Mark099
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2004
- Messages
- 222
DVC! Yes or No?
- Thread starter Mark099
- Start date
I was where you are three years ago. I toured the Villas at Wilderness Lodge and decided there must be some "catch." I did not buy at that point. Last February, after lots of research, and help from those on this board, I bought a resale contract at the Boardwalk Villas. I am so happy that I did!! My only regret is that I didn't buy when I first heard of the program. Keep asking questions, and reading posts and you will figure out if it is for you. I only bought a 160 point contract because I didn't want to get "Disneyed out." Apparently, the trades into the other programs such as the Cruise are just not that great!! Good luck!!
Unfortunately for you, it is decision that you must make after you research the information. Most that visit this board are happy with DVC. There are pros and cons to it, depending on how much you visit Disney, and how you are used to living while there.
We, too, now wish we had bought into it many years ago. We just recently bought at the Boardwalk, and took 1 trip. We are scheduled for 4 nights at HH with the 2004 points; next year we are going for 4 nights at VB with 2004 and 2005 points, and 7 nights at BWV after that. Since we had been to WDW 9 times before, and see going again every other year or so, it was right for us.
Good luck with your decision!
We, too, now wish we had bought into it many years ago. We just recently bought at the Boardwalk, and took 1 trip. We are scheduled for 4 nights at HH with the 2004 points; next year we are going for 4 nights at VB with 2004 and 2005 points, and 7 nights at BWV after that. Since we had been to WDW 9 times before, and see going again every other year or so, it was right for us.
Good luck with your decision!
In all honesty, Mark099, you're talking to a pretty captive audience of DVC members here. So you're not going to get TOO many complaints. 
There have been a lot of threads in the past with great lists of pros and cons. Feel free to try the search function and you're likely to get more comprehensive lists.
Off the top of my head, here are a few reasons why DVC might not work for you:
1. Only want to use it for occasional trips to WDW, Vero or Hilton Head. While DVC does allow members to use their points to trade into other hotels and timeshares, it's not the best use of your points. If you like to travel, but only plan on making it to Orlando every 3-4 years, consider another point-based timeshare program. Most have lower Annual Fees (Maintenance) than DVC, thus reducing your recurring costs.
2. DVC doesn't always work well for those who travel on short notice. In order to have the best shot at a room at your Home resort, you need to book more than 7 months in advance. After 7 months, ANY DVC MEMBER can book at any resort, making it much harder to come by a room at some resorts.
The one big fallacy that may have come out of your sales presentation is the belief that you can easily book at any DVC resort. While it's true that you have access to all of the resorts, some of the smaller ones (Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge) have a very small number of rooms and thus can be difficult to book. There are also specific room types at other resorts that can be hard to get (any Standard View at the Boardwalk, Grand Villas at Old Key West.)
3. The point costs for a room on Friday and Saturday night are often two times (or more) the cost of a Sunday - Thursday stay. Thus DVC doesn't always work well for those who live near WDW and like to take quick weekend trips.
4. In most cases, don't kid yourself into thinking that DVC will actually save you any money. Our family is now taking better (and more frequent) trips than we would have been able or willing to do by paying cash. But that means we're spending more on transportation, park passes, souvenirs, etc. DVC should help improve the quality and quantity of your vacations, but it may not help your wallet.
I'm probably forgetting some things, but those will give you something to think about. Generally speaking, most people will tell you that their biggest DVC regret is not buying sooner. A decade ago points were selling for about half of the current cost, and many members received free park passes through the '90s.
But that's water under the bridge. If you run the numbers, you'll probably find that your DVC investment will pay for itself in 10 years or less. From then on, you get another 40 years worth of vacations (assuming you buy into Saratoga Springs) for a fraction of the cost.
Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
There have been a lot of threads in the past with great lists of pros and cons. Feel free to try the search function and you're likely to get more comprehensive lists.
Off the top of my head, here are a few reasons why DVC might not work for you:
1. Only want to use it for occasional trips to WDW, Vero or Hilton Head. While DVC does allow members to use their points to trade into other hotels and timeshares, it's not the best use of your points. If you like to travel, but only plan on making it to Orlando every 3-4 years, consider another point-based timeshare program. Most have lower Annual Fees (Maintenance) than DVC, thus reducing your recurring costs.
2. DVC doesn't always work well for those who travel on short notice. In order to have the best shot at a room at your Home resort, you need to book more than 7 months in advance. After 7 months, ANY DVC MEMBER can book at any resort, making it much harder to come by a room at some resorts.
The one big fallacy that may have come out of your sales presentation is the belief that you can easily book at any DVC resort. While it's true that you have access to all of the resorts, some of the smaller ones (Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge) have a very small number of rooms and thus can be difficult to book. There are also specific room types at other resorts that can be hard to get (any Standard View at the Boardwalk, Grand Villas at Old Key West.)
3. The point costs for a room on Friday and Saturday night are often two times (or more) the cost of a Sunday - Thursday stay. Thus DVC doesn't always work well for those who live near WDW and like to take quick weekend trips.
4. In most cases, don't kid yourself into thinking that DVC will actually save you any money. Our family is now taking better (and more frequent) trips than we would have been able or willing to do by paying cash. But that means we're spending more on transportation, park passes, souvenirs, etc. DVC should help improve the quality and quantity of your vacations, but it may not help your wallet.
I'm probably forgetting some things, but those will give you something to think about. Generally speaking, most people will tell you that their biggest DVC regret is not buying sooner. A decade ago points were selling for about half of the current cost, and many members received free park passes through the '90s.
But that's water under the bridge. If you run the numbers, you'll probably find that your DVC investment will pay for itself in 10 years or less. From then on, you get another 40 years worth of vacations (assuming you buy into Saratoga Springs) for a fraction of the cost.
Good luck, and don't be afraid to ask questions.
Only you can decide if DVC is right for you.
For us it made a lot of sense. We have been to WDW each of the last three years and plan to continue returning at least once a year for the foreseeable future.
We are not buying as an investment or a means to save money but rather as an upgrade to what we have been doing in the past. We also love the idea of being able to bring other family members along who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience the majic.
Based mostly on the great information received from the many good people on this board we decided to jump in and are now in the process of closing on a resale contract. Our only regret is that we never looked into this sooner.
Good Luck!!!
For us it made a lot of sense. We have been to WDW each of the last three years and plan to continue returning at least once a year for the foreseeable future.
We are not buying as an investment or a means to save money but rather as an upgrade to what we have been doing in the past. We also love the idea of being able to bring other family members along who otherwise might not have the opportunity to experience the majic.
Based mostly on the great information received from the many good people on this board we decided to jump in and are now in the process of closing on a resale contract. Our only regret is that we never looked into this sooner.
Good Luck!!!
Mark,
I would suggest to read a lot on this board and then ask questions. As others have said (and I fit in this category), most are happy with DVC.
We love Disney, and we are planning on having a child, so we knew that we would want to take Disney Vacations for years to come.
It is a big commitment, and I cant comment on how I will feel 20 years down the road - but so far so good.
We just got back from our first vacation as DVC members and loved it. The accomodations are just great.
Things to think about:
1. How often do you plan on going to Disney. This will help you determine whether or not to buy at all, and if you decide to buy, how many points you will need
2. Could you get burned out on Disney? (although there is so much going on in Orlando now - you could still stay at a Disney resort and do so many non-disney things)
3. Would Hilton Head, Vero Beach - or even the Disney Cruises have any interest for you?
4. The point system is geared to Disney properties
Do a lot of research, and the boards are helpful. As much as people here love DVC, they are very upfront about costs, and are objective when giving advice
Good Luck
I would suggest to read a lot on this board and then ask questions. As others have said (and I fit in this category), most are happy with DVC.
We love Disney, and we are planning on having a child, so we knew that we would want to take Disney Vacations for years to come.
It is a big commitment, and I cant comment on how I will feel 20 years down the road - but so far so good.
We just got back from our first vacation as DVC members and loved it. The accomodations are just great.
Things to think about:
1. How often do you plan on going to Disney. This will help you determine whether or not to buy at all, and if you decide to buy, how many points you will need
2. Could you get burned out on Disney? (although there is so much going on in Orlando now - you could still stay at a Disney resort and do so many non-disney things)
3. Would Hilton Head, Vero Beach - or even the Disney Cruises have any interest for you?
4. The point system is geared to Disney properties
Do a lot of research, and the boards are helpful. As much as people here love DVC, they are very upfront about costs, and are objective when giving advice
Good Luck
RuthnPaul
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2001
- Messages
- 677
Mark099: In addition to the initial contract cost, there are on-going maintenance fees that vary depending upon the resort. BWV is approximately $4.25 per point. That's the one thing that's preventing us from purchasing additional points...
I agree that if you are going to be traveling to Disney at least once a year for the forseeable future then I'd buy sooner, rather than later. From the time we made our initial trip to WDW, it took us many years to take the plunge and buy. We could have easily paid for one of our contracts with what we've sunk into hotel rooms over those years.
Just our two cents worth...
I agree that if you are going to be traveling to Disney at least once a year for the forseeable future then I'd buy sooner, rather than later. From the time we made our initial trip to WDW, it took us many years to take the plunge and buy. We could have easily paid for one of our contracts with what we've sunk into hotel rooms over those years.
Just our two cents worth...
Mark099
Mouseketeer
- Joined
- Jun 16, 2004
- Messages
- 222
Thanks for all the replies. We have been to WDW 5 times in the last 9-10 years. We have a 5 yr old daughter and she has been to WDW 3 times and Disneyland twice. Yes, we are Disney lovers. To date, we have been satisfied staying in the moderates and have never paid more than $99/night. We just returned home Tuesday after 15 nights at the Pop Century. I have never been one to be overly concerned with staying in deluxe accomodations. I'd rather stay 15 nights at the Pop and put the savings into a more permanent asset -- like our house.
After looking at the options, the things that stood out for us other than the DVC resorts are... the cruises, and a handful of the 350 world resorts. The points required for cruising keeps us happy enough to use that as an option. The timeshare trade-offs to places like Hawaii, Arizona and California would be used. Other Florida destinations could get occassional use. When we go to WDW we tend to go for a while (usually 2 weeks) because it is a 10-12 hour travel day from where we live. We figure we would get to WDW every 3 years and do either of the following...
1) 7 day cruise and 4-5 nights in WDW, or
2) 4 day cruise and 9-10 nights in WDW
Vero Beach would be an option, but I doubt Hilton Head would be...
We would also consider doing a 7 day timeshare trade-off in Miami or Ft Lauderdale and doing a 7-10 day cruise with another cruise line. I am not a beach person, but I can handle it for a few days at a time. I like to have stuff to do and things to see. Cities like Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu appeal to me.
After looking at the options, the things that stood out for us other than the DVC resorts are... the cruises, and a handful of the 350 world resorts. The points required for cruising keeps us happy enough to use that as an option. The timeshare trade-offs to places like Hawaii, Arizona and California would be used. Other Florida destinations could get occassional use. When we go to WDW we tend to go for a while (usually 2 weeks) because it is a 10-12 hour travel day from where we live. We figure we would get to WDW every 3 years and do either of the following...
1) 7 day cruise and 4-5 nights in WDW, or
2) 4 day cruise and 9-10 nights in WDW
Vero Beach would be an option, but I doubt Hilton Head would be...
We would also consider doing a 7 day timeshare trade-off in Miami or Ft Lauderdale and doing a 7-10 day cruise with another cruise line. I am not a beach person, but I can handle it for a few days at a time. I like to have stuff to do and things to see. Cities like Orlando, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Honolulu appeal to me.
JimC
DVC Co-Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2002
- Messages
- 6,266
You may not be a good candidate for DVC. Trading out of DVC, while a nice option to have, is much more expensive than buying another timeshare and using it for trades.
We don't consider the DCL point requirements that good of a deal. Unlike DVC where the points are relatively fixed for the contract, points at all Disney collection resorts/DCL are adjusted annually.
For the other WDW resorts in the Disney collection you need to make the points or cash decsision with each reservation. We have found AP code rates better than points and the reverse. This year we are using points for AKL concierge because the AP code rate is no better. Last year we used AP code rate for the Poly because it was better.
If you enjoy the value resorts and they meet your needs, then DVC will probably not save you money. We figured with DVC we stay in a one bedroom deluxe villa for the price of staying in one room at a moderate resort.
DVC seems to work best for those who go to WDW at least every other year, are willing to pay moderate resort rates, want to stay in deluxe one bedrrom or larger villas, can plan several to 11 months out for their vacations and will primarily use their points within DVC.
We don't consider the DCL point requirements that good of a deal. Unlike DVC where the points are relatively fixed for the contract, points at all Disney collection resorts/DCL are adjusted annually.
For the other WDW resorts in the Disney collection you need to make the points or cash decsision with each reservation. We have found AP code rates better than points and the reverse. This year we are using points for AKL concierge because the AP code rate is no better. Last year we used AP code rate for the Poly because it was better.
If you enjoy the value resorts and they meet your needs, then DVC will probably not save you money. We figured with DVC we stay in a one bedroom deluxe villa for the price of staying in one room at a moderate resort.
DVC seems to work best for those who go to WDW at least every other year, are willing to pay moderate resort rates, want to stay in deluxe one bedrrom or larger villas, can plan several to 11 months out for their vacations and will primarily use their points within DVC.
rocketriter
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2003
- Messages
- 2,316
We bought in order to have room to spread out. When the kids were little we wanted to be able to put them to bed without plunging ourselves into darkness. Now we want them to be able to giggle and poke without our having to hear every word. When puberty strikes (any second now!) we want them each to have their own beds since they're of different sexes, and we want more than one bathroom.
WDW hotels will not guarantee connecting rooms (which, of course, cost twice the price of one room). Suites are terribly expensive (many of them, by the way, being DVC rooms offered to non-members by the WDW hotel system for $500-$900/night!). So DVC membership was the answer for us.
WDW hotels will not guarantee connecting rooms (which, of course, cost twice the price of one room). Suites are terribly expensive (many of them, by the way, being DVC rooms offered to non-members by the WDW hotel system for $500-$900/night!). So DVC membership was the answer for us.
Granny
Yeah, I'm a guy
- Joined
- Jul 25, 2001
- Messages
- 14,430
These two sentences tell me that you might not be a very good DVC candidate. DVC is all about improved accommodations, IMHO. As others have pointed out, it hasn't saved us money but rather cost us more as we travel to WDW much more than we would have otherwise, spending more money at the parks, etc.
We enjoy DVC very much and the improved vacations it allows us to have. No more commando touring, up at first light and off to the parks. We are now much more leisurely and less concerned about "missing something". After all, we'll be back next year!
So for us, the better accommodations and improved vacation experience are what have made DVC one of the best purchases we have ever made.
Good luck with your decision.
dianeschlicht
<font color=blue>DVC-Trivia Contest, Apr-2006: Hon
- Joined
- Nov 22, 2000
- Messages
- 36,449
I don't have much to add to what has already been said. Just sufice it to say that we have kicked ourselves many times over for not buying in when we first heard about it back in 1992. It took 5 years before we finally bought our first contract. Then we added another just 1 year later. We "just missed" the free passes!
Tricolours
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- May 25, 2001
- Messages
- 7
My family will be staying at OKW for twelve nights in June 04. We will have two studios and a two bedroom suite. If I were to pay the going rate (I checked Orbitz and Expedia) it would cost $15,024.96(including 11% tax)! That's about what it cost me for all my points that I get to use over and over again. Needless to say it is a substancial savings. My home resort is at BWV.
I also have been on the fence for the past five years. The ONLY thing that is preventing me from buying in is the fact that I only stay at monorail resorts when I visit WDW. This is a personal thing, I think it goes back to my childhood memories of staying at the CR, and if they ever put one at the CR, Poly or GF I will be the first in line. It seems to me that there is plenty of land next to the CR and GF to add another DVC. I guess SSR will have to be finished before any of my dreams are possible.
I tend to agree with Granny, the third sentence is the clincher....
Points to cruise have increased significantly over the past few years - and will likely to continue to increase. There are some restrictions to booking on points (like when you can book and how many rooms are available), plus the booking fee - making cruising on points a less good deal. It CAN be a good deal, but every year when the point charts for cruising are released, there is a general cry from the boards from the folks who bought with cruising in mind.
The resorts available this year may not be available next. Those contracts are renegotiated every year as well. And, although I'm pretty sure there will always be great resorts to trade into, the per point cost and the resorts will not be a sure thing. Like the cruise, you can often book similar or sometimes those same resorts for less cash money than your DVC points are worth - particularly if you are flexible. And you aren't limited by who DVC created a contract with.
We are very happy with our DVC, but bought specifically for WDW and specifically so that we could improve the quality of our accomodations (kids in a seperate bedroom!) without a huge increase to the costs (we were staying in Deluxes - and connecting rooms get cost prohibitive).
Points to cruise have increased significantly over the past few years - and will likely to continue to increase. There are some restrictions to booking on points (like when you can book and how many rooms are available), plus the booking fee - making cruising on points a less good deal. It CAN be a good deal, but every year when the point charts for cruising are released, there is a general cry from the boards from the folks who bought with cruising in mind.
The resorts available this year may not be available next. Those contracts are renegotiated every year as well. And, although I'm pretty sure there will always be great resorts to trade into, the per point cost and the resorts will not be a sure thing. Like the cruise, you can often book similar or sometimes those same resorts for less cash money than your DVC points are worth - particularly if you are flexible. And you aren't limited by who DVC created a contract with.
We are very happy with our DVC, but bought specifically for WDW and specifically so that we could improve the quality of our accomodations (kids in a seperate bedroom!) without a huge increase to the costs (we were staying in Deluxes - and connecting rooms get cost prohibitive).
Good point!
The only thing that's guaranteed with DVC is the ability to use the DVC resorts for the next 40-50 years. And, the point requirements for a single stay cannot change over time.
However, the exchange programs (including DCL, other WDW resorts and non-disney properties) are NOT guaranteed, nor are the point costs for these options.
As I said in my initial post, unless you (the OP) are planning frequent visits to Disney, then I wouldn't recommend DVC. There are other more economical timeshare options which will accomplish similar goals at a fraction of the cost of DVC.
brivers222
Former DVC member
- Joined
- May 19, 2004
- Messages
- 1,591
We did the whole tour on our last day of our 9 day trip last month.
The offers were placed on the table and I made the mistake of remembering "if its too good to be true it probably is" Our guide took us on the tour of the rooms (it was the old office at BWV). Upon walking into the first studio, our jaws dropped!
"You mean we could take this trip each year for a week and stay in this size room for the MINIMAL amount of points to purchase?"
Then we went to the 1-bedroom... Didn't think the jaw could dropped any further, well it did! "You mean, there is a FULL kitchen, WASHER DRYER and other stuff!"
We just got done paying about $2000 to stay 6 nights at ASMv and 3 nights at AKL. For cying out loud, that was enough for a large down payment.
Needless to say, we didn't buy because I wanted to research it more. We did decide that before took another trip to disney, we would use that money we would of spent on accomidations and use it as a nice downpayment.
***ENTER THIS WEBSITE into the equation***
Everybody was VERY helpful on here and bared with me through all my "newbie" questions.
About 8 days after we got back we decided it was time. Called my guide, she hooked us up (I'll give you her name if you PM me) and now June 14th we are in our final closing section. Our closing date is slated for July 6th.
We are now planning to take my MIL and SIL back with us to stay at a kickin' resort (no more 318sqft rooms for us!!!!)
The offers were placed on the table and I made the mistake of remembering "if its too good to be true it probably is" Our guide took us on the tour of the rooms (it was the old office at BWV). Upon walking into the first studio, our jaws dropped!
"You mean we could take this trip each year for a week and stay in this size room for the MINIMAL amount of points to purchase?"
Then we went to the 1-bedroom... Didn't think the jaw could dropped any further, well it did! "You mean, there is a FULL kitchen, WASHER DRYER and other stuff!"
We just got done paying about $2000 to stay 6 nights at ASMv and 3 nights at AKL. For cying out loud, that was enough for a large down payment.
Needless to say, we didn't buy because I wanted to research it more. We did decide that before took another trip to disney, we would use that money we would of spent on accomidations and use it as a nice downpayment.
***ENTER THIS WEBSITE into the equation***
Everybody was VERY helpful on here and bared with me through all my "newbie" questions.
About 8 days after we got back we decided it was time. Called my guide, she hooked us up (I'll give you her name if you PM me) and now June 14th we are in our final closing section. Our closing date is slated for July 6th.
We are now planning to take my MIL and SIL back with us to stay at a kickin' resort (no more 318sqft rooms for us!!!!)
JimC
DVC Co-Moderator
- Joined
- Dec 12, 2002
- Messages
- 6,266
Here is a very different, but I suspect accurate way of looking at it. DVC is Disney currency prepaid to ensure a favorable fixed rate of exchange for DVC resorts. Favorable in that within ten years you will recoup your initial outlay and over time you will likely see ever increasing savings all while staying in one bedroom villas over using cash at moderate resorts.
DVC also provides a floating rate of exchange at other certain Disney resorts, DCL and non-Disney properties. The value of the exchange must be reconsidered with each transaction.
DVC also provides a floating rate of exchange at other certain Disney resorts, DCL and non-Disney properties. The value of the exchange must be reconsidered with each transaction.
many trips to fw campground, imho one of the finest campgrounds we have ever stayed in, having said that i really wish we had bought sooner than 03, took the tour in 99 and couldn't quite pull the trigger, well after staying at cs for a convention and retaking the tour we did it
we do 2-3 trips per year to wdw esp now with cheap jet blue out of jfk, trips are 5-7 nights in length, dvc allows us to stay in deluxe 1 bedrooms for less than the luxury hotels would cost
we now have added enough points to do a little banking and borrowing in a couple of years and when my neices are a little older to have a grand villa/ family vacation for 12, i could never afford to put them all up in deluxe hotels
i truly love my dvc, 3 contracts, 3 uy, 3 resorts
bcv, bwv, okw
we do 2-3 trips per year to wdw esp now with cheap jet blue out of jfk, trips are 5-7 nights in length, dvc allows us to stay in deluxe 1 bedrooms for less than the luxury hotels would cost
we now have added enough points to do a little banking and borrowing in a couple of years and when my neices are a little older to have a grand villa/ family vacation for 12, i could never afford to put them all up in deluxe hotels
i truly love my dvc, 3 contracts, 3 uy, 3 resorts
bcv, bwv, okw
Hi Mark099: I'm glad you took my advice to check out this site - these guys are great!! I did notice that you are from BC - we are from Ontario which makes our travelling a bit easier than yours (2 hour flights or we can drive in 18 hours). Therefore we can make more frequent trips. This year I traded our points for Hawaii (before I discovered this board - otherwise I would never have done it). We will be going in November so that is water under the bridge. I don't think I will ever do that again - the DVC resorts are by far the best value. I could probably have booked this place with cash for a lot less than I could have rented my points for. In fact a guy was looking to trade his unit at the place we are staying for 100 less points than it cost us! Oh well, I'm glad I found this board and I'm sure you will too. I agree with the others that you need to make yearly or every other year trips to make it worth while and mainly use the DVC resorts. Good luck with your research and decision.
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