DVC question..

[lovinpoohbear]

Hi, I travel to Disney at least once if not twice each year. DH and I have been thinking about buying a timeshare and I have a few questions. I see that for example, Sheraton Vistana Resort is currently having its owners pay for a renovation fee, which is roughly about $550 and it is required 3X in a 15 month period. (in addition to the maitenance and taxes)
Does DVC do this also?
We just came back for CBR and while we had a fantastic stay, our family of 4 felt cramped in the room. I definitly see us in a 2 bedroom villa
Also, if we buy into DVC, can we still purchase the dining plan?
TIA!

 

[Chuck S]

DVC can charge a special assessment, but so far no resort has issued one, even after the hurricanes in Vero Beach. The resorts are insured, but any damage ot covered by the insurance or government programs would have to be paid by the memers of that resort.

However, DVC does have some of the highest dues, and part of those dues go into a reserve fund to pay for normal renovation schedules, like new roofs, furnishings, and building upkeep.

DVC announced a possble special assessment a Vero Beach, but it was not necessary.

 

[Donald is #1]

Yes you can buy the dining plan if you are a DVC member. However, I am not sure if all of the various dining plan options are offered or not.

 

[rpk1951]

I think all dining pln options are the same. You can also get discounts on anual passes

 

[lovinpoohbear]

I forgot to ask, when the free dining promotions are offered, are DVC members able to purchase a 1 day ticket and get free dining?

 

[Buckeye Fan]

You really can't mix points with the incentives, unless the incentives (like the annual passes) are listed as a perk. And just as a side note, I wouldn't buy DVC for perks. The perks, except for the AP, aren't all that great (IMHO), and they definitely can come and go.

Think of it this way. You have one of two options...
1) You can stay at your "home" and pay for things, or
2) You can bank your points, and stay with Disney. You can take advantage of whatever specials they are offering, and pay them, just like you always would have.

When Disney ran the 4/3 special with passes, I definitely considered banking. However, when I went out and priced it, it wasn't as good of a deal as using my points and buying the APs (given the number of upcoming trips we have planned)!

Good luck with your decision! If you're taking 1 - 2 trips per year, DVC is worth considering.

 

[chalee94]

I forgot to ask, when the free dining promotions are offered, are DVC members able to purchase a 1 day ticket and get free dining?

for one thing, DVC members don't have to buy a ticket to buy the dining plan.

for the other, "free" dining requires you to buy a ticket and pay full price for a room. since DVC rooms on points stays are already discounted, there is no "free" dining on points...

 

[whitfamily]

DH and I were in your same shoes. Last year we went to WDW in Aug 08 and again in Jan 09. As Disney fans with 2 boys we plan to have many more trips over the years!!

In 2 trips we will more than pay for the Annual Pass at the discounted rate. As you mentioned the regular resort rooms are on the small side for a family of four. The 1 bdrms should provide ample space for now and having the full kitchen is great! When we called to make our ressies today the DDP was offered, but we are choosing to cook meals in the room and limit meals at the parks to conserve. There are pretty good incentives out there right now if you are interested in making a decision in the near future.

AKV: 10 off per pt
BLT: 8 off per pt
Member referral: an additional 8 off per pt

After some research the DH found out about the referral which was helpful in knocking down the overall cost a little more for us. So if/when you are ready to make your decision definitely do that! Hopefully that info will help you out some!