Anyone change thee tune on DVC long term?

[dianeschlicht]

Our "kids" were both adults and gone from home when we purchased 9 years ago. I'll be 96 when our DVC contract runs out, but I hope my "kids" and their kids are still enjoying it. If not, it will be up to them to sell it!

 

[Dean]

I have not thought this way, but I do have input on buying at other 'high end' vacations. We bought our first contact into DVC three years ago. At the same time my sister bought into Marriott Aruba (this one you also own for 40 or 50 years - not a lifetime). For her situation, I think it was the biggest mistake, even though they do love to go to Aruba every year. She HAS to use it every other year. Three years in a row she has not been able to use it. She traded a week for her Inlaws to go to Vegas, the next year she sold her week on Ebay, the following year she traded into Interval for Marriott Ocean Club in May. Again she sold that on Ebay. With these sales, they did not even cover her maintenance fees. You know with DVC you can at least rent your points and easily cover your maintenance fees. Now my sister is still going to go to Aruba this fall, but also wants to stay at a DVC resort badly in December. She wanted to see if she could trade into DVC, but I do not think it is that easy.
So, in order to get into a DVC resort my parents just bought into DVC. This is after YEARS of my father being dead set against DVC. They originally looked into OKW when it first opened and you received the Disney tickets for the next 10 years or so. I think it was such a mistake not to buy then. They own 4 Marriotts in Orlando which has been an excellent chioce for them since 3 of them you can trade your week in for points every year (This is the only way I would buy into Marriott). I am really disappointed with how Marriott has kept up their resorts (Sabal & Royal Palms at the World Center). After visiting Marriott Sabal Palms last year, there is no comparision between this and DVC resorts. I think after seeing how much we have enjoyed our DVC and how it has appreciated (BCV) in 3 years my father has finally seen the light!
I would just be careful where you buy, maybe consider a resale (just remember with a Marriott resale you do not have the capability to trade in every other year for Marriott points - you have to buy directly from Marriott).

They should get better educated with what they own. If they do and plan ahead, they should be far more satisfied and have a lot more options. One question is wether it's even reasonable to belong to II for a weeks ownership you may use part of the time, I'd say no. There are other exchange companies that would be much cheaper for the occasional use.

 

[Dean]

Recently I have changed my tune on long term ownership of DVC. I feel like I will sell my DVC when my now 4 year old son starts to tire of the yearly WDW vacations. Owning SSR points and following resale values I feel my contract will still be worth quite a bit from a resale standpoint. Recent experiences and how difficult the process of trading out is has led me down this road. I love WDW so I can't believe I feel this way. I will always have a spot in my heart for DVC but I do see this happening unless some great new resort off site comes online like Hawaii or something in the Carribean or Mexico. I also intend on looking at Ritz Carlton Destination Clubs and high end Marriott offerings in prime locations like Aruba and Hawaii. Those should trade without a problem if I so choose. Anyone else have these thoughts? Is this just a crazy thought? In short, has anyone else considered only holding there DVC during the child raising years and then cashing out?


DAVE

I think you've already seen my say that it's likely I'll sell off most of my DVC points. I enjoy other things as well and can trade back into DVC easily for times and units sizes that easily work for me.

 

[MdmMim]

When we purchased our DVC interest, our kids were already grown and out of the house. We bought DVC because of my addiciton to WDW (DH could have cared less if he ever saw the place again.) DVC was a good economic decision for us, as my frequent trips (usually in a deluxe) were costly.

Now, things have changed for us:
DH loves WDW (even has his own AP!)
The kids go there on their own (I set aside a point allotment for them each year, enough for 5 days each, Sun-Thu only.)
I have been spending part of the winter there. (DH will, too, when he retires.)

I see us holding onto DVC until the end. We all enjoy it so much. (We may even add on at some point in the future.)

 

[mikesmom]

Our first trip to BWV we thought that would be one of our "last" family vacations as DS (our youngest) was 16 and would no longer want to vacation with family. Well, we had a revelation! DS still isn't tired of WDW, although he hasn't been able to go in about 2 years because of college and work schedules. I know he is plotting to get a vacation as soon as he graduates. Until college got heavy we went at least once a year. The attraction changes for kids. He's not the MK fan he used to be, but Epcot is a never ending favorite and just hanging out at the resorts is a big plus also.

In addition, DH and I discovered the Food & Wine Festand we have 2 sets of friends who alternate going with us. Oldest DS is now having children, so we've started large family trips. DH and I have also had a couple of getaways to Vero and HHI. I don't think we'll dump because of family disinterest. If anything some years addonitis is a real risk!

 

[littlestar]

We've thought about selling a couple of our small add-ons (downsizing our total DVC points) and buying an EOY Marriott property. That way our family could join II, have access to II's "Getaway" weeks, and have more trade options. Even something as small as a II directory would be nice. Something any other timeshare owner through II would get with their membership.

Oh, and this is minor, but the TV selections at the Walt Disney DVC resorts is pathetic. If you want to stay in and relax and not go to a park, you better plan on using the DVD player. Because there is not much selection as far as a movie channel (we like to watch old movies), Biography, history channel, etc. Most of the off site timeshares have Dish Network or Direct TV. Small gripe, I know. I do think when we stayed at Vero and Hilton Head that the selection was way better than at Walt Disneyworld.

But, yeah, we have thought about downsizing the points. But not totally getting out. I like it too much to do that.

 

[GrimGhost]

I've always thought I would hang on until they pried them out of my fingers (still in process of buying). Under the right assumptions, my great-grandchildren could visit WDW using my points. Now I may not be with them riding Summit Plummet, but that still has value to me.........It's more like a prepaid asset in that I'm prepaying for 48 years of vacations with today's dollars.

I own 505 pts and wouldn't dream of selling a single one..ever. I'll keep them until they expire. But that's me. I enjoy Disney. I enjoy it with my kids, I have and had enjoyed it without them, I hope they will want to go with me even when they are older. But even if not, WDW is for me for the long haul.

 

[greenban]

Hi!

What is an EOY timeshare?

TIA

-Tony

 

[Dean]

Hi!

What is an EOY timeshare?

TIA

-Tony

Every Other Year.

 

[lisaviolet]

Thanks for all the great thoughts guys. To clear something up I am not dissapointed with DVC. I still think it is the cream of the crops far as timeshares go. I guess the big thing is that lately I feel like we are moving away from the timeshare thing of visiting the same location multiple times a year. This year alone we will have visited WDW 3 times with the possibility of a 4th in the fall. I felt the same way as the majority here that I would never give up my points. Financially we are very fortunate. That alone may be the reason for the change of heart. We can afford to stay at top resorts all over the world without having to trade or possibly take a less than desirable resort just to go to the destination we want. Hmmmm...... maybe the whole timeshare thing just isn't for us. I can pay cash to stay at any timeshare I want whenever I want. We often pay cash for Marriott Timeshares like Marriott Grande Vista in Orlando and Marriott Surf Club in Aruba. They aren't cheap but I earn MArrioot reward points which provides me with free future stays. Hey, I think I'm answering my own question here. Thanks again and only the future will tell what I decide. I may follow the route of others and downsize my points to keep a foot in the door.


DAVE

First of all I love the fact that you stated that you are financially able to vacation anywhere you want. No sarcasm. I really find it refreshing.

We are not able to do so at this point in our lives. In fact, before DVC, we stayed at Value and ate a lot in our room.....brought groceries from home. Anything to get a vacation!!! And to be quite honest I was proud of us...how well we did to just to get there.

So DVC. The opportunity came to buy it outright after years of dreaming....yeah!!! Right now, it means the world to me. It makes me feel "rich". It makes me feel pampered. I love not having to eat out that often. I really get tired of eating out.

And I'll probably never tire of how incredibly flexible DVC is. Ie. the point system. I have really seen this planning a March Break with extended family. I found them a great airfare. They couldn't take it because they had to book their usual March break timeshare Fri-fri or Sat-sat. There are so many other comparisons that I hadn't thought about when people are not on points.

I've been able to take 3 last minute trips...with DING fares. Never, ever, would I ever have imagined I would be able to take off with such financial abandon (no hotel $$$$ costs...food costs low....DING fare $59 each way). I didn't have to factor in "oh I really can't afford this!!!".

In fact, members of my family are like "how the heck is she able to vacation again?" . (a little jealousy I suspect) Ummm ...short trips b/c points are so flexible, cheap SW airfare and most of the trip is already paid for. From our Value days we know how to scrimp.

Hopefully, we'll always be able to afford our DVC. But I'll tell you it's made me feel "rich".

I am a new member. To be honest when I think about every set of new points coming I can't quite believe it.

So Daitcher....if I could afford just to pay for a vacation ...I might feel "why am I frustrating myself to trade out when I could just pay"....makes sense to me.

But in our case pre-paying our vacations....it just cuts out the middle man. That middle man that would have been saying, "forget about it....you can't afford it!"

 

[greenban]

First of all I love the fact that you stated that you are financially able to vacation anywhere you want. No sarcasm. I really find it refreshing.

We are not able to do so at this point in our lives. In fact, before DVC, we stayed at Value and ate a lot in our room.....brought groceries from home. Anything to get a vacation!!! And to be quite honest I was proud of us...how well we did to just to get there.

So DVC. The opportunity came to buy it outright after years of dreaming....yeah!!! Right now, it means the world to me. It makes me feel "rich". It makes me feel pampered. I love not having to eat out that often. I really get tired of eating out.

And I'll probably never tire of how incredibly flexible DVC is. Ie. the point system. I have really seen this planning a March Break with extended family. I found them a great airfare. They couldn't take it because they had to book their usual March break timeshare Fri-fri or Sat-sat. There are so many other comparisons that I hadn't thought about when people are not on points.

I've been able to take 3 last minute trips...with DING fares. Never, ever, would I ever have imagined I would be able to take off with such financial abandon (no hotel $$$$ costs...food costs low....DING fare $59 each way). I didn't have to factor in "oh I really can't afford this!!!".

In fact, members of my family are like "how the heck is she able to vacation again?" . (a little jealousy I suspect) Ummm ...short trips b/c points are so flexible, cheap SW airfare and most of the trip is already paid for. From our Value days we know how to scrimp.

Hopefully, we'll always be able to afford our DVC. But I'll tell you it's made me feel "rich".

I am a new member. To be honest when I think about every set of new points coming I can't quite believe it.

So Daitcher....if I could afford just to pay for a vacation ...I might feel "why am I frustrating myself to trade out when I could just pay"....makes sense to me.

But in our case pre-paying our vacations....it just cuts out the middle man. That middle man that would have been saying, "forget about it....you can't afford it!"

Lisaviolet a great post, thanks!

-Tony

 

[sfibelko]

We have owned timeshares for three years now, and just bought DVC last month. It made sense - seems like disney is always on the mind. My only DVC regret so far is not having bought it 10 years ago. On the other hand, I have used 4 weeks of my other time share and been disappointed 3 times. Older properties, not close to action, rising annual dues for no foreseeable reason, and lack of availability. Every disney property stay has been well worth the cost. I expect the save from the DVC property. DW and I pondered same - will we sell when DD 15 an DD 12 are out of house? Answer was a big no! Our honeymoon was at WDW before there were kids, and we can have fun post kids. Finally, I look forward to being the grandpa that took the grandchildren to disney for the first time.

 

[lisareniff]

Hey Dave, were you going to buy a VB contract? I think that was you, please forgive me if I'm wrong. I remember because we are considering one. Anyway, have you decided against that option so you would have more flexibility? It sounds like if you want to go to new places and have a great deal of flexiblity you shouldn't own a timeshare. Rent!

 

[disney-super-mom]

I have to say yes, we did change our tune on DVC long term, and so we decided not to buy at this time.

We still think DVC is a great timeshare, and if we lived on the east side of the country, or if there was a DVC resort or two over here on the west side, we'd buy in for sure, but that fact is, Orlando and WDW is a LONG WAY for us to travel every year. And the distance for us to travel to Orlando isn't the worst either - the worst is the HIGH AIRFARE right now! (no DINGS from Spokane to Orlando )

So for us, DVC is AWESOME, but location and airfare is NOT. We haven't totally shut the door on making a DVC purchase, but we're going to be patient for now and see what happens with future DVC development.

Don't be surprised if you see us on the rent/trade board looking to rent a few points now and then though, because we're determined to make our next Disney trip a WDW DISNEY TRIP! (which will be a first for us!) I promise, we'll be kind and thoughtful tennants!

 

[Beca]

This is a really great thread!! I think Daitcher might be on to something. There has GOT to be more than "I really like WDW a lot" to find owning at DVC a GREAT thing.

For lisaviolet (and many others) it is the chance to stay in deluxe accomodations and pay that out over time. For me....it is, well....different. Financially, my family is doing well. But, when I was a child...my family was extremely poor. My mother saved for many years to take us on a whirlwind vacation at WDW when I was in 6th grade (WDW had just broken ground on Epcot...1981). It was the most magical place I had ever been!! We lived in a really bad, really dangerous neighborhood....WDW was the first place I truly ever felt "safe" to sleep at night. I went on vacation, and truly felt like a little princess!! I think that pretty much "hooked" me.

When I first got married, we didn't have the money for vacations. We took two vacations in 12 years of marriage....both to WDW. After we had our dd, we decided that we needed to take at least one vacation every year. So, naturally....DVC became the best option for us to "ensure" that we would actually find the time and money to go on vacation. DVC has MORE than exceeded its expectations in that respect. Since becoming members (2 years ago), we have taken 3 trips to WDW a year. We are feeling "deprived" this year because we are only going twice!!

I originally thought 150 points would be more than enough, but now am finding that I am constantly in "borrow" mode at 540 (and, am begging my dh to allow me to get back on the waitlist for more points). Trading in would never work for us because we are pretty particular about staying at the Beach Club....it has truly become our "second home"...and, I am thrilled about that!!! My dd is 4, and she really thinks we own that place (I keep telling her it is a teeny part of it!!). In her mind, WDW "IS" BCV, and vice versa. I am SOOO happy to give this gift to her, of such a beautiful, enchanting place where she feels so comfortable.

I cannot imagine after our family makes such wonderful memories, that I will ever want to sell our membership...I suspect that, with each passing year, our time at Beach Club will become even more precious to us. And, I LOVED WDW before she was born...I think I will still love it after she is grown. And, if she loves it nearly as much as we do, I think DVC ownership will be a great way to get her to continue traveling with us when she is grown. To quote one of my favorite sayings, "Money isn't everything, but it keeps the kids close!!"

My DVC membership certainly isn't all I hoped it would be....but, then again...life is what you make of it....and, my family memories ARE all that I hoped they would be. I don't think (barring extreme circumstances) I could sell the opportunity to make more memories at such a magical place. Yep, those points are MINE!!!



Beca

 

[sssteele]

My wife and I (both 56 years of age) bought DVC in 2002, after a 13 year hiatus from WDW. Our son is 36, with two children, our only grandchildren. We have taken them with us twice, and have made four solo trips (just the two of us). We hope to see alot of the U.S. in a camper after retirement, but for luxury, it will always be WDW DVC. I can't see us ever tiring of "The Mouse." We may trade out some day, but that was never a consideration when we bought. We look forward to at least two trips a year to WDW until we can't do it anymore. Hopefully that gives us 30-40 more trips. We still count down the days until our next trip, and expect to do so for a long, long time. My only regret about my age is that it limits the number of times I can "experience the Magic."

 

[crisi]

Thanks for all the great thoughts guys. To clear something up I am not dissapointed with DVC. I still think it is the cream of the crops far as timeshares go. I guess the big thing is that lately I feel like we are moving away from the timeshare thing of visiting the same location multiple times a year. This year alone we will have visited WDW 3 times with the possibility of a 4th in the fall. I felt the same way as the majority here that I would never give up my points. Financially we are very fortunate. That alone may be the reason for the change of heart. We can afford to stay at top resorts all over the world without having to trade or possibly take a less than desirable resort just to go to the destination we want......

DAVE

Very similar thoughts, which is why we really only bought enough points to enjoy an every other year week. Now our kids are six and seven, and getting old enough for something other than Disney and Disney cruises. The idea of the rockwall on RCCL lit my son's eyes up. My husband and I went to Mexico last year and would like to take the kids sometime.

I like Disney, I don't know that I like Disney as much as a lot of people here. A few times a year and I think I'd overdose. I want my kids to see England, not just the UK pavillion at Epcot. I want them to see Washington DC, not just the Hall of Presidents and the American Adventure. And I don't find trading out points to visit Washington DC or London nearly as flexible as doing my own research. Having a lot tied up in DVC leaves us with fewer options.

 

[Cruelladeville]

My ideas about DVC have changed, but for far different reasons than any of you. We own 900 pts and Marriott weeks, and figured that eventually we would give it all to the kids, but the kids can't afford it! We pay over $4000 a year in dues, and they can't handle that kind of investment on their income. So we have reluctantly decided that, when we get too old to go, we will sell our holdings, except for small contracts, and give that to the kids, with the money to pay the dues until 2042. After that, they will be on their own. It breaks my heart to even think of it now, but realistically the kids don't need the liability of the dues.

 

[DisneyMomJen]

They should get better educated with what they own. If they do and plan ahead, they should be far more satisfied and have a lot more options. One question is wether it's even reasonable to belong to II for a weeks ownership you may use part of the time, I'd say no. There are other exchange companies that would be much cheaper for the occasional use.

Dean, I don't think they could get better educated with Marriott but probably could have been more educated with their purchase decision. My parents have owned at Marriott for 20 years with 4 weeks in Orlando. Her Inlaws also own 4 weeks in Aruba at Marriott. They seem to know the ins and outs. I think this was a bad decision on her part since she could use her Inlaws Aruba any time they want - 4 weeks with lockoffs is ALOT of time in Aruba, even for a retired couple who goes for 2 weeks a year. My sister has not been able to use hers the past few years since she was pregnant and had 2 babies within 2 years. How hard will it be to travel the next few years on a plane for 5 hours with 2 kids under 2 a year apart? Also, the expense is more to fly every year to Aruba versus Orlando. We grew up going to Disney every year and still love going every year. She is DYING to stay at a DVC resort, normally they stay at a Marriott. I think it would have been a whole lot wiser for her to buy into DVC. DVC seems to keep its value so much more than even a Marriott which I consider to be one of the better timeshares. And in her case, with or without kids she loves going to Disney. Now with kids, I think it would be an easier trip and more enjoyable.

 

[Dean]

Dean, I don't think they could get better educated with Marriott but probably could have been more educated with their purchase decision. My parents have owned at Marriott for 20 years with 4 weeks in Orlando. Her Inlaws also own 4 weeks in Aruba at Marriott. They seem to know the ins and outs. I think this was a bad decision on her part since she could use her Inlaws Aruba any time they want - 4 weeks with lockoffs is ALOT of time in Aruba, even for a retired couple who goes for 2 weeks a year. My sister has not been able to use hers the past few years since she was pregnant and had 2 babies within 2 years. How hard will it be to travel the next few years on a plane for 5 hours with 2 kids under 2 a year apart? Also, the expense is more to fly every year to Aruba versus Orlando. We grew up going to Disney every year and still love going every year. She is DYING to stay at a DVC resort, normally they stay at a Marriott. I think it would have been a whole lot wiser for her to buy into DVC. DVC seems to keep its value so much more than even a Marriott which I consider to be one of the better timeshares. And in her case, with or without kids she loves going to Disney. Now with kids, I think it would be an easier trip and more enjoyable.

Owning a lot of weeks with Marriott does not make one educated. If they're losing weeks consistently and/or renting for less than the fees, they are doing something wrong. The are many weeks they should be able to rent out for double or more of the yearly fees there. And if one is reserving a good week and trading appropriately, should be able to get great weeks and resorts in exchange through II. And many who bought top Marriott resorts will do as well or better than DVC in the long run in terms of resale options.