I know I know . . . but I searched!

[Jsmply]

I'm sure you all get these questions a lot and are not fond of them, but I did search. I see lots of mixed answers but see some people saying only if you like the deluxes and others saying if you go to the values on certain times a year, etc.

My fiance and I are disney freaks but are still young so DVC is still a ways off for us. We did annual passes this year and that was our step lol. I am researching for some family members who are becoming fellow disney addicts. The family in question goes about once a year (but might up that with DVC) as they live only 4 hours away (south florida). They usually do the value resorts and buy their passes while they are there. They were given a sales pitch by DVC when they were there this weekend and are considering it as a good resort to have 50 years of vacation magic (the duration of the time share) and be able to pass it to their kids. I was consulted as the resident disney lover/expert but to be honest I don't know much about DVC.

What conditions have to exist for it to make sense to a family? Has anyone had good experiances banking their time and vacationing elsewhere (outside of Disney)? All replies are appreciated.

I think they just like the idea of having a vacation option for 50 years and being able to take advantage of the discounts, etc.

Thanks and God's blessings,

- J

 

[Beca]

For people who stay in values, it is hard to find the "value" in DVC. When your friends go, how long do they stay?

The best way I can see for DVC to compete with the price of the value resorts is this....find a resale of about 65 points (preferrably at BWV [because of the standard view options which cost fewer points], or at OKW because it has the lowest point cost of any DVC resort). That will get your friends 6 nights in a studio during low seasons. The initial start-up cost of that would be around $5500, and maintenance fees would run your friends about $250 per year. Now, both BWV and OKW only have ownership until 2042, but that is still 37-38 years of ownership for a very small investment (about $144 per year initial investment). Add $144 + $250= $394 total per year cost. The CHEAPEST I have seen value resorts go for is $59 per night plus tax. That is $360 for six nights, plus the really high resort tax. So, looking at things this way....your friends could get "deluxe" accomodations for value prices. But, keep in mind....that is 2005 value prices. I don't think those prices will be the same in 2042. But, your DVC purchase will be locked into 2005 prices. The only thing that will certainly increase will be the yearly dues.

So, it IS a good bargain for value-type people, but only if you "do it right". DVC will not sell an initial purchase of less than 150 points, but if you buy from a reseller who has that size contract, you can initially get in for less.

I just sold a 65 pt OKW contract to someone who wanted to do exactly what I mentioned. It can be a good deal if you work it right, and NEVER stay in a 1 bedroom....once you do....it's almost impossible to be happy with a studio!!!



Beca

 

[CarolMN]

Some things for your friends to consider:

DVC works best for those who visit WDW at least once a year, stay on site in moderate or deluxe hotels and can plan more than 7 months in advance.

It isn't a very good value for those who like to visit for long weekends (Friday and Saturday nights are more expensive than the weeknights) or for those who plan to use the membership for something other than stays at DVC resorts (less expensive timeshares out there for those who want to trade frequently).

None of the perks or discounts are guaranteed by contract - they can and do change. It is not wise to base a purchase decision on the discounts.


Best wishes -

 

[Disney Doll]

DH kind of figured it out and came to the conclusion that if you were going to go to WDW at least every other year, and liked to stay in a more deluxe-type accomodation, then DVC was for you.

This fit us to a "T", since we liked moderates or deluxes...BC or CSR are our favorites. So to be able to get those deluxe style accomodations at a better price was very attractive to us.

However, if your family members think they would always be happy staying at a Value resort, then DVC is not as good of a purchase, unless you take Beca's advice above, which is right on the money.

Be warned, though, that DVC changes the way you vacation. DH & I used to be "commandos"...running form dawn to dusk to all the parks and attractions, and using the room to sleep and shower in. Now that we are DVCers, the pace is more relaxed, we enjoy the resorts and their amenities more, because we know we will be back. No more commando touring, no more rushing around trying to "work" the lines in the parks. If we get to an attraction and the line is too long, we have the luxury to be able to say "we'll see it next time". And that is a luxury, and one that I appreciate more than anyone will ever know!

 

[Skip to my Lou]

DH kind of figured it out and came to the conclusion that if you were going to go to WDW at least every other year, and liked to stay in a more deluxe-type accomodation, then DVC was for you.

This fit us to a "T", since we liked moderates or deluxes...BC or CSR are our favorites. So to be able to get those deluxe style accomodations at a better price was very attractive to us.

However, if your family members think they would always be happy staying at a Value resort, then DVC is not as good of a purchase, unless you take Beca's advice above, which is right on the money.

Be warned, though, that DVC changes the way you vacation. DH & I used to be "commandos"...running form dawn to dusk to all the parks and attractions, and using the room to sleep and shower in. Now that we are DVCers, the pace is more relaxed, we enjoy the resorts and their amenities more, because we know we will be back. No more commando touring, no more rushing around trying to "work" the lines in the parks. If we get to an attraction and the line is too long, we have the luxury to be able to say "we'll see it next time". And that is a luxury, and one that I appreciate more than anyone will ever know!

An excellent point made here. We just got back from Coronado Springs and people kept telling me I stayed at the worst place around. It was my first trip with the children, and we needed something with 6 for the mother-in-law. We did the commando thing, but now I've bought DVC and can't wait to try out deluxe accomodations, and be welcomed home.

 

[FanOfStitch]

It can be a good deal if you work it right, and NEVER stay in a 1 bedroom....once you do....it's almost impossible to be happy with a studio!!!



Beca

That is sooo true!

 

[PepeLePirate]

well...financing your points with DVC is an option too. I originally purchased 270 and financed at 5 years, then the year after I purchased 150 more and financed at 3 years. This was about 3 years ago, and once I pay all the financed part off, I'm only left with the monthly dues, which doesn't make a big hole in my wallet.

You are right on the money about the commando part, ever since I became a DVCer, I take my time, enjoy the pools and other ammenities. I also live in south florida, and well, we go every 4-5 months and stay a week. I've never had any problems booking any of my stays (mind you, I try to go in the "off" seasons, I don't like crowds) even outside of my home resorts.

Your family should basically sit down, and see if they can fit into their monthly budget the payments for DVC; make sure they understand is not really an investment, but rather they will be pre-paying their Disney accomodations for the next 40 or 50 years.

 

[Granny]

One current DVC benefit wouldn't help your friends at all...the nice discount on annual passes! Since they live in Florida, they are already eligible for the Florida resident AP discount.

To me, DVC would only make sense for them if they are looking to upgrade their vacation experience...not to save money. If they want to have the kitchen, the laundry facilities, the extra room, etc to make their vacations more enjoyable, then it could make sense.

If, on the other hand, they think that a "room is a room" and don't care very much about accommodations, then they are probably better off staying in the value resorts and not locking in to DVC.