glad we didnt fall into the pressuer of signing after our tour at the BCV

[eva]

DVC definitely isn't for everyone. My sister and BIL bought a couple years ago after staying in a GV with us. I'm still wondering if they made the right decision. They like WDW ok, but don't plan on going there every year. I tried to talk them into thinking it over after the trip. But they took the plunge anyway. I believe if you go to WDW every year (or every other year) and stay in deluxe resorts it worth taking a look into it. Here's some quick facts on buying 180 points through DVC:

Loan:
180 points at $84 = $15,120
Financed at 9.75% for 10 years gives a total of $23,726.95 for the loan.

Dues:
With a estimate of $4 for this year and a 5% (somewhat high on average) increase yearly the total dues over 50 years on 180 points would be $150,730.56.

Total for 50 years through DVC: $174,457.51

That may seem high, but I calculated how much a deluxe room would cost over that 50 years. I started with $250 a night for 10 nights. With a 3% increase yearly (very generous) the total for 50 years was $281,992.17. That would be the total if you went every year for 10 nights.

We bought in 1997 and it was a no braner for us. At that time when we did the calculations we could stay in a 2-bedroom for less that a moderate would cost. But I think the main things that a person must ask themselves are:
1. Will I want to go to WDW off and on for the next 50 years. And:
2. Can I afford it at this time.

 

[Boomdocker]

We had the brief from a really helpful CM on the cruise after looking from a distance on previous holidays. I really wanted to be part of DVC. I believe it does suit many people and I envy those of you who have it. In the end I decided it was not for me, however, I can see the long term benefits.

My personal reasons for not doing it are I am a single person and the £7,500 cash up front I simply do not have. I do not have any financing in my life and do not wish to commit to this, even with Disney.

The points cover accomadation only so living in the UK I have to pay for transatlantic flights (£300), transfers (£50), tickets (£200) and my yearly dues (£300). These are all very approximate depending on time of year, I usually travel off peak every Jan. So that is nearly £1000 for an annual holiday. These dues were based on 150 points based at Saratoga Springs and would fluctuate with the dollar rate as well.

I can book a package holiday for 2 weeks at a moderate WDW for not much more than £1500.

I do see that should I wish to take family or friends in the future then their room rate would be covered so this is were savings would be made long term. Also, my choice of DVC hotel is deluxe so I am getting an enhanced holiday if that is important to you.

For me I didn't want the long term financial commitment but I do want control over where I want to go and when. If I have a bit more cash one year I can upgrade if I don't then I just go standard. I am not a control freak but I do want some autonomy over my future spending.

I believe no-one is right or wrong here, you just have to be happy with your own decision.

Now if I save, come in to, win or by any other method happen to have the cash for the down payment that would be a different matter, just don't want that financing.

Hey and let's not forget, however we get there, we are all still going to Disney!!!!!!!

 

[Shadeaux]

Originally posted by bongo59
....we all have lifetime passes to get in any disney park ever!!!!

According to the information I received from someone within DVC, lifetime passes were never offered to DVC members. The only pass program was the free park admission that ended in 1999. I'd love to know how you were able to obtain a lifetime pass.

 

[smchan]

Interesting thread, though I got rather lost in all the calculations by page 3.

From what I've read so far, one thing that was missing was the time value of money. That is, up through page 3, inflation was considered (rack rates going up, etc) but interest earnings on the original buy in and on the maintenance fees were not.

Long story short, I've all but decided to buy into DVC. Here's why... my wife grew up vacationing at WDW. Her dad was a self-made business man who worked very hard. She remembers him only truly relaxing only when they were at WDW. (I can still hear him say "tower room, park view" - referring to The Contemporary.) Their first visit was in Feb. 1972. My wife has a MBA but has decided to be a stay-at-home mom and home-schooler, giving up a potential 80k-100k+ income and going against whatever plans we'd mapped out in our youth. Basically, our plans were to be DINKs and travel alot.

So... she works hard at home, I work hard on career. I get rewards for my work, she not so much. As soon as I can save $12k-$15k, I'm going to buy a 150-200 point DVC resale for her as a reward for her hard work. She deserves it.


Sam