After 2 years of consideration, we did it

[Magic Fanatic]

We just returned from the 7 night western caribean cruise and while on board joined DVC. We opted for 200 points and used the $500 onboard credit towards the down payment. We also received the $9 per point discount for SSR. In addition the offer included the 200 points from last year which we will bank. Our contract month will be June so we will have 400 points available to use very soon.

As a family of four, we have taken two 7 night Disney Cruise's in the last 2 years as well as no less than a full week at Disney every year for the last 5 years (actually 2 weeks last year). By those numbers, joining makes sense, but it is a huge committment!

I guess the main thing that I am still a little skeptical about is the availability of resorts outside of Disney. Is it as easy to get reservations at these other properties as Disney presents it?

 

[AKV707]

First, Home!

In terms of trading out, I am a new member and have never done it. I am sure some Disers will be along soon to give their opinions and experience. I do know that the best value for your points is a stay at a DVC resort.

 

[mickeymorse]

Congratulations and WELCOME HOME

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

Welcome Home!

 

[mhmcduff]

A 9$ per point credit- That is great! Congrats and Welcome Home!

 

[stopher1]

Congratulations and WELCOME HOME!!

 

[DiznyDi]

WOW! You must be on ! Welcome!

 

[paults]

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Congrats and Welcome Home!

 

[Arthur27]

From a Gator to a Dawg Welcome home. We're a family of four as well and have recently joined DVC. We haven't stayed at a non DVC resort yet but plan to next year.

 

[tbay]

congratulations and welcome home

 

[disneymom8589]

Welcome, SSR neighbor! SSR is a beautiful resort!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

From a Gator to a Dawg Welcome home. We're a family of four as well and have recently joined DVC. We haven't stayed at a non DVC resort yet but plan to next year.

Welcome Home!

and to all you Gators and Dawgs out there, ROLL TIDE!

 

[LocustPoint]

Welcome Home!

 

[hellerjw]

Although this topic of trading outside DVC has been discussed many times I feel it comes down to what you consider to be a "value".

It is not the best use of points in terms of "dollar value" because the point costs are higher, the point costs can go up each year, you have to rely on Interval International matches, etc.

It may be a good use of points in terms of "convenience value" because you can use your DVC points to trade-out to other places without having to shell out a lot of additional cash (other than the $95 II fee). If you know going into the trade-out that you might have to be a little more flexible then it can be a good thing. For example, you may find it very hard to trade-out for something through Interval International on one of the more popular Hawaiian islands during a peak time, but if you can be flexible with your travel times and not too picky as to the island or resort you stay at then you will probably have good luck getting a match. The more specific and rigid your request the more trouble you will have finding a match.

That being said, it is always a better "value" to use your DVC points at a DVC resort. DVC isn't the best choice if you plan to trade-out often. There are cheaper ways to travel outside the DVC system.

But, some folks like the whole idea of their pre-paid DVC vacations giving them the ability to use the points outside the DVC system more than they care about whether its the best use of their points from a monetary perspective.

Its really a personal choice.

Since we all seem to be SEC folks here, Go Gamecocks!

 

[lovinthemouse]

Congrats to you and your family. Welcome Home

 

[RCharnay]

Welcome Home!!!!!
Made sense for us too! If you know you love Disney, why not get the value and the perks!

 

[christianweecare]

Welcome, SSR and fellow Georgia neighbor! DH & I also took the plung on a DCL Western in 2005. We have not regretted our decision so far. We had debated about buying DVC for a few years, as well. When we first bounced around the idea, our youngest was just starting college (2001). Not a good time for us. Now DS has his BSN (nursing) and has a family of his own.

 

[Chellymouse]

Congrats and Welcome Home Neighbor!

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

Congrats and Welcome Home!