One caution I would offer is that we each have our own "best way" of enjoying
DVC -- and to us that is the ONLY way DVC makes sense. The problem is, DVC has about 100,000 members and everybody's "best way" (which works perfect for them) is different. Therefore, a lot of the advice you receive will be
generally true, but may not apply the same way for your family. Often, the way DVC
works best for most people does not mean it won't
work well for you.
For example, I agree that the best use of DVC points is for DVC resorts. From a cost-effectiveness standpoint, there is no question that you receive more value at a DVC resort than just about anywhere else. Having said that, however, I am sure a knowledgeable timeshare user like Dean can find trading opportunities they like very much through DVC. (I'm also sure Dean will tell you if you plan on trading out a lot, there are more cost-effective ways to do it.).
On the other hand, there are a number of members who use the trading out options quite often, and that's one of the best features of DVC for them. They like having everything in one place, without having to manage multiple timeshare contracts, and as long as they feel they are getting good value for their points, they are happy campers.
Another example:
6) Be able to plan your vacations 7-11 months in advance - if you wing it - DVC is not a good choice.
There is no doubt that DVC
works best for those who can plan effectively far in advance -- that's true of all timeshares. There is also no doubt that, for certain resorts at certain times of the year, you'd better be able to plan 7+ months out or you're going to be disappointed. But that's
not the same thing as not being able to use DVC for last minute trips. Many do, and many have great success in doing so. The secret is they have to be flexible about which resort they use and what type of accommodations they want.
Another example is the advice you will hear often: "Buy where you want to stay." That's great advice if you have the ability to book 7+ months out,
AND you
care where you stay. For our family, I don't care where we stay -- so this sound advice for many people does not apply in my case. We make multiple trips each year; you may not. If your annual trip is going to be for Food and Wine, and you
must stay at BCV...you'd better own at BCV. The same is true of VWL during December, and probably pretty important at both HHI and VB during the summer months. But, for me, it doesn't matter.
I think the best advice I could give you is to research thoroughly, be sure you understand the flexibility and nuances of DVC, consider it primarily as a pre-paid vacation at WDW, do NOT even think of it in terms of an "investment," and then evaluate how the operation of a DVC membership would work for your family (understanding, of course, that your needs will change radically when you have children). Also, completely ignore whatever current DVC perks may be in effect at the moment. Those can and do change, so don't use them as a part of your decision-making process.
Focus on those features and opportunities that are most important for your family, not so much on the conventional wisdom...which
is wise, but may not be as important to you as it is to others.
Good luck
) so I called when I got home. There was NO pressure. They sent me the packet and called me a few days later to see if I had any questions. I contacted her when I did. That was March 04 and we just bought in Oct of 2005. Not once did they call me after the intial contact unless I called her. When I was finally ready to purchase I called her and she looked me up and we bought. 
