First off, welcome to the boards. Feel free to ask all the questions you need to. The wealth of information available is wonderful.
We have been
DVC owners since 2000. We have made the following trips as DVC memebers; two trips to WDW, one to Vero, and once we traded out to stay at the Grand Hotel.
From our experience, we really see no downside other then the initial cost. I agree that you should not over extend yourself to purchase DVC, since what kind of enjoyment can you have vacationing if you can't afford it.
Here are some general guidelines that I believe will help decide if DVC is right for you.
- DVC is a pre-paid vacation plan, not an investment that will grow.
- DVC does have a breakeven point, but it will be based on your vacationing habits.
- DVC has a lot of flexiablity due to the use of a point system. It is difficult to compare to a "normal" timeshare.
- DVC is best suited for families that like to go to WDW (or VB and HH) on a regular basis, since the program is really targeted at staying at DVC resorts.
- DVC is best suited if you like to stay in a Deluxe on-site hotel when you go to WDW. If you are happy with a moderate or staying off-site, it may not make sense from a cost standpoint.
- You must do something with your points at least every three years. You can bank and barrow, but a some point you either need to use them or rent them out.
- DVC gives you the flexiablity to trade out, but it is not the best use of your points.
If you decide that DVC is for you, here are a couple of other suggestions:
- Purchase points where you want to stay!!!!!!!
- Use year is something to think about, but normally is not that big of a deal.
- You don't get daily housekeeping. Most DVC members don't miss it. In fact, our family likes the fact we don't need to worry about getting out of the room to get it cleaned.
- Purchase the number of points that you need for you normal vactioning habits. You will really never have enough points once you start using them.
Good luck and ask all the questions you need to!