing all the dining deals, extra days, etc, it would be nice to throw a bone to us DVCers.
- Experience of THE World. Being totally immersed and staying at Deluxe resort in DW is more than I would have hoped for. My family loves DW and this is a great (but not cheap) way of experiencing it. I travel a lot on business and have to worry about renting cars in foreign countries, taking trains to where I am not familiar with, etc. To get to DW, get picked up at the airport on ME and just not have to worry about any of that is awesome for me. The disney bus transportation is not perfect, but it is a great service IMO. No worries about tolls, parking, getting lost, forgetting what color the rental car is, or where the heck I parked. Placing the blackberry in the room safe after the first day of vacation - PRICELESS, and a first for me.
- Flexibility of using DVC - awsome. I originally thought that I'd be taking most trips in May. Turned out not necessarily the case. Although UY has an impact, I still can enjoy different seasons. I originally underestimated its value. Still UY, is an important factor when/if deciding to buy IMO.
- Planning 11 months in advance - totally not an issue for me. I'm a planner, so even though taking a last minute trip would probably be out of the question in Disney's eyes, it's not something I would typically do, anyway.
- In-law fighting increased. Took my parents in Oct. Taking friends of ours with a 12 YO daughter in May who has never been. In-laws want their turn, but they are big PIAs. (may need some help from you all on avoiding this...). Once people know you have avail for 2BR at DW, you will be getting hints dropped.

To me this whole DVC thing has worked out pretty well.

John

That's a fair summary and even handed outlook. I'm glad it working well for you overall.

 

[Chellymouse]

OP-Your assessment is a fair one. We have 2 contracts at SSR and have been in for the past 4 years. Yes, throw us a bone...perks aren't entitled but it would be nice to acknowledge those of us who spend quite a bit of $$ at the world. We tried to get a cruise, but weren't able, but we haven't had any trouble getting ressies at the resorts we want. So far, we only had one minor issue in a villa, but we've been lucky.

 

[moredisneyplease]

thanks for sharing your thoughts! lots of goods and bads for every thing but if you love it enough then the goods out weigh the bads!

 

[sandieb]

I think this summary would be useful for those considering DVC. It's balanced and that was hard to find when I was buying DVC 6 years ago. I don't regret it, but some of the gilding has come off for sure and I am worried that I will take a friend and get one of the nasty rooms and embarrass myself.

I got a really nasty room once, so I can sympathize with your concern. Here is what I do. When I check in, I state I want my room checked by a supervisor for complete cleanliness and good repair - that I had a bad experience once, and I want to avoid a repeat. Actually, I think they have my number as they read the screen for a moment and then say "ok". Now I get the argument that this should be unnecessary, but I do it anyway. And I haven't had a repeat experience. I guess I have been doing this about 5 years now.

 

[Greyhound22]

Well said John. We've been members for about the same amount of time and share most of your thoughts. Thou not perfect, well worth it!

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

Very fair assessment. I agree with it overall

In-law fighting increased. In-laws want their turn, but they are big PIAs. (may need some help from you all on avoiding this...). Once people know you have avail for 2BR at DW, you will be getting hints dropped.

This why not a soul in our families know about our membership in DVC! Both of our families are selfish PIAes, too. Have tried to vacation with them in the past, not good. Very unhappy people. Very few people know. They just know that we have a timeshare. We prefer it that way, keep it to ourselves.


-We bought in to DVC for M-I-C-K-E-Y, nothing else. Anything else is gravy.

-Even just small perks, like resort pins at check-in, would go a long way in creating magic. Perks don't have to be outlandish, just enough to make us feel wanted.

- Cost will break-even for us in a about six years (about year 10). It cost just a little more for a DVC 2br than 2 value/moderate hotel rooms for us. But we get more room, a kitchen and in room laundry. We found that we vacation more, so more memories! That is a good cost!

Overall, it has been good for us. DVC has enhanced our vacation experience.

 

[wdwnut]

We purchased 12 years ago- no regrets. Well, maybe 1- we should have bought in 1993 when we first heard about it.

The 4 contracts we have at BWV have allowed us to take many trips from only 2 of us up to 28 family members at one time! I don't know of any other way we could have afforded to do this. We have a GV at BLT this May for 9 of us. We've also used our points for Disneyland.

It would be wonderful to have additional perks or have them throw us a bone. Would it change our minds if we didn't get it- heck no.

 

[ToddyLu]

Would completely agree with your assessment. DH and I are very pleased with our purhcase. My MIL loves to go with us and stay IN HER OWN VILLA and sometimes my BIL will join her (no wife or kids). My parents went for the first time this past Oct--they loved it and of course wondered about how much everything costs, so my Mom and I talked about its value to us as a couple and after seeing the rooms and animals at AKV, agreed. My BIL also sees the value in DVC from a resort standpoint. He would love to own at BLT one day

My brother has 5 kids and I never ask them to come because we simply do not have enough points and there is no way my DH is staying with my Brother. We do not have children. I am sure they wonder why we do not invite them but I would explain to them that they can rent points and go at the same time. I am not going to make a reservation for someone else and then not go myself. I don't care what other people think--DH and I did it for us and we have used it to the max and had a wonderful time.

 

[mickeysbestfriend]

people forget is that the regular Disney rooms are increasing in price yearly. Other than your MF you won't see any increases for the life of your contract.

When I bought in I factored in the cost per point with the initial investment, lenght of time on my contract and estimated MF's and then compared it wo what a deluxe and moderate room at DW would cost estimating a 5% increase in those rooms. Even against the moderates it would be less expensive (figuring an AP discounted room rate) in the short term and majorly less expensive as time progressed. It played out even better against the deluxes.

From an accomodation standpoint, a one bedroom at OKW in great shape outshines any deluxe by a long shot. The amount of space, beds, bedding TV's kitchen facilities etc are all a big advantage.

The AP discount and tables in wonderland make it all the better.

As to the in-laws and family, we decided up front that is family wanted to go with us (depending on who it was) that we would not change our villa size to accomodate them so they would get the sleeper sofa or flop out chair. If they wanted their own room and we had enough points we charged them what it would cost to rent enough points for the upgrade. We let them try to make ressies on their own to compare what it costs to book a deluxe or even a mod and they quickly opt for staying at the DVC.

Have we had a room that was subpar? Yes, but they resolved the issue very quiclky.

We will most likely but another contract down the road but for the time being we are happy with our investment!

 

[photobob]

I bought in 2006 and am still pleased with my decision too. The point reallocations is probably the most negative thing for me. Most everything else has been positive. We are spoiled by the space in the 1 and 2 bedrooms. One thing you mention about perks and specifically free dining, it occasionally bugs me too but they are trying to entice people to come. They already know we are coming!!!

 

[MinnieVanMom]

Regrets: Not buying when the market was low. I have taken a bath on my DVC.

I wish we were thrown more perks. Yes, we are not entitled, I get that but when my friends have free dining on a room that cost them $1K for the entire week it is hard. Ok, I am not in a value room, but in a room about the same size with no maid. I do get a better pool and usually better location. But in the end we all are arriving by bus to the park.

I recently found out that my DVC is worthless for travel in Europe if I just want a night here or there. Don't get me started on the plan for DLP.

But we have enjoyed our time at BCV during food and wine. We have been able to get a room at the 7 months window for 3 years in a row. We love the mouse and like that when we arrive we can check out our brain.

OP, we also travel Europe and it takes thinking to make sure we are on the right metro. Disney is brainless and we like it that way.

 

[Fatalbie]

Still happy with the purchase after 4 years. Use the points for DVC locations only so far and have never had any trouble worth mentioning. for the most part the experience has been fantastic.

The airfare from MA is the biggest killer of enjoyment. If I lived closer I'd probably double my points and visit more often.

Hate getting the dues bill!!!

Jim

 

[zmanandshan]

Was it a money saver? It ended up being so at first considering what lodging would cost for six of us. Maybe as the years go by it won't be so much, but all the other factors you mentioned come in to play and that is what makes DVC a good fit for us.

I looked at the financials before buying, but havent since. Since we've already ponied up the dough and enjoying DVC, I figured why push it. Also there are so many variables for me to consider, many of them subjectively influencial - ie travel habits due to having DVC points to use.

As to the in-laws, I don't seen how you can ignore them without putting stress on your DW. But if you do invite them, get them a separate villa.

Surprisingly, my wife agrees with me. My inlwaws are polar opposites of "Disney People". We'd feel guilty bringing them to the world of happiness. They are better off at their condo in Boca. To them it is the fact that they are not asked that is upsetting, not realizing they wouldnt enjoy it anyway.

I am worried that I will take a friend and get one of the nasty rooms and embarrass myself.

One of my worries, but more so for overall personal comfort as well. I despise a dirty room. Worn, ok, but dirty, no! I have a routine everytime I stay at a hotel: Overall Bathroom check - free from visible urine stains or hair, Matress Check for bed bugs, and visible stains on carpet that look "fresh" or are still wet. If one of those three dont check out, I will request another room. Upon arriving, I requested an additional cleaning once at BLT, they said that the carpet was "washed" and was still wet in a few places so it looked like it was a fresh stain.

We tried to get a cruise, but weren't able, but we haven't had any trouble getting ressies at the resorts we want.

I'm curious- did you book the cruise with points, or used points or partial points? Seems like such a sacrifice of points to me.

I got a really nasty room once, so I can sympathize with your concern. Here is what I do. When I check in, I state I want my room checked by a supervisor for complete cleanliness and good repair - that I had a bad experience once, and I want to avoid a repeat. Actually, I think they have my number as they read the screen for a moment and then say "ok". Now I get the argument that this should be unnecessary, but I do it anyway. And I haven't had a repeat experience. I guess I have been doing this about 5 years now.

Great Idea. I think I'll try that.

- Cost will break-even for us in a about six years (about year 10). It cost just a little more for a DVC 2br than 2 value/moderate hotel rooms for us. But we get more room, a kitchen and in room laundry. We found that we vacation more, so more memories! That is a good cost!

Exactly. If we didnt have DVC, we would definitely not go as much. It pushed us to go every year - Not that it twists our arms too much.

The 4 contracts we have at BWV have allowed us to take many trips from only 2 of us up to 28 family members at one time! I don't know of any other way we could have afforded to do this. We have a GV at BLT this May for 9 of us.

That's awsome. I only have 250 points, but it seems like enough for us for now. Maybe in the future, I can see adding on. Maybe the GF expansion will be a good opportunity... TBD

As far as trying to stay at an RCI resort or something like that - we haven't had any luck with that. Especially if you want to plan early. They want to book a week - not nightly... so it hasn't worked for us.

Yeah, the RCI thing seemed somewhat enticing at the time, but I see your point. I did see a 4-day trip on RCI website with "special savings" in the title. Not exactly sure what that meant. I think it was for OKW. Any ideas? To be honest, I really didnt look into the RCI thing that much.

 

[PhantomBlot]

great post, agree with it all - an excellent primer for potential buyers

 

[zmanandshan]

Regrets: Not buying when the market was low. I have taken a bath on my DVC.

I wish we were thrown more perks. Yes, we are not entitled, I get that but when my friends have free dining on a room that cost them $1K for the entire week it is hard. Ok, I am not in a value room, but in a room about the same size with no maid. I do get a better pool and usually better location. But in the end we all are arriving by bus to the park.

I recently found out that my DVC is worthless for travel in Europe if I just want a night here or there. Don't get me started on the plan for DLP.

But we have enjoyed our time at BCV during food and wine. We have been able to get a room at the 7 months window for 3 years in a row. We love the mouse and like that when we arrive we can check out our brain.

OP, we also travel Europe and it takes thinking to make sure we are on the right metro. Disney is brainless and we like it that way.

I looked even at the exchanges, and nothing much where I frequent (Munich Germany and Southern Zurich Switzerland area). I wanted to take the fam over and extend a business trip, but not much in the way of options.

Oh, And I can't stress enough about being able to check out our brain. It's so relieving. Being near NYC, our trains pretty much run north and south. If a train arrives, you just get on and wait till you get to the last stop in Grand Central. I bought tickets in Frankfurt to get to Mannheim and the guy at the ticket booth told me if I hurry to Track XYZ, I can catch the train, if not, another one would be buy in 45 min. So I rushed over, walked down the steps, train showed up and I got on without looking - Bad mistake, ended up heading toward Russia. Never do that again... Seing you travel there, you can prob. relate...