Opinions and suggestions...

[msberrigan]

I have been interested in the DVC for some time now and finally did the tour of SSR last weekend. What I want to know from all you DVC owners is it really worth it? I have heard tons of good things about it but then as i surf these boards i always end up seeing some bad room reviews or other complaints that worry me. So i would really appreciate it if some of you could give me your honest opinions!

Thanks.

 

[NYMomof4]

Hi! I think the first thing to ask is what You thought about DVC. Opinions will vary widely about DVC experiences, though I'd say that a majority of owners are very satisfied. The other part of this is that every family has different travel expectations and needs. I'd sit down and think about what you want from DVC and if they can provide that. Personally, I tend to be more of an optimist and that may influence my view, but I still think that Disney provides excellent DVC accomodations.

 

[Lenc324]

I just got my membership packet this past week and will be going to VB in June then WDW for F & W in Nov. I have stayed at Disney many times and wanted to keep coming back because I aways had so much fun. I thought buying into the DVC would guarentee me at least 2 to 3 great vacations a yr and reasonable cost. Also I don't have young children. I plan on enjoying my trips with my teenage son and his friends and mine. Has anyone else bought when they had older children?

 

[coasterbob]

I have been interested in the DVC for some time now and finally did the tour of SSR last weekend. What I want to know from all you DVC owners is it really worth it? I have heard tons of good things about it but then as i surf these boards i always end up seeing some bad room reviews or other complaints that worry me. So i would really appreciate it if some of you could give me your honest opinions!

Thanks.

Hi, if you have the funds available, and you want pre-paid vacations, in very nice accommodations, DVC offers you a great choice. I PMed you as well Bob& Debbie

 

[coasterbob]

I just got my membership packet this past week and will be going to VB in June then WDW for F & W in Nov. I have stayed at Disney many times and wanted to keep coming back because I aways had so much fun. I thought buying into the DVC would guarentee me at least 2 to 3 great vacations a yr and reasonable cost. Also I don't have young children. I plan on enjoying my trips with my teenage son and his friends and mine. Has anyone else bought when they had older children?

We just became "empty nesters", and became memebers. We really enjoy WDW, and want to enjoy ourselves NOW, and in the future when the grandkids arrive! Bob

 

[Disney Doll]

I htink if you go into it with realistic expectations, that you won't be disappointed.

DH & I have owned since 1997. We liked it so much, we bought a 2nd contract in 2002. Both are at Old Key West as our home resort. We have stayed in some of the other DVC resorts as well. I have always found them to be fairly well kept. They are not perfect, they do show some wear and tear at times, but when you think about the # of people who move in & out of them, you would expect mild wear and tear. IMHO, all I have ever experienced is mild wear & tear. I have also always had a very good response if I have called to have something repaired. It is generally repaired quickly and efficiently...there has always been a good response time. In general, my feeling is that Disney is not going to let their place go totally to pot. It seems to me as if they follow a renovation schedule, in an effort to keep things **** & span. I am also a propnent of reporting a problem when you find it, not 3 months later. The few times we have encountered a housekeeping or maintenance problem, we call right away. We don't wait until after we are home and then call, or worse yet, get home, post about it on the DIS, and never let DVC know there was a problem!!!!

In our mind, it is some of the best money we have ever spent. I enjoy having the ability to stay in a more condo-like environment. I enjoy having the extra space, the full kitchen and laundry(in a 1BR or larger unit).

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Yes and No. It really depends on your vacation style. If you are happy staying in a value or moderate resort and have access to AP discounts, DVC may not be for you. Also, if you like to eat every meal out and don't necessarily care to have cooking facilities, DVC may not be for you.

However, if you plan to vacation at WDW on a regular basis for the next 20-30 years (or even 10), you will save money in the long run by purchasing a membership now. Hotel rates will continue to increase but the total point value to stay in a DVC resort will not. In other words, the number of points you buy will still go just as far in the future as they do now.

Keep in mind that the yearly maintenance fees will increase, but with the current limitations, they will probably never increase as much as hotel costs.

 

[PBader]

We have been members since 1995 and have done 2 add ons. We love DVC and the flexibility it offers. We have never had anything beyond a minor problem that was directly taken care of by mousekeeping. It has allowed us to vacation more frequently and in nicer accomodations than I think we otherwise would have been able to.
Paula

 

[DrTomorrow]

Regarding your concerns about what you read here on the DIS DVC boards - relax. Yes, you'll read the occaisional bad review or negative opinion. This analogy might help you: think of the DIS DVC boards as a group of restaurant owners who LOVE a group of restaurants but sometimes biatch and moan about little things that could be improved. We complain because we care and we value DVC quite highly.

Be well!