Having second thoughts already...

[sdlong329]

1. You need a lot of money. Purchase price, dues, cost of travel, food, gifts, vacations extras.

2. You have to love WDW enough to want to vacation there at least once per year or every two until you sell your contracts.

3. Expect the DVC rules and perks to change to benefit Disney more that the Members.

4. Expect Disney to care more about selling points than servicing the existing Membership.

5. Expect the DVC resorts to look pretty worn before Disney decides to refurbish the resort.

The DVC is a business that makes them some pretty good money for Disney. As long as you are willing to accept the above, you can save some money owning a DVC interest in the long run. The savings is based upon the non member costs of the same type of accommodations during normal economic times

---I am not sure what you are trying to say, but I disagree with #1 about needing a lot of money. All things are up to interpretation. What is a lot of money to one, may not be a lot to another. Then again, what is alot? If you mean $59 to stay at Contemporary Resort ... consider their initial rate was $29 - in 1971. Heck, I paid $89 per night at Port Orleans in 1994. Rental rates will continue to increase. If you are saying Disney property costs more money that others - I agree. Usually, you get what you pay for.

#2 - Disagree. We have owned DVC since 1994. Originally purchased 160 points (OKW), added 50 more. Recently picked up 140 at Animal Kingdom Lodge. We haven't been to WDW for several years. We've used our points to stay at Manhattan Club in NYC. We have also been using our points to take various cruises on Disney Cruise Line. After considering the cost of annual dues, we figure we are still saving 50% +/- on the cost of the cruise. We are also contemplating a trip to Austria on our points. We would have NEVER thought about going to Austria, but it is within reach, now that we have DVC.

#3 - DVC will offer perks at WDW, DL and other facilities, in an effort to get the consumer to spend more time at the various resorts and facilities - for various amenities. Of course, these change from time to time ... otherwise ... it would grow old ... and become meaningless. This is common sense marketing. This does not mean it benefits DVC more than the members. Of course, some members will get more use of the perks, than other members - it's up to individual tastes.

#4 - WOW, I totally disagree. If you honestly believe Disney is NOT in the Customer Satisfaction business, you are sponsoring the wrong venue.

#5 - Again, I totally disagree. We purchase Old Key West in 1994, which opened in 1992 (50 year contract). We recently took advantage of a option to extend the 50 years, to 65 years (nominal cost). Currently, OKW is 18 years old, and has been constantly refurbished from time to time (several times) over that time frame. You *do* realize Disney refurbishes rides and exhibits inside the Parks ... don't you? Same concept!

 

[sdlong329]

DVC is not a sound financial investment. There is no return on the investment, and you will always find a good deal if you are willing to be flexible.

What DVC does is give you the fun of planning and experiencing a Disney vacation every year. I could probably find a cheaper vacation elsewhere, but we enjoy the planning, staying on the Disney property, the theme parks and resort activities, and enjoy taking our children and maybe one day grandchildren.

---WOW - I do not agree. We paid $51 per point in 1994, and received free tickets through 1999. Currently, we have the ability to sell our points for more than we paid ... after using the free tickets, and accomodations for almost 20 years. Being able to take a vacation IS CERTAINLY a return on investment, as we received a product. We NEVER had to be flexible.

Yes, I can vacation at the New Jersey shore ... it would be more expensive, and no where near as nice at Hilton Head, Vero Beach, Disney Cruise Line, or any other WDW / DL resort ... not counting Manhattan Club, or other DC resorts including Hawaii (2011-12). I can also vacation in the Pocono Mountains (PA). It would be much cheaper. Then again, I did NOT buy a property or timeshare in the Pocono Mountains.

I do not agree with the comparison to a cheaper vacation. Do you realize Contemporary Resort rented for $29 per night in 1971? Port Orleans rented for $89 in 1994. It seems as though you failed to take into consideration, the very obvious fact that rental rates (rack, or otherwise) will continue to increase.

 

[Lost boy]

We bought-in 3 years ago and have only stayed once with the plan to go every other year, we also own a week at one of the Royal Resorts in the carrib. Our four children range from 17-25 years old with a 2 year old grand daughter, so our reason for buying was more to be able to share and provide special vacations to our children and grandchildren as they're starting out in life. With money being so tight with young families they'll always have a place to go for not alot of money with my ownership. Of course my wife and I would love to go alone I don't see much of that in the next 20 years with 4 kids and I'm sure plenty of grandchildren, time to plan an add-on.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I returned from our first stay at AKV in November. Absolutely fabulous...worth every penny. And yea, we financed it, just like our home and cars. It is a luxury for us after working 20 years. We would never have been able to stay at a Deluxe resort with the current rack rate prices. We usually go for 9-10 nights. I mean who can say if something is a good buy for someone else. DH doesn't golf, hunt or fish and I do not enjoy shopping for clothes. So we decided to spend money on something with both enjoy...Disney. Our first trip was everything we had hoped after staying in value resorts the last 8 years. Woohoo made reservations for Dec.1-10, 2010 Saturday and Sunday. Let the planning begin!!

 

[FindTheMickeys]

Would I trade my DVC membership for the "free dining" that Disney offers? Not in this lifetime! I own 150 points at SSR and before I purchased DVC, I was lucky if I took a vacation every 8 years. Oh, I took time off work because I had to, but I never had the funds to travel... DVC gives me a great incentive to get out of town and the financing made the purchase affordable. I financed the purchase but have paid it off. As soon as I get my other finances in order, my add-on-itis will take over and I plan on buying more points to go more often. I say to each his own. Only YOU can say whether DVC is right for YOU... I say "Disney, take me away....!"

 

[AirGoofy]

---WOW - I do not agree. We paid $51 per point in 1994, and received free tickets through 1999. Currently, we have the ability to sell our points for more than we paid ... after using the free tickets, and accomodations for almost 20 years. Being able to take a vacation IS CERTAINLY a return on investment, as we received a product. We NEVER had to be flexible.

I guess we will disagree. When I think of investment, I think of allocating money for income or profit. So, unless you are earning money through point rentals, I would not consider it investiment. If it is saving money, DVC beats Disney rack rates. But, I can camp at any state park anywhere and save more money than a DVC vacation. (My camping days are over.) Perhaps as a business practice, Disney took a loss on its DVC program in the beginning. I think your $51 per point is now $120 per point. So, I guess if you sell, before it's too close to the end of the contract and the dues aren't too high, then it's an investment. Given the changes (dues increases, points adjustments, etc.) there are few DVC members that will win a financial game against the Disney Coorporation.

I enjoy my DVC for the fun of the vacations, and not from a financial point of view.

 

[sdlong329]

When I think of investment, I think of allocating money for income or profit. So, unless you are earning money through point rentals, I would not consider it investiment. If it is saving money, DVC beats Disney rack rates. But, I can camp at any state park anywhere and save more money than a DVC vacation. Perhaps as a business practice, Disney took a loss on its DVC program in the beginning. I think your $51 per point is now $120 per point. So, I guess if you sell, before it's too close to the end of the contract and the dues aren't too high, then it's an investment. Given the changes (dues increases, points adjustments, etc.) there are few DVC members that will win a financial game against the Disney Coorporation.

Nobody should be purchasing a time-share, or going on a vacation, and classify it as an investment. On the other hand, most people need a car (daily driver), will buy or lease a car. Is it an investment? Well, if you lay out money for it, some say yes. On the other hand, a car, vacation, or time-share provide you either a service, or tangible benefit (noncash). I do not think ANYONE buys a timeshare (DVC or otherwise), expecting to pay association fees, sit back, and make a yearly profit. The fact is, with Disney as a Property Manager, the owner clearly has more potential that any non-Disney time-share.

You apparently are not aware of the 15 year extention offered on Old Key West, offered at neglible cost. No matter if you have the 50 or 65 year plan, consider utillizing an actuarial to calculate the cost of an upscale rental at WDW or DL, then compare that to a fixed price for the time-share. Association dues? Well, you get what you pay for. I have more than typical # of points, yielding me several weeks, yet my yearly association fee is about the same as owning a single week at NYC's Manhattan Club. Manhattan Club sells for more, but costs LOTS more from the developer.

Don't kid yourself. I can't imagine Disney loosing money at $51 per point. As I am sure you MUST know, almost everything goes up in price. Labor, building materials, etc. Consider the resorts rack rates increase most every year, as well as the cost of a ticket, and there's no surprise that a DVC time-share or DCL cruise will go up most every year. Don't complain that maintenance fees go up on a time-share - just as they do on your own home - regardless of whether you have an association, or not.

You seem to consider a purchase at DVC as Disney versus the buyer. With that kind of attitude, I can see why you would quash most anything. Do you ride te builder of your home ... the manufacturer of your home appliances ... the manufacturer of your car ... because they too, pay salaries, taxes, maintenance on their investments? While I certainly doi not have the ability to TELL DVC what to do, I also do not tell General Motors, Toll Brothers Builders, Whirlpool, Cal Spas (etc) what they should, or should not be doing. At the same time, I do not look at it as a financial GAME to be lost by the consumer. If I thought it was a loosing battle, I would not have made the purchase.

You surely expect to pay less to go camping. You surely expect to pay more to stay at a Hyatt Regency. Why then, would you not expect a Disney time-share to cost more than Vistana? Have you looked at the retail cost of Vistana? Have you looked at how little money the Vistana resales are fetching?

It does not make sense to buy a Chevy Malibu, a Whirlpool refrigerator, or a Cal Spas hot tub ... if you do not plan to use them. The same is true for most time-shares. I know I am spending $1,800 per year on association fees. I know my current cruise would have cost me over $3,000 at discount. No matter how I look at things, I am saving money on a yearly basis. Then again, like I said, if someone is not going to use the benefits (whether WDW, DL, or elsewhere), they should not own a time-share.

 

[Tiger926]

yes, I am talking about dining. I never realized the deluxe dining was $72 a day per person....we always got free dining and upgraded for $30pp. I guess I have to look at this as a separate entity...Lodging and nothing to do with dining.

I'm confused as to what this has to do with owning DVC? Food costs are food costs, no matter where you stay, and secondly, free dining is not guaranteed at the regular resorts. It's used as a marketing tool to fill the resorts/parks. Just like it's not a reward to us, you also can't count on it with the non-DVC resorts. Disney only gives out free dining promos when they need to fill rooms, that's it. Already with the last promos, Disney changed Value resort guests to only being able to qualify for the QS plan for free dining, which by the way, isn't free at all.

I guess I'm confused as to why you'd make a huge purchase, and not do your research? The cost of the Dining Plans are all over this website - it also sounds to me like you based your purchase of DVC on non-DVC promos that are applicable to cash paying guests only. Again, those are not rewards, but marketing tools to bring in more guests. This is not Disney's fault, but your own for not doing your research. I always am baffled by this line of thinking as promos, sales, etc. are not guaranteed, nor are they always applicable to everyone.

I know we will save money over accommodations in the long run, but things like food, tickets and transportation are similar no matter if you are in a DVC resort or non-DVC, so for us, we deal with them separately as they vary for each vacation. In fact, your food budget can come down quite a bit as we can cook in our full kitchen villas, and even if you can only stay in studios, you get the kitchenette, so this will save here as well.

Good luck with feeling content in your decision - it's a lot of money, and takes a lot of research of which the buyer is responsible for. I would hate for you to not be happy with DVC because you didn't properly plan and research - you would be missing out on a great thing as there is more to vacationing at Disney than food. Don't get me wrong, it's important, but there are lots of variables that go into a food budget.

Tiger

 

[Sandisw]

I'm confused as to what this has to do with owning DVC? Food costs are food costs, no matter where you stay, and secondly, free dining is not guaranteed at the regular resorts. It's used as a marketing tool to fill the resorts/parks. Just like it's not a reward to us, you also can't count on it with the non-DVC resorts. Disney only gives out free dining promos when they need to fill rooms, that's it. Already with the last promos, Disney changed Value resort guests to only being able to qualify for the QS plan for free dining, which by the way, isn't free at all.

I guess I'm confused as to why you'd make a huge purchase, and not do your research? The cost of the Dining Plans are all over this website - it also sounds to me like you based your purchase of DVC on non-DVC promos that are applicable to cash paying guests onnl. Again, those are not rewards, but marketing tools to bring in more guests. This is not Disney's fault, but your own for not doing your research. I always am baffled by this line of thinking as promos, sales, etc. are not guaranteed, nor are they always applicable to everyone.

I know we will save money over accommodations in the long run, but things like food, tickets and transportation are similar no matter if you are in a DVC resort or non-DVC. In fact, your food budget can come down quite a bit as we can cook in our villas, and if you can only stay in studios, you get the kitchenette, so this will save here as well.

Good luck with feeling content in your decision - it's a lot of money, and takes a lot of research of which the buyer is responsible for. I would hate for you to not be happy with DVC because you didn't properly plan and research - you would be missing out on a great thing as there is more to vacationing at Disney then eating the food.

Tiger

I think the OP was talking about not understanding how much the DxDDP really was. In the past, she had paid only $30.00/pp since she went during "free dining" and was only charged the upgrade.

And, as she is considering buying DVC, she is looking at all the expenses associated with a WDW vacation, which, IMO, is a wise move.

When trying to decide whether DVC is the right move, it is important to look at everything that goes along with going to Disney. You can't just look at the lodging that DVC provides when deciding if it makes financial sense for you.

It sounds like she has gone mostly during that promotion so her food costs were a lot less. If she buys DVC and stays with the DxDDP, then that portion of her trip will be higher than in the past and has to be considered along with what she pays for DVC.

 

[Tiger926]

I think the OP was talking about not understanding how much the DxDDP really was. In the past, she had paid only $30.00/pp since she went during "free dining" and was only charged the upgrade.

And, as she is considering buying DVC, she is looking at all the expenses associated with a WDW vacation, which, IMO, is a wise move.

When trying to decide whether DVC is the right move, it is important to look at everything that goes along with going to Disney. You can't just look at the lodging that DVC provides when deciding if it makes financial sense for you.

It sounds like she has gone mostly during that promotion so her food costs were a lot less. If she buys DVC and stays with the DxDDP, then that portion of her trip will be higher than in the past and has to be considered along with what she pays for DVC.

I totally understand and I get all of that. My point is that basing a large purchase on whether you are going to get a sale in another type of resort, is not a wise move. I will agree that looking at total costs is wise - we've been discussing this in my other thread. I'm all for that and wish more people would do it. But, food costs really don't have anything to do with DVC, and in fact, owing DVC is a way to get food costs down as we can cook in our full-kitchen villas or kitchenettes. Looking at total costs is related to this, IMHO, but the purchase of DVC is solely for lodging. As I stated, food costs will always vary, no matter what type of room you are staying in.

The OP didn't properly research how she obtained the 'free' dining promo in the first place. If she actually understood the ins and outs of her 'free' dining promo, she would have known that DVC members do not qualify for 'free' dining. What about the AP discount and food discounts we get as DVC members, they might count for something in the OP's line of thinking? They can't be counted upon, but when these perks are available, they might save her a bit of money in regards to food and tickets.

Of course her trip budgets will be higher if doing Dx, but that shouldn't be the sole reason for having second thoughts. There have got to be other reasons, IMHO.

Tiger

 

[kirkblitz]

we have always been interested in this but were unsure on some aspects. Can you not stay in a resort like the polynesian with your points or can you only stay at DVC places( like bay lake tower)?

 

[Coach81]

You can stay in other resorts like the poly, but the points are VERY expensive for staying there. Many DVC owners would rather pay cash for those resorts and save their points for DVC resorts.

 

[Disneypubgal]

I understand exactly how you feel for 2 years i thought of buying and 3 disney trips later finnally bought in. We bought in akv in august for 100 pts cause we still were nervous about buying as soon as i agreed to the pruchase i felt worried if this was a good decission. So we did our first trip home in november a split stay between akv and blt, lets just say after that trip we now own 100pts at akv and 220 pts at blt. Financially it is worth it. After that trip i was convinced. All the offers for non dvc members that are currently being offered will be scaled back once the economy bounces back. Just remember with free dinning you pay full rack rate so if you stay at a value its not that bad but at a deluxe the vacaation really goes up in price.

Could not agree with this more!! bought 150 @ BW in 97 and have added on 4 times since then... at times there are really good deals (like free dining) and if you have your heart set on taking advantage then rent out your points and go for the deal... but over the long hall if you go to dvc at least yearly you will certainly do better financially, and get "spoiled" by DVC!

 

[christa112]

OP--It is definately frustrating when you see great offers out there like Free Dining or Buy 4 get 3 Free. Keep in mind, I am guessing there are always going to be offers run maybe not free dining, but something.

But what I can also tell you is that you are not going to be able to get a rooms or resorts like you do without paying the price. It would be costing us around $5,000 to $6,000 just for the room we are booked in at AKV in Jan. So as I was kinda complaining about spending $3,000 on another thread for flights, DDP and park tickets my $3,000 vacation could have cost me close to $10,000 without the DVC. So when you look at it this way, you are definately saving money.

 

[DeeCee735]

I think once you actually stay in a DVC resort, even if it's a studio, you may not necessarily ever want to stay in a Disney hotel again
At least, that's where we are at! I'd take a studio for points at any one of the DVC resorts over the regular hotels in a heartbeat. Having the mini kitchen and huge closet and extra room, with a balcony is so worth it, and that's at the least! We've been only staying in 2 bedrooms for the last few trips, and that really is like coming "home"!

We bought an original 185 points in BWV in 2000, added on small contracts 4 times. Now we have 285 points. Where I'd like to own more and more and more, I have to keep the maintenance fees in mind, as they are not cheap....but....having said that, I've been using my DVC for about 17 nights per year!!! And that's way less than $100 bucks a night if I divide my maintenance fees by those 17 nights! Add that to having this for the rest of my life and it just can't be beat. Not in OHO anyway!

We added on 50 points at AKV after a one night stay there last year. Now I want another 50, but in 25 point increments. Trying to get my DH to agree, but he's being stubborn. Next week we have a 5 night trip planned with our college kids Two nights in a 2 bedroom savannah view at AKV Kidani (I was just there with my cousins in November and I'm IN LOVE WITH THE PLACE), and I'm hoping once he stayes there he'll be the one running to call our guide

Throw some pixie dust my way for that, ok guys?!

Anyway, good luck with your decision, it is certainly one we never regretted!

 

[Disneypubgal]

I think once you actually stay in a DVC resort, even if it's a studio, you may not necessarily ever want to stay in a Disney hotel again
At least, that's where we are at! I'd take a studio for points at any one of the DVC resorts over the regular hotels in a heartbeat. Having the mini kitchen and huge closet and extra room, with a balcony is so worth it, and that's at the least! We've been only staying in 2 bedrooms for the last few trips, and that really is like coming "home"!

We bought an original 185 points in BWV in 2000, added on small contracts 4 times. Now we have 285 points. Where I'd like to own more and more and more, I have to keep the maintenance fees in mind, as they are not cheap....but....having said that, I've been using my DVC for about 17 nights per year!!! And that's way less than $100 bucks a night if I divide my maintenance fees by those 17 nights! Add that to having this for the rest of my life and it just can't be beat. Not in OHO anyway!

We added on 50 points at AKV after a one night stay there last year. Now I want another 50, but in 25 point increments. Trying to get my DH to agree, but he's being stubborn. Next week we have a 5 night trip planned with our college kids Two nights in a 2 bedroom savannah view at AKV Kidani (I was just there with my cousins in November and I'm IN LOVE WITH THE PLACE), and I'm hoping once he stayes there he'll be the one running to call our guide

Throw some pixie dust my way for that, ok guys?!

Anyway, good luck with your decision, it is certainly one we never regretted!

From one LI to another, here is Pixie dust coming your way!

 

[Coach81]

Absolutely love our decision. IMO it was the best decision I may have EVER made for me and my family!!! We have gone from a once a year trip to several trips a year and the memories that we make while there are priceless!!!

I only wish I could have purchased when it just started... but I was too young then...

 

[stich1fan]

First, thanks for all the input.

As for the responce on me not doing the research..... That is exactly what I am trying. We have not signed the paperwork and need to know we can afford the dvc. Which means we have to be able to itemized costs for all other Disney needs. For the last 2 or three times we traveled Disney had the free dining promotion offered and took advantage of it. So depending on if we upgraded or utilized the free dining offer we wer not paying more than $30 per person. We never paid for DDD before in full. I know Disney does not always offer free dining.

Also I tried to ask guest services and dvc customer service about the dining options on dvc,since I did not know dvc members could not take advantage of free dining when it is offered. Guest services would not answer my dining questions since I am a potentional dvc member (they told me to call dvc services) and dvc would not help me since I don't have a dvc number as of yet. My dvc consultant was off for a few days and I thought I would post here. As you can see from my status I am very new to this forum and have not been alble to go through all the dining posts yet.

We don't base our trips on free offers or do we base this dvc purchase on those offers. We love Disney and travel ther alot. However, we need to know how much more we would need to have to travel and thought this forum might offer me alittle help untill the dvc adviser got back to me.

Again thanks for all the help and thoughts.

 

[Disneypubgal]

First, thanks for all the input.

As for the responce on me not doing the research..... That is exactly what I am trying. We have not signed the paperwork and need to know we can afford the dvc. Which means we have to be able to itemized costs for all other Disney needs. For the last 2 or three times we traveled Disney had the free dining promotion offered and took advantage of it. So depending on if we upgraded or utilized the free dining offer we wer not paying more than $30 per person. We never paid for DDD before in full. I know Disney does not always offer free dining.

Also I tried to ask guest services and dvc customer service about the dining options on dvc,since I did not know dvc members could not take advantage of free dining when it is offered. Guest services would not answer my dining questions since I am a potentional dvc member (they told me to call dvc services) and dvc would not help me since I don't have a dvc number as of yet. My dvc consultant was off for a few days and I thought I would post here. As you can see from my status I am very new to this forum and have not been alble to go through all the dining posts yet.

We don't base our trips on free offers or do we base this dvc purchase on those offers. We love Disney and travel ther alot. However, we need to know how much more we would need to have to travel and thought this forum might offer me alittle help untill the dvc adviser got back to me.

Again thanks for all the help and thoughts.

I understand there is a lot of information to digest and it can be confusing at times.

As a DVC member you are able to purchase any of the dining plans at the current pricing. But if you have AP's you can also purchase the TIW card which will get you 20% off your table service meals.

Please keep in mind that you will be able to purchase groceries and you will save a lot of money (albeit not free dining) even when staying in a studio... basically the same cost as being home for some of your meals.

If you have any more questions please feel free to put them out and I am certaain we will all try to help you.

Good luck with whatever decision you make!

 

[stich1fan]

Ok, thanks for the info. We are 100% sure we are buying in, and just trying to get as much info as possible.