Do you think DVC would be good for us?

[jamsmom]

As a single parent, I have taken my son to WDW 3 times since summer of 99 and plan to go this summer. Since it is just the 2 of us (my significant other, Jim, isn't into WDW) we have stayed at All-Stars, PO, CBR, and AKL. We don't need lots of space and I would never plan on any cooking while there. However, I do hope to go every summer.

All the DVC resorts look to be much bigger than what we would need. We love AKL Savannah view.

I know that when my son gets older (much older) and married this would be a great thing for his family.

I guess my question would be: If we really don't like the current DVC resorts, would it be worth it if we always wanted to use the points at another WDW Resort? (Like AKL)

Also, we will have to go during the summer or over Christmas due to my son's school disctrict

 

[CRobin]

Originally posted by jamsmom

I guess my question would be: If we really don't like the current DVC resorts, would it be worth it if we always wanted to use the points at another WDW Resort?

Probably not, for a couple of reasons:

1). The point requirement for non-DVC resorts can change at any time, and recently went up for many of those resorts.

2). The value resorts, i.e. All Stars, can't be had with DVC points.

You may want to reconsider. Visit a DVC studio on your next trip. You'll be surprised at the difference.

Good Luck!

 

[gonzalj1]

If you're not fond of staying at the DVC resorts and don't expect to need larger accomodations in the future then DVC may not be the right move for you.

We purchased because, even though it was just DW and I at first, we enjoy larger more luxurious accomodations. We would always rent suites whenever we went down and the costs were getting out of hand.

DVC comes down to a financial decision. If you like to stay at the moderates then DVC may be a sound financial investment. If you only stay at the lower priced resorts and don't mind the smaller acoomodations then DVC may not be for you.

 

[JonHM]

When you said "we really don't like the current DVC resorts", what were you basing that on? Having stayed in the DVC villas themselves, or having stayed at the Inn that the villas are associated with? Or not having stayed there at all, but having just visited? I'm just curious.

I would have to agree that if you don't like the current DVC villas, then you probably shouldn't join. (At least now) But if you haven't stayed in the Villas themselves, *definitely* check them out! They are truly magical!

 

[Granny]

jamsmom,

Well, you meet a couple of the critical DVC purchase criteria....you like to visit WDW a lot! And you like to stay on-site. Without these two preferences, the WDW DVC just doesn't make sense.

You've got quite an assortment of types of accommodations you have stayed at....from the low end of All Stars to the high end of AKL.

It sounds like you would only be interested in a DVC studio size for the foreseeable future. With the studio, you get a room larger than the standard room at any Disney resort. You get the small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker. So you get a little more room and some nice amenities (I know the small refrigerator alone would have been worth a lot to me on previous resort stays!). And the studio doesn't use a lot of points.....a studio at the Beach Club Villas in the summer (July) is only 148 points for 8 nights....so you could go for a nice vacation on the minimum buy in of 150 points.

If, however, you are very satisfied with budget accommodations like All Stars, then DVC will not pay out for you.

Only you can assess the relative value of the larger and better equipped accommodations. It is a pretty good chunk of money, and the dues come in every year as well.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[jamsmom]

I haven't stayed at any, to be honest. I have just read about them and they just seem so much bigger than AKL or CBR rooms. I saw that Old Key West has 3 floors w/o elevators.

I do like WL. Are the Villas at WL similar? How far is it from the Villas at WL to the bus tranportation.

Can you use DVC points at AKL?

10 days at AKL is great, but pricey. Of course, we are staying there again this summer.- 7 days already paid for after staying at Hard Rock Hotel for 3 days at Universal

 

[caverill]

Like a previous poster stated, there are a few things that make a family a good fit for DVC. They are:

- Visit WDW on a yearly basis
- Only stay on-site
- Prefer Deluxe hotels (i.e. GF, AKL, Poly, Comp, WL)

Sounds to me like you met this critria, if you plan to continue staying at a hotel like AKL.

If you like the WL, you may want to think about a resell on VWL. The only on-site DVC available at this point is BCV.

On your next visit, you may want to explore the DVC resorts. If you are planning to stay at the AKL for an extended period of time, it may be worth looking at purchasing DVC now and using the money you didn't spend on AKL as your down payment.

DVC is not for everyone and you must decide if it fits your lifestyle.

I would NOT recommend purchasing DVC to stay at non-DVC resorts. It would be better to pay-as-you-go.

Good luck and ask any questions you can think of!

 

[Granny]

The Villas at WL are themed the same as the WL. They are actually right next to the bus stop. They are a little further from the boat dock to MK, but it's still not a far walk.

Trading out DVC points to stay at other Disney resorts is not a very efficient use of points. If that's your main goal, DVC will probably not make much financial sense.

You might want to rent out points to stay at a DVC studio to see if you like it. Maybe take 3 days out of your 10 day stay this summer to stay at a DVC location? Just a thought to see if it works for you.

 

[JonHM]

As far as the size issue - as Granny points out, certainly the 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom villas are HUGE compared to a regular hotel room, but a DVC Studio, while bigger than many hotel rooms, is comparable in size, and with some nice amenities mentioned above.

The elevators are only an issue at OKW - *all* of the other DVC Villas have elevators - *and* the newer buildings at OKW have elevators as well. If you like the WL, I would definitely recommend checking out a VWL Studio - if nothing else, just take the DVC tour when you're at WDW next - DVC will come pick you up from any park (or Downtown Disney), bring you to the tour, which is *completely* zero pressure, very enjoyable and informative, and then they will drop you off *anywhere* at WDW that you'd like to go. They may even give you passes for a free lunch on the Boardwalk - many people here have said that they got them - although we were in such a rush when we took the tour that they didn't offer that to us. At the tour you will get to walk through a mock up of the Beach Club Villas, and if you go to the VWL and ask, they will probably let you into some of the villas over there to check them out.

 

[spiceycat]

how about on your next trip - stay at DVC resorts - you can rent points from a member (the rental/trade site on this board) - and see for yourself.

A studio would probably be ideal for you and your son. I am single but I have owned DVC since 93 - I send my brother and his family every year, cousins, friends, co-workers - it is GREAT!!!

If you want 2 beds then OKW - it has 2 queen beds - just ask for first floor (you will probably get the second floor - but the steps are not bad at all). Unless you need first floor for medicine reasons - these get priority.

BWV, VWL and the new BCV have a queen bed and a double sleeper sofa (I slept on the sofa no problem - so your son should be okay there too).

BWV and BCV are closer to Epcot and Studios. VWL is closer to the MK, and OKW is closer to DD. so pick which you want.

 

[NJParkhopper]

Hi, Jamsmom! I think you meet the criteria and the studios are fine accomodations which keep your points usage down. The times you can go will be a factor. We go twice a year (May and anywhere between Sept-Dec) and a studio is fine for my wife and son and I. One thing that is awesome... DVC is something you can look forward to each year. You're pretty much guaranteed great vacations, whether at WDW, Disney on the West Coast, or a host of great destinations from Hawaii to New York to Africa! Helps take the guess-work out of where to go each year!