Please help me convince my husband (Update #26)

[Maggie Ann]

My two young children and I LOVE everything Disney, my husband on the other hand … not so much. I have been interested in becoming a part of DVC for a few years now but DH just does not see the value. I’m thinking about getting about 200-220 points. As much as the children and I would like to go to Disney every year at this stage, I know there are so many different family vacations we can take using this timeshare. I especially think about this during the school year breaks where all pricing goes through the roof.

Can anyone tell me their vacation experiences outside of the World, or what other people (like DH) enjoy about their DVC. Or maybe I need to be set straight and finally realize that a timeshare is not good for our family .

I appreciate everyone’s help. Hope you are having a magical day!!

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I have never used my DVC points for anything other than WDW vacations...but that's because it's the only place we wanted to go. However, we are now at the point where we want to try other places and love the fact that our membership allows the flexibility to either trade through RCI, or "rent" out the points and use the cash proceeds towards something else. Plus it's great that we aren't locked into a certain week per year since everyone has life changes that affect their vacation habits.

 

[Deb & Bill]

There are a lot of cheaper timeshares out there for the non-Disney vacations. DVC is pretty expensive as timeshares go.

 

[wbl2745]

I agree with the PP that DVC is pricey. If you're looking at general time share usage, I'd think that some other company would be better. Both of my brothers own a Marriott time share and are quite happy.

HOWEVER, we are happy with our DVC time share at the Grand Californian at the Disneyland Resort. The general principle that seems to be supported on these boards is to buy where you want to stay. If you want to stay at a DVC resort, then buy DVC. We've only been members since February, but our one stay at VGC was fantastic! The accommodations are fabulous. We're going to AKV in December and looking forward to it.

So, I'd decide of Disney and DVC are your primary focus. If so, DVC makes sense. Otherwise, I'd look at something else.

 

[palaemon]

Another option is to go EOY. If you go, say May 2011, then Sept of 2013, it's closer to 2 1/2 years and you'd only have to buy/pay MF for 1/2 as many points. Plus, then you can plan trips on the opposite years.

Also, when you go to DVC in WDW, you don't have to do parks every time, because there is plenty to do at the resorts. And you can do Sea World, or Universal.

Plus, if you buy a small contract, it's easier to sell, if need be.

 

[McCrae]

I look at things differently to some of the other previous posters.
Whilst the parks are clearly a major attraction of DVC, it's far more than that.
The facilities and activities at BLT and VGC are fantastic and I would have no problem in going on a limited or non park vacation.

Both locations mentioned are good places to use as a base if you want to go and see other things. We usually visit Disney for at least 2 weeks at a time and do plenty of non Disney stuff. We always come back really relaxed after our holidays, because we always avoid the parks when the crowds get busy.
The quality of the resorts are important to us, we don't enjoy hanging out in value resorts. So yes you can buy a cheaper time share in the area, but you get what you pay for! You don't need to spend all your time in the parks to get value out of DVC.

 

[rugman1969]

I would love to tell you it's the greatest thing ever, but as much as I love WDW, I cannot. First, DVC membership is great in the beginning back in the day. Dues were modest, points went a good ways, but then things started to change. WDW has gotten the cheap bug, which is charge more for everything and fix or upgrade it for less. For example, when we bought in 2000, I loved it. The 150 points we started with was enough to stay for 6 nights in a 1 bedroom at OKW during peak season. Not anymore. I would be lucky to stay in a studio in off peak season for 5 nights now. While on the points, in 2011, the points to stay anywhere are going up by ridiculous amounts. For example, in 2011, to stay at AKV in 3 bdr suite, takes 5 more points per day than in 2010. Also, in 2000, monthly dues were 43.00 per month. 10 years later, I pay 85.00 per month, and my points do less. Where is the benefit? It's not there anymore. It's almost worth it to catch the deals WDW offers online instead of being in the DVC. Also, one big downfall, member perks are few, and to me, that says how much Disney is greedy. I mean, come on, the amount of money spent to buy into this and keep it is worth a lot better perks than offered. No discount on tickets, dining plan, minimal purchases, food, etc... Just stuff that most of us will never use the perks for. At one time, the dining plan covered tips, but that stopped and the dining plan prices went up. So, in my opinion, I would offer the advice to spend your money elsewhere. There are many timeshares around Disney that are so much cheaper, and you really don't miss the very few perks of a DVC membership. At one time, this was the way to go, but I no longer feel this way. I love WDW, but I cannot lie for them. hope this helps your decision. Feel free to message me if you would like more info.

 

[McCrae]

The comments put forward by Rugman 1969 are misleading. The total points set for a DVC resort can not be changed. If someone buys enough points for a set number of days during the peak season it is not possible for them not to have enough points for the same number of days during the low season at the same resort. Resorts do have different point requirements, but that has nothing to do with the value of your home resort.

Season can be changed and points for weekend stays and weekday stays can vary.

It is true that some perks have been removed, but the real value in DVC is not the Perks! It's the ability to be able to stay in premium rooms that are much bigger than Hotel rooms for around 50% of the cost at staying at places such as the Grand Floridian.

Disney do offer discounts on annual pass tickets.

Whilst I am sure Rugman's intentions are good, a large part of his post is factually wrong....sorry for being so blunt Rugman...but its more important to be accurate.

If you prefer value resorts DVC might not be the cheapest or best option.

 

[Maggie Ann]

Thank you everyone for all of the replies. I like the idea of going every other year and I think that the DH would go for that (as a vacation).

Thanks to the poster who told me the difference 10 years make on the dues, etc. It really makes me think twice.

I really do appreciate everyone taking the time to write. You are the best!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The comments put forward by Rugman are misleading. The total points set for a DVC resort can not be changed. If someone buys enough points for a set number of days during the peak season it is not possible for them not to have enough points for the same number of days during the low season.
...

But if rugman bought just enough points for a specific time of year, they might not have enough points for a stay in the same type of lodging during that time frame. Lots of members bought just enough for a five night stay Sun thru Fri and those points were raised for many of the resorts with either the weekend lower or another time of year lowered.

I will agree that to go from six nights in a one bedroom at peak season to less than five nights in a studio for a non-peak season would be a stretch, though.

But I will agree with rugman about the dues. We sold off two contracts (100 points and 75 points) to reduce our annual member fees. We got tired of paying Disney nearly $2500 a year in member fees. That would have made one nice vacation by itself.

 

[McCrae]

But if rugman bought just enough points for a specific time of year, they might not have enough points for a stay in the same type of lodging during that time frame. Lots of members bought just enough for a five night stay Sun thru Fri and those points were raised for many of the resorts with either the weekend lower or another time of year lowered.

I will agree that to go from six nights in a one bedroom at peak season to less than five nights in a studio for a non-peak season would be a stretch, though.

But I will agree with rugman about the dues. We sold off two contracts (100 points and 75 points) to reduce our annual member fees. We got tired of paying Disney nearly $2500 a year in member fees. That would have made one nice vacation by itself.

I hear what you are saying about the total cost of dues, that is a lot of money and that in itself is a good enough reason for some to sell, especially in the current economic climate.

The annual rate of increase in dues though has not been that bad and its not as if Disney has done anything outrageous regarding the amounts they have increased dues.

 

[hitman007]

I dont understand anything these people are saying?!
I just joined this forum and joined DVC this June with 320 pts. The number of points to stay in a given resort NEVER goes up. If they charge a couple more points this year to stay in a 1 BR July 4th they must lower an equal number of points on another day. These changes are minor and will have little to no effect on your plans if you are the least bit flexible from year to year on the dates you go. As far as the yearly dues, they are not even an issue for me. For 320 pts. I only pay $1,209 per year and part of that is tax deductible as it is real estate taxes paid. Thats $100 a month which is one dinner out! If you are so tight on money that this could be a burden you should not join DVC or any timeshare group. Remember this is a luxury item to be paid for with disposable income!

 

[SabresFan]

As somebody who just went to ROFR (still waiting, but it's only been a couple of days), I did a close look at a lot of things, including the increases in dues over the years. I'd have to say that overall, they look pretty reasonable to me.

OKW - 1991 ($2.51) to 2010 ($4.87) - 3.58% per year
VB (unsubsidized) - 1999 ($3.16) to 2010 ($6.61) - 4.73% per year
HHI - 1996 ($3.16) to 2010 ($5.57) - 4.22% per year
BWV - 1996 ($3.70) to 2010 ($5.36) - 2.71% per year
VWL - 2000 ($3.62) to 2010 ($5.20) - 3.70% per year
BCV - 2002 ($3.77) to 2010 ($5.15) - 3.98% per year
SSR - 2004 ($3.80) to 2010 ($4.46) - 2.71% per year

I don't think the others have been around long enough to consider them representative, although so far, AKV is 2.33% and BLT is 3.00%.

Also, FYI, in my opinion, this tracks fairly closely to resort rate increases over time, so despite what the guide told us, I would expect resort rate increases over a long period of time to track very close to these. And for 2011, the increase in rack rates was only about 1% - I assume the MF's will still fall in the 3% to 4% increase for most resorts this year.

 

[Maggie Ann]

I dont understand anything these people are saying?!
I just joined this forum and joined DVC this June with 320 pts. The number of points to stay in a given resort NEVER goes up. If they charge a couple more points this year to stay in a 1 BR July 4th they must lower an equal number of points on another day. These changes are minor and will have little to no effect on your plans if you are the least bit flexible from year to year on the dates you go. As far as the yearly dues, they are not even an issue for me. For 320 pts. I only pay $1,209 per year and part of that is tax deductible as it is real estate taxes paid. Thats $100 a month which is one dinner out! If you are so tight on money that this could be a burden you should not join DVC or any timeshare group. Remember this is a luxury item to be paid for with disposable income!

It's not about being tight on money but about making a good family investment. The amount you pay in dues is about what a moderate hotel cost back in Jan 2008, so that does look good and with 320 I know that you get so much more for your money.

About 2 years ago I received a beautiful book from Disney regarding DVC. I thought there was a section where you could use your points at other hotels throughout the country and Europe and I thought I read that Europe was 160 points for a week. But no one seems to be mentioning this so maybe I'm totally off the mark and it's only Disney properties.

Thanks for sharing your yearly and monthly breakdown for me. My heart still wants a timeshare but don't think I can get DH to WDW every year without kicking and screaming.

 

[McCrae]

It's not about being tight on money but about making a good family investment. The amount you pay in dues is about what a moderate hotel cost back in Jan 2008, so that does look good and with 320 I know that you get so much more for your money.

About 2 years ago I received a beautiful book from Disney regarding DVC. I thought there was a section where you could use your points at other hotels throughout the country and Europe and I thought I read that Europe was 160 points for a week. But no one seems to be mentioning this so maybe I'm totally off the mark and it's only Disney properties.

Thanks for sharing your yearly and monthly breakdown for me. My heart still wants a timeshare but don't think I can get DH to WDW every year without kicking and screaming.

DVC do have an exchange system which allows you to stay at different resorts around the world.

 

[hitman007]

DVC do have an exchange system which allows you to stay at different resorts around the world.

Yes they do. You can exchange at any of the thousands of RCI Resorts all over the world. You can also use your points for a cruise or the Disney Collection Hotels which are some of the nicest hotels in the country!

 

[bwvBound]

Can anyone tell me their vacation experiences outside of the World, or what other people (like DH) enjoy about their DVC.

Don't forget the beach properties: DVC at Vero Beach, Hilton Head and (soon) Hawaii. We fell in love with Vero - truly a lovely place!

About 2 years ago I received a beautiful book from Disney regarding DVC. I thought there was a section where you could use your points at other hotels throughout the country and Europe and I thought I read that Europe was 160 points for a week. But no one seems to be mentioning this so maybe I'm totally off the mark and it's only Disney properties.

Yes, you can use your points at a healthy number of non-DVC destinations. Only you can decide if using points for non-DVC stays is a good value for you and your family. I prefer to use my points for DVC stays and book "other places" using "other means" (cash or other timeshare trades). As others have recommended -- consider buying fewer DVC points with the intention of using them every other or every third year travel to DVC locations: WDW, Disneyland, Oahu, Vero Beach and Hilton Head.

 

[Mtnman44]

Don't Forget: There are a lot of other ways to enjoy frequent trips to WDW without DVC, including simply staying at WDW resorts as a paying guests. There are also many very nice timeshares/villas nearby including Marriott, Hilton, and Bonnet Creek, all of which are also available to cash paying guests or available for timeshare ownership.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Yes they do. You can exchange at any of the thousands of RCI Resorts all over the world. You can also use your points for a cruise or the Disney Collection Hotels which are some of the nicest hotels in the country!

Not quite. You can only exchange to the RCI resorts that are available to DVC. Not all are available and some may never come up when you want them.

 

[Lucy D.]

We all like to try to rationalize our decision to buy to prove we made the "right" decision. But what is the most valuable to me about DVC is the memories of great vacations, and the ability to share it with friends and family who may never have been able to afford (or would not feel right about paying the price of) such nice accommodations.
We bought DVC after a trip to HHI when my father-in-law (now deceased) wrote in his yearly Christmas letter that the family's trip to HHI was
the "best time we ever had".....................priceless.