I'm Happy I Chose My Camper/Fort Instead of DVC

[bama_ed]

Folks,

A couple of years ago I thought about buying DVC but instead bought my pop-up camper to camp at the Fort (and other places as well of course). I have been happy with my decision.

Every once in a while I pop over to the DVC Board and check it out (Shan-Man, I've seen your "Shanta" avatar over there). There's a thread there now where people were upset because the 2010 point spreads have been altered slightly along with some changes to the date windows of some "seasons". This appears to have affected most if not all resorts. The main change seems to have been raising the points for Sunday night-Thursday night stays and dropping Friday and Saturday night points rates. Disney apparently has the right to do this but has done it very infrequently (the last time was several years ago it sounds like). Most of the upset people seem to be those who were trying to very efficiently use their points (bought only enough to fit a specific time period or travel pattern). Now these folks will be forced to bank/borrow/rent/buy points to fit their plans or alter their plans. I stopped following the thread once it got over 150 pages of postings .

Any of you camper folks like me who considered DVC but decided to keep bringing the trailer to the Fort? I'm not intending for this to be another thread on the economics of buying DVC - but at least it's still a straightforward decision about paying for a campsite for the length of our stay. Anybody else familiar with this issue and can you add any more details or fix any misinformation in my post?

Thanks,

Bama ED

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

We bought into DVC over 10 years ago and have never regretted our decision. Granted, I am not the best person to weigh in on this since we haven't purchased an RV yet (but are in the process). I know that I am in the minority on this, but I was happy to see the reallocation of points since it is easier for us to travel on the weekends, and we always hated how we had to pay higher points for Fri. and Sat. nights. Personally, I think this is very similar to the thread here about how Disney has raised the prices on the campsites at the Fort. Some people here are more upset about it than others. Some people feel that there are enough extras at the Fort to make the price worthwhile, while others would rather spend their money elsewhere. Once we buy our RV, we will probably try to use our DVC points to stay at the Fort, but if it turns out that we are never able to get a reservation, we might sell the points that we have at the DVC at Hilton Head and just keep our points at Old Key West. That way we get the best of both worlds!

 

[Shan-man]

Yes, I confess, I have ventured beyond the boundaries of Fort discussions. I was hoping to get a handle on how Disney handles DVC properties so that I could see if that model might be adaptable to a campground resort... specifically a Fort Wilderness DVC addition. I'm disappointed to say that straight-talk about DVC is almost impossible to come by! I'm surprised to find that the super-helpful attitudes I find here in the camping board really don't seem to be present so much on other forums. Oh well.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

specifically a Fort Wilderness DVC addition.

I would LOVE to see a DVC addition to Fort Wilderness! That would be perfect as long as it is pet-friendly.

 

[FlaFortCampster]

I talked to a gentleman about the DVC 3 visits ago. It was very difficult to get a straight answer which bothers me right off the bat. The only way I was going to get any info was to go on the tour, which they offered to pick me up at the campsite and deposit me back when finished.

So I did my own research. No, no, no. I can't see any real benefits, just mucho $$$. Plus my ability to go on a couple of spur of the moment trips would be truly hampered.

I did talk to a very pleasant couple at Epcot on the same trip and they were DVC members for years and LOVED it. There must be many, many folks with this opinion or WDW wouldn't be pushing it so hard.

I think the Fort is a completely different animal when it comes to DVC. Which, after seeing that monstrosity that was plunked right down next to the Contemporary, I'm glad. Can you imagine a 30 story "villa" built at the marina?

 

[Shan-man]

I think the Fort is a completely different animal when it comes to DVC. Which, after seeing that monstrosity that was plunked right down next to the Contemporary, I'm glad. Can you imagine a 30 story "villa" built at the marina?

Oh heavens no! That's not what I meant at all. I was thinking how super-deluxe RV slips would work as a DVC resort. I would be devastated if they plunked down another DVC 'hotel' anywhere near the Fort!

 

[AuburnJen92]

Bama-Ed,

I was told by a DVC member that they made that major change because most people booking DVC's were not going on weekends, hence they lowered the points for weekend and upped the points for the weekdays. She told me that she is considering renting her points this year. Just thought you would like to know.

 

[Minnie&Mickey]

Oh heavens no! That's not what I meant at all. I was thinking how super-deluxe RV slips would work as a DVC resort. I would be devastated if they plunked down another DVC 'hotel' anywhere near the Fort!

I totally agree with you, Shan-man! I would be very upset if they ruined the Fort with a DVC Resort...I want DVC campsites! The new Bay Lake Tower by the Contemporary is ugly (at least on the outside...haven't seen the inside).

We almost always arrive for our DVC trips on a Sunday because the Sun. through Thurs. points are so much less. If we did arrive on a Saturday, we would always stay at one of the value resorts for the night. Like I said before, I'm okay with the reallocation, I just wish it was easier to stay at the Fort with DVC points! I haven't tried it yet, but from what I understand there never seems to be anything available for a campsite.

 

[Judy Judy Judy]

We did consider buying into a DVC back in 2006 and could have bought into S.Springs for 16,000.00 but decided not to because we travel so much with our pets, now if they had a couple of pet friendly hotels I would sell my tt and my truck and buy into one in a minute.

 

[Skyw]

We looked at DVC. I did all of the homework.....looked at paying mostly cash and not financing at 10% (WOW). Then add on points as we had the cash. I think if you enjoy the resorts and having a kitchen it is great. But the two main reasons we did not do it....We like the Fort the best and we generally travel at the last minute or when a good deal comes.

 

[Shan-man]

Judy, Judy, Judy thank you, thank you, thank you! That is the first time anybody has shared a buy-in price with me! I know that is well outdated by now but it gives me a ball park to work with. I really appreciate it!

 

[breick]

We have been "hanging out" at the Fort since 1983 and camping there since 1997. At this point, we stay approx 3-4 weeks in the summer. Sometimes we also stay over Christmas but usually in a resort. I wish The Fort had been DVC when we first started. That first summer we paid $29 per night for a full hook up. It is triple that now for a premium during the same time period.

We bought 25 DVC points a few years ago with the idea we would use it to save on PAP's (5 people @ $125 off= $625 every 2 years) and stay 2 nights in a DVC resort at the end of camping stay (our return to civilization before the long drive home.)

We are in the process of buying another 170 points at VWL. As the kids get older and retirement approaching, I can see our WDW stays changing. DVC may become more prominent. I also can use the points for our Xmas stay and be cheaper than cash. I can rent them. I can use them at FW if I can get the reservation. (M-Th 8 points figures out to be $40 actual cash or $80 at rental rate. Less than a premium. No tax added on. No charge for extra adults on the site) I'm still hoping FW might go DVC and then I would be all set.

The DVC rules can be very complicated. Plan how you would use it for the next 10 years and how many points you would need. Do your homework before buying. Don't finance at 10%. Buy resale. I'm no expert, but we love the Fort and are DVC members.

 

[bigdisneydaddy]

we had a Boardwalk with a Wilderness lodge add on for about 6 yrs. One of the best investments I ever made. We sold them both shortly after we bought our first trailer. All in all it was a very positive experince for us that actually saved us a boat load of money.

(results will vary, not applicable in all states, do not take internally, stop use if rash persists)

 

[LarryJ]

Folks,

A couple of years ago I thought about buying DVC but instead bought my pop-up camper to camp at the Fort (and other places as well of course). I have been happy with my decision.

Every once in a while I pop over to the DVC Board and check it out (Shan-Man, I've seen your "Shanta" avatar over there). There's a thread there now where people were upset because the 2010 point spreads have been altered slightly along with some changes to the date windows of some "seasons". This appears to have affected most if not all resorts. The main change seems to have been raising the points for Sunday night-Thursday night stays and dropping Friday and Saturday night points rates. Disney apparently has the right to do this but has done it very infrequently (the last time was several years ago it sounds like). Most of the upset people seem to be those who were trying to very efficiently use their points (bought only enough to fit a specific time period or travel pattern). Now these folks will be forced to bank/borrow/rent/buy points to fit their plans or alter their plans. I stopped following the thread once it got over 150 pages of postings .

Any of you camper folks like me who considered DVC but decided to keep bringing the trailer to the Fort? I'm not intending for this to be another thread on the economics of buying DVC - but at least it's still a straightforward decision about paying for a campsite for the length of our stay. Anybody else familiar with this issue and can you add any more details or fix any misinformation in my post?

Thanks,

Bama ED

When it first came out and IIRC OKW was the first we considered it, but already being FW "junkies" I just couldn't see the benefit and I'm sort of a pay as you go type and commiting to a long term situation with yearly costs that can increase I "JUST SAID NO". Haven't looked back or regretted my decision at all.


I guess it fits some peoples needs, but just wasn't for us.

Larry

 

[FlaFortCampster]

Oh heavens no! That's not what I meant at all. I was thinking how super-deluxe RV slips would work as a DVC resort. I would be devastated if they plunked down another DVC 'hotel' anywhere near the Fort!

No, no, no, wasn't directed at you.

I think your DVC dream is between WL and the Fort with all pull thru sites for the big rigs????

What they should do is take at least one of the cabin loops, join 2 cabins into one biggy cabin with laundry facilities, hot tub and a 3rd bedroom. Just join them at the living rooms across the front. That would be the 3rd bedroom. The area behind would create a private area for hot tub, patio, screen room, laundry room area.

Have you ever noticed how many of the cabins remain empty day after day??

 

[Michelle GT]

We also looked at DVC and then decided on a trailer. We get to use the trailer several times a year and then try to get to Disney at least 1 big trip a year. We live in PA, so we try to stay as long as possible when we do go.
Once in a while I wish we bought DVC, but we probably wouldn't get to go as much as we do now.
Actually, it would be nice to have both, but the money tree in my backyard isn't producing as much as I would like it to.
I think we made the best choice for our family. We really like staying at the Fort. It is very relaxing and my kids always have something to do. If the pool comes out nice, that will definitely be the icing on the cake. ( we are big fans of the Poly pool)

 

[Whipperwhirl]

Yes, I confess, I have ventured beyond the boundaries of Fort discussions. I was hoping to get a handle on how Disney handles DVC properties so that I could see if that model might be adaptable to a campground resort... specifically a Fort Wilderness DVC addition. I'm disappointed to say that straight-talk about DVC is almost impossible to come by! I'm surprised to find that the super-helpful attitudes I find here in the camping board really don't seem to be present so much on other forums. Oh well.

I stick to two boards - a third (budget) an very rare occassions - podcast and camping - there are some very irrational people out there - just ask me some time about how I kill people with latex balloons.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We are DVC members and love it.

I lurk on the camping boards sometimes. Dh would NEVER consider camping. He's too much of a city slicker. I'd like to start tent camping at the Alabama State Parks, and the camping boards gives me a good peak.

As for the buy-in...we bought 100 points at BWV for $84/pt. a few years ago through resale. I think its a little less now. We are very frugal with our points and it works out for us. We love going to Disney and its DLX all the way for DH.

I'm actually kind of happy with the point allocation. They didn't change BWV points very much, and I was getting a little tired of only staying Sunday-Thursday. We may eventually buy more points if we find that we need them. We also went into the purchase with our eyes wide open, and was not surprised by the change. I had read the rules and knew it was possible. Otherwise, I would have been pretty steamed.

Thanks for letting me lurk into your world, and for AuburnJen...ROLL TIDE!

 

[lorac4disney]

I considered it, very seriously. But I couldn't make myself let go of the money. I worked too hard for it.

One of the many things that DH and I share is our love of the outdoors. If anything, it is a staple in our lives.

After many heart to hearts, we decided to go with a camper. Beyond the DVC, it would give us far more flexibility and freedom to follow our hearts desire. There are no worries such as points and so forth and which one is nicer than the other.

I have a strong desire to see all of America and sample it's fishing. He loves anything that has to do with hunting and outdoors (he can relate to my passion for fishing). While WDW will be one of our frequent vaction spots, it will not be our only one.

 

[clkelley]

We bought 25 DVC points a few years ago with the idea we would use it to save on PAP's (5 people @ $125 off= $625 every 2 years) and stay 2 nights in a DVC resort at the end of camping stay (our return to civilization before the long drive home..

Hmmmm, that is a thought. A 25 point contract would give us an instant savings of $200 per year on our APs. Then it would also give use 4 nights at the Fort.

(Off to look at the resale website)