Positive things about DVC!!!

[disneynutz]

You don't need to own a DVC interest to take advantage of DVC accommodations. You can rent a reservation from an existing owner and save some money compared to getting a DVC reservation through Disney.

Depending on how often you plan to take a DVC vacation, owning can cost more compared to renting.

Bill

 

[Coach81]

Luv the towel and trash days!!!

 

[spruce]

How did you manage this?

I'm rounding these rack rate numbers.
Bwv GV 2k a night = 10k for 5 nights.
2 bwv studios 400 a night = 4k for 5 nights each.
1 bwv 1br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
1 blt 1 br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
That's $15200 plus what is the tax, 11 percent? That's over 16k.
I think it was close to 650 points. We used less than 2 years of points, dues was about 3400, so for $3400 plus initial investment, which is paid off, we had the $16000+ rack rate I posted about.
Ymmv with discounts but I was talking rack rates.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

I'm rounding these rack rate numbers.
Bwv GV 2k a night = 10k for 5 nights.
2 bwv studios 400 a night = 4k for 5 nights each.
1 bwv 1br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
1 blt 1 br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
That's $15200 plus what is the tax, 11 percent? That's over 16k.
I think it was close to 650 points. We used less than 2 years of points, dues was about 3400, so for $3400 plus initial investment, which is paid off, we had the $16000+ rack rate I posted about.
Ymmv with discounts but I was talking rack rates.

Cool! That is great our points have now paid for themselves so it's just the annual dues. We worked out we couldn't book a value resort for that so we are delighted only bought in 2008 but got a really good deal and the UK exchange rate was in our favour.

 

[k3chantal]

Wish there was a like button on disboards...anyway would press it for your post!

I agree!!

 

[ELMC]

I'm rounding these rack rate numbers.
Bwv GV 2k a night = 10k for 5 nights.
2 bwv studios 400 a night = 4k for 5 nights each.
1 bwv 1br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
1 blt 1 br 600 a night = 600 for 1 night.
That's $15200 plus what is the tax, 11 percent? That's over 16k.
I think it was close to 650 points. We used less than 2 years of points, dues was about 3400, so for $3400 plus initial investment, which is paid off, we had the $16000+ rack rate I posted about.
Ymmv with discounts but I was talking rack rates.

Thanks for clarifying. I think the most important thing you said in your post was "YMMV". In my opinion, comparing to paying rack rates is a fallacious comparison because there are so many ways to avoid paying rack rates that it's not a viable option.

But if you had actually planned on paying rack rates for this trip, I can see how the DVC purchase was a much better way to stay at Disney for you. Congrats.

 

[spruce]

You're welcome. Of course discounts could be possible for some, if not all the rooms listed, I don't know how difficult that is. The bwv may be hard to get discounts on for more than a couple of days since there are only 6 of them and always seem in great demand. As I said, Ymmv, but I don't chase discounts anymore, I just use points. I figure we've taken spectacular dvc resort vacations that, even with discounts, we'd never have afforded to invite as many guests as we have since 1998 and cover their lodging.

 

[lodgelady]

Welcome Home!
We have owned for 10 years, and we have never regretted anything except not having more points!

 

[myxdvz]

Thanks for clarifying. I think the most important thing you said in your post was "YMMV". In my opinion, comparing to paying rack rates is a fallacious comparison because there are so many ways to avoid paying rack rates that it's not a viable option.

But if you had actually planned on paying rack rates for this trip, I can see how the DVC purchase was a much better way to stay at Disney for you. Congrats.

I've read this so much - but I don't really know where it's coming from. A lot of people, when they book hotels and resorts - go straight to the website and book there.

If they're $$$ conscious, they're probably looking for coupons, discounts, AAA, and others. But if they're these type of people, they're most likely also on DIS longer looking at budget boards etc.

When we book our trips, we are bound by our dates (when we can take off work, when kids can take off school, etc). So when you say, so many ways to avoid paying rack rates that it's not a viable option. -- how much of these require being flexible with dates? how many of these options are only good for a family of 4?

BTW, I've never heard of a PIN Code until I went to DIS.

So, I think people should compare HOW they would be booking their vacations normally without DVC. If how you normally book vacations is going thru the site - then, IMO that is a valid comparison.

 

[ELMC]

I've read this so much - but I don't really know where it's coming from. A lot of people, when they book hotels and resorts - go straight to the website and book there.

If they're $$$ conscious, they're probably looking for coupons, discounts, AAA, and others. But if they're these type of people, they're most likely also on DIS longer looking at budget boards etc.

When we book our trips, we are bound by our dates (when we can take off work, when kids can take off work, etc). So when you say, so many ways to avoid paying rack rates that it's not a viable option. -- how much of these require being flexible with dates? how many of these options are only good for a family of 4?

BTW, I've never heard of a PIN Code until I went to DIS.

So, I think people should compare HOW they would be booking their vacations normally without DVC. If how you normally book vacations is going thru the site - then, IMO that is a valid comparison.

I agree to a point. The problem that we see over and over again is people using the most expensive possible option to use as their basis for comparison in order to justify a DVC purchase. If you are paying rack rates then it is a valid comparison, but paying rack rates is, in many cases, an inefficient use of resources.

Renting points from an existing owner has no limitations regarding dates. In the example the poster gave where the trip would have cost 650 points or $16,000, renting points would have cost $8,450. Using a point broker like David's provides a huge layer of security. I feel that this number is the most valid comparison when looking at the cost efficiency of DVC. I understand that people do choose to pay rack rates, but to me that seems unnecessary.

 

[calypso726]

Hello everyone we just joined DVC on the final night of our cruise. This was our 3rd cruise w/Disney in 3 years and we have sat thur the sales pitch every time. We have 3 children and would love to visit WDW. We are from CA so we have spent lots of time at Disneyland. We are super excited! We received $1,000 off purchase price and joined w/125 points AK. They gave us 2012 points/125 and also $3 per point. We are a military family retiring in 2 years in Alaska (currently in NJ) hoping to vacation in Hawaii a lot with the club!!! Please post some positive things about the club based on experience. I have been reading a lot of posts that are very negative and I hope we have made the right decision to join.

Welcome home! DVC is great for some and not for others. DVC is great for us even though we live in Florida and can get discounts at the resorts. We are thrilled with our membership. Thanks to DVC we have had some pretty amazing experiences that would not have happened otherwise. We could have never afforded to stay for a week in a Grand Villa with safari view at AKV even with a Florida resident discount. We would not have been able to participate in a number of the unique D23 events that took place at WDW. We would have never been on 2 member cruises that resulted in creating a group of what would become lifelong friends that we now cruise and vacation with on a regular basis. It's not about the money. It's about the memories and experiences for us.

 

[myxdvz]

Renting points from an existing owner has no limitations regarding dates. In the example the poster gave where the trip would have cost 650 points or $16,000, renting points would have cost $8,450. Using a point broker like David's provides a huge layer of security. I feel that this number is the most valid comparison when looking at the cost efficiency of DVC. I understand that people do choose to pay rack rates, but to me that seems unnecessary.

I agree with this as well. However, most people who aren't on the boards won't even know about rentals. Those who know about rental probably know about resale as well.

And then there are those who probably can't rent. In my case - I probably will be very very leary of renting. God knows how many times I've changed my reservations which I couldn't have done with renting.

IMO - if people are on these boards, they would know about renting and about resale, and yes - they have enough information to make the best decision. In some of those cases, buying is probably not the best thing for them. And we know, that in almost all cases, buying resale is better than buying than direct.

Now - there are also those who come here ALREADY after the fact. In some, if not most cases - they have already bought. And most would probably have bought direct. In those cases, our job is to help them make the most out of their purchases and in the future maybe add-on via resale. In making the analysis for these cases - they should use whatever means they had of booking their vacations before they found DIS to compare the value of their purchase.

Comparing the cost of renting (which you maybe didn't know at the time you bought) to the value of your purchase in this situation is kinda non-sensical.

Again - this is not a generalization. I will agree that there will be people who after all these information given to them, will still make a decision that may not be optimal. From a strictly $$$ POV, it may not be the best decision, but again, not everything is about $.

 

[ELMC]

I agree with this as well. However, most people who aren't on the boards won't even know about rentals. Those who know about rental probably know about resale as well.

And then there are those who probably can't rent. In my case - I probably will be very very leary of renting. God knows how many times I've changed my reservations which I couldn't have done with renting.

IMO - if people are on these boards, they would know about renting and about resale, and yes - they have enough information to make the best decision. In some of those cases, buying is probably not the best thing for them. And we know, that in almost all cases, buying resale is better than buying than direct.

Now - there are also those who come here ALREADY after the fact. In some, if not most cases - they have already bought. And most would probably have bought direct. In those cases, our job is to help them make the most out of their purchases and in the future maybe add-on via resale. In making the analysis for these cases - they should use whatever means they had of booking their vacations before they found DIS to compare the value of their purchase.

Comparing the cost of renting (which you maybe didn't know at the time you bought) to the value of your purchase in this situation is kinda non-sensical.

Again - this is not a generalization. I will agree that there will be people who after all these information given to them, will still make a decision that may not be optimal. From a strictly $$$ POV, it may not be the best decision, but again, not everything is about $.

I agree with like 99% of what you say here, and there's no point quibbling about the other 1%.

I think the comparisons need to be evaluated on a case by case basis, and really only the person running the numbers knows if they are being honest. You can make the numbers say anything that you want, and we all know that we've seen some pretty bogus analyses on here. But I agree with you; that doesn't mean that every analysis is flawed.

 

[spruce]

First, I posted in responding to the original thread question, good things about dvc.
2nd, I am not justifying my membership by comparing to rack rate, I specifically answered your question how I did that, qualifying rack rates were used.
Third, our first dream disney vacation was at Carriebean beach, booked it through aaa, found out later I overpaid.
Fourth, I never would have afforded over 8k to rent those 650 points and treat our guests. Fifth, I've cruised on points, dl Paris on points, stayed nye in ny city on points and stayed in dl hotel at dl on points. I'm sure many would agree that this wasn't the best use of points.
Sixth, so what, they're my points and that is another good thing about dvc, I can use them anyway I want regardless of what anyone thinks and consider that all my disney lodging is prepaid cheaper than any other avenues available booking like for like rooms within the dvc resort system.
Finally.... Jmho

 

[ggriffith639]

Positives:

You stay deluxe for the price of moderate.

You get huge rooms (1 bdrm and up). Full kitchen, washer and dryer and king size bed.

You can choose from 12 resorts, including one on the beach in Fl, one in Hawaii,and one in Hilton Head.

You have so much flexibility of what week you come, which resort you stay at and what room size you pick.......taking the parents a 2 bdrm or just you and hubby a studio..... You can stay at a different resort each trip so there is always omething new to discover. I've stayed at BW, the Bc, the AKL and the BLT.....and hopefully the VGF very soon Each resort is so unique and being right near a theme park where you can walk home is great.

You save a ton of money with the kitchen and its so nice to come home and have a cold drink out of the refrigerator ......or ice cream......or fresh baked cookies........ And did I mention the washer and dryer...... Don't have to pack so much which is great, I take 2 suitcases for 4 people (2 adults and 2 teens).

Also every room has a balcony and if you get the one bedroom and up, your room is separate from the kids so you don't have to go to bed so early....but you may need to since you are at Disney

All the resorts have great pools and restaurants.

Discounts at restaurants and now at the stores....and AP's

You don't have a room bill at the end of the vacations.. MF are due in Jan so you pay in Jan

Your vacations will now become more relaxed .... Ahh a true vacation....

You can always sell it if you feel you don't want it anymore.

It's DISNEY!!!

Sounds amazing!

 

[ggriffith639]

I was worried that we bought a little late ...oldest son was 16 and now is in college....but then I realized we would not be taking any vacations if we had not bought DVC with college expenses.

Since, buying in 2010 we have stayed at our home resort BLT...then AKL, taken a cruise , stayed at HHI. took another short cruise and now we are going back to BLT in a month.

Last year we had a great stay at HHI before my son headed off to college.

Now we have pretty much a prepaid vacation every year. We drive to Florida and SC, so cost are kept low. We did no parks when we went AKL and had a blast.

Just being able to spread out, eat breakfast, lunch or or all meals in your villa if you want. All the resorts I feel are gorgeous and fun in their own way. We absolutely love Disney commitment to excellent service. The Disney touch and theming is unmatched. We are not Disney fanatic, but appreciate the Disney way....the pixie dust...

We are looking forward to visiting Aulani in a few years. We are planning to visit VB before a cruise next year. Then maybe an RCI exchange then back to HHI and then maybe Saratoga Springs or OKW. So, much to do so little time.

I think you know you made the right choice. After a few DVC vacations it will put your mind at ease.

Enjoy the fun of planning .....All the Best and welcome to DVC...

I like the idea of having a place to relax and vacation without going to the parks if we don't want to but still having a piece of Disney Magic like you said!!!

 

[ggriffith639]

Well first off, you've got the right attitude. My opinions are just that...what I happen to think. It doesn't mean I'm right and it doesn't mean that what I have to say necessarily applies to you. And perhaps I misinterpreted your OP, but when I read...

...I interpreted this as seeking reassurance. Perhaps I was wrong.

To answer your question, there were definitely some red flags in your OP. First, you referred to your purchase as "joining the club" and not purchasing a timeshare. But that's what it is. The "magical experiences" you speak of are a function of Disney, and not DVC. DVC is a way of prepaying a portion of lodging expenses in the hopes of realizing a long term cost savings or increase in value for lodging dollars. A lot of times people who go into this thinking about clubs and magic and Pixie Dust often end up disappointed when the magic wears off and they find that all they really have is a timeshare.

Also, typically DVC works best for people who have a track record of visiting Disney World. From your post it sounds like you frequent Disneyland and have some desire to go to Aulani. I'm not so sure an AKV contract is the best way for you to achieve your objectives. Walt Disney World is a much different experience. What are you going to do with your contract if after a few trips to the World you realize that it's not for you? It happens more than you would think. Speaking of which, you have five members in your family which means that you will need a 1 BR. The contract you bought is only good for roughly 4 nights each year at AKV or roughly 3 nights each year at Aulani. Coming from Alaska, that seems like a very short trip, even if you banked and borrowed to use two years at once. Was your purchase based on the amount of points you think you would need to fit your vacation patterns, or based on the monthly payment you were comfortable with?

You mentioned that they "gave" you 2012 points. I'm guessing that your UY is June or later, am I right? If that's the case then they didn't "give" you anything, you are still in your 2012 use year and you are contractually owed those points. It's a little statement but it reflects a potential lack of understanding of how DVC works and what you are getting. Finally, you said "I hope we have made the right decision to join". If you're not sure, that's a problem. For the amount of money you are spending, you really need to know, especially when you consider that buying direct, you have no recourse to getting anywhere close to your money back should this not work out for you. I'm also guessing that you financed, but I could be wrong about that.

Listen, I'm not looking to belittle, offend or insult anybody. If you don't like what I have to say, please disregard it and move on, I wish you all the best. But if there's a chance that anything I have said here echoes anything you might have been thinking, then hopefully that helps, which is what I'm here to do. Like I said before, there are plenty of nice people on this thread spreading the well wishes and congratulations. There's enough feel good going around that you don't need more for me. In my opinion, they're doing you a disservice by telling you what you want to hear instead of giving you information. As we have seen in this thread, in their opinion I'm at best insensitive and at worst cruel. It's ok, it's a difference of opinion which is what makes these boards work. But a lot of the posters on this thread are new here, and they haven't seen the horror stories. This conversation that you and I are having has been had on here many times. Sometimes it plays out much like ours is. Other times it has caused people to reconsider and they have been thankful for avoiding what seemed like a great idea but actually would have been a mistake.

Only you know what is best for you and how much of what I say actually applies. Either way, I wish you all the best and hope that things work out well for you. I wouldn't mind being wrong on this one.

Sorry it took a bit of investigating on my part but they did "give" us 2012 points we did not pay for them.

 

[Missyrose]

Sorry it took a bit of investigating on my part but they did "give" us 2012 points we did not pay for them.

Right (but just so you understand) if your UY is June or later, you're still in your 2012 UY. So they would have to give you those points. MFs are done by calendar year so you'll pay prorated MFs for 2013.

 

[Minniesgal]

When you buy direct they do sometimes give you extra points. We bought in August 2012, and we have an August use year. However we also got 2011 point and didn't have to pay and MF on those. They immediately banked them as technically they had expired and we had double points for 2012.

 

[Missyrose]

When you buy direct they do sometimes give you extra points. We bought in August 2012, and we have an August use year. However we also got 2011 point and didn't have to pay and MF on those. They immediately banked them as technically they had expired and we had double points for 2012.

Yes, that is "giving" points. But when you sign your contract in May 2013 and you have a June or August UY, you're in your 2012 UY when your contract begins, so that really isn't giving.

But I won't quibble about this anymore.

Congrats on your purchase OP!