Does DVC still meet your vacation desires once te kids leave the nest?

[Lost boy]

Like most others we love going without the 4 kids, ages 21 thru 30, so much more relaxing. We book a 2bdrm for as many days as we have points for and let everyone know the dates then they just pop in and out if they can. When we retire we'll stretch the points out and stay as long as we can to escape the snow that is falling as I type.

 

[HokieGCC]

I lived in FL when they built DW and went often from day 1 as a HS kid with my parents and friends. Later married and had kids and have gone at least once nearly every year. Kids are 19 and 22 and still love going. We didn't join DVC until last year but for us I see DW trips through retirement. When college is done and our kids move out and maybe marry it makes for a great attraction to get everyone together.

 

[rpk1951]

we are empty nesters and go yearly. The trips are much different without kids, move at your own pace, see what you want, eat where you want, and very fun. Every 2-3 years we talk the kids and grandkids along and have tons of fun. Two different type of trips and both lots of fun.

 

[DeeCee735]

We bought when our kids were 11. But not because of having children. DH and I fell in love with it and we bought it for us first, family second. That being said, it turned out that it's my now adult daughter and I that enjoy it the most. DH is self employed and rarely gets away, so I go more often. Now my DD is there at least once a year, with her friends and her DB.

My son did the college program and loved it, he's only really used DVC with us, bringing a friend or two along. However, I do see him using it in the future when he's more settled down.

It was the best thing we ever bought and now as a family of 4 adults, none of us regret it.

Happy planning!

 

[rpink58]

bought in 95 would take the kids every other yr and get a 2 bdrm ,now the kids are gone we get a studio and can go 2-3 times a yr w/ pts left over

 

[abarnes64]

Wonderful to read each post and how all users are enjoying it with family as families change in size and with age and time. I am so excited already- we are in ROFR and I am already planning our first trip and considering all of the possibilities for years to come! I am a very family oriented person and so this thread really floats my boat many nice people and parents on here!

 

[dundey]

We purchased DVC in the last year, and now own at BWV and BLT. We've been going to Disney since the kids were small and have stayed onsite, off site and traded into various timeshares with a couple of the weeks we own in VT for skiing.

Our kids are now 23 and 19 - one lives and works in Orlando and the other is in college. We still go down together and of course having my older daughter there to visit will ensure that we continue to do so! We love it, both with and without the kids and can't see that changing in the near future!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

We bought in 2005 when kids were 5 and 7 when we lived in ?MA. They are now 13and 16...and we are Florida residents living 1.5 hours away.

First off please don't buy anything based on your kids.... They grow into teens and are pains in the butts.....

We had a pool, when they were little we spent so much time in there...then they grow up and now never use it.......oh Mom it's to cold, it's boring, it's too hot out...etc etc.

It's becoming the same with DVC....they rather sit in the room and text their friends......but I didn't buy it for them.....I bought it for me because I love Disney.........so if you are going to buy do it for you.

Life changes...we had so many awesome trips when they were young and staying at the BLT or BW or BC in a 1 brm was great for me. Having the w/d, king size bed and full kitchen and being able to walk to the parks makes it so worth it.

I love Disney and it's such a nice place to get away....but life changes........before we moved to FL we would visit in the winter to get away from the snow... So that nice change of scenery is not there anymore. If I stayed home I'd have the sAme weather.........but life will change again......grandchildren will come along......me and DH will take trips just the two of us or meet friends there from the north............

And if we get sick of going we can cruise or go skiing or to Europe or rent our points out to someone for the year...the going rate is about twice your MF's or we can sell right now for what we paid to buy in.

Your kids are the perfect ages for DVC.. They will be for another 10 years, after that who knows.....just plan for the next 5 to 10 years.

That's the great thing about DVC its so flexible.....and when it doesn't fit your life anymore...you can sell it. I don't think I'll ever sell because life is always changing.......in fact my DD13 friend from the north is meeting us at Disney next month and they get to experience Disney together ( it's her 1st time) so my DD is super excited......for this trip......but last trip 2 months ago....she was blah!

Like I said buy in because of you! It's great to have if you'll visit every year or every other especially with small kids.

 

[dundey]

First off please don't buy anything based on your kids.... They grow into teens and are pains in the butts.....

True, but they do grow up...... eventually! And will want to come with you again, trust me!

 

[Apps]

Still thinking about long term family changes and vacation needs as time goes on BEFORE purchasing. I have 2 small children now (2 and 4 yrs)......i know they will grow and change. Do you mind sharing how your family has changed and if you still enjoy DVC now? Would you do it again? Do you enjoy going without kids? Have you traded in to try RCI? Experiences?

Thank you all!

You're gonna get a very one sided answer as the people that have sold their DVC memberships are off the boards. I'm wondering what the ratio of sellers to those who enjoy DVC without kids really are...really hard to tell.

 

[michelleiada]

Our two daughters are both in college, therefore we are empty nesters now. We bought into DVC two years ago after considering it for close to 10 years. My only regret is that we didn't buy sooner. We love Disney more with each visit. And our daughters still love to go also.

 

[ngchiro]

Thanks

 

[JimMIA]

I have several comments on this thread.

The first is, as others have mentioned, this is the ultimate DVC fan club so I wouldn't expect a whole flock of people saying they sold because DVC no longer met their needs. Obviously many have sold and are selling now, or there would not be any resale market.

The second point I would offer is that prospective buyers should answer one fundamental question before they proceed any further with a DVC purchase, or the purchase of any other timeshare. That question is: Is timeshare ownership the best solution for my family's vacation lodging needs?

There are many, many alternatives to timeshare ownership and many of them fit many families a lot better than anybody's timeshare. Before anyone purchases any timeshare, they'd be smart to consider all of those options and answer the question above -- is this the BEST way for my family?

The other point is that I think every prospective buyer should consider your thoughtful question -- yes, this will be great right now, but what about later?

Times change, interests change, economic or domestic pressures dictate life changes -- the list of things which might make someone want to get OUT of any timeshare is probably endless. Before someone enters into a 30-50 year financial commitment for annual fees, a long hard look at the suitability of the purchase way down the road is in order, IMHO.

I also think prospective buyers should consider an exit plan. If you decide to sell - for whatever reason - how will that picture look?

If the purchase was made direct at today's prices, that picture will be ugly. If the purchase is made resale at today's prices it will be less ugly, but still not pretty. In either case, the sales price is likely to be significantly lower than the initial purchase price.

 

[mkoerner]

We bought DVC after our children were adults, with the intention of our family being able to use it as we wish. The kids love being able to have nice accommodations at an affordable rate (free for them), and we can take our grandson whenever we want. Two of the boys are getting married in 2015 and they both will use our DVC to take their honeymoons thanks to banking and borrowing

 

[CMOORE185]

We bought in 2000 when our children were 8 and 4. Now they are 21 and 17 and still love Disney. We have really used our points at much more than just WDW. Concierge club, cruises, Hilton Head, and Vero. We are going to Hawaii sometime in the next two years. Even if our kids get tired of Disney, (which I doubt) there are so many ways to utilize points that we will never get tired of it. We never plan on selling. By the way I will never get tired of WDW either.

 

[1oldguitarman]

We joined in May, 2001 with VWL as our home resort. Our kids were in their early 20's to early 30's by then, but all enjoy a Disney vacation.

Since joining, we've added BCV, AKV and BDWALK, and are purchasing extra AKV points this year. We've discovered that we enjoy the place more every year, but the method of enjoyment is different. In the early days, we'd drop our bags in the room and dash off for all-day/night fun in the parks. Well...after years of doing that, and the fact that we're now in our 60's, we tend to move a bit more patiently. Last fall, we checked into AKV and it was 4 days before we hit a theme park. Instead, we relaxed by the pool, enjoyed the animals, had GREAT dining at some of our favorite spots (Artist Point at VWL, California Grill, Citrico's, bluezoo, etc. etc.) hit Typhoon Lagoon (ok, a BIT of a theme park) and just relaxed and enjoyed being there. We've taken friends and been able to show those who thought we were "crazy to go stand in line for Space Mountain for 3 weeks" that there is so much more to enjoy as adults.

And of course, GRANDCHILDREN come along and it's magic all over again.

The last 6 years of retirement, we've averaged 35+ nights a year on property and have now logged 331 nights on property since joining (and 366 since our first on-property stay at Fort Wilderness Homes in 1997).

Other postings DO point out something you want to seriously consider: if your trips to WDW are purely for the kids, perform a "break-even" financial analysis of membership versus simply paying for a resort room each time you visit. Most analyses I've seen mention a break-even at approx 8-10 years (however, I don't believe it includes some benefits that DVC members receive, such as ability to purchase Tables in Wonderland 20% dining discounts and the discounts for Annual Passes).

Best of Wisdom for your decision!

 

[hjgaus]

We are STILL waiting for the day when BOTH our kids leave the nest (hopefully around 3 more years) but DVC HAS and always WILL give ALL of us some awesome /memorable times!!
So I say, " Heck Ya ! Bring on that empty nest syndrome so we can cure it with some shots of - couples ONLY vacation therapy!!!"

 

[bman388]

I have several comments on this thread.

The first is, as others have mentioned, this is the ultimate DVC fan club so I wouldn't expect a whole flock of people saying they sold because DVC no longer met their needs. Obviously many have sold and are selling now, or there would not be any resale market.

The second point I would offer is that prospective buyers should answer one fundamental question before they proceed any further with a DVC purchase, or the purchase of any other timeshare. That question is: Is timeshare ownership the best solution for my family's vacation lodging needs?

There are many, many alternatives to timeshare ownership and many of them fit many families a lot better than anybody's timeshare. Before anyone purchases any timeshare, they'd be smart to consider all of those options and answer the question above -- is this the BEST way for my family?

The other point is that I think every prospective buyer should consider your thoughtful question -- yes, this will be great right now, but what about later?

Times change, interests change, economic or domestic pressures dictate life changes -- the list of things which might make someone want to get OUT of any timeshare is probably endless. Before someone enters into a 30-50 year financial commitment for annual fees, a long hard look at the suitability of the purchase way down the road is in order, IMHO.

I also think prospective buyers should consider an exit plan. If you decide to sell - for whatever reason - how will that picture look?

If the purchase was made direct at today's prices, that picture will be ugly. If the purchase is made resale at today's prices it will be less ugly, but still not pretty. In either case, the sales price is likely to be significantly lower than the initial purchase price.

We have a 250pt SSR contract we bought via resale for $50/pt. At today's resale prices, selling it would not be ugly at all but rather could be looked at as a fine investment. I know, I know, prices could eventually go down (and go back up)... Regardless, I would never look at it as being ugly!! Full disclosure.. we did by our BLT contract direct from Disney so that resale wouldn't be as pretty

 

[sssteph]

We don't have children and we don't plan on having any. We have owned for about 3 years now, we have gone by ourselves and with family members. When I first bought in I imagined having the contract until it expires, however, with the dues increasing yearly,ticket prices going up every year, and the cost of airfare from the west coast, I anticipate we will sell in the next ten years.

I would consider buying VGC points if they increased the number of Villas there.

 

[DeeCee735]

We are STILL waiting for the day when BOTH our kids leave the nest (hopefully around 3 more years) but DVC HAS and always WILL give ALL of us some awesome /memorable times!!
So I say, " Heck Ya ! Bring on that empty nest syndrome so we can cure it with some shots of - couples ONLY vacation therapy!!!"

OMGosh, I'm so with you on this one!!!

One moved out, the other is home and we LOVE going without them (with them too though)

We bought in 2000 and added on a few times so we own at BW and AKV. It's still our favorite place to go, though we've used it in HH a few times and have traded out for Sedona, AZ and stayed in Charleston Place when it was part of the concierge collection.

My kids still love it, especially my daughter. She just joined us in Feb with her Beau and he fell in love with it too. Instead of it growing old to us, we just keep making DVC monsters out of our friends and family and I don't see that stopping any time soon. We've been meeting up with our friends that also bought at least once a year, as well as hosting family and friends every so often. It's become a great meeting place for family that live in FL and everyone we invite really look forward to it.

We used to hear "you're going to Disney again!? - why????"
Now it's more often that we hear, "when are you going to Disney again? Going with friends this time? Can I come along "

HA! We love it!