If you could do it again would you?

[SLM]

We have no regrets-we use our points at VB and HHI in between WDW trips and find we don't get burned out on the parks. We also vacation other places so find 300 points is more than enough for our vacation needs. We've been members since 2004 and have enjoyed every one of our trips.

 

[jodifla]

What changes have upset you the most?

I don't like the way most changes are made. Overnight, with no warning. These include prohibiting smoking on the balconies, taking away the valet, stopping the food takeout at Olivia's, the point changes.

I also miss the nicer amenities of when we joined...the colored towels, the placemats, the coasters, the pillows.

Oh, and WHAT I HATE MOST!!!!!!!!!!!! The beds at OKW. They are crappy unsleepable slabs of concrete now.

 

[TinkGirl]

YES! We bought in 2205, and my husband and I said it's one of the best things we've ever done. It gives us something to look forward to all year. We've had some wonderful family vacations. Our oldest will be off to college in a year, and we're so glad to have had our family DVC time.

 

[drag n' fly]

We are in discussions with DVC to purchase a contract. Haven't made a decision yet and are going back and forth on whether or not we want to do this, it's a lot of money, which resort should we have as our home, we have been to both DLR and WDW twice in the last 5 years, not sure if we should have GCV or one of the WDW as our home. I have lots of questions about the pros and cons of DVC membership but I guess the bottom line is - if you could do it again would you? Why or why not?

Thanks

No. I hated paying the maintenance fees for the years we were not using the membership.

 

[wilderness01]

We bought our first contract in 1997. We added on with four more contracts (one resale, three through Disney). We sold two of them about three years ago. We'll probably be selling off the rest in the near future if the resale price on points goes back up.

It was fun while it lasted, but I think Disney charges way too much for new resorts. They are more into sales mode than maintaining mode and keeping existing members happy. Their focus is on growth rather than management.
It was more enjoyable when it was a cozy little "club". Now it's just a way for Disney to manage their bottom line.

I agree with this. It was fun while it lasted, but I'm glad we sold. I firmly believe that the units are not kept as clean as the rooms because "they already have you hooked." I know some people don't agree with this, but this was our experience for 5 years. It was the "norm" rather than not, to get checked into a less than clean room.

 

[DebbieB]

Absolutely! 10 years of great vacations! The only thing I might have done different is split my 250 points into 150 and 100. I would sell the 100 and buy GCV to go out there once a year.

 

[WDWFERN]

We only recently bought into DVC this year, but took out first trip in December and loved our stay at BLT. We were fortunate to go pre DVC in 2007 and 2008, and certainly will always treasure the memories from those trips, but when all was said and done the money we spent on the hotel was just that, spent. It was nice feeling that this year our hotel costs were really a part of a long term investment. Also, it was great having the kitchen, washer/dryer, and living space. And instead of going through Disney withdrawal as our vacation drew to a close, I have LOVED being able to jump right back into planning our 2010 and 2011 trips! I too spent countless hours debating pros and cons of joining, but we are usually able to plan trips quite a bit in advance, plan on going to WDW every year to every other year, and so far I think it will turn out to be a great decision for our family. Good luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We bought in '03 as "empty nesters" and were without DGC to share the Disney Magic with. We loved it then and we love it now and now we have 3 DGC who join us there 2-4 times a year with other DFs and extended family.

We've added on many many times and hope to spend a good portion of our "winters of retirement" in DVC units!

Bobbi

 

[GrumpyBelle]

Definitely. We would do it again. I would have looked into it sooner--we didn't look into DVC until our 3rd trip. All the money we put into those 1st 3 trips could have paid for our DVC purchase not to mention that the price we bought in at would have been cheaper. Also, I would have bought more points upfront (although I would have it split into 2 contracts).

 

[mommacat56]

Yes...absolutely...no question that I'd do it again I purchased way back in 1991 and have had all these years (almost 20 now) of making great family memories. Every vacation had something magical to remember, not just for me, but for my children too.

I am not a fan of the point redistribution, though it hasn't affected the way I vacation...I do feel bad for those who bought just enough points for the way they vacation, only to find out that they are shy a few points after the point changes I don't like some of the other changes as mentioned by some of the other posters, but I've been a member long enough to remember when park admission was part of the perks of membership too! Boy would I like to see that one come back All DVC properties would be sellouts in a heartbeat AND it would keep the cost of our contracts up! Yes, I know our dues would go up, but I still think there should be some significant perks for being an owner...valet parking, etc...but that's a whole other ball of wax!

I have added on a few times (small contracts through Disney when I didn't know any better ) and have purchased (resale) at other DVC resorts for the home resort priority. Just another vote for buying where you want to stay. I have also extended my original OKW contracts for an additional 15 years. I guess you could call me a "lifer"!!

I do know that to get the most out of membership, you do have to educate yourself as to the way DVC works....know the rules and regulations. Then enjoy planning and dreaming about all the wonderful vacations you will have.

Good luck with your decision...Mary

 

[Kuzco]

Definitely. I've only been a member for a little over a year and have already visited WDW 3 times. One of the best decisions I've ever made.

 

[Paticake]

In a heartbeat!

 

[Copperline]

I don't regret our purchases. We bought at BCV in 2001 using cash from an unexpected bonus at work. We later sold that property and bought at OKW resale. We have used our points for short stays, full week+ stays, brought along other families, and taken a cruise. We're about to take our 2nd DCL using our points and then stay in a 2-bd at OKW with my parents along for 5 days. We would never be able to swing a land and sea vacation with the entire family without the use of our points.
However, I do agree with Deb & Bill. Disney used to manage DVC quite well and called it "Disney's Best Kept Secret", however that's now a standing joke among members and non-members. It may have always been nothing more than a moneymaker for them, but at least they pretended it was more of a "family vacation home" than just a timeshare. These days, with all the new properties and the outrageous cost per point, and the realization that those annual dues are cutting into my budget more each year as I have each additional kid (lol), I'm seriously considering selling. (sigh) There are always people who have points to rent, and often at pretty good rates. I think a Disney/DVC lover could just as easily rent points every other year and still have great vacations within their financial reach that may not be possible if staying on cash at a resort.
Just my 2 pennies worth.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

It was about 10 years ago when we purchased. We are glad we did with no regrets. Our only regret was getting caught up in the excitement and overdoing add on purchases. We have since scaled back but still own a considerable number of points. (We actually made a profit on our BCV contracts so it worked out in the end).

So our only advice is to beware of the addonitis. We were lucky to be able to sell contracts when the prices were high. Not sure how that will work any more.

HBC

 

[dizfan]

Our only regret is not purchasing sooner.
We could have saved a lot of money that we spent on Disney hotels.

 

[mjlass11]

Bought 2 contracts in 2007, one from DVC for SSR with a lot of perks, and one through resale for BWV at a much better price. So far, I'm very glad that we did. The main reason we bought DVC is because we like going to Disney with friends/family, and this gives the opportunity to do so without feeling cramped. Also, we have gone with different people each time, so each visit is different. To me, the major points to consider is that it is a timeshare, totally different than a hotel, so different services/perks. (ie. no "free dining" or discounted inclusive offers, no late check out even if available, no daily housekeeping....) However, on the flip side, you get much more comfortable accomodations always on Disney grounds, Disney propery perks, flexibility of where/when to stay depending on your points. I have been one to voice my displeasure with some of DVCs policies, especially because DVC and their annual fees are not cheap.. I feel that those whom have made a committment to Disney by purchasing DVC should receive more perks as loyal customers than those whom have not. This will not always be the case, but to date, when it comes down to it, I like having the flexibility, extra space and comfort that DVC offers.

 

[Caren]

I don't like the way most changes are made. Overnight, with no warning. These include prohibiting smoking on the balconies, taking away the valet, stopping the food takeout at Olivia's, the point changes.

I also miss the nicer amenities of when we joined...the colored towels, the placemats, the coasters, the pillows.

Oh, and WHAT I HATE MOST!!!!!!!!!!!! The beds at OKW. They are crappy unsleepable slabs of concrete now.

I don't understand the complaint about beds at OKW--we had a very comfy pillow-top mattress. We had pillows, placemats, and coasters, too, and I think we can live with plain white towels.

 

[jedspad]

We bought a resale BWV contract in 2007 and our only regret is that we were
not able to do it sooner. We have added on twice since then. So far we have had 5 wonderful trips with our DVC points and another planned for June 2010. We are able to provide rooms for our kids and grandkids and this time for our best friends, something we would not be able to do without DVC. We are building wonderful memories and our grandchildren want to know when we are going back as soon as we leave. We have also had a couple of trips that were just DH and me which are great too. We have stayed at Vero, OKW and BW so far but hope to stay at all of them eventually. I do agree that you should buy where you want to stay. We wanted either BWV or BCV as we have family that owned at BCV so we wanted to be in that general area. Just happened that a great deal came thru for BWV so we bought it. I would do it all again in a heart beat.

 

[LocustPoint]

Buying into DVC was the best thing I ever did. I have been able to share many trips with my friends and family and finally was able to reintroduce my DH to Disney after we were married in 2005 after a 23 year absence. I am looking forward to reintroducing my aunt and uncle to WDW after a nearly 35 year absence next week!

 

[DisneySJB]

No regrets here! DVC has afforded us to take more than one vacation per year. DH and I both work full time, so being able to travel and relax multiple times per year is worth every single penny. The only regret we have is that we bought with the expectation of staying in a studio. Wish we would have bought enough points for 1BR. We will add on in the next couple years, but the prices keep going up so it would have been better to purchase a larger contract up front.