Pro's and Con's of DVC?

[connorlevismom]

I am looking for honest reasons why you love DVC and what you don't really love about it.

Thanks!

Kristine

 

[fletcher1964]

We love just about everything. We have prepaid our vacations and now have one less cost of vacationing. We make a modest living, we would never be able to afford the vacations that we are able to take as a DVC member.

We also love the feeling of ownership. We feel a sense of belonging because we always stay at OKW. We do consider it our "Disney Home". It's also easy to feel comfortable and strike up a conversation with complete strangers, as you always have something in common. Ownership.

We've never had a moment of regret. And with this latest deal, we're looking to add on for a 3rd time.

 

[ktmmt]

I am aways finding ways to go on vacation. There are so many different things you can do with the points.

 

[2infinityandbeyond]

Pros: Spacious compared with hotel rooms, mom and dad get their own bedroom, kitchen/dining area to save $$ on eating in restaurants, many years of onsite accomodations at a fixed price.

Con: I can't afford to buy yet so I rent points every few years.

 

[Lenc324]

I bought into DVC because it will give me incentive to go on vacation no less then 2x per year. I love Disney and what they have to offer too.

 

[utahkennedys]

I love DVC b/c we knew we went to WDW about every year, and now I know I will have a beautiful resort to stay at without having to wait or search for deals. I love the DVC discounts too. We own only a small amount of points, and I love that flexibility. This last trip I had another DVC member transfer the extra points I needed for a 2BR at OKW and it was SO easy and inexpensive.

Cons: Wanting more points all of the time!

 

[Disney Doll]

I like the fact that I have pre-paid for vacation.

I like the fact that I can stay in a deluxe level resort for a minimal yearly outlay of $$, now that my initial investment is paid off.

I like the themeing of all the different DVC resorts.

I like the responsiveness of the DVC staff in MS. I have always found them to be very pleasant and helpful. I don't think I have ever had a bad experience in any encounter I have had.

I also like the staff at the various resorts we have stayed in over the years. Again, I have always found them to be responsive to questions or my needs. The few times I have found a minor issue with my room, they have also responded quickly and efficiently.

I like the fact that there are no hidden charges. Anything you may get charged for, they are very upfront about.

Truthfully, there is not much that I don't like about the DVC. I think it is a wonderful program. I keep my expectations realistic, and they are always met and most of the time exceeded.

 

[DKH01701]

I honestly think they could do more for DCV members in offering discounted park fees. An enhanced discount structure for the time you are at your home resort would be nice.

Aside from that, I have been very happy with my decision to purchase DVC property. I know 10-20 years from now, I'll be thrilled to be taking vactions with the grandchildren for today's prices.

 

[KyleRayner]

I just became a DVC member in April 2005 and 12/2/05-12/10/05 was my 1st trip to the "world" as a DVC member. We stayed at SSR. Since this is my 1st year as a member, I don't have as much experience with the program has others.

What I can tell you is that I purchased my OKW ownership through resale through the Timeshare Store and I couldn't have had a more smoother transaction. My representative at Timeshare (shout out to Jerry Sydow, you rock) was very helpful and told me everything I needed to know and what to expect through every step. There were no surprises.

As for the program itself, so far I love it. SSR was great. Since its the newest of all the DVC Resorts, everything was so new. Over the years, I plan to try out each of the DVC Resorts, with the possible exception of HH and VB. I don't know if I'll ever go to South Carolina or Vero Beach but it is nice to know that if that situation does arrive, I have a place to stay.

After trying out all the DVC Resorts, I'm excited that I can use my points to stay at WDW Deluxe Resorts, that in the past I could never afford, like Grand Floridian, Contemporary, and Polynesian. I also hope to one year use my points for a Disney Cruise.

Right now the only "CON" I think of right now because again I'm new at this, is that I wish DVC did offer discount on theme park tickets. Right now they only offer discounts on Annual Passes, and at the current time, I can only make 1 trip a year to WDW, so its not worth it for me to get AP's. So I wish there were discounts for the theme park tickets. I hope down the line that will change and I can go at least twice a year, then an AP will be of some worth to me.

My next trip is planned for Halloween 2006. I've already made my reservation at OKW since its my home resort, but I hope to get in at BCV or BWV at the 7 moth window because I'd like to be near Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.

Kristine, I don't know if you asked this question because you're a new member like me or you're not a new member but was just curious about what others thought about DVC or because you're thinking of becoming a member. If it's because you're thinking of becoming a member, I hope what we all have to say helps in your decision.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!!!

 

[SueOKW]

I have no regrets about buying our OKW points. We love going to WDW for vacation every year. I can't think of one single negative.

 

[bsusanmb]

DH and I are in our 50's and have been going to WDW 3-5 times a year for about 8 years now by ourselves. Our children just gave us grandchildren. I just bought into SSR this week. I have rented points at VWL and BVC. Loved the convenience, having a washer/dryer, and the atmosphere. Our favorite resort has been POR, although we have stayed many times at WL, and also concierge at AKL. This new incentive convinced me that it is easier to prepay my vacation every month rather than coming up with a large sum of money each vacation. Also, we now have a beautiful deluxe resort, and plan on taking our children and grandchildren. They aren't in a financial position to afford WDW, and I feel so good about being able to share this with them. We have always had AP's. Having the secure feeling that I have vacation points to use is a great feeling.

 

[connorlevismom]

I asked because we are thinking about buying really are not sure how it all works. We are going to Orlando in Feb. and think that we will be taking a tour to check it all out. I am really leaning towards it becuase we have a 2 year old and will have more kids in the future. How great to have a place like this to bring them every year!

 

[magicmama]

I love the great times I have with family when we go. It's a wonderful place to be! Prepaid vacations make DVC affordable for many years.

The down side is that we can't go often enough or buy enough points!!!

Happy New Year!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

There are really 3 main reasons why I love DVC-
1. we get deluxe accomodations at more affordable prices. Before DVC, we'd always stayed in a moderate.
2. the change in DH as a result of DVC. I've mentioned it on these boards before, how incredibly happy I am about how DVC has changed my DH. He used to be "Disney-tolerant." Now, for various reasons, he actually looks forward to and enjoys our Disney vacations. For one thing, DVC introduced him to OKW (we never would have spent the money to stay there otherwise). Frankly OKW is different from the "typical" hotel, and DH loves his little home. Also, before DVC, I was a comando-tourer, and although DH wouldn't admit it, he didn't like that. DVC has taught us both to relax.
3. Now I can say I own a piece of WDW (OK, about 1 square inch, but I can say it, can't I?)

What don't I love? Only the high weekend points. If you work full-time, and want to escape for a 3 day weekend, those points can be brutal!

 

[Cinderpals]

Pros: I just sent a package home through BWV business services, with DVC membership, Disney's 20 percent markup was waived!! UPS or Fed Express...
I paid for most things with my room key which has DVC member on it...most places knew to give a discount for certain items...I didn't have to keep track of the discounts that I really didn't know about!
Valet parking is free at DVC resorts, of course we tip when we pick up our car....
We renewed Premium Annual Passes with generous DVC discount this year...
If I didn't have so many points, I could still bank, or borrow points to get a generous amount of vacationing points together. I would buy a smaller contract just to become a member. I saw some 25 pointers during the month that I would have snagged just to become a member if I wasn't one already. Bank one years, and borrow from another to get 75 points together for a vacation. Just get started! Dues can be paid for with one lump sum in January or over the year.
DVC BCV & BWV are great places to stay. I'm here right now with a boardwalk view of the fireworks from Epcot & the Magic Kingdom!! There is so much going on at the boardwalk, there is a live band playing on the green... I own points at the BWV, but I didn't book this trip until August '05!!
They've updated their DVC member website. It's now so easy to track your points and see your ressies on line!! Wow!
Disney meal plan will be available to purchase for DVC members too, or we have option of cooking our own meals in the 1bdrms-Grand Villas as always. Love being able to wash clothes during the week too. Requires less packing.

Cons: Can't decide which DVC resort that I want to stay at next! I would like to try the Villas at the Wilderness Lodge, but I love staying in the courtyard view rooms for a few nights during the Christmas Season just to experience the lobby!! Love the BCVs and now the BWVs too!! Would like to plan a vacation to Hilton Head, but don't want to give up time going to WDW!!! Check-in time is later than regular resort: 4pm versus 3pm...wish more rooms were available by 1 or 2pm!!

 

[athenna]

I can't even begin to explain how much I love being DVC!!!
I dreamt for years that I could do this, then I did my research and realized I can do this!!
my reasons
I love WDW
I know that's where I plan on spending most of my vacation time.
The memories you make w/family and friends are priceless
Prepaid vacations- when the $$ of the ''regular'' resorts go up every year, ours won't. Points don't change, but ''regular'' resort rates go up every year. Once mine is paid off, it's paid off! (unless I add on of course )
When I think of the $$ my parents and I spent over the years to stay at WDW, I could've had DVC long paid off by now!
I love feeling like I am part of the magic!
You won't regret it.

 

[eliza61]

Pro's: 1. Disney vacations every year with my family. Fabulous memories made.
2. Ability to experience new places really, really easily.
3. Cost of vacations over the years stays relatively the same, as opposed to the 4-5% increase on room rates annually.

Last but not least, see # 1 again.

 

[lisaviolet]

Pros:

• don't say "no vacation don't have the money"...points are there...yeah!!
• kitchen facilities....get tired of eating out
• nice rooms
• knowing you will be having a vacation every year and more
• feeling like Disney is like a second "home"

Plus, DVC is a dream come true.


Cons:

....maintenance fees and unfortunately converting to CDN.$$ (but same/less than other vacation options ....cottage upkeep etc.)
...becoming a professional vacationer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
...biggest personal interest now seems to be waiting for a Southwest DING to go off!!!!! Other interests have suffered.
...intense fear of booking a one bedroom....could I go back to a studio???
[/list]

 

[dkddis]

Yes! I am close to becoming that man in the Southwest commercial diving over cubicles to get to my desk!

 

[crisi]

Biggest pro for us is affordable on site accomodations that put our kids in a seperate room!

Biggest con, DVC does not guarentee non-smoking rooms. We have been lucky, one smoking room and one non-smoking room, but the smoking room didn't carry a noticable stench.

other cons, after two trips and four years of membership, I am beginning to feel a little trapped and wanderlust is setting in. We need to start taking some non-Disney trips (heresy, I know), but we have a lot of money and committment to Disney. One cruise next year is scheduled (not on points), and one family trip, and then I think I may be Disneyed out for a few years.

Non DVC options are not, in my mind, cost effective. I get more value cruising on cash than on points, more value taking my non-Disney vacations on cash.

We miss out on the variety of Disney resorts. Last trip we added a night at AKL - which was really great - so you can work around this con.

One that is not a pro or a con - or rather has attributes of each. We now "treat" famiy to accomodations, which is enjoyable - getting to share and spend time with our families is great. But it isn't cheap. My MIL and BIL both had their entire vacations paid for - food/airfare/park tickets. My family we are making them pick up their own food/airfare (my family is better off and there are more of them) but its still a lot of points we need.