DVC Veterans: Help!

[mr. figment]

My wife and I have gone to WDW twice in the last two years. I think we're prime candidates for DVC, but it's a hugh investment. So DVC veterans, tell me, what are some of the positives and negatives you have found with DVC?

Thanks for the help!

 

[wildernessDad]

If you are going to go to WDW every year and stay in a moderate to deluxe resort, then DVC is right for you, I believe. That really is the basic consideration. All the other perks could go away at a moment's notice. The value in DVC will happen if you are willing to go over some number of years. That number is probably around 7.

 

[Coach81]

We are far from DVC veterans, but I can tell you that DVC is completely worth it if you can financially afford it, and you plan to attend Disneyworld on a regular basis.

We are already planning on attending Disney twice next year, and we are looking forward to going back to Disney or the Orlando area many more times in the future. We are excited about our DVC!!!

 

[BobH]

I personally like DVC. Right now it looks like the Old Key West Resorts that expires in 2042 will be undergoing changes. Disney is offering a contract extension of 15 years to 2057 that will probably lower the value of the contracts of those people that stay with their 2042 contracts. If you buy a contract I would sugest buying into a resort like SAratoga Springs that is not in the middle of a major change to the contract.

 

[Granny]

So DVC veterans, tell me, what are some of the positives and negatives you have found with DVC?

The main positive we have found with DVC is the ability to stay on-site at WDW in much nicer accommodations than we could afford paying cash each year. Basically, we stay in a 2BR suite which would never happen on-site without DVC.

The negatives mostly revolve around expectations. Some people are disappointed that they can't stay exactly where they want on short notice vacations.

Others don't like the lack of daily housekeeping...though most DVC owners would put that in the positive column.

We have been very happy with our DVC ownership and how it has made our WDW trips much better. We no longer go to the parks with the commando touring style...our vacations are much more laid back and relaxing.

I guess my only other negative is that we don't have about 2,000 more points!

 

[Deb & Bill]

To me, the current negatives are the cost of initial points and rising dues. The first year we bought, the dues actually went down. Then they started going up, and up. And the price of points has doubled since we bought.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Granny!

Deb!

 

[mr. figment]

To me, the current negatives are the cost of initial points and rising dues. The first year we bought, the dues actually went down. Then they started going up, and up. And the price of points has doubled since we bought.

Your statement about the maintence cost doubling makes me wonder if DVC memembership will force me to go more often because of the rising costs. Thank you for all of your comments. I'm sure I'll have more questions before we decide to buy DVC.

 

[DVC Grammy]

My wife and I have gone to WDW twice in the last two years. I think we're prime candidates for DVC, but it's a hugh investment. So DVC veterans, tell me, what are some of the positives and negatives you have found with DVC?

Thanks for the help!

I agree with all the above posters, but I'd like to add a ?: Even though you and your wife have gone to WDW twice in 2 years, do you intend to keep that travel pattern for the future?
The optimum use for DVC membership is at DVC resorts.

 

[CarolinesMom]

We are far from DVC Vets, but a couple of the reasons we purchased were:

1. We go every year
2. You own your membership, not just rent a room- you will break even at some point
3. I never have to search for discount codes again (OK, that one was specifically for me)

 

[suwoogie]

At what point do you break even? And how much are the maintenance fees each year?

I'm just now thinking about doing this. Could kick myself for not doing it years ago, but hey, I'm slow. Is Saratogo Springs the only one available right now? Is there any information about any new DVC resorts that will be opening?

These may be silly questions for some of you who already are in the know. So, no laughing!!!

 

[goslingl]

We have researched this issue to death over the last 5 years. We finally joined on a Disney cruise last month. We bought in the Animal Kingom Lodge. I wish we had done this years ago. When I think of the curises and WDW vacations we have taken in the last 5 years it would have paid for itself. We recieved 500 rewards points on the VIsa reqrds card and recieved extra points for this year. We have already made reservations for March and September. If you are considering it and are close to a DVC office go talk to them.

 

[chalee94]

Your statement about the maintence cost doubling...

just to correct this minor quibble: maintenance costs have increased 75% in 16 years, but have not quite doubled. initial buy-in per point has gone from $51 to $104, and i think that's what she was talking about...

Here is the history of DVC annual fees at all of the resorts:

Year OKW BWV VB VB(sub) HH VWL BCV SSR AKV

2007 4.40 4.85 5.63 4.39 4.98 4.73 4.63 4.12 4.62
2006 4.24 4.69 5.27 4.12 4.34 4.61 4.48 3.98
2005 3.86 4.41 4.87 3.84 3.86 4.35 4.27 3.83
2004 3.68 4.25 4.67 3.67 3.70 4.22 4.18 3.80
2003 3.49 4.11 4.37 4.37 3.69 4.05 3.97
2002 3.22 3.92 4.17 3.33 3.49 3.80 3.77
2001 3.13 3.83 3.98 2.70 3.32 3.63
2000 3.16 3.94 4.07 2.87 3.25 3.62
1999 3.16 4.02 3.99 2.82 3.18
1998 3.17 3.94 ---- 2.76 3.20
1997 3.14 3.84 ---- 2.90 3.16
1996 2.99 3.70 ---- 2.82 3.16
1995 2.84
1994 2.70
1993 2.63
1992 2.56
1991 2.51

BTW, breakeven calculations are pretty individualized. figure where you would stay onsite without DVC and ballpark some increases over time (be sure to include taxes) and compare that to estimated DVC costs. if you stay mostly weeknights, it will take less time. if you stay mostly weekends, it could take over 20 years. gotta hit the spreadsheets pretty hard to do the math...

 

[chalee94]

Is Saratogo Springs the only one available right now? Is there any information about any new DVC resorts that will be opening?

SSR and AKV are currently for sale. (but you can probably buy in at OKW - wait till they are upgraded to 2057, though - or another resort if you are firm with your guide.)

grand californian villas at DL have been officially announced.

villas at the contemporary have been rumored, but there are no guarantees...

 

[solgent]

Positives:

*Rooms are great. This is the reason that we bought, we wanted to stay onsite with a kitchen & separate bedroom

*Resorts are great. We've stayed at SSR & BCV so far and really looking forward to trying some others as well. We love the pools & the whole atmosphere. We had never stayed onsite before.

*FLEXIBILITY-- to stay at different resorts, different lengths of time, different size rooms, different times of year. These choices will change as our kids grow & work commitments change.

*DVC adding new resorts increases our options and opportunities. We joined in 2005 with SSR. I did not think SSR would be the last resort but I did not anticipate expansion being as rapid as it has been.

*AKV rooms have beds for 5. Our family of 5 has been just fine in a 1BR designed for 4, but it's super that there are now rooms intended for 5.

*Pool hopping. We haven't done this yet! But my kids adore the different Disney pools & I think it is is a cool perk and something we will be taking advantage of.

*Feeling part of WDW and knowing we have lots of future trips to look forward to.

*Knowing we could sell if we had to or decided we want to, and we'd recover a good portion of our purchase cost.


Negatives:

*Weekends so much more expensive in points than weekdays. I knew this-- it was not a surprise. I understand why they do it this way. But I have to say this is something I don't love.

 

[Disney Doll]

The main positive we have found with DVC is the ability to stay on-site at WDW in much nicer accommodations than we could afford paying cash each year. Basically, we stay in a 2BR suite which would never happen on-site without DVC.

The negatives mostly revolve around expectations. Some people are disappointed that they can't stay exactly where they want on short notice vacations.

Others don't like the lack of daily housekeeping...though most DVC owners would put that in the positive column.

We have been very happy with our DVC ownership and how it has made our WDW trips much better. We no longer go to the parks with the commando touring style...our vacations are much more laid back and relaxing.

I guess my only other negative is that we don't have about 2,000 more points!

What she said.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What she said.

What HE said.

Granny

(yep, I'm a guy)

 

[NancyDVC]

We joined early in 1992. So early that there was only one bus stop at OKW. Commodore House was the place to learn about a great secret.
Benefits-Flexibility, flexibility, flexibility!
Great resorts!
Going to Disney over and over again staying at great resorts.
I no longer have to "Do Disney in a Day or Die Trying!"
Being able to go to other places and know that my accommodations will be among the best available. (Something my friends who own other 'timeshare' vacations can not always say.)
Meeting other DVC members!!!
Being able to go with one, two, three or a many friends and family members.
Being able to 'treat' family or friends to a great palce to stay.
Pool hopping
Activities at the resorts
Member Services!! They can do it all!!
The wonderful cast members at the resorts
The size of the vacation homes at OKW
I could not afford to go and stay on property without DVC

Negatives:
Prices are always going up and I can't afford more points. (but then again I joined at a very low price!!!!!!)
Not being able to go as often as I would like to (I have to work to maintain the little luxuries of life like a roof over my head, food on the table etc.)
Being a Disney Nut and not being understood by other non-Disney Nuts "Why would you want to go there over and over again?
I can't think of any other negatives.
As for breking even that does not concern me. I bought this as investment in my vacations and to ensure that I could afford a nice vacation and a nice place to stay, not as something that would appreciate in value or be a marketable asset.
Just to be a part of the magic is enough for me!!!

 

[JodyTG]

Hmmm...let me see...

Positives
I'm getting a great room on Disney property.
It doesn't cost me much at all anymore to stay there. I'm basically getting a deluxe room for moderate prices.
I love, love, LOVE Walt Disney World and can stay in the best rooms (my opinion only) on property without selling a kidney.
I can trade out to take a Disney Cruise. (Did this once and it was points well spent..4 nights at WDW followed by 4 night cruise.)
When we finally take a trip to Europe I can trade out my DVC to stay there.

Negatives
I love to cruise, but don't very much because I want to stay in my DVC villa.
I look at cruise pricing and then talk myself out of booking because I want to stay in my villa at WDW.
I reserve a cruise and pay the deposit. Then, a few weeks or months later I cancel my cruise because I want to go to DISNEY WORLD to stay in my VILLA!!!
I want to go to Europe in a few years, but the villa won't be in WDW. So, will I go? Who knows...

It's a sickness. I understand that. I accept that.
Hmmm...I wonder if I should do another add-on...

 

[mr. figment]

Negatives
I love to cruise, but don't very much because I want to stay in my DVC villa.
.

If I join DVC, I'm afraid I'll have to kick my cruising habit. HA! I've never been on a Disney Cruise yet, but want to. Of course I don't want to back a choice between my RCL ships or my WDW resorts. Work just get's in the way of some good vacationing....