Annual fee too much for DVC?

[palmtreegirl]

[SIZE=+0]Hi, I just wanted to comment that 210 points isn't really comparable to 5-nights of AKL.

For 210 points: every year, you could theoretically book 15 to 16 (or more) weeknights in a studio at any DVC resort. That's 3 times more nights. Even if you booked weekend nights, it's at least 10 nights per year, which is still twice as many nights as what you were comparing.

[/SIZE]

Just to add to this though....remember that a studio only fits a max of 4 people and that is with 2 people sleeping on the pull out sofa bed. OKW studios do offer 2 queen size beds but the others do not.

 

[dianeschlicht]

thank you all for all the insights, a lot of it helped me see the value of joining DVC and how it can save!

i have decided to join SSR for 210 points

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Oh and Welcome home, when that time comes too!

 

[Doctor P]

Congratulations and welcome home!

 

[Blue&Gold]

changjoe---Congrats and welcome home! Meet you in 30 years at the American pavillion in Epcot for a hamburger

 

[changjoe]

changjoe---Congrats and welcome home! Meet you in 30 years at the American pavillion in Epcot for a hamburger

It's a date Sometime in 2035 eh?

 

[Cruelladeville]

changjoe, Welcome home(a little early!). Just in case you are not an accountant or compulsive with numbers , I would not figure in the purchase price when figuring DVC. If you stay in a studio costing 15 points, and the maintainence is $4 per point, you paid $60 for that room. Hey, you might sell your contract next year, so you will get your cost back! And I was one of those who bought early: it was $54 per point in those days.

 

[gjw007]

My numbers came up different. I tried to upload the spreadsheet for 49 years but here are the numbers for SSR and AKL using a 4% increase per year in maintenance and room rates.

SSR
Initial purchase $18,900
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 302pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=402 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=4 width=64><COL style="WIDTH: 51pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2486" width=68><COL style="WIDTH: 59pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2852" width=78><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 13.5pt" height=18><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 13.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64 height=18> </TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64>Total Maintenance Fees</TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64> </TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64> </TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 51pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=68> </TD><TD class=xl26 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; WIDTH: 59pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" align=right width=78 x:num="117294.07248585692">$117,294.07</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 13.5pt" height=18><TD class=xl27 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 13.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" height=18> </TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua">Total DVC Cost</TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl29 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" align=right x:num="136194.07248585692">$136,194.07</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 14.25pt" height=19><TD class=xl30 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 14.25pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" height=19> </TD><TD class=xl31 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua">Cost per year</TD><TD class=xl31 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl31 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl31 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl32 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" align=right x:num="2779.4708670583045">$2,779.47</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

For AKL
<TABLE style="WIDTH: 203pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=270 border=0 x:str><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 48pt" span=3 width=64><COL style="WIDTH: 59pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 2852" width=78><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 13.5pt" height=18><TD class=xl24 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 13.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64 height=18> </TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64>Total AKL Cost</TD><TD class=xl25 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; WIDTH: 48pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=64> </TD><TD class=xl26 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; WIDTH: 59pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 0.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" width=78 x:num="182292.16785692042">$182,292.17</TD></TR><TR style="HEIGHT: 13.5pt" height=18><TD class=xl27 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; HEIGHT: 13.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" height=18> </TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua">Cost per year</TD><TD class=xl28 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua"> </TD><TD class=xl29 style="BORDER-RIGHT: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BORDER-TOP: windowtext; BORDER-LEFT: #c0c0c0; BORDER-BOTTOM: windowtext 1.5pt solid; BACKGROUND-COLOR: aqua" x:num="3720.2483236106209">$3,720.25</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

SSR averaged to $2780 per year for the next 49 years while 5 nights at AKL averaged $3720 per year for the next 49 years.

 

[married@wdw]

And, while you can't count on specifics from year to year, the DVC perks have saved us a bundle over time, especially this year. The discount on APs for DH and I was perfect timing because we're travelling several times this year and the DDE made it all the better as we've gone with large groups twice already, with at least one more group trip planned. The waterpark, PI & DQ discounts get used almost everytime we go. Up until DDE, we used the DVC dining discounts whenever possible. Oh, and the spa discount at Saratoga -- LOVE that spa!!! These were all things we would have done anyway, but it would have meant a few less souveniers, less drinking, etc.! Every little bit helps and the perks are enough to make the trip a little more luxurious and relaxing! And it also encourages us to stay on Disney property -- we haven't been to Universal in about 3 years and honestly don't plan on it again for our next two trips either.

 

[judydvc]

About 5 years ago I was going to do a small add-on at the V@WL but I just kept thinking about the extra $$ for member dues. Well, I just bought that small add-on and now I'm kicking myself because the prices on DVC points have gone up so much. I wasn't really ready then but now I am and I'm ok with the extra $$ for dues. At some point that price for points may not be more but that may be a ways off.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

*NO, I DIDN'T READ ALL THE POSTS*

That being said, I will never, ever, ever complain about maintenance fees being too high.
I am a firm believer that we get what we pay for.
If I wanted low fees, I would buy an off site timeshare.
I want the quality, service, theming, and Magic that a Disney Resort offers. If that takes more money than an off site, non themed timeshare, than so be it.

-- Just one Member's opinion...

MG

 

[DizneyNutz]

I agree, the room rates will increase, and probably by a lot more that 4%, so, I'll take my DVC, also, if you look at the cost of actually buying a place, even a small lot with a mobile unit on it (not even NEAR WDW) for a get away to FL twice a year, you couldn't touch the taxes, nor the home owners insurance, keep the property up (somebody will have to take care of it, grass, etc., when you aren't there) it makes the dues start to look a WHOLE LOT BETTER---and a lot less of a headache!

 

[Dean]

IMO, DVC is overpriced by about 30-40% in terms of dues. Even at that level, it'd be one of the most expensive timeshares in the industry. The idea that DVC is simply nicer than all the other ones is both foolish and wrong. It is nicer than most and not as nice as some, including many with much lower fees. There are many on par with the resorts themselves and others that have their own great location including beach and ski areas. DVC's main draws are the location (WDW) and flexibility. I believe that most members do buy DVC essentially to buy a piece of Disney rather than because they want to own a timeshare.

IMO the dues are so high for 2 reasons. These are the flexibility of the system and the fact that the rest of Disney has their hands in our pockets. It costs a lot more to run a day by day reservations system. The taxes and upkeep are not really any higher than many other nice places like HI, HH, ski areas, etc.

Lets compare a couple of top Marriott's to DVC with one example each where one has location and the other doesn't. Take Grande Vista in Orlando vs OKW. A 2 BR week at GV around $750 for high season (actually all year) and OKW to get a 2 BR for a week during platinum time about $1100 (magic). GV is a similar resort in many ways and at least as nice as OKW. The only difference is simply the on property location of OKW and the differences in the system. GV would be MUCH cheaper to buy and would actually be a much better choice to use for trading, especially since they have lockoff 2 BR units.

Then lets compare Marriott's Grande Ocean vs DVC HH. GO is a nicer resort in many ways and in a much better location (on the beach). The dues less than $750 for summer for a 2 BR (not a lockoff) and for DVC, about $1200 (summer = premier). Again, you get the differences in the system with the only changes being the fact that GO resale would cost about the same as 330 HH points and not being a lockoff means it's not reasonable to trade it.

My point isn't that one is better but they are both nice and different. IF one wants to go for a full week, usually wants a 2 BR and wants to trade, Marriott (and other systems as well) may be a much better choice. If one can take advantage of DVC's flexibility by staying within the system, maximizing Sun-Fri, varying the time of year and unit size for DVC resorts, that is likely the best choice. IMO, owning both can be the best of both worlds.

 

[littlestar]

Dean,

My brothers and sisters LOVE the Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando. They are all staying there in September while my family will be at BWV. They said they wouldn't join DVC because of the high dues and the fact that they can book Grande Vista on the Interval Getaways for cheap. Do you think once Marriott sells out the Grande Vista it will still come up on the Interval Getaways like it does now?

We (husband, daughters, and son-in-laws) prefer on site at Disney so the higher costs for dues are worth it to us. I would actually pick a moderate before off-site as I dont mind staying in a hotel room vs. a condo. I feel like if I want lots of room I could just stay at my house back home in Indiana. But, if I want the "magic" of Disneyworld, I want on site. My one brother can't stand a hotel room. He loves a large condo and absolutely adores Grande Vista. I guess everybody is different on what matters for them on a vacation to Orlando.

 

[Dean]

Dean,

My brothers and sisters LOVE the Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando. They are all staying there in September while my family will be at BWV. They said they wouldn't join DVC because of the high dues and the fact that they can book Grande Vista on the Interval Getaways for cheap. Do you think once Marriott sells out the Grande Vista it will still come up on the Interval Getaways like it does now?

We (husband, daughters, and son-in-laws) prefer on site at Disney so the higher costs for dues are worth it to us. I would actually pick a moderate before off-site as I dont mind staying in a hotel room vs. a condo. I feel like if I want lots of room I could just stay at my house back home in Indiana. But, if I want the "magic" of Disneyworld, I want on site. My one brother can't stand a hotel room. He loves a large condo and absolutely adores Grande Vista. I guess everybody is different on what matters for them on a vacation to Orlando.

GV is a large resort and Orlando in general is overbuilt. So I do think it will continue to be available easily for most times of the year for exchanging and at times for getaways. Xmas and Easter will be the toughest times to get. And crazy as it may seem to this group, there are those that actually prefer to stay off site for various reasons. I agree that it depends on your preferences and what may be worth it to one person may not be to another. As I mentioned on another thread, I am moving into another stage in my life. Just getting my youngest off to College and can travel off season and on reasonably short notice of maybe a month or 2. Sept and Jan will be especially good times for us to travel and we can easily trade into DVC through II for those times. May and November will also be good times for us and VB is equally available during that time. So I am planning on paring my DVC holdings down in a couple of years one we complete a possibly Disney Wedding plus a separate Family reunion.

 

[Pluto 2]

most timeshares dont have no transportation cost, dvc does

 

[Dean]

most timeshares dont have no transportation cost, dvc does

Actually quite a number do have transportation costs though likely less than DVC. But to the tune of $100-200 of dollars per unit per week, I'd hope not.

 

[littlestar]

Good point, pluto, about the transportation costs. My husband really likes not having to worry about renting a car while on vacation and figuring out where everything is at. He drives on the north side of Indianapolis to work every day and part of vacation for him at Disney is NOT having to drive. Another reason why we prefer on site on Disney property.

I guess some of the off site properties in Orlando have shuttles, but I'm sure it's nothing compared to Disney's transportation options. I know when we've taken our kids, nieces, and nephews (under 25), Disney's convenient transportation made a big difference on flexibility of everyone being able to come and go as they pleased. Instead of all of us having to leave at the same time or one person that does the driving exit the park to "drive" them somewhere.

 

[Pluto 2]

wait to next year when they figure in magical express, the cost im sure will be alittle more if they didnt have magical express. they say its free but someone has to pay for it