Tips for deciding where to buy...

[disneynutz]

The Disney's non-DVC deluxe resorts have the best decorations so Jambo has better or more than Kidani. GF more or better than SSR.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I do not have children. We do have older parents all in their 70's. We love the fact we can get value studios at 11 months for them and us when we travel together. I do have to be online at 11 months for a value and at times have almost not been able to get them. I imagine they will get harder but it is a viable option...especially when you have teenagers or young adults and you are older. That option affords a lot of privacy for everyone. Your children will be that age in just a few years really. Honestly I would buy what I loved and the kids would enjoy what I picked. So if I wasn't in to animals I wouldn't stay at AKV because the kids "liked" animals. If DH and I loved golf then SSR would be my pick and I would take the kids to Boma for breakfast or dinner to see the animals. I am not being mean, but your children are going to love being with you.

DH and I do not go commando anymore...I am now 48 and he is 52. We go, use our FP and return to the resort so the amenities are special for us, the vibe is important. Don't underestimate that...you will get older and things, circumstances will change.. I would look at photos for the room decor but definitely walk the halls and around the resort. All DVC rooms have that logo on the room door if they are combined with a regular resort. Walk around to see how far you have to walk to the nearest bus stop, restaurant, etc. Sit in the lobby for a time and watch and listen to the people coming and going. We stayed in a value one night on our last trip. After so many DVC trips the noise level at Pop was bad. We couldn't wait to get to AKV. You can see from my signature that we have had many value stays over the year and were perfectly happy. I am sure the noise level hasn't really changed that much but OUR EXPERIENCE has. At times we just watch TV in our room and I go out to the balcony and just sit with a drink. DH and I have worked full time now for years and that is the way we want to rest on vacation. It isn't wrong, it just...is. When the kids get 16 and want to go until 1 a.m. and you're ok with that--take the evening off and eat at Jiko. Or take the boat to DS and eat at Morimoto. The kids want to do Food and Wine at Epcot and stay for Illuminations. You and DH want to walk hand in hand to MK for Wishes. What resort to see yourself having those type of experiences in...were is your vibe and heart.

In 15 years the extra few dollars that resort cost compared to the others won't matter as much and the sense of peace and fun you have while staying there.

 

[ToddyLu]

DH and I made the decision after our first trip that we were WDW people and would want to go yearly at least. Fast forward 13 years and we still love it but not for the crazy go go go WDW trip. We go for Africa, the Dark Continent, the look and feel of the resort. DVC is expensive no matter when you stay or what you purchase. It is good that you realized that early on. DH hates to travel but loves to vacation and be away from work. There is NO WAY I could get him to Africa. He does love the consistency of DVC. It now has a home feeling for us. I have been to Europe, NYC, DC, Grand Canyon, etc. He doesn't care about those places. He does love animals and photography. Right now I am in a room dimly lit by one lamp and a computer screen. Our house is more of a dark decor. AKV is our perfect fit.

I was not relaxed when we spent one night at BLT. I could see the castle from my left on the balcony and the beautiful lake and trees in front of me. We watched Hallowishes from our room that night with the music on the TV. CMs were nice. That was great, that was it. The decor, sterile vibe was just blah! I can remember DH telling me he would never stay away from AKV again--I still hate to admit it--he was right. We both breathed a sigh of relief as we pulled up to AKV. The bushes, thatched roof, soft music welcoming us...now that is where our money went. I am a DVC owner who appreciates all of the resorts on property, but I only have one home. DVC is the only way a nurse and firefighter can stay Deluxe at Disney twice a year, every year without robbing a bank. We have APs when we need them and get three trips with them. We have a Chase VISA and use reward dollars on meals. We no longer get many souvenirs on trips. Our parents give us Disney GCs for gifts because they know we will use them in our happy place. So much money, so little time, but oh so memorable and relaxing. I wish that for you and your DVC purchase. Good luck.

 

[MamaBear12]

In 15 years the extra few dollars that resort cost compared to the others won't matter as much and the sense of peace and fun you have while staying there.

Thank you for sharing your experience. And I definitely agree with you here! We do love animals, and the ability to get value 2-bedrooms at the 11-month mark when we want to go with my parents is very appealing. The more I think about it, the dues difference for a smaller contract (100-150 points) will likely only be $100-150/year between SSR and AKV, so in the grand scheme of things, not a big difference for the ability to stay where we like (or at least think we'll like) and get a low-point 2bedroom. The convenience of the Epcot resorts would be great once the kids are teens, but that's 10+ years away. Definitely a lot to consider on our next trip.

 

[MrInfinity]

And people should be put on notice - the changes come at a financial cost - if DVC is changing the way you do Disney, its likely you are spending more than you would just renting points or staying in a regular hotel room. Which is fine, but since so many people go into it looking at it as a money saver, they should be aware that its far more frequently a value adder - you spend more, but generally gain a different experience.

Have to agree, it is a rare case that buying something expensive saves money. That's like saying today at Kohls I saved $50! Well how much did you spend? $200. You are almost certain to come out ahead by not buying DVC. When you consider that $18,000 invested in something profitable should make you $900-$1800 in interest per year -- add dues, you're in the hole $2-$3,000 per year, plus your initial outlay.

Should really look at DVC as prepaying for vacations. We bought in because we love going to Disney World, not because it's saving us cash. It gives us more options to book and stay.

Think about it this way. If DVC was actually a way to spend LESS, then why would Disney push it to every guest? They want less revenue? It's a big profit-maker for Disney, and that means it costs the average guest more than they would otherwise spend if they didn't buy in. You will spend more in your lifetime as a DVC owner than not. But you will take more trips to Florida as well.

Regarding your dilemma, here's my thoughts...

AKV: pros- animals (kids); cons- high dues, far from everything, kids grow up, since we invested in the higher dues we may feel obligated to stay here every trip

Right there, you kill this one for me. The first rule of real estate is still location, location, location. I'm not a fan of the AK because I wouldn't want to buy a property to be close to the WDW parks... and then not be close to them.

SSR: pros- we like DS, low price/dues, we anticipate wanting to stay at different resorts so we wouldn't feel like we invested so much that we have to stay here if we can get a room elsewhere; cons- far from parks

This is a good one. Great location in walking distance to DS.

BCV: pros- close to Epcot, pool sounds amazing (kids); cons- shorter contract (impacting resale if we sell after 10/15 years), pricier and might make us feel like we HAVE to stay here because it's what we paid for (even though we would most likely want to try out different resorts).

Another good one, walking distance to EC/HS. But yes, that short contract would steer me away. Not because of selling in 10/15 years cuz I think we'll use it for the full term. But because you just get fewer years than buying at other places, for around the same price.

This seems to come down to whether you prefer the Deluxe or Moderate. And to decide that, you just have to stay in them. I would not have a hard time deciding between these two, because we love the Deluxes. Your comparison for staying on-site is Bonnet Creek, which isn't even on-site. So I would stay in them a few times. Or, just buy in and then stay in them. It's not like you'll be unhappy w BCV. So I'd pick BCV between the 3. Higher cost, but prime location, deluxe amenities, walking distance to parks.

 

[crisi]

Should really look at DVC as prepaying for vacations. We bought in because we love going to Disney World, not because it's saving us cash. It gives us more options to book and stay.

Actually, it gives you fewer options to book and stay - assuming you use your points. You are at the mercy of availability at 11 and 7 months. You don't have the option of staying slightly off site to get a bigger unit for less money (say at Bonnet Creek). You don't rent points - which can give you a home ownership advantage at more resorts. Your trade options with DVC aren't great, and a lot of the other options (like cruising) are more expensive with a decent valuation of point than if you just paid cash.

However, if your requirements are staying on Disney property, you don't mind staying at your home resort, and you want a multi room unit - it can make it affordable over the few other options available.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

Should really look at DVC as prepaying for vacations. We bought in because we love going to Disney World, not because it's saving us cash.

THIS! This is how we are looking at it. We've prepaid vacations for 10+ years for us and further for our kid/grandkids.

My advise is if you are considering financing, use a mortgage calculator to see how much interest you will be paying. IMHO DVC is not worth it if you finance. Buy where you want to stay. Availability gets interesting 7 months and after. This is just my experience after a week of playing with the booking tool!

We are excited about our purchase and looking forward to planning our first DVC stay!

Liz

 

[MamaBear12]

THIS! My advise is if you are considering financing, use a mortgage calculator to see how much interest you will be paying. IMHO DVC is not worth it if you finance. Buy where you want to stay. Availability gets interesting 7 months and after. This is just my experience after a week of playing with the booking tool!

Liz

Definitely won't be financing! Cash only.

 

[MamaBear12]

Should really look at DVC as prepaying for vacations. We bought in because we love going to Disney World, not because it's saving us cash. It gives us more options to book and stay.

We love WDW as well, and even though we were just there in July, we are already anticipating our next trip. I can easily see us going every couple years at a minimum.

However, if your requirements are staying on Disney property, you don't mind staying at your home resort, and you want a multi room unit - it can make it affordable over the few other options available.

We definitely want to stay onsite from now on to get the full magical experience. And I do like the option of getting a 2 bedroom villa for when my parents or in-laws go with us (mine were with us on our most recent trip and our trip before that was with in-laws), which is another attraction of DVC for me at least.

 

[Dean]

Have to agree, it is a rare case that buying something expensive saves money.

In a sense I agree, DVC likely rarely saves money but it can add value. However, sometimes when people go into the "It's vacation" or "sunk money" mode, they cease to think straight financially and often make poor decisions. IMO one should at least consider the real costs and the risk involved. Any timeshare should be money one can simply throw away if something goes wrong. The things I've seen and heard regarding timeshares from otherwise financially savvy people is pretty amazing. I think there are several factors but one is the emotions of vacations (present and future) another simply greed. Sitting in Cabo a few years ago I overheard a group talking about having bought with the idea of renting for big profits and it was tax free. Clearly they were intelligent people but had been taken in by the con artists selling timeshares. I've seen this and similar situations play out many times over the years in one way or another.

 

[TinkerBellLiz]

In a sense I agree, DVC likely rarely saves money but it can add value. However, sometimes when people go into the "It's vacation" or "sunk money" mode, they cease to think straight financially and often make poor decisions. IMO one should at least consider the real costs and the risk involved. Any timeshare should be money one can simply throw away if something goes wrong. The things I've seen and heard regarding timeshares from otherwise financially savvy people is pretty amazing. I think there are several factors but one is the emotions of vacations (present and future) another simply greed. Sitting in Cabo a few years ago I overheard a group talking about having bought with the idea of renting for big profits and it was tax free. Clearly they were intelligent people but had been taken in by the con artists selling timeshares. I've seen this and similar situations play out many times over the years in one way or another.

From my point of view, if you're considering purchasing DVC you have (or should have) "disposable" money. I'm not sure what risks would be involved. I believe Disney will exist for the next 10 years.

We visit WDW at least twice a year and this was a quality of life decision, not something that will be a return on investment. Everyone should evaluate and decide if it is a good decision for their circumstances.

After the initial shock, we are thrilled! The biggest decision we're facing right now is if we want to spend points during the crazy expensive "Premiere" season for the April Marathon or not. I think I'll do the Novemeber or January runs in the future!

Liz

 

[Dean]

From my point of view, if you're considering purchasing DVC you have (or should have) "disposable" money. I'm not sure what risks would be involved. I believe Disney will exist for the next 10 years.

We visit WDW at least twice a year and this was a quality of life decision, not something that will be a return on investment. Everyone should evaluate and decide if it is a good decision for their circumstances.

After the initial shock, we are thrilled! The biggest decision we're facing right now is if we want to spend points during the crazy expensive "Premiere" season for the April Marathon or not. I think I'll do the Novemeber or January runs in the future!

Liz

Lot's of risks. While it's likely Disney will exist in 10 yrs, there's no guarantee. The bigger risk is to fees long term if owned outright. Job loss, house burned and there was an issue with the insurance. Lost liability suit, etc. There's risk just walking outside but this is one that can be controlled and avoided. I agree it should be disposable, my definition of disposable would include pay cash, no consumer debt, essentially if you threw away the money it wouldn't really hurt.