My one problem, when thinking about buying in

[Castillo Mom]

Well, we would've been a deluxe family had we not bought into DVC only after two trips to WDW. Our first two stays were at the Beach Club, then the Polynesian. We prefer the additional amenities available at deluxe resorts such as theming, nicer pools, better views, better dining options, etc. Most of the DVC properties are attached to the deluxe resorts, so that was a draw for us in addition to making financial sense.

On a side note, we absolutely loved the Polynesian - the theme, location, counter service option (we love Captain Cook's!) and being on the monorail line. It'll be quite a while before we stay there again but I know we will one day and book a cash reservation.

As others posted, it's a very personal decision based on your preferences. Keep doing your research, do the tour, ask questions and then make an informed decision.

 

[Sammie]

Honestly and I know other's will disagree, but this is based on personal experience.

We have stayed at the Grand Floridian many times and love it. We would not have bought DVC except for the 2 bedroom and Grand Villas.

If you love the RPC at the Grand Floridian, I am not sure you will be satisfied with DVC.

As Disneynutz said the DVC is a very different situation from concierge at a deluxe resort.

 

[Lynne M]

Can I ask what it is that's making you consider DVC? What are you looking to get out of it? Is it saving money on accommodations? Is it the larger villas? Something else?

That's what you need to weigh against what you enjoy about GF.

As others have pointed out, the beer in the lounge is very far from free. It is now because your parents are paying for it....but are they going to pay for all of your stays at GF? For the next 30+ years? If not, you'll be paying at least $100/night on top of the already high GF rates for that beer, and the use of the lounge, and the turndown service. For some people, it's well worth the money. For others, not so much.

With DVC, you'd be trading the convenience of having someone get beer, breakfast and appetizers for you, and turn down your bed, for getting much larger rooms. You can have one of the grocery delivery services bring you all the food and beverages you want to stock your kitchen with, or you can rent a car for one day and go shopping yourselves, and it's going to be one whole heck of a lot less than $100/night.