I'd say it's all of above stated. DVC, theoretically, yes, can save money in terms of the room being covered and freeing up money if you rotated your points/years. Like many others though, once you get a hit of the DVC drug, LOL, you want more! So more points, more trips to justify using APs, more airfare/food/souvenirs, etc. But, I think what gets lost a lot of times is that many/most families travel to the same beach/cottage/lake year after year, and that isn't cheap, either. I can spend at least $3,000 for one week at a semi decent rental with freezing New England water and still have to pack linens and food and cook and clean for everyone like I do at home -- but at the beach.
DVC, yes, I can certainly cook (and do, to save money and stay in PJs longer versus running out the door to grab breakfast all dressed and made up,) but we have every attraction/convenience/food we need at our fingertips, too, if we are feeling like we want to be on VACATION. The accommodations are lovely, we don't have to think of driving and parking anywhere, Ubers/Lyfts are plentiful (usually,) and we like the resorts more than the parks.
We are definitely spoiled! We stayed at Portofino and Hard Rock at Universal, and while nice, we missed the space, kitchens, laundry, and privacy of DVC. Researching AirBnBs seems exhausting.
Disney/DVC is now the brainless option that we can relax -- or be on the go -- depending on our whim. We would like to do DL, Aulani, Vero, Hilton Head, one of these days, too, so we'll branch out and use our points. I am interested in Europe, but C19 shot that down, and I don't feel comfortable spending thousands to possibly be stuck in a lockdown with a surge or a positive Covid test, so kicking that particular can down the road for a few years, but no biggie. DVC is convenient, and I am exhausted, so that works for me for this season of life.
DVC, yes, I can certainly cook (and do, to save money and stay in PJs longer versus running out the door to grab breakfast all dressed and made up,) but we have every attraction/convenience/food we need at our fingertips, too, if we are feeling like we want to be on VACATION. The accommodations are lovely, we don't have to think of driving and parking anywhere, Ubers/Lyfts are plentiful (usually,) and we like the resorts more than the parks.
We are definitely spoiled! We stayed at Portofino and Hard Rock at Universal, and while nice, we missed the space, kitchens, laundry, and privacy of DVC. Researching AirBnBs seems exhausting.
Disney/DVC is now the brainless option that we can relax -- or be on the go -- depending on our whim. We would like to do DL, Aulani, Vero, Hilton Head, one of these days, too, so we'll branch out and use our points. I am interested in Europe, but C19 shot that down, and I don't feel comfortable spending thousands to possibly be stuck in a lockdown with a surge or a positive Covid test, so kicking that particular can down the road for a few years, but no biggie. DVC is convenient, and I am exhausted, so that works for me for this season of life.