To buy or not?

[SamSam]

Dh and I have been going to WDW since 1988, our kids are now grown , but we find we still go 2x a year for short trips. Usually 2 trips of 4 nites each. I'm kicking myself now for not buying years ago, but now I feel we've waited too long. I'm interested in the opinions of people that have bought in.
We are 48 and 50, are kids are grown (no grandkids yet). Did we wait too long. I truly can't imagine not going at least once a year and most likely 2x a year for short trips. We love the Beach Club, which has new vacation club villas, but I'm torn.
I would love your input. Shar

 

[Caskbill]

No, it's never too late. I was 49 when we bought in 1993 and we've been able to make many great trips since then. Kids (28 and 24) are grown and gone now, and we enjoy Disney tremendously on our own. I wouldn't give it up for anything. Looking forward still to many many more years.

 

[vernon]

It's going to need an indepth look at running the numbers for you and a lot will depend on if your 4 day visits are all weekdays or include weekends. In your case this will make a massive difference to the cost effectiveness of the exercise. If your all weekdays your 8 days are unlikely to cost the 150 point minimum per year, unless you want the luxury of a one bedroom unit. If you ALWAYS have two "expensive" Friday or Saturdays in your stay it will take much longer to hit "break even".

With some great cash deals aboyut at the moment, and the likelyhood they will continue for at least another 18 month-2 years I think if I was in your situation I would wait a little longer to make my choice. Things that may change that view would be at what age you will no longer have to worry about work commitments (as that would allow you to take longer vacations if you so wished) and the arrival of any grandchildren ( as DVC's flexibility on room size has to be one of the best aspects to the program and a great way to get quality time with the grandkids)

Financially, from the brief details you gave, I would find it hard to justify you buying in right now, but as we all know, Disney isn't only a financial choice.

 

[Regina]

We're now about the same ages as you. (We bought in 10 years ago.)

I say go for it. You plan on going annually, you love the Beach Club, it's perfect.

While there are some good resort deals now,(and these are based on inventory), no one can predict what the future will bring.

As I always say, there is absolutely no way that we could afford the trips that we take if we weren't staying on points.

 

[diskat]

We are the same age bracket and joined dvc in 2000. We don't regret it at all. We do have 2 grand kids (one has already gone 1 time.) Looking forward to taking the whole family in the future. This is something we can past down to our kids if we don't want to use it. (like that will happen.) inkbounc

 

[vacationman]

Forget the economics, just know that you (and/or your heirs) will be ahead sometime during the next forty years. The best part is knowing you will be in first class accomodations inside WDW at a low cost without having to hunt around for bargains or delaying your trip because there are no specials to be had. The minimalization of hassle is not to be underestimated but never shows up in the financial calculations.