Someone convince me - is the DVC worth it?

[DeeP]

I also would like to comment about Carl's post regarding booking at the 11 mo window or being left out in the cold. I go to WDW at least 4 times per year and very rarely book at 11 months. I go too often to plan each vacation at the 11 mo window--I would constantly be looking at a calendar and on the phone with MS, LOL! But as others have said if you can be flexible you can usually get a reservation at a DVC resort. Some DVC resorts are harder to get into at less than 11 months than others; with BWV, VWL and I am sure soon to be BCV the hardest resorts to get a reservation at less than 11 months. My home resort is BWV and yet I have been able to get a reservation there almost everytime at less then 11 months and this includes Spring break, 4th of July, Food & Wine festival and Christmas. However, I must be very, very flexible with the dates, standard vs preferred views and the size of the villa. It has been necessary for me to stay in another DVC resort that was not my 1, 2 or even 3 choice on several occasions but I still got a villa and I was still able to go to WDW! I have found what works for me is when I call MS I give dates within a range and ask MS what they have available and where. MS is great and the vast majority of times I have been very successful. I always book my DVC resort first, then submit my vacation time at work and then book the airlines. It might seem like a backwards approach to some but it works great for me and has so for quite a few years! I am lucky in that I have no restrictions when I can take my vacations from work and my family consists of 3 people so we fit in any size unit. For those that have more restrictions this method will not be as efficient. BTW, I have never gotten lucky on a BWV waitlist and I think this is because I have gotten on the waitlist with too little time before the trip and I also have never gotten a GV using my backwards DVC booking method.

 

[mle]

DeeP,
I kind of have the same vacation planning method that you have because I too have no real restrictions at work regarding vacation time (besides sometimes having to transmit data or remotely complete some tasks while on "vacation"! cursed technology... LOL. Like I said earliler, I work hard, above and beyondthe normal call of duty at my office. Though lately I've been really preoccupied with DVC/WDW...). I, however, usually scope out the best airfares, then check accomodations. If the accomodations suit my needs, I book them, then the airfare and then tell my office. Sometimes, DH may have a conflict with what I had scheduled, so he might end up joining us at a later date or leave earlier than the rest of us (he usually finds a way to not miss out on anything, though!). I'm happy to hear that you have been successful with this method with DVC for a few years. It just makes me that more excited about my DVC ownership. Thanks!

 

[TheWho]

Join DVC if you're the following person:

- likes to plan fun things like vacations
- realize that a little work upfront can get you "more than deluxe" vacation stay for 40 yrs
- want a piece of the greatest resort or family resort on the planet
- realize you get what you pay for
- like a nice tax deduction from simple vacation costs
- eliminate the "commando" WDW techique, because you're coming back
- who wants a well deserved break from the rat race every year
- want to vacation at a place that will evolve with your family, Dumbo ride today, House of Blues tomorrow
- And finally, believes in Walt's vision

Good Luck, see you on the BW!!

 

[Anne34]

Our reason for not joinging the DVC was due to the size of our family. We have 5 and would only be able to get the 2 bedroom vilas. When we inquired about these, it seemed they were often sold out. We are willing to go during down times, but it has never worked out forus.

 

[llp479]

Anne 34, we are also a family of 5, usually traveling with 6, and have never had a problem booking a 2bdrm. Our 8/14 - 8/24/02 trip to OKW was booked at the five month window without a problem. We've been members since '98 and have never had any problem with availability, and have booked trips with as little as a four month notice and gotten a 2bdr at BWV.

If that's your only reason for not joining DVC, I guess I would question who told you a 2bdr was hard to book. If you were trying to book a cash reservation, remember the inventory Disney has to book is very small.

As to the original question, only you can decide if a DVC purchase is "worth it". As for me, hands down best purchases we ever made!

 

[legalsea]

This has been a very interesting thread.

My two cents: I considered DVC but decided against it. My main reason: I enjoy traveling to different places (I leave for a Baltic Sea cruise in two weeks). During the past few months that I've read these boards I noticed that many of those who are DVC members literally never go anywhere but DW. Their children are never exposed to different cultures, or apparently ever go to those other parts of the USA that should be seen. Instead, every vacation is to the same place: Disneyworld. I enjoy DW for a three night weekend, and have even been there twice in the past three years, but I finally decided that I did not want to go there repeatedly and to the exclusion of other vacations for the next 40 years.

I know I'll get flamed for this, but there is a whole wonderful world outside of DW. If you want nothing but DW vacations, then DVC may well be a good option for you, if you can readily afford it. If, however, you think you might want to eventually travel elsewhere, then I would decide against it.

 

[Granny]

legalsea...you may indeed get flamed for your comments, but I hope not. I'm sure there are some who will take your comments to insinuate that DVCers are narrow-minded with no sense of adventure and new experiences. Like I said, I hate anyone getting flamed for honest opinions so I hope you are not.

We have taken our children to several other vacations besides Disney and after years of that, I finally asked them where they wanted to go this year? Orlando.

Where do you want to go the year after that? Orlando.

How about in five years when you are both in high school? Orlando.

We still make other small trips but for us vacation is more about being together in a relaxed atmosphere than it is about broadening our horizons. We will surely do other trips in the future, but will always look forward to a quality vacation each year in Orlando. I say Orlando, because the kids enjoy Sea World, Busch Gardens, the beach, Discovery Cove, etc. It's just a good location for us.

But to each his/her own. DVC certainly isn't for everyone. We are very pleased with our decision, however.

 

[Richyams]

According to MS, the two bedroom units are the last to go.

They told me that the order was

GV gone first
Studio next
one bedroom close third
two bedroom last



If I want Italy, I go to the World Showcase, I want the rivers in the midwest, I go to River Country, I want winter, Blizzard Beach, I can see animals, nostalgic America, Tomorrow, the old West....I want the Baltic Sea, I just figure out what country its near, go to that World Showcase country, turn to the lake and I am there!!!!!

 

[TheWho]

I don't think people that join DVC only go to WDW. IMHO, these folks aren't particulary rich, they just tasted a great resort at a favorite vacation destination of millions (I think some 40 million visit WDW every year).

In my case, when the kids get older, I plan to go to the BW every other year. On the non WDW years, I can't wait to show the kids the Grand Canyon, West Coast of the USA , Hawaii and Europe. By then, my lodging at WDW will be free (except for the dues) and maybe the kids will be old enough to let old Mom and Dad play some golf or have a slowly eaten dinner.

I'm not flamming either, I'm just making the point that DVC members are proactive people who are passionate about traveling and creating family memories. It's this same passion that will probably nudge us to explore the rest of the world someday.

 

[mle]

Legalsea, just my two cents, but I would imagine that most posts are about trips to WDW because this is a Disney forum!

However, I have read many posts about other member trading out for other locations or utilizing their points for the concierge collection (five star hotels in various cities, both in the US and abroad), and of course, for DCL. Many posters even own other timeshares, for the sake of diversity. I mainly bought into DVC because my parents are in FL, but they are about an hour+ drive from the Orlando area. To go Central FL for multiple days, while trying to economize by staying at their house, just took some of the fun out of it. So now I figure my trips to FL will begin with visiting my parents and end with staying at DVC. My family and I, of course, love going to WDW, but we also love to travel elsewhere. My daughter has a goal of visiting every state; she's about a third of the way there and she's only 11! We also hope to travel to Europe and Asia. We've also been bitten by the cruise bug (RCC Voyager class ship) and expect to do that occasionally. Whether or not we will make the trips with the aid of DVC remains to be seen. We also bought knowing that WDW and the surrounding area is a good place for East Coast families to plan large family reunion-type gatherings, as there is something for everyone and the airfare is reasonable. My abundance of upcoming trips reflect me using my ten nights complimentary stay that I received as a purchase incentive. Most of my points this year are going towards a two bedroom to take my MIL to WDW in August, after I pick up my kids from their summer with my parents. Then I squeezed in a two night trip to follow after Thanksgiving with my parents (it's those damned PAP's talking!). I agree that there is a whole world, outside of the World, just waiting to be explored (but there is also still so much in WDW and Central FL that we have yet to explore!). DVC is just one facet of my family's vacation plans.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by legalsea
This has been a very interesting thread.

My two cents: I considered DVC but decided against it. My main reason: I enjoy traveling to different places (I leave for a Baltic Sea cruise in two weeks). During the past few months that I've read these boards I noticed that many of those who are DVC members literally never go anywhere but DW. Their children are never exposed to different cultures, or apparently ever go to those other parts of the USA that should be seen. Instead, every vacation is to the same place: Disneyworld. I enjoy DW for a three night weekend, and have even been there twice in the past three years, but I finally decided that I did not want to go there repeatedly and to the exclusion of other vacations for the next 40 years.

I know I'll get flamed for this, but there is a whole wonderful world outside of DW. If you want nothing but DW vacations, then DVC may well be a good option for you, if you can readily afford it. If, however, you think you might want to eventually travel elsewhere, then I would decide against it.

Not flaming, but a different perspective:

We have joined DVC, and we take multiple trips to WDW each year (we live within a half-day commute). Our entire family cherishes the many "Disney Memories" we have created over the years. This doesn't mean, however, that we deprive our children of cultural and travel experiences outside of Disney. Our children have travelled throughout North America, Hawaii, and many European countries. We are currently planning a trip to England for next summer, after our oldest graduates from high school.

We don't look at Disney as our only vacation experience, just as a STABLE vacation experience. When I was a child, our parents took us to Cape Cod for 2-4 weeks every summer. I look at this as our "Week at the Beach". It's time for our family to share something that has become a tradition to us. We hope that they will look back on these trips as fondly as we look back on our trips to the ocean.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by HookdonWDW


Not flaming, but a different perspective:

We have joined DVC, and we take multiple trips to WDW each year

We don't look at Disney as our only vacation experience, just as a STABLE vacation experience. When I was a child, our parents took us to Cape Cod for 2-4 weeks every summer. I look at this as our "Week at the Beach". It's time for our family to share s
something that has become a tradition to us.

Our kids are 8,8 and 5. We have been taking them to Disney since they were 2. Right now, it is perfect for us. As they get older we will want to explore America with them when they are old enough to appreciate and remember it, and we will still be able to go back to Disney!

 

[legalsea]

Valid points, all!

To clarify: My main point, to the original poster (Guapy) who asked for someone to convince him to buy into the DVC, is this: if you need convincing, don't do it. Those who bought into this timeshare have varied reasons for doing so, as we have seen.

Let me say this: in my twenty year legal career I have consistently advised clients to avoid timeshares. Timeshares far too often turn into a money pit, and never seem to work out the way the salesmen portray them.

However, I looked into DVC because I am convinced that Disney is totally legitimate. That is how I happened upon this board several months ago, doing research. For whatever reason I decided against participation. That, of course, does not mean that it is not right for others.

Yet I say again: anyone who says "convince me" has already made up their mind, at some subconscience level, against doing it; yet they are still torn, perhaps because they don't trust their judgment, or because they have become emotionally tied to the thought of belonging, of having people (all strangers) say "welcome home" upon their announcement of having bought in.

"Buyer's remorse" is bad enough when you, at a whim, purchase some trinket costing a few dollars. It is devastating when you have spent at least $15,000.00 (including costs) and, in addition to paying off said loan, are legally bound to pay additional money each and every year (in the form of assessments) until such time as you finally sell your timeshare (always at a loss; I have never seen anyone make money).

The only ones who should jump into this pond are those who are truly committed to swimming.

 

[wdwcrazy]

Legalsea,

I recently bought in to DVC and have waited 5 years to do so. Not because I was unsure but because I waited for the location of the perfect home resort. I am very happy with our purchase of our "timeshare". As for the assumption that people who are DVC members only go to WDW is very close minded. My husband and I travel at least 5-8 weeks per year, with at least 3 trips to WDW. We have travelled all over the world and plan to continue to do the same even now that we have purchased our DVC membership.

Looking at the DVC concierge collection and the interval exchange program promises some great resort hotels and condos in various places around the world using our DVC points. This in itself is actually a bonus to us. After paying $250-$350 a night at luxury hotels at both WDW and other places we can now use our DVC points to pay or defray the cost for these trips. Our last week away cost us almost $4000 in accomodations and could have been traded for with 18 months worth of DVC points. So just because people on this board post more info about trips to WDW don't assume that they are only travelling there.

My 2 sisters are members of DVC and both have travelled in Europe, Canada, cruises, and adventure vacations using their DVC points. Knowing them the way I do - these trips would not have been taken without the use of the DVC memberships.

While DVC may not be for you it can and will open the door to new cultures, sights, journeys and adventures both in and outside the gates of Walt Disney World.

I wish you well on your Baltic Cruise and hope you enjoy your adventure as much as my husband and I do each and every time we travel.

 

[Granny]

Originally posted by legalsea
Yet I say again: anyone who says "convince me" has already made up their mind, at some subconscience level, against doing it; yet they are still torn, perhaps because they don't trust their judgment, or because they have become emotionally tied to the thought of belonging, of having people (all strangers) say "welcome home" upon their announcement of having bought in.

I guess I have to disagree that anyone who posts "convince me" or "give me reasons to join" threads necessarily has consciously or subconsciously decided DVC is not a good idea.

I think I posted a similar thread almost a year ago. It's a typical fact gathering tactic that we've seen often on this board. "Tell me why I should or should not join" opens the information flow and encourages ideas that might not have come to me while making my decision. I knew the posters here were biased but it isn't hard to separate facts from opinions.

I think everyone here agrees that DVC is not for everyone. But just because someone says "give me reasons to join" doesn't mean that person is leaning away from DVC.

And I'm glad the responses to your comments have been as even tempered as your comments were.

 

[SamSam]

I think you are assuming a great deal when you state that people on this board never go anywhere else. We've been to Mexico, England, France; we also have been to many other areas in the states. Among them; Yellowstone, Colorado (many times), New York City, San Francisco, Sacramento. and on and on and on. The being a Disney board, it is only natural that what is being discussed are Disney Vacations. That does not mean that the people on this board go no where else.
With our kids grown, we go to WDW at least twice a year, but we only go for 3 - 5 day trips. We then also take many other short trips to other locations and at least one long vacation.

 

[OKWKirt]

Legalsea, I think everyone has discussed the fact that we do other things besides WDW but as has been said many times on this board if you don't go to WDW at least everyother year DVC is not for you. Therefore, the posters here do go to WDW very often, along with other places, and this makes DVC a good way to do this. My reason for posting to you is the point you made about 20 years of advising people against timeshares. This may be taking this thread off the subject but maybe not if the original poster, and others, are looking for info. If DVC tried to sell me a fixed week every year for a specified unit I would never have talked with them. Timeshares have evolved into a very flexible way of prepaying great vacations, allowing you to pick the number of nights you want, the type of accomodations, and the location. I now have three timeshares, all on a point system, all top notch accomodations (which is what I am looking for), and all able to trade to great locations throughout the world in the best accomodations.

 

[crisi]

We decided to join DVC when we decided to become every-other-year WDW travelers....

Our kids are 2 and 3. We won't be back until they are 4 and 5 (a little over a year from now) and plan on going every other year. In our off years, we intend to travel other places. We have relatives in Colorado and Utah to visit. A trip to Cooperstown on the list. Washington DC and San Francisco. My husband was born in Amsterdam and would like to get back. One child is from South Korea - we have at least two trips planned there to make sure he is exposed to his birth country. A trip to Ireland and the UK, and one to Italy. A good chance of me hauling the family along on a business trip to Thailand. So basically, once the kids are old enough, one year it will be Disney, the next - some international destination.

Will we save money with DVC? - well, if we didn't have it, we probably wouldn't go to Disney every other year - and we wouldn't buy park tickets and airfare and souveniers. But once we decided to go every other year, it became a fairly good value. And it will get us on vacation every other year with a "low fuss" vacation (Korea not being a low fuss kind of destination).

I have the opposite take of Legalsea. If people come here saying "convince me" they've pretty much already decided to do it. This ain't the place to hang out if you want to be talked out of it.

I don't think its a good idea for everyone - even those who go every year or every other year and intend to stay in deluxe or moderate hotels. I think there is a side to the equation that says "should you even be going every year or every other year -- or maybe you should get those credit cards paid down first - maybe stick some money in the bank?" We have friends who I'm sure are going to take the DVC leap - they fit the "every year, deluxe" criteria....but since every WDW vacation is put on their ever expanding credit card balance, I don't think DVC is the wisest choice for them right now.

 

[Guapy]

Wow! I got a lot of replies. Thank you all for all the information! I was already pretty convinced about becoming part of the DVC. It was more about convincing someone else. I make trips to DW pretty regularly, 3 trips in the last 3 and a half years. It sounds like it makes a lot of sense. After taking a look at what I just spent staying at the Wilderness Lodge for five nights and what annual dues would be, it really seems like a good deal. And it is also a guarantee that my family and I can stay in great accomodations for a long time to come. Anyway, thanks again for all your help. And you have got to love lawyers, thanks for the input from legalsea as well, as we share a career.

 

[PamOKW]

Let me say this: in my twenty year legal career I have consistently advised clients to avoid timeshares. Timeshares far too often turn into a money pit, and never seem to work out the way the salesmen portray them.

Legalsea -- While this was true at the start of your career, you must realize that there are many more options in the timeshare industry with a variety of price points. There is an article in today's New York Times about the growth of the business. It mentions that five years ago the "point" system timeshare was 10% of sales -- today it is 60%. Also, companies like Disney, Hilton, Marriott, etc. being involved has reduced the risk of finding your condo going to ruin or being hit with large assessments.

There are all kinds of people in the world. Some like to travel abroad and take on new adventures. Some never leave home. Some go to the same cabin in the woods every year for generations. And, some of us return again and again to WDW. There are also those with enough time to spend regularly at WDW and to travel the world as well. DVC owners really can't be pigeon-holed as non-adventurers.