Confused about DVC

[MareSINY]

Hi Everyone, please bear with me if these questions have been previously answered, I did some searching and couldn't find anything that covered this.

I'm considering buying into DVC, my upcoming trip will be my 3rd in the past year, so I think it might be a cost effective way to make the most of Disney.

When you purchase points, do you pay for them once and that's it, or do you pay for those points each year? I'm kinda figuring that you pay for them once and then pay some sort of maintenance fee. If that's the case, does the maintenance fee change every year? What is the cost?

I'm also curious, if I book a 2 bedroom villa which sleeps 8, do I pay for 8 guests, or can I just bring up to 7 guests with me? Do you pay anything for the room, or is it all covered by points?

Thanks for your help, I appreciate it!

Mary Ellen

 

[PamOKW]

Hi MaryEllen! Feel free to ask away as you try to decide if DVC is right for you -- sounds like you should at least give it consideration if you're visitng 3x per year.

You are right. The purchase price is one-time only. There are dues assessed yearly that cover maintenance cost, funding the capital improvement fund and paying the real estate taxes. These differ by resort. You pay "per point" and the current cost is roughly $4-$5 per point. These fluctuate based on the actual costs to DVC. They held steady for nearly five years but increases in insurance and a decrease in the interest being earned on invested DVC money has caused them to increase the last few years. They won't jump more than 15% in one year and have never approached that amount in the 13 years of DVC.

The beauty is -- your room costs are completely covered. You make your reservation, pay with points and that's it. You may bring as many people as are permitted to the unit.

Also, the point costs for DVC are pretty much contained. DVC is permitted to make adjustments of points --- something could go up in point costs but for that to happen, something else must come down -- the total "pool" remains constant. An adjustment is very rare -- I think it's happened once in the early days of DVC.

Points needed to use non-DVC elements -- cruises, Concierge Collection, etc. don't have this safety cap and can go up in cost.

 

[Chuck S]

You pay once for the points, and them maintenance fees and taxes once a year. The annual fees will vary by resort, as they reflect the upkeep costs of each resort. They average about $4 per point this year. The usually increase a little each year, but have actually gone done occasionally.

You do not pay "per person", just bring them along, each will be issued a resort ID at check-in. The only other expenses will be what you decide to spend on food and souvenirs. Remember that currently DVCers are not eligible for the popular MYW dining plan. But if you are an Annual Pass holder, you can purchase the DDE card for $50, it os good for a 20% discount at virtually all full service and buffet meals at restaurants operated by Disney. It is also valid at counter service places in the AK and value resorts.