Should I join?

[srjaxson]

I know most of you have seen this many times, but I still have to ask. My wife and I have friends who are DVC members and went to the open house just last week on our vacation. I have three kids (10, 8, and 2) and they had a blast (of course). I am very interested in joining DVC as we tend to hit WDW about every other year, but also want some of the opportunities to visit the other concierge locations or maybe take the vacation to hawaii (for example) that I might not be able to afford if I was also forking out the money for lodging. What is everyone's impression of DVC? Are there any bad experiences out there (I haven't seen any)? Who has done some trips to locations other than Disney? I am also curious on people's loan issues? I was considering paying this thing off with a couple of mutual funds versus another loan (even though I know I could write off the interest). Anyone see any advantages to one versus the other? I appreciate your help. Thank you.

 

[disny4ever]

My DW and I are fairly new members. bought in last year. I definitely don't regret it. We have been going to WDW for many years, sometimes more then once a year. We have stayed in many of the various Disney Hotels. By far the DVC rooms are 2nd to none. We have only stayed in a 1 bedroom but havinf the convinence of the separate bedroom and livingroom make it great for us. I am and early riser while my DW likes to sleep in later. In a regular hotel room I have to go out and sit somewhere else and drink coffe, read the paper, or what ever. At the BCV'S were we bought I can watch TV, sit out on the verandah and drink my coffee, or just relax. We also have the option of cooking small meals, using the charcoal grilles, or making a snack at night.
We also can do things at a more leisurely pace then before because we know we will be back in the future and don't have to get it all in doing the commando style park storming routine.
We bought outright, we were able to do this without it causing any monetary shortfalls ( we were lucky ). If you do want to finance and can do so using a home equity loan. I think you will find this a more practical way to get a better rate. You may also want to think about putting your purchase on a credit card to get frequent flyer miles...or Disney Visa to get Disney credit dollars...you might as well get something back. Good luck

 

[JimC]

If you stay at moderates or better and go at least every other year, DVC can be worthwhile. You would buy points based on what one-half of your needs are for a single year. Bank a year, then use the banked and current year points for a trip. The following year - being an off year - you bank again.

As far as trading out. In my opinion it is not a great deal. Dean and others who own multiple timeshares and exchange often are consistently expressing that DVC is not the most cost effective option for trading.

Good luck.

 

[timC]

As a family of 5, vacations will become even more expensive when you consider either the cost of 2 rooms, or the cramped vacation option of 5 to a hotel room.

This was a big consideration for us... only 2 DS, but they need their space Factor larger or double room room-rates, and DVC starts to look even better.

DVC vacationing with friends sounds great too...

Good luck!

 

[tinkgrl]

Hi,

Mom & I are fairly new members. I just wanted to wish you luck on your decision.

Allison an associate
Offically DVC 7/23/03
Home BCV

 

[jekjones1558]

If you do Disney every year or so, DVC is a great deal (as others have expressed), especially if you like really nice accommodations. We have also used our points for Hawaii. While I agree that it may be more cost effective to pay cash or do an exchange for Hawaii, rather than use the Concierge Collection, we were happy to have the option. Also, inter-island flights and airfare to Hawaii can be expensive (especially if you have no flexibility in your schedule). Not putting out cash for a room is awfully nice.
There may be people out there who are unhappy with DVC. I've not met any. Everybody I know is buying MORE points!!

 

[srjaxson]

Thanks everyone. It didn't take long to get a response from you all and I appreciate that.

My wife and I decided to join up last night and made the call. We are just waiting for the paperwork to get things rolling. Thanks again.

 

[jekjones1558]

Keep us posted on the progress of your paperwork so we can give you an official WELCOME HOME!