Anyone change thee tune on DVC long term?

[granmanh603]

We live in Saratoga Springs, Ny and fly out of Albany, NY. Our airfares are typically high. Southwest has helped out a lot with the domestic routes, especially Orlando. We may be getting Airtran (likely) or Jet Blue (somewhat likely) in the near future. We will be moving to the Dallas/Ft. Worth area in the fall so our airfares should be better.


DAVE

We fly out of Manchester NH or Providence RI only on Southwest and since 2000 have never paid more than 80 each way . You realize that if you book with them and the price goes down you can rebook if available and get a refund if it is the exact same flight or get funds put in an account that you can use on another flight within a year. For this March I booked in Nov at 59 and hasn't seen better but for our Oct flight I booked at 69 in June and then rebooked for 49 when it went on sale for 49. It takes alittle work but worth it and sign up for their Ding and look for those deals. I just looked at Southwest and their most expensive fare is 198 each way which would be 1200 +plus tax for 3 people that that is refundable?

 

[rpink58]

We bought into DVC in 1994 when my kids were young and we also got 2 park passes for each room we reserved. Now that my kids have gotten older (2 out of three have moved out) we still enjoy going to WDW. The advantage now is the pase is slower and we go and come at our leasure. We also get to go twice a year or take others with us. I have never regreted buying into DVC and never will.

 

[Cruelladeville]

Southwest only travels into major airports, and some of us are hundreds of miles from those airports. I am 250 miles away. So I go out of the nearest regional airport, and airfare next weekend is $915 per person, coach. Seriously. It hasn't gone down in over two months, and no one in our state even gets a midwinter break. I have lots of disposable income compared to many people, but I will not pay $915 to go to Florida, no matter how much my income is!! That's just dumb, IMO.

 

[PinkTink63]

I don't think being concerned about the cost of airfare = I can't afford the airfare. Plenty of people of substantial means shop around for the best buys and don't just throw their money around because they can. Being frugal doesn't neccesarily mean you are poor.

Well said, my friend!!
They can call me cheap, frugal, or whatever they want! I don't like paying $450 R/T when several months out of the year it is advertised for $203! I would rather spend that extra money on nice dinners or shopping!
We don't have a "disposable income" and probably never will, but no one is paying our bills for us! We pay our own way!

Steph

 

[lisaviolet]

This is off topic a little but I've seen a number of people here concerned with the cost of airfare. I've taken heat about similiar things on other posts but I feel if airfare is a big issue then maybe DVC isn't for you. Timeshare ownership isn't a right of passage. Cost of vacationing there isn't cheap with food, airfare, spending money, park tickets, etc. Timeshares should be for people with plenty of disposable income, not those pinching pennies for airfare.

DAVE

Hmmm. Okay, I totally agree that a lot of people live beyond their means. And that DVC is a large purchase. We've wanted it since 1995 or so and just joined this year because we felt that unless we could buy it outright, in our circumstances only, that the dues (especially with the exchange) would be overwhelming and would take the "fun" out of owning. So I understand that "wanting" and "being able" are two different things. It's good advice. (But hey I'm a total hypocrite who waited years to pay outright and then partly financed an add-on...bizarre behaviour)

So we waited until this year. However, we do not have plenty of disposable income. Not at all. But we do have a priority in our spending and it's DVC. Not everyone vacations the same just because they are DVC members. Some eat out every meal because that's the way they want to vacation. Some do only sitdown meals. Some golf. Some shop. Some use the spa. Some will buy airfare at whatever price b/c they want what they want (ie. certain dates) and they'll take whatever price there is to get there. Because they want to and they can. And good for them. I love people that have done well in their lives. Ie. I can't stand when people are against rich, successful people.

We fly out of Buffalo....fly SW.....never have paid more than $69 one way. (And I check your DINGS, Albany, all the time b/c my friend travels from Ottawa). We buy groceries, share meals and eat maybe one meal at a restaurant. And there is only me and my partner. Family size..geez......there is another factor when you don't have "plenty". Or how far your money goes on vacation.

So there are many ways to vacation, even at DVC, which makes your "plenty" of disposable income perplexing to me.

I think the poster that was talking about living on the west coast does make sense. It is a factor for some people. If I lived in the Northwest of the US in my financial situation I would not have bought DVC b/c I couldn't drive in a short time and I couldn't get my cheap SW fares. Nor could I afford to justify the airfare for the short trips that DVC points have allowed me. In my situation I mean. My income. She/He might make more than me but the distance/airfare becomes a factor.

I understand your point. Don't live above your means. I live in 440 sq. feet. (insert smile) So I understand and that's two people who are still together!!!!

We do "pinch" for airfare. As in I won't/can't fly for more than a certain rate. That's life. SW is a lovely company!!! I'm lucky to be flying to DVC.

But as far as plenty...oh boy......there are so many different stories...so many priorities in life....so many ways of vacationing.....and spending your money....

I am laughing. It was "plenty" that got me ranting!! One word made me compose a novel. Oh boy. I've got to get off the Disboards....

 

[Lisa F]

You have some valid points there. I do,however, see people running up the debt to then go on to file bankruptcy a "burden to the taxpayers in the country".( I'm not suggesting you have done this) Timeshare Store and others live off others people's mistakes so they don't mind. There is no shortage of resales and there never will be. People make knee jerk purchases without thinking them through. People in this country also feel it is a right to live beyond there means. Sorry folks but an annual WDW trip is a luxury and not an entitlement. Reminds me of a neighbor of mine..... they were driving 2 brand new Mercedes around. My wife's take was that they "weren't hurting for money". My take was that they were probably living beyond there means. Sure enough I find out from the wife that they hadn't paid there mortgage in 15 months and were losing the house. If airfare is a worry then you need to reevaluate your priorities. Maybe that DVC isn't as much of a "need" as you thought. Thanks for your thoughts.

DAVE

Well that's why I said as long as people are not a burden to the tax payers. Not everyone who isn't flush with tons and tons of cash files for bankrupcy. As others have pointed out, it's about priorities. When we bought DVC we lived in a very low cost of living area with plans to stay there. Things change and now we are in a high cost of living area, so we have a lot less disposable income than we used to. When I started working we suddenly had a bit more disposable income (but not really because we are chosing to pay off student loans more aggressively rather than carry them forever). We obviously weren't living beyond our means if we chose to forgo frequent vacations during the leaner years and luckily DVC is flexible enough that we can rent out our points and do that.

We own one car that we share and will be paid off when we get our tax refund this year... for the cost of another car (that we don't need) we chose to buy DVC instead, and I'm glad we did. It just seems awfully judgemental to assume that everyone who is middle class who owns DVC isn't paying their mortgage to do so. There is a lot of room between being able to afford to go anywhere you want and drop thousands of dollars in airline tickets without blinking an eye and making vacations a priority and working them into your budget. Just because I have to put a little aside every month to make my vacations a reality doesn't make me any less entitled to them than you are. I work for my money, I pay my taxes, I pay my mortgage, I save for my retirement, I pay my DVC dues and we put a few bucks aside for vacations. Because of DVC I get to put even fewer bucks aside because of the tremendous value in it for me.

 

[Daitcher]

Southwest only travels into major airports, and some of us are hundreds of miles from those airports. I am 250 miles away. So I go out of the nearest regional airport, and airfare next weekend is $915 per person, coach. Seriously. It hasn't gone down in over two months, and no one in our state even gets a midwinter break. I have lots of disposable income compared to many people, but I will not pay $915 to go to Florida, no matter how much my income is!! That's just dumb, IMO.

I certainly agree with this. Everything has its price. I wouldn't pay anymore than $350 a person for a Florida flight. Usually we get good deals around $169 per person but lately they have been much higher. I am aware they will refund the difference as a credit if the price drops. Thanks for the thoughts guys. This isn't about defending finances, we all have different means. All of these posts have helped me think about my long term ownership of DVC or possibly any timeshare. For now my wife says we'll never part with it but we'll see down the road how it plays out. At least now I'm open to the idea of letting go of my DVC. Before I stated someone would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. Situations and priorities change.


DAVE

 

[Disney Doll]

At this point, we plan on keeping it till the bitter end. We have no kids, didn't when we bought it, don't now, and at this point, chances are we won't be having children. But DH & I love Disney, we love the DVC. We love having the option of renting a large unit and having a group of friends or family with us. We don't trade out much...as a matter-of-fact, we have owned since 1997 and have traded out only once. Our primary reason for buying was to go to WDW. It is my understanding, and I will make the disclaimer that I haven't researched this to any extent, but just based on information I have been sent from other timeshare brokers (I'm on a sucker list somewhere as far as timeshares are concerned!!!) that the DVC trading is pretty comparable to most others...no better, no worse.

Certainly, situations can always change, but our situation would have to change pretty dramatically for us to sell our DVC points.

As far as airfare, we are pretty fortunate to live within a 2 hour's drive of at least 4 major and a couple of "minor"(but they do fly to Orlando!!!) airports, so thus far, I have always been able to find decent airfare. Driving would be probably a 2-2.5 day drive, which isn't awful either, as we do like to do some driving tours...the problem with driving is that it decreases your time at WDW, because the drive to anf from takes up part of the vacation time.

Nope, at this point, we're in for keeps!!!!

As far as finances, we are defintely middle-class, live in a fairly expensive area (about an hour north of NYC). We watch our money pretty carefully, try not to make any big purchases without research and careful thought. Neither one of us is a real "toys" person...we don't need the latest stereo, cell phone or whatever. We tend to keep cars a long time...mine is 8 years old. DH's is newer, but he has been known to keep a car for 10-12 years as well, as long as it remains dependable. We take pretty good care of cars, preventive maintenance etc. so they tend to last for us. Our house is normal, about 1800 square feet. DH recently got a promotion, and many folks were asking if we'd be moving to a bigger house "more in keeping with his position"(he manages a real estate office), but we have no need for a larger home...it's just the two of us, I already have bedrooms I don't need, we have lived here for 11 years and have slowly been renovating it, and it's pretty much the way we want it now!

As someone said, it's all bout priorities.. material things don't mean as much to us as the ability to enjoy each other and our friends and our vacations.

 

[NMW]

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.

I don't understand this. Our best friends own 1 week at the newer Marriot ( I think it's Surf) in Aruba, her in-laws own 2 weeks at the older one. Our friends also own 2 weeks at the Marriot in Myrtle Beach, but one is a bonus week, so it has less trade value. They have easily traded both Myrtle Beach and Aruba to go all different places. They do a winter vacation that they fly to get to and a summer one they drive to. They traded one of their weeks for some place in Maine this July (they like outdoorsy stuff ) and then this coming winter they plan to go either to Aruba or someplace in Mexico. They have 3 kids and have no problem traveling with them. They love Marriot and they own theirs, including Aruba, forever they do not end in 40 or 50 years

 

[spiceycat]

II is an exchange if the people who own that week don't exchange it - then you won't get it.

most really nice weeks these days people are renting themselves....

why exchange it when you can get $2,000 or more for it?

the places you mention would all rent for at least that price.

now that doesn't mean that occasionally you won't get lucky. but don't count on it.

rent out your points then rent from the owner the week you truely want.

you are blaming DVC for something that they can't control - other people exchanging their timeshares....

I am on a budget - but I can afford DVC.... of course I brought back in 93....

then I financed it - I though about paying cash - but it would take me at least 4 years to save enough. So I just fiananced it.

I wanted to go with my nephew and niece were young and my mother still alive.

mother is still alive - but my nephew and niece are now teens - he will be 18 this summer....

I still love my DVC and as long as I can rent it for more than my maintence fees why sell it????

 

[crisi]

Dave: It's probably hard to tell how your 4 yr old will react to Disney in the future, but my son is 10 and I don't see him tiring of Disney anytime soon. Some kids are creatures of habit, and like doing the same things again and again. Then they get a little bit more bold on what rides they will go on. Just something to consider. Matt

But there are two things here:

1. Your kids desire to go to Disney. Personally, I think there is enough to do - with waterparks and pools (and - dare I say - Universal and Sea World) that many kids can grow up at Disney quite contentedly - particularly if Mom doesn't make her fourteen year old son do a Pooh breakfast every year!

2. My desire as a parent to expose my kids to more than Disney. I like Disney, its cool. But we have limited resources (time and dollars) for vacation activities and I have a desire to expose my kids to more in their life than the same vacation year after year after year. My son is South Korean - it is really important that we get to Korea in the next several years. They may like doing the same things year after year, but I think its important that they leave their comfort area and try new things. Its a philosophical difference in parenting.

 

[keishashadow]

Agree 100% I actually consider getting the best Disney deal (air fair, accom., etc.) a hobby. IMO paying full price for the seat next to me on the plane is not cool - it's ridiculous.Do you ask your credit card company or mortgage lender to quote you a higher rate because you're too flush to need to save money?

We budget a set amount for our trips (and we bought DVC for cash), Personally, we don't care to go into debt for any "disposable item", including a vacation, however, I'd be the last person to pass judgement on someone else's spending patterns.

Life does comes @ you fast & unexpected circumstances can arise @ anytime that can change your bottom-line dramatically, don't be too quick to judge.

I don't think being concerned about the cost of airfare = I can't afford the airfare. Plenty of people of substantial means shop around for the best buys and don't just throw their money around because they can. Being frugal doesn't neccesarily mean you are poor.

 

[crisi]

Fly out of MSP and haven't paid less than $250 RT in five years, by the way. I've occationally come across better deals, but not for when we are flying. Nearest other "big" airport would be Des Moines - four hours away - and you aren't getting bargains out of Des Moines.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say $3 gas last year was not a fluke - and that means more expensive jet fuel. I'm expecting to require a lot more in my vacation budget for airfare for a trip two years from now than I've needed in the past, as well as more budget required just to drive to work, and I'm not seeing a raise in my future income to cover it. If airfare goes up, it will be harder to rent points at a good rate if you decide you can't get there this year. Anyone buying DVC and needing airfare with a tight budget is taking a risk that fuel prices remain stable over the next 30+ years or that their income will increase proportionally.

 

[Laurajean1014]

We bought in 95 and are very glad we did. We would make a very hefty profit, if we were willing to sell.

Since 95, we have been on 34 trips (2 7-day DCLS, Colorado Ski Trip, 2 Vero beach trips and 28 trips to WDW).

We sell out points from time to time and now go twice a year.

My family loves it. I do not plan on selling but rather transferring points over to my son when he is 18. I also plan on giving it to him as a honeymoon gift when he marries.

This has been a good investment and an excellent vacation tool! No selling here.

 

[granmanh603]

I certainly agree with this. Everything has its price. I wouldn't pay anymore than $350 a person for a Florida flight. Usually we get good deals around $169 per person but lately they have been much higher. I am aware they will refund the difference as a credit if the price drops. Thanks for the thoughts guys. This isn't about defending finances, we all have different means. All of these posts have helped me think about my long term ownership of DVC or possibly any timeshare. For now my wife says we'll never part with it but we'll see down the road how it plays out. At least now I'm open to the idea of letting go of my DVC. Before I stated someone would have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. Situations and priorities change.


DAVE

Am I confused didn't you just post in #53 that you paid $2100 for 3 people in January? Carol

 

[Hogzilla]

We are very happy with the purchase. For us it was a way to force ourselves into taking the time to enjoy a vacation and we like to stay deluxe when we go. We had gotten to where we just weren't going on vacations.... letting work get in the way and letting the time slip away. It was a consious decision to structure our vacations and upgrade at the same time.

 

[TCPluto]

In short, has anyone else considered only holding there DVC during the child raising years and then cashing out? DAVE

We are in for the long term. It might be different if DVC was only WDW PARKS. But it isn't, it's so much more. We keep trying to do everything at WDW so we can go to the other Orlando area attractions and we haven't been able to. We are complete failures.

We're looking forward to the time when the parks are a side note to the DVC expereince/vacation (hasn't happened yet). Then on to the serious golf vacations at WDW, other Orlando area attractions, and the ever popular hanging out at the resorts, HHI and VB beach vacations, etc.

 

[jmatias]

I think its pretty safe to say that at least for the next 10 years we will keep our DVC. Our boys are 9 & 8 and Disney is still their favorite place. Even if they start to tire of it in 5 years we have our DD, 2 years old, that is just starting her love for Disney.

WDW is where DH and I went for our honeymoon and I can't wait for the day when we can go without strollers, lugging around kids stuff ( extra clothes, snacks, etc.) and go on any ride without having to baby swap

 

[mamatojon]

Am I confused didn't you just post in #53 that you paid $2100 for 3 people in January? Carol

I think he was referring to a flight to Aruba (or Hawaii, I'm not sure), not FL.

 

[snowbunny]

I like Disney, its cool. But we have limited resources (time and dollars) for vacation activities and I have a desire to expose my kids to more in their life than the same vacation year after year after year.

Exactly how I feel...I can imagine the OP is burned out after four trips a year. Once a year is more than enough, even every other year is fine for us.

Anyone buying DVC and needing airfare with a tight budget is taking a risk that fuel prices remain stable over the next 30+ years or that their income will increase proportionally.

Fuel prices are going nowhere but up over the long term (10+ years).