Thinking about becoming DVC member, thoughts?

[annnewjerz]

So, after a long talk with some relatives today who are part of the DVC and have been for something like 10 years also, I am considering (not this year, probably 09) signing up and becoming a DVC member. We would probably purchase 200 points, although I'm beginning to think that may be too many since we only go away once a year.

I have some questions, hopefully you all can help!

1- As someone who usually goes to Disney and stays at a moderate on a budget of about $4000 (including everything, probably about $1600 total for the price of just the resort room - me and DH), do you think DVC would be worth it?

2- Unfortunately, DH isn't into going to WDW every year...we usually do every other or every third (still spending between $4000 and $5000 including everything on our trips), can someone give me some examples of other locations that are offered both within and outside of the US?

3- As a couple who does not vacation in Disney every year, is this worth it? Can you really go to, say...Mont Tremblant in Canada for a week of skiing on the same amount of points (give or take) you would use at Disney, or would we end up borrowing every time we wanted to visit somewhere other than The World?

4- What resorts can you currently purchase your points at? I was told Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs, just wanted to see if this was accurate.

5- What incentives are being offered right now when you sign up? Extra points, coupons, park tickets, etc. ??? The relative I spoke to was lucky enough to get park tickets for the entire family for the duration of the trip (5 people) for the first 5 years of their DVC membership when they first signed up years ago...I'm sure that offer is long gone, although it sounds great!!

6- If we do decide to sign up and purchase points, is this something that can only be done while in WDW or can it be done from home? Our next trip isn't until December 2009 and if we decide in February to go ahead with it, I would die waiting.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight into this. It will be a tough decision to make but hopefully it will be one that turns out favorably!

 

[Disney_Villain]

It sounds like a regular timeshare is more suited to you.

If you don't intend on visiting the Disney parks once every 2 years at least, then DVC isn't for you. At the moment there are only 2 DVC resorts not located in WDW, and DVC resorts are the best value and easiest to book of all the options available to you on DVC points.

Also, trading your DVC points through Interval International (Disney's "World Passport Collection") for destinations around the world isn't easy (and it isn't a good value either).

You'd be better off with a non-Disney timeshare if you want non-Disney destinations. Research other options.

 

[bookwormde]

Just buy less points (1/2 as many as you need for a stay if you are only going every 2 years) take the money you save and buy another high demand time share on ebay for $500-1000 for any offsite travel you want. If you get below the DVC minimums just buy resale. Buying 1/3 as many points and staying every 3 years also works, but takes a little more point management.

bookwormde

 

[rgf207]

It sounds like a regular timeshare is more suited to you.

If you don't intend on visiting the Disney parks once every 2 years at least, then DVC isn't for you. At the moment there are only 2 DVC resorts not located in WDW, and DVC resorts are the best value and easiest to book of all the options available to you on DVC points.

Also, trading your DVC points through Interval International (Disney's "World Passport Collection") for destinations around the world isn't easy (and it isn't a good value either).

You'd be better off with a non-Disney timeshare if you want non-Disney destinations. Research other options.

From what I understand about Interval international is you need to book early if you are planning to go outside WDW. I'm talking 18 - 24 months early.

 

[annnewjerz]

BUMP

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

So, after a long talk with some relatives today who are part of the DVC and have been for something like 10 years also, I am considering (not this year, probably 09) signing up and becoming a DVC member. We would probably purchase 200 points, although I'm beginning to think that may be too many since we only go away once a year.

# of points being too few or too many depends on vacationing habits. We thought 175 would be plenty, and have since proven ourselves wrong!

I have some questions, hopefully you all can help!

1- As someone who usually goes to Disney and stays at a moderate on a budget of about $4000 (including everything, probably about $1600 total for the price of just the resort room - me and DH), do you think DVC would be worth it?

If you're comfortable staying at moderates, you may want to keep on the cash basis. DVC allows you to lock in 2008 rates now for Deluxe accomodations for a set number of years. Also, your hubby may not be comfortable paying maintenance fees for the next few decades for something that will be "occassionally" used.

Here's how it worked out for us so far, we just came back from an 8 night stay on DVC points. Between travel, tickets, meals, and souvenirs our total for a family of 4 was about $2500 (yes, that's accurate--we scrimped out meals as it was an evacuation from the hurricane). Our next trip planned for July '09--we already have passes and our room is "already paid" for, so we'll be able to go for a 5 night trip for well less than $2000.

Since we pay our maintenance fees monthly, it's like another bill and I don't feel that expense during trips.

2- Unfortunately, DH isn't into going to WDW every year...we usually do every other or every third (still spending between $4000 and $5000 including everything on our trips), can someone give me some examples of other locations that are offered both within and outside of the US?

Trading out points offers a wealth of worldwide options, but there is an additional fee associated with trading out. Also need to take into consideration that a match for your dates and accomodations must be met to trade out, but this is possible and has lately been a point of emphasis with DVC sales.

3- As a couple who does not vacation in Disney every year, is this worth it? Can you really go to, say...Mont Tremblant in Canada for a week of skiing on the same amount of points (give or take) you would use at Disney, or would we end up borrowing every time we wanted to visit somewhere other than The World?

The best use of points is by staying at a DVC resort. Pretty cut and dry.

4- What resorts can you currently purchase your points at? I was told Animal Kingdom and Saratoga Springs, just wanted to see if this was accurate.

Direct from Disney AKV will be available as well as possibly SSR (which recently "sold out"). Of course the resale market is always hopping.

5- What incentives are being offered right now when you sign up? Extra points, coupons, park tickets, etc. ??? The relative I spoke to was lucky enough to get park tickets for the entire family for the duration of the trip (5 people) for the first 5 years of their DVC membership when they first signed up years ago...I'm sure that offer is long gone, although it sounds great!!

There have been incentives from Disney gift cards, to $/point savings, as well as extra developer points (1 time use points) and delayed maintenance fee payments. Yes, alas, the included park tickets are long gone...what a perk!!!

6- If we do decide to sign up and purchase points, is this something that can only be done while in WDW or can it be done from home? Our next trip isn't until December 2009 and if we decide in February to go ahead with it, I would die waiting.

DW and I purchased at home, over the phone, sight unseen. Did the tour at WDW to view villas 2 months later. Process was easy at home, but much, much more efficient when we added on at WDW!

Thanks in advance to anyone who can offer some insight into this. It will be a tough decision to make but hopefully it will be one that turns out favorably!

 

[MOMO2DK]

You got a lot of great advice here. I bought our first DVC sight unseen- not only that, but I had not even been to WDW in 20 years, and I have regretted nothing. Not only do we love going to WDW, but we have also used points for wonderful family vacations to NYC and Washington DC. I am hoping to ski at Stowe this winter with points. There is so much more to membership than just WDW!