DVC worthwhile?

[rugman1969]

Does anyone feel their membership in DVC is just not worthwhile any longer? Am I the only person to feel this way? With points not going as far as they used to, member dues up to ridiculous amounts, is it really financially better to own, or would it be better to just pay as you go. I go every other year. What are thoughts on this?

 

[vicki_c]

Well, first - everyone's points don't "not go as far as they used to" - some people's points go further than they used to. The total resort points didn't change, so some went up and some went down.

Now as to ridiculous increases in member dues, I haven't seen it. I own at SSR - just a basic 160 pt contract and our dues are in the $700 range.

I've seen the dues increase table for all the resorts and I don't see many/any that I would consider a ridiculous amount.

So I don't think as a whole, those reasons you gave are reasons to sell. But they might be reason for you - depending on when you go, what resort you own, and how much enjoyment you are getting out of it.

 

[TLSnell1981]

We visit WDW 2-3 times a year, a week at a time. So, the redistribution had no effect on us.

I don't think the dues are ridiculous. IMO

Here are some examples of historical increases:

Old Key West Resort, the oldest of the DVC resorts (thus having the longest track record) had dues of $2.51 in 1991 and in 2008 had dues of $4.56. That means it has averaged a 3.57% increase, compounded annually.

BoardWalk Villas went from $3.70 in 1996 to $5.04 in 2008, an average annual compounded increase of 2.61%.

Villas at Wilderness Lodge went from $3.62 in 2000 to $4.87 in 2008, an average annual compounded increase of 3.77%

 

[McCrae]

Does anyone feel their membership in DVC is just not worthwhile any longer? Am I the only person to feel this way? With points not going as far as they used to, member dues up to ridiculous amounts, is it really financially better to own, or would it be better to just pay as you go. I go every other year. What are thoughts on this?

I dont think you are you are looking at the full picture, as the previous poster stated total points cannot change.

If you do the maths regarding the total cost of membership including dues DVC still represents great value.

Dont know why you are concerned about the increase in dues, not out of line with what you should of expected.

If you are not happy will DVC no reason for you to remain a member, it's easy to sell.

 

[rugman1969]

I know what my options are, and yes, when you consider the deals and specials WDW run, I would say that is a better value than a DVC membership. You can go when you want, dining plan thrown in for free, park tickets included, and you can up your options from there if you want. With DVC, you have dues that have increased for me by more than double in ten years, and I can't stay at the same resorts I used to stay at with one years worth of points, therefore, being forced to buy more to stay current from ten years ago. How is this a better deal? And I am concerned, because my sister goes twice a year on these deals, and she overall spend less than I do going every other year. She gets whatever perks are offered at that time, which mostly includes free dining, and the package comes with tickets. She can do this for about 2000.00. For DVC member, dining and park tickets are 2000.00 out the gate, and that doesn't include a room. Add the 990.00 a year for dues, and that's 3000.00. She can go twice a year for 4000.00. I can go once spending 3 grand and using all of my points and having to borrow some from the following use year. How is this a better value by being a DVC member? I'm at 6 grand for 2 years in a row, not including room, she's at 8 grand with room. Do the math. I put this up because I am debating whether or not to keep my DVC membership. I only still have it because of my wife. If it was up to me, it would have been gone about 3 years ago. After paying so much money for the membership, why should I be forced to buy more points to stay in the same hotels? That's a whole other expense. I don't think you're looking at the big picture here.

I dont think you are you are looking at the full picture, as the previous poster stated total points cannot change.

If you do the maths regarding the total cost of membership including dues DVC still represents great value.

Dont know why you are concerned about the increase in dues, not out of line with what you should of expected.

If you are not happy will DVC no reason for you to remain a member, it's easy to sell.

 

[adminjedi]

Am I the only person to feel this way?

IMHO, yep.

 

[chalee94]

Does anyone feel their membership in DVC is just not worthwhile any longer? Am I the only person to feel this way?

it's worthwhile to me but i understand how a lot of folks look at the "free dining" and "40% off" deals and would rather pursue that than continue to commit to paying dues for the next 30-40 years.

if you don't think the economy will recover much in the next decade (so the wdw cash deals will keep coming) and you're really bummed with DVC, consider selling.

i think it's a little short-sighted to sell right now but if it makes you happier then it's worth it to you...

 

[McCrae]

I know what my options are, and yes, when you consider the deals and specials WDW run, I would say that is a better value than a DVC membership. You can go when you want, dining plan thrown in for free, park tickets included, and you can up your options from there if you want. With DVC, you have dues that have increased for me by more than double in ten years, and I can't stay at the same resorts I used to stay at with one years worth of points, therefore, being forced to buy more to stay current from ten years ago. How is this a better deal? And I am concerned, because my sister goes twice a year on these deals, and she overall spend less than I do going every other year. She gets whatever perks are offered at that time, which mostly includes free dining, and the package comes with tickets. She can do this for about 2000.00. For DVC member, dining and park tickets are 2000.00 out the gate, and that doesn't include a room. Add the 990.00 a year for dues, and that's 3000.00. She can go twice a year for 4000.00. I can go once spending 3 grand and using all of my points and having to borrow some from the following use year. How is this a better value by being a DVC member? I'm at 6 grand for 2 years in a row, not including room, she's at 8 grand with room. Do the math. I put this up because I am debating whether or not to keep my DVC membership. I only still have it because of my wife. If it was up to me, it would have been gone about 3 years ago. After paying so much money for the membership, why should I be forced to buy more points to stay in the same hotels? That's a whole other expense. I don't think you're looking at the big picture here.

I dont think you are comparing like with like.

DVC will never be the cheapest option available, but when you are comparing it to a premium resort at Disney it will save you a lot of money. This year we saved $5000 by using DVC than by staying at the Grand Floridian.

At DVC you cant buy a fixed week(Aluani excepted) DVC make it clear that the points required for a certain period can go up or down. If you are not happy buying extra points for a specific week you can always go on vacation at another time.

 

[Sandisw]

We just bought in last year so are new to DVC. But, when we bought in, we bought the points needed to travel on our yearly trip in Magic season. Since that is one of the higher point seasons, we knew we would have what we needed for a long time.

Of course, the change to lower weekend points was a good thing for us as it now allows us to save on airfare since we no longer have to worry about avoiding weekends.

While there are some great deals out there right now for Disney, they may or may not be around for a long time. If you are someone who would prefer to not be committed to Disney and only go with the specials, then you are right, DVC may no longer be worth it for you.

For us, though, the price we paid, plus the dues, comes out to basically locking ourselves in to 40% discount (depending on how we use our membership) for years to come.

Now, instead of hoping for a pin code or a Disney deal, I know I have my discount guaranteed.

I do understand that your costs have gone up, but so have cash rates and from all of my research, it seems that MF's increases tend to be smaller than what has happened to room rates.

Before DVC, we stayed at the CR, most often in a Tower MK view room. In 2010, that room was $440. In 2011, that room will be $475 during the week, and $490 on the weekends, around an 8% increase. I would be very shocked to see my BLT dues rate increase that same 8%. IMO, as long as my MF's grow at a smaller rate than the cash rates, then DVC remains a good value.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I know what my options are, and yes, when you consider the deals and specials WDW run, I would say that is a better value than a DVC membership. You can go when you want, dining plan thrown in for free, park tickets included, and you can up your options from there if you want. With DVC, you have dues that have increased for me by more than double in ten years, and I can't stay at the same resorts I used to stay at with one years worth of points, therefore, being forced to buy more to stay current from ten years ago. How is this a better deal? And I am concerned, because my sister goes twice a year on these deals, and she overall spend less than I do going every other year. She gets whatever perks are offered at that time, which mostly includes free dining, and the package comes with tickets. She can do this for about 2000.00. For DVC member, dining and park tickets are 2000.00 out the gate, and that doesn't include a room. Add the 990.00 a year for dues, and that's 3000.00. She can go twice a year for 4000.00. I can go once spending 3 grand and using all of my points and having to borrow some from the following use year. How is this a better value by being a DVC member? I'm at 6 grand for 2 years in a row, not including room, she's at 8 grand with room. Do the math. I put this up because I am debating whether or not to keep my DVC membership. I only still have it because of my wife. If it was up to me, it would have been gone about 3 years ago. After paying so much money for the membership, why should I be forced to buy more points to stay in the same hotels? That's a whole other expense. I don't think you're looking at the big picture here.

First of all, I don't understand why you are unable to stay in the same hotel. The points may shift, but overall they remain the same.

Disney will not continue to offer these deep discounts forever. They will be gone, once the economy recovers.

Your sister spends $2000, all inclusive? Are you comparing apples to apples? Is she staying deluxe or value? Are you comparing the dining equally as well?

 

[DebbieB]

All I know is I don't miss the $111 a month that comes out for dues for my 250 points. Beats coming home to a $2000 hotel bill. Even with a 40% discount, 6 nights in a BWV 1 bedroom is going to be around $2100. I'm only using 170 points for those 6 nights, so about $850 in dues.

"Free dining" isn't what it used to be. The appetizer is gone and so is the included tip. Room rates are going up, so the rack rate room is more.

 

[rugman1969]

So one year worth of points and a break down of membership purchase equals about $1320.00. You save about $700.00. But, if you catch one of the deals WDW promotes through the years, you may catch it with free dining, which will cover the $700.00 difference (2010 dining plan price for 3 $845.00). So how does that save us much money? It makes for a little inconvenience waiting for a special, but being a DVC member, it should never cost less to catch a special than to be a member. Think about it. Being a member, we SHOULD get a discount on tickets and dining plans as a member perk. Why do we not get this? That would save some, but not enough to compensate a non dvc member getting to stay at the same place for almost the same amount.

All I know is I don't miss the $111 a month that comes out for dues for my 250 points. Beats coming home to a $2000 hotel bill. Even with a 40% discount, 6 nights in a BWV 1 bedroom is going to be around $2100. I'm only using 170 points for those 6 nights, so about $850 in dues.

"Free dining" isn't what it used to be. The appetizer is gone and so is the included tip. Room rates are going up, so the rack rate room is more.

 

[TLSnell1981]

You are looking a the moment, not long term. Again, these promos won't be around forever.

I'm very happy with DVC, especially my Boardwalk View.

 

[McCrae]

So one year worth of points and a break down of membership purchase equals about $1320.00. You save about $700.00. But, if you catch one of the deals WDW promotes through the years, you may catch it with free dining, which will cover the $700.00 difference (2010 dining plan price for 3 $845.00). So how does that save us much money? It makes for a little inconvenience waiting for a special, but being a DVC member, it should never cost less to catch a special than to be a member. Think about it. Being a member, we SHOULD get a discount on tickets and dining plans as a member perk. Why do we not get this? That would save some, but not enough to compensate a non dvc member getting to stay at the same place for almost the same amount.

Not sure your maths is correct.

For BLT our cost per year for 150 points is $864. That includes dues plus capital cost.

Even when you include "free dining" we still save money.

As a DVC member we do get discounts, all of them are listed on the members website.

We get discounts off AP's, shopping and some dining options.

It sounds that you just really want to sell DVC and are trying to justify your decision. If you don't like what you are getting that is justification in itself.

If you are not happy sell up and move on, but please don't post factually incorrect information. You could put someone off buying their dream vacation because they become concerned about things you say in your post.

 

[DebbieB]

So one year worth of points and a break down of membership purchase equals about $1320.00. You save about $700.00. But, if you catch one of the deals WDW promotes through the years, you may catch it with free dining, which will cover the $700.00 difference (2010 dining plan price for 3 $845.00). So how does that save us much money? It makes for a little inconvenience waiting for a special, but being a DVC member, it should never cost less to catch a special than to be a member. Think about it. Being a member, we SHOULD get a discount on tickets and dining plans as a member perk. Why do we not get this? That would save some, but not enough to compensate a non dvc member getting to stay at the same place for almost the same amount.

The $2100 I mentioned was with 40% off the room rate. You can't get 40% off and free dining. The "free dining" plan at BWV for 6 nights is $3800. I'm using 170 points. Could add the dining plan for $500 for 2 adults. Still not close to $3800.

 

[rugman1969]

Not sure your maths is correct.

For BLT our cost per year for 150 points is $864. That includes dues plus capital cost.

Even when you include "free dining" we still save money.

As a DVC member we do get discounts, all of them are listed on the members website.

We get discounts off AP's, shopping and some dining options.

It sounds that you just really want to sell DVC and are trying to justify your decision. If you don't like what you are getting that is justification in itself.

If you are not happy sell up and move on, but please don't post factually incorrect information. You could put someone off buying their dream vacation because they become concerned about things you say in your post.

Math is correct
For 150 at VB at 6.61 per point for dues = 991.50
for capital cost divide 12000.00/50 yrs = 240.00
Total for these two $1231.50


I know where the perks are listed. I have reviewed them extensively.

There's not too many I know who will buy an annual pass, because not many are going to go to WDW more than once every 15 months, unless you live in Florida, or do go that often. Which I assume there will be less in the overall DVC membership going that often. There goes another perk.



We get discounts off of select dining, not dining plans. If you purchase the dining plan, there goes the dining discounts.


The shopping discounts are very select. Downtown Disney is where you get the majority. Next to none in the actual parks. And what does Harley Davidson Orlando have to do with DVC discounts? Many other things I would prefer a discount on over Harley Davidson. I mean, come on. There are as many non-disney perks as there are disney perks. Just because a store is on disney property does not make it disney.
Here's a link you may be interested in, speaking of member perks.

http://dvcnews.com/index.php/news-program-information-165/1265-dvc-surveys-members-on-perks

I am not looking for justification to sell. My wife has informed me that is not happening. I also do not care when others think they know why someone has a reason for saying things. When I bought, I did like what I was getting. Now, its doesn't seem to be worth it, because it isn't anywhere as good as it was. And based on this going on for another 40 years, by the end, I will be paying over 200 per month in dues. How is this at all right?
You mention I may be putting off someone from buying their dream vacation, but I look at it as informing others who may not know the in depth info they will not get from DV unless they ask. Of course, if they are new, they will have no idea to ask, because they will not know.
My numbers are accurate, and my information is correct. You can find anything I have said with a little research.

 

[TLSnell1981]

The $2100 I mentioned was with 40% off the room rate. You can't get 40% off and free dining. The "free dining" plan at BWV for 6 nights is $3800. I'm using 170 points. Could add the dining plan for $500 for 2 adults. Still not close to $3800.

I knew, $2100 didn't look right. We used 253 points for 6 nights, 2 BR, BWV, Boardwalk View, last May. Disney quoted a cash rate of $6048 for a preferred view.

BTW, I just tried to book this for May 2011 and the quote was $9827..room ($5873), dining ($1727) and park hoppers ($2227). And, this is for BCV...couldn't book Boardwalk. No free dining is available for most of March, April, May, June, July or first half of August. Also, no 40% code offered either. The points for the stay... 264.

Free Dining Offer Valid for select dates 10/1-10/7/10, 10/22-10/28/10, 11/12 – 11/18/10, 11/27 – 12/2/10, 12/10 – 12/21/10, 1/1 – 1/5/11, 1/9 – 1/13/11, 1/21 – 2/3/11, 2/11 – 2/17/11, 2/25 – 3/3/11, 5/27 – 6/2/11, 8/19 – 9/29/11 in a Standard Room.

Save up to 40% Valid for stays select nights 10/3-11/23/10, 11/27-12/25/10, 1/1/11-2/16/11

 

[McCrae]

I think you are on a wind up. In a different post you talk about OKW.

I cant believe you paid 106 per point for VB! If it's true I feel really sorry for you. I see VB points are now available at 36 via resale!

 

[rugman1969]

Might be available for 36 now, but not in 2000

 

[McCrae]

Might be available for 36 now, but not in 2000

Now I know you are playing games. in 2000 you could pick up VB for 72.

nice try, but it didnt work.