Is DVC for us??

[3disgirls]

I apologize in advance because Im sure you guys get these questions all the time. I have been a lurker on the disboards for YEARS, but this DVC thing is finally bringing me out of the woodwork

My husband and I are trying to figure out if we should invest in the DVC for our family and my head spins when I read all of the information that goes along with ownership. If I give you guys a little background can you tell me if you think it is something we should seriously look into?

Here we go! We are a family of 5, my husband and I and our 3 girls (7, 4, and 2). We have traveled to Disney every year since 2002 when I was pregnant with dd1. We always stay on property and we have always gotten the dining plan when it was offered. For the first 6 years our trips were 5 days in length and were at POR, WL (twice), AKL, Contemporary Tower and Poly (we're not into the values). In 2009 and 2010 we stayed 7 nights on the 4/3 deal at the Poly. Our last 2 trips have cost us about $3400 for room, tickets and dining. The previous trips were around $2200, but we only had one child over 3 at that point. By the time we take our next trip all of our children will be over 3 (so dd3 counts as a full person in the room thereby limiting our resort choices if we all stay in one room).

In my brief research on these boards, I have come across people saying that you should buy where you want to be. For us that is easy - Bay Lake Tower - hands down. We enjoy being on the monorail and love the CR overall. I think if we bought anywhere else we would just waste our money switching.

So my question is, if we are putting out $2200 - $3400 per year anyway, should we do DVC or are we better off planning our trips year to year?

Thank you all so much in advance! I consider myself pretty well versed in Disney, but this whole DVC thing has thrown me for a loop!!

 

[kristie03]

I know you are going to get tons of answers/advice, and since I'm new I know I'll enjoy reading them all.

There are a lot of factors to consider, but the first one that came to mind after reading your scenario is this....do you envision continuing your trips to Disney when your kids are grown??

I threw around the idea of DVC for several years as well, and in the end I knew it was the right thing for us when I met a nice older couple on our last trip that comes once or twice a year whether their grown kids and their families are with them or not. I knew right away that my husband and I would be in this category and I marched right over to a kiosk and made our tour appointment.

My impression is in the near term it definitely seems like it is for you, but what about the years between kids in your house and grandkids (yikes) to spoil??

 

[cvjw]

We bought into DVC last summer, after thinking about it for years. We had visited Disney about 14 times in the last 10 years, and plan on continuing to vacation at Disney. What really made us take the plunge was trying to fit into a normal hotel room with 2 boys, aged 13 and 9. We had just totally outgrown the places we normally liked to stay. We had rented DVC points in the past, so we sort of knew what we were getting into. Without taking a tour or anything, we bought resale contracts at the places we enjoyed staying. Now, we have enough points to stay in a 2 bedroom villa for 2 eight to ten night stays a year. When the boys are out of the house, we have enough points for several weeks per year in a studio or 1 bedroom. We are glad we finally joined DVC, although we wish we had done it sooner, but we waited until we were prepared financially to join.

 

[3disgirls]

I do see us going to Disney, even in the 'in between' years! Im not sure we know how to do anything else! We also love sharing Disney with others (aka begging family and friends to join us) so the thought of banking some of those in between years for larger/longer vacations is appealing.

We have only once in 8 years stopped and talked to a DVC cast member at a kiosk, but we have never gone to the presentation. The one idea that really appealed to us was being able to have vacations/honeymoons for our daughters (theres 3 of them you know as they grow up. Our 7 year just informed us on our trip in Jan. that she was DEFINITELY getting married at the wedding pavillion.

 

[kristie03]

Oh my gosh, we might be kindred spirits!!

 

[katied]

We're very happy with DVC (and did an add-on at BLT once it was available). I love the 2 bathrooms in a 1 bedroom, and the walk to MK.

With that said, my own opinion is to only buy DVC if you can pay for it upfront. I just don't think you should go in debt for what is essentially a pre-paid vacation plan.

Also, to benefit from the "home stay" advantage, you need to plan on booking your vacation 11 months out - so the question is, is this feasible for your family?

Also, once you buy into DVC, you don't qualify for any special promotions - i.e., buy 4, get 3, or free dining. You use your points for your room, and then if you want the DDP, you pay the full price.

However, another perk is that if you time your trips right, you can buy annual passes, and get 2 trips out of each annual pass (and use the DVC discount to buy the annual passes). So, if you take a trip Jan 2011, plan the next trip for Dec. 2011 - and 1 set of annual passes is good for both trips. Then, you go again Jan. 2013 and Dec. 2013 with a new annual pass (just make sure you don't renew your old AP, but instead buy NEW and pay the higher NEW price vs. renewal price). With an AP, you can then qualify for discounts on some shopping and also some food at times.

Anyway, I think that if you plan to go every year to deluxe level pricing, can afford to pay upfront to buy in, and can plan far in advance, it's for you.

Of course, we don't save any money thru DVC - we originally bought enough BWV points for 1 week per year in a 1 bedroom, then did a BLT add-on. We tend to invite family and stay in a 2 bedroom vs. a 1 bedroom, or else help family out with DVC trips on their own - so we go through our points and then some every year.

 

[Sandisw]

We bought in last year to BLT because we had been going to WDW most years since 1994. We loved the CR and didn't take the plunge sooner because, like you, didn't want to be anywhere but a monorail resort.

I think you are the perfect candidate for DVC. With a family of 5 (like mine), you are limited pretty much to the deluxe resorts, the cabins, and the suites at ASmu. We tried the cabins (and POR with the trundle), but nothing beats being so close to MK, our favorite park.

Once your girls get older, being able to stay in 1 or 2 bedrooms, for no more than you are paying now for a simple hotel room will be really worth it, IMO.

We didn't buy in, so much as to just save money, but to realize that our usual trips to WDW would now be in a bigger room. Our kids are older (DS21, DD17, and DD13 1/2) so most trips from now on will just be 3, but we are still staying next summer for 6 nights--3 in a BCV studio and 3 in a 1 bedroom at BLT.

In the long run, I think you will be so happy with your decision! I have not regretted it one bit!

Good luck!!!

 

[RCM]

We bought in 2004 at SSR and just did a resale addon. We have 4 married children 1 in college & 7 grandchildren. For some reason people think the older children won't come but every 3 years everyone comes and the between years we come with our sisters/brothers or ourselves.

One reason we chose SSR is it is so much easier with children to walk out our door and be outside instead of the hotel feel of the highrises with elevators & halls.

You will need DVC as your children start to grow and then your grandchildren!

 

[snowhyte]

We decided DVC was right for us because we were already going every year, knew we wanted to continue, and could afford to pay cash for a smaller contract.

Many people say their only regret about DVC was that they didn't buy sooner. I didn't want that to be me. We were finally in a position to do it, so we did.

We bought where we love to stay and have many years of vacations to look forward to.

Can you afford DVC ?

Are you ok with not getting free dining or other discounts offered to hotel guests?

Do you need daily housekeeping?

Can you plan your vacations in advance?

 

[3disgirls]

Can you afford DVC ? We would be paying cash. I agree with the previous poster about not financing the membership. Although Im not sure I fully grasp all of the fees. Im paying $800 a year in fees, $1442 in premium annual passes (the cost of the annual passes for our family divided by 2 as we would do the December/January trips suggested earlier). Is that right? Whats the the going rate per point at BLT? And how many points would I need for one 7 day vacation per year?

Oh I also forgot to mention, we live on the east coast and on average it costs us about $1000 to fly down, although we have recently tried driving and (surprisingly) love it. No one charges me when my bags are too heavy and I dont have to shove little shampoo bottles in plastic bags! I'll deal with cranky 2 year in my ear old over those security lines any day.

Are you ok with not getting free dining or other discounts offered to hotel guests? It would take some getting used to...Dont get me wrong, I stalk those codes like nobody's business, but I think I can do it. We went 'once' without getting a discount because we had a less than stellar AAA agent (never again).

Do you need daily housekeeping? That would be a no. I appearently dont get out of 'mom mode' while is Disney. Our waitress at the Luau just lectured me on cleaning up the huge mess my kids made with rice all over the table. She told me that was her job and I needed to sit back and enjoy the show.

Can you plan your vacations in advance?[/QUOTE] LOL, the one thing I dislike about going in January is that we have to wait until late summer before they open up the booking window for the following calendar year. Drives me nuts. Planning is my thing. And the further in advance the better. You should have seen the dance I did when the ADRs went back to 180. (ok no you shouldnt have. We've already been home for 2 weeks, and I'm already working on next years trip.

 

[chalee94]

Im paying $800 a year in fees, $1442 in premium annual passes (the cost of the annual passes for our family divided by 2 as we would do the December/January trips suggested earlier). Is that right?

annual dues depends on how many points you own and at which resort.

here is a link to historical fees per point by resort.

Whats the the going rate per point at BLT?

here is a good link to keep up with pricing.

And how many points would I need for one 7 day vacation per year?

depends on when you want to go. you would need at least a 1BR...and a 2BR might give you more space in the future...

here is a link to the 2011 point chart for BLT.

 

[jelliott04]

We own at AKV and I am glad we purchased.

One thing that I didn't know or didn't understand was the housekeeping issue. I know that we got trash and towel service on day for but what I didn't know is that they don't give you enough towels to last you those 4 days. You get 4 towels and 4 wash cloths and that is it. I thought they'd give me enough to last me those 4 days. Nope!

Just wanted to get that out there. That is the only thing that I've been disappointed about and that was my misunderstanding.

Jen

 

[Crystal_27]

Based on your initial post and your supplemental responses, I think that you are an ideal candidate for DVC. DVC isn't cheap (a 160 point investment at BLT is going to cost you about $18,400) but it sounds as if you have a grasp on not only the initial buy-in figures, but also the ongoing charges. I'd say do it! Hopefully, we'll be welcoming you home soon.

 

[cg1200]

Based on your initial post and your supplemental responses, I think that you are an ideal candidate for DVC. DVC isn't cheap (a 160 point investment at BLT is going to cost you about $18,400) but it sounds as if you have a grasp on not only the initial buy-in figures, but also the ongoing charges. I'd say do it! Hopefully, we'll be welcoming you home soon.

Agree with Crystal. DVC is very expensive upfront. I just added a 160 point contract for about 17K. If you have the disposable income you do sound like an ideal DVC'er.

We live in the northeast and fly down every year. Luckily jetBlue has reasonable airfares to MCO and the hassle of driving is just too painful for us. But if you can handle the drive, more power to you. It will save you several hundred over flying.

The other thing you could do is become a serial renter if you don't want to pay the cash upfront. Many simply rent points from other members which will still save you a lot of money without having to plunk down a large one time investment. True, you will lose some of the benefits of owning but no dues each year and you can rent where you want to stay.

 

[ToddyLu]

Ok I will jump out there as one who financed. Big deal. We own our house and finance our automobiles. After Katrina my priorities changed. Yeah, we hope to pay it off in a couple of years, but if not I can live with that. If any of our other trips to AKV are half as good as the first one we took last Nov...it is well worth it. DH and I do not have any real hobbies. He doesn't golf, hunt or fish. I do not shop much. We do not have children. We both love our annual trips to Disney. We both work very hard at our jobs.

Disney is our special place to share. My MIL loves going with us and gets to have her own studio, as well as my parents, alternating years. THe family time with them is treasured. My Dad is 72, Mom 66 and MIL 67. I want to enjoy time with them as long as possible. DFIL passed away in 2005, from Cancer, 5 weeks after we lost our homes in Katrina. We had a fabulous last trip with him in 2004. After his death in Oct 2005, DH and I went to Disney that Dec. We had planned the trip all year with the expectation that we might need to cancel. Well, DH is a fireman and after being with his parents the day they lost their home and ours, then having to go out and help the community (which he still doesn't talk about)....we needed Disney. I think that sealed it for us. It is our special place of fantasy on Earth. I do not regret one cent we spend on this purchase. While I can understand those that recommend paying for it up front, every situation is unique. If you "do" Disney every year, want deluxe accomodations, room to spare and are a planner (yes, I use my own excel spreadsheet months in advance)...I feel like it is for you.

I use the above as my own story of how important this vacation is to us as a family...it is pricelss and affordable.

 

[jelliott04]

I use the above as my own story of how important this vacation is to us as a family...it is pricelss and affordable.

I totally agree with you. My parents also question why we go so often (twice a year with sometimes a 3rd snuck in). My parents worry about our finances more than we do. LOL I sort of want to enjoy life while I'm living it with no regrets and we bought DVC a couple years ago with some extra cash. (we did end up financing a few K but paid the rest off immediately. We did the 0% for 6 months thing) The nice thing for us is that if our AP's are active then it is like a free trip. We are from the Northshore of New Orleans and are able to drive, so no airfare. Sure there is food to purchase and if times are tight, we do more counter service and breakfast in the room etc. If times are not tight we eat good.

Sure, we could have put that money in the bank but we've had many many good vacations since then.

I hate to talk about Katrina and Gustav since I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it. I will say that it did change the way I look at things. Would I rather have that money in the bank or have those memories? It might technically be financially smarter to pay it off immediately or wait till you can pay cash for it but life is short.

Oh and...WHO DAT!

Jen

 

[zmanandshan]

From a fellow newbie, I had consdidered DVC for about 2 years, seriously for the last 9 months or so. I have a DW, two DS (<1 and 4.5). My DW and I went to DW before we were married, we both love it. We took our oldest 2 years ago (last year we were expecting). I decided that DVC was right for us and we have a contract in progress (hopefully close in Apr). I consider it a prepayment of future vacations. Obviously each perspective owner needs to consider affordabilty, and it is not right for everyone, but you and your family do seem to be good candidates.

Good luck with your decision,
John

 

[ToddyLu]

I hate to talk about Katrina and Gustav since I'm sure everyone is tired of hearing about it. I will say that it did change the way I look at things. Would I rather have that money in the bank or have those memories? It might technically be financially smarter to pay it off immediately or wait till you can pay cash for it but life is short.

Oh and...WHO DAT!

Jen

I agree it is like beating a dead horse...Love my Saints!

 

[DenLo]

Wow, it does sound like the DVC is for you! With a family of five, it won't be long before you outgrow a standard hotel room and a DVC villa would be perfect. The one bedroom villas at BLT sleep five. You and your DH would have the MBR and the girls the living room on the pull out couch and pull out sleeper chair.

The only question I have before I give you a definite yes for you to become DVC members is this:

Do you make your Disney reservations in advance? As many as 7 to 11 months in advance? If the answer is yes then you are prime for a DVC membership. If you prefer to make reservations a few months before your vacation, then maybe the DVC would not be for you. It is possible to get last minute reservations with the DVC but not always. At popular times, like the Epcot food and wine, early December, Easter, and Christmas and New Year's week it is near impossible to get some reservations without making the reservation at the 11 month mark at your home resort.

 

[luvgoing2disney]

Mind if I tag along on this discussion with questions of my own?

We (well actually me more than my wife) have considered buying into DVC for a couple of years now. This is our situation:

Our family (myself, DW, DS, age 17) LOVE going to Disney but have always stayed in the Value Resorts as we tour commando style. The only time we are in the hotel is when the parks are closed. We plan our trips well in advance. 11 months is not unusual at all, in fact we are planning our next trip to Disneland in may 2011.

Would DVC be good for us? It sounds like the monthly fees would equate to a large portion of what we pay for rental now, and without the initial cost for signing up. Of course, I realize the home resort would have much nicer facilities, but again, since we are typically not there a great deal of time, is it worth it?

I know with the point system, we might be able to get in 2 trips a year, so that is something to consider, and I know that we are the only ones who could make the decision, but if any of you could share your opinion, I would certainly appreciate it.

One final bit of info, our house is almost paid off, so I am considering this transaction when that happens, and I could put this on a home equity loan---for tax purposes only so the interest could be deducted.