Annoyed at how much the "nice" Disney hotels cost

[Annette_VA]

Originally posted by calypso*a*go-go
It makes perfect sense and it's exactly what we did.

Living on the west coast, we alternate and do WDW one year -- DL the next (you can use your DVC points there as well, but they don't go as far).

Cool! Thanks!

 

[snoopy]

Isn't Esmerelda the poster who is getting a second job to pay off debt? I'm thinking she might not be prepared to buy into DVC.

Assuming I have the right person, that is. If so, I think you will be just as happy at the All Stars or Pop Century or offsite as you would at the Grand Floridian or at one of the DVC resorts ---- its not necessary to spend a bundle to have a good time in Orlando.

If not, sorry, I'll shut up now.

 

[JESW]

Another hijack of the thread......if you buy into DVC now can you still get BW or is that all sold out??? We have been going to WDW 2x a year and staying concierge at the deluxes and I keep thinking we could be doing this a lot cheaper! But we LOVE the Boardwalk and would want to go there or in that area..

I also get confused reading the DVC board....and I'd go to one of the DVC meetings but are they just selling Saratoga Springs now??

To the OP...DH & I are probably older than you - in our mid-40's but with young kids. We don't have much debt - our 2 cars are paid for...our house is paid for...we owe on my parents townhouse that we bought for them...DH does have a high-paying (and very high pressure job) and vacations are a TOP priority for us. When we go to WDW we want as less hassle as possible. One time we got bumped up to concierge at the YC and that was it for DH - with the young kids it was the only way for us. Yes, we are VERY fortunate right now...but it wasn't always like that for us. Years ago we stayed at Port Orleans and Dixie Landings and I loved those resorts too. Way back we stayed some place near Sea World and I was happy just to be at Disney!

Jill

 

[Cruise04]

If you purchase with Disney I believe you HAVE to purchase at least 150 points. That is the minimum. BUT you would be highly surprised as to what those 150 points can get you. My first thought when we bought was, no way we'll need more. We go every other year (generally) and that allows us to do that and have a studio (for us that's enough for now). BUT we did buy more points (twice now I think). We needed like 35 more for our cruise and we sat down and thought it through - pay $1400 for a one time week for one person (that's approximately what the cash purchase would have been for one person when we went) or pony up approximately $2000 and purchase more points that we can use for the next 36 years (I believe the contract is up in 2040). We opted for spending the money to get enjoyment out of our money for the next 36 years.

And even though this seems to be turning into a DVC conversation, I have been able to follow this thread and info better than the DVC boards. It can get confusing over there.

 

[vald1977]

Originally posted by calypso*a*go-go
Sorry this has turned into the DVC thread...but just a bit more info. Forget about the 150 pt. minimum -- that only applies if you buy direct from Disney. At this point, there a lots of resales in every size contract imaginable. Also, by going resale you can buy at whatever resort you prefer, not just SSR. If anyone is considering buying into DVC, they need to look at all the options. We just bought a resale @ OKW for $65/pt which is much lower than the $95/pt through Disney.

Where would you look for re-sales?

 

[Bojangles]

Originally posted by snoopy
Isn't Esmerelda the poster who is getting a second job to pay off debt? I'm thinking she might not be prepared to buy into DVC.

Good point Snoopy.


There are a lot of off-site places that are just as nice as the Disney deluxe resorts, and a lot cheaper. The Hilton GVC near Seaworld has a big screen tv, washer/dryer, jacuzzi tub, etc. You can often get these rooms for less than $120/night.

 

[beattyfamily]

Originally posted by vald1977
Where would you look for re-sales?

I bought my resale back in 2001 at A Timeshare.com Jaki was great!!!!

I think I paid $65 (plus closing fees) back then! Then I bought another 100 through Disney last May! Now I have plenty for our family of 4 (270 for our family of 4).

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by snoopy
Isn't Esmerelda the poster who is getting a second job to pay off debt? I'm thinking she might not be prepared to buy into DVC.

Assuming I have the right person, that is. If so, I think you will be just as happy at the All Stars or Pop Century or offsite as you would at the Grand Floridian or at one of the DVC resorts ---- its not necessary to spend a bundle to have a good time in Orlando.

If not, sorry, I'll shut up now.

I was. I actually got on a pretty good financial plan, and already have knocked 1K off that debt since I posted that message; close to knocking off 2K.

Yes, I know we are poor. But please understand that we are not adding any debt to take trips. I have not used a credit card in close to a year, except to buy things and pay them off, like, the same day (ie. airline tickets etc. that I want the security of a cc to purchase).

I refuse to live my life not having any fun.

I just think it's a shame that us poor people can't spend a few nights at an upscale resort once in a while without having to forgo entire nights of a normal vacation.

Since posting this thread I have found out about several ways to possibly make a long weekend at AKL or Boardwalk happen for us in the next year or so.

 

[poohandwendy]

I just think it's a shame that us poor people can't spend a few nights at an upscale resort once in a while without having to forgo entire nights of a normal vacation.

LOL, If you are able to plan ANY vacation, you are not poor!!! It's a shame I can't have a million dollar home without selling my soul and working so much that I never see my family If the deluxes were ''easy'' to obtain, they wouldn't be all that special.

Everything comes at a cost. WDW, like anything, is about choosing what matters to you and finding a way to make it happen. To us, the resort does matter. We would rather not go every year and have a 'big' WDW trip at a deluxe resort every 3 years or so.

The first few times I visited WDW, it didn't matter where I stayed because all I cared about was the parks. Now, the trip is about the entire experience...the room, the resort, the service, the surroundings, the dining choices, the convenience.

So, like every other decision in our lives, we have to find a way to make that work for us (within our financial means). For us, that means there is no WDW every single year. We don't vacation on credit. So, we set aside money little by little and look forward to treating ourselves.

 

[snoopy]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX
I was. I actually got on a pretty good financial plan, and already have knocked 1K off that debt since I posted that message; close to knocking off 2K.

Yes, I know we are poor. But please understand that we are not adding any debt to take trips. I have not used a credit card in close to a year, except to buy things and pay them off, like, the same day (ie. airline tickets etc. that I want the security of a cc to purchase).

I refuse to live my life not having any fun.

I just think it's a shame that us poor people can't spend a few nights at an upscale resort once in a while without having to forgo entire nights of a normal vacation.

Since posting this thread I have found out about several ways to possibly make a long weekend at AKL or Boardwalk happen for us in the next year or so.

I'm sorry, I hope you didn't think I was insinuating that you aren't entitled to a nice vacation. I make no judgement about your financial situation or what type of vacation you are entitled to, I simply remembered you telling us your goal was to pay down some bills and thought that since the thread was veering off into DVC ownership that you could use some more practical suggestions.

Oh, and congrats on paying down a lot of your debt! That is fantastic! Doesn't it feel great to do that?

 

[caitycaity]

LOL, If you are able to plan ANY vacation, you are not poor!!!

you took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[peachgirl]

LOL, If you are able to plan ANY vacation, you are not poor!!!

Absolutely true! I understand wanting to stay at deluxe hotels, but the truth is if you're going to WDW at all, you're doing something a lot of people will never get to do!

Good for you EsmeraldaX for working to get your finances straightened out. If you're sensible enough to do that I have no doubt that someday you'll be able to do WDW in whatever style you want!

DVC really is a luxury and one I wouldn't even consider if I were you until you have accomplished your goals of eliminating your debt. I'd like to buy into DVC, but unfortunately I just don't have the cash to pay for it and absolutely will not finance vacations.

 

[EsmeraldaX]

Originally posted by snoopy
I'm sorry, I hope you didn't think I was insinuating that you aren't entitled to a nice vacation. I make no judgement about your financial situation or what type of vacation you are entitled to, I simply remembered you telling us your goal was to pay down some bills and thought that since the thread was veering off into DVC ownership that you could use some more practical suggestions.

Oh, and congrats on paying down a lot of your debt! That is fantastic! Doesn't it feel great to do that?

Thanks And no offense taken.

Yes it does! I seriously love watching that balance go down (thankfully it is almost all in one place so that's easy to do!)

Sheri

 

[Rutt and Tuke]

Originally posted by EsmeraldaX

I just think it's a shame that us poor people can't spend a few nights at an upscale resort once in a while without having to forgo entire nights of a normal vacation.

Welcome to the real world where we are all forced to make choices in life.

 

[Disney01]

We could all be bitter about the people who can afford more, have more, or do more. But, the truth is, we all make our choices, good and bad. Gratitude for what one has is the key to life. Staying at a deluxe hotel is not the key to life's happiness.

 

[katerkat]

Join the military - we have good discounts on-site (with SoG) and off-site (with AFVC).

 

[Margie J]

I've been a DVC Member since 1994.

I haven't read through all of this thread but just wanted to point out to people that besides the upfront $/point there are annual fees associated with a DVC Membership. The annual fees are based on your number of vacation points and the Home Resort(s) you own them at.

For the OP, the best options right now are either Mousesavers discounts or to rent points from a DVC Member IMO.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Keep checking Mary's www.mousesavers.com site, Sheri, a great place to stay on top of the current 'deals'. Good luck.

 

[Poohbear123]

This WHOLE thread, I now have a better understanding of DVC! I was "thinking" of looking into this for myself as a future investment, but, when I went to the DVC board I got VERY Confused! So, now I think I understand it better. I do have one question: *How much can you put down on your DVC unit?* In other words, I would like to put 3/4 of the money down and owe the rest, is that possible? Or is it Points Only? Thanks.

 

[SalandJeff]

Originally posted by Poohbear123
*How much can you put down on your DVC unit?* In other words, I would like to put 3/4 of the money down and owe the rest, is that possible? Or is it Points Only? Thanks.

Poohbear...can you clarify your question. Do you mean if you were to purchase a DVC ownership, you would want to put down 3/4 of the money and finance the rest? If so, yes, you can finance whatever portion you want to.

If that's not what you're asking, please ask again, and we'll try to help