Convince me :)

[torian]

I'm still not totally convinced to take the jump.

Why DVC would work for us:

We don't stay in anything but Deluxe (hubby hates large crowds).
We travel during off-seasons (my hubby hates large crowds).
We've only been to WDW twice with the kids and suspect that they are not bored of WDW yet.
We would be going at least once ever other year, with the possibility of going once a year.
We like the idea of going to VB and Aulani for a change of pace.
Being able to give our kids some great memories and passing the contract onto them and their families when it is time.
Being able to bring our friends with us who would not ordinarily be able to go to WDW.

What concerns me:
My kids are 10 and 11 this year. I'm worried that they may not want to do WDW as they hit their teens (uncool factor).
I'm basically handing my vacation dollars over to Disney for the next 50 years.
A lack of variety of destinations.
A studio is too small, and a 1 bedroom just right, but I DON'T cook on vacation and feel the kitchen would be a waste.
I do like having mousekeeping come in every day to clean up

Can anyone comment if they have had these concerns and how they may have played out in their decision? Am I worried about things I don't really need to worry about?

thanks!
tori

 

[mopee3]

Don't do!!!

If you are doing for the kids... well to me that is just one of many wrong reasons. Two of our kids, age 35-39, love Disney just like we do. Our grand kids love Disney just like we do but we bought into DVC for us! Not to go to strange and exotic places but to Disney, stay in wonderful resorts, be treated really well by Cms, relax by the pool, enjoy wonderful meals, and when all that slows down then hit the Parks!

Moe

 

[Sandisw]

My kids love WDW and still, even as they are older, don't mind going. The key for me was to realize that it is their vacation and if they want to spend time in the room and/or at the resort and not go to the parks in the manner I want to, that it is OKAY!!

We stayed in a 1 bedroom this summer, having come from a few nights in a studio and I can only say that it made a wonderful difference in feeling relaxed. The only part of the kitchen that I used was the refrigerator and the micro to heat up some left over pasta and did not feel guilty at all!!

I also loved having the washer/dryer and coming home with a complete suitcase full of clean clothes. The only things dirty were the clothes we wore that day!!

If you are really concerned about the future, start slow and see how it goes. Buy enough points only for those EOY trips and see if you like the program.

We do go yearly and bought enough for that, but now alter our trips so we can get two trips out of on AP. That saves us a nice bit of money on the tickets. Not that you can't do this by staying in hotels, but with the $100 DVC discount, it really makes it a great perk. Though, it could go away, so I would never suggest buying for that.

We figured things out when we bought and really, if we continued to go, even if it was for only 10 years and had to give it away at that point, we would still be in a better place than we would by continuing to pay cash to stay at the CR. Plus, we would have gotten years in 1 and 2 bedrooms.

This summer, we booked a 2 bedroom at BLT so that my DD's can bring some friends with them. I just never would have been able to do that had I been paying cash. Yes, I had to pay upfront, but now that I have, it just seems so much cheaper!

Good luck!

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you need to be convinced, don't do it. Read the boards and see what members say. It's expensive, it isn't all that easy to trade out to non-Disney vacations, dues continue to go up each year, there seems to be less of a focus on the DVC member as a customer than as a purchaser.

You could sell it if you decide it really isn't for you, but check out the resale sites. There are lots of memberships for sale and many of the sellers are losing money on what they bought in recent years. Even the old timers who bought many, many years ago, may not be selling it for more than they paid for it.

If you aren't ready to make Disney your vacation choice for years to come, buy another timeshare (if that is what you really want) and use that to trade around the world. Currently, DVC trades with RCI, but a few years ago it was II.

Remember DVC is a timeshare, not a system of hotels and resorts.

 

[mdsd8700]

I think you should take as much time as you need to think about your decision. Your post here is a great way to start and getting opinions and thoughts of the DVCers here. From the outset DVC doesn't seem like a perfect fit for you, but might be something that will work as long as you look at every aspect. My kids are 14 (DD) and 17 (DS). The 17 year old loves it more than the 14 year old! I also do not cook on vacation, but love the kitchen, althought that may sound crazy. We have food delivered so our cereal, oj and snacks all have a place to be. Originally I thought not have daily mousekeeping would be an issue. It isn't at all, don't even miss it. I agree that if you do deide to purchase you should start with a smaller contract and see how you like it and then go from there. Good luck with your decision!

 

[grandpawelch8]

We brought in back in 1994 that first year we were able to send both our sons and their new wives to disney for their honeymoon and even got a week for the two of us in between both weddings. We have since taken all but the youngest grandchild to Disney for a week, went to Hawaii and renewed our vows for our 30th anniversary, have taken 5 different cruises including an 11 day for our 40th anniversary and going on the Dream in June and Alaska in August. I feel this is the best investment we ever made. The first year proved used wisely we could get a lot out of our points and Hawaii for $75 was great. You don't always have to go to WDW use your points at other vacation spots but trust me the bug will get you and you will need that Disney Fix.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We brought in back in 1994 that first year we were able to send both our sons and their new wives to disney for their honeymoon and even got a week for the two of us in between both weddings. We have since taken all but the youngest grandchild to Disney for a week, went to Hawaii and renewed our vows for our 30th anniversary, have taken 5 different cruises including an 11 day for our 40th anniversary and going on the Dream in June and Alaska in August. I feel this is the best investment we ever made. The first year proved used wisely we could get a lot out of our points and Hawaii for $75 was great. You don't always have to go to WDW use your points at other vacation spots but trust me the bug will get you and you will need that Disney Fix.

But there is a big difference in what a point costs in 1994 vs 2011. Same with dues.

 

[ToddyLu]

Because you are on the fence...I would just rent the points from a member. You get the nice amenities without the hassle of ownership...that would be a win-win for you.

I wanted to own a piece of Disney. DH and I go to Disney every year and will continue to do so because DH does not like to travel....but getting him to Dsiney is very easy. For some reason it is the destination here on Earth that works for us both. I am addicted and he is just comfortable and happy going there. We are in our 40s with no children so this was our midlife luxury that we purchased for ourselves. So far we have had 2 studio SVs in 2009, 2010. We will have a studio in May 2011 and another 2 studios in Oct 2011. Paying cash for those would have been difficult on a nurse and fireman's salary.

 

[Brian Noble]

We went 'round and 'round with this about three years ago, and ultimately decided not to buy, for some of the reasons you list as cons. We were not sure we'd want to return to WDW over many years, and the only efficient use of DVC points, IMO, is to use them *at* WDW. Even in the handful of non-WDW locations, there are comparable properties that are much less expensive to own or rent. The only other one that is arguable is VGC, but even there, the Anaheim WorldMark is probably a better value. DVC just doesn't have the same home-court advantage anywhere else that it has in Orlando. Instead of owning, we figured we would either rent, or exchange in with other timeshares, as need be.

Looking back on it, that decision has been a fair one. Our trip frequency as a family has dropped off a little bit, in part due to changing interests, and in part due to changes in the school calendar and our summer-time commitments. We still go, and often stay in DVC lodging due to exchanging in, but we have taken many other non-WDW vacations as well.

A few other comments on your pro/con list:

Being able to give our kids some great memories and passing the contract onto them and their families when it is time.
Being able to bring our friends with us who would not ordinarily be able to go to WDW.

You can build those memories, or bring those friends, without being an owner. As shocking as it may be to suggest here at DISboards, you can also build great memories at places other than Disney. As for passing it on: that may or may not be welcome, depending on your kids' circumstances.

I DON'T cook on vacation and feel the kitchen would be a waste.

I don't cook either (except maybe once in a week's stay) but honestly the kitchen is one of the best parts. It's easy for people to grab breakfast as we get ready in the morning---cereal, toast, etc.---and having real dishes, a dining table, and the space to use it makes a big difference. It is also nice to have the kitchen just for snacks, etc. in the evening.

 

[adminjedi]

I'm still not totally convinced to take the jump.

Why DVC would work for us:

We don't stay in anything but Deluxe (hubby hates large crowds).

-We prefer the deluxe resorts and we have saved $ with DVC

We travel during off-seasons (my hubby hates large crowds).

-We have always been able to get the rooms we want when we want

We've only been to WDW twice with the kids and suspect that they are not bored of WDW yet.

-We go every year with kids. Our kids are now 17-27 years old and they don't tire of it in any way. Those who aren't into the rides still love the resort feel of the vacation.

We would be going at least once ever other year, with the possibility of going once a year.

-We started with enough points to go every other year. Quickly added enough to go more often.

We like the idea of going to VB and Aulani for a change of pace.

-We haven't tried VB yet, and own at Aulani for the 11 month booking window.

Being able to give our kids some great memories and passing the contract onto them and their families when it is time.

-We love being able to get the whole family together.

Being able to bring our friends with us who would not ordinarily be able to go to WDW.

-We love giving others the opportunity for something they could otherwise not afford.

What concerns me:
My kids are 10 and 11 this year. I'm worried that they may not want to do WDW as they hit their teens (uncool factor).

-see our above answer

I'm basically handing my vacation dollars over to Disney for the next 50 years.

-yes, you are prepaying to save $. My DH always jokes about how good Disney is at extracting $ from his wallet, but he is happy to pay because they do such a great job.

A lack of variety of destinations.

-There are many who do use their points and trade out. It is a different view than point for dollar vs. cash value. They look at it as their yearly vacation budget and do what they want to do.

A studio is too small, and a 1 bedroom just right, but I DON'T cook on vacation and feel the kitchen would be a waste.

-I don't "cook" on vacation, but it is nice to have supplies for us to share cooking a nice breakfast, and for everyone to be able to grab a snack or drink when they like. We also like having more space to gather and hangout. As we stay 12-14 days, we need the W/D.

I do like having mousekeeping come in every day to clean up

-If it is important to you, you can pay for them to come more often, or stay Concierge at AKV.

Can anyone comment if they have had these concerns and how they may have played out in their decision? Am I worried about things I don't really need to worry about?

-We do not regret our purchases of DVC and we are constantly battling from more add-ons! We like knowing that no matter what, we have a vacation or 2 or 3 a year!!!!

 

[Coach81]

Do some soul searching (praying).. make sure you are doing it for the right reasons.. it is a HUGE financial decision..

Good luck!

 

[LSchrow]

i agree with PP: rent points before you decide.

we found that the flexibility of DVC is very important to us (we used to get a 1-bdrm, when it was DH, myself and our 2 kidlets). now we go more often, but just grown-up DD and me, or DH and myself (again). plus, every other year we do a big family trip in a 2-bdrm.

like you, we prefered deluxe resorts, and never used the kitchen except for snacks. we don't care for daily housekeeping though, so DVC schedule was perfect for us.

i think one of our favorite things about owning DVC is that we now relax on vacation.....there are so many options at our fingertips if we want to do something - just knowing that helps us to relax even more

 

[a742246]

I'm still not totally convinced to take the jump.

Why DVC would work for us:

We don't stay in anything but Deluxe (hubby hates large crowds).
We travel during off-seasons (my hubby hates large crowds).
We've only been to WDW twice with the kids and suspect that they are not bored of WDW yet.
We would be going at least once ever other year, with the possibility of going once a year.
We like the idea of going to VB and Aulani for a change of pace.
Being able to give our kids some great memories and passing the contract onto them and their families when it is time.
Being able to bring our friends with us who would not ordinarily be able to go to WDW.

What concerns me:
My kids are 10 and 11 this year. I'm worried that they may not want to do WDW as they hit their teens (uncool factor).
I'm basically handing my vacation dollars over to Disney for the next 50 years.
A lack of variety of destinations.
A studio is too small, and a 1 bedroom just right, but I DON'T cook on vacation and feel the kitchen would be a waste.
I do like having mousekeeping come in every day to clean up

Can anyone comment if they have had these concerns and how they may have played out in their decision? Am I worried about things I don't really need to worry about?

thanks!
tori

The biggest plus about DVC for me anyway is the ability to take Disney in
without all the rush. The "Welcome Home" slogan is real. You will feel as if you a going to a second home. If you can afford it I would tell you to buy in.
With 2 youngster you can start a family tradition. There is plenty to do
even without going to the theme parks.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[AllSmiles]

WARNING: If you take the plunge, you will find it addictive. We originally bought enough points for a studio vacation every other year. We have since added on THREE times! We bought before kids and we bought for us (big Disney freaks). But we have never regretted it (obviously) and know that we have tons of flexibility in how we use our points for years and years to come. Most importantly, it has caused us to vacation more often and it is a lifestyle neither my husband or myself enjoyed growing up. Almost all of our family members have since been hooked as well!
Krista

 

[WDWBlue]

If you need to be convinced, don't do it.

I second this. If it doesn't sell itself to you, I wouldn't do it.

 

[Cisco]

Even though we don't go to WDW every year, the points are useful in other ways. I typically rent points that I don't use and then take the funds and use for a different vacation experience. Either way, I consider my vacations paid for going forward.

 

[Nutty4Disney]

We were on the fence for several years and finally bought a resale last year. Best decision we ever made. But I went back and forth for a long time and did my research. We go once or twice a year and stay in a studio (just the two of us) so we can get by with less points. In just 3 weeks we will be staying at Wilderness Lodge Villas for a week. Then in July we are staying at Beach Club Villas for 4 days before a cruise on the Dream. If it weren't for DVC we wouldn't have this many options.

 

[The 6 J's]

I'm basically handing my vacation dollars over to Disney for the next 50 years.

This comment jumped out at me. Here's how we think about it. It will take approximately 2-3 trips for our family to get the price value back out of our DVC purchase, depending how we value some of the things that are hard to put a price on. So let's say after that 3rd trip we are ahead of the game for the rest of the length of the contract. Now, of course, this line of thinking does not account for maintenance fees but I think you get the idea. In addition, after the 3rd trip-my break even point- I could sell (not that I think I'll want to) and walk away with $.

I'm not saying this alone should sway you, but just thought I'd offer another way to look at it. Good luck with your decision.

 

[WoodDisney]

One word.....Cruise!!!!!!

The coolness never dies my nephews are 26 and 23 15 niece 19 and they still love it. You can use your points for the cruises not just to the Carribean but to Europe...then there is the concierge collection of amazing trips. This is not just a "Disney World" theme vacation club it is a key to the world. I say GO FOR IT!

 

[Deb & Bill]

One word.....Cruise!!!!!!

The coolness never dies my nephews are 26 and 23 15 niece 19 and they still love it. You can use your points for the cruises not just to the Carribean but to Europe...then there is the concierge collection of amazing trips. This is not just a "Disney World" theme vacation club it is a key to the world. I say GO FOR IT!

But it is very expensive to use DVC points for cruising and outside of WDW.