Should I Buy A Dvc

[ILIKEWDW]

Hello,

We are a family of six, all children are younger than 10. We, of course like Disney World, and we use to go there approximately every two or three years. I am interested because it sounds too good to be true, but I am also a little affraid about the non Disney destinations. We like to travel a lot, but we also like to choose the best destinations and the best resorts available in the best location posible. As an example in a recent trip to Niagara Falls instead of staying in a "near from" hotel we choosed to stay in a hotel located just in front of Niagara Falls with an excelent view of Falls (one of the best views of it). That is why I am a little afraid about the other (over 500!!!! ) worldwide destinations. I mean that I would like to know is that if we like to stay at the best located resorts at the better destinations. Could DVC be our best option for all our vacations or should I bought it only for Disney destinations?. Does DVC includes a list of some good and "well known" hotels worldwide? And if I do it (buy DVC) just for our Disney Vacations, is it still a good deal or should I avoid buy DVC and continue paying a very expensive Disney best located hotel every time I go to Disney?

Help me please!!!!

 

[chalee94]

We are a family of six, all children are younger than 10. We, of course like Disney World, and we use to go there approximately every two or three years.

if you like going to wdw every year (or at least every other year) and staying onsite in disney deluxe hotels, then DVC is something you should look into. sounds like you would appreciate the roominess of a 2BR villa. (be aware that you only get housekeeping every 4 days or so and you will generally be better off if you can book over 6 months in advance, so there are some tradeoffs.)

Could DVC be our best option for all our vacations or should I bought it only for Disney destinations?

most of the timeshare gurus will tell you that DVC is a great value for staying onsite at wdw, but if you want to trade out to other timeshares in the world on a regular basis, you can probably find another timeshare for trading that is cheaper and has lower annual maintenance fees than DVC.

 

[christa112]

We got the DVC tour when we were at WDW in Sept. They don't give you an entire list, but during the presentation our CM showed us places that are available with pictures and everything.

We are also interested in purchasing the DVC, but would also to vacation at other places beside WDW, we would definately hit HH and VB, but also would like to venture to possibly Mexico or an Island. I am still doing my homework on DVC trying to decide if it is the best deal for our family or if we should look into another type of timeshare.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

We are a family of six, all children are younger than 10. We, of course like Disney World, and we use to go there approximately every two or three years.

if you like going to wdw every year (or at least every other year) and staying onsite in disney deluxe hotels, then DVC is something you should look into. sounds like you would appreciate the roominess of a 2BR villa. (be aware that you only get housekeeping every 4 days or so and you will generally be better off if you can book over 6 months in advance, so there are some tradeoffs.)

Could DVC be our best option for all our vacations or should I bought it only for Disney destinations?

most of the timeshare gurus will tell you that DVC is a great value for staying onsite at wdw, but if you want to trade out to other timeshares in the world on a regular basis, you can probably find another timeshare for trading that is cheaper and has lower annual maintenance fees than DVC.

Thanks again Charles, what about if I plan to go once before two years, I mean every two or three years, could it be however a good deal?

And what about the housekeeping every four days? is that true??????

 

[jlewisinsyr]

And what about the housekeeping every four days? is that true??????

Disney is actually generous with their housekeeping. Many timeshares offer it only when you check-in and when you check-out (ie. for a week stay). As with other timeshares, you can pay extra to have it more often.

DVC is one of the more flexible timeshares. No minimum stay requirements (many timeshares are in one week increments).

 

[chalee94]

Thanks again Charles, what about if I plan to go once before two years, I mean every two or three years, could it be however a good deal?

you can only bank points forward one year and then they expire, so buying DVC just to go to wdw every third year is a risky plan.

some people do buy DVC and trade out on a regular basis. it's not the "best" financial use of their points but it works for them and they are happy with the value they are getting. but definitely do the research to make sure it would suit you.


And what about the housekeeping every four days? is that true??????

yeah, DVC is a timeshare and apparently that's how a lot of timeshares work...

it works for some of us who don't need (or even like) housekeeping coming in every day, but if you are looking for a premium/deluxe experience, it might be a negative. (if you want, you can pay extra to get daily housekeeping but it's pretty expensive.)

 

[hellerjw]

If you only planned to go every 2 or 3 years you could buy-in with fewer points and bank & borrow to have enough points for your less frequent trips. For example, instead of buying a 300 pt contract (which should get you a week long stay in a 2BR during most times) you could buy a 100 pt one and bank this years points (100) & borrow all your points from 2010 (100) to have 300 pts to use in 2009. This would allow you to wade into DVC with less money and still be able to take advantage of larger accomodations. When buying direct through Disney the current minimum buy-in is 160 pts but you can find 100 pt contracts via resale fairly easily.

However, as most will tell you buying DVC with the intention of primarily trading out to other resorts is not the best value or cheapest way to go about doing that.

Also, the housekeeping issue really becomes a blessing in disguise for most folks. You always have the option of paying cash for more frequent housekeeping but its so nice being able to relax in the rooms and not have to worry about someone from housekeeping coming in each day, especially if you plan to sleep in or stay in the room during the day. Since these are timeshare units (most other timeshares dont have daily housekeeping either) the cost of housekeeping eventually falls onto the owners and affects their annual dues, so there has to be a compromise on the frequency.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

But........ will we have available towels however or what?...... So, we must make our laundry and housekeeping every day? that doesnt sounds like a "vacation"....... don´t it?

 

[hellerjw]

That's why they call it a vacation "home". Do you change the sheets on every bed in your house each day? Do you wash every towel the first time its used? This is the mentality you have to have regarding the less frequent housekeepings. I've stayed in several different timeshares over the years and none of them had daily housekeeping, its just the nature of the business. My cleaning standards are pretty high anyway. I've never been to any hotel, resort or other lodging that would come close to my level of thoroughness anyhow, so I don't sweat it and just try to enjoy my stay.

Its a matter of overall owner cost (need) vs. requested housekeeping frequency (want). Most owners would rather have their dues increases go toward property maintenance & remodeling than more frequent housekeeping. All 1BR and larger units have a washer/dryer in the room if you need to wash/dry your towels and sheets more frequently. There are also trash areas around each resort that you can take your trash to each day if you like.You always have the option to pay for more frequent cleanings with cash, its up to you.

 

[jerseygal]

You said your guide only showed you pictures.

In my view, with a large investment like this, gather as much info as possible.
The Dreams Book will show you DVC properties, point values, Interval Properties, etc..Look at the Interval Properties to see if any are of interest.

Hope this helps in part of your decision making....

Good Luck!

 

[christa112]

Just to add a comment on Housekeeping. If you have a 1+ bedroom room there should be a washer and dryer in your room, which if you need more towels, you can always wash them there.

I honestly, dont think it is necessary to have housekeeping change my sheets everyday. Like a PP commented do you change your sheets in your home everyday?

 

[Lynne M]

But........ will we have available towels however or what?...... So, we must make our laundry and housekeeping every day? that doesnt sounds like a "vacation"....... don´t it?

DVC has a pay-as-you-go housekeeping service. Since we (the members) pay for housekeeping costs in our dues, this is really the fair way to do it. Those of us who don't really care to have daily housekeeping don't have to pay for it. Those who do want daily housekeeping, pay for it out of pocket instead of having it come out of everyone's dues.

You can have housekeeping in daily, every other day, or whatever suits you. You can get a full cleaning, or trash-and-towel, any time you want it. You can get a towel pack for a minimal cost, if you'd prefer not to do laundry. Personally, I wouldn't ever want to do laundry on vacation, so I'm quite happy with the option to pay a small fee for another set of towels when I need them.

 

[Tara]

Where do you like to stay when you travel to WDW? If you like to stay at deluxe resorts there, then you would probably like most of the more hotel-like DVC resorts. If you are a view junkie, then you might love a Savanna view room at Animal Kingdom Villas, a Boardwalk view at Boardwalk Villas or a Magic Kingdom view at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort. (BLT won't be open until next September.) You sound a lot like me - we held out for Bay Lake Tower because we're location junkies, and the great by-product is that it's also very boutique-like for a DVC resort, which makes me like it even more!

If you are staying at a deluxe resort every time, then you will likely save money by purchasing DVC if you buy a smaller number of points and use banking/borrowing to your advantage.

The great thing about DVC is that you don't buy a certain time or size accommodation. You buy an allotment of points that is "renewed" annually. You can use those points any way you want at any DVC resort. The only restrictions are that you can book at your "home" resort up to 11 months prior to the date you want to arrive, but can only book at other DVC resorts 7 months out. Some resorts are harder to get than others at some times. i.e., Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas are hard to book during the Food & Wine Festival because of their proximity to Epcot.

The other great thing is that you can bank and borrow points. Say I have 280 points at Bay Lake Towers (I do! ) and I want to take a big trip in 2010 - a 3-br Grand Villa with a Magic Kingdom view for a week in early December. That would require 748 points for the week. I could take all of my 2009 points (280) and bank them (basically depositing them for future use) into 2010. I can also take as many points as I need from my 2011 allotment and borrow them, moving them into my 2010 use year. This would give me the number of points I needed (280+280+188). I'd even have 92 points left over to use in 2011 - and I could still borrow those to use in 2010, or I could bank them into 2012.

In other words, you basically have 3 years' worth of points to play with. There are some rules about when you can bank/borrow and what happens if you cancel, of course, but they're pretty straightforward.

This board is full of very knowledgeable people who can offer lots of advice and perspectives - you've come to the right place!

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Thanks so much for your answer. That sounds like a very flexible housekeeping, and that is GOOD!!!! . As other said i don´t change sheets daily but I do with towels, so for me is a need to have fresh clean towels daily.

About the trash............ is a MUST to have it out DAILY. All my four children are young enough to make their beds or keep the room clean, so, I need housekeeping.

DVC has a pay-as-you-go housekeeping service. Since we (the members) pay for housekeeping costs in our dues, this is really the fair way to do it. Those of us who don't really care to have daily housekeeping don't have to pay for it. Those who do want daily housekeeping, pay for it out of pocket instead of having it come out of everyone's dues.

You can have housekeeping in daily, every other day, or whatever suits you. You can get a full cleaning, or trash-and-towel, any time you want it. You can get a towel pack for a minimal cost, if you'd prefer not to do laundry. Personally, I wouldn't ever want to do laundry on vacation, so I'm quite happy with the option to pay a small fee for another set of towels when I need them.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Oh!! thanks so much for your example, it is very ilustrative for me!!!! and YES, I am a view and location junkies, so I think I must decide for BLT.

But I have a question, did you say that the more hotel-like DVE resorts are the AKV (Savanna view), the BV (Boardwalk view) and BLT (Magic Kingdom view)? Just those? they are only a few!!!

Well, however as my kids are younger than 10, I am sure they will never change BLT for any other resort............ you know, because of the Magic Kingdom

Where do you like to stay when you travel to WDW? If you like to stay at deluxe resorts there, then you would probably like most of the more hotel-like DVC resorts. If you are a view junkie, then you might love a Savanna view room at Animal Kingdom Villas, a Boardwalk view at Boardwalk Villas or a Magic Kingdom view at Bay Lake Tower at the Contemporary Resort. (BLT won't be open until next September.) You sound a lot like me - we held out for Bay Lake Tower because we're location junkies, and the great by-product is that it's also very boutique-like for a DVC resort, which makes me like it even more!

If you are staying at a deluxe resort every time, then you will likely save money by purchasing DVC if you buy a smaller number of points and use banking/borrowing to your advantage.

The great thing about DVC is that you don't buy a certain time or size accommodation. You buy an allotment of points that is "renewed" annually. You can use those points any way you want at any DVC resort. The only restrictions are that you can book at your "home" resort up to 11 months prior to the date you want to arrive, but can only book at other DVC resorts 7 months out. Some resorts are harder to get than others at some times. i.e., Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas are hard to book during the Food & Wine Festival because of their proximity to Epcot.

The other great thing is that you can bank and borrow points. Say I have 280 points at Bay Lake Towers (I do! ) and I want to take a big trip in 2010 - a 3-br Grand Villa with a Magic Kingdom view for a week in early December. That would require 748 points for the week. I could take all of my 2009 points (280) and bank them (basically depositing them for future use) into 2010. I can also take as many points as I need from my 2011 allotment and borrow them, moving them into my 2010 use year. This would give me the number of points I needed (280+280+188). I'd even have 92 points left over to use in 2011 - and I could still borrow those to use in 2010, or I could bank them into 2012.

In other words, you basically have 3 years' worth of points to play with. There are some rules about when you can bank/borrow and what happens if you cancel, of course, but they're pretty straightforward.

This board is full of very knowledgeable people who can offer lots of advice and perspectives - you've come to the right place!

 

[Lynne M]

About the trash............ is a MUST to have it out DAILY. All my four children are young enough to make their beds or keep the room clean, so, I need housekeeping.

You don't need to pay extra for that....there are locations around the resort to deposit your trash, and extra bags in the kitchen or kitchenette. Just toss the bag on your way out in the morning.

 

[crisi]

I'd encourage you to RENT points. You seem to be hoping for a hotel experience - and I think you may discover the difference between a timeshare and a Disney resort sufficient that it may make a difference in your decision.

I'm a Deluxe hotel snob. For right now, for us, DVC is a good value. But it isn't a Deluxe hotel in my book (and frankly, Disney Deluxe hotels aren't great). I LIKE daily housekeeping - but the rates Disney wants to charge me for it are ridiculous - so we wash our own towels when we need to and make our own beds. I don't want to take out my own trash on vacation.

That said, we still think DVC is a good value for us - but you may discover if you stay that it isn't for you.

 

[Tara]

I'd encourage you to RENT points. You seem to be hoping for a hotel experience - and I think you may discover the difference between a timeshare and a Disney resort sufficient that it may make a difference in your decision.

I'm a Deluxe hotel snob. For right now, for us, DVC is a good value. But it isn't a Deluxe hotel in my book (and frankly, Disney Deluxe hotels aren't great). I LIKE daily housekeeping - but the rates Disney wants to charge me for it are ridiculous - so we wash our own towels when we need to and make our own beds. I don't want to take out my own trash on vacation.

That said, we still think DVC is a good value for us - but you may discover if you stay that it isn't for you.

This is VERY good advice. It's taken me YEARS (and a whole lot of dollars) to overcome my objection to staying in a room with a kitchen. I don't like to cook at home so I certainly didn't want to face a stove on vacation. But life changes. I'm thrilled we've purchased at BLT and I can't wait to watch fireworks from my balcony, but I do sometimes think "but I'll have to make my bed!" *whimper*

The one thing I will say is that I've toured BWV, AKV and soon will see BLT. They are all very nicely appointed. Heck, the kitchen at AKV has nicer counters and appliances than my own kitchen! So while some of the luxury isn't there (like the housekeeping), it might not be enough to make a difference, especially given the prime locations of some DVC resorts.

 

[ILIKEWDW]

Thanks Tara, you have mention some important question. I like the location of the BLT and I would like a lot to watch fireworks from my own balcony, and that is some that I have made in my pasts visits to WDW, as I like so much a good location I used always to stay in good located hotels like the Grand Floridian, the Contemporary and the Polynesian, from where you can watch fireworks resting on a hammock or on a swing.

But, and we always have a but, here comes an important question, those resorts are the most expensive at Disney World and if you choose a Magic Kingdom view, they are even most expensive. So looking in a future, as uncertain as it looks it will be. Maybe we must think in take an option, that by now (thinking in having to make beds daily and do laundry, housekeeping, etc.) it could not be the best or the most perfect choice, but that we can ensure our future vacations for a life in a good located, good view DVC resort. For me, the best, as I love Magic Kingdom, well, all of we (my whole family) love it.

This is VERY good advice. It's taken me YEARS (and a whole lot of dollars) to overcome my objection to staying in a room with a kitchen. I don't like to cook at home so I certainly didn't want to face a stove on vacation. But life changes. I'm thrilled we've purchased at BLT and I can't wait to watch fireworks from my balcony, but I do sometimes think "but I'll have to make my bed!" *whimper*

The one thing I will say is that I've toured BWV, AKV and soon will see BLT. They are all very nicely appointed. Heck, the kitchen at AKV has nicer counters and appliances than my own kitchen! So while some of the luxury isn't there (like the housekeeping), it might not be enough to make a difference, especially given the prime locations of some DVC resorts.

 

[5forDiz]

But........ will we have available towels however or what?...... So, we must make our laundry and housekeeping every day? that doesnt sounds like a "vacation"....... don´t it?

In addition to what others have said, I'll mention couple other things that may be helpful -

You said you are a family of 6(kids are 10yr & under) so you will need a
2 bedroom villa; there is a washer & dryer. Also, you will find washer & dryer in every 1 bedroom villa & 3 bedroom Grand Villa. Studios do not have washer & dryer but there are locations at the resort where washers & dryers are located for studio guests to use (ie at BWV adjacent to fitness center, at OKW near quiet pools) You can get extra towel sets too for I think $6 or $8.

If you want full housekeeping you need to give 24 hour notice; price is
$60 per day requested for 2 bedroom villa.

Regular DVC housekeeping schedule that members are entitled to is :

For stays 7 nights or less : Trash & Towel Service on Day 4
(so if you check in on Sunday for example Trash & Towel is on Wednesday that follows it )
Trash & Towel Service is all trash emptied, fresh towels provided,soaps/shampoo/paper products/coffee/sugar replenished. Also dishwasher soap, dishwashing soap & laundry detergent if needed.

For stays 8 nights or more : Full Housekeeping Service on Day 4
and Trash & Towel Service on Day 8 ( so if you checked in on a Sunday then Full Housekeeping is Wednesday that follows & Trash & Towel is Sunday that follows). On Day 12 you'd receive Full Housekeeping again & Day 16 Trash & Towel again, etc.