Conflicted in joining DVC - UPDATED 6/14

[ripleysmom]

I think the part of the equation that you are missing is seeing the accommodations for yourself. I was in that same place you are. I was convinced that I didn't need DVC. Then one year a week in a cramped room with my family just did not cut it anymore.

If you haven't done so, take the tour. I think then you'll have the missing piece you are looking for.

 

[Lisa P.]

We are a family of 5. We had stayed in a preferred studio at BWV but saw that our children would soon outgrow the small daybed (5 ft long, much smaller than the daybeds at any other Disney deluxe hotels). We were spoiled by the 2BRs at DVC HHI and other non-Disney resorts.

Compared with the value we received at other resorts, the required high points usage at DVC for 2BRs was just not worth it for us, given our alternatives and their costs. So we sold our 150 DVC points. It's a tough decision.

IMHO, if you are happy with other alternatives that cost less for your family of 5, then don't buy DVC. If you really feel that you would be settling by choosing any other option for your vacation accommodations while visiting Orlando/WDW, then go ahead and buy DVC. But be prepared to use more points for your family to stay in a 2BR. Have clear, accurate expectations going in and you won't be disappointed later.

 

[laceemouse]

I can see your point. We will always have to get a two bedroom also which uses lots of points. We, however, have four kids and would have to get two hotel rooms. We just bought at BCV after thinking about it for over a year. It is a BIG decision but we are spoiled too. We own another timeshare and once you vacation with a full kitchen, two bathrooms, three t.v.s, and a washer and dryer it is hard to go back to hotel rooms. We use our other timeshare to exchange and vacation all over. This summer we are going to the Smoky Mountains! But...when we go to Disney we want to stay at Disney! The idea of just being able to walk into Epcot sold me!! How old are your kids? Mine are 12,10,8, and 5. I just can't see squeezing in as they get bigger!! Just my 2 cents...good luck on you decision! Lacee

 

[Buzzro]

Here is the math in our case.

We bought 220 pts. in Dec of 1999 @ OKW $54 per point (financed) and added on 60 pts. @ VB Dec 2002 $65 per pt w/ MB. (cash)

To date I have spent $16,485.84 for pts. and maint fees.
Rack rate costs for all reservations through our Oct 2003 vacation amount to $23,509.77. This amounts to a 30% discount on rack rates. Its almost imposible to achieve that level of discount over time. In the future once our loan is paid off I expect to realize savings of 50 to 80%. Granted we purchased our original points at a much lower cost and I know this effects the savings dramatically.

 

[Pa@okw95]

If you are conflicted don't join, it may be a sign that you are really thinking properly. There is no real savings in joining DVC, trust me, it will cost you big bucks because you will find yourself going more and more to WDW. Worse then that you will find yourself using your points to go elsewhere which is like burning money. At any rate DVC is not a savings, it is an expense. Also something you don't hear very often is that WDW is changing into an middle class amusement park to attract local teenagers. Do you want to spend the rest of your time gong to an amusement park? Don't forget in 2042 you have nothing left. All you are doing is leasing points, you are not buying anything.

 

[vernon]

Geoff I can see some of your points, with a family of five, whatever you choose to do, it can make for difficulties. In the short term this may make the numbers a little more difficult to quantify. Here are a few random thoughts that you may not have thought about (appologies to anyone that I copy or repeat )

1)A 2 bedroom does seem like an extravagance for just 5 of you, although maybe in a couple of years 2 studios would be a workable and much cheaper option.

2) Do your VERY best to avoid weekends while you're having to take a 2 bedroom.

3) The financial saving that having a full kitchen (and the convenience of washer dryer in the room) is(are) a considerable potential value, particularly with a larger family.

4) Sometime soon it's possible you'll have to rent two hotel rooms for your group. For a similar cost which would you prefer a 2 bedroom DVC unit, or two hotel rooms?

5) the heavy discounts currently available may not be as aggressive in the future.

I think a pretty decent guide is history. If you can work out how much you've spent over the last 5 years would you have been better off putting that money into a DVC purchase? If you're always going to need to get a 2 bed ( when you could have got by with one hotel room) then I think you'll struggle to make the numbers add up, but if you factor in what's likely to happen with your family as you all grow older I think those numbers are more likely to make sense.

 

[chrissyk]

We have 200 points at BWV, bought resale at $62/point. The deciding factor for us was affordability. We can afford to take vacations for sure now (how many per year will depend on how many bedrooms we need, of course). We too haven't paid anything close to rack-rates for regular accomodations in years. However, even the "discounted" rates have gone up! Yesterday, my friend told me that she and her DH paid $162.xx in cash for a discounted 1 BDR at OKW 6 years ago, and right now, the same accomodation is $301.xx w/the AP discount! I wouldn't be able to stay there now, or at least not for the 2+ weeks a year that my points would buy me in the same accomodations! We knew that we wanted to return to Disney year after year. DVC fixed our costs for us. Yes, our maintenance fee will go up, but not nearly as much as the cost of non-DVC accomodations will go up. Before, we used to debate going to Disney because of the cost of accomodations. We didn't go every year, because it was too expensive. Now, we go 3 times a year DVC made sense for us.

 

[rtkane]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
There is no real savings in joining DVC, trust me, it will cost you big bucks because you will find yourself going more and more to WDW. Worse then that you will find yourself using your points to go elsewhere which is like burning money. At any rate DVC is not a savings, it is an expense. Also something you don't here very often is that WDW is changing into an middle class amusement park to attract local teenagers. do you want to spend the rest of your time gong to an amusement park. Don't forget in 2042 you have nothing left. All you are doing is leasing points, you are not buying anything.

For my particular circumstances, I disagree with this. My family and I would take vacation once a year and it would normally end up costing us about $2,500 for the hotel room. Since I'm limited on vacation time (I get 3 weeks and end up taking Christmas Week and Thanksgiving week off leaving me with 8 days) I won't spend more time at Disney than I already do--sure it'll cost me more initially, but in 10 or 12 years, we'll be ahead of the game. Regarding going elsewhere, you always have the option of renting your points out instead of using them for the trip to another location besides Disney properties. I pay $1,100 or so in annual dues--even if I rented my points out for a discount ($8) I'd make $1,000 over what I pay in dues. Renting them out alone would pay off my DVC investment in 20 years, not that I would do that of course! As I said, though, this works for me and I'm sure that everyone has their own circumstances--if you choose to go more than you do now, that's a choice your making not an additional expense that automatically accompanies DVC.

 

[mikesmom]

The point is to think ahead...

When we bought in 3 years ago we were already at the point where we didn't want to share space with a teenager. Our son still at home was 15, and we were already getting either 2 rooms or a suite type (such as Embassy Suites), always offsite. This wasn't about the parks, this was about a comfortable, relaxing vacation for ALL of us. We enjoy Florida as a vacation destination. For DH and myself, we wanted to relax away from the stress of work, have some privacy, and not feel we had to flee the room to be comfortable. We liked our coffee in the morning, maybe wine and cheese in the evening. For the teenager, it was his vacation, too, so if he wanted to sleep in 'til noon, spend 3 hours at the pool, whatever. We wanted him to also enjoy the break. It just didn't work anymore to do that with all of us in one room. I can't imagine it with 3 teens and a set of parents! No matter how well 5 people get along and love each other, the mix of 5 people with different needs and all their luggage, 1 bathroom and 1 room for a week can cause some vacation-stressing tensions.

DVC has vastly improved the quality of vacations. They have become true relaxing holidays. We don't spend more money, because we don't always hit the parks. We enjoy the room, the resort, use it as a base of operations for day trips around Florida. The money you save on food with teens is amazing with that kitchen available, both for cooking meals and for storing snacks, water, ice cream, etc. Also, we have discovered that even the parks are many different vacations. Going just the 2 of us to the Food & Wine Fest in November is vastly different than a summer day in the parks with a grandchild.

DH is an accountant and he crunched the numbers 'til I was crazy. We didn't come out ahead now. But given that historically the maintenance fees were only going up 1-3% a year, and hotel rooms (even offsite) were going up faster, eventually, we were saving money. Those discounts aren't going to last - and there are many times when hotel space can't be had for ANY amount of money. And, as I said, the quality of vacations has improved dramatically.

However, it's NOT for everybody, and if you're that conflicted, maybe it's not for you. If it's possible to rent a 2 bdr or 2 studios from someone and "try it on" for a trip, you might be able to make a more informed decision. We initially stayed at BWV for one of our vacations and that did the trick for us.

 

[Rebd40]

Hi. I've been looking into purchasing DVC and have done all kinds of financial calculations and the answer seems to come out "No."

But I decided that whether it makes financial sense may not be the right question. It's like when you buy a car and you really, really want a BMW. You don't ask yourself if it makes financial sense to purchase a BMW for $40K when you can get a Civic for $18K. What you ask, is how much BMW can I afford? DVC is like the BMW; for me the main question is what can I AFFORD?

So my solution is that I've started a DVC savings account. Since I can't justify going into debt for vacation (even if it is Disney!) I've been tightening my belt and putting the extra savings in my account. When I have enough built up then I'm going to purchase. In the meantime, I going to keep reading these forums so I'll be well prepared when the time comes!!

 

[chrissyk]

Originally posted by Rebd40
So my solution is that I've started a DVC savings account. Since I can't justify going into debt for vacation (even if it is Disney!) I've been tightening my belt and putting the extra savings in my account. When I have enough built up then I'm going to purchase. In the meantime, I going to keep reading these forums so I'll be well prepared when the time comes!!

I have to say that I agree with you 100% over not going into debt for your vacation We bought DVC with cash...we would have liked to buy a 2nd contract at the BCV right away, but we didn't have the cash, so we didn't buy. We'll buy BCV when we've comfortably saved enough cash to do so. I personally can't see mortgaging my vacations, but I know that it works for some people.

 

[jmminarik]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
If you are conflicted don't join, it may be a sign that you are really thinking properly. There is no real savings in joining DVC, trust me, it will cost you big bucks because you will find yourself going more and more to WDW. <snip>At any rate DVC is not a savings, it is an expense. <snip>

There isn't a savings with DVC. Instead of buying our best friends a toaster for their wedding, we sent them to a 1-Br at the boardwalk...instead of buying christmas presents for my sister's family, we took them to Vero for Christmas...instead of buying christmas presents for 11 in-laws, we took them all (fully paid other than their transportation) for a week at OKW....and we've planned out the next three years of entertaining friends who would otherwise never be able to stay onsite even if the could afford to go to WDW in the first place.

Thankfully, people who would never let someone put them up in a motel seem ok with staying in their friends timeshares.

If life were solely about the numbers....life would pretty much suck.

-Joe

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by Rebd40
Hi. I've been looking into purchasing DVC and have done all kinds of financial calculations and the answer seems to come out "No."

Hi, Rebd40. Can you share how you came to this conclusion? I am truly curious. I know many folks here figure it a little differently, but most come up with a financial savings. I would be interested in seeing your method.
My method is described in three posts on the first page of this thread.

Thanx.....

 

[Pa@okw95]

I have seen these reports of savings over the years on this site and they all have one big problem. They assume that you would go to WDW as much as you would if you are a member. I doubt it. They assume your tastes would not change, or that WDW will not change, I doubt it. I am staying 8 nights in July, 5 at OKW and 3 at a condo off campus. I will buy everyone tickets, 4 of us, I paid for airline tickets for my guests, I will pay for all the meals, food, etc. Now I have no idea how much all this will cost, but believe me if I were not a member and did nothing(stayed home) that would be a savings. My guess is this will cost about $5000 to $7000 after all is said and done. Now since I am a member I will save on the cost of the condo at OKW but that is it. The rest is an expense. I have done this many times since being a member and trust me it is an expense-part of being a DVC member. For those of you that like to look on a DVC purchase as a savings you can, I can not, it has been expensive, especially with guests. I will give you savers this point-that if all you figure is the cost of the stay, not anything else, you should come up with a savings, but that is on paper, not in the real world.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by Pa@okw95
I have seen these reports of savings over the years on this site and they all have one big problem. They assume that you would go to WDW as much as you would if you are a member. I doubt it. They assume your tastes would not change, or that WDW will not change, I doubt it. I am staying 8 nights in July, 5 at OKW and 3 at a condo off campus. I will buy everyone tickets, 4 of us, I paid for airline tickets for my guests, I will pay for all the meals, food, etc. Now I have no idea how much all this will cost, but believe me if I were not a member and did nothing(stayed home) that would be a savings. My guess is this will cost about $5000 to $7000 after all is said and done. Now since I am a member I will save on the cost of the condo at OKW but that is it. The rest is an expense. I have done this many times since being a member and trust me it is an expense-part of being a DVC member. For those of you that like to look on a DVC purchase as a savings you can, I can not, it has been expensive, especially with guests. I will give you savers this point-that if all you figure is the cost of the stay, not anything else, you should come up with a savings, but that is on paper, not in the real world.

While I agree this may be true for some, it is not true for us. We have been going to WDW for many years prior to DVC, and have not tired of it. In fact, we have become more Disney lovers than ever before. I have traveled to most cities in the U.S., and many in the Caribbean, Canada, and some in Mexico. There is, in my opinion, no place better to consistently vacation than WDW. Don't get me wrong- there are some other beautiful places worth visiting, but WDW will be our regular goto vacation destination....

 

[CaptainMidnight]

OK, help me out people. I'm looking for a reason to become a DVC member. However, I still can't see the financial advantage in joining. I'm crunched the numbers and I just can't make it work.

If it's not right for you, don't do it. The price per point keeps climbing, maybe it doesn't make as much sense. Our numbers are coming out much different than yours if your not seeing the advantage. But hay, to each his own.

 

[Rebd40]

Hi, Maistre Gracey: You asked about my financial anaylsis earlier:
The simplest financial reason that DVC comes out a NO for me is that every trip I've taken to WDW I've always been able to snag a hotel for up to a week at the cost of what the DVC annual dues are (i.e. $600-800 range) without the initial investment of $$$. I've been able to do this by either staying offsite, getting discounted rates from Disney (at value or moderate resorts) or renting DVC points. I'm sure there are a gazillion arguments to counter my logic . . .

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by Rebd40
Hi, Maistre Gracey: You asked about my financial anaylsis earlier:
The simplest financial reason that DVC comes out a NO for me is that every trip I've taken to WDW I've always been able to snag a hotel for up to a week at the cost of what the DVC annual dues are (i.e. $600-800 range) without the initial investment of $$$. I've been able to do this by either staying offsite, getting discounted rates from Disney (at value or moderate resorts) or renting DVC points. I'm sure there are a gazillion arguments to counter my logic . . .

Thanx for the reply, Rebd40. I appreciate you taking the time to explain it. Everybody does it a little differently, so I like to hear all sides.

Thanx again.....

 

[StormTigger]

Wow! I must say I'm surprised no one has suggested this in this thread as many times as it is suggested in others.

Yes, DVC is great for those of us who have convinced themselves that they are saving money or are just getting a great deal.

NO DVC is not for everyone and is a big expense that might be able to be done other ways.

You've stayed at the other WDW Moderate and Deluxe resorts, with 5 people in the room and where comfortable and you've taken the DVC tour and see the rooms. But nothing compares to actually staying in the rooms. I would suggest (hey I actually get to say this this time!!) that you rent points and stay in a 2br once. That is the only true way to tell if it's worth the money. I would really suggest you staying at OKW if you do this, cuz if that doesn't convince you that you "need" the DVC nothing will and you can know that it's not for you.

I have to agree w/ the BMW post. You can play with the numbers all you want and come out w/ various figures, but in all honesty you never truely know unless you've taken a test drive.

(yes I know a lot of us bought w/o even seeing .. but we are Disneyholics and are just lucky they haven't forced us into Disney-anonymouse (mis-spelled on purpose) yet.)

Anyway... that's my 2cents.. so I'll just bounce on ...

 

[Richyams]

The simplest financial reason that DVC comes out a NO for me is that every trip I've taken to WDW I've always been able to snag a hotel for up to a week at the cost of what the DVC annual dues are (i.e. $600-800 range) without the initial investment of $$$. I've been able to do this by either staying offsite, getting discounted rates from Disney (at value or moderate resorts) or renting DVC points.

This is basically the advice that we give all the time.

If you are happy in a value or off site with an occaissional moderate stay, DVC probably isn't right for you. If you only stay in moderate or deluxe accomodations, DVC will probably save you money.

Renting DVC points regularly is a losing argument. Buying DVC is cheaper than renting DVC points every year.

All of these arguments are based on studios. We never would have bought if DVC only offered studios. Comparing a value resort studio to an OKW two bedroom is silly.

My reason for joining and never selling is very simple. I get to stay in an OKW GV for ten to twelve nights every year for the cost of dues, or about $140 per night. You can't beat that with anything.