Regrets?

[fabricmage]

I have no regrets but I purchased AKV direct when it was first offered. Before then, my family and I were going every year staying at the Swan & Dolphin. The DVC salesman helped me to realize that if you like staying at deluxe resorts and plan to go every year, it's a no-brainer decision. As a hedge against the rising costs and maintenance fees, I put money away in a CD (in case of job loss) and also look out for discounts on purchasing Disney gift cards (see Budget Board) every year. Also, picked a resort that we'll be happy staying at even with not visiting any parks. We can also drive down to WDW if we have to (22+ hours but we've done it). Don't forget that there are brokers out there who can help you rent your points if you decide to not go one year and that will help you cover the maintenance fees for that year.
So I guess what I'm saying is that you know what you are getting into, so you need to have plans to pay for those maintenance fees and park tickets every year.

 

[Matty B13]

Yep, no regrets, owned since 2016 and have 5 contracts. Forces me to make time for vacations.

 

[skippytx]

No regrets here. I know in some threads I can be harsh about DVC, but it's worked out really well for us. I just try to offer info that it's not all pixie dust and roses.

I do feel like I got into DVC at a good time. I have family members looking into DVC and I'm kinda wishy washy on them buying in. We bough resale in July 2017, and added on a 25 point direct when that got you direct benefits. I'm sure 2016 and earlier buyers feel even better about getting in earlier. One family member usually stays at Pop and is happy with that, I don't recommend them buying in. Another has rented DVC points 3 times now, and should probably just buy in at this point. Could have paid for 1/2 the contract by now in rental fees.

I don't worry about the annual dues, because in any scenario I can think of I can at absolute worst rent my points for what the dues will be that year. With the DVC resale market being as strong as it is, I could sell my current contracts and net in the sale what I paid for them (breakeven after fees and commission) and would have just paid the dues on the points I used.

I will say I did a ton of homework before buying in to make sure it was the right choice, and rented points at BLT to make sure it's what I really wanted. I made sure I understood the limitations and nuances of using the DVC product, booking windows, use years, the reality of booking low cost rooms, how hard it can be, etc. I see so many people in FB groups and other places online that buy into DVC and have no idea how the product works, or how best to use it. Folks buying AKL expecting to book value rooms all the time, or folks expecting to book any resort they want at the 7 month mark, those are the ones that run into trouble.

 

[joech]

No regret and still enjoy the ownership. We bought AKL - kidani points direct back in 2008 and bought resale points in 2011. Points were a lot cheaper back then.

 

[craigkerstiens]

I can hear where you're coming from. I considered some of that, but based on the couple of times we've bought my concerns have been completely alleviated in that the value of the points has gone up. We own at BWV and Poly, we bought both resale. One years ago that still got us the blue card which is nice but I'd still probably have done the same even without that.

If we decide things have climbed too high on yearly dues then tomorrow we could go and resell our points back and make a profit on them, probably to the level that it would have paid for more than half of our dues over the past few years if not almost all of them... so in a sense it would be paying for those past vacations with the profit. If you're buying direct some of that same logic may not apply.

 

[Deb & Bill]

In nearly 23 years of ownship, we've paid more in annual fees than we did to buy our points originally. Our first 175 points were $50 a point at OKW directly from Disney in 1997. We also have a small 50 point OKW resale contract with a different UY that we paid about $68 a point in 1999. Plus one more direct from Disney for about $70 a point (100 points) in 2000 at BRV. We had two other contracts that we sold in 2006 because we got tired of paying Disney so much each month in fees (100 pt BCV and 75 pt OKW). 325 has been more than enough for us. Since we moved to SW FL about three years ago, our trips have gone from 7 to 10 nights to 3 or 4 nights. We used to buy the premium annual pass (four parks, plus water parks and other stuff) and the last we bought was several years ago for $$399 each (yes, it was a long time ago). We bought the DVC gold pass one time and now that we are in Florida full time, we are buying the weekday pass (entire summer is blocked out, plus Christmas and Easter, but who wants to go at those time anyway?). That pass is in line cost wise with what we paid in previous years with the everything pass and it works for us.

I don't know how young families can even afford a Disney trip for one time, let alone annual or multiple trips annually. The initial buy in cost for points is outrageous, especially when I compare it to what we paid. We were both in our mid 40's when we bought in and our son was 4 (we started late). We both had good jobs and knew we liked going to WDW. This year we have five short trips planned for a total of 18 nights and our annual fees are about $2500 a year. That comes to about $133 per night. Some of our nights were in one bedroom villas, some in OKW studios. Our initial fees were about $2-3 per point, now they are closer to $6-7 per point.

So, if the initial buy in isn't a problem, plus the park admission, plus transportation from your home to the park, isn't a concern, will the fees bring it over the edge? Paying monthly by direct debit from a US checking or savings account isn't as bad as paying it all at once in January.

 

[DebbieB]

Is it possible to buy a bunch small contracts and get rid of one when you need to?

That’s my only regret - I wish I would have split my 250 BWV points into 2 contracts. I would have sold one when VGC opened and bought there.

 

[4luv2cdisney]

I’m in favor of buying small and seeing where things go. Most people get addonitis no matter what so it gives you freedom to give in to that!
People try to look ahead and project dues for 20 years out and it looks scary but you have to remember it’s not going to change terribly overnight and it’s still going to be cheaper than a deluxe hotel stay. At some point you “forget” your initial buy in (especially if it’s small) and you’re feeling like “I’m staying at a deluxe for $100 / night!!!” (Or whatever).
Personally, I stress over buying a new car a lot more and with much more hesitation than a DVC purchase.
*disclaimer: my dues are under $40 / mo... I think... I’m not even really sure now that I think about it... I just don’t even notice the automatic withdrawal.... Lol

 

[Fred M]

No regrets at all with my decision to buy into DVC. It's the best thing that my wife and I have ever done when it comes to vacation planning. But I have some regrets with the purchase we made:

1. Based on the way my wife and I use our points, we should have bought at AKL or Saratoga Springs for the first contract we had instead of buying at Aulani (we're on the West Coast and don't need to rely on an 11-month Aulani booking window).

2. I wish I would have bought at the Grand Californian when it was open for direct purchases. That would have been amazing. Kicking myself nonstop for that. I was living in Orange County (CA) at the time too. No excuses there.

3. Our original Aulani contract was 400 points. We should have halved it and gone for a 200 point contract and then picked up 200 points elsewhere.

 

[Coffee66]

No regrets at all with my decision to buy into DVC. It's the best thing that my wife and I have ever done when it comes to vacation planning. But I have some regrets with the purchase we made:

1. Based on the way my wife and I use our points, we should have bought at AKL or Saratoga Springs for the first contract we had instead of buying at Aulani (we're on the West Coast and don't need to rely on an 11-month Aulani booking window).

2. I wish I would have bought at the Grand Californian when it was open for direct purchases. That would have been amazing. Kicking myself nonstop for that. I was living in Orange County (CA) at the time too. No excuses there.

3. Our original Aulani contract was 400 points. We should have halved it and gone for a 200 point contract and then picked up 200 points elsewhere.

Can I ask how much your maintenance fees are ? How much was your buy in ?
I have no clue what it cost. We go on average twice a year. End of May and September . usually 7 days at a time. Stay at AKL

 

[SleeplessInTO]

No regrets but as someone earlier said - you are asking mostly Disney and DVC fans on this board. Personally I bathe in the koolaid.

I do sometimes long for a blue card. That’s the only negative - this class system that Disney has created. But those moments are fleeting and I wouldn’t go back and buy direct.

 

[Fred M]

Can I ask how much your maintenance fees are ? How much was your buy in ?
I have no clue what it cost. We go on average twice a year. End of May and September . usually 7 days at a time. Stay at AKL

For 2020, Aulani maintenance fees are $8.33 per point and Copper Creek (our 2nd contract) fees are $7.45 per point.

When we bought Aulani in 2015, it was $165 per point (with a bonus 50 points for buying at Aulani; so we paid for 350 points but received 400 points) and Copper Creek in 2018 (for 150 points) was $182. We bought direct both times. The first time, we had no idea about the resale market. The second time, my wife just absolutely wanted to do it then. Worst reason in the world to buy direct, but it is what it is!

But I love DVC.

 

[ELMC]

I have myself 98% talked into buying DVC resale but there is a part of me that is nervous about taking the plung into such a long term financial commitment. I can afford the price of the contract I need but the annual maintenance fees are what keep holding me back. I know they continue to go up each year as does the cost of the rest of the trip (tickets, dining/dining plans), so I guess it just makes me nervous about the uncertainty of it all. I would like concept of DVC so much more if there wasn’t the never ending annual bill.

i was wondering if anyone purchased dvc and later regretted it after having to pay maintenance fees yearly for 50is years? 50(ish) years is just such a long time that I can’t be sure I will want to continue to pay those fees for that amount of time. I know I could always resell the contract but I know as it gets closer to the deed expiration that will become more and more difficult to do.

I hope that makes sense as my thoughts are all over the place in regards to dvc from one extreme to the other. I guess I would just like some thoughts from people that were on the fence about making such a long term financial commitment. Also, we typically go every year or two to Disney so that isn’t the issue. I suppose I’m just worried about the day where I feel like Disney is too expensive in regards to paying the fees, buying the tickets, etc, and I’m stuck with 20 more years on a contract.

I'll put it this way...I don't regret buying into DVC but I did so in 2012 when BWV points were $60 on the resale market. I don't know that I'd purchase at today's prices and I've actually downsized our DVC portfolio quite a bit in the past year. There are ways to make DVC work for you from a cost-savings standpoint, but you have to be very disciplined. Buying discounted APs and then scheduling two annual vacations within a 12 month period can go a long way. But most everyone on these boards has said that they spend MORE money and go to Disney MORE since buying DVC. So....if the thought of the annual maintenance fees are troubling you, then you should also know that you will likely be spending more on trips as well. Visiting Disney has gotten CRAZY EXPENSIVE and I don't see that trend reversing. Being locked into trips there might not be the best thing for you and perhaps chasing discounts and staying at values or off-property (I just stayed at the B in Disney Springs for $160 a night and it was great) might be a better path for you. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Fred M]

But most everyone on these boards has said that they spend MORE money and go to Disney MORE since buying DVC.

Absolutely 1000% true. My wife and I are in Sacramento. Before DVC, our Disney vacations were a trip to Disneyland once every 12-18 months. Now our schedule is Disneyland at least once a year, WDW once every 3 years, and Aulani once every 12-18 months.

DVC will really only save you money over rack rates if you're disciplined. DVC is a lot like Costco--you're saving money, but generally your overall spending goes up!

 

[4luv2cdisney]

Absolutely 1000% true. My wife and I are in Sacramento. Before DVC, our Disney vacations were a trip to Disneyland once every 12-18 months. Now our schedule is Disneyland at least once a year, WDW once every 3 years, and Aulani once every 12-18 months.

DVC will really only save you money over rack rates if you're disciplined. DVC is a lot like Costco--you're saving money, but generally your overall spending goes up!

Yes! like Costco!!! That is absolutely perfect! Ha ha!

 

[Soap_1984]

I agree with some others, look at the 2042 resorts; not the lowest fees at OKW but still, for me a 20 year commitment is more reasonable for sure.

I don't regret buying but the cost is getting a bit outrageous so I totally understand where you are coming from. Good luck

 

[kniquy]

such a long term financial commitment

50(ish) years is just such a long time

These are two misconceptions that you have. It doesn't have to be a long term commitment if you find you are not happy with it. You are not locked in for the remainder of the contract. And in fact (don't know any exact stats but it is probably rare for someone to buy and keep for the duration of the contract. I have bought 2 resale contracts. My first was AK in 2015. The owners selling it had just bought in 2012. My second was Poly in 2019. That Poly contract the owners bought in mid 2017 and had put on the market in mid 2018 and maybe took one trip. So you are not locked in life does sometimes get in the way of your plans so you do have an out if you find DVC isn't right for you. I think the more frequent regret people mention is not buying sooner.

 

[stuartsong]

Only regret I have is the ones I missed on. I purchased AKV and BLT direct when they came out. I passed on VGC.

 

[TinkB278]

These are two misconceptions that you have. It doesn't have to be a long term commitment if you find you are not happy with it. You are not locked in for the remainder of the contract. And in fact (don't know any exact stats but it is probably rare for someone to buy and keep for the duration of the contract. I have bought 2 resale contracts. My first was AK in 2015. The owners selling it had just bought in 2012. My second was Poly in 2019. That Poly contract the owners bought in mid 2017 and had put on the market in mid 2018 and maybe took one trip. So you are not locked in life does sometimes get in the way of your plans so you do have an out if you find DVC isn't right for you. I think the more frequent regret people mention is not buying sooner.

I know there are a huge number of variables but do you know if you typically lose a big amount of money if you sell a resale contract within a couple years of buying? I am curious to know if you have an idea on how the people you bought your contracts from made out?

 

[bumbershoot]

the annual maintenance fees are what keep holding me back. I know they continue to go up each year as does the cost of the rest of the trip (tickets, dining/dining plans), so I guess it just makes me nervous about the uncertainty of it all. I would like concept of DVC so much more if there wasn’t the never ending annual bill.

If you’re continuing to go, you’ll be paying higher prices anyway.

50(ish) years is just such a long time that I can’t be sure I will want to continue to pay those fees for that amount of time. I know I could always resell the contract but I know as it gets closer to the deed expiration that will become more and more difficult to do.

If you actually own for 45 years and you want to make a profit (compared to initial buyin) selling THEN, I don’t know what to say. There will be someone somewhere who wants to buy that contact with 5 years left on it. Or 10. Or 1. Someone will want it. And by that time you will have had SO many trips that to even think of wanting to make money on it will seem odd.

If you grow tired of it or can’t do it, rent your points or sell. No one superglues it to your life.

I suppose I’m just worried about the day where I feel like Disney is too expensive in regards to paying the fees, buying the tickets, etc, and I’m stuck with 20 more years on a contract.

20 more years is a lot of years. Someone will buy it.

And if you’ll be going anyway...

My contract is long paid off in a previous life (pre-divorce). We had some amazing stays. My dues for 2020 are just over 1k. And I get 160 points to play with for that. I stayed in a 2 bedroom at bay lake for 3 nights the other week. I’m pretty sure that would have cost FAR more than my dues I’m paying this year. And it was only part of my trip.

Does the resale market tend to fluctuate with the economy and major world issues like the coronavirus?

Not that I’ve noticed.

So, yes things fluctuate with the economy. I found this spot to offer very good info:

https://dvcnews.com/index.php/dvc-program/financial/annual-dues-by-resort

That article says “Given the inflationary nature of the economy, dues should be expected to rise at a rate of 3-5% per year. Cast Member salaries and benefits represent approximately 75% of the operational costs built into the dues, and they are constantly on the rise.“

MF's become the "cost" of your villa, assuming you paid cash.

Yep. Already at that point, and I didn’t pay cash.

I know in some threads I can be harsh about DVC, but it's worked out really well for us. I just try to offer info that it's not all pixie dust and roses.

Same!

People try to look ahead and project dues for 20 years out and it looks scary but you have to remember it’s not going to change terribly overnight and it’s still going to be cheaper than a deluxe hotel stay.

Yep!

At some point you “forget” your initial buy in (especially if it’s small) and you’re feeling like “I’m staying at a deluxe for $100 / night!!!” (Or whatever).

Yep yep!

Can I ask how much your maintenance fees are ?

The info about dues per point at each resort is on the link given in this thread. And that site has direct-sale prices as well.

don't know any exact stats but it is probably rare for someone to buy and keep for the duration of the contract.

I feel like I’ve read that the average owner keeps a contract about 9 years. (Or the average contract is held for 9
years.)

Not sure if that’s everywhere or just Dis people.