DVC right for our profile?

[freshmanjs]

We are considering buying. Some parts of our travel profile make me think it is perfect for us. Others not so much. Thoughts?

Here is the situation

We are a family of 5 (2 adults, kids 4,4,2)

We love (almost require) to have a washer/dryer in our room when we go. Hate the laundry situation at the regular hotels.

We definitely want to stay on property.

We tend to go to WDW once per year for 8 nights. 3 of those nights are Fri/Sat, as we arrive on Sat and depart the following Sun.

This year, we actually paid rack rate for 8 nights at BWV in a 1BR.


So, in the pro column -- we love the villa accomodations and will stay on property about once per year for the next several years at least.

In the con column, we tend to use a high proportion of weekend days.

Finally, I am concerned that we would not be allowed to stay in a 1BR, which gets us into outrageous points territory for a 2BR.

Appreciate any input.

Thanks

 

[utahkennedys]

I think DVC sounds perfect for you, especially if you anticipate paying rack rate at places like BWV. You could consider buying at AKV since their 1BR's sleep 5 (at least some of them). To me, 5 is too many in a 1BR at the other resorts.

 

[disfountainofyouth]

The new AKL is able to sleep five in a 1BR. if your paying rack rate
for your trips, then DVC would be an option for you to ponder.
Good luck with your decision!

 

[MommaluvsDis]

I agree! I think DVC is right up your alley! Just add up what you've spent on your room for your past Disney vacations. That would probably have made a nice downpayment.

DVC is not for everyone but it sounds good for you!

 

[Princess Roo]

Another option (especially when you get outside the afternoon nap ages with your kids) is to stay the first or last night either off property or in one of Disney's "regular" hotel rooms. You could pack a separate bag(s) for that part of the trip so you don't need to lug as much stuff around. Or, you could pay the rack rate (sometimes a 25% discount is available for DVC members) on the villa for 1 or some of the weekend nights - still a WAY better deal than doing that for every night.

 

[iloveokw]

The only resort we don't use weekend points at is Hilton Head, because they are out of site. I think you will be visiting WDW for many years and will not regret buying. The rooms at OKW are the largest you might want to look into a resale there - we love it, Vero and HH.

The only reason I discourage friends/family from buying is if they do not plan vacations ahead of time. As long as you can do that - you will LOVE it.

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

The Two Bedrooms start to look better and better after a few trips....I've been in them three times now, and LOVE them. Well worth the points - especially for Sun-Thurs trips.

I didn't think I'd do short trips when we first bought...but once you buy, you can get the DVC AP discount...once you have that, you might as well maximize your park time....that leads to a short trip once....which sells you on the whole thing....

Next thing you know, you are going to Disney 3 times a year....at least....

 

[byoung]

Rember the kids will be getting older and asking to take friends? 2 bedrms might be the best.

 

[crisi]

I think its unlikely that Disney will enforce four in a one bedroom, so as long as you are comfortable sleeping one of the kids on the floor for the forseeable future, you'll be fine.

One of the things we've discovered is that we've been able to shorten our trips - we've been to Disney often enough that five days pretty much does it instead of seven - at a pace we are comfortable at. So you may be able to drop one of those weekend days and trade the points used for a two bedroom - particularly as the kids get old enough that you want the extra bedroom and bathroom. When the kids were the age your kids are, it just took LONGER to see the parks (and nap, etc.) Now we can move through pretty quick.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree, you are perfect candidates for DVC! As for the cost and the 1 vs 2 bedroom issues... We purchased after our "kids" were grown, but we purchased with the idea that we would want a 2 bedroom for a week in a specific season. Even if we have 3 people, I would want a 2 bedroom for the extra bathroom.

The new AKV will have 1 bedrooms that sleep 5 and also 1 bedrooms with 2 bathrooms. You might also consider OKW as a home resort. Resale prices there are lower, the units are the largest of all the DVC's, and the point cost is low. A 2 bedroom at OKW would likely come in like with a 1 bedroom elsewhere when you consider all those things.

 

[dvc at last !]

DVC is perfect for you.
Our only regret is that we did not buy sooner.

 

[mikesmom]

You'll feel better about the weekend points thing if you just look at what the cost is for the week. You are WAY better off than paying rack rate for the room and way more comfortable than staying in a hotel room. There are a lot of people on these boards who "save" points by staying in other types of rooms or avoiding weekends, but I think there are also a lot of owners (less verbal perhaps) who just look at the vacation as a whole.

I for one like to get in a room, make our family at "home" and stay put for the vacation. I can't quite understand moving around or paying cash for rooms just to conserve points. I paid cash up front to get points to spend. It doesn't work for me to spend more cash so I don't have to spend them!

 

[edk35]

I say got for it. Sounds like DVC is perfect for you. I wish we had done it when our oldest was 3.....almost did and we didn't. Big mistake. I think a 2 bedroom is the better choice too. Good Luck.

 

[vandy]

From what you stated in your post you look like an excellent candidate for DVC! Especially if you were willing to pay rack rates to stay at BWV! For us the washer/dryer and kitchen were a must. Just eating a good breakfast helps make DVC & Disney more affordable for us.

Your kids are young and at this time you can do the regular resort rooms or DVC 1 BR, but as they get older, they will each have their own distinct...personalities? They will need more space and the 2 BR will start to look pretty good! When that time comes, you can buy some add-on points. But for right now look at the point charts and figure out what you will need. If you were willing to pay rack rates for a DVC room, then I guess you shouldn't worry too much about using weekend points. If you need to do it, then do it. Also: OKW and SSR require fewer points than BWV. SSR seems the best fit for you since you have young kids, it has a lower annual dues and it is a longer contract term.

 

[Granny]

freshmanjs....I agree with the others that DVC could be a good fit for you, mostly because you "definitely want to stay on property". While the points for a 2BR may seem outrageous, to use your words, I think you might find that the 2BR provides almost as much of an upgrade from a 1BR as the 1BR provides from a studio! Not so much in amenities but in vacation experience.

I also wanted to make one other comment. I really liked the way you presented your information. Too often, people ask about DVC and provide too little information to give them feedback. You laid out your situation well, and provided your own thoughts which makes for better responses. So, to paraphrase Jerry McGuire...you "helped us help you".

 

[freshmanjs]

freshmanjs....I agree with the others that DVC could be a good fit for you, mostly because you "definitely want to stay on property". While the points for a 2BR may seem outrageous, to use your words, I think you might find that the 2BR provides almost as much of an upgrade from a 1BR as the 1BR provides from a studio! Not so much in amenities but in vacation experience.

I also wanted to make one other comment. I really liked the way you presented your information. Too often, people ask about DVC and provide too little information to give them feedback. You laid out your situation well, and provided your own thoughts which makes for better responses. So, to paraphrase Jerry McGuire...you "helped us help you".

Thank you for the kind words!!

And thanks to everyone for the great input and insight into DVC. We are seriously considering buying in.

 

[Disneymurf]

I agree with the posts - DVC is perfect if you (1) plan to go to WDW at least every other year and (2) plan to stay at the Deluxe resorts....look at the budget you have for rack rates and the DVC makes good sense - at least it did for us.