someone please convince me!

[rsjj]

first of all, this is my very first post here at this forum...

am thinking of becoming a dvc member...but am still not quite sure...need all your expertise here! to convince me, so i can convince my DH!

we are a family of 4, 2 DSs, (3 & 6). can only travel during school vacations times. (that would be peak time, i suppose!) tell me why i would be in the market for this? besides giving us the opportunity to create magical memories, and we're "forced" to take vacations every year! (i know for some, that would be convincing enough...but i feel like i need more!)

and would 150 points be "enough"? or should i look at higher points?

any advice/input is greatly appreciated!! thank you in advance!

 

[Merilyn]

First, welcome to the boards. You will find a lot of information on this subject here. IMO, anyone who likes to vacation at WDW and stay in really nice accomodations should consider DVC. We joined in 1994 and have never been sorry. You need to consider the growth of your children when you decide how many points you need. Right now you can get a studio for 4 but a 1 bedroom has much more room and the kitchen and laundry is great. When they are older you will probably need a 2 bedroom which will be more points. We have added on several time with the points being much higher each time. I wish we had gotten more on the front end. Now as to expense, the cost of a 2 bedroom is very expensive and going up everyday. With cash you have to pay tax also. I just added all the cost- estimated dues and front end cost. It was paid off in many years less than than the 40 plus years we got. We usually stay in a GV because we take many extra people. It is about 1000 a day and then tax added on to that. We have 600 points. With the dues and all cost included, we can stay for about 10 days for the cost of 2-4 days. It saves us well over 6000 dollars with todays prices. I know we can stay at other places that are less expensive, but we wanted the best and we got it! We have traded to several locations and they have been very nice also. You might just get all the cost and do your own price comparison. I think you will find what I did. It really pays for itself. I don't know if you have stayed at WDW in a DVC location but if you have you know what I am talking about. If not the videos are truly just what they say they are. The pictures are what you get. Good luck with your decision.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Think of it as prepaying 40-50 years of vacations and then only having to pay maintenance fees for the rest of that time. You coud buy in at the mimimum number of points, but that will limit you greatly to doing studio stays or only traveling every other year instead of every year. Yes, nonschool times of the year can be more point pricey than some other times, but if your school has a mid fall or mid winter break, it is always possible to travel at those times for less points than the holiday times. Here in Minnesota, the schools have teachers union workshops the third week of October. Many parents will take the kids out 2 days extra and spend a week on vacation during that time. Many other schools get a winter break around late January or early February. Those are in lower point seasons too. I always think folks limit themselves too much by purchasing too few points to begin with. We started out with 230 points because we knew we wanted a 2 bedroom, and we planned to travel in low point seasons. It didn't take us long to figure out we needed and wanted more points, so we added on another 150 right away. I personally do not think the value is realized if you aren't staying in at least a 1 bedroom villa. What is the point of owning a timeshare if you aren't getting more than just a hotel room? Now, as to the cost....Think of it like buying a new car. It will cost less for the initial purchase, and will last a LOT longer!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

Welcome to the DVC Forum!

Merilyn and Diane have given you some excellent advice. I have found that DVC makes it easier to "justify" going on vacation. I get to spread out the payments of my WDW vacations instead of coming up with a lump sum when I want to go. It's nice to know that my accomadations are pretty much taken care of when I go to WDW.

I also love the flexibility! You're not buying one specific week at one specific location. You get to chose *when* you want to go and *where* you want to stay! Who else can offer that? Plus it's comforting to know that I'm not chained to this contract: I can rent the points, sell the contract, or even will it to my children.

One thing is definitely true - points don't get cheaper! We have 270 points for just the two of us and we've been able to do a lot with those points. With banking and borrowing those points go a long ways. I'm interested in an add-on contract though, before the price per point goes up!

Good luck with your decision!

D4D

 

[dianeschlicht]

BTW, I always recommend finding some way to pay for a DVC contract in full rather than finance. Right now home loans cost less and are tax deductible, so I would suggest getting a home equity loan if you can't pay in full right off.

 

[sleepydog25]

Hmm, a family of four with two growing sons. I definitely believe that you will need more than 150 points if you want to spread out at all and to keep you from wishing you had bought more after the initial purchase. To be fair, you need to look at DVC membership from both the pros and cons.

Being a member of DVC is a great way to pre-pay accomodations for the next few decades. And doing so provides a hedge against inflation as the overall point costs for rooms can't go up, while the cost to get into DVC will continue to rise. The resorts rooms are superb and make you feel as though you're traveling in style. . .which you are. As others have pointed out, you can rent, sell, give away (as a gift), or even will the points. You can also bank points from one year to the next or borrow points from a coming year to use in the current year. You can even bank and borrow at the same time for a big blowout in a grand villa. Further, in most states, the purchase qualifies for income tax deductions since it is a real estate transaction. In short, DVC offers you great accomodations and wonderful flexibility.

On the other hand, the upfront cost can be prohibitive, with the minimum buy-in at 150 leading to an initial investment of over $14K. The more points, the more flexibility, but the cost goes up accordingly. Granted, the cost can be spread out over a 10-yr period if you wish, but that's still a hefty payment each month for most. Some people are also put off by the fact you don't actually wind up with anything many years down the road. For the current buy-in to Saratoga Springs, you lose the investment come 2054; for the others which are offered in resale, I believe the date is 2042. Finally, some folks are completely content to stay in hotels and motels which can offer substantial savings to even the best scenario offered by DVC.

However, if you like to stay in deluxe accomodations, plan to visit WDW regularly, and don't mind making a car payment-sized note for the next several years, then I'd give DVC a long, hard look. It's a very personal decision and one only you and DH can decide whether it is appropriate for your needs. If you haven't already, contact DVC and ask for the materials and video--they are worthwhile, and the DVC folks absolutely do not give you a hard sell. They know their product sells itself, and they'll stand ready to answer any detailed questions you have. Good luck!

 

[DisBeliever]

I would go with resale and with more than 150 pts. Just take your time, study the territory and go with your heart.

 

[Corinne]

We purchased 200 points in 2001. Our boys were 14 & 10. If we could have afforded it back in '95 (our first family trip to WDW) we would have bought then. That is my only regret!

This is the first year we have had to borrow points, but we are going for the second time in 3 months! LOL! If we did not own, I would not be able to justify a trip in April and another trip in July! We purchase AP's each year, and then take the next trip before the AP's run out. So we will have used them for 3 visits, not bad, especially now that we as DVC members get the great discount on AP's! On the off year when we do not have to buy passes, we only need cash for airfare & spending. With your boys so young, I would say seriously consider it. Especially if you love WDW.

 

[PKS44]

we have two sons and go to WDW about every 18 months...we have 150 and bought resale---it forces us to think about longer stays and nicer accomodations than we would if we were bargain hunting everytime we went--we still feel it has been a great thing...if you love to vacation at WDW---it also has appreciated in value--which is nice but not guaranteed...

Here is what we have done with 150 bought on RESALE for about $10000 + maintenance --so far--

studio stay for 4 nights over a long weekend in Oct 2001-
2BR and a studio for 4 nights over long weekend Jan 2003 with parents and in laws invited along
1BR for 10 nights in Aug 2004
plan 1BR for 6 nights for spring break Mar 2006
plan either 10-12 nights in a 1 BR or 2BR in either Aug 2007 or 2008 depending on when we go to Hawaii and other vacations we have planned...

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are a family of three and we usually go during school breaks also. We started off with 175 points at OKW. We now have 300 points at OKW, 100 at VWL and 100 at BCV. 175 would have been enough for one good trip each year and we could have used a one bedroom for at least a week. But we like to go more often, plus we used points for the Disney Cruise in 2000, so we added on. And we like to bring other families with us, so we get a two bedroom every now and then. Early June (1-10) will save you points if you go in the summer

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

first of all, this is my very first post here at this forum...

am thinking of becoming a dvc member...but am still not quite sure...need all your expertise here! to convince me, so i can convince my DH!

we are a family of 4, 2 DSs, (3 & 6). can only travel during school vacations times. (that would be peak time, i suppose!) tell me why i would be in the market for this? besides giving us the opportunity to create magical memories, and we're "forced" to take vacations every year! (i know for some, that would be convincing enough...but i feel like i need more!)

and would 150 points be "enough"? or should i look at higher points?

any advice/input is greatly appreciated!! thank you in advance!

When we first looked into DVC I wasn't convinced either, (we just bought in this year) and then I started planning this years trip. To stay at a deluxe in May for a week it was going to cost around $2700- just for a standard room, and made me think about becoming members again. We also have two DS's (3 and 1) and I know we are going to want to take them to Disney ALOT! At the rate I was given for May I figure Disney is right and in about 5-7 trips we should have about balanced out what we paid for DVC and what we would have spent on deluxe accomodations, minus maintenence fees of course. Now for the next 40-50 years we don't have to worry about saving money for accomodations we just book 'em!!!

How many points you need depends on how many times you want to go--- you should start with whatever you are comfortable with right now.
You can always add-on later.
With a 150 you can go at least once a year with a studio or every other year with 300 pts and stay at a 1 or 2 bedroom. IMO it is better to have two 150 contracts instead of one for 300-- it makes me feel safer that if I ever need to sell I can just sell one and keep one if my future vacation plans change.

Good Luck in whatever you decide to do!!!

 

[rsjj]

i really appreciate all of your advice/input!

i got this much...150 is definitely not enough points!

can someone explain what's "resale"? why would people be selling off their dvc, if it's all that? i would think you could only purchase thru disney...and not from elsewhere?

and what about "trading" points?

i don't think we'd be going to wdw every year...(i don't think), but on the brochure, it said something like you can go to anywhere in the states/world, through another company (interval international?)...and not a disney resort. so let's say i buy it...but not use it for my "home resort", but use it like in hawaii, or even at dl resort...wouldn't be a problem, right? so i can buy it, use those points elsewhere, besides florida, right?

another thing...i heard/read that using the points can be a "hassle"?

again, thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions...i know you all have so much info! i really appreciate it!

 

[T.E. Yeary]

The longer a resort is in existance the more people will sell. The reasons vary and are generally along the lines of death, divorce, illness, financial problems, changing lifestyle, etc.

The resales are a way for them to get relief and an opportunity for those that are purchasing to get the same product for less.

These people cannot compete with Disney. The only way they can get attention is to offer it for less money than the developer.

Tom
Owner/Broker

 

[JimMIA]

i would think you could only purchase thru disney...and not from elsewhere?

Nope. DVC is a deedable real estate interest, and it would probably be illegal for Disney to require all resales to go through them. I think that would be an unlawful restraint of trade. The resale market for timeshares is similar to the resale market for homes -- with the important difference that Disney does retain the right of first refusal (ROFR) on all resale contracts. That means they have the power to step in and purchase a resale from the seller at exactly the terms agreed upon by the buyer and seller.

but on the brochure, it said something like you can go to anywhere in the states/world, through another company (interval international?)...and not a disney resort. so let's say i buy it...but not use it for my "home resort", but use it like in hawaii, or even at dl resort...wouldn't be a problem, right? so i can buy it, use those points elsewhere, besides florida, right?

Yes, that is right, with two caveats. One, you don't have to use your points at your "home" resort. Your points have equal value at any DVC resort. In addition to the DVC resorts, you have a wide variety of other choices - one of which is Interval International.

The second caveat is that you get your best value using your points at DVC resorts. Many feel that you do not get equal value when you go outside DVC, so you will often see advice for folks to rent their points and pay cash for things like Disney cruises, etc. Other people, however, say they bought the points for vacation options and they are not particularly concerned whether they get equal value, as long as they get good value.

another thing...i heard/read that using the points can be a "hassle"?

Not to me. To me, a hassle is my friends having to book ski vacations two years in advance in order to get what they want from their timeshares. That's hassle!

The flexibility of DVC does give it a bit of a learning curve, but it is the value that DVC offers which creates the need to educate yourself about all aspects of the program.

 

[sleepydog25]

Use of Points
I'm not sure where the "hassle" part of using points comes from, unless there are those who think it tough to keep up with how many points you have, when your use year is, what needs banking, and how many points for a particular season and suite you would need. To me, that's not a hassle, just part of keeping up with your vacation plan, much like you would with vacation days from work, for example. And if you're truly lazy, you can rely on DVC member services to do it all for you, since they do track everything anyway (you make your reservations through them).

Yes, you can use your points for other destinations, but folks on here will quickly point out that it's often not a wise use of your money. Why? Because the cash cost of an Interval International room/suite in, say, Scotland isn't as much (or might not be as nice) as accomodations in WDW's resorts. Thus, many suggest you rent out your points for the maximum dollar benefit and simply pay cash for any other accomodations you might want elsewhere. Another way of viewing, however, is that you are trading accomodations for accomodations and not worry about the dollar differential in the "real" world. Plus, there is a $75 fee (I believe that's the current cost) for making reservations through DVC member services to get II slots. If you read enough posts, you will find those who have had great experiences using their points for II or concierge collection trips, while others will tell you it's a waste of money. I suspect it's all in how you look at the numbers and what your expectations are.

One last thing to keep in mind: do not purchase a DVC membership as an investment. First, as with all things volatile (stock market, real estate), there is never a guarantee you'll be able to sell your points for more than you paid for them should you ever decide to do so. Second, depending on how often you travel to WDW and beyond and how many points you buy, the break even point can be anywhere from a few to dozens of years. To view the membership as any kind of return investment, other than prepaying your accomodations at resorts for your foreseeable lifetime (and most of your kids' lifetimes, too), isn't wise thinking. Once again, good luck in your decision! There are many extremely-more-knowledgeable-than-me folks on here, so pick their brains, but don't forget to contact DVC directly, too.

 

[tamu91]

We looked at buying directly from Disney for many years before I found this board and got educated about the resale market. Most DVC owners you'd find on this board are happy with their purchases so the responses you're getting might be little biased but facts are fact. If you plan on visiting WDW at least once every 12-18 months and stay on-site in a moderate to deluxe hotels, it makes no sense in my book not to consider DVC if you're financially able.