Dues-do you still feel DVC is a good deal?

[BobH]

Well said! We all try to justify our purchases but your reasons are the ones that keep me with DVC!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by drtpaper
39 years from now, you probably be dead, but the memories of DVC will be alive in several generations of your off spring and you will be remembered fondly.

"Excellent post" and very true, and probably the most important reason we purchased DVC.

 

[RDHLinda]

I feel one of the best part in owning in DVC is planning my vacation. I look at it as a prepaid vacation. When you have money invested and know you will recieve a certain amount of points a year you take the time not only to plan your vacation but to take a vacation. I fine it interesting that in America we take less vacations than many other countries around the world.

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

I would like to mention a "not so monitary" approach. I bought points for two reasons - to save money and to enjoy Walt Disney World in a fashion I otherwise would not be able to. Now I find that only one of those reasons really applys, the second one. I really don't think I saved any money, and before everyone freaks, let me explain. I bought 600 points, 200 original and two subsequent purchases. I pay roughly $2000 annually for dues and we probably use 400-450 points a year (not to mention the purchase costs, I will leave that to your imagination) and our friends and family reimburse me some for the other points we use with them. If I didn't have these points I probably wouldn't go to WDW every year like we do, and when I did I wouldn't stay where we stay, BWV or OKW in a two bedroom unit.(maybe a GV at OKW sometimes) So I really didn't save any money and I probably spend more than I would if I didn't own. The second reason I stated (enjoying WDW in a fashion I otherwise would not) is most definately true. I actually enjoy WDW more than we used to before we owned, because I can relax in larger accomodations every year and know I am going every year and have something to anticipate by planning our trips way in advance. Now it is not where do we go, it is when do we go back to WDW. I like the flexibility of being able to use it elsewhere (our kids are young but someday we will venture to other places) and just as often.

I just don't see the savings, I see a better value for the money I spent, but I have not saved a penny and spent a whole lot more.

If you appreciate value for the money you spend, and are not looking to pinch pennies while on vacation (frugality is allowed) then purchase and enjoy DVC. It will be the best thing you ever do, trust me.

 

[mamarobin24]

You know, I've been thinking about this a lot, since we recently came into a sizable inheritance. The first thing I thought was, "let's buy at least 300 more points!!!" Then we upgraded our RV, and this interesting realization came to me: we could stay at Fort Wilderness in our 32' motorhome for 2 weeks a year, for what it would cost in dues on those extra points. Now, I'm torn.

The joy of living in our motorhome is that I know I have everything I need, I don't need to unpack, I get to sleep in my own bed, and the kids get their playstation as well. (I am using the first person here, because in our family at least, you know it ain't the Other Half that's doing any of the packing/unpacking!!)The joy of a 1br at VWL is that we're in a hotel, I don't have to cook if I don't have to and we don't have to drive down from the great frozen Tundra of Northern VT in February. Now, I'm finding myself really wondering if we need extra points, or if we need to just move closer. . . not that I'm selling the points we already have, mind you.

Of course, VWL is our favorite resort. So FW is not that different. If our fav was Boardwalk, I can see that it would be a completely different deal.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

1) We have both DVC and non-DVC timeshares.
2) The maintenance fees for a week are pretty close.
3) I feel DVC maintenance fees are reasonable.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by TheRustyScupper
1) We have both DVC and non-DVC timeshares.
2) The maintenance fees for a week are pretty close.
3) I feel DVC maintenance fees are reasonable.

Outside HI and maybe Aruba, what fees are $1200-1400 for a 2 BR for a week. My MX timeshare is less than $300 and my highest Marriott is $750 per week. I know there may be other fees involved such as Marriott's fee to split a 2 BR or having to join an exchange company, but not to the tune of more than $500 per year.

 

[Stingray151]

Having just joined 8-18-03, the best argument for me was the inflation factor. Cost for a stay on-site has risen 5-10% per year; and shall probably continue to do so. The point requirements may vary slightly per season; however, the sum total at any DVC resort shall never change. That vacation taken in 2004 shall require the same in 2040!

Yeah, the initial hit may seem a struggle. Once your mortgage is paid off....you'll have inexpensive yet luxurious vacations for the next 28 years.

We stayed at Yacht Club prior to joining. After 8 days, we transferred off-site for the Universal thing. What a mistake to leave Disney property. I'll never stay anywhere else in Orlando again!

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Stingray151
Having just joined 8-18-03........

Stingray

"WELCOME HOME" and to the DIS!!!