DVC - Is it worth it?

[RWinNOLA]

We're new members (actually waiting to close) at BWV starting out with the minimum number of points (150) at $78/point through resale.

We have a DS (4) and DD (2) and plan to visit about every other year. I suspect this may increase once we begin to use our DVC points.

We last visited DW in 10/02. DD was not born yet but we took my MIL and SIL along with DS and DW so we reserved two adjacent rooms at POL-FQ. DS was only two at the time and on most days we would go back to the room so he could take a nap. Like others have mentioned, it was not a whole lot of fun during nap time and at night trying to remain quiet so that we didn't wake him up.

DW and I are big fans of DW, so almost as soon as DD was born on Jan' 03, we started discussing plans to go back as so as we felt she was was old enough (which happens to be December this year). Once again, my SIL will travel with us. Knowing little about DVC, I decided to reserve a cabin at Fort Wilderness because, as a non-DVC member, I didn't consider any of the home away from home resorts within our vacation budget and I definitely wanted to have a separate BR as well as a kitchen so that we could eat breakfast in the rooms and also bring snacks and juice for the kids.

After making reservations for 8 nights in a cabin at FW (at a cost of over $2000), a co-worker told me about DVC and it didn't take very long to sell me on the idea. The reservations for this year alone makes up about 20% of the initial cost (I plan to make reservations at BWV and cancel my FW reservations after closing). I figured if we went just every other year and stayed for a week, it would pay for itself as far as the initial investment in 8-10 years, leaving the annual dues as the only remaining cost for accomodations. If we remain members for the life of the contract (until 2042), it will easily pay for itself as the dues are only a fraction of the cost of what we would pay for similar accomodations. This is a key since we definitely prefer to stay in the "home away from home" type rooms when we travel. Considering that our children are still quite young, we plan to go at least every other year, we often take other family members with us, and that we prefer the accomodations offered by DVC (compared to two standard rooms), DVC just made a lot of sense for us.

I also considered the possibility that the kids may lose interest in DW as they get older. In that case, resale is always a possibility and if current trends continue, the cost to buy into DVC won't be going down anytime soon. Otherwise, renting is always an option to recover annual dues (and then some).

Considering that our children are still quite young, we plan to go at least every other year, we often take other family members with us, and that we prefer the accomodations offered by DVC (compared to two standard rooms), DVC just made a lot of sense for us.

 

[beattyfamily]

That's something else - I'm selfish. I wouldn't want to go Disney for just 5 nights at a time. If I'm spending the money on airfare and saving money for food and taking the vacation time, I wnna go for the usual 7 or 8 nights, twice a year, that I'm accustomed to. DVC wouldn't allow me to do that.

Once you can afford to buy DVC you just buy enough points to be able to stay for 7 or 8 nights. I do not agree that DVC wouldn't allow you to do that. As long as you buy enough point for what would be a typical vacation for you (length, resort, season) then you CAN do it.

I bought 170 and then 100 at BWV and I can just about stay where and for how long I want when I want and with borrowing and banking I can even have a special dream vacation if I wanted to!

It's just a matter of knowing how many points you need to buy for a 7 or 8 night stay.

 

[DVCconvert]

Just wondering how owners feel about their purchase, and if they are saving money in the long run.

Absolutely, no 'if's, ands or buts' we are saving money. Of course, our habits prior to buying were to go for 2 or 3 2 week + stays, all at Deluxes/concerige, sometimes suites. The beattyfamily is right, as a DVC member you can stay as long as you have points to 'pay' for it.

We now actually proably stay more days per year then before owning. The flexibility of size of room, and allowance of deciding if we wish to eat in or out, combined with all the goodies of a Deluxe hotel (at least at BWV) makes it a win-win-win deal to us!

 

[tjkraz]

I wouldn't want to go Disney for just 5 nights at a time. If I'm spending the money on airfare and saving money for food and taking the vacation time, I wnna go for the usual 7 or 8 nights, twice a year, that I'm accustomed to. DVC wouldn't allow me to do that.

Just to be clear, DVC WOULD allow you to do that...probably just not under financial terms that make you comfortable. And that's OK. DVC really isn't for everyone. There is a very good reason that Disney has nearly 10,000 Value resort rooms on-site now.

 

[bartty]

We joined the dvc in 2004 because we were planning a trip in dec with all of our families. We got a Grand villa at SSR for 6 nights which if we paid cash would have cost over $20000! So we got 250pts at ssr instead and will be enjoying disney every year for the next 50 years! So, to us the DVC already paid for itself that first vacation and from now we vacation for free....

 

[lllovell]

I really am not looking for reasons not to join - In fact, just the opposite. I really want to join, but the money issue is just too much for me to consider right now.

That's something else - I'm selfish. I wouldn't want to go Disney for just 5 nights at a time. If I'm spending the money on airfare and saving money for food and taking the vacation time, I wnna go for the usual 7 or 8 nights, twice a year, that I'm accustomed to. DVC wouldn't allow me to do that.

lol - we do it that way because I am within driving distance. You could CERTAINLY stay 7 to 8 days over a weekend with the same number of points as I can stay for 10 weeknights. For example, you can stay in a studio in December, Jan or Sept for 95 a week and then an additional 11 for the extra weeknights or 20 for an additional Friday or Sat night. Worse case, your 8 day trip would cost you 105 points. I am staying in a studio at OKW in a couple of weeks (Sun-Thurs) for 55 points and a one bedroom (as we will have a newborn with us) in Dec - again Sun - Thurs for 100 points - a total of 155. If we were again staying in a studio in Dec - it would only be 55 points for those nights. So, in reality, your 8 day trip (max of 105 points with 3 weekend nights) is only 5 points cheaper than my 10 day weeknight only trips (for similar accomidations).

Again - this is the beauty of DVC, you choose the accomidations and when you want to go. If I were spending a large chunk of change for airline tickets, then I would definately prefer the larger accomidations of a home away from home location. But that is me - we know we are going back, so the running to the parks first things and staying all day is well behind us.



(sorry - noticed your twice a year trips AFTER I typed this - but even doubling your days would be 210 points....I would go and check out the resale market for those amounts and see what you might have to spend to cover it - I still think you might be surprised at the size of the "mortgage" versus what you are currently paying for a standard hotel room at Pop/All Star.)

 

[athenna]

Simple way to answer this - I went for 8 nights in February and I'm going for 12 nights in May.

How many points would I need and how much would that cost me for that entire time in a studio at OKW?

Exellent point!
If we were not DVC members, these trips, in the accomodations we like, for the amount of days we like,would cost an absolute fortune!

 

[athenna]

I understand that.

However, I would like to know how many points this many nights, including those weekend nights, would entail, and how much money it would cost, to stay in a studio at OKW?

Anyone have an idea?

I am so sorry, I misunderstood your question, I am work and trying to do 2 things at once.

 

[athenna]

No problem - Me too.

My point was, I don't know how the points work exactly, but for a total of 20 nights in a room at Pop (which I preferred over the studio at OKW) it cost me a total of $1,430 (or $71.50 a night.)

Would a studio at OKW through DVC be that inexpensive?

I just checked the point charts for OKW for you and compared it to the post where you had how many weekend nights you were staying. At the lowest point season-the 3 fridays, 2 saturdays, and 2 sundays alone would be 116 points. That doesn't include the rest of the days. Its the best I can do right now from work.

 

[beattyfamily]

I understand that.

However, I would like to know how many points this many nights, including those weekend nights, would entail, and how much money it would cost, to stay in a studio at OKW?

Anyone have an idea?

I did a quick check:

OKW on points in February for 8 nights would be 113 pts and in May for 12 nights would be 152 pts for a total of 265 points. Beautiful (my favorite) Boardwalk would be 275 points for a studio for the 20 days.

I check rack rates (no taxes) and February (not during Presidents week) would be $259 for a total of $2072 and then May would be $289 for a total of $3468 rack rate and no taxes yet

The grand total for your two trips at rack rates would be $5540 plus taxes at OKW in a studio.

The grand total for DVC at OKW would be 265 points. Let's just use the $10 amount that most DVC charge people to rent their points. That's $2650 total someone would pay for your two trips if they rented the points from a DVC member.

 

[beattyfamily]

No problem - Me too.

My point was, I don't know how the points work exactly, but for a total of 20 nights in a room at Pop (which I preferred over the studio at OKW) it cost me a total of $1,430 (or $71.50 a night.)

Would a studio at OKW through DVC be that inexpensive?

Of course comparing DVC to the cost of POP would make DVC seem so expensive and it's not a good comparision. If you are the kind of person who likes value resorts and the price of them DVC isn't for you! It's comparing apples and oranges! DVC is a home away from home with lots of space and amenites like room service, valet parking, a jacuzzi in the one bedrooms, washer and dryers, balconies a kitchenette or full kitchen etc...

Sounds like you've made up your mind that it isn't for you.

 

[beattyfamily]

That's exactly what it is.

I mean, I guess in one respect, I really have no right to compare since the only Home Away From Home I stayed at was OKW, but the simple fact is, for me, I don't care much about the room - Just as long as it's on Disney property. I'm up at 7:00AM, and out the door for the parks. I don't come back until about midnight. If I had a fridge or stove in my room, it would never even get used. I enjoy eating my meals out at the parks.

Well, you've answered your question then. DVC isn't for you. It's not for someone who doesn't care about their room or doesn't have a big family.

DVC, IMHO, is for someone who likes a nice large room and the perks of being DVC and deluxe.

Before DVC I could never have afforded a room at the BWV which is my home resort. Now I can and I can go twice a year too if I'd like which I did for the first time last year. It's a big savings, IMHO if you like deluxe and want to go often. I LOVE our one bedroom and soaking in the jacuzzi at night! I do not use the kitchen much either except for the fridge for water. I do use the washer and dryer though! It's a Godsend. To each his/her own.

 

[wtpclc]

A point on price. $10 is the price most people use for renting purposes. Thi sis not what we paid for our points. I've calculated my costs to be between $5 and $6 per point. At my cost of $5.60, it's $1484 for those nights. So it's $54 more, but has free washer/dryer and a bigger room with fridge adn microwave.

If you perfer Pop, though, it's not worth it.

 

[beattyfamily]

A point on price. $10 is the price most people use for renting purposes. Thi sis not what we paid for our points. I've calculated my costs to be between $5 and $6 per point. At my cost of $5.60, it's $1484 for those nights. So it's $54 more, but has free washer/dryer and a bigger room with fridge adn microwave.

If you perfer Pop, though, it's not worth it.

Yes, I did that quickly and thought I'd put the price someone would pay if they rented DVC points but you are right, it doesn't cost DVC members that much but wasn't sure what a fair amount would be. $5 is a good amount I think.

 

[MiaSRN62]

I PREFER the rooms at Pop over the studios at OKW. So, as a DVC member, it would have cost me an additional $1,200 more than what I spent this year.

Now personally I feel the exact opposite of you, but that's fine. Everyone is different. I believe you mentioned (on another board), that you liked the colorful/campy atmosphere of the AS's and that's cool. But even if you didn't like the OKW studio rooms exactly, you might prefer one of the other resorts and their studios. Actually, I find the big plus to being in DVC is the 1 and 2+ bedroom options. That's really what made the decision for us. If DVC were just all studios I doubt I would have become a Member. We go for the big villas so we can really spread out and bring family etc.
But jovidan, just to get back to the point you prefer POP over the OKW studios.....it might benefit you to take a DVC tour the next time you're in WDW. This way you can get a real feel for the program. You might fall in love with the VWL, BWV, BCV or SSR ? Who knows.....while none of these resorts have a feel/atmosphere similar to POP or the All Star resorts, there might be something else you find appealing about them that you don't at OKW. While we LOVE OKW, don't judge all of DVC based on that one resort. You might get a different perspective. I think you can order a free DVC video as well to view : http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/contact/orderChoice?bhcp=1
But beattyfamily might be correct in saying that if the "room doesn't matter" to you, then maybe DVC just isn't for you. Maybe exploring the options a little more might help you in your decision. Good luck !

 

[beattyfamily]

It's $5 or $6 a point even on the weekends????

I was told something completely different.

No, it's more points for weekends vs. weekdays. BUT when we try and figure out what lets say the 256 points at OKW would cost a DVC person in $$ that is the approx amount it costs us. That is the number we'd use to mulitply to figure out the cost.

Same with renting points. You'd take the 256 points (which includes weekends) and multiply it by $10 a point and that is what the renter would pay the DVC member for those 2 trips you mentioned.

IMHO, I actually just think that my cost for DVC per year for my 270 points I own (no matter how I choose to use them) is really just the cost of my dues now which is much lower then rack rates!

 

[lllovell]

Honey, you don't want in. No one here thinks that is a bad thing. The style of accomidations you enjoy are not what DVC is about and that is one of the biggest selling points.

You are thrilled with value resorts. Great! We have stayed at the values and they are fine for a quick trip, but having small children, I much prefer more space and nicer accomidations. To each his own

Why would you want to buy something (no matter what the price) that doesn't interest you? So I would just let this one go. Its not for you. Come back and revisit it if your needs change.

 

[beattyfamily]

As another example, to stay at a Beach Club studio, it would run 353 points, which at the DVC members price of $5.60 a point, would cost me an additional $500 more than those exact same nights at Pop Century.

Now don't get me wrong - I would LOVE to stay at the Beach Club. However, this is the point in time where I start to consider the factors such as having to pay for towels and not getting housekeeping.

You are comparing apples to oranges again with BC vs Pop (and you are getting A LOT more for your money, IMHO).

You do not pay extra for towels unless you call and request more each day maybe.

Yes, not having housekeeping is definitely a factor for some people but not for me! On the four day of your stay, you do get new towels and your supplies replenished.

DVC is for people who want deluxe at a bargain. Who want to pre-pay to get a set rate and not worry about the rates going up.

 

[beattyfamily]

This is where I get very confused. You purchase an interest in DVC, now how do you figure how many points you get with that price?

You look at the charts and determine when you like to go and what size room and then figure out how many points that would take and go from there. You pay per point. I don't know what the going rate is now for SSR but I think that is the only left with any points available to purchase now unless you do resale.



I didn't really know how many I needed when I bought 170 in 2001 but it did us just fine. I think we paid $68 a point back then. Then we got a chance to buy 100 more points through Disney at BWV and I decided we should buy now, since it's sold out, for the future trips we'll be taking with grandkids! So now we have 270 points which is plenty but it will be just enough for a nice trip in a 2-bedroom when we have grandkids (way in the future!).

I did realize about a year after buying the 170 that the couple before us probably bought that number because it was enough for 3 weeks in a studio at the Boardwalk in I think December! Go figure!

 

[DVCconvert]

So, as a DVC member, it would have cost me an additional $1,200 more than what I spent this year.

jovidan-
How much did you pay, and for how many nights at a value?

MAJOR math error now corrected!

I'm wondering if the difference between renting points (member or not) vs. being a member; the contract acquisition costs/yearly Maintainance fees per point might be confusing here for you?

To follow on beattyfamily's scenario;

265 points purchased at OKW on resale market ( assuming $ 70 per point and closing costs of $500) would cost you to "buy" into DVC $ 19,050.00.
The contract renews your 265 points every year until 2042 (37 years to come).

Each year DVC assessess 'dues' on a per point basis with varing costs by resort, at OKW I think the rate is $ 3.68 per point x 265 = $ 975.20

If used in the 20 night scenario, dues divided by annual fees = $ 25.74 per night, no tax.

If you follow the same logic appling the inital purchase price of $ 19050 over
12 days x 37 years = 740 days in the contract life, divided into purchase cost = $25.74 per night over 37 years.

Current fees per night 25.74 + 42.91 per night for purchase = $ 68.65 per night's stay.

Of course, there's a boat load of other things - DVC is inflation proof (or at least resistent) so that over the 37 years while "value" rates go up per night, your purchase price is set. DVC cannot assign more point usage 'cost' to members than whats declared (they can only slightly adjust to high point usage/cost due to the calendar & holiday schedule.

The biggest thing is this. Don't buy anything, anywhere, anytime if you don't like it! no matter what it is. If you like somewhere else - pop-as etc, you should simply do that - even if in 20 years when the values "deals" are $150 per night that shouldn't matter, as you'd be paying for and getting what makes you the happiest! It is vacation remember!?

HTH