Question about DVC

[zeitzeuge]

Ok, so I'm not going to try and use all the acronyms y'all use. I try to read some of the threads and I'm at a total loss and just end up passing them by. The 90 day reservation thread gave me a headache trying to figure it all out.

But one I do know is DVC. All I know is that it's a sort of timeshare for WDW vacation properties. And yes, I do know it stands for Disney Vacation Club. But I'm clueless as to how it all works. A friend tried to explain it to me and he didn't do a good job at explaining.

We go to Disneyland (and hopefully soon to WDW again) at least once a year and possibly twice if we can swing it. I don't know a thing about DVC regarding the average cost total or per month, how it works and the big question, how often do you need to go to one of the parks to make it cost effective? When you go to the website, they don't really give you any specific information and I'm really trying to avoid calling them because I'm not good with sales people. I tend to buy anything they suggest. My previous partner and I had a timeshare and he regretted it.

Can someone give me a quick synopsis? And please, don't use acronyms.

 

[jlewisinsyr]

The first question is what type of resorts do you typically stay at? If they are deluxes you should definately look into DVC.

 

[zeitzeuge]

The first question is what type of resorts do you typically stay at? If they are deluxes you should definately look into DVC.

We're kind of in between. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either. We range kind of in the middle, depending on DL or WDW. We've stayed at 150 a night at the lowest to 300 a night at DLH for our upcoming trip.

 

[rpmdfw]

Well, the big difference between DVC and a traditional timeshare is that instead of owning a specific week in a specific unit, you own points which can be used toward a variety of vacation options. Some will cost fewer points, some will cost more. So each year you have a point allotment that you can spend however you want to. It's also possible to bank the points from one year so you can "save up" and use two years worth of points for a really "big" vacation.

The points that you own at your "home resort" will typically be the ones you can book the earliest.

Even though we live in Orlando, we've used our DVC points to stay at Disneyland, Disneyland Paris, and last year we used the points to house my family and members of our wedding party as well as booking the hospitality suite we used. We also booked our honeymoon cruise on points.

Next year we're looking at staying at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on points as well, so it's not just Disney owned properties that are available to you.

Needless to say, we love it!

 

[rpmdfw]

It is possible to book Disney moderate and value hotels using points also. It can sometiems be a great way to get more days at Disney out of your points.

 

[zeitzeuge]

Hmmm ok. How often do you need to go to make it cost effective? Or is that really not a valid question?

Is it best to buy directly from Disney? I've seen sites where you can buy out someones membership.

 

[soulmates]

It is possible to book Disney moderate and value hotels using points also. It can sometiems be a great way to get more days at Disney out of your points.

Now THAT I did not know...wow!

 

[rpmdfw]

Hmmm ok. How often do you need to go to make it cost effective? Or is that really not a valid question?

That's a tough call. Since we already live in Orlando and sometimes use points to stay at WDW, that makes it MUCH more cost effective than for someone who has to fly and buy tickets.

I hate to say it, but you're going to have to contact Disney, figure out how much it'll cost you to buy the amount of points you want and how much the maintenance fees will be. Then compare that to how much you're currently spending on trips and see how it works for you.

Is it best to buy directly from Disney? I've seen sites where you can buy out someones membership.

That's another toughy. Scott bought into DVC before we met (three months before, actually) and he went through Disney. I don't know anyone who went through an outside re-seller so I don't know how they operate, or if it'd be a better deal.

I'd also suggest asking these questions on the DVC board. They're probably a great resource for this kid of thing.

 

[soulmates]

Hmmm ok. How often do you need to go to make it cost effective? Or is that really not a valid question?

Is it best to buy directly from Disney? I've seen sites where you can buy out someones membership.

We're pretty sure we're going to buy next year. DP has researched the DVC thread and we have friends who are owners. To us, it makes sense. From what I see, the closing cost, out the door right now, is $ 1800 for an average of 160 points, which is the lowest you can purchase. Then you pay your monthly payment. Sounds good to us, great investment for us and our famlily!

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

We typically go once a year and that makes it worthwhile for us. The one bedroom rooms can be very expensive. Someone I know paid just under $500 a night for one. They said it was worth it for their big family to have the full kitchen.

We have used our points to cruise as well, although, that is not the best use of points.

There are other benefits as well. For example, last year we purchased annual passes (almost said AP's ) for the first time. They were $100 off the regular price. You can also get a 10% discount at certain stores, special edition pins (that right there makes it worth it to you -doesn't it?), and really cool things in the mail that make you want to go RIGHT NOW!

 

[zeitzeuge]

Thanks! All of this helps. I have a feeling that it's probably not the route we would want to take. At least at this time. I've always been curious and want to stop at the DVC counter, but like I said, I'm a sucker for a salesperson. I swear they see me coming.......

Based on how much we go, and from what I've seen of the cost, I don't think it would be cost effective. If we lived nearby, I think I would do it in a heartbeat.

Love the hotel you're staying at in SF next year. One of SF's best. We'll be staying at Hotel Whitcom for Pride in a few weeks and I'm so excited.

It's so fancy schmancy.

 

[rpmdfw]

Love the hotel you're staying at in SF next year. One of SF's best.

I know! I've stayed there before. Back when I worked for the Fairmont Dallas.

 

[zeitzeuge]

We typically go once a year and that makes it worthwhile for us. The one bedroom rooms can be very expensive. Someone I know paid just under $500 a night for one. They said it was worth it for their big family to have the full kitchen.

We have used our points to cruise as well, although, that is not the best use of points.

There are other benefits as well. For example, last year we purchased annual passes (almost said AP's ) for the first time. They were $100 off the regular price. You can also get a 10% discount at certain stores, special edition pins (that right there makes it worth it to you -doesn't it?), and really cool things in the mail that make you want to go RIGHT NOW!

PINS!!!??? *sigh*

Now I might have to look closer at it.

 

[yasuern]

this link has a lot of info

http://allears.net/acc/dvc.htm


also info here but more technical

http://www.mousesavers.com/dvc.html

They have recenlty re allocated the points so that a FRI or SAT stay is less and Sun-thurs are more points per night but FRI and SAT night stays are still more than Sun-Thurs. Also when they list DVC resorts - GCV are also part of DVC and a Hawaii DVC is being finished soon(don't know the date sorry or which island)

I bought our 1st contracts through Disney 300 VWL points at I beleive $74/pt? - then we stayed at OKW and fell in love with it and bought 2 OKW contracts through a resale for $62-64/pt respectfully through The Timeshare Store which sponors the DVC disboards.


If I could do it all again I would have done all resale.

Dues are billed to you every year - I usually receive mine in December - and are due I beleive Jan 15th(no later than Feb15th? so booking and use privilages are not suspended and late fees are not tacked on)


The current dues for each DVC are per point and are in this post below. Also some charts others have made

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2162019&highlight=dvc+yearly+fees




Now if you followed any of my ramble you are an extremely smart person


I do ramble - Basically DVC is a timeshare with no specific week(s) that you have to vacation - you purchase points ONCE and they are renewed each year on the 1st of your use year(should be month) ie: you have a June use year so each year On June 1st your points renew - you can also bank any or all your current use year points for the 1st 8 months following June 1st - deadline for banking in this case would be Jan 31st each year. You can also (my favorite) borrow points from next years allotment of points - so if you buy 200 pts but a ressie would be 220 you can borrow the needed 20 points from the following years points - but once borrowed points must be used in the use year borrowed into and cannot be banked.


I think if you vacation at WDW or DL at least 2x/year its worth it.

You can also trade out points to go to many world wide destinations - HOWEVER i find it easier to just rent my points out and take the money from the ressie I make for another and book what I want - but this is another can of worms

I am sure I have left much out - but many folks here and on the DVC boards can probably answer your ?s clearer than I.

Sue

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Now THAT I did not know...wow!

You can NOT use DVC points for Value resorts.
You can use them for Mods and Deluxes. The thing is, it costs MORE points for a Mod room than for a DVC studio!

 

[rpmdfw]

You can NOT use DVC points for Value resorts.
You can use them for Mods and Deluxes. The thing is, it costs MORE points for a Mod room than for a DVC studio!

Oops!

Sorry about that! I just know that I can book all the hotels at Disneyland, Dinseyland Paris, Disneyland Hong Kong, and Tokyo Disneyland, so I assumed that all WDW resorts were available.


Can you tell that Scott usually deals with the technical stuff about the DVC points and I just look at the pretty book and plan where we're going next?

 

[soulmates]

I wouldn't think you could use them for Value..but then, we never stay Value...not a snob, its' just TOO many little ones for me. Now that mine are older, I feel I've earned the right to stay somewhere with some luxury

I would use them to stretch a trip longer at a moderate though, that is veryyyy good to hear!

 

[jenn&nelsonrego]

I wouldn't think you could use them for Value..but then, we never stay Value...not a snob, its' just TOO many little ones for me. Now that mine are older, I feel I've earned the right to stay somewhere with some luxury

I would use them to stretch a trip longer at a moderate though, that is veryyyy good to hear!

Maybe it is b/c Nelson and I are sloth-like and stay in our rooms more than most, but the biggest draw for me with DVC is the rooms. The studio is ok, but I love, love the 1 bedroom. It is nice to have a "home" to come back to, not just a room. I enjoy cooking in the kitchen (probably b/c it is better laid out than mine) and being able to do laundry in the room is awesome (dont have to pack as much - more room in the suitcases for souvenirs).

If you looking for luxury, the bathroom in the 1 bedrooms (and anything higher than that I assume) has a whirlpool tub! I can spend hours being Ariel in there!

 

[soulmates]

Maybe it is b/c Nelson and I are sloth-like and stay in our rooms more than most, but the biggest draw for me with DVC is the rooms. The studio is ok, but I love, love the 1 bedroom. It is nice to have a "home" to come back to, not just a room. I enjoy cooking in the kitchen (probably b/c it is better laid out than mine) and being able to do laundry in the room is awesome (dont have to pack as much - more room in the suitcases for souvenirs).

If you looking for luxury, the bathroom in the 1 bedrooms (and anything higher than that I assume) has a whirlpool tub! I can spend hours being Ariel in there!

I've poured over all the DVC photos and saw those bathrooms, they ARE big and veryyy nice. We're just doing the studio this time. I decided to spend less on that, so that we could do alot of other things. Next year we are taking my 2 daughters, so we'll def do a 1 room. I can't wait to get there!!

 

[zeitzeuge]

My head is swimming. I feel dizzy and must sit down.

We're actually the type to show up at the parks at 7am and not leave until midnight, never going back to our rooms during the day unless one of us needs to change clothes for whatever reason, like 400% humidity in Florida.

We use our rooms to do nothing but shower and sleep in. Ok, not everything but you get the idea. Although a nicer room might entice us to go back to the room more. But the whole time I would be thinking, "what am I missing out there!!???"

As you can see I flip flop and can never make a decision.