Potential new member pondering buying

[abbydancer]

Hello,

This is my first post here, and I know many of the points I'm thinking about have been discussed again and again, but I'm a little overwhelmed with the amount of information that's out there.

We were at Disneyworld last week. It was our first trip in almost 5 years - a lot longer between trips than I like, but I was unemployed through much of that time and my husband has been unemployed for a couple of months during that time as well. We were supposed to go in December 05, but he got laid off (for the second time) in September - effective 01/06 -, and didn't know what the job situation would be, so we moved to Sept 06 (to catch the end of the 50th), figuring it wouldn't be fun if we had no real source of income a month later. Incidently, it worked out because the week we were supposed to go was his first week in his new, better job.

The trip was great fun, but he thought it was too rushed with too much packed in. Part of the reason was that we'd booked the premium plan, as we always do, and I wanted to take advantage of as much of what the plan offered as I could. He decided that we should go more often and for slightly shorter periods of time so that we wouldn't have to do the "death march" sort of schedule. We met a couple of DVC members who suggested if we love Disney, we should check out DVC. So we took the tour on our departure day. Our guide was clearly a professional salesman (and a "fast talker"), but didn't pressure.

Our first impression is that it's a pretty good deal. We have the money for 150 points on hand, so we wouldn't have to finance, and we like the idea of occasionally using points for other things even though we understand that it won't be as cost effective as using it at WDW.

So, we're thinking for us it's a good thing.

Considerations include the fact that we won't be able to do the packages anymore, but honestly, I'm not sure we would anyway. I think the variety and quality of the food is not as good as it used to be, and we're not breakfast eaters to begin with. (Also, I eat a lot less than I used to - I've lost 40 lbs this year and want to keep them off.) Also, I'm not sure that if I ran the cost of the package (pulling out the room cost) against what it would cost out of pocket for what we used, that we saved any money. (But it's too depressing so I won't do that.) I think it was a better deal when there was the Magic Kingdom Club, and I got a discount on the whole package, not just 10% on the room from AAA.

We're used to the Deluxe hotels, and I rather like daily fresh towels, but my husband thinks we should be reusing them anyway. (I'm also thinking that I could just buy an extra towel and trash every other day or something).

Our favorite resort is Beach Club, but on the DVC offer - I like that SSR has lower maintenence fees, and a later expiration. We might want to stay at BCV once in a while - however with no children we always go off season, and we do have a certain amount of flexibility about when to go. (This concern would also apply to exchange bookings).

I'm also a hyper-planner, so planning 7 months out to the day is easy for me (my husband says that if I think something is worth planning it's worth overplanning). So, given that, will we occasionally be able to stay at BCV or other resorts? I keep reading conflicting information here.

I also saw that there is a new incentive today - can I ask the guide for that? I'm also thinking that I can tell him that if I can't get that incentive, I'll go to the resale market. (Husband wants to buy from Disney and it seems like it will be quicker, but guide doesn't need to know that.)

I think that's pretty much what's going through my mind right now. If anyone has additional insight, I'd appreciate it.

thanks,
abby

 

[JohnBJr]

Congratulations on getting through the unemployment frustration that is sweeping our nation. And found a better job! It's is also great that you have come through that with enough saved to ponder this buy-in to DVC.

We made the big decision this year to join DVC. We only live 70 minutes away and we are at an place in life where we have the money and time off work to slip away or take 4 weeks off if we want. We have been to WDW at least 100 times since is opened. I think of DVC like joining a private Country Club with the initial outlay as a "equity share" purchase. In reality, it is a contract with a certain resale value. As the end of the contract nears, it will probably have less resale value. And, one's age does figure into that calculation as I doubt I will have much inclination to go to Disney at age 94, probably re-selling our contracts well before that time. Or I could pass it on to our children or grandchildren. So, given that viewpoint, our only expense is the annual dues.

This year our HHI contract will cost us roughly $800.00 in MF. We purchased 200 points in July, took our parents with and rented 2 studios in OKW. (Dad's 85th birthday-my rich sister and BIL stayed Concierge at BWI). We leave Sunday for two nights in SSR, again with the folks, again with 2 studios. My wife and I go Thanksgiving week to HHI for 2 nights, studio. I am sending my folks to BWV for 2 nights in a Boardwalk view studio in January for their anniversary. And banked 30 of my points for next year. So for 85% of $800 = $680.00 we have, thus far, gotten 8 nights lodging in pretty fancy accomodations. The best part is that we are on property with no real need to drive any further. We got annual passes, DDE and Disney Visa....discounts out the "ears"!

So, to your question, should you do it? It is a very personal decision based on dozens of personal circumstances. For us, it was a no brainer! I would suggest if it is something you want to do...join the private Disney Country Club! If you find out it doesn't work in a year or two, resell your contract. How much would you be out? A couple of trips to Disney, maybe a little opportunity loss on the contract money and a couple of years dues. I wish we had done it years ago! Oh, we just signed for 150 more points at BWV!

 

[dianeschlicht]

It is a personal decision, but I will tell you that purchasing DVC was one of the better choices we have made. Our only regret was that we didn't do it back in 1991 when we first learned of it We stupidly waited until we could pay for it all up front (not that THAT is a stupid idea), and we just missed out on those free passes! We have been members for 9+ years, and have loved EVERY minute of it.

One of the big benefits is that we no longer have to do Disney COMMANDO style! We now can tour liesurly, because we know we'll be back again soon. We also love bringing family and friends along and playing "Tilly Tour Guide" once in awhile.

As for spending more or less than the packages... We were finding we were spending THOUSANDS each trip just on accommodations, and when we found we could have used one trip's worth for a downpayment, we cringed a bit. That was ultimately why we bought when we did. Now nearly 10 years later, we are finding it DOES in deed save us in the long run. We love having the full kitchen and full laundry room and huge master bath to enjoy. We too thought we would miss the daily housekeeping, but in fact we prefer not having it. I would like it if they didn't come at all, but I do like those clean sheets on day 4 of a 10 night stay. If we feel the need to have fresh towels in between, we just throw our towels in the washer when we leave the room in the morning, and put them in the dryer when we return. Sometimes we just throw the damp towels in the dryer in the morning so they are dry, and wait to wash them the next day. I don't wash towels everyday at home, so probaby don't need to on vacation either.

 

[tjkraz]

This may not be what you want to hear, but it sounds like a pretty risky proposition to me.

Given the bouts of unemployment and 5 years between vacations, are you sure you want to make such a big commitment to Disney? Remember that accommodations are just one small part of a vacation at Walt Disney World. You've got transportation, park tickets, food, souvenirs, etc. There are certainly ways to cut corners on all of those items, but I still think you're looking at $1500-2000 PER YEAR out of pocket for the duration of your DVC ownership for things like annual dues, park tickets, airfare/gasoline.

If you are confident that you are totally back on your feet, so be it. But I think it would be a mistake to drain the savings and make the additional long-term commitment to DVC given the recent history you mentioned.

 

[Montana Disney Fan]

We go once per year for 12 days or so. We purchased 250 points two years ago and my only regrets are:

• Not Purchasing Re-Sale (save the money!)
• Not Purchasing more points (350 would have been better for us)

I know, I know, I can always purchase more points but we just built a house so the money was gobbled up by that.

We used to do what you do and stay at the Lux Hotels then we started paying for the DVC rooms then finally just joined. By our calculations, if we go to WDW every year for 7 years straight, the next 43 are free. Our accountant did the math for us so I can't really explain it. It was way over my head

We use the Disney Dining Card which saves you 25% at most restaurants (including drinks, wine, beer, etc...). You can purchase this card if you buy annual passes which we do. What we do is go late October this year (and buy the annual passes) then go early October next year and use the annual passes again (basically we get around 24 park days with the passes). DVC members get a $100/person break on annual passes so it works out to be the best way.

We also use Frequent Flyer miles to get down there since driving from Montana is not an option.

TJ made some good points. Is DVC something you REALLY want with all the job troubles that you've had to endure? I agree that you shouldn't finance it if you don't have to. I would also suggest paying the entire bill with a credit card to collect the points (just make sure to pay it off when the statement comes!!).

With DVC you can go once every three years if you want without losing points. You can bank this years points, use next years and borrow the points from year three. Year three you stay home since you borrowed those points. Year four you bank, then year six you go again and borrow year 7.

Or, just do mini-trips every single year.

There are lot's of ways to do this. Good luck on your decision and let us know what you decide.

 

[abbydancer]

If you are confident that you are totally back on your feet, so be it. But I think it would be a mistake to drain the savings and make the additional long-term commitment to DVC given the recent history you mentioned.

Thanks for the feedback so far. It's not as risky as it appears. We wouldn't be depleting our savings to do this -- my husband has severence from the last layoff that we won't touch - I actually still have some of mine from 2001 since I got a contract from my former employer to do some contract work 6 months later. Ironically, the only time I made decent money with that contract was during the 7 week period he was actually unemployed (which in the Silicon Valley in 2002 is a remarkably short time). So, we were never really financially "off our feet". And, we didn't go to WDW in almost 5 years. During that time we went to New York twice a year (family and no need for hotel), two cruises, a long weekend to New Orleans, and multiple 4 day trips to Disneyland (I'm actually an AP holder there) with the nieces.

I really appreciate the feedback so far. I'm also trying to decide if we need 150 points, or should start smaller on the resale market. I'm thinking of alternating years at WDW and other vacations, maybe using DVC points when they're available for what we want to do, etc. Our preferred cruiseline is not a partner. In 2008, we want to France, and are thinking we could use an II exchange for a week in Paris, and then the Disney collection to stay at DLP for a couple of days. (Husband says we have to go to a real place between WDW trips - for some reason he doesn't consider Epcot the same as visiting France I don't understand that just kidding - I agree with him).

Thanks so much,
Abby

 

[starbox]

I still think you're looking at $1500-2000 PER YEAR out of pocket for the duration of your DVC ownership for things like annual dues, park tickets, airfare/gasoline.

1,500- 2,000 per person is closer to the reality of what we spend above and beyond the DVC. Annual passes alone for our family of 4 were close to 1,300.

 

[abbydancer]

suspect the guide is going to call me tomorrow, and I'd like to try to get the 15.00 off the points, but, per another thread I'd need a current member as a referral. I was going to mention the woman we met last week, but I only have a name and a state and I'm not sure of the spelling of the name.

So, if a current member would like to be my back up referral PM me.

Also, if he won't do it, and I go to the resale market - will I get a guide to work with if I want to add points?

thanks,
abby

 

[abbydancer]

Hello again,

I just got off the phone with our Guide. There was no problem with getting the Friends and Family Referrral - I believe he had a name already (as mentioned above we'd been referred by a woman we met on the way out of Soarin' - nice lady even though she thought part of it was filmed in Utah.). So first, thanks to all of you who offered to refer me. It is appreciated.

I did ask him about changing the use year from December to April. He said I wouldn't get 2006 points if I did that. Which then made me realize I'm somewhat confused about use years and what I should do. Naturally, I thought I'd turn to this great group for help.

So, we are not planning to use any points until 2008 unless we have to burn them. Our 2007 vacations are set - Disneyland in January (and we're likey to need a suite because we have 7 people going, so can't use points there) and a cruise in September. Between those, they kill our vacation days.

In 2008, we're thinking of going to Paris for our 10th anniversary. We'll use some points for DLP and maybe try for an II exchange.

In general, too, we tend to do our Disneyworld vacations in the fall. Everything I've read indicates that our use year month should be a couple of months before we usually visit. I'm thinking that an April Use Year would give us a banking deadline of October, which might be beneficial.

And, just to clarify the December use year means that our 2006 points would apply to the year beginning 12/01/2006 and end 11/30/2007. Is that correct?

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Abby