dvczerfs
DIS Legend
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2008
- Messages
- 10,664
Ours comes out closer to Dave's than Carl's, but still, we go often, and there's no way that we would get away staying as often as we do for anywhere near that amount without DVC. We knew it was for us almost right away, and when we were looking at our eldest sleeping on the trundle bed on the floor in the Alligator Bayou section of POR, with his then legs extending out the length of the bed (they're shorter than normal trundles) - and the rest of us stuffed in to those double beds. Not fun at all. Nor was the thought of getting two rooms. So we went for it, and multiple add-ons later, we're very glad we did.
Oh and just for comparison sake, we recently stayed at VGC at Disneyland in a 2 BR. I was reading on another thread that the rack rates for the villas at the Grand Californian start at about $800 per night for a studio, go up over $1,050 per night for a 1BR, and are around $1,300+ per night for a 2BR - depending on the season, of course, higher at the more popular times of year. So even IF there were a 35% or 40% discount for VGC like they currently have for Deluxe and Deluxe Villas at WDW (there isn't), that would still be $650 per night for a 1BR. Absolutely crazy. My dues on my VGC contracts equal $590 for the year - I can't even imagine spending that for one night when I spent the equivalent of 10 nights in a 1BR for that amount last year. A similar situation exists with our WDW contracts, just different rack rates and discounts, of course.
Another factor for us besides the space, was the relaxing nature that could come with the larger rooms and amenities. Our vacations didn't need to be commando any longer - not there's anything wrong with that - that style just really wears my DW out... and I want her to ENJOY trips to the World, and not resent them. So longer stays with down days filled with relaxing activities or NO activities is an important part of our time at the world now. And we love to cook in the room. Even though we are ON VACATION, doesn't mean we need to eat out every time, and DVC allows lots of flexibility in that area for us. And as the kids age, sadly the boys anyway, are starting to get out of "Disney mode" - and moving more into "hang out mode" - so another added benefit. They still like being there, just not necessarily doing the parks as much. They are enjoying exploring the "other" activities that WDW offers, and that's cool. Not buying park tickets every time isn't a bad thing either. But that's our perspective, and doesn't have to be shared by everyone!
stopher, we were, and are the same way. dont get me wrong, we love the parks, but you hit the nail on the head. its easier to relax in a bigger "room" that dvc has. we stayed at the all star sport the year dw drug me on the tour. just doing the laundry was a hastle. dragging it to the laundry area, waiting for 4 machines,paying 4 bucks a load, waiting for dryers, paying 4 bucks a load than hauling all back. waiting in line in the morning,with 500 other people, at the food court for a $10 muffin was also fun.
having 1200 sq ft with a full kitchen and laundy in your room is like being at home. it takes alot of the stress out that alot of people find with going to disney. we have breakfast on the balcony when it 70 degrees out in the middle of winter. no pushing,shoving, dont hear a thing. if the weather is bad, we play a game, play cards and just hang out without being in each others back pocket. the entire wdw has so much to do other than the parks that most people have no idea thats its even there.being dvc members allows us to go alot and enjoy the other things that are on property. i still remember what our tour guide said to me, "david, take the material home, look it over and call me with any questions, it was a pleasure taking you on the tour." i said, what no high pressure sales pitch???? he laughed, looked around to make sure we were alone and said, " people are nuts, they rent these places out for cash at over $800 a night. it could be $2000 a night and people will still pay it. your paying $100 a night (this is 1999) over at all star sports to stay in a motel. it could be $400 and people will still pay it.after you look this over, and realize you will be paying the same for a 1br in 2030 as you do today, most people call back. crude, but the guy had a point!
all that said, this is were we vacation. we are not shore people. we dont gamble and were not drinkers. i and we love it there and will keep going back god willing. its like home to us. i as a kid,i spent alot of time with the parents there and now;, i feel good knowing our dd has 24 trips under her belt as she turns 18 and still would go tomorrow if you asked her. dvc is a commitment!!! dont get caught up in the magic while your there. think about it. alot of people jump than lose intrest or the will to pay for it.
My son will be a Crew Chief for the #1 jet, the Blues' CO!
