Is Anybody Disappointed?

[Sammie]

So when you do DVC, can you still have the dining plan? We would have to purchase park tickets for each visit as we would only go once a year (unless we did something like December and then November) - so would there be an option to add the dining plan onto park tickets - similar to a package?

With DVC everything is ala carte no packages. Book your room using points, buy the Dining plan if you want to, purchase any ticket combination you want. DVC members do not have to make a ticket purchase in order to purchase the dining plan. Of course it is the paid plan.


Nothing is tied to each other.

 

[Hans Moleman]

We're only disappointed that we didn't take the tour and buy in when we were in Disney on our honeymoon in 2001.

Instead, we bought in 2007.

Knock on wood, we've had no problems on any of our trips. The only TINY thing was that we couldn't get a proper spatula to save our lives when we stayed at a 2BR at BCV. That's it. No trash issues, no towel problems, no broken things....

**knocking on wood!**

I responded on another person's thread who was thinking about buying in, but will try to summarize here. Our first trip was a week in a 2BR Villa at BCV. We took my parents and grandmother (DH and I don't have kids.) We never could have afforded to get that kind of room without DVC! We had a fabulous time! I still chuckle every time I think about how much my dad talked about how much he loved riding Soarin'.... over and over...even a few years later, he still talks about it once in awhile. And my grandmother is 85 (still doing GREAT), but how wonderful was it to be able to take her along with us! Her and my grandfather used to take my sister and I when we were kids and those are some of my best memories. I wish my grandfather could have still been around for it, but at least we created new Disney memories with my grandmother.... AND my parents!

Since then, we've also stayed a few times at our home resort of AKV and just LOVE having the animals outside the balconies! We LOVE AKV!!!!

This year, in addition to DH and I staying at BLT this summer, I am going on a girls only trip with some of my friends - one of which has never been to Disney! Can't wait to show her an amazing first trip! I would never have been able to justify two trip in one year before DVC. But with an annual pass, and my DVC room, it's not cost prohibitive to go more than once!

In 2012, we're going to do a Grand Villa with us, my parents, my grandmother, my sister, BIL, and their two little girls. Even renting points for a Grand Villa would add up to a really high amount really fast!

DVC was right for us. We love going to Disney. We HATED staying at a Value resort.

Now we get to stay in really nice resorts AND take our family and friends! How cool is that!

Great post! Makes me excited about purchasing at BLT!

Doing my first trip in November

 

[yitbos96bb]

I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, but I'm not necessarily DVCs biggest cheerleader either. And we CAN afford the dues and have been affected by only one policy change personally (the lack of discount on UPHs when they dropped that - which since they restructured the ticket prices, ended up with us paying less for full price tickets than we paid with the discount anyway). So that isn't it.

Things I don't like - I don't like the eleven/seven month booking - I was under the impression that it would be easier to move around than it actually is - and its been made more difficult because there are now more owners looking for the smaller resorts. I don't like (but tolerate) the condition of the rooms and the cheap linens. Not DVC, but Disneys food has gone WAY down hill, from "we look forward to it" to "do we have to eat?" during the time we've been members.

It IS worth it to us - the kids sleep in a different room, we have space to spread out.

Its probably truer to say that I haven't been overall disappointed, but I haven't been overall delighted either. Its been a good, pragmatic, value for us - but we bought in at $63 almost a decade ago.

I can respect that... I agree... it is by NO means a perfect system.

The linens aren't great, but at least the pillows have started to improve. Maybe if the shilling of linens through the little booklet in the rooms works, they will actually use those sheets.

The food thing I agree with 100%. I'm not quite to your level of distaste... there are still some nice gems on property, however they are pricey... V and A, Cali Grill, Citricos, Narcoosees, Brown Derby, the Kona Sushi Bar (I love the creative polynesian twist on the sushi, although I find Kimonos and Cali Grills the best sushi on property)... as well as certain dishes (The spring roll in the bar at The Wave is AWESOME... we had it at F and W in the Demos and then I went and tried it in the bar... fantastic... not on the restaurant menu for some reason).

Even though there are disappointments (Hey, I'm STILL irked about Mr Toad and 20,000 Leagues), overall it sounds like you'd buy it again... as would I. And its mainly because of the rooms... If I came down on cash, I'd get moderate rooms or value. With this, I have my room prepaid and they are much nicer than the moderate and value rooms.

 

[yitbos96bb]

And for people who stay both fri and sat these reallocation work out Nkt bad for you. One of our problems is that we rarely stay Fri nights and never stay Sat night. We like to generally arrive on Sunday, and have a day or two at home when we get back before heading back to work the next Monday. Since friday and saturday costs have been spread out to the weekedays two years in a row its made for incredible increases in our point needs. I really feel like they've gone too far in some areas. We seriously considered how
many points we would need and felt like we would have enough, even if it mean once ever 4 to 5 years we might have to skip a trip. As things stand now we're going to be skipping a trip every other year.

Which in a way kind of hurts Disney as well. That trip we are skipping also means they won't be getting any money from us for over priced souvenirs and food for that same time period they otherwise would have.

I can understand your point... I guess my feeling is that with all the garbage Disney has been doing the last few years, including doubling ticket prices from 1998 to 2010 (They have gone up more in the last 12, than in the first 26 years), it just doesn't surprise me anymore.

 

[crisi]

I can respect that... I agree... it is by NO means a perfect system.

The linens aren't great, but at least the pillows have started to improve. Maybe if the shilling of linens through the little booklet in the rooms works, they will actually use those sheets.

The food thing I agree with 100%. I'm not quite to your level of distaste... there are still some nice gems on property, however they are pricey... V and A, Cali Grill, Citricos, Narcoosees, Brown Derby, the Kona Sushi Bar (I love the creative polynesian twist on the sushi, although I find Kimonos and Cali Grills the best sushi on property)... as well as certain dishes (The spring roll in the bar at The Wave is AWESOME... we had it at F and W in the Demos and then I went and tried it in the bar... fantastic... not on the restaurant menu for some reason).

Even though there are disappointments (Hey, I'm STILL irked about Mr Toad and 20,000 Leagues), overall it sounds like you'd buy it again... as would I. And its mainly because of the rooms... If I came down on cash, I'd get moderate rooms or value. With this, I have my room prepaid and they are much nicer than the moderate and value rooms.

Our reservations for this year are CG, Artists Point, Jiko, Yachtsman - a few others - and I'm still not looking forward to it. We haven't done V&As (our kids are too young) but even Disney's good food just isn't great. But I'll freely admit I'm a food snob - and my husband is worse.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Edited to add a quick note: So many of you have PM'd me mentioning using you as a referral. I would be happy to do it, however I already have a name on file from my tour for a couple who referred me.
[/COLOR]

Please note: We do not allow solicitations for referrals on our boards NOR via our PM system. At this time there is only a monetary gain to be provided to the current DVC member referring, not to the prospective member.

We do have a Telephone Referral thread where referrals are allowed, but only to those prospective members who have never had contact with DVC prior. In those cases a $25 gift card is awarded to both parties.

Please refrain for soliciting referrals for personal gain, otherwise. Thank you!

 

[dmoore22]

I wouldn't say I'm disappointed, but I'm not necessarily DVCs biggest cheerleader either. And we CAN afford the dues and have been affected by only one policy change personally (the lack of discount on UPHs when they dropped that - which since they restructured the ticket prices, ended up with us paying less for full price tickets than we paid with the discount anyway). So that isn't it.

Things I don't like - I don't like the eleven/seven month booking - I was under the impression that it would be easier to move around than it actually is - and its been made more difficult because there are now more owners looking for the smaller resorts. I don't like (but tolerate) the condition of the rooms and the cheap linens. Not DVC, but Disneys food has gone WAY down hill, from "we look forward to it" to "do we have to eat?" during the time we've been members.

It IS worth it to us - the kids sleep in a different room, we have space to spread out.

Its probably truer to say that I haven't been overall disappointed, but I haven't been overall delighted either. Its been a good, pragmatic, value for us - but we bought in at $63 almost a decade ago.

I can't say we've had the same experience. Perhaps we've been blessed. We have found the quality of food to vary with the times of year we've visited. Generally it seemed to be at it's worst during peak times when it seemed like the TS Restaurants could not keep up with the demand, in spite of the ADRs regulating the flow of guests. The TS restaurants with the most variance in quality from visit to visit for us has been the Sci-Fi Diner and Tutto Italia.

As for as the rooms, they've always seemed fresh, clean, and well maintained. The towels and linens have been more than adequate. Better than all I have experienced in many of the so-called luxury hotels I have stayed in as part of my job. I actually wake up refreshed in the morning after a night in a DVC accomodation. I can't make that claim when I stay elsewhere. Usually I can't wait to get home to my own bed to recover after being on the road. Not so with DVC accomodations.

It did take me awhile to learn how to take advantage of the 11 month/7 month booking windows. Prior to that we were pretty much spur of the moment in making our reservations. All less than the 7 month window and still managed to get what we requested. Several times we did have to use the wait list but still got what we wanted -- even at Christmas. MS has always made it user friendly, a piece of cake, for us in our spontaneous last minute plans.

 

[RDP]

We bought into AKV. Very Happy but with hindsight we would
1- But a few more points than we actualy needed due to Disneys annoying habit of re allocating points wich now means we dont have exactly what we need
2-Bought sooner
3-split the contract between two resorts.

 

[DVC Mike]

I'm a very satisfied DVC member. I knew what I was buying, and I got exactly that.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I can understand your point... I guess my feeling is that with all the garbage Disney has been doing the last few years, including doubling ticket prices from 1998 to 2010 (They have gone up more in the last 12, than in the first 26 years), it just doesn't surprise me anymore.

Kind of like DVC dues.

 

[Gramps 25]

My wife and I were at Disneyland two weeks ago and took the tour and heard the sales pitch. Since then, I have been doing a great deal of research and have a feeling I know what we’re getting in to but wanted to get some opinions on this aspect:

While we LOVE Disney, we don’t always want to go to one of their parks, even every other year. Part of the appeal is the trading out for hotel rooms at other locations. That has appeal to me. What have been any of your experiences with that aspect of the DVC? Any input on that aspect would be greatly appreciated.

Also, I had never thought of buying two contracts to get two home resorts. Seems like a great idea.

Thanks!

 

[Deb & Bill]

...While we LOVE Disney, we don’t always want to go to one of their parks, even every other year. Part of the appeal is the trading out for hotel rooms at other locations. That has appeal to me. What have been any of your experiences with that aspect of the DVC? Any input on that aspect would be greatly appreciated....

If that is how you plan to use a DVC membership, only buy enough points so that you can use banking and borrowing every other year to get the points you need. Then use the rest of the money you planned to spend on DVC and buy a cheaper timeshare to use for trading. DVC is just too expensive to use for trading on a regular basis.

Buy a Hilton Grand Vacation Club membership or Marriott Vacation Club and you can use them at Hiltons or Marriotts all over the world.

 

[mdinme]

Call WDW reservation center and get a quote on a 1BR at BLT (the non member price per night). I believe what they tell you may change your mind.

This is a standard response to your question about buying in but to me far far from a legit "point" (excuse the pun) or reason to buy DVC. Why? Because no one in their right mind SHOULD EVER CALL WDW to book a rack rate rez or any other rez for that matter unless the incentives are stupendous.

Why shouldn't they? Simple. Because, instead, they could rent points from an owner much cheaper. If you can plan your vacation fairly far in advance, and/or you're flexible, you can most likely rent for just $9/point.

Should I continue? How about this tidbit: There isn't a financial advisor on earth, nor will there ever be one, that would recommend spending $XX,XXX.00 on a timeshare. Nor do they often recommend "pre paying" for anything.

WDW is amazing, we are a family that is addicted like many of yours. If I had $20k laying around I might think differently, but when I add up what I'll spend the first ten years on dues alone (at least $5/point/year so on 100 points it's at least $5k just in dues the first ten years) and the fact that with a lousy 3% return on my $20K in my back account I can turn those $500 a year dues into a $600 return.

 

[mdinme]

Better yet, don't buy a timeshare and shop for great deals on any number of websites and if you want to do disney rent points.

 

[cropman]

This is a standard response to your question about buying in but to me far far from a legit "point" (excuse the pun) or reason to buy DVC. Why? Because no one in their right mind SHOULD EVER CALL WDW to book a rack rate rez or any other rez for that matter unless the incentives are stupendous.

Why shouldn't they? Simple. Because, instead, they could rent points from an owner much cheaper. If you can plan your vacation fairly far in advance, and/or you're flexible, you can most likely rent for just $9/point.

Should I continue? How about this tidbit: There isn't a financial advisor on earth, nor will there ever be one, that would recommend spending $XX,XXX.00 on a timeshare. Nor do they often recommend "pre paying" for anything.

WDW is amazing, we are a family that is addicted like many of yours. If I had $20k laying around I might think differently, but when I add up what I'll spend the first ten years on dues alone (at least $5/point/year so on 100 points it's at least $5k just in dues the first ten years) and the fact that with a lousy 3% return on my $20K in my back account I can turn those $500 a year dues into a $600 return.

Entirely true. However, the real world doesn't always work like that. If it did Disney wouldn't have all those people working and booking those cash rates, everyone would work with those financial advisors and EVERYONE would follow all that sage advice and have $20k laying around.

DVC members have bought in for many, many reasons. Our reason was there was always a reason why we couldn't vacation, work, kids schedule, money that year, etc. We could think of every reason not to go somewhere. Now that we own, we use our points and build memories that will last a lifetime, and God willing, it will last into, someday, our grand kids lifetime.

I am glad that you have found a way to make DVC work for you and your family. However, the smugness and condescending tone of your post, I could personally do with out.

 

[Swarthoutfamily]

I am also looking to buy into the DVC, I am curious what are the annual fees. Also is it only a problem booking at the WDW resorts? Or are there also problems with disneyland and the other resorts? Thanks

 

[maryloubsw]

I think all the people who say "I could have that money in my bank earning 3%" (and several other scenarios I have read on here), don't understand that we aren't buying DVC for investment purposes. It's a personal choice whether you buy, and I just spent $6000 on my Disney vacation in a value season, so why not pay $20,000 and get my accomodations for the next 50some years? We save $ but we also love going on vacation it is one of our #1 family priorities because my husband and I work so much, so it more than an emotional investment than a financial one, I think people understand you aren't going to get a return. Like others have said it's a luxury and a personal choice.

 

[Pig Pen]

No disappointments at all. DVC allows us to stay in properties we could never afford if paying OOP. I have dreamed of staying at a monorail resort since WDW opened, and our recent stay at BLT fulfilled that dream!

My only regret was buying VB rather than an on-site property. We haven't had any problems with this yet, but I worry that someday DVC will stop allowing VB owners to book at WDW sites, or will change the booking window to 3 months, etc. VB dues are much higher and the value of our points have dropped drastically.

We were naive when we bought and VB was most affordable at the time.

So, buy where you want to stay!

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

I think all the people who say "I could have that money in my bank earning 3%" (and several other scenarios I have read on here), don't understand that we aren't buying DVC for investment purposes. It's a personal choice whether you buy, and I just spent $6000 on my Disney vacation in a value season, so why not pay $20,000 and get my accomodations for the next 50some years? We save $ but we also love going on vacation it is one of our #1 family priorities because my husband and I work so much, so it more than an emotional investment than a financial one, I think people understand you aren't going to get a return. Like others have said it's a luxury and a personal choice.

I paid about $40000 for my 400 pts. My MF's are about $1800 per year. If I rent my points at the average asking price of $10/pt thats $4000 per year. Less the MF's puts $2200 in my pocket each year, considering that I also get a tax credit for my points, that is a pretty good return on my investment. IMHO

 

[ToddyLu]

I think all the people who say "I could have that money in my bank earning 3%" (and several other scenarios I have read on here), don't understand that we aren't buying DVC for investment purposes. It's a personal choice whether you buy, and I just spent $6000 on my Disney vacation in a value season, so why not pay $20,000 and get my accomodations for the next 50some years? We save $ but we also love going on vacation it is one of our #1 family priorities because my husband and I work so much, so it more than an emotional investment than a financial one, I think people understand you aren't going to get a return. Like others have said it's a luxury and a personal choice.

I totally agree. Loose everything to a hurricane, flood, fire, whatever or experience a serious illness in your family and everything changes. Even your view of money and what is important in life and to your family. I think for the size and scope of WDW they do a good job and are consistant. This is important to me. I have only been traveling to WDW since 2002 (I was 32). If I had know what I was missing as a child I would now be living in Orlando and working for the "the company". The fact that we are immersed in fantasy and the cell phone only helps us meet up with others, not work, while we are there, make our trips and purchase of DVC worthwhile. Could I have done more with my money, investment wise.... sure. Would it afford me luxury NOW (like DVC)...not so much. As a family we have learned that life changes in an instant, drastically sometimes. Oops, I think I am pontificating now So I put my money where my heart was...

I appreciate EVERYONE's opinion on the boards and have learned a lot from them.