Is DVC for us?

[NurseKim]

I'm sure this question has been asked over and over again, so bear with me, and I hope this is the right forum for it!

DH and I are 30 with 2 boys, 3yo, and almost 2yo.

In Oct, I took my 9th trip to WDW. My 3yo is already asking to go back (smart kid)

I'm trying really hard to convince DH to buy into DVC...but I don't know a whole lot about it either.

I'm a "value resort" kind of girl. Why? Specifically, I like Pop...one bus stop, no other resort to share with (I was thoroughly annoyed when I stayed at the YC/BC with DISCon1 and had to share busses to get to the parks), I like a food court with comfort food.

Right now, we go to WDW for the parks, not to hang around the resort. But I can see that changing in the future when the boys get bigger (like wanting to hang out at a fancy pool).

We tend to travel "off season". I went 1x in August...never again Right now, I say that I will have no problem taking the kids out of school, but what if they have a really hard time and can't afford to miss any?

My other issue, I really want to travel the US. I would *love* for my kids to visit almost all 50 states, but in reality, I don't think that's going to happen.

Hearing about the AKL DVC has definitely piqued my interest. I have never stayed there (always wanted to), but my parents have and they loved it.

Could we afford it? With financing. We have a house mortgage, 1 car loan, and 2 student loans, no credit card debt.

So, honestly, what do you think? I am just hoping it's for us?

 

[skibum]

If you are looking at DVC as a money-saving idea, it probably is not the right thing for you, since you currently stay at value resorts. But for not much more money, it will allow you to stay in nicer accomodations.
We have stayed mostly at values as well, and looked at the numbers before buying. The bottom line is we made an emotional decision to purchase, because we want to stay on-site, and the family is really into Disney.
Not knowing your financial situation, I certainly wouldn't do it if it is going to alter your lifestyle, but if you can afford it, it sounds like it would be a good fit for your family. Just remember it is not an investment, it is essentially prepaid vacations. And I think you will find you will, as you stated, actually enjoy the resort, and not spend as much time at the parks - at least that is how it has been for our family.
We can honestly say we just wish we had done it earlier!

 

[spiceycat]

if you weren't happy with the YC don't know if you would be happy with DVC.

OKW and SSR don't share a bus - but they have 5 bus stops in the resort before they leave. I like it because it means that I am not too far from any bus stop. Others hate it because it means a longer time getting to the parks.

BCV and BWV - share just like YC - they even share (at times) the same bus.

VWL shares with FW, Cont, Polyn or GF - depending where they are going.

when AKV opens it will share a bus with AKL. even if they aren't saying it now - believe - disney is never one to spend more buses when one will do the job.

I also love the bus service at Pop. but some people hate it. my belief is they look at those lines and THINK it will take forever. I always use my stop watch and been very, very happy with Pop bus service.

So far, for me at least, Pop bus service is the best.