Still Feel Like DVC was the Right Choice

[Sammie]

IF you purchased AKV or earlier then yes, it is a value.
IF you purchased after that then no it is no longer a value.
Escpecially when one will pay around 200.00 for a single point of
Grand Floridian. IF anyone argues that 200.00 a point is a value, they are crazy. As a non dvc member can still get 30% off most of the year of rack rates at a deluxe, complete with major refurbs rather than minor ones we've been given as DVC members, a discount that will always stay around because resorts are not completely filled every day of the year even in a awesome performing economy.

Dare you honestly say that at 200.00 a point it is still a value?
And dont say it will never sell at that price, with 3 increases this year alone it will be at 200.00 or just shy of that when Grand FLoridian does finally go on sale. And then when the Poly converts it will prob go over 200.00/point.

There was a time, that discounts were few and very far between. It is possible for that time to come back again.

It would limit people who can't travel during those select times.

 

[bumbershoot]

We are still very happy with our purchase. We have been able to spend really good times with extended family in lovely rooms. We have been able to relax as our own little family unit in lovely rooms. We have had good times at the pools, at the parks, etc etc, and we are VERY happy we bought in.

I also really really like the PAP discount we got at the end of last year, and sure do hope they continue that. But a discount on an AP isn't the reason we bought in, so I won't be angry at DVC if it goes away. Just a little bummed, that's all.

IF you purchased AKV or earlier then yes, it is a value.
IF you purchased after that then no it is no longer a value.

But what does that have to do with your enjoyment of DVC? The OP mentioned that, too. Like I said, we have gotten to stay at nice big places with family, which we would never have done without having DVC. Those times weren't entirely stress-free, but I'm still so glad they happened.

And when people want to make money from selling timeshares or real estate, why do they never take their enjoyment of the property into account? It's like expecting a house to appreciate...why should it? Take the time to value the fun you've had and the benefits you've gotten, rather than just needing to make money from selling something.

THis is when we realized with our DVC disney has so to say brainwashed my family, and probably most of you owners.
Just 2 months ago we took our first outside Disney trip in over 11 years and I have to say that I really miss doing other things than disney all the time.

Well, it was your decision to ONLY do Disney. DVC can't be blamed for that, can they? I mean, our first trip to Orlando involved our first stay at DVC (we bought before going to WDW) AND involved a stay at Universal. Our third trip to Orlando was ONLY Universal (after one night at Boardwalk). And that stay involved a side trip to Daytona.

We also have traveled to CA and AZ, and Canada, and hubby travels all the time for work, where he checks things out to see if he thinks I would have fun wherever he's visiting. (he's pretty good at judging things on that basis). We don't have a trip to Ireland actually in the works, but I guarantee that owning DVC isn't going to keep us from Ireland. Or Korea or Tokyo Disneysea (OK so that's Disney again, LOL), or the other places we'll go.

 

[myxdvz]

IF you purchased AKV or earlier then yes, it is a value.
IF you purchased after that then no it is no longer a value.
Escpecially when one will pay around 200.00 for a single point of
Grand Floridian. IF anyone argues that 200.00 a point is a value, they are crazy. As a non dvc member can still get 30% off most of the year of rack rates at a deluxe, complete with major refurbs rather than minor ones we've been given as DVC members, a discount that will always stay around because resorts are not completely filled every day of the year even in a awesome performing economy.

Dare you honestly say that at 200.00 a point it is still a value?
And dont say it will never sell at that price, with 3 increases this year alone it will be at 200.00 or just shy of that when Grand FLoridian does finally go on sale. And then when the Poly converts it will prob go over 200.00/point.

Everyone values things differently. Someone who pays rackrate at VGF all the time may consider this a value. I keep on reading 30% discount, but seriously, I price ALL our vacations when I book our Disney vacations, and the times we go rarely have discounts.

THis is when we realized with our DVC disney has so to say brainwashed my family, and probably most of you owners.
Just 2 months ago we took our first outside Disney trip in over 11 years and I have to say that I really miss doing other things than disney all the time.
It was a vacation to Ireland and since then I question whether or not we want to keep our DVC anymore or sell it to explore the world cause there are so many more places to explore that put Disneu to shame and opens our kids eyes to much more culture than Disney could ever give.

I think you can speak only for yourself. I don't think we've been brainwashed by Disney at all. I bought enough points for an EOY trip which we've managed to stretch to visit every year. Aside from that, we have 3-4 more weeks of vacation that has nothing to do with Disney. I just recently bought another TS to use for said non-Disney vacations.

We've cruised, done Universal, Six Flags and other theme parks. I've been to UK, EU, LatAm, Asia, Africa and and other countries. I have a trip to China this September -- so no I haven't been brainwashed at all, and am completely aware there's a big world out there outside of Disney.

I think when you start feeling this... it is time to sell. As has been said a lot of times, DVC is not for everyone -- maybe the time has come, that's it's no longer right for your family. Doesn't mean that everyone else who enjoys it and finds value from it are "brainwashed".

 

[Goofy DVC]

Loved it in 1993 and love it 2013! Yes it was the right choice for us. Main reason, it forced me, stubborn DH, to take a break every year and understand that there is more to life than work.

 

[Doug7856]

We are happy DVC owners too! We own 185 points and that works well for our family -- allowing us to explore other vacation destinations with Disney being our repeat destination.

As consumers we have a choice and for us DVC has been a great choice. If it becomes less attractive to us, we'll sell and move on -- but I don't see that happening anytime soon. Prior to buying DVC I spent about six weeks researching DVC, timeshares in general and we made an educated decision -- not an impulse buy. I looked at inflation of the room rates and dues and came to the conclusion that if we regularly go to Disney destinations, DVC is a good choice. When I see rates at All Stars in the $125 to $150 range and the moderate resorts at $200+ per night, I know we made a great decision. In my view the "free dining" is in the room rate. When we bought, the All Stars could often be booked for $69 per night.

As the kids are getting older, our touring is changing. Instead of annual visits we're more in the every 18 months category. School year trips are less frequent and summer/holiday trips are in. We are more likely to get a 1 bedroom instead of a studio. The flexibility of DVC allows us the benefit of these changes.

So add us to the "love our DVC" group!

 

[Dean]

Okay, so I'm seeing many posts from people that seem to think Disney is losing its value and that Disney doesn't offer us anything for our loyalty. I am here to say that I still love my DVC, am amazed by the value it has proven to be, and I appreciate the discounts they offer. Over the life of my contract with dues and everything I will have paid $7 - 8 a point per year. What this gets me are great accomodations at a fraction of the price of rack rate.

In addition, Disney offers an AP discount regularly, the chance to purchase the TIW card, MNSSHP and MVMCP discount tickets, and various discounts at restaurants all over property. These are similar to the discounts offered to Florida residents. Also, the PAP discount offered last year was phenomenal and my friend who lives in Florida is completely jealous.

I'm okay with no Free Dining, because who would want to pay rack rate at a Disney resort when you have DVC. I know others have issues with DVC, but I'm still happy with my purchase. All they have to give us for our points is the room. The discounts they offer are a complete bonus. I know they offer them to entice us back more, and it's working. So no complaints from this incredibly happy DVC owner.

I know I post things that people see as negative but I still enjoy DVC vacations. The reality is that I'm realistic and there are good and bad and things that are just the way they are. However, I would probably be better off selling most of our points and just keeping 25-50 since we have other options and those other options still get us to DVC frequently.

THis is when we realized with our DVC disney has so to say brainwashed my family, and probably most of you owners.

In a sense I do agree with you, I look at it more as golden handcuff's than brainwashing though. It's one of the reasons I think buying extra points and planning to use them for other options is a bad idea and one of the reasons I think a DVC and non DVC timeshare often complement each other nicely. You still have to make good choices though.

DVC was my first timeshare back in 1994 and we've added others since. We've traveled quite a bit since and the only times I can think of we've stayed in regular hotels were for a day or 2 here and there as we traveled (almost always with priceline) and 3-4 top end hotel stays for meetings paid for by the company. We've also taken a few cruises. Here's a list off the top of my head.

Nashville 40 people
Gatlinburg x2, 36 people one trip
HH too many times to count.
Orlando non DVC many times
Marco Island
Panama City several
St. Augustine several
Daytona several
West Palm x2
Aruba x3
MX x3, 3 different locations.
HI x4
MB
Charleston


So DVC doesn't have to keep you from enjoying the other options though depending on how many points you have you may end up having to rent them to do other things and not be wasteful.

 

[com_op_2000]

DW and I have been completely happy with our DVC!
We will take/have taken 9 trips in one year as of this Sept.
Great vacations that DW and I never would of taken had it not been for DVC!
Precious family vacations, treating family and friends to vacations they never would of taken, and going on DCLs with no OOP expense (except the $95 transfer fee) is a very good deal to us.
Keep up the good work DVC.

 

[llrain]

I say brainwashed in a way of being Locked into having to a disney vacation over doing other things...When the math is done disney wins in the end over other vacation ideas because there is no price for the room basically so we always end up choosing disney...SO I agree, Disney is a value over doing other things owning DVC, but not really a value against itself and the person paying cash for their vacation.
Your mentioning time to sell. That was part of my thoughts in the original post. We are considering it and we have thought of self therapy and forgo
going down twice a year and leave it at once a year or once every two years...It just seems that after going every 6 months for the last 7 years is too much disney.
The brainwash theory is merely a silly comment with meaning that
Disney gets you roped into the disney brand forever to keep coming back and making it duffucult to do other things..Thats the sales pitch (brainwash) that works.

But I still say that at 200.00 a point there is no disney value in DVC for the average middle class..maybe if u are loaded ya but not here.

Everyone values things differently. Someone who pays rackrate at VGF all the time may consider this a value. I keep on reading 30% discount, but seriously, I price ALL our vacations when I book our Disney vacations, and the times we go rarely have discounts.



I think you can speak only for yourself. I don't think we've been brainwashed by Disney at all. I bought enough points for an EOY trip which we've managed to stretch to visit every year. Aside from that, we have 3-4 more weeks of vacation that has nothing to do with Disney. I just recently bought another TS to use for said non-Disney vacations.

We've cruised, done Universal, Six Flags and other theme parks. I've been to UK, EU, LatAm, Asia, Africa and and other countries. I have a trip to China this September -- so no I haven't been brainwashed at all, and am completely aware there's a big world out there outside of Disney.

I think when you start feeling this... it is time to sell. As has been said a lot of times, DVC is not for everyone -- maybe the time has come, that's it's no longer right for your family. Doesn't mean that everyone else who enjoys it and finds value from it are "brainwashed".

 

[DVC-Don]

I'm good. DVC since late 2000.

 

[Dean]

But I still say that at 200.00 a point there is no disney value in DVC for the average middle class..maybe if u are loaded ya but not here.

That price is likely overstated. The opening price is likely to be the $165 or maybe $170 reduced early on by some incentives. Still, that's a lot and it is much harder to justify but is likely easier to justify than spending almost as much retail for some of the other options. IMO GF will be semi-reasonable for some that want to stay at GF almost every trip but not simply as an access into the club. Personally I also see value for the right person for the fixed week option even at the 10% higher cost.

 

[AmyB2006]

I say brainwashed in a way of being Locked into having to a disney vacation over doing other things.

Disney has the Adventure Collection. If you bought a resale then I guess you can't do these, but that's the choice you make buying direct vs resale.

But to say Disney doesn't offer other things besides just Disney isn't accurate in my opinion.

 

[Dean]

Disney has the Adventure Collection. If you bought a resale then I guess you can't do these, but that's the choice you make buying direct vs resale.

But to say Disney doesn't offer other things besides just Disney isn't accurate in my opinion.

But you can say that DVC doesn't offer non DVC choices of consistently reasonable value.

 

[wdwdano@yahoo.com]

I enjoy it more now when I compare the cost of points today. My loan is almost paid up and ready to buy some more at the ridiculous price today(small addon). I love it, in addition to our family going I can send my godson there to meet the mouse himself..

 

[bocaj1431]

But you can say that DVC doesn't offer non DVC choices of consistently reasonable value.

just erased thread. I just realized I posted it to the wrong person. Sorry, if you saw original. Totally meant to post to someone else! Sooo Sorry Dean.

 

[Dean]

just erased thread. I just realized I posted it to the wrong person. Sorry, if you saw original. Totally meant to post to someone else! Sooo Sorry Dean.

We're cool.

In general I think we and our choices have changed a lot more than DVC has.

 

[OurDogCisco]

I'll always love Disney and it will have a special place in my heart. I do not regret buying into Disney. We owned a non-Disney timeshare before buying into DVC and we knew from our experience we never wanted to stay in a hotel type room again. Even when our kids leave the nest we still want to stay in a one bedroom. We love the ability to cook and do laundry especially on those long trips. However, I do not think we are the typical travelers. I noticed on these boards or even within my circle of friends people typically only take one vacation a year. We are blessed where we take 4 weeks a year and we could not without DVC or our other timeshares. The biggest expense for us right now is food as we are feeding 4 adults not 2 adults and 2 toddlers anymore. However, we go to WDW about once every 3 years. For the years in between we go to DL or cruise. Last summer we went to Aulani. We do see the world but Disney always brings smiles to our faces. So, I don't know if I would own DVC if it was the only vacation I could do a year. I'd probably sell if DVC ownership became too much to own or it cut into my other vacations.

 

[janischa]

We bought in one and a half year ago and still are very happy we did. Even thinking of adding on The only thing that makes me less happy is that my hubbie has gotten used to staying in one bedroom villas which makes booking at other places very difficult

 

[AmyB2006]

But you can say that DVC doesn't offer non DVC choices of consistently reasonable value.

I wouldn't necessarily disagree on that personally, but again, it's still subjective to what you think is "reasonable value".

Bottom line, value is in the "eye of the beholder" kind of thing. You can't make blanket statements saying it holds no value or has dwindling value. Maybe for you, maybe for others, but not for some.

 

[Dean]

I wouldn't necessarily disagree on that personally, but again, it's still subjective to what you think is "reasonable value".

Bottom line, value is in the "eye of the beholder" kind of thing. You can't make blanket statements saying it holds no value or has dwindling value. Maybe for you, maybe for others, but not for some.

Personally I think from a $$$ standpoint alone the cash type exchanges ARE black and white. The qualifiers are consistently and reasonable. Others can formulate their own opinion.

 

[Disneyaunt4]

Love my dvc