Canadian DVC'ers?

[KLondon]

I know that there is a separate thread for DVC, but I wanted to consult my fellow Canucks on this. We have been considering DVC off-and-on for a few years. Lots of pros and cons. It's probably something we should have done 5 years ago ('cause I think it would have paid for itself back then).

Anyways, are there any Canadian DVC members out there? Have you been happy with DVC? Would you do it all over again? Have you ever used DVC points outside of Disney and maybe for resorts, etc. in Canada? Any guidance in making this decision?

Yes... I am a question machine!

Thanks!

 

[Lynda Silk]

I'm interested in hearing about the DVC too! I'm like you, KLondon, probably should have joined years ago but better late than never!

 

[Scratch42]

We got back from our first trip "Home"!

Wish I had done it sooner!LOL But glad that I have now!

I'm at work right now so can't do much talking right now!

But It's the BEST thing that I've ever purchased!

Scratch

 

[Alysa]

We have been DVC members since we joined on our millenium trip... bottom line - vacations together are very important to us and DVC sometimes "forces" us to go when we would probably have otherwise put it off. All in all very good for our young family and our marriage. We have had some wonderful trips we would definitely not have had otherwise. We took my Grandmother on a trip of a lifetime right before she passed away and I wouldn't trade that memory for anything. Vero is wonderful too and we have gonne twice - we just love it there. I wouldn't really use my points anywhere else - it is much less expensive just to book those trips independently. We stayed at the Woodstock Inn in Vermont which was fantastic but they are getting rid of that destination in 2005. We will have our line of credit paid off by Christmas next year. I think once you discuss and if you both agree and have the financial aspect covered (have two savings plans - one for paying off DVC and one for dues and other travel expenses) that you should take the plunge. One of the best things we ever did!

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

I'm new to DVC so can't answer too many Q's as I'm still learning..... we joined on our October trip this year..... I think for us it was a good investment and it will force us to take more vacations away from Ontario (have seen every inch of Ont I think!!lol)

 

[maryann4086]

We joined in 1999, and got the last of the really good deals, free points, from previous year and money back towards are total. We have gone every year since and with careful planning, can stay in a studio to a two bedroom on diff years. We love it, each year we know we have that family holiday to look forward to. I will be glad to help if you need it.

 

[blizzard]

We've been members since 1997 and have gone almost every year (probably average out to every 1.5 years)

We are happy with DVC. As mentioned above, I would not plan on using the points outside of the DVC system, as you do not get value for your points. If you don't think that you will go to Disney at least every 2 years (3 at the absolute most) then perhaps another timeshare would serve you better. We do not go to the parks every trip. We have taken 2 golfing trips where we enjoy the Disney golf courses. We also enjoy spending time at the resort when we visit and definitely do not do commando park visiting unless we have first timers there who want to see everything.

We also cook most of our meals while on vacation and it saves a bundle. Even if all you do is frozen pizza, you probably save $40 or more for a family of four.

I think my step-daughter's eyes were going to bug out when she was looking at a Disney book and I asked her to look at how much the two bedroom we are staying at would cost at rack rate ($479 US per night value season) Kind of makes you realize how lucky you are.

Carol

 

[MikeyNS]

Hi!

We bought into DVC in Feb04 and just had our first trip home 2 weeks ago (I so want to go back! UGH). Anyways, it was the best thing we've ever done! We were able to bring 5 other people with us (3 family members, 2 friends) who haven't been to Disney before. We "rented" a 2BR at SSR and had an absolute blast. Spent $200US for a week of food and cooked in the room. It was AWESOME.
I like the idea of "prepaying" for my vacation, and as others have said it "forces me" to take a vacation, and with the way the dollar is today I wouldn't hesitate to buy DVC if you think you're going to use it.

Another bonus is that we will always be going to Disney in the off-season (Oct/Jan-Feb, etc) so our points get stretched that much further. I do wish I would have found out about DVC sooner, espeically with the cash I dropped at the WL on Feb. would have paid a considerable chunk of my DVC!

 

[Scratch42]

Hi, can talk now!LOL

I bought into DVC due to the fact that DD is in middle school and not that easy to take out of school now!

I am now looking at High and Holiday Seasons! OUCH!

With DVC I don't have to worry about accomadation costs! Then it just looking for cheap airfare and/or car rental! If there is such a thing during the Holidays!LOL

Like previously mentioned, using points outside of DVC use isn't always practical but they are there if you want them! You can always rent out your points and use the cash for paying for other vacations.

We just got back having a studio and going back for Christmas and have booked a one bedroom! Now I am very fearful that after staying in a one bedroom that going back to a studio will be difficult but time will tell.

Also, the most important fact when buying into DVC is .......

BUY WHERE YOU WANT TO STAY!

If you get a chance take the tour. The sales office is at SSR now which is helpful.

Good Luck with your decision!

Scratch

 

[KLondon]

THANKS SO MUCH to everyone who responded. You've all confirmed a lot of the stuff we been thinking about. Now... if we can just DECIDE!!!

 

[Alysa]

I second scratch42's comment - if you like VWL or BCV best - buy resale - don't buy SSR - it is really hard to get special room requests if it is not your home resort.


Sorry - I didn't mean to imply that SSR wasn't lovely - just to choose your favourite - ours is VWL but our home resort is BWV and it is sometimes difficult to get the room we want at the time we would perfer!

 

[MikeyNS]

..but then again don't rule out SSR because it's BEAUTIFUL.

I wish I knew a lot more about DVC when I purchased; I *probably* would have gone resale and tried for BWV or VWL *maybe*.. but I definitely have no regrets after being to SSR! In a few years I may try to pick up a small contract somewhere else, but right now I think 180 is perfect for at least 2 visits a year.

 

[pkitty]

We bought a DVC back in March of last year. We had struggled with this thought for years in fact every time we visited WDW we always found ourselves at DVC headquarters on our last day going through the sales pitch again. Boy were they happy when we finally bought in. I have to say they are very proffesional and care about the product they are selling and would you know it the rep who introduced us to the program back in 98 was the fellow who sealed the deal with us in 2003. This must say alot about how Disney treats their employees when you can see them sticking around that long in a business like that.
Although we havn't used our DVC yet (not till March 05) I can't wait! and can't give you anymore advise other than why we bought it. I have to share Scratch's opinion of buy where you would like to stay. This is so important. We have friends who bought a time share approximately 40 minutes from where they live. I can't imagine why you would want to do this unless you had your own jet. They tried selling it and couldn't even get what they owed on it which was less than half of what they paid. What a disapointment. I could not imagine this happening to me. Did you know Orlando is one of or the most visited place on earth, and it's all because of that little mouse. If for some reason you will have to sell or get rid of it. I'm sure you will have an easy time of doing so. I don't think you will be disapointed your investment in this will be secure I'm sure.

Take the plunge!

 

[mbb]

Another happy Cdn DVCer

We bought 160 BCV points, just as it was selling out, and SSR phase one was opening.

Why choose BCV over SSR - with 12 more years?

BCV - along with WLV is the smallest DVC resort. We really wanted that 11mos "home advantage", as well as proximity to Epcot, and SAB.

Once we figured that out, our choice was easy

That being said, we'll be doing an add-on at OKW through resale...we just really like it

 

[hockey mom]

I also have been struggling with the decision for over 10 years. My problem is that I want to stay in all the resorts-DVC or not- and the weekend points throw me a bit. I was just about ready to take the plunge a month or so ago and changed my mind again

 

[MikeyNS]

Well, what we're *planning* on doing in the future is stay at all the different resorts on the weekends so we don't pay the point premium.. that way we get to experience all of Disney throughout the next 50 years.. it may actually cost a few bucks more in the long run, but that way you don't get totally bored with DVC resorts.

 

[Scratch42]

That's what we are doing for our upcoming Christmas Trip! Well sort of.........

I don't like moving but when I was checking airfares, it was better to fly out Christmas Day.

I figured I have saved becuase BCV is paid for so I booked us into the GF!

Won't be moving the Friday or Saturday but hey!

Next August, have already booked SSR for our return back to WDW. The best part no laundry when we get home!LOL

Scratch

 

[mbb]

for weekends during our first trip home last year..I think a 17 day trip home - all DVC resorts "cost" 246 points...maybe..???

Check out Caskbill's DVC planner...if I can find my link I'll post it...in the meantime, someone over on the DVC board will pop it up for you pretty quick. It's a wonderful way to manage and plan point use...

and we plan on doing the code hunting thing again for weekends in the future. No harm in that...moving is a breeze, and you still get to stay at other resorts

Any other ???'s, feel free