I don't truly understand this whole DVC thing

[Eeyoreloverforever]

but it sounds like (from reading posts) that it is like a time-share thing, but in a Disney hotel. Is that right?

Could someone please explain to me in layman terms what the DVC really is, what you get, what it involves, how much is it? You know EVERYTHING!

 

[spiceycat]

start here

http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/faq.shtml#faq

then if you still have questions - ask away.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

Well, I'd start with the FAQ's, which will be trememdously helpful. This'll get you there:

http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/faq.shtml

Another "non-official" Disney site brimming with info is:

http://www.mouseplanet.com/dtp/dvc/

It is, in a way, a "timeshare thing," but to compare it to the "old way" of timesharing, where you're locked into one property, one week, for eternity ... not at all.

You DO purchase a real estate interest in one of the seven Disney Vacation Club properties, and that's considered your "home resort." But you actually buy a set number of points, which are allocated to you each year. These points can be used in the year you receive them (your use year); you can also bank 'em into the next year, or borrow them from the upcoming year. You can choose four basic room configurations, from a studio to a 3 bedroom grand villa, depending on the property. And, you have the flexibility of choosing any time of the year to visit (understanding that certain seasons take more points.) You can also use your points at other Disney hotels, the Disney Cruise Line, or 300+ resorts around the world (but frankly, that does NOT need to be the reason you buy into DVC.)

Bottom line: if you plan on visiting Disney annually, and you stay in moderate or deluxe resorts, it's an excellent way to pre-pay vacations.

How much does it cost? Points bought from Disney, at Saratoga Springs, are $95 per point, with the possibility of some discounts. So, a 150 point contract would cost $14,250, not counting any programs to lower that a bit. Then there's resales which can be significantly less...

Gosh. Just keep reading.

 

[Frozenfingers]

Follow this link to the Disneyworld official site for "home away from home" resorts. They are DVC properties that Disney rents out. Fort Wildnerness isn't part of DVC, but all the rest are, plus Vero Beach, FL and Hilton Head, SC.

Just for fun, put in a few dates for a reservation and see how much it would cost "rack rate". When available, DVC members get 25% off the rate should they wish to stay the weekend for cash to conserve points. Or, if you can do big numbers in your head, click the rate button and just look at what they charge for those accomodations.

For a good look at the resorts, there are personal web sites out there with excelent photos. Two that come to mind are tagrel's and ***********'s sites.

Hmmmm... tried to edit this a few times but can't get ***********'s link to work.. something on this site. Anyway, she has great pics on her site, she is a dot com.

 

[av8tor]

DVC isn't for everyone but if you visit WDW at least once a year you should take a serious it. I always had a rather negative opion about timeshares but now I am upset with myself for not doing this a long time ago when DW first suggested we look into it. We just bought a resale at BCV and I am absolutely sold on the whole concept.

Just remember, DVC is not an investment for financial return but rather an investment in your family's future vacations. For us, we planned to return to WDW for many years to come. For about the same amount we were paying to stay at moderate resorts we will now have much larger accomadations and also be able to bring other family and freinds who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the majic.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Originally posted by Eeyoreloverforever
it sounds like (from reading posts) that it is like a time-share thing, but in a Disney hotel. Is that right?

Yes it is Disney's version of a timeshare but there is so much more to it than that. Read up on the FAQ's as suggested.

HBC

 

[tamu91]

I absolutely agree with Av8tor. If you are going to WDW at least once a year, it makes no sense not to look into DVC.

 

[st92jmdc]

DVC is not a timeshare. It is a vacation club.

By the way, I am still kicking myself for not buying into DVC 6 or 7 years ago. I would have saved a bundle! I would say that if you go to WDW (or the Orlando Area) once every year or every other year, then it would be financially beneficial to join.

 

[tjkraz]

Originally posted by st92jmdc
DVC is not a timeshare. It is a vacation club.

Gee, that's a new one. What is the logic behind that statement?

I'll agree that it's not an investment, but it seems to meet all the criteria of a timeshare.

 

[st92jmdc]

Originally posted by tjkraz
Gee, that's a new one. What is the logic behind that statement?

I'll agree that it's not an investment, but it seems to meet all the criteria of a timeshare.

No logic. And not a slam againt the club. Timeshare sounds too Used-Car-Salesman like (no slam on Used Car Salesmen)

 

[spiceycat]

timeshares generally are for a week period - they are generally what you brought studio, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom - you can't change it.

timeshare only trade among other timeshares - like II or RCI - they don't have the other options that DVC does.

and no other timeshare can get you in a WDW resort hotel (okay it is expensive - but it is still an option). they certainly don't have the concerige collection, adventure collection.

you have more variety on how you spend your points than with other timeshares.

 

[wtpclc]

Hmmm..... I was sure that DVC promotional materials state that it is for the purposes of selling a timeshare.

You're right though. It is not the streotypical timeshare.