Hidden Costs?

[jschrots]

Hi Everyone,
My husband and I are really intrested in purching either from Disney or resale and was wondering if there were any "hidden costs"? (ie: housekeeping fees, swap fees, booking fees, etc?)

We will use the DVC on Disney property as we will head down to Orlando about twice per year (we used to live there and still have a lot of family in the area to see as well.) We are Disney nuts and have three small children and know that we will use the DVC a lot and it will be worth the money for us.

Just wanting to know about hidden costs before we buy.
Thanks so much!

 

[RobDoc]

In addition to the purchase cost, there are annual maintenance fees which vary by resort. There are no additional fees for an onsite DVC stay unless you want additional housekeeping services provided.

If you want to use any of the non-DVC Collections (Disney Collection, Concierge Collection, World Passport Collection, Adventure Collection) there is a $95 transaction fee for reservations. Currently that fee does not apply for stays at DL Hotels - but it does apply for all non-DVC WDW resorts.

Good luck with yor decision!

 

[Chuck S]

You will get fresh towels on day 4 if you stay 7 nights or less, you will get a full housekeeping service on day 4 if you stay 8 nights or longer. Additional housekeeping or trash and towel days can be purchased. Most members prefer the limited housekeeping.

There is a $95 fee to trade out of the DVC system of resorts to all locations except the Disneyland hotels, and I would expect the fee to be charged there once the Disneyland DVC is operating. There is no fee to stay at other DVC resorts.

Other than that, there are your annual dues/maintenance fees. These reflect the operating costs of your home resort, member services, member accounting, taxes, management fees, front desk costs, transportation, reserve fund (for schedulaed rehabs and emergencies), insurance, and any other expense associated with the resorts, accounting and reservations.

In addition, a special assessment could be added if a resort sustains major damage from a natural or manmade disaster. It was announced that a special assessment would likely be added to Vero Beach owners for repairs after the hurricanes a couple of years ago. However, insurance and other available funds covered the repairs and the assessment was not added.

 

[jschrots]

Thanks so much for the info. Chuck....how you do like OKW? That is where we are thinking about buying as we have three little ones.
Jen

 

[Chuck S]

Well, I've only stayed at OKW since purchasing in 1992. I really like the resort. OKW has the largest rooms in the DVC system, so with 3 little ones it would likely be the most comfortable.

I have toured the models for the other resorts, and they are lovely, but I still prefer OKW.

 

[3DisneyKids]

We have 3 little ones as well and have stayed at most of the DVC properties. I am sure that you will come to find the pros and cons of them all. And you will also find that each resort has its own "fan club" here on the boards.

Our kids love different things about each resort. So feel free to explore resorts beyond just your home resort (after all, that is the whole reason for the way DVC is designed! )

Good luck. It has been a wonderful decision for our family.