Overwhelmed

[MPHARJ]

Can any one help me, I have been looking through so many threads my head is spinning. A few years back I went to a DVC presentation jsut to get a feel for the costs. I knew at that time I didn't have the money up front. We go every year with a few years of WDW and DL in the same year. I just requested the DVC video but also got the email with the links online that really didn't help me much in answering my questions. A little history, 2 years ago we stayed at the CR CL, paying about $6000 for 3 of us for 13 days with park hopperd DDP etc..., last year we stayed at BCV, loved it, we stayed at the BC before but never in the villas, stayed 10 days DxDDP tickets etc... about $6000 or $7000 I don't remember. This year after having the laundry facilities and full kitchen for left overs etc.. I couldn't go smaller so we are staying at OKW 2 bedroom, since my DD boyfriend is going. This trip is just over $7000. I just can't understand the costs aspect of all of this what it would cost me each year and for how long, I am assuming it is how many points I purchase and from where and what the costs are per point at the time but how do you know the other costs associated with buying DVC? I did speak with some one from DVC briefly and she told me if I wanted to purchase I could apply the costs of my current trip towards the purchase price.

Sorry to ramble on can some one please help me and guide me to where I need to go to figure this out and if I can afford it and if I would be better off. Sorry so new here I have no clue. I am financially better then I was years ago if only I was then I would have it almost paid off!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Can any one help me, I have been looking through so many threads my head is spinning. A few years back I went to a DVC presentation just to get a feel for the costs. ...I just requested the DVC video but also got the email with the links online that really didn't help me much in answering my questions. ... I just can't understand the costs aspect of all of this what it would cost me each year and for how long, I am assuming it is how many points I purchase and from where and what the costs are per point at the time but how do you know the other costs associated with buying DVC? I did speak with some one from DVC briefly and she told me if I wanted to purchase I could apply the costs of my current trip towards the purchase price.

Sorry to ramble on can some one please help me and guide me to where I need to go to figure this out and if I can afford it and if I would be better off. Sorry so new here I have no clue. I am financially better then I was years ago if only I was then I would have it almost paid off!

The only suggestion I can give you is to go slowly. The idea of applying current trip costs towards purchase, while interesting, is not the only factor to consider.

Here is a generic link that may be of some help. http://www.redweek.com/resources/articles/timeshare-pros-and-cons Go slow.

 

[chalee94]

I just can't understand the costs aspect of all of this what it would cost me each year and for how long, I am assuming it is how many points I purchase and from where and what the costs are per point at the time but how do you know the other costs associated with buying DVC?

2 costs:

1) upfront to buy a DVC contract -

here is (usually accurate) current pricing for contracts purchased directly.

there is a link above for resale listings...generally much lower than direct pricing. and after march 20, 2011, they might go even lower since you will no longer be able to use resale pts to trade for things like wdw hotels or cruises.

2) annual dues (also called "maintenance fees").

here is a link to historical annual dues per point for the different DVC resorts.

you can find point charts for the different resorts in the top right-hand corner to figure out around how many points you would need to vacation the way you prefer.

once you know how many pts you need - whether it's 40-50 pts for a 5 to 7 nights in an OKW studio in early december every other year or several hundred for longer trips in larger accommodations - it's very easy to calculate the dollar amounts involved...but remember that you would still need to pay for travel costs to disney, tickets and food on top of your DVC costs...

AKV is the only DVC with concierge BTW, and there are very few concierge villas there, so that might be out.

here are some additional items to consider if you want to know "is DVC for me?"

definitely ask any questions you like, but here is some research material to get you started:

here is a link to a basic DVC FAQ.

here is another FAQ

 

[Sandisw]

As you start to look at costs, be sure that you are using only the room costs and not the entire trip as DVC covers the room portion only.

We went for years and paid a good penny for the CR. When we bought, we realized that over the next 10 years, we could spend roughly the same amount (possibly less) but end up in bigger rooms. For us, that made it worth it in terms of buying in.

And, there is just something different about not having to come up with those yearly room costs. This summer, we are doing 5 nights in a 2 bedroom, split between BWV and BLT. The rack rate for that room is almost $4000. Yes, I know discounts can be had, but just knowing that I didn't have to come up with that this year (even though I upfronted the cost of DVC) is exciting.

Good luck!

 

[MPHARJ]

Thank you all for your replies. I have a lot of reading ahead of me.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You still have to pay to get there and back home. You still have to pay for your food/meals/dining. You still have to pay for your theme park admission.

So subtract those costs from your totals and actually find out what you are paying for your lodging.

There is no free dining with DVC. There is no Kids Stay and Play for free with DVC.