I want DVC, DH wants condo

[Mommo]

Oh just when I thought he was coming around!

I am sold on DVC, know I want to keep staying at different Disney properties and look at Fl. as a wonderful place to vacation. He believes I will just want to spend more and more time there every year and we might as well face it & get a condo. I don't want that much larger of an investment and don't want to give up seeing the castle change colors across the water.
He has a point about the wanting to spend more time there.
We are planning a trip to stay in BCV,I'm hoping that will help. Has anyone who bought DVC ended up moving to the area? How long did that decision take you? Do you ever actually stay at Disney properties any more?
DH is a bit older than me and has an eye on retirement.

Thanks for any help anyone can give-

Beth

 

[Lisa P.]

I ... don't want to give up seeing the castle change colors across the water. He has a point about the wanting to spend more time there.

Beth, so far, there are no plans for any DVC rooms with a castle view across the water. It makes no sense to buy DVC if you plan to use it often for non-DVC resorts. Something to consider.

 

[Mommo]

I want to use the points to stay at different hotels/DVC properties. I don't want to never stay at the Poly again because we have a condo in the area. Make sense?

Beth

 

[Cruelladeville]

You don't want to use your points to stay at the Poly, as it's a very poor use of points. If you assume your pts are worth about $10 each, you pay about double the cash price to stay at Poly on pts. Most of us bought DVC to lock in a cheaper price, which is what you accomplish at a DVC resort. Using your pts at Poly means that you are giving up the economy, and paying top-dollar instead.

 

[TDC Nala]

Using DVC points isn't a good deal for non-DVC onsite properties like the Polynesian, but there's nothing wrong with paying to stay there a couple of nights. If you're sold on the Polynesian, points are not the way to go. However, if you want to stay in the villas or use the points for cruises or trade them out, it might work better.

I own DVC but I wish I had bought a condo. I think they're too expensive for me to get one now, the way the property values are escalating down there. I'd keep the DVC if I were to buy one now, just to stay for some weekends so I didn't have to drive anywhere (food & wine festival, anyone?)

 

[jdvm]

I have been a member at DVC (Old Key West) since 1992 and now live in Orlando (in Celebration, actually). You and your husband have to make a decision that is right for you and only you can do that. But I would offer the following thoughts. A DVC interest can really never become a viable retirement home. There are people who have enough points to stay a couple of months per year but there are far cheaper alternatives for extended stays. Deciding where to buy a second hime or retirement home in Florida or even Orlando is a very difficult decision and I think you just need to check out a lot of different options. East Coast, West Coast, panhandle, Orlando? House, Condo, Condo-hotel? DVC might be a good base from which you could see how you like the area as a place to buy. Tack on a couple of days in a hotel in Sarasota or Naples or Daytona while visiting a DVC resort in Orlando. If you decide Orlando is only a place to visit, use DVC. If you decide to buy something else, sell your DVC points. As for us, we've enjoyed DVC for many years and have kept our points even though we live 15 minutes from Old Key West. The kids still like to go there occasionally and we can use points to go to other places. Hope this helps.
John V

 

[genealle]

I own DVC but I wish I had bought a condo. I think they're too expensive for me to get one now, the way the property values are escalating down there.

Should have bought last year, like we should have bought last year.

Our home resort is BWV, but we wanted a condo for an investment and friends and family use. This time last year, some of the condos we considered were about $85K to $95K. Now they are at $140K to $150K. BUMMER!

 

[PamOKW]

Lots to think about. If you truly think you are going to spend 3+ months a year down in Florida, then think about the condo route. But, as JDVM advises, be sure what you want to do and explore the various areas of Florida. Where you want to vacation isn't always where you want to live.

If you enjoy visiting Florida often but just for a few weeks at a time and maybe at different times of the year, DVC may very well be a great answer.

The thing I like about owning DVC vs. a condo is I don't have to worry about anything while I'm away. No concern about hurricanes coming, is the a/c on?, have I got a tenant, etc. I get the beauty of a fully furnished condo waiting for me with none of the hassle. Of course, I don't necessarily have the benefits of real estate appreciation, etc. but I like my trade-off. I may very well end up living in Florida but I don't expect to live right in Orlando (prefer to be closer to the ocean) so I'll be sure spend time at WDW in my DVC resort!

 

[Disney Doll]

Lots to think about. If you truly think you are going to spend 3+ months a year down in Florida, then think about the condo route. But, as JDVM advises, be sure what you want to do and explore the various areas of Florida. Where you want to vacation isn't always where you want to live.

If you enjoy visiting Florida often but just for a few weeks at a time and maybe at different times of the year, DVC may very well be a great answer.

The thing I like about owning DVC vs. a condo is I don't have to worry about anything while I'm away. No concern about hurricanes coming, is the a/c on?, have I got a tenant, etc. I get the beauty of a fully furnished condo waiting for me with none of the hassle. Of course, I don't necessarily have the benefits of real estate appreciation, etc. but I like my trade-off. I may very well end up living in Florida but I don't expect to live right in Orlando (prefer to be closer to the ocean) so I'll be sure spend time at WDW in my DVC resort!

I agree with this.

 

[JimC]

I believe there is DIS DVC member who lives in Celebration. I know others live in Florida and are DVC members. It largely depends on where you live. If you are thinking retirement, then the following locations come to mind as being good overall opportunities -- Melbourne/Palm Bay, Daytona Beach, Lakeland/Winter Haven, Largo, Sarasota, New Port Richey, and Pensacola. If you select a location close to Orlando you might view DVC ownership differently from a location that is a two or more hour drive.

My view is that in retirement you probably need fewer points. You can skip expensive Friday and Saturday nights, higher demand seasons and possibly 2 bedroom villas. So having multiple contracts that allow you to downsize at some point would be a way to do this.

We are in the midst of discussing a move to Florida. We do not believe we would sell our points if we make the move. We would most likely relocate to the Space Coast as that is close to a specialist my wife sees quarterly. The Space Coast is about an hour to two hours away from WDW depending on where you are located and the route you take.

 

[Mommo]

Thank you all for your input! It is looking like DVC would be a great way to get our feet wet with spending more time in and getting more familiar with the area. It's good to know that several of you would/do use DVC even though you are/will be living in the area.
Each response brought up so many more questions. The one that made me clutch was John V who actually lives in Celebration? Do you feel like you live in paradise? I'm writing this from Iowa and let me tell you we HATE November here. Cold , gray, wind, rain/snow. DH and I both have jobs that we can do anywhere. Right now everything seems like an option. Nov. thru March there, April thru October here would be our choice but we are tied to school schedules for a bit longer.
I hadn't even considered the other communites outside the Orlando area so thanks to all for your suggestions. I'm looking forward to seeing what's available-what a fun mission to add to trips!

Beth