Advice/opinions on buying DVC

[ChristineNic]

My husband and I have owned a timeshare in the past (Starwood). Because of financial issues, we passed our Starwood timeshare onto a family member.

This weekend, DH mentioned that he would like to buy a timeshare again. We both like the concept of pre-paid deluxe vacation accomodations. We are also aware that timeshares are not an "investment" in any sense.

If we buy DVC, we will not be a typical family with kids that vacations at WDW once or twice a year.

We live in FL and usually maintain annual passes at either WDW or Universal. We recently moved closer to Orlando and having annual passes to both parks wouldn't be out of the question. We travel to Orlando 3 to 4 times per year and our trips range from overnight trips to a full week. We try avoid spring break and summer.

Our favorite DVC resort is Old Key West.

We tend to plan last minute trips, but we are very flexible. We wouldn't expect to get a get a studio at an Epcot resort during F&W two weeks out. However, last Wednesday, we decided to go to Universal on Friday and Saturday. Is it possible to book a room via DVC (any room) for a spur of the moment trip?

If we buy into DVC, we would most likely buy a small contract through Disney and then add on via resale as we can/need.

Would DVC be a good fit for us and our travel style?

 

[chukdotcom]

My husband and I have owned a timeshare in the past (Starwood). Because of financial issues, we passed our Starwood timeshare onto a family member.

This weekend, DH mentioned that he would like to buy a timeshare again. We both like the concept of pre-paid deluxe vacation accomodations. We are also aware that timeshares are not an "investment" in any sense.

If we buy DVC, we will not be a typical family with kids that vacations at WDW once or twice a year.

We live in FL and usually maintain annual passes at either WDW or Universal. We recently moved closer to Orlando and having annual passes to both parks wouldn't be out of the question. We travel to Orlando 3 to 4 times per year and our trips range from overnight trips to a full week. We try avoid spring break and summer.

Our favorite DVC resort is Old Key West.

We tend to plan last minute trips, but we are very flexible. We wouldn't expect to get a get a studio at an Epcot resort during F&W two weeks out. However, last Wednesday, we decided to go to Universal on Friday and Saturday. Is it possible to book a room via DVC (any room) for a spur of the moment trip?

If we buy into DVC, we would most likely buy a small contract through Disney and then add on via resale as we can/need.

Would DVC be a good fit for us and our travel style?

You do not sound like a good candidate for DVC at all. I would strongly recommend you just rent points from a DVC member.

 

[MiramarQE]

Get on David's DVC last minute newsletter list - for the short notice trips you may be able to rent at VERY reasonable rates per point and still meet your goals

 

[Deb & Bill]

Last minute and DVC doesn't go well together. Some times, resorts will be sold out around the seven month time frame. Other times, they might not be sold out until three or so months before. But looking for a weekend a few days before might leave you disappointed. Getting a weekend studio for F&W needs at least six months out. It would never happen a few weeks out. With Disney adding so many special events during the year (marathons, half marathons, special weekends), it would be tough.

DVC is probably the most expensive timeshare out there. And they are actually sold to be 95-98% occupied at all times. Initial buyin is expensive as are the annual fees.

I agree that you need to sign up for David's last minute deals. They are usually 30 or less days out and usually SSR because it is the largest resort.

 

[chukdotcom]

Last minute and DVC doesn't go well together. Some times, resorts will be sold out around the seven month time frame. Other times, they might not be sold out until three or so months before. But looking for a weekend a few days before might leave you disappointed. Getting a weekend studio for F&W needs at least six months out. It would never happen a few weeks out. With Disney adding so many special events during the year (marathons, half marathons, special weekends), it would be tough.

DVC is probably the most expensive timeshare out there. And they are actually sold to be 95-98% occupied at all times. Initial buyin is expensive as are the annual fees.

I agree that you need to sign up for David's last minute deals. They are usually 30 or less days out and usually SSR because it is the largest resort.

Why does David limit the use of the points to SSR on the last minute deals? Is it so it doesn't take away from the full price customers? Assuming something was actually available at BCV, why couldn't you use those distressed points there?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Why does David limit the use of the points to SSR on the last minute deals? Is it so it doesn't take away from the full price customers? Assuming something was actually available at BCV, why couldn't you use those distressed points there?

He doesn't limit it to SSR. It is usually what might be available for more than one night at 30 days out or less. I've also seen AKV. But mostly just SSR.

 

[DizBub]

If you are really flexible you may be able to pick up a confirmed reservation on short notice on occasion since you live so close. Plus, people are always looking to rent expiring points last minute.

If you want to book at busy times you will need the advanced booking window. Renting is a good option but you really don't have that much control over your reservation.

But if you want to own another timeshare I can't see any reason you shouldn't look at DVC. If you should ever run into difficulties you CAN sell or even rent your points.

 

[com_op_2000]

Yes it can work but it would be better if you can plan some trips ahead of time. That said:
DW and I several times have been at DTD for the day and decided we wanted to stay the night. Called the resorts directly (back before MS was open on Sundays) or MS and checked in within 15 minutes.
At MK for the day in Feb ’14 for our anniversary, called MS @09:00, and booked a room at BLT for that night. Checked-in @11:00 and the room was ready. We did not plan on this day going like this until @05:00 while still in bed.