1. You might want to try a forum search to answer this one. The search only works during low-traffic times, so keep trying. There have been some good threads in the past, and I'm just not sure if you'll get as good of responses here.
Generally speaking, these come to mind:
- It is expensive for a timeshare.
- Making reservations on short notice can be difficult.
- Weekend stays are expensive.
- Ownership does end after fixed period of time.
- Trades to other locations are available, but they are not as economical as using points for
DVC stays.
2. Yes. However recent years have not been kind. Insurance premiums went up considerably after 9/11/01. Also, much of the 2004 increase was due to a reduction in investment income (which is a result of the low interest rates). I doubt these two issues are exclusive to DVC.
3. As HookdonWDW said, that's a personal decision that will differ for each family. Decide how often you want to visit, the type of accommodation you want, when you want to visit, and check out the
point charts. The point charts cannot be arbitrarily changed, so you don't really need to worry about a room that costs 30 points today going up to 35 in a year or two. Unless the points are reallocated for the entire resort, that same room will still cost 30 points four decades from now.
For a family of four, you could look at either Studio or One Bedroom accommodations. I would encourage you to base your decision on the One Bedroom. Studios are adequate, but once you've spent a week in a 1B, chances are you won't want to go back.
4. I've never done an exchange, so I can't really answer. But with VERY FEW (if any) exceptions, the most economical use of your points will ALWAYS be the DVC resorts. Even the other WDW resorts have gotten really overpriced. Most seasons you can get a DVC Two Bedroom suite for the same point cost as a standard room at the Grand Floridian or AKL.
5. Most of the people here are DVC fans, so you won't find many that will discourage you. See if you can find any of those threads that list the "cons", and decide if they apply to you.
Generally speaking, if you make frequent trips to WDW, enjoy deluxe accommodations, and don't mind planning your stays several months in advance, you are probably a good candidate.
Also, that there are no AKLV's. I'd buy there in a heartbeat. The last thing is that you have to plan a bit more if you want to go to WDW during a busy time period.
