A week a year... What else?!?

[sdlipton]

Hi Disboards,

My wife and I honeymooned at the CR 10 months ago and well... as I am sure you can imagine we fell in love with WDW.

We are California natives and currently live out here, if we bought DVC we would probably go for a week every two years. So here is my question...

What else do we get? I mean, are there any other discounts, any other perks, anything else besides the amazing privelege of owning for thirty or forty years a piece of WDW? We ask because my wife has concerns about all the other expenses that go along with a week or 10 day trip to WDW (plane tickets, food, admissions media, souveniers and everything else).

Thanks and I appologize for what is likely a silly question.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Remember that DVC is a timeshare, so it has all the priveledges of a prepaid vacation destination. Of course, that doesn't include the other expenses involved, but it wouldn't if you were buying ANY timeshare.

The other perks are little things that change frequently to keep folks interested and coming back. The best one is the $100 off the price of an AP! That wont likely do you any good if you are only planning to visit evry other year though. You can also use your points to stay in the Disneyland hotels in California. That might be easier for you once in awhile. There are always little perks like discounts at some specific WDW restaurants, and minigolf etc. There are also the exchanges through II, should you care to do those.

 

[zoomsharedisney]

I agree with Diane! As members we get alot of discounts on shopping, dining, tours, relaxation, and sometimes we even get to 'test' a ride before it opens to the public. The best perk IMHO is being able to stay at SOOOO many different places. Plus you can bank and borrow points which if you plan on staying at Disney once every two years...well it can earn you a wonderful lengthy vacation.

 

[spiceycat]

only for a week every other year. I am not sure. now if you find something resale - go for it. but buying directly from DVC - it is more expensive.

now if you say 2 weeks or even 12 days (arriving on a Sunday) - then go for it.

but a week every other year - it would take a heck of alot longer to get your pay back (return on investment)

use the worksheet
http://mysite.verizon.net/brian_siu/timeshare/timeshare.html
http://www.timesharecostcalculator.com/

 

[crisi]

We make every other year work, but we stay in a two bedroom with two kids. If its just the two of you, with the 150 point minimum, you may just be better off staying somewhere else or renting points. And since DVC is a committment to Disney (there are cheaper timeshares and vacation options if you aren't using your points at DVC resorts), that means you are making a committment to airfare from California, park tickets, etc. as well. If your wife has concerns about the expense - they are probably valid concerns.

Perks are subject to change without notice, and I'd never recommend anyone buy for any of the perks or current trade out options (which can have their point costs increase or be dropped).

 

[DKH01701]

There will always be additional expenses for your vacations. Do not expect an awful lot of savings here.

While DVC members do get some discounts, they will not significantly reduce expenses associated with your trips unless you figure in the cost of your lodging.

What you need to keep in mind is you are paying in today's dollars for future lodging costs. The annual rate of lodging usually increases 8% - 10% per year. Unfortunately, if you are not able to pay outright, the finance charges will significantly cut into even that margin. Additionally you will have a minimum of $30-$40 monthly dues to pay, (Mine are $80) depending on how many points you buy, and these, I'm sure, will continue to rise.

I certainly wouldn't discourage anyone from looking into DVC ownership, but you really need to put ink and paper together to see if it is a wise decision for you. For us, it made sense. We were in the position to pay outright for the property, live in a relatively cheap air corridor to Orlando, and plan to continue to visit Disney for the rest of our lives.

Other benefits include the choice of many properties/vacations to choose from, for a minimal booking fee, some of which may be close to you and not be so expensive to travel to. Also, you can borrow/bank points from one year to the next, so you don't necessarily have to go each year. Theoretically you could go every three years for an extended period, or more extravagant lodging/locations.

We have thus far enjoyed our DVC ownership and expect we will continue to do so, but seriously, look closely at the numbers and your personal situation.

 

[spiceycat]

of course one of the rumors going around is a DVC resort in Ca or Hawaii....

is it cheaper to fly to Hawaii from where you live or Orlando?