Interesed in DVC, but very confused???

[De Ann]

Please forgive me, I'm sure I'm going to ask the same questions that many have asked before...If points cost retail $72 each and according to the rate calculator I just tried out it would cost $15,408 to use 214 points to go to the Poly this fall. I know it can't be that much, but I can't figure out how this all works. I just went on the 7 day Magic and loved it and am now interesed in DVC. I requesed info on the cruise and they're mailing it to me. But, in the mean time could some of you very knowledgable people help me out. TIA!!

 

[MN_DizNut]

The beauty of DVC is that you buy the points just once, but have 41 years worht of vacations. The investment in the points allows you the use of that many points every years until the year 2042.

Jon

WDW '85 offsite
DL '85
DL '87
WDW '89 offsite
WL '97
WL '97 (again!)
WH '99
WL '99
AStSp '99 (YUCKY!!!)
DCL/Poly Jun/July '02

 

[RobDoc]

Welcome Deann! Many of your questions may be answered at our <a href="http://www.wdwinfo.com/dvc/faq.shtml">DVC newcomer's FAQ.</a>

The initial purchase, as pointed out above, provides that many points each year until 2042. There is still an annual fee based on the number of points you purchased. You have already discovered the points calculator- so you have a good idea of how that aspect works.

Please ask as many questions here as you'd like. Enjoy!

Doc
doc@wdwinfo.com

 

[gonzalj1]

The points you purchase are given to you every year until 2042. This means that you can take a vacation every year until then and never have to worry about paying for lodging again! Plus you can usually deduct the interest you pay on the loan from your taxes as financing through Disney is actually in the form of a mortgage.

My DW and I saw this as a chance to lock in our lodging at todays prices for the next 41 years. After we figured out that in 2030 a room at WDW would run over $500 a night this made perfect sense.

 

[Richyams]

Staying at the Poly or Contemporary or anywhere other then a DVC resort is not the most economical use of points.

A single room at the Contemporary costs about the same number of points as a two bedroom villa at Old Key West. The DVC resorts are great places to stay, certainly equal to or above any other resorts on property.

"From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs", Karl Marx, pretty sick, huh?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Rich is right, DVC resorts are the most economical use of points. We own 380 points and have more than enough for our yearly excursions plus have done an exchange as well. Keep in mind that you are pre-paying for 41 years of vacations!

Disneydiane

 

[Mojomanny]

Deann -

Thanks for helping us with the ribbons et al.

What a great cruise. We had a blast!

Anyway, we bought DVC on the cruise. We had considered before and are glad we finally have purchased.

We bought 185 pts which should allow us to take a 7 day disney adventure every other year. We will alternate between WDW and the cruise. This is for 2 adults and 1 child.

By using the magic beginnings out points come out to about $67 each. Using the cost of the points (divided by 41 years) and the annual maintenance
I figure the cost per point to be between 5 and 6 dollars each.

Our 7 day WDW trip will cost 170 points or about $1050. At VWL this would cost $465 or $3200 plus 11% tax and annual price increases. Seems like a no brainer.

The cruise will take 480 points worth $2880. Our cruise cost us $3300 plus another $375 in fees. A savings of $500 to $900 works for me!

Anyway, this is my slant on things. If you decide you are interested in more of the research we did before buying, let me know. You have my email and home address.

 

[nataliek]

Hi DeAnn; we were cruising with you but never met. I wore the ribbon at the terminal but didn't see any others; and couldn't get to the meets.
Anyway, we have been
DVC members since 1997 and have really enjoyed it. We've stayed at the Poly, OKW and Boardwalk (among others); there is no comparison in the accomodations, the DVC villas are unbelievable. We stay in a 2 bedroom when we go and they're truly wonderful. We're so spoiled, that staying in the small stateroom (albeit big for a cruise) was a little stressful for our family.
As everyone else mentioned, you get the points every year and only pay dues and interest if you take a loan. We have been able to deduct the interest, along with property taxes. When we purchased, we figured this pays for itself in about 5 years. The villa rooms go for 400-500 per nite and we go for a week in semi high season.
Even though "timeshares" are not a good investment, and we didn't buy for that reason, I will tell you that the price has gone up $10 per point since we bought. The point values for the rooms have stayed the same, and the dues have not really increased (we own at OKW and Vero).
If you have any specific questions, please feel free to email me.