DVC - pros and cons
- Thread starter vanreg
- Start date
Pros:
Save money on Disney Deluxe Accomodations
Cons:
Spend more money taking more frequent Disney Vacations.
Seriously, I would say the main pros are the ability to save money on prime, deluxe disney property stays. Also the super flexible point system is the best I've ever seen. No restrictions on using your points, only subject to availability. By that I mean you can make as many reservations as you want and for as many nights as you want, two weeks, one week, 4 days, 9 days, 1 day, whatever! Plus you can combine a cash weekend plus 5 weekdays on points, for example.
The cons are that it really is only a good deal for staying at DVC properties. It's not really a "trader" timeshare. You can use it for trading, but it doesn't really make sense as there are better trader timeshares available for half the cost. The other con is that with the DVC system you really have to try to plan as far out as possible and keep track of things like banking deadlines.
Save money on Disney Deluxe Accomodations
Cons:
Spend more money taking more frequent Disney Vacations.
Seriously, I would say the main pros are the ability to save money on prime, deluxe disney property stays. Also the super flexible point system is the best I've ever seen. No restrictions on using your points, only subject to availability. By that I mean you can make as many reservations as you want and for as many nights as you want, two weeks, one week, 4 days, 9 days, 1 day, whatever! Plus you can combine a cash weekend plus 5 weekdays on points, for example.
The cons are that it really is only a good deal for staying at DVC properties. It's not really a "trader" timeshare. You can use it for trading, but it doesn't really make sense as there are better trader timeshares available for half the cost. The other con is that with the DVC system you really have to try to plan as far out as possible and keep track of things like banking deadlines.
I don't pretent to be a timeshare expert, but I've considered DVC to be a plus for trading as well. You don't have to trade a week for a week like most timeshares (maybe there are other "point" systems out there I don't know about) or check in on a specific day. I've looked at a couple of timeshares and have always balked because they were only good for a week at a time and you had to check-in on a specific day - no flexability.
With DVC, you can stay at many places on points without staying a whole week (granted, at highly inflated point costs).
I think the flexability of points is a great plus. Though after buying in and paying the maintenance fees, I'm not convinced its necessarily any type of moneysaver unless you do an annual disney trip or more.
Good Points JWG. Yes, having single night options outside of Disney is another flexiblity plus.
I should have clarified my trading comments. I was thinking most of the Interval International trading system. If that is what you want to use, DVC is not the greatest option. I wouldn't recommend buying DVC with the intention of using it to trade via II the majority of the time.
I should have clarified my trading comments. I was thinking most of the Interval International trading system. If that is what you want to use, DVC is not the greatest option. I wouldn't recommend buying DVC with the intention of using it to trade via II the majority of the time.
eliza61
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2003
- Messages
- 21,023
Most folks here on this forum are happy campers with their membership so not sure how many cons you will get. Some times I wish I had daily mousekeeping but other than that, I'm slaphappy about my membership.
I guess the two standard questions to ask yourself:
1. Do you like Disney enough to return at least every other year?
2. Do you typically stay at the Deluxe resorts when you go or are you more the type "a room is a room gimme a value, I'm not here to sit in the room" person?
I have and probably will in the future use my points in the concierge collection. I know full well that it's not the best value for my points but generally on vacations I go for the "emotional, ridiculously happy, stupid, goofy grin on my face" value as oppose to the totally best financial use of points.
I agree, think about what you feel you need when you travel.
If you will only care to have value resort accommodations, then I'd say DVC is not going to save you anything. Even with escalating rack rates, to recoup the buy-in price and maintenance fees would be difficult.
However, if you're a Deluxe accommodation person, than I think its no contest. Even with the 40% off coupons, rates at the deluxe resorts near MK were still $229+ when I was reading the resort threads.
Moderate resorts, its harder to say. Over the long haul, you'll probably save for the life of the contract - it may take some time and the rack rates may need to escalate to see it.
My parents sold some of their points to my in-laws for a joint family vacation we're doing in July. They charged $9/point and this allowed my in-laws to stay in a Boardwalk Villa (studio) for $99/night or $495 for the 5 day non-weekend stay. The moderate resorts were at least $139/night during that same time period. I'll be the first to admit, $9/pt is a cheap sell, but they're family
I think you have to want to go to Disney a minimum of every other year to see the value. Of course, you could buy in small through the TTS or other re-seller, not have the 160 point minimum and just know you've purchased your WDW stay for every 3rd year (accommodations wise). IE, get a 50 point contract, then bank and borrow.
If you will only care to have value resort accommodations, then I'd say DVC is not going to save you anything. Even with escalating rack rates, to recoup the buy-in price and maintenance fees would be difficult.
However, if you're a Deluxe accommodation person, than I think its no contest. Even with the 40% off coupons, rates at the deluxe resorts near MK were still $229+ when I was reading the resort threads.
Moderate resorts, its harder to say. Over the long haul, you'll probably save for the life of the contract - it may take some time and the rack rates may need to escalate to see it.
My parents sold some of their points to my in-laws for a joint family vacation we're doing in July. They charged $9/point and this allowed my in-laws to stay in a Boardwalk Villa (studio) for $99/night or $495 for the 5 day non-weekend stay. The moderate resorts were at least $139/night during that same time period. I'll be the first to admit, $9/pt is a cheap sell, but they're family
I think you have to want to go to Disney a minimum of every other year to see the value. Of course, you could buy in small through the TTS or other re-seller, not have the 160 point minimum and just know you've purchased your WDW stay for every 3rd year (accommodations wise). IE, get a 50 point contract, then bank and borrow.
I'm new here so I may be wrong but I think the trade value might be pretty good .I own a one bedroom in CURACAO at the Royal Resorts It looks like I can trade there for 160 pts. high season.That same room same season costs 20,000 to own I just came back from Royal Sands Cancun same room over 40,000 to own. Even 160 per. not bad.
I think that for my family DVC has changed the way we vacation more than anything else. It is something that both I and the kids plan throughout the year-always looking forward to our next trip "Home!"
DVC means that I never have to say, "If we can plan a Disney trip this year"
Now the question is "When are we going next?"
DVC means that I never have to say, "If we can plan a Disney trip this year"
Now the question is "When are we going next?"
jemiaule
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jul 3, 2006
- Messages
- 1,213
For m e and in no particular order:
Pros:
1) Larger rooms, being able to put kids in their own bedroom
2) Ability to do laundry in room = less stuff to pack & not trotting down to a laundry room
3) Ability to travel more frequently as oppossed to staying on cash
4) Discount on AP, discount on certain nights for MNSSHP, MVMCP
5) Ability to cook in our room if we desire
6) Love that jacuzzi tub!
7) Ability to treat my family or employees to a vacation if I want and it doesn't cost me out of pocket.
All said #7 is probably one of my top pros after #1
Cons: (and really all of these or so minor but I figured might as well mention)
1) Trash & Towel, I like daily service. Granted you can pay for this but our one time doing in the experience was poor to say the least
2) Point trade out is not so hot if you want to say go to Disneyland or perhaps stay at a different resort at WDW that is not DVC. (I love GF and wish the pnt trade out was better)
3) Needing to plan 11 months in advance if I want to stay at one of my smaller home resorts (BWV or BCV). This is because we travel during peak DVC times. I am sure if I wanted to go summer (blech) that would not be a problem.
5) Limited MS hours. Being on the west coast that 3 hour time difference can be a bit of a PITA. Glad they are open Saturdays now though!
My step-dad thought I was a complete nutball for buying DVC (Well, he thinks that I am one anyway but for more reasons
). He is a real estate developer and thought I should take the money and invest it in buying actual property. Then we did our annual family trip and stayed at OKW. The man is now hooked and after learning more about DVC has changed his opinion.
Pros:
1) Larger rooms, being able to put kids in their own bedroom
2) Ability to do laundry in room = less stuff to pack & not trotting down to a laundry room
3) Ability to travel more frequently as oppossed to staying on cash
4) Discount on AP, discount on certain nights for MNSSHP, MVMCP
5) Ability to cook in our room if we desire
6) Love that jacuzzi tub!
7) Ability to treat my family or employees to a vacation if I want and it doesn't cost me out of pocket.
All said #7 is probably one of my top pros after #1
Cons: (and really all of these or so minor but I figured might as well mention)
1) Trash & Towel, I like daily service. Granted you can pay for this but our one time doing in the experience was poor to say the least
2) Point trade out is not so hot if you want to say go to Disneyland or perhaps stay at a different resort at WDW that is not DVC. (I love GF and wish the pnt trade out was better)
3) Needing to plan 11 months in advance if I want to stay at one of my smaller home resorts (BWV or BCV). This is because we travel during peak DVC times. I am sure if I wanted to go summer (blech) that would not be a problem.
5) Limited MS hours. Being on the west coast that 3 hour time difference can be a bit of a PITA. Glad they are open Saturdays now though!
My step-dad thought I was a complete nutball for buying DVC (Well, he thinks that I am one anyway but for more reasons
). He is a real estate developer and thought I should take the money and invest it in buying actual property. Then we did our annual family trip and stayed at OKW. The man is now hooked and after learning more about DVC has changed his opinion.
Cruelladeville
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- Joined
- Jan 13, 2001
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- 3,175
I suppose a con might be the fact that your money is tied up, it's not liquid, so you can't just rent a room if the bottom falls out of the regular hotel room market. That hasn't ever happened, except maybe in 2001, but I guess it COULD...cuz, doggone it, CRO rented those rooms in 2001 for $260 for a two bedroom villa per night!!
I think DVC still worked out to be cheaper.
That hasn't ever happened, except maybe in 2001, but I guess it COULD...cuz, doggone it, CRO rented those rooms in 2001 for $260 for a two bedroom villa per night!! I think DVC still worked out to be cheaper.I know that not having daily maid service is a con for alot of people. Before I stayed using DVC - I thought so too!
Not any more! We actually like the fact that except for T&T day. We can sleep in if we wish - especially if the night before was late extra magic hours.
We can make our own bed if we want.
We were surprised how much we like not having it!
Not any more! We actually like the fact that except for T&T day. We can sleep in if we wish - especially if the night before was late extra magic hours.
We can make our own bed if we want.
We were surprised how much we like not having it!
lovinthemouse
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2005
- Messages
- 751
Pro: Disney Vacations frequently. DVC is a way we can stay at the deluxe resorts for many years to come without the continual rate increases. We love the flexibility of DVC. We use points based on time of year and size of room. We can go big or stay small it is up to us how to use our points. You can trade out if you want to (although this is not a good financial use of points). It will make for great family vacation memories.
Con: It is more expensive than some of the other timeshares. Financially it is best to use your points at DVC resorts. There is no daily maid service (this is not a problem for us. I prefer not to have people in my room). It just comes down to how often you go to Disney.
Con: It is more expensive than some of the other timeshares. Financially it is best to use your points at DVC resorts. There is no daily maid service (this is not a problem for us. I prefer not to have people in my room). It just comes down to how often you go to Disney.
I looked at DVC from about every angle possible. I only have a 10yo daughter. True, we go to WDW like every year now. We usually stay at a value. I know, a value resort is basicly a motel room. This is never a concern because we only sleep in the room anyway after the parks. In my case, I felt it was not worth the investment. Disney of course wants you back there every year till you die, even 3 times a year. With DVC, you will likely spend more money going back often. I like the ability to choose where I want to vacation. Also, weekends eat up lot of points. Perhaps, if you have a large family, DVC may be worth it. I did look at SSR and it was way to large and spread out. I cant imagine how it will be to check in there during busy seasons. In this forum, it will be hard to really get the negitive points about DVC. Most people who look here are the happy ones. There is a huge amount of SSR resales out there for a resort only opened a few years. OK, I hope I shed some light here, good luck to you. Please look at the big picture before spending thousands of dollars on a prepaid vacation plan. thank you
The last poster is absolutely right. If you stay in value level resorts and/or go less than once every two years, DVC is not for you.
This applies whether it is by choice (prefer other vacations, consider your room to sleep only, etc.) or if it is the only financial option open to you.
If you have young children and the reason you go to WDW is for them, you may want to seriously think this through. Will you still want to vacation at WDW 10, 15, 20 yrs from now, when they are in college or have families of their own?
For us, the pros are:
1) DH is a WDW-fanatic and has been for most of his 36 years. I doubt at this point it will change. We have no children and no plans for any so that isn't a factor for us.
2) We live 8.5 hours away and can and will go at least twice a year, sometimes more. The average price/year for our 210 pt contract is roughly equivalent to two 5 night moderate level trips in value season.
3) The room level in DVC is a TON higher than the moderate level resorts we have stayed at. The resort locations and amenities are at least as good, and most of the time better.
4) Knowing that we will be going, this way lodging is paid for up front and we don't have to worry about budgeting for anything but food and AP renewals once a year. Dues are a monthly expense. Yes, this is pre-paying, but I am fine w/ that.
5) Planning is easier since you don't have to wait for discount codes.
6) If by some chance I wind up financially strapped or don't want to/can't go one year, I can rent the points for enough to pay the maintance fees. If it gets really bad, I can sell it for likely close to as much as I paid for it, thanks to ROFR.
-Kat
This applies whether it is by choice (prefer other vacations, consider your room to sleep only, etc.) or if it is the only financial option open to you.
If you have young children and the reason you go to WDW is for them, you may want to seriously think this through. Will you still want to vacation at WDW 10, 15, 20 yrs from now, when they are in college or have families of their own?
For us, the pros are:
1) DH is a WDW-fanatic and has been for most of his 36 years. I doubt at this point it will change. We have no children and no plans for any so that isn't a factor for us.
2) We live 8.5 hours away and can and will go at least twice a year, sometimes more. The average price/year for our 210 pt contract is roughly equivalent to two 5 night moderate level trips in value season.
3) The room level in DVC is a TON higher than the moderate level resorts we have stayed at. The resort locations and amenities are at least as good, and most of the time better.
4) Knowing that we will be going, this way lodging is paid for up front and we don't have to worry about budgeting for anything but food and AP renewals once a year. Dues are a monthly expense. Yes, this is pre-paying, but I am fine w/ that.
5) Planning is easier since you don't have to wait for discount codes.
6) If by some chance I wind up financially strapped or don't want to/can't go one year, I can rent the points for enough to pay the maintance fees. If it gets really bad, I can sell it for likely close to as much as I paid for it, thanks to ROFR.
-Kat
That is true about ROFR. Disney controls the resale market, that is a benefit to keeping prices up. No one could "steal" one at a low price. Another point I wanted to make is that the older DVC resorts will beginning going down in value as there lease term comes closer to reality. People will begin dumping them to cash in before you lose it all. I would certainly buy SSR or AKV over the others due to the extra 12 years you get. I know thats thinking far ahead , but it will happen & the mouse gets DVC back. Who knows what will happen by then. Im just tryying to provide some infomation. thanks for looking. Good luck
corinnak
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- Jan 25, 2006
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- 2,619
There are lots of great things about membership, that is for sure - we love having the option to get a vacation home rather than just a hotel room - it is a great way to gather with family or just have a relaxing time at WDW. We usually nap in the middle of the day and it is nice to have the option of being in the other room while the kids are finishing their naps. And it is very nice to know that we will be back to that part of the world often, now. Points to use!
On the minus side...and this is sort of a plus and sort of a minus, depending how you feel about it....if you take an annual trip, no sooner have you returned from one annual trip than you have to start thinking about next year because....that 11 month window is right around the corner! Which leads to the next plus/minus - the 11-7 month booking priority window is a nice thing to have, if you can get next year's calendar information that early. It can be hard to plan ahead that far, and if you don't book early, sometimes you lose your chance, you know?
Another con that I haven't seen mentioned is that DVC relies heavily on fold out couches for sleeping accomodations. Granted, some of them are much nicer than the old-style-bar-in-the-back fold out couch, but I have to say that it can be an issue for some people, whether it be because of back problems or because they don't enjoy having to unfold the bed into the living space. For many people, fold out couches are a plus and not a minus at all, and some have said that the fold outs at SSR are more comfortable than the main beds. We didn't find this to be the case, though, so for us it is something to work around and take into account.
On the minus side...and this is sort of a plus and sort of a minus, depending how you feel about it....if you take an annual trip, no sooner have you returned from one annual trip than you have to start thinking about next year because....that 11 month window is right around the corner! Which leads to the next plus/minus - the 11-7 month booking priority window is a nice thing to have, if you can get next year's calendar information that early. It can be hard to plan ahead that far, and if you don't book early, sometimes you lose your chance, you know?
Another con that I haven't seen mentioned is that DVC relies heavily on fold out couches for sleeping accomodations. Granted, some of them are much nicer than the old-style-bar-in-the-back fold out couch, but I have to say that it can be an issue for some people, whether it be because of back problems or because they don't enjoy having to unfold the bed into the living space. For many people, fold out couches are a plus and not a minus at all, and some have said that the fold outs at SSR are more comfortable than the main beds. We didn't find this to be the case, though, so for us it is something to work around and take into account.
I agree with most of the pros and cons written here. One thing though, I bought at $66 pp at BWV and they now sell for $85-90pp. After nine vacations, even tho I have been paying maintenance costs, I could sell and still make money after seven years. Just consider this if you get in a bind.
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