Contemplating purchasing?

[ryanshana]

Hi a friend of mine recently purchased a DVC and is always trying to convince me.....

But here are some of my arguements.....can you counter-argue them?

1. We probably will have no time to go more than once a year? I have heard that it is only worthwhile if you go more than twice.

2. I like to have housekeeping daily. You only get it like 2x on a 7 days stay right?

3. I really can't see going yearly. I have always used the public discount and have rec'd codes. And while they are never really guarenteed it just seems like too good of a discount.

4. DF said that if I take my past stays and add them up I would have paid for a DVC. But this is where I don't get it....

IE. DF pays 300/mo (for the next ten years, this monthly thing includes their fees) that is 300x12=3600 (just for the room) add annual passes (w/ the 100 discount, for their family of 4) 1766 and that doesn't even touch dining

So
3600x10 (years) 36000
1766x10 (years) 17660
totaling 53660

We go usually every other year maybe even every 3 year and our prices are usually 2800 (includes DDP and tickets) So lets say in the next 10 years we go every other equaling 5 years that is only 14000. Even if we go every year it is still only 28000

I mean I know that i'm not counting in prices going up or anything. and I know that it's for 50ish years but adding 40 more years of dining and tickets only adds to the DVC total.

Does this make any sense?

Am I correct that buying DVC doesn't benifit us?

I appreciate any help....and I really hope what I have written makes sense

TIA

 

[CarolAnnC]

If you like to vacation at WDW every other year for about 5-7 days, then DVC is a good value for you.

That assumes that you typically prefer Deluxe or DVC resorts. If you are satisfied with Value or Moderates, then no, DVC is not for you. You need to compare apples to apples to see the value in the accomodation prices.

 

[disneynutz]

If you are currently happy with your accommodations and feel like you are getting a good value then don't bother with the DVC.

 

[ryanshana]

If you like to vacation at WDW every other year for about 5-7 days, then DVC is a good value for you.

That assumes that you typically prefer Deluxe or DVC resorts. If you are satisfied with Value or Moderates, then no, DVC is not for you. You need to compare apples to apples to see the value in the accomodation prices.

Thanks for the response but I am still confused.......

we usually stay at deluxe for 7 days. and that is 2800-3000

Am I doing the PP math wrong?

Thanks again!

 

[Sandisw]

I think that you have some good points and that the best advice for DVC is to analyze things for your OWN situation and weigh the pros/cons.

I agree that if you may or may not go every year and happy staying in value or moderates on a regular basis (or deluxe resorts with discounts), then it may not be the right option for you.

If your DF is paying monthly, she has financed her purchase. That does add substantial cost to the purchase and needs to be considered and can cut down on the benefits of the purchase.

We are a family that only goes once a year but always stay deluxe, regardless if we have a discount. We realized that we would continue to vacation at WDW every year, even though our children have gotten older (DS 20, DD16, and DD13). DH and I love it and find it relaxing since we have been so many times that we take our time through the parks each day.

However, there are ways to buy into the program, through resale, for as little as $5,000, and get enough points to make going every year or every other year affordable.

I own 50 points at VWL. Those points will get me 3 nights in a studio (sleeps 4) every year during the summer. It cost me an upfront fee of $4500 and will cost $250.00 per year in MF. If I divide it into the years I have left (33), it ends up costing me about $370.00 for each trip--or, about $125.00 per night--much cheaper than paying cash. And, I always have the option to bank and borrow which would give me the opportunity to stay in bigger accomodations if I don't want to go each year.

Good luck on your decision!!!

 

[ryanshana]

I think that you have some good points and that the best advice for DVC is to analyze things for your OWN situation and weigh the pros/cons.

I agree that if you may or may not go every year and happy staying in value or moderates on a regular basis (or deluxe resorts with discounts), then it may not be the right option for you.

If your DF is paying monthly, she has financed her purchase. That does add substantial cost to the purchase and needs to be considered and can cut down on the benefits of the purchase.

We are a family that only goes once a year but always stay deluxe, regardless if we have a discount. We realized that we would continue to vacation at WDW every year, even though our children have gotten older (DS 20, DD16, and DD13). DH and I love it and find it relaxing since we have been so many times that we take our time through the parks each day.

However, there are ways to buy into the program, through resale, for as little as $5,000, and get enough points to make going every year or every other year affordable.

I own 50 points at VWL. Those points will get me 3 nights in a studio (sleeps 4) every year during the summer. It cost me an upfront fee of $4500 and will cost $250.00 per year in MF. If I divide it into the years I have left (33), it ends up costing me about $370.00 for each trip--or, about $125.00 per night--much cheaper than paying cash. And, I always have the option to bank and borrow which would give me the opportunity to stay in bigger accomodations if I don't want to go each year.

Good luck on your decision!!!

Thank you thank you thank you......

Everything I was looking for!

I did keep telling DF if I financed it I didn't think it would be worth it. I think after this trip we are taking a disney hiatus till the boys are at least 6ish (3-4 years) during that time I think I might save for a resale! Thank you SOOO much for all your help!

 

[Coach81]

Sounds like it is not a good fit for you.. I would stay away..

 

[Deb & Bill]

For a seven night stay, you get zero housekeeping. You will get your towels replaced, your trash removed and your ammenities replaces (shampoo, soap, etc). You will not get the beds made, surfaces cleaned.

If you stay eight nights, you will get a full cleaning on day four (with day one check-in day) and towels replaced and trash removed again on day eight.

If daily or more frequent housekeeping services are desired, you can pay the extra to have them done, but the cost adds up. Most members don't bother with these and are happy not to have others entering the villa except for once or twice during a stay.

No matter if you own DVC or not, you still have to pay for tickets, dining and transportation to and from WDW. So don't include those in your savings/cost for DVC.

We used to go twice or three times a year and found we were spending a fortune in member fees. So we sold off two of our contracts and have enough points for one really nice stay in a one bedroom during early summer.

But as member fees continue to go up, we'll be watching what we are paying and perhaps sell another contract.

Compare what you actually spend in hotel costs with what DVC would cost you. Personally, I don't think you are a good fit for DVC only going every other or every third year. DVC is a pretty expensive timeshare.

 

[ryanshana]

Sounds like it is not a good fit for you.. I would stay away..

For a seven night stay, you get zero housekeeping. You will get your towels replaced, your trash removed and your ammenities replaces (shampoo, soap, etc). You will not get the beds made, surfaces cleaned.

If you stay eight nights, you will get a full cleaning on day four (with day one check-in day) and towels replaced and trash removed again on day eight.

If daily or more frequent housekeeping services are desired, you can pay the extra to have them done, but the cost adds up. Most members don't bother with these and are happy not to have others entering the villa except for once or twice during a stay.

No matter if you own DVC or not, you still have to pay for tickets, dining and transportation to and from WDW. So don't include those in your savings/cost for DVC.

We used to go twice or three times a year and found we were spending a fortune in member fees. So we sold off two of our contracts and have enough points for one really nice stay in a one bedroom during early summer.

But as member fees continue to go up, we'll be watching what we are paying and perhaps sell another contract.

Compare what you actually spend in hotel costs with what DVC would cost you. Personally, I don't think you are a good fit for DVC only going every other or every third year. DVC is a pretty expensive timeshare.

Thanks for you imput.

DF is always just saying to do it and I was thinking that it wasn't right for me I just wanted to make sure I wasn't losing my mind and was wrong

 

[jodifla]

Thanks for you imput.

DF is always just saying to do it and I was thinking that it wasn't right for me I just wanted to make sure I wasn't losing my mind and was wrong

Have you been in any of the DVC resorts?

That's what made the difference for us. Walking into a 2 bedroom at OKW, or a Beach Cottage at Vero Beach!

Seeing was believing for me and DH.

 

[CPTJAK]

If you go every 3 years you can still make it work, just purchase 1/3 points of what you would if you would stay every year. Also DVC is easy to rent to other people even if you decide not to go one year.

I think getting into Timesharing for families that can afford it (it is a luxury item) is a fantastic way to vacation.


In regards to housekeeping you can get it every day if you want you just have to request it and than they will charge you for what you request.

 

[jgus]

The other thing you can attempt to figure out is... what can you sell your DVC for in 10 years? You should be able to a good portion of your money back.

 

[OneMoreTry]

TO OP:

I don't think I would buy now in your position and with your needs. We still don't know what the economy holds in store. I think you will be disappointed with lack of daily maid service. Although personally I prefer the washing machine and 2 bedrooms.

You can always decide to buy later if and when your heart tells you it's the right time.

PS I am a very happy and satisfied DVC member for what my family needs and wants.

Neil

 

[Mouse511]

Based on your questions - I dont think DVC is right for you unless you do what CPTJCK stated and buy a smaller contract and bank the points so you can use them all in your every other year stay.

The one thing that might bother you based on your questions is the annual dues - depending on where you buy and how many points - you could be spending up towards 1000 dollars a year on annual dues.

If you are a bargain shopper and only go to WDW when you can find a deal like the current buy 4 get 3 deal - then DVC isnt right for you.

Now the one thing that might get you is as soon as you see a 1 or 2 br villa - you might be sold......good luck with your decision.

 

[mistaroo]

One other thing to consider is the type of accomodation you need now and in the future. In my case, although we would have been happy simply getting discounts on deluxe rooms for now, there will be a time that our family will definitely appreciate having separate bedrooms. Plus, we can invite extended family which is important to us. So, although we didn't absolutely *need* the DVC yet, we went ahead and bought now so we get to get as much use out of the DVC as possible. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The other thing you can attempt to figure out is... what can you sell your DVC for in 10 years? You should be able to a good portion of your money back.

At today's prices, I don't see resales going that high. Even in 10 years.