Trying to talk DH into buying.

[Andrew015]

But the situation of an existing owner already committed is quite different from someone contemplating their first purchase (or an existing one considering an add-on).

If you already own X points, and don't really want to continue going to WDW often enough to consume X/year on average, then you have to decide what to do with the excess: rent them out, sell some contracts, exchange through RCI or one of the Collections, or use them at other DVC resorts. The right decision there depends on your precise preferences---though I'd argue that "rent them out" is almost always the best *value*.

However, if you are considering *buying in*, the advantages that the WDW resorts have over local competition are much stronger than the advantage that VCG holds, and *miles* beyond what the resorts beyond-the-berm can offer. So, conventional wisdom is that for most people, buying for WDW (and only WDW) is prudent.

There are exceptions---and mostly those exceptions are Left Coasters for whom Only Disney Will Do. For example, G'sMaman above would fit that category. But, such people are few and far between, as evidenced by the time it took to sell out what is a very small resort---and, if I had to bet, probably the last DVC development at DLR for quite some time.

Agreed 100%

 

[Andrew015]

This is a really interesting thread! I am always learning new things on this board. I'm curious why you think DVC only makes sense if you go at least once a year. Not meant as an attack - just wondering.

G'sMaman: Great question! You point out my only bullet point that doesn't necessarily equate to monetary value, but moreso perceived value. My logic is as follows: Why pay the hefty buy-in price, on top of hefty annual maintenance fees that last you 50 years, when you're only going to get 25 visits? My opinion is that folks who plan to visit Disney every year, year-in and year-out, are fanatics in every sense of the word. Getting their "annual fix" year in and year out makes the overall investment seem more worthwhile over someone who "occassionally" visits. Chances of "buers remorse" goes down, chances of achieving maximum value are very high. After the first 5 years, there's a possibility that someone who visits annually may have already recouped their initial investment on savings over "cash reservations", if they bought in right and truly maximize their points. After the same 5 years, a family who visits every other year has only gotten two trips, and has a higher probability of saying "What did we get ourselves into" after paying the fiftth annual maintenance fee and getting half the enjoyment.

For the folks who visit WDW every other year or less, I think there's a better chance that one or more of the following are true: 1.) They're not 100% Disney fanatics as say the "every year" type 2.) They enjoy mixing up their vacation destinations or 3.) finances are tight, thus the reason trips are more spread out.

For the folks that fall into category #1.) They must keep in mind that a DVC purchase is a significant long-term investment. They can still achieve "value" by going every other year, but need to analyze the whole "is this the right purchase for me" thing more closely than the nutcases like me who want to visit every year, and know they'll never tire of the place.

For the folks that hit #2.) As Jim and I have repeatedly mentioned, if you prefer other travel destinations with your occasional Disney fix, DVC is NOT the best "value" for you. You would, without a doubt, do better financially buying the $1.00 Wyndham or Marriott timeshare on Ebay, enjoy your other destinations, and trade into Disney when necessary. No further argument necessary from a monetary standpoint.

For the folks that hit #3.) The CAUTION signs should already be apparent. I'm not saying folks who are on a budget don't necessarily make good DVC candidates. After all, the whole notion is that you can save money if you plan accordingly with a DVC purchase. I just think that folks who are having a hard time stretching their pennies far enough to justify the purchase absolutely need to examine every square inch of the purchase. They need to know that there are other less costly timeshare options available, or might be better off going every 2-3 years on cash reservations with things like Free Dining, discounts found when booking airfare/rooms together, etc.

So just to summarize, someone who goes every other year can definitely enjoy the same value out of a DVC membership as the every-year type. I just think there are more warning signs apparent, and the decision needs to fall under tighter scrutiny. For some folks, it's a no-brainer. For others, it's a tough decision to make, and I feel the decision to buy a timeshare should be a stress-free, emotionally satisfying experience. If it's not, you really need to ask yourself a lot of questions.

Just to reiterate for the third time, these are my opinions only. Everyone's circumstances, emotions, finances, etc. are different. My only hope is that some perspective DVC'ers read my ramblings and says, "Hey, this guy brings up some good points, let's take a second look at this".

 

[G'sMaman]

They can still achieve "value" by going every other year, but need to analyze the whole "is this the right purchase for me" thing more closely than the nutcases like me who want to visit every year, and know they'll never tire of the place.

That comment made me laugh out loud! Thanks so much for responding with your well thought out analysis. I think my husband and I were probably Disney fanatics in denial, before we finally brokedown and "did the timeshare thing." I grew up in Ohio so maybe there's something in the water there. Two bedrooms at AKL last Thanksgiving cost us almost $1200 a night (had no clue you could rent points and frankly, not sure I would be comfortable transacting with a stranger) and rates at the Grand Californian are easily $400 a night (for just a room) during popular times of the year so for us buying into DVC was a no brainer, but I completely agree that you have to take a long hard look at whether it makes financial sense in general. You're not really saving money if you usually stay offsite or at the moderate hotels. It's like that joke where the wife comes home with a bunch of shopping bags and tells the husband how much she saved and he asks how much she spent to save that money.

 

[Andrew015]

It's like that joke where the wife comes home with a bunch of shopping bags and tells the husband how much she saved and he asks how much she spent to save that money.

Is this the confession of a shop-aholic?

My pleasure on the response, and I'm glad I could give you a laugh (and hopefully sound advice as well).

 

[raftislander]

I would only consider the value to your family of using DVC to stay in DVC resorts at WDW. To me, that's the only place where DVC has an advantage over other options. Yes, DVC has resorts in other places, but in each of those other places, there are numerous better options available, usually for a fraction of the price.

There is no real "onsite" at Disneyland -- that's why WDW was built the way it was. And there are numerous other options, both timeshare and hotel, within very close proximity to DL.

Jim you make many good points but I am going to put up some opposing thoughts about VGC. I am a regular visitor ro DLR. Most of the time I stay off-site because I cannot justify the extra $$$ that it costs to stay onsite. Unlike WDW, the primary method of transportation at DLR (to and from parks/lodging and between the parks) is walking. Granted, there are hotels off site that are as close as VGC. My family has an extremely narrow range of what is an acceptable distance to stay off site. It runs from Howard Johnson to the Candy Cane Inn. I know that my family is not alone on this because many threads in the Disneyland section of these boards are devoted to a particular lodging's proximity to the park entrance. Perhaps I am making an incorrect assumption, but I perceive that you see a benefit to the proximity of the DVC resorts to the parks at WDW. But are there not many off property places in WDW that are the same number of minutes driving to the parks as you would spend on Disney transportation? Why do you see an advantage at WDW but not at DLR? Proximity on foot is a big advantage at DLR.

There is most definitely an "onsite" at DLR, but it doesn't just pertain to proximity. If you stay on property you can attend every early entry at DLR during your stay. They occurr on Tue, Thurs, Sat and Sun. If you buy a multiday pass of three or more days, you will get ONE early entry. Annual passholders do not get this benefit. While I do not find extra morning hours very useful in WDW, I find them extremely beneficial in DLR. Onsite guests might also get other benefits. When World of Color opened, onsite guests got to enter the DCA earlier than other guests to get a fastpass. This summer guests were given four special fastpasses that could be used on any FP attraction and these FP gave you immediate entry, not a return window. Considering the lines that were forming for Star Tours2 ( I saw up to 3 hours posted) and how early in the day the regular FPs were gone, this was a huge advantage/benefit. I was staying onproperty when a rain squall came through that drenched my young daughter and I. We returned to the Disneyland Hotel to change and get rain gear. In the lobby were several characters meeting and greeting other guests that had been driven inside in the rain. My daughter was thrilled with this, where moments before she thought the day had been ruined by rain. I put a value on all of these things and you cannot find them elsewhere. In the end , the question is have i recived a good value for my vacation dollar not just whether I could have had a vacation for less.

Finally lets talk $$. I have an offer out on a VGC resale contract, if it passes ROFR I will be spending $288 plus MF fees for 160 points for each year of the contract. So in 2011 I would spend $939 for 160 points ( Although I am not paying the 2011MF). That can get me 8 days lodging in Adventure season, 7 in Choice, 6 in Magic, and 5 in Premium with point to spare in each category. Ignoring the extra points that means I am spending roughly $117, $134, $159, and $188 per night for my lodging at VGC in 2011/2012. These prices are comparable or slightly more than what you would pay for a decent place on Harbor BLvd. There is nothing in that Harbor area that can compare with the quality of the resort and room at VGC. These DVC rates are significantly less that the room rates at VGC. Name me which time shares in the Anaheim area you think are a better alternative for a fraction of the price and let me see how they fit my criteria.

Plus my time share is at the flagship hotel at DLR which means that I can expect the property to maintain its value and desirability in a way that I am not sure buyers of other Anaheim timeshares -or even owners at Saratoga Springs- can expect.

 

[JimMIA]

Name me which time shares in the Anaheim area you think are a better alternative for a fraction of the price and let me see how they fit my criteria.

I can't really compare anything for two reasons -- 1) I don't know what size "lodging" you are talking about (studio, 1BR, 2BR?), and 2) I am not familiar with timeshares in the DL area, nor have I ever stayed at VGC.

The only one I can compare easily with the resources I have at my fingertips is the Wyndham Dolphin Cove resort. I have never been there -- not even to drive by -- so I don't have any idea of the quality of the resort. All I know is the website claims it's within one mile of DL and CA.

My cost, including acquisition costs as you did, using Wyndham points is $125.44 per night during Prime Season and $112 per night during High Season for a 3 bedroom. Those are the only two seasons at that particular resort.

Is that better value than what you're getting? I have no idea -- never stayed at either resort.

For a comparison that I am familiar with, I booked a split stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and my favorite DVC resort, OKW in May 2011. The stay was a Sunday-Thursday stay, which is less expensive at both resorts. (Keep in mind that the points costs for a one-bedroom at OKW are substantially lower than most other WDW DVC resorts...often 40% or more lower).

My per night cost at OKW was 27 points X $7 (including acquisition cost) or $189 per night.

My per night cost at WBC should have been 15K points X $4.48 = $67.20 per night. We caught a flukey break on the points cost that still has me shaking my head, and we actually only paid 9K points = $40.32 per night.

Quality of resorts? That's hard to judge. There are some things I like better about Bonnet Creek -- pools, counter service food, mini-golf, live entertainment, etc. And there are some things I like better about OKW -- room size and overall ambiance, primarily.

We drive to the parks, and there's no difference in drive times -- turn the ignition to parked at any theme park lot in <15 minutes from either place. I'm guessing OKW's buses are a little better, but we didn't try WBC's buses so I really can't say.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For a comparison that I am familiar with, I booked a split stay at Wyndham Bonnet Creek and my favorite DVC resort, OKW in May 2011. The stay was a Sunday-Thursday stay, which is less expensive at both resorts. (Keep in mind that the points costs for a one-bedroom at OKW are substantially lower than most other WDW DVC resorts...often 40% or more lower).

My per night cost at OKW was 27 points X $7 (including acquisition cost) or $189 per night.

My per night cost at WBC should have been 15K points X $4.48 = $67.20 per night. We caught a flukey break on the points cost that still has me shaking my head, and we actually only paid 9K points = $40.32 per night.

Quality of resorts? That's hard to judge. There are some things I like better about Bonnet Creek -- pools, counter service food, mini-golf, live entertainment, etc. And there are some things I like better about OKW -- room size and overall ambiance, primarily.

We drive to the parks, and there's no difference in drive times -- turn the ignition to parked at any theme park lot in <15 minutes from either place. I'm guessing OKW's buses are a little better, but we didn't try WBC's buses so I really can't say.

I'm missing something. This seems to make the argument that it doesn't make sense to purchase DVC if you only go to WDW? It's a lot less expensive at a very close resort (technically on property isn't it?), the same sort of travel to the parks and similar amenities/services. There are of course a few different things such as parking at the theme parks, EMH's etc. but that's quite a price difference. But really we know that DVC is not a cheap option compared to other timeshares. Where it holds up better is comparing to Disney hotels.

Regarding VGC I think I see a case that if DL is your destination then it makes more sense there if you like better (deluxe) accommodations. There are places that are within walking distance but I haven't found anything I like better with the same amenities. Once you throw in having to get some sort of transportation to DL - even a short city bus ride - you've changed the comparison a lot. Of course the Grand is my favorite DVC - actually favorite Disney resort. It's a resort I'd stay at even if not going to DL and I can't say the same about anything else around there.

(To add - we do own points at VGC and those will probably be the last points I would sell for the reasons I listed. )

Maybe I just have to accept I'm part of an apparent left-coast stereotype. (although I grew up in the Midwest )

 

[raftislander]

Once you throw in having to get some sort of transportation to DL - even a short city bus ride - you've changed the comparison a lot.

I would go so far as to say that there is no comparison. If I am dependent on a shuttle to get me to a park, then I am at the mercy of someone else's schedule as well as the other people competing for space on that shuttle. If I am driving and parking then I have to get up a lot earlier to be at the gate at the same time, because parking and taking a tram in from the lot takes time. This is why my family will only stay at a hotel/motel that is a short walking distance to the park gates.

After reading Jim's response to me, I am less clear on his reasoning on why WDW DVC has advantages over other FLA options but VGC does not over other SoCal options. I too thought his response seemed to undermine his claim that WDW DVC does have an advantage over other FL timeshares.

Jim, I don't mean this to be an attack or an "I know more about the situation, than you do" type of response, but it doesn't sound like you are a frequent visitor to DLR or that well acquainted with the area. Lots of websites advertise that their hotel is across the street or one block from the DL park, but if you measured how long it took you to walk from the hotel to the park entrance it might be half an hour. That was why I was trying to get specifics of what timeshares you thought were better options. I have a good friend that stays at the Worldmark- she loves it. It is a farther walk than my family would like. I would generally be booking a studio. Sometimes I would be booking a one bedroom and I would infrequently be booking a 2br or larger. My cost hypothetical was based upon a studio.

 

[sweetdana]

I agree with everything that Jim mentions above. I'll take his comments one step further and add the following:

DVC is only a good value IF:

• You plan to visit WDW, at minimum, once per year
• You must stay on property in Deluxe accommodations
• You purchase RESALE rather than from Disney direct
• You purchase using cash rather than financing

I agree with this.. 1 caveat.. every other yr is okay too; you can buy 1/2 as many points, and go every other yr just fine. Also I think it is okay if you prefer mods, as I think it is comparable in price to POR, or FQ, but agree if you are fine with POP.. this is a bad waste of $$.

Also I believe in buying fewer points than you need for a couple reasons.
1) You can always rent or transfer in points.
2) You can always add on later, but taking away is harder unless you are buying 2-3 small contracts.. (WHICH I do also rec. don't buy 1 200 point contract but 2 75 point and a 50 point contract, if at all possible. Don't rush, cause they are not all available at once. If you see the resort you want for a 75 point, or a 100 point, but you want 200 points, buy what you see, and wait patiently. Being inpatient is the reason direct is 25-50$ more per point.
3) Disney has specials that are often as good as points, but no future buy in needed. There buy 4 get 3 deal, and even 45% off Delex, and for me FD at FQ is =, is often as good of a deal.
4) You might decide 6 months out you want to go to WDW for the Christmas holiday... but you will not be able to go on points alone, without 4 room flips.. you will need to use good ole cash ressie, or mix it with points if some of the days are available.

I have zero regrets, 2nd best decision in life, next to robot vacuum. But I did research, I paid cash, I bought resale, I picked SSR mainly for the 20$ a less point than most other resorts at time. I use what I have at the time I want to go.. I transfer in points, use Disney's promos, and a mixure of points to get the best deal for out fam.

 

[CMOORE185]

I love WDW and plan on going there until a ripe old age, but I would be very unhappy if I did not have HHI as an option. HHI is one of my most favorite vacation destinations, and the fact I can stay at a Disney resort while vacationing there just tickles me pink. There may be less expensive timeshares on HHI, but I love Disneys Hilton Head Resort better than any other option on the island, I am willing to pay a premium for that. I may be in the minority, but DVC would have much less value to me without the resort on HHI. So to those who say the value of DVC decreases outside of WDW, I say to you, not to this DVC owner!

 

[JimMIA]

Jim you make many good points but I am going to put up some opposing thoughts about VGC. I am a regular visitor ro DLR. Most of the time I stay off-site because I cannot justify the extra $$$ that it costs to stay onsite. Unlike WDW, the primary method of transportation at DLR (to and from parks/lodging and between the parks) is walking. Granted, there are hotels off site that are as close as VGC. My family has an extremely narrow range of what is an acceptable distance to stay off site. It runs from Howard Johnson to the Candy Cane Inn. I know that my family is not alone on this because many threads in the Disneyland section of these boards are devoted to a particular lodging's proximity to the park entrance. Perhaps I am making an incorrect assumption, but I perceive that you see a benefit to the proximity of the DVC resorts to the parks at WDW. But are there not many off property places in WDW that are the same number of minutes driving to the parks as you would spend on Disney transportation? Why do you see an advantage at WDW but not at DLR? Proximity on foot is a big advantage at DLR.

I can construct a set of criteria so tight -- in any discussion -- that there is only one possible solution...the one I want. With DVC, people do it all the time with BLT to justify financing DVC @ $140 per point when they could pay cash at another resort @ $50 per point resale. People can make an argument for anything.

I can also construct a set of criteria so loose that just about anyone can take issue with it. For example, there are legions of people out in "timeshare world" who think DVCers are stone-cold crazy for paying DVC prices when they could literally buy a very good timeshare on eBay for $1 with all closing costs free. To them, there's no excuse for owning DVC. I think they're wrong.

I'm in the middle. For someone who REALLY wants to stay onsite at WDW, I don't think DVC can be beat -- provided you plan to vacation there very regularly for a reasonable number of years in the future (15-20...whatever's reaasonable to you). I think DVC offers unique value at WDW that no other type of lodging can offer. Yes you pay a premium for it, but you get a good bit back.

I wouldn't pay that premium for a shorter walk...even in the rain, with Disney characters greeting me at my destination. I would, and did, pay it for the unique benefits at WDW.

But you didn't buy DVC with my money. You bought it with yours. If you're happy, that's really all that matters.

 

[JimMIA]

I'm missing something. This seems to make the argument that it doesn't make sense to purchase DVC if you only go to WDW?

It's just a matter of perspective. You find sufficient value in staying at Grand California, so does raftislander. I don't like the area immediately surrounding DL, and would (and have) intentionally stay some distance away. I also have friends who feel the same way about WDW -- they love the parks, but prefer to stay away from the immediate area.

I think the costs of staying offsite at either WDW or DL are dramatically lower. Don't forget, in my DL example above, I'm comparing the cost of a Wyndham THREE BEDROOM to raftislander's DVC studio.

This is just my opinion -- there IS an onsite at WDW; there is not an onsite at DL until you get inside the parks. That's my opinion -- you're welcome to disagree.

So to me, the large differences in cost are offset by real value (to me) at WDW. Not at DL. I'm sure many disagree, and that's fine. As long as you're happy with what you bought and it fits your needs, that's all that matters.

 

[disneynutz]

I'm missing something. This seems to make the argument that it doesn't make sense to purchase DVC if you only go to WDW?

For us it's the best bang for your buck. There is way more to do at WDW and if we are taking the time to go on vacation, I want to go to a place that has a wide range of things to do.

I also don't want to waste my time hoping that a reservation comes through or that I will like the place where we are staying. Owning 5 home resorts at WDW pretty much guarantees my satisfaction.

Now if we could only get Mousekeeping to clean the room properly.

 

[Mtnman44]

Over time, I've come to feel perhaps the opposite of some on this thread. Specificallly, having used DVC at both resorts I find that GCV offers me more "on site value" than does WDW DVC properties. Staying at GCV is quite the experience as you are mere steps away from the park, in the middle of the action. Quickly changing at the hotel into swim wear for a ride on Grizzly or playing in the fountains, and then changing back into regular clothes and heading back out, all just steps away, is quite the theme park experience.

At WDW, I've found onsite benefits to be less and less. I'm not interested in Magic Hours (super crowded parks), and am less and less enthused about the bus services. The ME from the airport is a valuable benefit still, as is theme park parking. More and more, we rent a car and drive oursleves simply for the conveinience. I found it to always be a time saver as well. However, I'm confident that I could be very happy at Bonnet Creek, or a number of Villa style resorts nearby such as Marriott. Looking at costs, I'm starting to wonder if I really need DVC, and its costs, to maintain my current vacationing experience.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's just a matter of perspective. You find sufficient value in staying at Grand California, so does raftislander. I don't like the area immediately surrounding DL, and would (and have) intentionally stay some distance away. I also have friends who feel the same way about WDW -- they love the parks, but prefer to stay away from the immediate area.

I think the costs of staying offsite at either WDW or DL are dramatically lower. Don't forget, in my DL example above, I'm comparing the cost of a Wyndham THREE BEDROOM to raftislander's DVC studio.

This is just my opinion -- there IS an onsite at WDW; there is not an onsite at DL until you get inside the parks. That's my opinion -- you're welcome to disagree.

So to me, the large differences in cost are offset by real value (to me) at WDW. Not at DL. I'm sure many disagree, and that's fine. As long as you're happy with what you bought and it fits your needs, that's all that matters.

For us it's the best bang for your buck. There is way more to do at WDW and if we are taking the time to go on vacation, I want to go to a place that has a wide range of things to do.

I also don't want to waste my time hoping that a reservation comes through or that I will like the place where we are staying. Owning 5 home resorts at WDW pretty much guarantees my satisfaction.

Now if we could only get Mousekeeping to clean the room properly.

lol - I don't think I was making the argument against DVC onsite at WDW - I was asking about Jim doing that in the post prior to mine that although the prior posts stated for onsite at WDW. That's where I didn't understand the seemingly contrary posts of what benefits of onsite he had talked about when he made such a strong case in favor of a non-DVC, Bonnet Creek.

I will however disagree that there isn't onsite at DL. I've done both and GC/VGC is "in the park". DLH, since they removed the monorail station, and PP I'd be quick to compare to other locations across the street but not the flagship. When you stay there you don't have to see anything in the surrounding area except when you drive up to check-in and when you drive away to the airport.

We own points on both coasts and the reason is they are onsite, we were going to WDW frequently and see ourselves doing that for awhile although we do travel other places, and while the moderates are nice I now wanted to only stay at the locations with a few more amenities. Buying DVC has meant branching out to DL for Disney trips instead of only WDW and I've had some of my best vacations there in good part because of the resort.

 

[JimMIA]

lol - I don't think I was making the argument against DVC onsite at WDW - I was asking about Jim doing that in the post prior to mine that although the prior posts stated for onsite at WDW. That's where I didn't understand the seemingly contrary posts of what benefits of onsite he had talked about when he made such a strong case in favor of a non-DVC, Bonnet Creek.

I guess I didn't explain myself very well.

I was simply saying the financial arguments are strongly in favor of offsite timeshares BOTH places.

But I was saying I think the DVC value argument was better at WDW than anywhere else in the DVC system, because IMHO DVC provides much more benefit at WDW than anywhere else. Obviously numerous people will disagree with my point of view -- that's what discussion boards are for.

And there are no right answers for these kinds of questions -- what's important to one person may be a hassle to another. A magical destination for one family may be a place others wouldn't go on a bet. That's why there are so many choices.

 

[topmonkeygirl]

Thanks everyone for their input. We live 2 hours from WDW so we go every year. We have stayed club level at WL, Club level at the Poly. That was like $8000, and I'm thinking that money could have been spent to buy into the property instead of just renting a room for the night. Our last trip we stayed at Coronado Springs for just 2 nights, but I'm thinking we could have used points to stay at The World instead of paying OOP. I was thinking of easing into this DVC and start with buying like 50 points to start with and seeing how that goes, I think maybe in time I can talk DH into buying more later. I know 50 points a year doesn't get much but I figure we can split stays, I really liked the Poly and my DH really likes WL, so we could share time between the two.

I don't really see any down side to this whole thing, but I have to get the O.K. through DH. Maybe I can get him to read this and understand the whole thing a little better.

Thanks everyone.

 

[bwvBound]

topmonkeygirl,

A few take-aways from this thread:
a) We DVC'ers are fairly passionate about our decisions.
b) There are different ways to use/enjoy DVC.
c) Drive-to destinations are a real blessing!

My apologies for introducing a question that I thought innocent at first. It lead the thread far from your original question. I'm sorry.

 

[G'sMaman]

I don't really see any down side to this whole thing, but I have to get the O.K.

Not going to touch the resale vs direct debate, but only downside for us is that at some of the resorts, the DVC rooms are not as nice as the hotel rooms. Part of the reason is that any rehab that goes on comes out of the mf and that doesn't happen as offer - maybe every 7 years for a soft rehab. I think the rooms in the newer dvc resorts are just as nice, but some of the older ones are a bit dated. For example, we prefer the decor of the Yacht Club as opposed to BCV. This may start a whole other war of words (I've seen it happen on other threads). The other difference is how often housekeeping comes and what they clean. Not a big deal for us, but we did think it was odd when we stayed as AKV (which by the way was wonderful) last year in a 2 bedroom villa and the housekeeping was so spotty considering what we were paying a night. Now I realize they probably didn't realize we were among the silly people to pay rack rate and were supposed to get daily housekeeping.

For us, the hotel experience is part of the vacation experience so we don't mind paying a bit more for a deluxe hotel in general. For us, if we were just buying into DVC for studio rooms then we wouldn't have done it. The real benefit to us is having the full kitchen which only comes with a 1 bedroom and up. With a toddler, having access to a full kitchen for an extended vacation is a huge plus.

Finally, I know many people say split your contracts into many small contracts. If you are buying resale contracts at less than 50 point increments, you really have to do the math to include the closing fees and the fees you might incur if you ever sell. Those fees can be pretty hefty. If you can find a good deal, then you can always resell if it just doesn't work out without losing too much money. Good luck on your decision!

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I also live close to WDW and I've had friends ask me why on earth would I buy a timeshare in Orlando. The best bang for my buck is to use my points at the Disney resorts. I like staying on-site, I use it for long week-ends planned around school down times. I can drive in so the travel expense is nill compared to those who book flights etc. It's just nice to get away for a few days and the resorts, all of theme,each in their own way, are wonderful.

The best advice is to know the product that you are buying, unfortunately I think full understanding takes a few years of using it and asking and reading information on sites like the DIS. Having reasonable expectations from the product your are buying is important, it's a timeshare and even though it's Disney, you have to be able to work with it's rules and it's limitations. Are you a plan ahead type of person or more of a spontaneous traveller? It does matter and timeshares aren't for everyone!

I bought resale which is now a bit different since the changes made by DVC a few months ago. I would buy again! I fight the urge to add on all the time, but in the end I bought a reasonable amount of points since I do take vacations outside of Disney and the maintenance is affordable.

DVC has met my expectations and though I may not like the reallocation of points or some of the other changes, none of these things have made me feel that I made the wrong decision. Bought in 2000 and I'm still happy with DVC.