My first post: Thinking of joining the DVC, but...

[sleepydog25]

Being skeptical is a good thing! And, of course, we care about your decision, as it's not one to be taken lightly given the financial implications. You're smart to delve into the specifics and how those may or may not fit the bill for you and yours. I'm sure there are many who jumped in without researching and critically thinking who wish they had done both of those first. As always, good luck.

 

[JodyTG]

What made my DH and I decide to purchase at DVC is the fact that we love WDW and WILL DEFINITELY go every year. Yes, even after the kids are grown up and moved away, you'll see us inching around World Showcase with our walkers. There's so much more at WDW than just the rides and such.

We looked at this more in the lines of pre-paying for our vacations in a nicer room (rather than as a "timeshare"). We like to stay at least 10 days at a time and I've figured that over the next 10 years or so it will basically cost the same as if we stay in a VALUE resort for the same trips. The contract basically will cost the same. SSR right next to Downtown Disney, I'm sure everyone will agree, is much nicer that a value. I love to just window shop and since DD was the most difficult to get to by bus, it was a no-brainer for us to buy here. We also liked the fact that if we want a "break" from Disney, we can trade out all over the world.

As everyone else has said, this is only a decision that you can make for yourself. We didn't look to our purchase for a tax advantage. Nor did we decide to buy so that we can pass it on to our great-grandchildren. We figure that the trips we'll give our kids will be enough. Our daughter has already gotten DH to agree to let her use our points for her high school graduation trip in 4 years. (Hmmm...I hope this doesn't start a trend. I may need to buy more points...)

 

[DrTomorrow]

JMF - please, keep the questions coming. I didn't mean to imply I (or we) "don't care" - we do! I just wanted you to know that we realize that DVC isn't for some, and that we'll give honest advice, even if it means someone decides "no".

Eating/cooking. DW and I don't really cook - not in the sense of boiling up a pot of spaghetti or doing a big breakfast w/eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and toast (mmmmm, breakfast). But we do find that, particularly for breakfasts & lunches, that having the fridge & micro saves us a lot of time and money - we love to brew up a cuppa joe, and sit on the balcony in the AM with coffee & donuts, etc. We also get bread & lunchmeat - a great lunch when the alternative is chicken strips & fries at the park.

One other item of interest that others have touched on: for many (at least here on the DIS), DVC ownership has the effect of increasing WDW vacations; much in the way having an AP does. If I had a nickel for every "thinking about buying into DVC" post I've read where the person originally said "every other year" then ended up with "two a year", I'd have a big bag o' nickels!

Good luck, and be well!

 

[rayelias]

We purchased 100 points resale. With closing costs, we're all in at around $7600. 100 Points (at OKW) runs under $400 a year in dues.

This is our first year owning. We have 3 separate vacations planned.

Each vacation is 5 days, 4 nights in a studio.

Even after having 3 good vacations planned, we still have 4 points left over from our measley 100 point contract!

At a moderate, rack rates are about $135 a night. IMHO, OKW is hands down MUCH nicer than any moderate. (BTW, rack rate at OWK is $265+/-)

To stay 12 nights at a moderate, you're looking at over $1,600, NOT INCLUDING TAX (which we don't pay at DVC!). To stay 12 nights at OKW studio, you're at about $3,200.

I'm out of pocket this year, $400. Not a bad savings!

Now, of course this doesn't include my initial outlay. But, if I wanted to sell my membership now (don't even THINK about it!), I'd be out at about even.

That's all the financial incentive I needed to join!

Plus, with the new DVC discount, my AP's come out to about $20 a day to visit the parks!

You can take my DVC membership when you pry it from my cold, dead fingers!

 

[OneMoreTry]

We had spent about $3600 for 6 nights in a 2BR at OKW. With our family size we would have to get a 2BR or 2 rooms at a hotel. The math was clear for us. We did the tour but didn't buy until we found a good price resale.

But when it comes down to it, I don't believe anyone on this forum bought in because of the math. We may use number games as an EXCUSE, but we bought because we wanted to own DVC.

If you buy DVC and the Dow goes up to 13,000 in the next year or DVC collapses -- you come out behind financially. If you invest the money and the Dow drops to 7,000 in the next year and resale prices go up up up -- you come out behind. I don't believe DVC is a great "investment." It's probably even an "F" on most of the rating scales.

If you want it and can afford it, buy it. If you have reservations, wait or you may be sorry.

 

[T.E. Yeary]

We had spent about $3600 for 6 nights in a 2BR at OKW. With our family size we would have to get a 2BR or 2 rooms at a hotel. The math was clear for us. We did the tour but didn't buy until we found a good price resale.

But when it comes down to it, I don't believe anyone on this forum bought in because of the math. We may use number games as an EXCUSE, but we bought because we wanted to own DVC.

If you buy DVC and the Dow goes up to 13,000 in the next year or DVC collapses -- you come out behind financially. If you invest the money and the Dow drops to 7,000 in the next year and resale prices go up up up -- you come out behind. I don't believe DVC is a great "investment." It's probably even an "F" on most of the rating scales.

If you want it and can afford it, buy it. If you have reservations, wait or you may be sorry.

Your statement is without a doubt the most honest of WHY people buy DVC!
It is an "emotional" purchase, one that we keep hoping will provide "good emotions" in our vacationing experience.

Many try to justify it by number crunching because they don't want to admit they were drawn in by their feelings. These folks view themselves as being beyond what they would consider "emotional weakness".

Bottom line, who cares, as long as they and their families have incredible, enjoyable, "magical" vacations.

Thanks for mentioning you purchased a Resale!

Best wishes,
Tom