this may be illogical, but...

[psac]

Also, more than anything else, look at resale prices when you buy or do any calculations. Every time we "did the math", we found DVC wouldn't save us any money, until the discounts went away. Then we found out about the world of resale, and we realized it would save us money, even with the discounts, and then if the discounts do go away, we'll be WAY ahead.

 

[Judique]

Agreed! I figured that out immediately. We would do a cruise every so often. It's just not worth it to borrow all the time to cruise. We really want the DVC for trips to DL, Disney Hawaii (someday), Hilton Head, and places like that. I hear they even are a part of Hershey Park, which is in our area and we love it there as a short getaway.

Much to think about...

Not sure what you mean by Hershey Park. I don't know of any DVC connection there unless there is some sort of timeshare trade in the area. Not what i'd do with my DVC points.

But, people seem to get caught up in comparing what discounts they can get at values and moderates. I am not in the market for a value or moderate product.

I want a different product, one with more amenities such as a kitchen and separate bedroom and washer dryer and balcony and entranceway with a coat closet. I want to be able to sit on a sofa or nice chair, or at a table while eating.

That's part of what the DVC product I am buying is. It's not just one room to drop my stuff or even a suite setup such as you might get at the Polynesian or other deluxes.

It's a home away from home, where I can also get room service, go to a themed pool, and enjoy some perks that I don't get at a resort that is hotel rooms only.

I'm at a point where this is also what I can afford and is the style of vacationing that I want. There was a time when all I could buy was a value room for a few days and that was just fine at the time. Had some fun trips! But - now I'd rather stay home then stay in one tiny room.

So, this is all relative to the level of vacation you want and can afford.

Renting DVC can give you an idea if it is right for you. Paying rental rates isn't far from the cost of owning DVC for the long term. It's just that you aren't tied to the bill for 30-50 years!

There are tons of rentals on this forum. Check it out and do some research and you'll be able to make the decision that works for you.

 

[DougEMG]

Is DVC a good deal if you only go to WDW when there is some sort of special, or deal? For instance, we (family of four) are headed there this Aug. Four nights with free dining at the Coronado.

I was in kind of the same situation as you. In Aug 2010, I booked a 2 week trip for Aug 2011 at the Coronado with the Free Dining, room cost was $2,672. Then in Nov of 2010 I saw a resale contract for DVC ($60/point) that I thought was a good deal and I bought it. For those same 2 weeks in Aug, the point cost at SSR is 214 points. Valuing this at $10/point (rental rate), the room is worth $2,140, which leaves about $530 to spend on food.

Currently I'm looking at renting the points and keeping the reservation. If the points don't rent, I'm happy staying at a DVC resort. To me they are both pretty close to equal value.

Of course once I hit the what I conside the break even point on the DVC, then all that I would be paying is the mainteance fees per point (~$5/point) which makes the DVC a lot better in the long run even when compared to a big room discount such as free dining.