So glad I have DVC

[Granny]

That's very true but in discussions like this I think we are often too quick to dismiss the quality of the accommodations. I find it hard to believe that many DVC members would be quick to sacrifice their two bedroom villa even if given a guarantee that they could get a Value with free dining for the next 30+ years.

Am I spending less on my trips as a DVC member than those booking a Value with free dining? No. But I wouldn't be making regular trips to WDW to stay in a Value. Getting those One and Two Bedroom villas for a reasonable price is a HUGE part of why I have chosen to spend so much of my time and money at the Disney parks and resorts.

I agree with you completely. I guess I didn't express myself well because we line up 100% with your comments. Upgrading the quality of the accommodations (and therefore our vacation experience) is the main reason we purchased DVC.

That's why financial comparisons don't mean as much to us. Most of the comparisons I see involve studios vs CRO regular rooms...which are the closest for direct comparison. But we would never have bought DVC to stay mostly in studios. That's just us, and we completely understand why studios are a great value and experience for so many.

 

[rentayenta]

I am so glad we have DVC too. With a family of 5, Values are simply not an option and the only real Mod option is the POR which is fine but my son will only fit on that trundle bed so long.

I have turned into an accommodations snob and love having a full kitchen and washer/dryer, I just do.

Our villa at the GCV would have cost at least $1,500 per night OOP. Without DVC I wouldn't even consider that and most likely wouldn't pay the $400 a night to stay at the Grand period.

I like to be comfortable on vacation and have plenty of room to move. Standard hotel rooms simply don't offer that.

 

[Mtnman44]

I'll just add my opinion that DVC is probably only a good financial move for a very narrow range of WDW travelers. As already mentioned, it only makes sense if they are going to travel nearly every year and stay in Deluxes anyway. How many of us KNOW we are going to do that for the next 20 years? Some of us do, but I'd guess the majority of DVC owners that continue their membership unconsciously CHANGE their travel habits in order to use their points, effectively traveling more to WDW than they otherwise would have. This of course is a major reason why Disney came up with the DVC program no doubt.

It is still a very valid way to get villa type accomodations on Disney property, probably the best way. But I would be lying if I didn't admit that I've been to Orlando more than I otherwise would have since buying DVC.

 

[tjkraz]

It is still a very valid way to get villa type accomodations on Disney property, probably the best way. But I would be lying if I didn't admit that I've been to Orlando more than I otherwise would have since buying DVC.

I agree, but the fact that we are spending more time (and money) in Orlando shouldn't diminish the value of DVC.

When considering a purchase, I think we all do our own form of cost/benefit analysis. Whether we're buying a dishwasher, a car, or planning a vacation we consider what value we will get for the money spent.

If I decide I want to travel 2 weeks out of the year, I'm going to look at different destinations and consider how far my dollar goes. That doesn't mean choosing the cheapest locations, rather it's more a question of bang for your buck.

If I weren't a DVC member, maybe I would spend a week at a golf resort in the Carolinas. Maybe I would stay on the beach in Daytona. Perhaps I would go to Sandusky, OH and spend my days at Cedar Point and nights at Kalahari (indoor water park). Or perhaps I would plan a vacation to Hawaii.

But those are all experiences that DVC provides (or will soon provide, in the case of Aulani.)

I guess my point is that yes, I spend a lot more money at Disney destinations since I became a member. However, if I were NOT a member, I would still be going on vacations. That money would still be spent SOMEWHERE. It's the economics of DVC and the attractive features provided by the Disney parks and resorts which keeps me coming back to Florida.

 

[bevgray]

Having recently bought DVC, I can tell you that the biggest benefit to me is that I can stay longer (5-6 nights rather than 3-4) at the deluxe resorts rather than the moderates twice a year. Also, since I don't eat out that often, the ability to prepare simple meals in the kitchen will save me a lot of money instead of relying on restaurants. I won't save huge chunks of money initially (more dime and nickle for the first few years) but the QUALITY of the vacation will be enhanced greatly on the very first trip (even snagged two nights at BCV for my December trip-yay as I never stay there due to cost). I think so many folks get caught up in the "discount/savings" aspects that they don't really analyze those savings.

 

[Snurk71]

I will agree DVC doesn't make financial sense, or even regular sense, for everybody. I think we first looked into DVC around 2000. But we were monorail snobs. Then over the next few years we discovered DL and loved staying at GC/DLH there. So DVC was a no-go, even though it made financial sense for us.

But when they added a monorail property (BLT) and VGC, it was a slam dunk for our particular habits/stays.

 

[Mtnman44]

Yea, but would you have plunked down an extra $20 to $30k or more all at once on one of those other vacations had you not purchased DVC?

I see your points and I'm not arguing against DVC. We love ours. However, I believe it is not really a money saver except for those people who really visit WDW often for years to come and want to stay on property. I think DVC creates more of those types of customers rather than simply serves the needs of existing ones.

I agree, but the fact that we are spending more time (and money) in Orlando shouldn't diminish the value of DVC.

When considering a purchase, I think we all do our own form of cost/benefit analysis. Whether we're buying a dishwasher, a car, or planning a vacation we consider what value we will get for the money spent.

If I decide I want to travel 2 weeks out of the year, I'm going to look at different destinations and consider how far my dollar goes. That doesn't mean choosing the cheapest locations, rather it's more a question of bang for your buck.

If I weren't a DVC member, maybe I would spend a week at a golf resort in the Carolinas. Maybe I would stay on the beach in Daytona. Perhaps I would go to Sandusky, OH and spend my days at Cedar Point and nights at Kalahari (indoor water park). Or perhaps I would plan a vacation to Hawaii.

But those are all experiences that DVC provides (or will soon provide, in the case of Aulani.)

I guess my point is that yes, I spend a lot more money at Disney destinations since I became a member. However, if I were NOT a member, I would still be going on vacations. That money would still be spent SOMEWHERE. It's the economics of DVC and the attractive features provided by the Disney parks and resorts which keeps me coming back to Florida.

 

[Sammie]

We don't like the DVC studios or one bedrooms. I don't want anyone in my family to sleep on a sofa bed while on vacation. I am sure that is fine for some but not for us.

When its just the two of us I would rather be at the Grand Floridian, Yacht Club or Polynesian on an AP discount.

The quality of the accommidations has fallen greatly in my opinion at DVC, the size I will not argue against. If size over quality is what you want then definitely DVC is the way to go and in perspective, Yes it does save money.

Do I think it gives you the best quality for your money, no I don't. I have recently stayed in a Residence Inn by Marriot that was 3 years old and put DVC to shame in upkeep.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Wow, I am really surprised to read this. So sorry studios and one bedrooms are not up to your standards. Can't help but feel like the word " spoiled" is what best describes your situation. Regardless of how you would like to degrade DVC accommodations, it is consistently ranked one of the best timeshares. Is it perfect? No. Do you have unrealistic expectations? I think so.

We don't like the DVC studios or one bedrooms. I don't want anyone in my family to sleep on a sofa bed while on vacation. I am sure that is fine for some but not for us.

When its just the two of us I would rather be at the Grand Floridian, Yacht Club or Polynesian on an AP discount.

The quality of the accommidations has fallen greatly in my opinion at DVC, the size I will not argue against. If size over quality is what you want then definitely DVC is the way to go and in perspective, Yes it does save money.

Do I think it gives you the best quality for your money, no I don't. I have recently stayed in a Residence Inn by Marriot that was 3 years old and put DVC to shame in upkeep.

 

[Sammie]

Wow, I am really surprised to read this. So sorry studios and one bedrooms are not up to your standards. Can't help but feel like the word " spoiled" is what best describes your situation. Regardless of how you would like to degrade DVC accommodations, it is consistently ranked one of the best timeshares. Is it perfect? No. Do you have unrealistic expectations? I think so.

Oh good grief I never said there being anything wrong with them or the people who like them, I just don't prefer them over a deluxe room. I explained why, I don't like sofa beds. I don't sleep on one at home and I don't sleep on them on vacation. Also I don't like the studios because I do not like being attached to a room where people are cooking. Some people are allergic to pets, cooking smells bother me. That does not mean that the rooms do not work for many, they just don't work for us. Actually I would prefer a moderate or value room over a studio. So spoiled has nothing to do with it. It is personal preference.

I also expect my room to be damage free and clean. If you are willing to accept less that is your choice. In the last 3 years we have stayed at DVC 6 times and 5 times our room was badly damaged and dirty. I refuse to sleep on a bed that is broken to the point of one side laying on the foor, leaking toliets, stove did not work, hair and blood in the frigerator, broken glass on the kitchen floor, condom wrappers in the edge of the bed but gee I guess I am spoiled with unrealistic expectations. Oh yes and lost luggage for 24 hours moving from one DVC resort to another, and a $2000 charge at check in on a points stay that took over two weeks to resolve.

It's fine you like it, it's fine I don't. I don't think we have to personalize it. You would think I insulted you instead of discussing a hotel.

There is no excuse for DVC not keeping the units clean and in good repair. Just because I have invested alot of money with them, does not mean I am going to look the other way when things are not acceptable and make excuses for them.

I don't make requests when I book a room I could care less where we are located. I could care less about any perks, I did not pay for them. I don't care about particular decor, its not a selling point, even if I have a personal opinion on it.

But I paid for a clean, well kept room and it is not being delivered. I am glad you have not had the experiences we have had, I have to wonder if you had, would you consider yourself spoiled and having unrealistic expectations.

 

[jmsdvc]

Oh good grief I never said there was anything about there being anything wrong with them or the people who like them, I just don't prefer them over a deluxe room. I explained why, I don't like sofa beds. I don't sleep on one at home and I don't sleep on them on vacation. Also I don't like the studios because I do not like being attached to a room where people are cooking. Some people are allergic to pets, cooking smells bother me. That does not mean that the rooms do not work for many, they just don't work for us. Actually I would prefer a moderate or value room over a studio. So spoiled has nothing to do with it. It is personal preference.

I also expect my room to be damage free and clean. If you are willing to accept less that is your choice. In the last 3 years we have stayed at DVC 6 times and 5 times our room was badly damaged and dirty. I refuse to sleep on a bed that is broken to the point of one side laying on the foor, leaking toliets, stove did not work, hair and blood in the frigerator, broken glass on the kitchen floor, condom wrappers in the edge of the bed but gee I guess I am spoiled with unrealistic expectations.

It's fine you like it, it's fine I don't. I don't think we have to personalize it. You would think I insulted you instead of discussing a hotel.

There is no excuse for DVC not keeping the units clean and in good repair. Just because I have invested alot of money with them, does not mean I am going to look the other way when things are not acceptable and make excuses for them.

I don't make requests when I book a room I could care less where we are located. I could care less about any perks, I did not pay for them. I don't care about particular decor, its not a selling point, even if I have a personal opinion on it.

But I paid for a clean, well kept room and it is not being delivered. I am glad you have not had the experiences we have had, I have to wonder if you had, would you consider yourself spoiled and having unrealistic expectations.

You would stay in a Value studio over DVC studio because of the cooking area?
If that is the case-just don't use the cooking area in the DVC studio.

 

[TDC Nala]

I eat in the restaurants, but I don't use the dining plan. I don't like it. So free dining is not relevant to me, whatever percentage of a discount it is. Not everyone likes the dining plan.

I don't think Sammie cares about the cooking area, just about the room cleanliness and maintenance issues experiences with DVC (and is also a fan of the dining plan)

I'll stick with the DVC as long as I visit WDW so much (and I only book studios, not 2 bedrooms)

 

[Sammie]

You would stay in a Value studio over DVC studio because of the cooking area?
If that is the case-just don't use the cooking area in the DVC studio.

Its not that the cooking area is there, its that in a studio your room is attached to another room where people cook. Smelling food being cooked that I am not cooking gives me migranes especially when I am sleeping. Sorry but it does. It has a lot to do with certain medications I have to take. The only studios with beds instead of sofa beds are OKW and we love the room but we do not like being attached to the one bedroom. Give me a dedicated studio with two beds and I would love it.

It really is no big deal. I am sure there are many that love the studios and one bedrooms and I am glad they do, but it does not work for us. Which truly should not bother anyone.

We only bought DVC for the two bedrooms. Now that we don't need that much space, it is not a good fit for us. We knew at some time it wouldn't be and hoped to use it to travel to other locations. That is not a good use of it though and I regret the loss of the II collection.

As I said I will probably sell some of our contracts, and/or rent and book what does work for us.

I just do not understand the passion sometimes defending a hotel.

 

[Sammie]

I eat in the restaurants, but I don't use the dining plan. I don't like it. So free dining is not relevant to me, whatever percentage of a discount it is. Not everyone likes the dining plan.

I don't think Sammie cares about the cooking area, just about the room cleanliness and maintenance issues experiences with DVC (and is also a fan of the dining plan)

I'll stick with the DVC as long as I visit WDW so much (and I only book studios, not 2 bedrooms)

Thanks Nala, glad you got my point.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Getting back to the OP's statement, it has been shown time and again that there is a saving's on accommodations with owning DVC.

The comments on cleanliness or lack there of, have no relationship to the "savings" one obtains by owning DVC.

All the other personal comments only try to "devalue" when in reality have no assessed value. How does poor housekeeping cost you money? Maybe this is just a by product of DVC cutting back to save you money on increased dues. There are two ways to look at it.

 

[Sammie]

Getting back to the OP's statement, it has been shown time and again that there is a saving's on accommodations with owning DVC.

The comments on cleanliness or lack there of, have no relationship to the "savings" one obtains by owning DVC.

All the other personal comments only try to "devalue" when in reality have no assessed value. How does poor housekeeping cost you money? Maybe this is just a by product of DVC cutting back to save you money on increased dues. There are two ways to look at it.

Poor housekeeping and maintenance does not save us money. I am never going to buy that housekeeping and maintenance have gone down in the last few years to save us money. DVC bean counters would love for us to drink that koolaid.

Poor housekeeping and maintenance cost us money. It is easier to keep something in good standing by cleaning it and repairing it as needed. Not waiting until it gets so bad it has to be replaced.

The first 10 years of our DVC ownership we never had a room that was not clean or in good repair. Was it worn from normal wear and tear, yes and that is to be expected.

In the last 5 years, things such as major stains to carpet and furniture are not being cleaned. Door handles, drawers, and such are not being repaired until beyond repair and then replacement is needed.

There is no way OKW looked like BLT does in the same length of time. Neither did the BW when it opened.

DVC needs to get back to basics.

My point from the beginning which I guess I am not making plain is that yes DVC can save money for "some", it does not however save money for everyone therefore many are looking for bargains.