Questions from Another Person Considering DVC

[Golden Rose]

My husband and I are starting to talk about the possibility of buying into the DVC, but we're honestly not sure if it makes sense for our family. (No one in our extended family has ever purchased a timeshare, and everyone seems very suspicious of it.)

When we go to WDW, we always stay in deluxe resorts (these days), mostly for the locations. I don't think we would care that much about not having daily maid service - DH might even prefer it. We love the Epcot resorts so much that we've never branched out although now that we have a two year old, we're probably going to branch out to one of the monorail resorts next year.

Our two year old is the only reason DH is considering this. I've been a huge Disney fan all my life, but DH isn't, really, although he enjoys WDW. We both think that DS will enjoy WDW for years to come... and we plan to have more children, even though we may need to adopt to do so, so we should have little ones for many years to come. I would be happy to make an annual pilgrimage to WDW, although realistically, it is more likely to be every other year unless DS turns out to be so crazy about it that he begs to go yearly. (Yes, that would be what I'm hoping for! )

Anyway, one of our concerns is that we like to travel. We've been trying to figure out how to shift from "couples" vacations to "family" vacations. So far, DS has been taken on two cruises, since cruising is an easy family vacation and DH and I both love cruising. I think we would be more convinced to buy DVC if Disney cruises were easier and a better value to trade for than it seems like they actually are. It seems like, from what I can gather on these boards, that planning on using DVC points for anything other than DVC resorts is iffy at best. So is it worth it to buy in if you probably want a WDW trip every two years or so? (We already know we're going this year and next, so clearly sometimes it will be yearly trips even before DS learns to vote.)

I guess I'm mostly worried about it limiting the other vacations we'll end up taking.

Any advice from people who felt like they were in a similar position and either did or didn't take the plunge?

 

[Granny]

Yes, DVC can make sense if you go every other year. Just buy half as many points as you need for a typical one year stay and you are good to go!! The other years you can vacation as you like since you didn't spend money based on going to WDW every year.

You stay at deluxe resorts and like the EPCOT area, so you might very much want to consider a BWV or BCV resale. You can save some money, though the contract length would be for 12 years less than SSR and 15 years less than AKV. Still, 35 years is a lot of vacations even with every other year thrown in.

Your DH just might find that he does in fact enjoy WDW more if you buy enough points to stay in a 1BR and reduce your "gotta do everything" mindset if you are into that. Since joining DVC, our vacations to WDW are MUCH more relaxing since the accommodations are so much nicer and we know we'll be back so we don't worry about missing anything on a particular trip.

DVC certainly isn't for everyone, but in your case it sounds like it could make a lot of sense. Good luck with your fact findng and decision process.

 

[hellerjw]

First off, you are doing the right thing by visiting these boards and posting questions. For us it was literally a 14 year journey before the timing, finances and other factors lined up just right for us to buy this past April. These boards helped us go into the process fully aware of how it works and what to expect.

We started looking at DVC when we first heard about it in '93. At the time we were newlyweds (having honeymooned at Disney) and just starting our careers. Then the kids came and we had to adjust to that financially. Then a new house, etc, etc, etc. It finally came to the point where we felt we could do it and made the leap.

For us, it came down to the following factors:

1) We were staying at moderate resorts, but were painfully aware that we would need more room as the kids got older.
2) We were going about every 18 months, but really wanted to go more often.
3) We decided to buy DVC vs. some other luxury (RV, boat, etc) since we felt it would provide "longer-term fun" than any other thing we could think of.
4) We loved Disney as much as the kids. Since these new contracts are for 50 years we knew there would be times in the kid's lives when they may not be able to go or want to go to Disney (heaven forbid ). We knew we would still go and have fun, even if the kids could not join us.
5) We felt DVC would allow us to do our WDW vacations at a more leisurely pace since we would be traveling there more often and wouldn't feel like we had to do the "commando raids" on all the attractions just to get our moneys worth.
6) We could afford it.

We liked the idea of being able to trade-out for the Disney cruises, other timeshares and resorts, etc but never really factored that into our decision, mainly given the lower value the DVC points give you in those situations. That's not to say we won't try to do a cruise or trade out for non-Disney resorts , its just that we knew going into it that you get the most value for your points sticking with the DVC resorts.

If you do plan to go at least every other year, are already accustomed to staying in Deluxe resorts and can swing it financially, then you are ideal candidates for DVC.

However, if trading out is a major concern for you then DVC is probably not the best choice as far as timeshares go.

 

[disneymomto5]

It took us 10 years to decide (man I wish we had done it sooner), and once you have multiple children it is so nice to spread out!!! We go every other year so it still makes sense and it makes a real difference in how you vacation. Because you have more space, you don't feel like you need to constantly be out of the room and out of each others way. The no maid service doesn't bother me, I just throw the towels in the washer and I'm done, no big deal. Good luck in your decision.

 

[wildernessDad]

You can start out with a small contract and then see how it goes. That's what I did. I initially purchased 150 at VWL to 'join in.' I now have 300 points at VWL and 150 at AKV. That's enough for a while for me. Start small and then see. It seems like either BCV or BWV is perfect for you. Note that BWV is the larger of the two, but they do not have dedicated 2-bedrooms. Those are all lock offs. BCV has only 100 units more than VWL.

Another tip, and some may disagree with this. Buy where you want to stay. I think that will be even more important down the road as new members are added.

 

[bbangel]

I too love to travel. DVC was a really hard leap for me because I knew I wanted other vacations as well. I did the math on points for a vacation every 18 months and am in the process of buying a 100 point resale contract. For me it works out to about half of my annual travel budget so I can have the best of both worlds.
The only way to do it is run your own numbers. How many points do you need for the vacation you want (the point calculator on here is a great tool)? How much do you budget for travel each year? How much will the points cost you (upfront and per year) and how much do you have left over for other vacation options?

 

[Golden Rose]

I have definitely been reading up on the DVC, and I'm sure we'll analyze it to death before we decide one way or another. We're pretty sure we'll have at least a ten year window of wanting to do Disney fairly often (while DS is between 2 and 12.) I'm afraid he may go through a "too cool" to really be excited phase for a while after that, but we hope we'll still have other kids in a very interested phase for a few years more. I know that I will always be interested to at least a certain degree, but I have traditionally spaced out my Disney trips among cruises, Hawaii and Europe trips, and close driving trips for us (such as San Antonio.) While we have a least one toddler, the flight to Hawaii or Europe just doesn't sound like fun. (So, of course, we're about to try two days in the car to WDW...) Anyway, we have a tendency to think that with small kids, nearby Sea World San Antonio, WDW, and cruises get the advantage of really having something for everyone.

As far as the financial aspects of the DVC buy-in go, we won't do it until we can comfortably pay cash for whatever we end up with. We had several thousand in unexpected emergency medical bills this year AND we just built and moved into a new home, so while technically we could buy in right now, this really isn't the year to do it. Next year may not be either, because we're probably either going to have to go through more complex procedures to conceive a second child or start a adoption process, and neither is going to be cheap. Realistically, we're probably looking at at least a couple of years down the line, but it doesn't hurt to really research it.

And yes, we have thought very seriously about getting a resale on BWV or BCV. BC has been my favorite WDW resort for years, and we're trying out BWI for the first time this September. I'm also really interested in waiting to see if they really do do a CRV or GCV.

How many points would a person typically need for a room that has two bathrooms for a week in an off season? How many of the options at various resorts actually do give you at least two bathrooms without making you upgrade to some sort of super expensive villa? We travel with my mother a lot, and we need at least two seperate rooms for sleeping (bedroom and living room with a foldout sofa is fine) and at least a bath and a half.

Do the point costs change a lot from year to year, so that what you once could get for 150 will soon take 175? And am I right in estimating that initial buy in will run about $100 a point right now, and then cost between $3 and $5(and eventually more) per point a year afterwards?

Ok, one more question, and I'll stop for now... I have seen people talk about get add ons at secondary resorts, but it sounds like you can only use those extra points at the 11 month out point... so how does that work? You book 2 nights at 11 months out, and then hope you can book the rest at 7 months, and if it doesn't work out, you're out of luck?

 

[crisi]

We use our points pretty much every other year at WDW. We have 150 (the minimum at the time) and use them to book a two bedroom in October every other year (282 points) in ideal circumstances - the idea is every few years we will add an extra night. Of late, we've been scrimping so we can do an extended family trip - and that got delayed when my sister got diagnosed with breast cancer, so the predictability is a little off right now, but we'll get back to it.

The past two "off years" we've cruised DCL with cash. But I think we are pretty much done with that now and will be doing other things (kids are getting old enough to be able to travel better).

So yes, doable, pretty easy actually.

 

[hardingk]

Ok, one more question, and I'll stop for now... I have seen people talk about get add ons at secondary resorts, but it sounds like you can only use those extra points at the 11 month out point... so how does that work? You book 2 nights at 11 months out, and then hope you can book the rest at 7 months, and if it doesn't work out, you're out of luck?

I am interested in knowing this as well!

 

[crisi]

I am interested in knowing this as well!

You bank and borrow the small amount of points you own for a once every three year trip.

So if you are a DVC owner who goes to DVC every year, your initial contract might be 250 BCV points. You might have 50 VWL points and 50 AKL points.

Once every three years you have 150 VWL to use for a short stay at the logde. If you can get additional nights at seven months, you may expand your stay, or you may move to BCV, or this might be a studio stay, or a long weekend, or whatever. Once every three years you have 150 points for an AKL stay - same deal.

 

[hardingk]

You bank and borrow the small amount of points you own for a once every three year trip.

So if you are a DVC owner who goes to DVC every year, your initial contract might be 250 BCV points. You might have 50 VWL points and 50 AKL points.

Once every three years you have 150 VWL to use for a short stay at the logde. If you can get additional nights at seven months, you may expand your stay, or you may move to BCV, or this might be a studio stay, or a long weekend, or whatever. Once every three years you have 150 points for an AKL stay - same deal.

So they don't lump all your points together and say you have 210 points to use at either SSR or AKV (saying you had 160 SSR and 50 AKV)?

 

[mprewitt]

have seen people talk about get add ons at secondary resorts, but it sounds like you can only use those extra points at the 11 month out point... so how does that work? You book 2 nights at 11 months out, and then hope you can book the rest at 7 months, and if it doesn't work out, you're out of luck?

Some folks buy an add-on of 50 points, and then bank one year's points and then borrow to go to that resort once every 3 years. Others pickup enough points to go once every other year.

The advantage is knowing that you can get a certain resort at pretty much any time, including peak times (Oct/Dec).

 

[crisi]

So they don't lump all your points together and say you have 210 points to use at either SSR or AKV (saying you had 160 SSR and 50 AKV)?

Nope. If you want the eleven month window, you need to have enough points owned at that resort.

 

[hardingk]

Nope. If you want the eleven month window, you need to have enough points owned at that resort.

That is a little disappointing.

 

[crisi]

That is a little disappointing.

Its the only way its fair. If you bought a bunch of cheap OKW points (because resale value is relatively low as are the dues) and a 25 point add on at BWVs and were able to use all your points to book BWV Standard View rooms, the other BWV owners would be cut out by your OKW points - home resort would become meaningless to anyone willing to spend $250 on some points.

 

[hardingk]

Its the only way its fair. If you bought a bunch of cheap OKW points (because resale value is relatively low as are the dues) and a 25 point add on at BWVs and were able to use all your points to book BWV Standard View rooms, the other BWV owners would be cut out by your OKW points - home resort would become meaningless to anyone willing to spend $250 on some points.

Good point. I didn't think of it that way. Now it makes me question where to buy.

 

[crisi]

$2500 by the way - I missed a zero typing.

Yeah, that's one of the reasons why we say "buy where you want to stay." Though I much prefer "buy where you won't be disappointed to stay - and if you can't book more than seven months out, it doesn't matter."

Honestly, most people manage to switch to where they want at seven months - a few exceptions like BW Standard Views or GVs can be harder, and some times of year are worse. And you might need to use the the wait list. However, as more members join DVC that will create more competition for some of the low quantity rooms.

 

[Disney Doll]

Yes, DVC can make sense if you go every other year. Just buy half as many points as you need for a typical one year stay and you are good to go!! The other years you can vacation as you like since you didn't spend money based on going to WDW every year.

You stay at deluxe resorts and like the EPCOT area, so you might very much want to consider a BWV or BCV resale. You can save some money, though the contract length would be for 12 years less than SSR and 15 years less than AKV. Still, 35 years is a lot of vacations even with every other year thrown in.

Your DH just might find that he does in fact enjoy WDW more if you buy enough points to stay in a 1BR and reduce your "gotta do everything" mindset if you are into that. Since joining DVC, our vacations to WDW are MUCH more relaxing since the accommodations are so much nicer and we know we'll be back so we don't worry about missing anything on a particular trip.

DVC certainly isn't for everyone, but in your case it sounds like it could make a lot of sense. Good luck with your fact findng and decision process.

I agree with everything Granny said. It is good advice.

 

[rsinj]

.

 

[camack7827]

I've been tossing the idea of buying into DVC as well, and am LOVING this thread. Lots of good info! Here's my story/throughts, maybe they'll help someone make a decision or someone will affirm or destroy my thought process.

My wife has been on the fence a bit, she's the fiscally conservative side of the house. Over the weekend we caught a show on Discovery that was obvisouly produced a number of years ago (Mission Space was the "newest attraction to Epcot"). It listed a number of things that we never knew. Mostly it made us realize that there are a LOT of things to do other than the obvious. You can scuba in the Living Seas tank, there is also a dolphin encounter there. Several tours you can take, surfing lessons Typhoon Lagoon before the park opens. All of those things, plus golf courses, the Richard Petty Driving Experience, Spas, parasailing, DCL, HH, VB, etc. There are a lot of options to fill up 50 years of vacations.

We have a 2 year old and my wife is execting our second in September , we obviously have a number of years where WDW will be the primary focus, but I have no doubt that DVC points will continue to add value through their teen years. Even after, DW and I will enjoy trips to WDW trough our retirement. We definitely will want to continue to travel outside of Disney as well, and if the point "trade" rate is that bad, I'm hoping to rent the points off and use the money to subsidize a cash trip back to Europe or Hawaii. Or I guess we could just bank/borrow as needed.

My sister is a DVC member at SSR, so I'm hoping we can go down on her points with them next year so we can wait out the CRVs. As stated in this thread earlier, I think where you own will be a bigger deal in years to come. Now all I have to do is figure out how many points, save, wait, and hope CRV becomes a reality!

Chris