My dream plans is this reasonable thinking?

[mommomtoJoseph]

First, I am such the planner and like to have everything planned out ahead of time.

After much thought we have decided to pre-pay for our vacation lodging (aka DVC) since we have the money now and you never know what the future holds economically wise. We hope to purchase 50-60 points in the next 6 months through resale. Our plan is to take our family every other year using banking/borrowing staying Sun-Thurs in a studio. We then hope to add on another 50-60 point contract with the same use year and same names in the next 5 years as our children get older and will need their own bedroom.

As we are able to do so we plan to purchase 10 day non-expiring tickets that we may use for at least 2 trips. Then we will only have to purchase the DDP for food when we arrive.

My future plans are to then give each child a contract after they start families to carry on the Disney tradition with their children (and hope they invite us every so often!).

Does this sound reasonable and cost saving? Sounds good and looks good on our paper, but I am afraid we are missing something while we are wearing our “Disney goggles”. You know how some reasonable thoughts fly out of your head when you start thinking Disney!

 

[ChelleinNC]

Sounds reasonable enough. My questions/thoughts would be:

-How old are your children? How many kids?

Remember that studios will only accomodate 4 people. I have 2 kids, DD14 & DS11. We stayed in a studio last year (13 & 10 at the time) for 10 days and I came pretty close to strangling everyone It was a little too much "togetherness". We did ok in a 1BR, but they won't share a bed (sisters & brothers ) so we have to bring an aerobed with us. We've become spoiled by 2 BR's now, so be prepared to "outgrow" your studio


-Non-expiring passes sound like a good plan, especially if you won't be coming every year (or twice a year).

-You may or may not be able to get another contract with the same use year. It shouldn't be that big of a deal though.

-DDP may not always be a perk for DVC members. Then again, it doesn't work well for some families anyways If it works for you, enjoy it while you can and who knows for sure what will be available down the road

 

[ldo]

We bought we bought 50 points last year for cash--it worked GREAT for us. We might or might not add on in the next 2 years. We bought 50 b/c we had another timeshare and did not want to be locked into more points, wanted to "try" DVC for a few years and see if kids still want to go, and it seems pretty easy to sell 50 points contracts quickly, if we ever needed to "get out."
We used 55 points this summer for a studio sun-thurs (5 nights). ACtually, if you do OK in studios, you can go almost every year. DVC will allow you to add on at any resort (not just your home resort) with no closing costs--but you have to have same use year. It would also have to be in the same name as the original purchase. So, if the DVC poinst are in your name, you have to legally change title to give DVC to someone else, even family. You have to go thru DVC and retitle (with closing costs) plus the gift tax applies fo rthe value of the gift over a certain amount).
However, another option is to just add them later as associate members to your account and allow them to use your points for their family vacations---or you could pay the retitle fee (couple hundred bucks to change title). In any event, I loved my "little" 50 point contract. Good luck. Elaine

(ps--we have the 10 day nonexpire. I recommend getting the WP and more option--for $50, you get 10 visits to DQ or WP. With the WP and More, we have made our 10 day tickets last for 5 trips--we let kids pick 2 parks they want to go to and we do a WP with the great DVC Community Halls (crafts, etc.) and pools, my kids have a full and fun week and are perfectly happy just going to WDW for 2 full days. But, if you are going to try to stretch the ticket like us, I recommend a park hopper--so you can go back to a "Favorite" ride or two, or dinner, fireworks, etc., even if you are not spending the day in that park.

 

[mommomtoJoseph]

OP here. Our "little men" are now 5 4/12 and 2 11/12. I think a studio will work for about 8 more years. Don't you think? That way our oldest will be about 13 and youngest 11 when we need to upgrade to larger quarters. Thanks for the replies and tips. We had our first WDW trip as a family in May 2008 and I have been bitten by that Disney bug--like many others counting every penny and planning our next trip.

I had no idea you could add a name as an associate member. Does that cost anything? Should that be done at the beginning when we purchase the contract?

 

[ldo]

the 1 BR gets you a fold out sofa, full kitchen (boys eat a lot) and 2 TVS--trust me, you'll want one sooner than 8 years--but that's OK, if you add on 50points later, you'll have plenty of points to work with in all but peak times.

No need to add associate member now, and I doubt they would let you add a minor child. WHen you are a DVC member, you can call member services and ask about it--I don't think there is any cost.

Also--at your kids ages---you MUST check out the Community Halls--they are one of the main reason we bought DVC---perfect for the 4-12 age group with crafts, games, structured activities during the day--this June, we did "unbirthday party", watched a WDW movie, made Tee shirts, played free air hockey, older child painted ceramics, played PS2 games, and made a piggy bank, and younger child colored WDW character sheets for hours! We also went to free pool movies at SSR (took the boat from OKW)--as I said, my kids would have been perfectly happy to stay in the CH for hours each day!! have fun! Elaine

 

[chalee94]

as a small owner myself, i recommend OKW since the studios have 2 queen beds...though a sofabed might be fine for the next couple of years...(and the 1BRs at OKW are enormous.)

starting small is a good plan. my last nonexpire tickets have lasted 3 years...but i typically take a day off from the parks to check out the decorations at other resorts and take a boat to DTD for a roast beef sandwich at the earl.

 

[moredisneyplease]

I think you have a good plan but i also think that you will indeed outgrow that studio sooner rather than later. HOWEVER, the key is (and this is according to other people.........I personally only know 1 bedrooms) to stick w/ the studio and never, ever get a one bedroom. If you do then you'll never go back to a studio and always want that bigger accomodation!

 

[mgilmer]

I am looking to start small too. I have called all the resellers with no success (so far) in getting a contract in the 50 point range at the Boardwalk. Just for my information, where did you get your small contracts and how long did you wait before you found one?

 

[ldo]

I used Timeshare Store and just clicked on the DVC Resale Listings above. I looked everyday for a few weeks and when I saw one I liked, I called immediately. Others have said that you can tell them your name and get on a list to get one before it even hits the listing. Be prepared to pay full price. Most 50 point contracts go for $85 +/- and for 50 points, it was not worth risking losing it to save a few bucks.

 

[chalee94]

I am looking to start small too. I have called all the resellers with no success (so far) in getting a contract in the 50 point range at the Boardwalk. Just for my information, where did you get your small contracts and how long did you wait before you found one?

i emailed jason at the timeshare store and got on the email list. it took a couple of weeks but when i saw one that i liked, i called and bought it.

 

[bookswin]

Figure out what you want and have your money ready. Good DVC contracts can disappear in minutes.

When I was looking for my first contract, I got an email from a different reseller than our sponsor here. I happened to be at the computer and opened it right away.

Saw what I wanted at the price I wanted, so I picked up the phone and called. I beat 4 other would-be buyers by less than 5 minutes, I was told.

 

[chalee94]

Saw what I wanted at the price I wanted, so I picked up the phone and called. I beat 4 other would-be buyers by less than 5 minutes, I was told.

yeah, i actually had to wait till the first caller decided to pass before i got my contract...

i don't think it's quite as competitive these days but i'd still suggest getting on the email list if you want a smaller contract...

 

[brianm27]

We started with a 50 point resale then added 70 points a few years later. We are "studio people". If we ever needed extra room we would personally book 2 studios. That just fits the way we do WDW. We will be four in a Studio at SSR next week for seven nights - me, DW, DD and MIL.

Now, when I go to the beach, that's a different story. We rent a 4 bedroom 3 bath house. (which at this point for our upcoming April trip is for the three of us).

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

We have a 100 point contract and are able to use it more than we would have imagined. It seems like I've always got a trip to Disney planned.

I have learned that I have to be pretty careful with my planning, particularly borrowing points and cancelling the vacation. I've learned that everything works out a lot better if I make plans for early in my use year.

With a 5 year old, have you thought about how many points you will need when you start vacationing around school schedules?

I agree that you could also take 5 day trips every year with 50 points.

 

[bookwormde]

If you are real organized and want to save a few $ but have the free cash to buy them, if you use the water parks or other ticketed small attractions only ½ as many days as you go to the main parks and you only park hop about ½ the days you can buy 2 sets of tickets for each person, 1 with park hopper and water parks and more and one without.

Most people are not that organized but if you are it is as way to save some money if you are sure you will eventually use them up.


bookwormde

 

[mommomtoJoseph]

Also--at your kids ages---you MUST check out the Community Halls--they are one of the main reason we bought DVC---perfect for the 4-12 age group with crafts, games, structured activities during the day--this June, we did "unbirthday party", watched a WDW movie, made Tee shirts, played free air hockey, older child painted ceramics, played PS2 games, and made a piggy bank, and younger child colored WDW character sheets for hours! We also went to free pool movies at SSR (took the boat from OKW)--as I said, my kids would have been perfectly happy to stay in the CH for hours each day!! have fun! Elaine

OK...call me stupid, but what the community halls and where are they. I also had not even thought about Disney Quest or the Water parks. Guess I am out of the loop a little since my kids are so young. What happens at DQ?

 

[mgilmer]

I used Timeshare Store and just clicked on the DVC Resale Listings above. I looked everyday for a few weeks and when I saw one I liked, I called immediately. Others have said that you can tell them your name and get on a list to get one before it even hits the listing. Be prepared to pay full price. Most 50 point contracts go for $85 +/- and for 50 points, it was not worth risking losing it to save a few bucks.

I have contacted them and all the other resellers and I am supposed to be on their radar. I also check their emails and websites daily. I would gladly pay $85 a point for a 50 point contract at the Boardwalk. Unfortunately, some of the small contracts are outrageous. I saw one at the Beachclub for $116 a point for 30 points.

 

[mgilmer]

OK...call me stupid, but what the community halls and where are they. I also had not even thought about Disney Quest or the Water parks. Guess I am out of the loop a little since my kids are so young. What happens at DQ?

From Allears:

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]1. What exactly is DisneyQuest? [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]According to the official Disney Web page, "Create your own adventures in this one-of-a-kind indoor interactive Theme Park bursting with games that give "state-of-the-art" new meaning. Discover five floors exploding with cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3-D experiences — all fueled by Disney innovation and imagination. The entry portal, Ventureport, leads to four different zones: the Explore Zone, a virtual Adventureland; the Score Zone, for superhero quests; the Create Zone, for artistic endeavors; and the Replay Zone for nostalgic fun. Anyway you cut it, you're in the Zone at DisneyQuest!"

DQ is entirely contained in a large, five-story building. You might call it the video arcade/virtual theme park/entertainment center of the future, or you might just call it fun! It opened on June 19, 1998.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]2. Where is it located and how do I get there? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DisneyQuest is located in the West Side section of the Downtown Disney area, near the House of Blues, Cirque du Soleil, and AMC 24 theatres.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]To get there from any WDW resort hotel, take the Downtown Disney bus and exit at the Pleasure Island Stop (there is no longer a bus stop at the West Side). [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]There is no direct bus service between any theme park and Downtown Disney. You will have to go to one of the resorts and change buses.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]From outside WDW, take exit 67 off Interstate I-4 and follow the signs to Downtown Disney.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]3. What are DisneyQuest's hours? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] As of 10/06:

Sunday - Thursday: 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday - Saturday: 11:30 a.m. - Midnight[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]4. When are the best times to go? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As with many things Disney, it's great to get there at opening time for the smallest crowds. However, crowds are manageable at almost any time except from 9 p.m. to midnight, or on a foul-weather day. Generally, if you go to DisneyQuest on a weekday, in the morning, or between the hours of 4:30 and 7 p.m., you should have no trouble with crowds. Your mileage may vary, though![/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]5. How much does DisneyQuest cost? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Prices current as of 10/06:

DisneyQuest 1 Day - including tax: $38.34 (Ages 10+); $31.95 (Ages 3-9); children under 3 are free.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
Disney Quest Annual Passport - Good for one year from date of purchase - unlimited admissions to Disney Quest. Adults $94.79 (includes tax);
Children 3-9 $75.62 (includes tax).

Disney Quest & Water Parks Annual Passport - Good at Disney Quest and both water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, for one year from date of purchase. Adults: $137.39 (with tax), Children 3-9 $105.44 (with tax).[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Kids under 3 enter free, but no strollers are allowed inside. Kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. You can leave and re-enter any number of times in the same day at no charge; your wrist will be stamped when you first enter the building to prove that you were admitted that day.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]As with many things Disney, there are discounts -- just ask. Some current discounts include:

For Disney Vacation Club Members: $4 off adults, $3 off children.
For Annual Passholders: $4 off adults, $3 off children.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Admission to DisneyQuest is now a benefit of the Premium Annual Pass. [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]If you have a Magic Your Way Ticket with Water Parks & More Option, admission to DisneyQuest is included; and if you're on a WDW travel package that includes a "flex feature," you may use the feature for admission to DisneyQuest.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]6. Are there any extra charges once I'm inside? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Your admission includes unlimited use of all attractions, except a few arcade-type games in which you can play for a small fee and potentially win a prize like a DVD. (There are no longer games that give tickets to be redeemed for prizes later.) [/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]You'll also have the option to purchase any artistic items you create in the CreateZone (e.g. at the Animation Academy, Magic Mirror, Living Easels or Sid's Create-a-Toy). Playing with these attractions is free in itself, however, and there's no obligation to buy your creation afterwards.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]7. I have an old DisneyQuest ticket with points still left on it. Can I trade it in toward a new ticket? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Absolutely! When DisneyQuest first opened, it operated on a "pay-per-play" system, with each attraction costing a certain number of points to play. The point system has since been discarded, but if you hold one of those old tickets that still has any number of points on it (even one!), you can trade it for a full one-day admission.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]8. Can I enter for free if I don't play any games? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Unfortunately, no. Everyone over the age of 3 who enters the building must have a ticket. Some folks have asked if they can go in just to eat at the restaurants, but this is not permitted.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]9. What are the "zones" inside DisneyQuest? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]DisneyQuest is divided into four "zones:"[/FONT]
​

• [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Explore Zone, a virtual adventureland where guests are immersed in exotic and ancient locales. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Score Zone, a superhero competition city where guests can match their gameplaying skills. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Create Zone, a private "Imagineering" studio for artistic self-expression and invention. [/FONT]
• [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Replay Zone, a carnival on the moon where guests experience a retrofuturistic spin on classic rides and games. [/FONT] [FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]When you enter DisneyQuest, you'll board the Cybrolator, an elevator with a few surprises. It will let you off at the Ventureport, which has gateways to each of the four zones. Just choose a zone and start exploring![/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]10. What games and attractions are available? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Plenty! Here are just a few:[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]CyberSpace Mountain
With the help of Bill Nye the Science Guy, design your own roller coaster on a touch-screen computer. Physics are no object -- this is a roller coaster in space. When you're done, you can jump into a simulator and actually ride your creation in full 360-degree motion! Anyone can create a coaster, but you must be 51 inches tall to ride the simulator.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Virtual Jungle Cruise
Climb aboard a life-sized rubber raft with your friends and family, pick up a paddle and start rowing. On the screen in front of you, you'll see yourselves moving down a river during the age of the dinosaurs. The raft will pitch and roll along with the river, and watch out -- you may get splashed![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride
Straddle a magic carpet, put on a virtual reality helmet, and you're transported into the world of Aladdin. Collect precious jewels along the way on your search for the magical scarab, and when you find it, you'll have to reckon with Jafar and rescue the Genie![/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Ride the Comix
Mistress Khan, Leader of All Supervillains, instructs you in the pre-show for this attraction. You'll wear a virtual reality helmet and use a laser sword to do battle with supervillains in a 3-D comic strip world. (Here's a picture.)[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Invasion! An ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
In your virtual-reality spaceship, you and your friends will team up to steer the ship over an alien planet, rescue the human colonists there, and destroy hostile aliens.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Buzz Lightyear's Astroblasters
These are the bumper cars of the future. Two people team up in each car -- one to steer and one to shoot balls at the targets on the other cars. If you're hit, your car will spin out of control! There's a 51-inch height requirement for this attraction.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Animation Academy
Sit at an electronic drawing pad and take a lesson in drawing a Disney character from a live instructor. You can purchase your drawing when it's finished, if you like.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam
In this pinball game, you are the ball! Stand on a giant-sized joystick and watch your progress as you steer yourself among the other live balls on an enormous screen. There's a 48-inch height requirement for this attraction.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Pirates of the Caribbean - Battle for Buccaneer Gold
This attraction, based on Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom, allows you to steer a pirate ship while the rest of your group mans the cannons. Travel over a virtual waterfall and capture gold from the other pirate ships! There's a 35-inch height requirement for this attraction.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]11. Are there any activities for younger children?[/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Young kids would probably enjoy the Create Zone the most -- there are plenty of hands-on activities there that appeal to all ages, like Sid's Create-a-Toy (based on the evil child from the original Toy Story film who liked to make toys from the parts of others). However, most of DisneyQuest's other attractions seem to be best for approximately ages 10 and up. Also, please note that strollers are not allowed inside and the environment can be very loud -- toddlers might quickly become overwhelmed.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]12. Is there a height requirement for any attractions? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Yes: Cyberspace Mountain, 51 inches (to ride the simulator - anyone can design a coaster); Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters, 51 inches; Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold, 35 inches; and Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam, 48 inches.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]13. Are all the attractions accessible to people with disabilities and larger folks? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Nearly all. Larger people may have trouble fitting comfortably in the seats at CyberSpace Mountain, but they should do just fine with any other attraction at DisneyQuest.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]CyberSpace Mountain may be a sticking point for people with disabilities as well. There is a wheelchair lift to bring folks to the ride simulators, but it's a bit of a climb up and then down a couple of steps to get into the simulators themselves. They are rather small and confined inside, and some folks with disabilities may have difficulty climbing in and out -- I'm able-bodied and petite, and I had to maneuver a bit to get out. Also, anyone who has a fear of small spaces may not be comfortable in the simulators, but there is a "panic button" that you can press at any time to stop the ride immediately.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]For the following attractions, guests can remain in their wheelchairs:
CyberSpace Mountain (the design portion)
Animation Academy
Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold (those in ECV must transfer to a standard wheelchair)
Mighty Ducks Pinball Slam
Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride (the low, motorcycle-like seat can be adjusted so that guests may remain in their wheelchairs)
Radio Disney SongMaker
Living Easels
Sid's Create-A-Toy
Magic Mirror[/FONT][FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The following attractions require guests to transfer from their wheelchairs to a ride vehicle or other seat:
CyberSpace Mountain (the simulator)
Virtual Jungle Cruise (sitting in a rubber raft)
Invasion! An ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter (sitting in a cockpit seat)
Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters (sitting in an enclosed bumper car)
Ride the Comix (stationary stool while wearing a VR helmet)
Daytona USA
Classic Arcade Games at Sports Arena Arcade, Underground Arcade[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Some attractions, especially those involving virtual reality, may cause motion sickness in those who are prone to it. The most likely culprits include Ride the Comix, Aladdin's Magic Carpet Ride, and Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold. Of course, the attractions that involve real motion may cause discomfort as well: the CyberSpace Mountain simulators, Virtual Jungle Cruise, and Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters.[/FONT]
[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]No smoking is allowed inside DisneyQuest.[/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]14. What food options are available? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]The Cheesecake Factory runs the food concession at DisneyQuest, and they offer a great selection of food options. At FoodQuest, you can find pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, salads, burgers, hot dogs, wraps, and assorted snacks. At the Wonderland Cafe, you'll find specialty coffees and plenty of desserts, including endless varieties of cheesecake. The Wonderland Cafe also features some booths with Internet access. Both restaurants are inside DisneyQuest. [/FONT]
​

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]15. Is there a gift shop? [/FONT]

[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif]Of course! All manner of DisneyQuest souvenirs can be found in the DisneyQuest Emporium, which is also the only way to exit from the building. The shop, unlike the restaurants, is accessible from the outside. (There may be a 10% merchandise discount for Annual Passholders and DVC members -- just ask.)[/FONT]
​

 

[ldo]

Community Halls (CH) are recreation rooms staffed by DVC employees at DVC resorts. Most DVC have them. We have been to the ones at SSR, OKW, BWV and Hilton Head. They have a list of activities--10 AM ceramics, 12 noon tee shirts, etc., but you can also go at anytime and just hang out, play air hockey, color, etc. They have games and DVD for check-out, as well. My kids (6, 10) loved the CH (they love structured activities like this)--I would go and take a book or magazine (but some adults did ceramics). We did pools in the AM in the summer and then CH after lunch when it was too hot/sunny or raining--it was great fun and they remember the CH time as much or more than WDW parks. It is always one of the high points of my kids' trips.
We have not been to DQ yet--we are saving for when younger kid is 51" and can do all the stuff (seems like it is geared to 9-15 year old crowd). We love the water parks, though, and are glad we got the waterparks and more option.

 

[Lisa P.]

If cost is a concern, have you considered getting a lower cost, quality, resale timeshare that trades into DVC resort through II (Interval International)? We do this. It's only good for full week stays, with advance planning (ideally ~10-12 months+), not for 3BRs, not into V@AKL and not for Premier season. But it's cheaper than DVC and it's usually as easy to trade into a 1BR as a studio (and sometimes a 2BR!) - for the same low cost. Just a thought.

We owned 150 DVC points at a time when that was the minimum permitted. We had hoped to buy 2 more contracts of 150 pts each with the expectation that we'd give a contract to each of our kids some day. Both the purchase price and the annual dues were too expensive for us. We found that we really liked to stay in one place for a full week and not be limited to midweek stays just because we had to stretch our points. Like some mentioned, when you stay in a larger unit, you're very quickly spoiled as you see how much more you enjoy the vacation when you don't have to eat/play/sleep in the same small space 24/7. When you're oldest child becomes a preteen, your whole family dynamic changes, sometimes dramatically! Anyway, we found this alternative works very well for us. We sold our DVC points and we don't miss them because we are still able to vacation at DVC resorts. Something to consider!