Does DVC just not work for some people?

[margitmouse]

Keurigirl - I'm so impressed that you have reviewed you numbers so thoroughly! For us, DVC was really an emotional purchase. I had actually sold timeshare before and never thought i'd be one to buy into a point system... however, for some reason one year we rented points from an owner, and we became totally hooked.... we purchased a smaller contract resale. For my family this was a complete change in our vacation pattern, a huge upgrade as we had only stayed in value or moderate resorts during our multiple trips before. Aside from the accommodations being such a step up, for us it was an investment in our family- i know, bad word but really, a way that my maturing family would come together every year or two in a place we really enjoy. We love not having a car, or renting one for a day or two, the total immersion. If you think that you have some hesitation about totally writing off DVC, you might consider renting points and trying it that way. But honestly, it seems like your reasoning is well grounded and you know what you like, and this just may not make sense for you. That's really ok.
I think you will find that people on these boards want you to enjoy Disney, and for the most part( aside from an occasional heated thread!!) recognize that we all enjoy it different ways and for different reasons, but the bottom line is that we all enjoy it! Good luck with your quest!

 

[jarestel]

I would agree that if a) you find off-site accommodations to be of higher quality and less expensive than those at WDW and b) you don't mind staying off-site, then DVC is not a good choice for you. Since you have a system that already seems to work well for you, DVC probably wouldn't make sense.

 

[MichelleVW]

We're in this same boat right now. Trying to decide if it's worth it for us. We took the tour this weekend while we were in Disney and were sold, but since we've been back we've been debating the pros and cons.

We usually stay off site because we can get more space for less money (townhouse or house depending on the number of people) but I LOVE staying on Disney property. We pretty much go every year and don't see that changing ever.

We're looking at buying resale since we could get more points for our money. I know you can't use those points for cruising and such, but even with all the rules about resale points I think we're better off buying resale.

 

[Brian Noble]

We're such Disney lovers and go so often that it seems like it should make sense for us.

It only makes sense if "being onsite" turns out to be important to you---important enough that your willing to spend 2-3x on lodging in real terms. You probably won't know that until you try it, so it might be worth renting a stay at a 2BR from an owner to see how you like it. Conversely, I believe that those who have only stayed onsite would be well served to try an offsite stay in one of the better communities/resorts before they buy as well, because the premium is very significant, and you won't know what is important to you until you try it.

We started out as Windsor Hills vacationers, and managed an exchange into DVC back in the Interval days. At the time I was toying with the idea of buying in, but my better half was skeptical. I expected our stay would open her eyes to how wonderful it would be. But, exactly the opposite happened: I found that while it was certainly nice, and had some advantages, they weren't worth the premium *to me*. We still stay in DVC units from time to time via RCI exchanges, but we also sometimes stay offsite for our Orlando vacations. If for some reason DVC exchanges were no longer possible, I might infrequently rent a stay, but right now today I would probably not buy.

 

[Brian Noble]

We usually stay off site because we can get more space for less money (townhouse or house depending on the number of people) but I LOVE staying on Disney property.

Well, the question is: How much do you love it? Is using the money for that more important than anything else you might use it for? The answer could well be yes---and if it is, go for it. But, the answer could also be no, and that's fine too.

 

[MichelleVW]

Well, the question is: How much do you love it? Is using the money for that more important than anything else you might use it for? The answer could well be yes---and if it is, go for it. But, the answer could also be no, and that's fine too.

I'm leaning towards Yes, but then again I'm leaning towards No....

 

[Missyrose]

I'm leaning towards Yes, but then again I'm leaning towards No....

DVC isn't going anywhere. You don't have to make a decision before you feel you're completely ready.

 

[DougEMG]

Well, not everyone, like I said in my post "for some people". We're such Disney lovers and go so often that it seems like it should make sense for us. I'm constantly getting told that we should be DVC owners. So I just wanted to make sure that I wasn't missing something in all my calculations. In a way, I kind of wanted to be wrong, because I sure would like to be part of that club! But honestly, I did the math and for us to stay at a similar accommodation onsite, the yearly maintenance fees alone are more than what we pay offsite. And given that there will always be maintenance fees that go up at about the same rate as the hotel pricing, it will almost always be cheaper for us to stay offsite.

And as far as offsite vs onsite, I know there is a big debate about it, which I don't want to create here. It's personal preference. I personally don't feel immersed any more staying onsite than I do offsite at Disneyworld because everything is so spread out. And I don't like taking the disney buses. So to each their own.

Staying off site is ALWAYS going to be cheaper than staying onsite. Given that you like staying offsite, there is no way that DVC will be a good fit for you. As you've said, you've done the math.

Staying at DVC is ALWAYS going to be cheaper than staying at a Deluxe Disney hotel. So for those people that want that, DVC is a good deal.

 

[Keurigirl]

Keurigirl - I'm so impressed that you have reviewed you numbers so thoroughly! For us, DVC was really an emotional purchase. I had actually sold timeshare before and never thought i'd be one to buy into a point system... however, for some reason one year we rented points from an owner, and we became totally hooked.... we purchased a smaller contract resale. For my family this was a complete change in our vacation pattern, a huge upgrade as we had only stayed in value or moderate resorts during our multiple trips before. Aside from the accommodations being such a step up, for us it was an investment in our family- i know, bad word but really, a way that my maturing family would come together every year or two in a place we really enjoy. We love not having a car, or renting one for a day or two, the total immersion. If you think that you have some hesitation about totally writing off DVC, you might consider renting points and trying it that way. But honestly, it seems like your reasoning is well grounded and you know what you like, and this just may not make sense for you. That's really ok.
I think you will find that people on these boards want you to enjoy Disney, and for the most part( aside from an occasional heated thread!!) recognize that we all enjoy it different ways and for different reasons, but the bottom line is that we all enjoy it! Good luck with your quest!

Thank you for your lovely reply!

To answer others, we have stayed onsite as well as offsite. We just don't like onsite.

 

[disneynutz]

DVC is a product that is a OK deal for some and not for others just like some stay in deluxe resorts and others stay in values.

DVC can save you some money depending on your travel patterns, likes, dislikes, and your willingness to deal with MS, booking as far in advance as possible and the reality that you won't always get the resort and maybe room size that you want.

Bill

 

[disney212]

Totally agree that you have to do what makes sense for your family. For years we stayed offsite when I was a kid since it was cheaper. When I had young children we stayed in the Value resorts a lot of time based on cost. We loved the value resorts so much more than staying offsite (mind you that offsite or onsite it has always been just a place to sleep to us) and looked at DVC. With kids in school and looming college bills it just wasn't in the cards for us. Look forward to 2010 we went the first time without the kids (attending college, yes two at one time) and fell in love with the Deluxe resorts. Turns out 1/2 through our once in a lifetime deluxe trip we were hooked. Ended up taking the tour and running the numbers (I work in finance) and with the way DH and I travel now (studios to sleep in is all we need) and the incentives we took the plunge. We have been on 5 trips since then and with the discounted AP's, TIW card, free parking and discounts on special events we have already broken even. Since we go off season and stay in studios where else could we vacation (except a flea bag motel) 4 times a year for less than $800 (actually a bit more than my dues). Maybe it will work for you someday too. Nice thing is that if we are ever blessed with Grandkids we can always book a larger room. We also cruise DCL but find the points cost too high so we just pay cash. Do what is right for you and your family, you never know when things may change it did for us!

 

[Keurigirl]

It is not so much cost for staying onsite as it is comfort and luxury for the cost. We don't find Disney hotels to be that luxurious. Beds and linens are not very nice, they aren't always super clean. I'm a snobby traveler, and I think Disney upcharges their "deluxe" resorts because they are Disney, not because the actual ammenities are better than the value resorts. I can stay at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando for cheaper than I can stay in a moderate Disney resort at rack rates - and the Ritz far outshines in service, mattresses, ammenities, etc.

I also find it more vacation like to be able to put my (young) kids to sleep in their own rooms, while I can still read or watch tv, or get stuff ready for the morning and not worry about waking them. I love having a private pool where I don't have to haul down all the towels and whatnot for miles for my kids to take a dip. I don't like using Disney transportation to get to resorts. It's all personal preference for us.

 

[Crazy4Disney06]

I bought DVC via resale and paid no where near $20000 dollars. We have enough points to stay at a DVC resort every year or a take a much longer/more expensive trip every other year. This year alone we are staying in the Villas at Grand Californian the week prior to Christmas in a 1 bedroom villa....even the regular hotel room NON villa is about $300 dollars that week. We paid cash so no payments or interest charged. DVC may not be right for everyone but for us it just made since.

 

[ELMC]

It's personal preference. I personally don't feel immersed any more staying onsite than I do offsite at Disneyworld because everything is so spread out. And I don't like taking the disney buses. So to each their own.

I totally see where you are coming from on this, and I used to think this way. However, my thinking has changed over the past few years. We were big "off site" people for years prior to buying DVC. Finally we began to see the value of staying on site, and that's when we decided to purchase (via resale). That being said, we bought BLT and BWV so that we can walk to three out of the four parks (I'm not a fan of the buses either). Going forward, one thing to think about is when you stay at those resorts, you really aren't leaving the "bubble", so there is some value there, depending on how you look at it.

One point you made that is commonly agreed upon here on the boards is that Disney's version of a "deluxe" resort does not compare with a lot of other "deluxe" accommodations. I would say that unless you place a high value on staying in a Disney accommodation (for whatever the reason that is important to you), then there are many better options out there in the Orlando area.

 

[joelp]

Our decision to buy revolved around one BIG selling point: Animal Kingdom Villas!! To quote the DW 1/2-hour after checking in during our first stay at AKL: "That's it - I'm spoiled - I can't stay anywhere else!"


It was the only possible DVC "home resort" for us (not that we won't stay at other DVC resorts in the future ... assuming I can get the DD and DW to go along ... ) - and there's certainly nothing like it "off-site" (except maybe in Africa ... )

 

[crisi]

DVC is NOT for Most People. It isn't even right for Most People who Like Disney Alot.

Its expensive - unless you are comparing it to Deluxe hotels
For its price it isn't luxurious as you've pointed out
You need to book in advance - not everyone can do that
Its a commitment - decades long - you can resell, but there isn't any guarantee you'll get your money out
Its restrictive in terms of cancellation policies, banking and borrowing

You prefer offsite. The simple answer to "oh, you go to Disney so much you should buy DVC!" is "we prefer offsite."

(The buses this year were really nice with a fourteen year old who wanted to sleep in - he was able to meet us later - if we had a car, vacation would have either been a battle, or would have involved my son sleeping it away in the hotel room).

 

[nunzia]

You really answered your own question in your first post. You like off site and you are a snobby traveler. DVC is most certainly NOT for everyone or even most. I am trying to talk my SIL out of buying. I do DLR not WDW and even though there are tons of hotels offsite that are cheap, I love my VGC DVC and I guess I could be called an onsite snob. We have gotten our investment price back..by comparing apples to apples... and our MF are $900 a year. We can stay in multi room units with a jacuzzi tub, beautiful full kitchen and view of DCA or to conserve points we stay in a studio. Last year we had 15 or 16 use nights (it's great to treat kids, grandkids and friends). The Grand Californian Hotel section of the property averages about 400 a night..for a regular room, not a studio. Deluxe? I don't know since all I really care about is cleanliness, but I would stack the Grand up there in comfort and cannot be beat in location. I realize WDW is different but at DLR when they say Park Hop they mean it and the entrance directly from the hotel to DCA is priceless, and on site guests get early entry every day. Yes, dues will go up, but hotel rooms more so.
So..DVC is not for everyone and clearly not for you, and that is fine, but it truly works for many with no regrets.

 

[Brian Noble]

I'm leaning towards Yes, but then again I'm leaning towards No....

Then rent.

 

[pilferk]

So we're Disney people. We love Disney and go a couple times a year (DL &/or WDW). Recently discovered cruising with DCL and LOVE it. We went to the presentation of the DVC on the ship last week, but I just cannot see how it makes sense. For us, at least. I am guessing that it must just not make sense for some people?

I'd really like to say that we are DVC owners, but I am not sure it works for us. Any thoughts?

The biggest downfall is that we don't stay on property at WDW. We don't like it; we stay at Windsor Hills and love it there (in a 3 bdr. townhouse with private pool, and way better beds and linens than Disney). We'd rent a car and park at the parks even if we stayed on property, as we hate taking disney's shuttle buses. Our cost staying in a whole house off property is something like $125 a night on the high season, so considerably cheaper than the DVC points for a much better accommodation. Just for the maintenance fees a year we stay for almost two weeks in a house... so I'm not getting why we'd pay $20,000+ in addition to the yearly maintenance fee. Am I missing something?

It's not for everyone, for sure. But maybe I can give you some insight into why it worked for us...and you can see why it might not work for you.

We paid cash (actually, we paid a good chunk in cash and financed the last bit for 90-ish days while I was awaiting a bonus pay out) for the initial investment. We prefer to stay on-site (and, actually, drive down to Orlando most of the time...so we have our car). We have a family of 5. We go, at least, 2 out of every 3 years. We absolutely LOVE AKL/AKV (and did prior to buying in). We are planners of an almost obsessive type. We only plan to use our points at WDW hotels/rooms.

We bought when AKV first came out...and paid under 20 grand for our points...for the full 50 years of use.

We pay right around $1000 per year in maint fees, right now. We get about a week in a 1BR SV room every year in Adventure season (typically when we travel...occasionally Choice season). Honestly, since we go 2 out of every 3 years...we tend to do 2 BR's or longer trips, using the banking/borrowing options to do it. That being said, those options are restrictive.

Our nightly room rate works out to about $200 a night (and that includes dividing out our initial investment over 20 years) this year...well under what you can find on property for similar accommodations, especially considering our family size. This year, we're actually 6 and have a 2BR for 9 nights...because we've been building up "extra" points for a bit...and we won't be taking a 2013 trip (work commitments..which is why we have the travel schedule we do).

Add to that fact that Disney room rates have been climbing faster than our annual dues have..and you have a much gentler "curve" to on property nightly rates. Using historical dues and room rate increases..we figure our break even point is right around 8 years. To add to that...those projections actually were pretty close on room rate increases (projected at 4.25% increase each year)...but actual dues are running behind the projections I did (projected at 3.12% annual increase).

We also factored in opportunity cost (ie: investing the initial buy in, adding our projected annual dues, and using it to pay for our vacations over time). We went net negative after about 12 years, using an average 10 year interest rate when we purchased (2007), and assuming rack rates. The only way we could make it work out the other way (net positive after 50 years) is to assume a 20%-30% discount code every year...which certainly has been available for certain times, pretty much since we purchased. But even then it was relatively close (we had $45.60 in the account after 50 years).

Now, I haven't costed things out since the per point price has risen, so those figures/projections are outdated. But back when we bought, it made sense to us.

 

[k3chantal]

It is not so much cost for staying onsite as it is comfort and luxury for the cost. We don't find Disney hotels to be that luxurious. Beds and linens are not very nice, they aren't always super clean. I'm a snobby traveler, and I think Disney upcharges their "deluxe" resorts because they are Disney, not because the actual ammenities are better than the value resorts. I can stay at the Ritz Carlton in Orlando for cheaper than I can stay in a moderate Disney resort at rack rates - and the Ritz far outshines in service, mattresses, ammenities, etc.

I also find it more vacation like to be able to put my (young) kids to sleep in their own rooms, while I can still read or watch tv, or get stuff ready for the morning and not worry about waking them. I love having a private pool where I don't have to haul down all the towels and whatnot for miles for my kids to take a dip. I don't like using Disney transportation to get to resorts. It's all personal preference for us.

Hi: I just wanted to clarify some things just in case there are people out there reading these posts. As DVC members, depending on the the size of the villas, my kids do get their own rooms so my husband and I can read or watch tv. There are private pools that only DVC members can use like at Wilderness lodge and AKV, and I have never had to haul towels anywhere for my kids to take a dip.

I get it about the price and respect your opinion about what works for you but I want other people who may be considering DVC to get a real picture about what they may be buying into. If they read your most recent posts they may believe the villas do not have additional bedrooms or that there are not towels at the designated pools. Yikes, the way your post reads it sounds like the rest of us are paying top dollar to camp! By the way, we personally have never walked into a less than spotless room. And though I know that this isn't always the case, I think it happens more than the reverse.