Is DVC really a good deal for the consumer?

[Maistre Gracey]

Oh man!!! I'm gone from the boards for less than a day, and look what I miss!!!
Anyway, I'm not going to get overly involved when the thread is this mature, other than to say.... Yes, it is a good deal for us. Yes, we are happy DVC members.

Any other questions????

 

[manning]

What's good for one is bad for another.

I like the 1 bedrooms and know I will never afford anything like that at the hotels.

 

[Lanshark]

Wow! What a bunch of great responses? I originally posted on the debate board to see if anyone saw any negatives the the DVC. I thought if I posted here people would have a tendency to be biased. It looks as though about 39 of 40 see an advantage to it if you are wanting nicer accomodations during your visit.

There are 4 of us including a 16 year old DD and a 12 year old DS. This means we have to always get a rollaway in any room we get. Although I don't technically need a room for 5 the configuration for 4 that we require actually necessitates an extra bed.

It still seems expensive to me though. You've got the initial cost which sounds like it is between 12K and 15k then dues each year that are around $700 to $1000. Last code I got was for AK room with a view for $149 (before tax). That would come to approximately $1200 for a 7 night visit. Of course that is dependant on getting a code. We spend little time in the room. Basically to sleep, shower and that's it.

It is something we'll have to consider. I

 

[timC]

It's NOT for everyone. IMO just because you visit annually is not enough to know if this is a good deal or not. Other things to consider...

- What season do you go. Some seasons offer a better deal using cash, than DVC.
- Is a studio enough for your needs? If so, I think DVC is over-kill.
- Can you afford to be locked into maintenance and loan payments? Only you would know, but (based no some posts I've seen) I think some people are over-extending themselves. Be careful.
- Do you want to travel beyond WDW? There are better time-share option.

We are very satisfied with out DVC purchases. Yes we even came back for more. That said, consumers really need to do their homework before locking money money into a 40+ year vacation commitment.

 

[colleen costello]

I met a woman this summer waiting to see the Fantasmic show. Her family was down from Michigan and were staying in a local timeshare for very little money. She was griping about it because it was not as promised. The room was OK but the grounds were bad and the pools were "filthy." She literally would not let her kids get in them. There was a young couple sitting near us and the young woman said "Well, Disney has a timeshare, you should try that one" and this first lady went kind of crazy, saying Disney's timeshare was SUCH a ripoff and who could afford it and it's not worth it and you can only stay in one resort... Yikes! I just sat there smiling, knowing that when Fantasmic! was over, I was returning to beautiful OKW, and my giant room with the gorgeous view and the full kitchen and laundry and whirlpool tub, and wonderful people and spotless pool... Yes, you do get what you pay for. DVC has been a real joy for my family.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by colleen costello
I met a woman this summer waiting to see the Fantasmic show. Her family was down from Michigan and were staying in a local timeshare for very little money. She was griping about it because it was not as promised. The room was OK but the grounds were bad and the pools were "filthy." She literally would not let her kids get in them. There was a young couple sitting near us and the young woman said "Well, Disney has a timeshare, you should try that one" and this first lady went kind of crazy, saying Disney's timeshare was SUCH a ripoff and who could afford it and it's not worth it and you can only stay in one resort... Yikes! I just sat there smiling, knowing that when Fantasmic! was over, I was returning to beautiful OKW, and my giant room with the gorgeous view and the full kitchen and laundry and whirlpool tub, and wonderful people and spotless pool... Yes, you do get what you pay for. DVC has been a real joy for my family.

You have more willpower than I do!!! I would have set that lady straight! (and likely be removed by security in the process ).

 

[Lisa F]

Although you will find the response to be overwhelmingly positive about DVC on this board, at the same time people will be very frank about the fact that for those whose vacation habits don't fit the profile of the average DVCer, DVC is not a great choice.

The closest comparison to a regular hotel room is a studio at DVC, however a studio will do nothing to alleviate the problem of you needing 3 separate beds. For you to REALLY appreciate DVC, you would need to get a 2 bedroom unit, in which you'd have 2 baths, a queen sized bed for each of your kids and a spacious master suite with king bed and jacuzzi for yourselves. No matter WHAT you do, this is going to be more expensive than a single room anywhere (not counting suites).

Here is some math using a 2 bedroom:

Say you buy 265 points to allow you a week in a 2 bedroom in dream season every year (dream is the mid-range season) at SSR. At $79/point that would be almost $21,000. For a 50 year contract it would cost you $1.58/point/year for that contract. Add dues to that at $3.80 and your points are costing you $5.38/point/year. A week in a 2 bedroom at SSR would cost you $1425.70. The same week in an AK room would cost you $1,160 for the week if you get a discounted rate. So for less than $300, you can have the luxury of a 2 bedroom vs. cramming everyone into one room. If you compare "apples to apples" in terms of beds and bathrooms, you would really need TWO AKL rooms, so you're comparing paying $2314 for two rooms vs. $1425 for the 2 bedroom.

The thing you have to decide, however, is if it's overkill. If you truly only use the room to shower and sleep and you don't feel like you're on top of each other with the rollaway situation, then bottom line you would be paying more for a 2 bedroom when you really don't care. DVC's do NOT have a rollaway bed option and because of the addition of the kitchenette, there is not too much space for an air mattress in a studio. You could probably fit pretty comfortably in a 1 bedroom at OKW for fewer points and for lower dues and a smaller price to buy in with a resale with 4 people.

My point is that if luxury home away from home accommodations are important to you, DVC is the way to get them for a reasonable price. If you don't really care, you will pay more for dvc than for "the basics". It's kind of like having a coupon for 20% off a $200 purchase. If you were going to spend $200 ANYWAY, great, you will save $40. If you weren't going to spend $200 anyway, it's kind of silly to spend $200 to save $40.

Lisa

 

[ncligs]

Originally posted by Maistre Gracey
You have more willpower than I do!!! I would have set that lady straight! (and likely be removed by security in the process...

.......................

 

[erikthewise]

Originally posted by GAIL HAYDEN
Thanks for that information, Rich. Glad you did the math!!!
I feel really smart now. LOL

As long as we're doing math, a 40% gain over 13 years is about 2.6% annually. Not very impressive as an investment. But a heck of a lot better than your average timeshare!

Originally posted by Zurg
Then there is vu deja - the strange feeling this hasn't happened before.

Zurg, You're giving me narapoia! (The feeling that I'm out to get someone.)

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by Lanshark
Last code I got was for AK room with a view for $149 (before tax). That would come to approximately $1200 for a 7 night visit. Of course that is dependant on getting a code.

Also, consider that even with codes, what will the room rate be at AKL in 10 years? Historically the rates have gone up about 5% a year. With DVC your points are locked in (save for holiday adjustments which must be made up elsewhere). This is a point that really got us. We know we're going to keep going and we know we're going to stay in a deluxe. Why not buy in now and pre-pay for those vacations while locking in our rate for the next 39 years?

 

[Lisa F]

Originally posted by WDWguru
Also, consider that even with codes, what will the room rate be at AKL in 10 years? Historically the rates have gone up about 5% a year. With DVC your points are locked in (save for holiday adjustments which must be made up elsewhere). This is a point that really got us. We know we're going to keep going and we know we're going to stay in a deluxe. Why not buy in now and pre-pay for those vacations while locking in our rate for the next 39 years?

Though you have to remember that dues also go up. On the other hand, AP rates 4 years ago were $169 at BWI. Now they are $204, or just over 20% more. Dues at BWV in the same time have gone from $4.02/point to $4.11/point, or just over 2% more. Not too shabby!

Lisa

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Another important point for us regarding it being a good deal, is that if some unforseen event occurs and we have to sell, we can get good value out of selling compared the other timeshares. And, should something temporary happen, thanks to this sister DVC rent/trade board, we can offer out points for rent and recoup some of the financial loss (haven't done that, but have rented some extra points to extend a trip). Those two points add to the value DVC creates for the purchaser in terms of flexibility and holding dollar value.

 

[Zurg]

Originally posted by erikthewise
Zurg, You're giving me narapoia! (The feeling that I'm out to get someone.)

LOL That is great out to get soem one...

hay wait, I am giving you that!... are you out to get me?

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by Lanshark
Wow! What a bunch of great responses? I originally posted on the debate board to see if anyone saw any negatives the the DVC. I thought if I posted here people would have a tendency to be biased. It looks as though about 39 of 40 see an advantage to it if you are wanting nicer accomodations during your visit.

There are 4 of us including a 16 year old DD and a 12 year old DS. This means we have to always get a rollaway in any room we get. Although I don't technically need a room for 5 the configuration for 4 that we require actually necessitates an extra bed.

It still seems expensive to me though. You've got the initial cost which sounds like it is between 12K and 15k then dues each year that are around $700 to $1000. Last code I got was for AK room with a view for $149 (before tax). That would come to approximately $1200 for a 7 night visit. Of course that is dependant on getting a code. We spend little time in the room. Basically to sleep, shower and that's it.

It is something we'll have to consider. I

Just to make sure you know that you can't get roll aways in DVC resorts. You'd have to use an air mattress or get a 2 BR.

 

[ripleysmom]

For us it was about the size and quality of the accommodations. SoG discounts are very nice I am sure but we can get a 2 BR Villa for about what it costs to stay at the mods (once your points are paid off).

I would suggest that the next time you go to WDW, tour the facilities. If that doesn't convince you, nothing else will.

 

[Doc and Family]

Here's my two cents (for what it's worth)
Rumor is Disney is doing away with CRO and encompassing their duties inot WDTC. As such, Disney's main push now appears to be toward booking "packages" and away from individual room bookings. As such, discount codes are fewer and farther between. Just look at the resort board for all of the people checking daily for new codes. Effective Jan. 1, CRO is gone, and probably most of the room discounts. With that in mind, and if you go once a year, but arrange them to get two trips out of an AP, then the codes are irrelevant if you belong to the DVC. And without the codes, the rooms are pretty dog gone expensive, making DVC look that much better. HOWEVER, I would not do it strictly for financial purposes. I analyzed this thing for three years before buying in. My experience--Best thing I could have done, short of listening to my DW and doing it three years earlier. Good Luck with your decision.

 

[IndianaDVCMember]

It depends on how you typically travel. It's the way to go if you want deluxe accomodations and travel to Disney regularly. If you are going for the cheapest deal, you can find off site deals cheaper than the DVC dues alone. I am guessing that it's a good deal for you if you are considering it. I hope you join. We always like seeing more Purdue families when we travel.

 

[bcvillastwo]

I haven't read every reply but my sense is that most people believe it has been a good deal for them while recognizing at the same time that for some people it isn't a good deal. Which brings things right back to each individual's (person or family) travel patterns, financial circumstances, normal room accomodations, and whether you like to stay inside or outside the parks.

For us, like many others we didn't purchase the 1st time we looked at DVC. The primary reason we thought was financial and probably at that particular time it didn't make good sense for us. It took us about 3 years to decide that it made sense to us because (1) we really like to vacation at WDW, (2) we decided that we would only stay on site, and (3) we preferred more condo like accomodations, and (4) we reexamined the cost in light of factors 1 through 3 and decided to take the plunge. We have no regrets, we go at least 3 times a year now, we love the flexibility, and frankly we probably spend more now than we ever did, but the money is not going for a place to stay, instead it's buying nicer dinners, airfare, and a general sense of living the high life in one of our favorite places in the country. If I had it to do over again I would likely follow the exact same path.

 

[dianeschlicht]

bcvillastwo, I could not have said it better! We analysed it to death for 4 years before buying in, and our biggest regret was not doing it sooner!

 

[CaptainMidnight]

Another very big important change for us was the need to plan our vacations as far in advance as DVC requires to meet the 11 month and 7 month windows. We did not plan that far in advance before DVC, and find many of our friends do not either. That's a big change and one it can be difficult to manage if other schedules aren't known.