Anyone dissapointed with DVC?

[koslo]

In the hopes of giving the initial poster some additional things to think about here are what I percieve as things that could be better with DVC. But first let me say I am a DVC owner at BWV since 1999 and have no intention of selling.

My biggest complaint about DVC is (and I know this may sound crazy considering it is Disney) that the rooms are not designed for young families. We are a family of Four, 2 adults a 3 yr old and a 6 yr old. We usually get a one bedroom (sleeps 4, supposedly) but the sleeping arrangements are anything but optimal. If we put the kids in the Pull-Out then we have to go sit on the bed if we want to watch TV or whatever. It would be much nicer, in my opinion, to have an option for 2 double beds in the bedroom and no pullout. These rooms go for about $400/night, and claim to sleep 4, at that price I would expect to be able to sleep on something nicer than a pull out sofa.

Some people may say get a 2 bedroom, but it seems ridculus to have to get a room that supposedly sleeps 8 to comfortably sleep a small family of four.

Just my gripe, of course we still go every and work it out somehow.

 

[westjones]

You know, I agree with that comment, I would rather have two double beds in the bedroom and not have to use a pull out for the kids. I wondered why they choose to do it this way.

DJ

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by westjones
You know, I agree with that comment, I would rather have two double beds in the bedroom and not have to use a pull out for the kids. I wondered why they choose to do it this way.

DJ

Several reasons I can think of. First, while the studio and 1 BR will sleep four, they're aimed more for 2 adults. And will the 2 BR will sleep 8, it's aimed more for 6, especially if you exclude OKW. Look at the kitchen capacity at the other resorts. Also, the industry standard for luxury timeshares is a King with large Bath and whirlpool. The want to sleep 6 in a 1 BR which we've seen listed here is a product of the points system and the desire by some to conserve points.

 

[ALLDISNEY]

That is a good point about the one bedroom, except I have to say I like the arrangement the way it is. My husband and I can retire to "our room" and watch tv and the kids have the "living room" to watch their movies. It is a pain though putting the bed away.

 

[DISNEYDEVOTEE]

My decision was made during the 25th anniversary year. We stayed at the Beach Club twice that year. Each week cost us about $5,000. We visited the DVC center, reluctantly I might add, and walked away wondering What am I missing, This is too good to be true. After a month or so we bought 220 points.

We just returned on 5/13 from a 6 night stay at the BWV's. Over and over again we laughed at our good fortune, especially since we got in at $54 per point!! No regrets.

As for change, it is reported that there are 2 new parks planned and 15 more resorts planned. 40 years to go!!

Bob
Bellmawr, NJ

 

[pwoodham]

I think each family needs to consider their individual needs. Our guide told us that they had calculated that we would save about 50% off lodging costs at WDW over the life of the contract (including the cost of maintenance fees) by purchasing. I have not done the math, but it sounds reasonable to me. The thing to remember, however, is you are saving 50% at fairly expensive places (at least to our family). You certainly could stay off-site and be better off financially, at least from some of the deals I've seen on the web. It also makes you feel like you NEED to use those points, which can be a negative if you can't afford the other expenses that go along with the trip.

That said, there are some distinct advantages to DVC, and for us the main one is location. With 5 children, we will want to stay at an Epcot resort for the foreseeable future. It's just too convenient and to be honest, we're spoiled. Another plus is that we know we will be taking a nice vacation at least every other year. That was not always a given before our purchase. I love WDW, but my husband tolerates it. Our kids love it now, and we made the purchase assuming we'd all still be willing to go to WDW at least every other year for a very long time. You need to make that evaluation for yourself.

My sister owns at three other timeshare companies, including II. They are not as expensive as DVC, so if you don't specifically want WDW, buy your timeshare somewhere else. You can still get the advantages of trading your points (or week, or whatever)for a lower cost. Just a caution, however. II told my sister WDW was an option for trading, but MS told me that II folks rarely actually get a reservation - DVCers use them first.

I know WDW is a first rate place, but I have had good and bad experiences with the service, both at the hotels and in the parks. I know many CM's are wonderful, but many aren't. I don't go to WDW with the expectation that everyone around me will feel as magical as I do. It's a great place, but it's not the only great place in the world. The question is where it ends up in your family priorities.

Again, however, I must say that WDW has provided my family with some of the most wonderful, bonding experiences we have had, and I'll love that place forever for providing the environment that gave us those moments. That's the reason we bought into DVC. Dollar for dollar, we find it gives our family the best vacation experience for the money.

 

[PamOKW]

II folks rarely actually get a reservation

Just a side note. A few years ago at OKW I met a woman who worked for II. She said how they are allowed once a year to travel to any of the resorts for free but she loved OKW so much she became a member. In her opinion, it was the finest timeshare out there. (I think this was either pre-BWV or just as it was opening -- so other DVC'ers don't take offense).