How much did you spend on your dvc membership

[DVCanadian]

Excellent timing,,,almost like us,,,but your 2013 are in the 1st restrictions,,,but doesnt mean much like us,,,no cruises etc.

Both our contracts have the minor 2011 restrictions. My reference was related to having no restrictions when it comes to booking DVC resorts.

 

[Chili327]

When we calculated dues increases every year it took the annual cost from 1684 to like 5600.. I dont remember the exact number because I quickly shut down that nonsense talk from my husband.

Ohhh Debbie downer. lol

 

[EPCOT Terran]

I need someone to quickly post something negative about how much dues are going to cost 30 years from now or how much money I can make if I invest the money instead

I did some quick math with perhaps-aggressive assumptions on dues increases and determined I will be paying somewhere in the neighborhood of $9.8M in dues for 302 points in the last year of my Riviera contract, if that helps. It's amazing what compound interest can do to you (or for you, depending on which side of the APR you're on)!

 

[mefordis]

A lot of great comments summing up exactly what I meant, enjoy what you have today if BWV is @StarCruzer first choice right now then don't feel bad about not purchasing a longer more economically smart resort. In 2042 after 18 years at BWV memories I personally don't think there will be any regrets. Enjoy what is available to you in the present.

Quick story about regrets, I took my daughter to WDW first trip when she turned 4 years old, everyone told me not to do it, coworkers, friends, family, they all said it's a waste of money she won't remember it wait a few years then go so you don't regret spending the money. I went anyway. That trip was the best trip ever, the magic thru the eyes of a child was so fun. At one point during lunch at Akershus in Epcot she leans over and says "Mom want to know how you can tell these are the real princesses? Because they are so beautiful"

Magic Kingdom day started early with breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table they gave her one of those wishing wands known for that restaurant. Fast forward to 8 pm more then 12 hours later we went back for night time parade she brought her wand (actually napped with it that day to be honest) Cinderella riding on the carriage saw her with that wand and motions to her "I remember you" by pointing to her eyes then her head and then to my daughter, she turns to me and says "SHE REMEMBERS ME MOM"

Magic that existed because I took her at age 4, no she doesn't remember that trip but I sure do. No regrets, lived in the present that year and didn't wait till it made more economical sense to take her at a later age as everyone was trying to tell me. That's what I was thinking of when I responded with my comment about regrets to @StarCruzer

Yes, that is the trip I bought my first 200 points at Bay Lake Tower in 2010. You probably already guessed that half way thru my story, didn't you?

If you want to turn your kids into Disney lovers for life, take them as young as possible. They will have the nostalgia factor and want to keep going back as adults, and will take their own kids.

 

[VGCgroupie]

Ohhh Debbie downer. lol

hahaha. I was like okay you are done on the computer now, give it back to me

 

[DougEMG]

Bought our first contract in 2010 and our most recent contract last year in 2023. Have 3,090 point (all resale), the total costs include closing and any MF at closing was $250,164. Total MF in 2024 was $25,471.

 

[Spivey378]

$57,000.

 

[BlueIsis]

Thanks, my mom taught me how to make my money stretch on daily needs bc she had to to get what we needed but never taught me what to do with the “extra” because there wasn’t ever any extra. Now that I’m older I still use the methods to stretch what I have the difference is just that I do end up with that extra. For awhile it sat in a regular savings account getting like .40 a month and I just couldn’t let it sit there like that anymore.

I also grew up in a household where investing wasn't on the table...it was more like trying to pay the rent before the following month was due. I am now fortunate enough to be in a position where savings are possible. "The Simple Path to Wealth" by Collins is a quick read and basically describes a long term plan of buying/holding/dollar cost averaging utilizing index funds as a "buy and forget" strategy. I highly recommend this book or Bogle's books (Vanguard founder). Couple hours of my time and I had all the info a financial planner might give me (for free). Wanted to share this as mil member to mil member. Now back to our regularly scheduled Disney programming.

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

We bought direct Riviera in 2019 $18,800. No discounts or promotions on buying in initially.

Added on 200 more direct Riviera in 2020 during a Covid December trip with light crowds, pixie dusted to a 1B which completely ruined us from ever doing studios as a family again, this time at $172pp, $34,400.

Total points so far, 300, $53,200.

We'd like another 300 at PIT/IPT (Poly Island Tower/Island Poly Tower -- I forget the new full name, but money PIT works, LOL.) Then we really will be good on points and MFs.

 

[AnnaS]

Bought our first 200 point OKW direct contract in 2000 at $67 pp. Not long after, added an additional 60 points. When BCV started selling, we bought 150 and an additional 50 about a year later. (All direct). The highest we paid I think was $72 pp. (I would have to look at my papers to be 100% sure/but it sounds about right ).

 

[Heroes_or_Villains]

A lot of great comments summing up exactly what I meant, enjoy what you have today if BWV is @StarCruzer first choice right now then don't feel bad about not purchasing a longer more economically smart resort. In 2042 after 18 years at BWV memories I personally don't think there will be any regrets. Enjoy what is available to you in the present.

Quick story about regrets, I took my daughter to WDW first trip when she turned 4 years old, everyone told me not to do it, coworkers, friends, family, they all said it's a waste of money she won't remember it wait a few years then go so you don't regret spending the money. I went anyway. That trip was the best trip ever, the magic thru the eyes of a child was so fun. At one point during lunch at Akershus in Epcot she leans over and says "Mom want to know how you can tell these are the real princesses? Because they are so beautiful"

Magic Kingdom day started early with breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table they gave her one of those wishing wands known for that restaurant. Fast forward to 8 pm more then 12 hours later we went back for night time parade she brought her wand (actually napped with it that day to be honest) Cinderella riding on the carriage saw her with that wand and motions to her "I remember you" by pointing to her eyes then her head and then to my daughter, she turns to me and says "SHE REMEMBERS ME MOM"

Magic that existed because I took her at age 4, no she doesn't remember that trip but I sure do. No regrets, lived in the present that year and didn't wait till it made more economical sense to take her at a later age as everyone was trying to tell me. That's what I was thinking of when I responded with my comment about regrets to @StarCruzer

Yes, that is the trip I bought my first 200 points at Bay Lake Tower in 2010. You probably already guessed that half way thru my story, didn't you?

I love this story so much. Honestly made me tear up a bit. I have an eight month old who I've already taken to DLR when he was 4 months old and will again be going at 1 year old. Everyone says the same thing to me (i.e. don't take him, it's a waste of money because he won't remember) and my response is that for now, we're making memories for ME and not necessarily for him. I will cherish these moments. Thank you for sharing!

 

[Heroes_or_Villains]

PS Shout out to OP for asking the question in the first place - has been one of my favorite threads to date!

Agreed! Thanks @TheSnowWhite_ for this thread! I love coming back to read it each morning.

 

[Lil Micky]

We initially purchased 250 direct points at VDH ($50,419 after MB), but added on a 1000 point AUL resale contract a month later ($59,240). I consider both our “initial” purchase, as our strategy was to buy enough to book a week at VDH every year and then get a bulk contract with a cheaper rate to bring family/friends along (preferably at AUL since we’re on the west coast). So depending on how you count it we’re either at $50.4K or $109.6K.

We’re actually at Aulani enjoying our first DVC stay right now, and looking forward to the next few decades. The Disneyland Forward plans should bring the parks a lot closer to VDH over the coming years, which I think will help justify the points value like VGC has, due to the limited options for new DVC sites in Anaheim.

 

[Judique]

The beginning: 56.95 a point for 160 BWV points in November 2000, the month BWV sold out. Points were at $67 but, I had a castmember 15% discount. Total was $9112. (Took me a bit to find my paperwork to verify all this.)

This was the top of my vacation budget in that year. My usual trip was 4 nights at Poly, sometimes with military discount.

After a succession of quick promotions I upped my point total and included 3 more resorts, all with the discount. (Vero had a 25% discount when I bought.) All were direct.

Quick story about regrets, I took my daughter to WDW first trip when she turned 4 years old, everyone told me not to do it, coworkers, friends, family, they all said it's a waste of money she won't remember it wait a few years then go so you don't regret spending the money. I went anyway. That trip was the best trip ever, the magic thru the eyes of a child was so fun. At one point during lunch at Akershus in Epcot she leans over and says "Mom want to know how you can tell these are the real princesses? Because they are so beautiful"

I will never understand the 'they won't remember it' argument. They should be having a good time in the moment and the parent/grandparent should be enjoying spending the time with them. Yes, they can be afraid of characters, so don't make them do it. Do what makes them happy!

I 'almost' convinced my DD to travel at 6 weeks with 1st grand, (pediatrician said all clear to go) but DD didn't feel up to it, after her C section. 6 months later she'd been to WDW and Hilton Head.

Another memory, youngest DD seeing Santa on Xmas Eve up on the 4th floor at Vero Beach where our room was while looking up from the lobby. She immediately guessed that he was making his visit to our room. During dinner DS excused himself to go to the car and bring all the gifts up to the room, which confirmed for her that he had been there when she spotted him.

When we calculated dues increases every year it took the annual cost from 1684 to like 5600.. I dont remember the exact number because I quickly shut down that nonsense talk from my husband.

Dues have not impacted my budget as my income has increased as well. I am retired now and I'm still able to easily live as well as I have in the past and probably better as home is paid off and well maintained. Also, some of my dues are higher (owning Vero and HH) but BCV and BWV are more moderate and the last two are the majority of my points.

My job now is taking vacations. I'm going alone a lot more as family doesn't enjoy my unlimited time, but we still do at least 1 Disney trip a year together. This leaves me doing more studios and stretching my points into 4-5 trips. But I'll sacrifice and do a grand villa or 2 bedroom when necessary. Plus I have no problem with borrowing as who knows when I won't be able to make it. With that in mind I have an upcoming trip at BWV in a 2 bedroom with my brother, his wife and family. All are looking forward to chilling there in February, and mostly the younger 50 somethings (2 of them) will do parks, while the other 3 of us will do walks, bars and dinners in the area with maybe a walk into Epcot to do Monsieur Paul one evening.

Another point is that I have all 2042 resorts and when they expire I will be 88ish. I expect to book for maybe 1 or 2 trips in a GV those last years and probably at HH. Good they now have an elevator to a GV!

*** I've only rented out one year, when there was an emergency that messed things up. It was a blessing and the cash paid my dues and for a separate vacation elsewhere later on. I bought to use and not to sell, but some of the sale prices make me think of it. I'd get my money back on all of my purchases. That said, the points are still worth more to our family.

 

[MartyParty]

and mostly the younger 50 somethings (2 of them) will do parks, while the other 3 of us will do walks, bars and dinners in the area with maybe a walk into Epcot to do Monsieur Paul one evening.

Made me smile. I'm a young 50 something as well!!! : )

My wife often comments how we rock the parks morning, afternoon, and night while our early 20 something kidos are tireeeeeeeeddddd.

 

[Chili327]

The Disneyland Forward plans should bring the parks a lot closer to VDH over the coming years, which I think will help justify the points value like VGC has, due to the limited options for new DVC sites in Anaheim.

GardenWalk is already permitted (zoned or whatever its called) for Timeshares, so there will be at least one more coming to the area. IMO

 

[CrystalClear82]

Less than 10k. We've been picking up small resale contracts here and there within the last year.

Going to Disney for both my DH and I was something we didnt have as a child. Both of us having grown up in households that lived paycheck to paycheck. Our first visits didnt come until our early 20's. Even then we were scrapping by, but just happy to be there.

Fast forward to now... We are very fortunate to have good jobs that allow us the flexbility to visit Disney several times a year. In actuality I never thought owning DVC for us would be a financial reality for us, but now it just makes sense.
We'll eventually make Florida our home full-time but for now DVC is our little slice of heaven.

 

[skier_pete]

When we bought our initial 160 points at $77 per point in 2014 -(which math says were about $12320 + fees), I would've never guessed I would eventually have spent enough to own 445 points in 2024. Part of me thinks its complete madness to spend that much money on a timeshare - but we also realize that we are as happy on a Disney vacation as we are anywhere in the world, so what's wrong with that.

I do think it's now extremely unlikely I ever buy more points than this without a significant financial windfall.

 

[DaveNan]

When we bought our initial 160 points at $77 per point in 2014 -(which math says were about $12320 + fees), I would've never guessed I would eventually have spent enough to own 445 points in 2024. Part of me thinks its complete madness to spend that much money on a timeshare - but we also realize that we are as happy on a Disney vacation as we are anywhere in the world, so what's wrong with that.

I do think it's now extremely unlikely I ever buy more points than this without a significant financial windfall.

I told myself that several times, Pete. Yet, here I am again thinking of getting some PVB. Still deciding between direct on day 1, or getting resale a month or two after the new points are available.

 

[CaliAdventurer]

More than my first house but less than a vacation home in Orlando. : )