For those who have or have not bought DVC

[jeanninepl]

My husband and I just returned from a terrific Disney vacation!

We have discussed DVC and wonder how the numbers really "fall out". Do you save money? We always stay Deluxe and go about every other year (and we prefer to be on the monorail).

I know there have been many debates on this board so I do not want to start another one.

My question is - has anyone done a spreadsheet that breaks the numbers down that they can send me?

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

You might want to ask this over on the DVC Operations or Misc boards. It's mostly owners over there and some have in depth analysis re purchasing DVC. You will still get pros and cons of buying in.

We bought in because we go every year (at least once) and prefer the villa type accomodations. I like separate bedrooms, more than one bath (have kids), kitchen etc. We like to spread out and be comfy.

I didn't do spreadsheets etc on our cost savings but I know on our last (and first DVC) trip it was AWESOME to not have to pay for our room! That said, we have a small amount of points now, bought resale, and paid cash. No payments, no financing and lots of peace of mind

I believe you'll find that there will be a break even point and then it's gravy (there are annual dues for maintenance and taxes, don't forget that). You don't have to purchase 160 points from Disney if you don't need that much. I purchased from The Timeshare Store which sponsors the DVC boards and they were perfect. It is rumoured that the C shaped building going up next to the CR will be DVC. Initially anyway, you'd have to buy from Disney there (to be on the monorail). Most think there will be high demand for that property and it takes a little while for anything from a new resort to show up on the resale market. Smaller contracts will be snatched up quickly when they become available (like you'll have to have a salesperson from TTS looking out for you)!

Girl, get on over to those DVC boards - there's a wealth of info over there!

Good luck with your decision

 

[rie'smom]

If you check the DVC boards, I know I've seen posts about the spreadsheets.
It does save on the accommodations-however, most of us get APs, spend more on airfare because we have to visit more, and there's addonitis-the desire to add points. Also, many people don't book weekends as that burns up points, so there are additional $$$ for hotels.
This is what decided our BWV purchase:
We stayed GF in a suite for a trip. The cost of 300 points was a little over double that price. Now,when we go to WDW, we can stay in a bigger place for our trips for many years. You can also use the points to book travel around the world.
I do trade points to stay at CSR though because I still love it.

 

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

does save on the accommodations-however, most of us get APs, spend more on airfare because we have to visit more, and there's addonitis-the desire to add points.

That's for sure! Once you're in - you'll want MORE!

 

[chalee94]

We have discussed DVC and wonder how the numbers really "fall out". Do you save money? We always stay Deluxe and go about every other year (and we prefer to be on the monorail).

My question is - has anyone done a spreadsheet that breaks the numbers down that they can send me?

if you prefer the monorail, you may want to wait and see what the numbers are for the BLT...assuming it is DVC as expected.

 

[mikesmom]

I'll weigh in as a family that actually does save money.
- We don't go any more often, although we have changed our annual summer trip with kids to a Fall trip for Food & Wine since DS has grown up.
- We are able to eat in our room and not have to eat out as often. (Note: We don't eat in the room to be cheap, we are foodies, LOVE to cook and often don't have as much time to indulge when we are at home with busy schedules. Cooking on vacation is a treat for us.) When the boys were along we saved a fortune on snacks alone - kept chips, ice cream, fruit, deli meat, cheese etc in the fridge to keep them happy.
- We've had to go down to Orlando several times in the last few years for conferences, trade shows or seminars. We stayed in DVC accomodations instead of trying to find an offsite hotel. That definitely saved out of pocket money and we were way more comfotable. I know it seems horrifying, but we don't go into the park on those trips.

I suspect we may go more often as the new DGS gets older but we are way past our break even point (owners 8 years now). We buy multi day tickets with no expire so we can use them whenever we go, and we have a surfeit of frequent flyer miles from SW so travel is covered.

We are also one of those families that probably wouldn't GET a vacation (now that DS is grown) without DVC. The workaholic DH never wants to spare the time - but now doesn't want to waste the points!

 

[bookswin]

I'm a scientist/businessman and I've done the math dozens of ways with interest rate assumptions, current and future possible marginal tax brackets, assumptions about future inflation in dues and hotel room rates, various depreciation schedules, comparing amenities of resorts to one another, value of current perks, etc., etc.

There are about 40 variables to input, all of which involve assumptions and your preferences, so no one's spreadsheet works out the same as anyone else's.

In my case, the breakeven occurs after 8-10 years.

Regardless, the comment you hear sometimes about breakeven after 5-7 stays is WAY optimistic.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Being a DVC member gives you the right to give Disney more money. That's about it. Dues go up every year. Points are way too high in my estimation (we bought when points were $50 a point). You won't save money. You will only prepay your lodging.

 

[bookswin]

Being a DVC member gives you the right to give Disney more money. That's about it. Dues go up every year. Points are way too high in my estimation (we bought when points were $50 a point). You won't save money. You will only prepay your lodging.

Check back with us in 30 years when a Value room will be $400 plus $80 in tax per night.

Yes, I know annual maintenance will be higher, too, but not THAT much higher.

 

[dvcdisney]

I have a spreadsheet for that reason, but it is based on our personal circumstance.

I think you can do a quick look at whether it would be a good purchase for you by caluculating how much you would spend on a vacation and compare it to how many points you would need to get the same type resort and accomodation. I think if you find that you are breaking even or saving money, it would then be up to you if you thing paying upfront (in a way) for 50 years (some resorts less) for your vacations are worth the savings or not. Also you should make sure that you get an idea of how much the annual fees would be for the amount of points you would need. And include this in your calculation. Now keep in mind that Annual fees may/will increase (generally) but the amount you paid up front has been set and unless you finance this amount, it should be easy to calculate the total spread over the number of points which are spread over 50 years.

It will take a long time to get this worked out but I believe it's important to make sure that it's best for you. Our experience has been that we are paying about the same amount as a holiday inn but staying at a truly deluxe hotel in Disney property where we have the convenience and benefits of onsite.

 

[dvcdisney]

In my case, the breakeven occurs after 8-10 years.

I think that is similar to our case as well. And this for us was without financing. So, any type of financing would increase our number. But again, this would be your decision whether it was something that you wanted or not.

 

[crisi]

I think its really going to depend on if you have the discipline to use it as you use your current Deluxe stay, if you have the discipline to use it even more frugally than your Deluxe stay (avoid weekends), or if DVC is a factor in getting you to change your Disney vacation habits.

Ways to save money - offseason mid week rates are great. Laundry is included, kitchens and kitchenettes mean you can cook in your room. If you can maintain your travel patterns - or even include some of these things, you'll save money.

Ways to spend money - going from studio like accomodations to one or two bedroom units. Inviting others to use your points. Going more often because "you have points left" (if you buy 160 points you have too many for one week during a low seasons), not having a hotel bill means suddenly the cash flow is there for dinner at the California Grill and seeing Cirque. Going when you really should be staying home when money is tight because you have points.

We've had most of the "how DVC is NOT cost effective" scenarios. We are still content, but it isn't SAVING us money. That really isn't DVC's fault though.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I think its really going to depend on if you have the discipline to use it as you use your current Deluxe stay, if you have the discipline to use it even more frugally than your Deluxe stay (avoid weekends), or if DVC is a factor in getting you to change your Disney vacation habits.

Ways to save money - offseason mid week rates are great. Laundry is included, kitchens and kitchenettes mean you can cook in your room. If you can maintain your travel patterns - or even include some of these things, you'll save money.

Ways to spend money - going from studio like accomodations to one or two bedroom units. Inviting others to use your points. Going more often because "you have points left" (if you buy 160 points you have too many for one week during a low seasons), not having a hotel bill means suddenly the cash flow is there for dinner at the California Grill and seeing Cirque. Going when you really should be staying home when money is tight because you have points.

We've had most of the "how DVC is NOT cost effective" scenarios. We are still content, but it isn't SAVING us money. That really isn't DVC's fault though.

OK, Crisi - you got me.

We've brought family down and stayed in a 2 bedroom, and went with friends who stayed at POR because we had the points even though things were tight at home. We used to go every 3 years, and have now gone twice in the same year, and have added Hilton Head and Savannah to our travels.

But...we're having so much fun...

I think really and truthfully...DVC doesn't save you money, it changes your lifestyle.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...I think really and truthfully...DVC doesn't save you money, it changes your lifestyle.

Exactly!!

 

[jdb1232]

We go to WDW at least every other year, more times than not it is every year. We stay at either the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. We just bought at the VWL. We figured we were going to regulars at WDW for at least 15 more years since our kids are so young. We went back and forth about DVC for about two years. It wasn't the question of do we want it, it was financial.
If your true to the monorail wait for the new towers. However, the boat ride from Wilderness Lodge to the Magic Kingdom are quick and a nice ride.