Just back from WDW, now contemplating DVC...need help.

[asaj]

We just got back yesterday from our third trip to WDW in three years. We intend on going every year, at lest until our 7 year old DD gets to the point where she doesn't want to as often.

This year, we tried our first value, Pop Century. We had a good time, but will probably not do a value again. While there, we went to the SSR DVC open house. We had not really had any exposire to DVC prior.

Now, we are considering it, but we have a lot of questions. First, I haven't run all of the numbers, but I am not sure it would really save us any money, at lest based on our last three trips. Three years ago, we did the buy 4 night package get 4 more nights free deal, and we have done free dining the last two years. I know deals like that are not guaranteed, but assuming they continue, is it still worth it do the DVC, when you have annual dues, and have to buy your park tickets, on top of the initial purchase amount?

The accomodations are definitely top notch, better than any of the other rooms we have had (BC, CR, POR, POP, AKL). Since there are typically just the three of us, a one bedroom is likely all we would ever need. Brings me to my next questions...we liked SSR, but have never stayed there. I am not sure I wouldn't prefer Boardwalk or Beach Club. The woman indicated that SSR was all that was available, is it possible to get in at one of the other resorts? Should we stay at each before deciding? Is renting points the only way to stay at SSR, or at the BCV?

Like I said, we still need to run numbers, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that this might be something we regret in 5-10 years. Are they easy to sell? Finally, they have an incentive going on that we would have to act on in the next 3 days to get. I don't remember exactly, but I believe they gice you 10% to go towards the purchase price, if you finance through Disney. I am pretty sure I will not be doing anything in the next 3 days, but it makes you think a bit.

Any help is appreciated. What are your thoughts? Any regrets since taking the plunge? Is it a good idea for just the three of us?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[abbydancer]

My DH and I are in the process of doing the paperwork right now.

And while everyone's circumstances are different, I can tell you that when we were at Disneyworld in 1997 we talked briefly to the DVC people. I don't know what the price was at that time, but we are now regretting we didn't buy then.

Good look with your decision, and let us know what you decide.

Abby

 

[Slakk]

Like I said, we still need to run numbers, but I can't seem to shake the feeling that this might be something we regret in 5-10 years. Are they easy to sell? Finally, they have an incentive going on that we would have to act on in the next 3 days to get. I don't remember exactly, but I believe they gice you 10% to go towards the purchase price, if you finance through Disney. I am pretty sure I will not be doing anything in the next 3 days, but it makes you think a bit.

Any help is appreciated. What are your thoughts? Any regrets since taking the plunge? Is it a good idea for just the three of us?

Thanks,
Andy

I can tell you that we started our yearly trips to WDW in 1999 it took until 2005 for us to buy into DVC and my only regret is we did not do it sooner. We have 160 points at SSR at $87 and 50 each at BCV and VWL bought for $92.

Had we purchased these same points in 1999 they would have been considerably less - YIKES.

The best part is when we go to WDW we no longer commando we actually relax because we know next year we will be back.

Instead of waiting for codes and having to move my dates around in hopes of getting a cheaper room at the same time juggling flights. It really is nice.

If I want to do a studio a 1 BR or 2BR or even a Grand Vill my yearly costs stay the same (except maintenance).

I remember staying at the All Stars for $39 a night and POR for $59 now the prices are doubled.

But if staying at moderates and budget is what you do or if it is important to get free dining than DVC is not for you. Good luck eith your decision!

 

[asaj]

My DH and I are in the process of doing the paperwork right now.

And while everyone's circumstances are different, I can tell you that when we were at Disneyworld in 1997 we talked briefly to the DVC people. I don't know what the price was at that time, but we are now regretting we didn't buy then.

Good look with your decision, and let us know what you decide.

Abby

Will your home resort be SSR?

 

[asaj]

I can tell you that we started our yearly trips to WDW in 1999 it took until 2005 for us to buy into DVC and my only regret is we did not do it sooner. We have 160 points at SSR at $87 and 50 each at BCV and VWL bought for $92.

Had we purchased these same points in 1999 they would have been considerably less - YIKES.

The best part is when we go to WDW we no longer commando we actually relax because we know next year we will be back.

Instead of waiting for codes and having to move my dates around in hopes of getting a cheaper room at the same time juggling flights. It really is nice.

If I want to do a studio a 1 BR or 2BR or even a Grand Vill my yearly costs stay the same (except maintenance).

I remember staying at the All Stars for $39 a night and POR for $59 now the prices are doubled.

But if staying at moderates and budget is what you do or if it is important to get free dining than DVC is not for you. Good luck eith your decision!

Why do you have points at each of those resorts? Does this give you the ability to book at any of them 11 months out?

 

[RobDoc]

Yes, points owned at each resort may be used to reserve at 11 months (at that resort only) - and they may all be combined at 7 months for reservations.

All resorts may be ourchased directly thru DVC - SSR is what they are actively promoting at this time, but the others are available without any purchase incentives. There may be a waitlist for some Use Years at some resorts, but DVC will sell any resort.

Resales are also available at all resorts, including SSR. Be sure to do the math to see which resource will provide the best value for yor situation and be sure to note banked or borrowed points in any resale contract (direct purchases will usually always have points available from the current Use Year- ... an exception is the current incentive at SSR wich offers a discount of $15 per point - but no points are available until December, 2006).

 

[castleri]

My DH and I are in the process of doing the paperwork right now.

And while everyone's circumstances are different, I can tell you that when we were at Disneyworld in 1997 we talked briefly to the DVC people. I don't know what the price was at that time, but we are now regretting we didn't buy then.

Good look with your decision, and let us know what you decide.

Abby

We bought in 1997 and the price was $62.75 a point. At the time it was a choice between OKW and BWV. We chose OKW for the 11 month window and the lower maintenance fees and have never regretted anything except that we didn't buy in 1991.

 

[Deb & Bill]

DVC will NOT save you money. If anything, it will cause you to spend more money. We have 500 DVC points, started buying in 1997 at around $50 a point after the DVC special at the time. Added on four more times, including points at VWL and BCV when they began sales. We probably won't add on any more. Even though my husband and son would like to buy some at the Contemporary DVC if they build that. Now, me, I'd be partial to some at a DL DVC.

We buy PAPs for our trips to WDW. We do a lot of nice dining at WDW. We usually drive, so we have a car and don't have to pay for airfare. But we vacation more frequently now than we did prior to DVC - used to vacation about once every other year. Now it's two to three times a year. We were in WDW in January, DL in June (along with San Diego, AZ, NM, TX) and DL two weeks ago. We'll be back at WDW at Thanksgiving time. We should just do a payroll deduction directly to Disney would save us time on the middleman.

This family of three always stays in a one bedroom because we just find it more comfortable. Unless we can get a deluxe with the day bed. We don't do good sleeping together unless one bed is a king bed.

So, if your idea is seeing how much you can save on a vacation, go for short trips, etc., DVC might not be the best fit for you. But if you like nicer accomodations, plan to go to WDW at least every other year if not more frequently, DVC might be the right choice.

We have only started looked at trading out our DVC points for the first time since 1997, and when we really look at it, I'm not that willing. We get a better vacation using our points at WDW. But, I will pay cash to spend a few nights at the beach on the way there or the way back. The Gulf Coast beaches (when they are not under attack by hurricanes) are really nice.

 

[tjkraz]

It will take a minimum of 6-8 years to break even on the DVC purchase...and that's assuming that you use your points in the most economical manner possible. If you start using them for weekend stays or non-DVC options like cruises and other non-DVC resorts, your breakeven will be even longer.

I would only recommend a DVC purchase if it's something that you see your family (specifically, you and your significant other) using well after the children are grown.

Yes, the value of the DVC points could certainly appreciate and you could make-out nicely selling in the next 5-10 years, but there's no guarantee of that. When you sell, you'll be subject to unpredictable market conditions at the time and will likely have to pay 10-15% commission to a resale agent.

If you're most interested in points at the Beach Club, note that 5 years from now those contracts will only have 29-30 years remaining. Personally, I already feel that folks in their early-30s or younger are foolish for buying into the first generation DVC properties. One of the things that always troubled me about DVC prior to our purchase (at SSR) was that I didn't want to invest so much money in something that would end just as I was retiring. I want to be able to enjoy my points well into those golden years!

Anyway, if I'm misreading the situation and you do actually see yourselves making regular trips to Orlando for the next 30 or 40 years, then you should definitely do further research. But I think buying into DVC is a mistake for anyone who doesn't personally have the unquenchable desire to return to Walt Disney World over and over and over again. If you have $15-20k burning a hole in your pocket, look into a timeshare program with a broader list of destinations, or invest the money and use it to fund your family trips--wherever they may take you--for the next couple of decades.

 

[asaj]

I just left a vmail with our DVC rep to see if she has any worksheets showing the costs associated with the plan, using the $86/pt model, as we do have friends in our neighborhood that our DVC members. I still think chances are slim, but I need to look at the numbers. We'll probably spend about $3k a year goingto WDW and staying in the nicer resorts. If being members will cost us about that much, or less, than it might be worth it. Kind of like prepaying for your vacations, and then at some point only paying the maintenance. However, even the maintenance (approx $800-900/yr) and the cost of tix (probably annual passes) will run almost $2k, right? This is my dilemna, almost seems like after maintenance fees and tix, we are close to what we'd be spending if we weren't members, or am I wrong?

 

[tjkraz]

This is my dilemna, almost seems like after maintenance fees and tix, we are close to what we'd be spending if we weren't members, or am I wrong?

If you're comparing costs to staying in Pop Century, then you are correct. As you noted, the DVC accommodations are a substantial step-up from what you paid for at POP. Even DVC won't get you a Deluxe resort for LESS money than a value...

And, as you noted, in addition to the dues there are many other costs associated with WDW vacations that will not be included in a DVC purchase. DVC will absolutely save you money if you compare to the current cash rates at the best of the Disney-owned resorts. But if you aren't comfortable with the prospect of spending a couple thousand $$$ annually to return to WDW year after year and use those points, then don't make the commitment.

 

[asaj]

If you're comparing costs to staying in Pop Century, then you are correct. As you noted, the DVC accommodations are a substantial step-up from what you paid for at POP. Even DVC won't get you a Deluxe resort for LESS money than a value...

And, as you noted, in addition to the dues there are many other costs associated with WDW vacations that will not be included in a DVC purchase. DVC will absolutely save you money if you compare to the current cash rates at the best of the Disney-owned resorts. But if you aren't comfortable with the prospect of spending a couple thousand $$$ annually to return to WDW year after year and use those points, then don't make the commitment.

We are definitely done staying at Values, so I am most interested in comparing to Deluxe accomodations, even though I understand DVC accomodations are even a step up from those. I think what I need are the hard numbers based on the $86/pt price, including all costs, and then I can add in the discounted APs, and compare from there. We are prepared to spend a 2-3k per year on WDW vacations, just need to make sure it'd be that much thru DVC as well.

 

[Slakk]

If value resorts, free dining and rate codes are they way you prefer to visit WDW than DVC is not for you. If you prefer deluxe accomodations and know you like to visit WDW at least every other year than DVC is a possibility.

My son is 9 and one day may not want to be at WDW every year so we also have HH and VB as options or can try to trade.

I did not buy my points to make money but to pre pay for accomodations for the years to come. I also enjoy not having to hassle with waiting for last minute specials and hoping they coordinate with flights.

Good luck with your decision

 

[asaj]

If value resorts, free dining and rate codes are they way you prefer to visit WDW than DVC is not for you. If you prefer deluxe accomodations and know you like to visit WDW at least every other year than DVC is a possibility.

My son is 9 and one day may not want to be at WDW every year so we also have HH and VB as options or can try to trade.

I did not buy my points to make money but to pre pay for accomodations for the years to come. I also enjoy not having to hassle with waiting for last minute specials and hoping they coordinate with flights.

Good luck with your decision

Yes, you are in the same boat then, with your son being 9 and maybe not wanting to go to WDW every year when he gets older. I keep thinking if we had done it earlier when my daughter was younger, it would have made more sense. However, if the HH and VB resorts are just as nice, then we would definitely do those as well.

 

[Granny]

Yes, you are in the same boat then, with your son being 9 and maybe not wanting to go to WDW every year when he gets older. I keep thinking if we had done it earlier when my daughter was younger, it would have made more sense. However, if the HH and VB resorts are just as nice, then we would definitely do those as well.

You kind of mentioned this same theme in your original post, and it leads me to think that DVC might not be the right choice for you.

Since the DVC points you would buy would expire in 47 (SSR) or 35 (all others) years, buying based on your daughter of 7 doesn't make much sense. As you state, how much longer will she want to go to WDW with you? 9 years? 12 years?

I think DVC makes a lot more sense if you and your wife envision going to WDW every year or two for the next several decades...with or without your daughter.

If you're looking for something to carry you through the next decade, I'm not sure buying DVC is a great choice for you. You might well do better just hunting for codes and deals.

For us, DVC was an opportunity to enhance our vacation experience, and we stay in 1BR or larger to get the suite experience and elbow room. If that's not important to you, then again DVC might not be a great fit.

DVC does not save us money, because we choose not to have it save us money. We go more often, stay longer and enjoy a more laid back WDW vacation experience. Others have saved money by staying in studios, going in off-peak times, avoiding weekends, etc. Nothing wrong with that, and it makes sense for a lot of people. Just not for us.

DVC may or may not be a good fit for you. Keep asking questions, and learn as much as you can about this flexible timeshare concept.

 

[fr8trainhays]

If you're comparing costs to staying in Pop Century, then you are correct. As you noted, the DVC accommodations are a substantial step-up from what you paid for at POP. Even DVC won't get you a Deluxe resort for LESS money than a value...

And, as you noted, in addition to the dues there are many other costs associated with WDW vacations that will not be included in a DVC purchase. DVC will absolutely save you money if you compare to the current cash rates at the best of the Disney-owned resorts. But if you aren't comfortable with the prospect of spending a couple thousand $$$ annually to return to WDW year after year and use those points, then don't make the commitment.

Have you ever used your points for staying at other locations other than Disney?

 

[asaj]

You kind of mentioned this same theme in your original post, and it leads me to think that DVC might not be the right choice for you.

Since the DVC points you would buy would expire in 47 (SSR) or 35 (all others) years, buying based on your daughter of 7 doesn't make much sense. As you state, how much longer will she want to go to WDW with you? 9 years? 12 years?

I think DVC makes a lot more sense if you and your wife envision going to WDW every year or two for the next several decades...with or without your daughter.

If you're looking for something to carry you through the next decade, I'm not sure buying DVC is a great choice for you. You might well do better just hunting for codes and deals.

For us, DVC was an opportunity to enhance our vacation experience, and we stay in 1BR or larger to get the suite experience and elbow room. If that's not important to you, then again DVC might not be a great fit.

DVC does not save us money, because we choose not to have it save us money. We go more often, stay longer and enjoy a more laid back WDW vacation experience. Others have saved money by staying in studios, going in off-peak times, avoiding weekends, etc. Nothing wrong with that, and it makes sense for a lot of people. Just not for us.

DVC may or may not be a good fit for you. Keep asking questions, and learn as much as you can about this flexible timeshare concept.

Definitely good advice. While I do think that my daughter will continue to enjoy going to WDW, I also believe that my wife and I will continue to go, as we both enjoy it very much. However, it's definitely hard for me to say that we will go every year for the next 10 or 20 years, we might, but we might not. I also realize that we do not necissarily have to go every single year for it to make sense. Last year, we went with my parents, this year we went with our neighbors. We are already talking about taking my parents again next year, and eventually my daughter will be taking her kids, so I guess there will always be ample opportunity to go...

My head hurts...

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

We bought in last year at the BWV. You can get other resorts but the price is $95 instead of the $86 at SSR and its only for another 36 years instead of the 47 years at SSR. We did pay more for the BWV & got less years out of the contract however, the location of the resort is worth it to us.

We bought a 150 point contract. The main reason why we bought into DVC was because the contemporary was going to cost us $3000 for 6 nights during Presidents Week in February. Since both kids are in school now, the days of going in Sept or off peak (times when Disney has deals ) are over for at least the next 12 years. The cost was $13,800 plus annual MF of $700.

I bought in Last October and here are my trips:
Feb 06: Peak time
VB for two nights -inn room ocean view----
BWV for 3 nights in a 1 bedroom boardwalk view
and BC for 1 night (weekend) studio

Nov 06 ---7 nights in a 1 bedroom at the BWV Standard view

Feb 07 Peak time --- 6 nights in a 1 bedroom at the BWV standard view

We bought an AP and saved $400 on that and also bought the DDE card (perk to AP holders) which saves us 20% on dining including drinks.

Thus far the cost of the above accomadations (no discounts) is $9300 which leaves us at $4500 left to go from our purchase price of $13,800 factoring in the MF & the $400 savings on the AP.

However, we are out of points until June of 2008----because we did borrow them, however, I wanted to get the 3 trips in one year to maximize the AP & DDE card. So the breakeven point of 5-6 years is pretty accurate. Our annual cost will be $700 a year plus the cost of the increased MF for the next 35 years and we have the 1 bedroom for 6-7 nights(depending on the season we go) or a studio for 10-12 nights.

Before I bought in I ran all the numbers and wondered if it was worth it just like you are doing now. However, the funny thing is that once I made the decision to buy, it wasn't about the money I'd save but about the experience I would have. Knowing I get to stay at the BWV in a boardwalk view(if I choose ) is priceless. Being able to walk home from Epcot after illuminations with little to no crowd, sitting on my patio watching the boats come in and out in the morning while eating my breakfast or in the evening after a day in the parks, knowing I can have groceries delivered to the room and have a place to store them, being able to have a full kitchen while on vacation, a washer /dryer in the room (which means that I don't have to pack so much and having a separate room from the kids with our own King Size bed (no more getting kicked in the stomach). This is the real benefit of owning DVC. The emotional payoff!!! Knowing I own a week at Disney for pretty close to the rest of my life- IS PRICELESS.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[asaj]

I did speak with the DVC rep this evening, and got some more numbers to ponder. At this point, it still seems like it will be more money going thru DVC then either renting points, or doing a package at one of the Deluxe resorts (granted, the rooms are not quite apples to apples). Right now, I am leaning against it, at least until we get some bills paid off, but I still have a couple days to think about it before the incentives are no longer valid.

I did ask about buying into BWC or BCV, and the rep insists that they are sold out and not available.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

that is crazy, you can buy BCV and BWV as a new member, I did the exact thing last year.