Weighing the pros and cons of DVC...help please if I miss something!

[bangzoom6877]

Okay, DH and I have been talking about this for a few days now, extensively (and without a doubt I am driving him nuts with all the info I am gathering!). Still not sure if we will end up purchasing next year but I am trying to weigh the pros and cons so far, and would like some help from experienced members as well, in case I miss something or need to be corrected anywhere. Here are my lists of pros and cons of membership:

Pros:
1. Guaranteed deluxe resort stay every time I go to WDW
2. My kids are only 1 and 3, so many years of family vacation memories
3. We get to go to WDW every other year and stay 10 days in a one-bedroom villa (if we find the resale we are looking for, that is)
4. No dealing with small double beds (DH HATES them and I am not fond of them)
5. More privacy for when I get dressed if we have a one-bedroom (I have 2 sons!)
6. For the next several years, when our sons are still going to bed early, DH and I can still have some time to ourselves in a one-bedroom and not have to go to bed when the kids do
7. We could walk to Epcot and DHS if we get BWV as our home resort
8. With BWV as the home resort, there is plenty to do on non-theme park days
9. DH and I would be able to travel twice a year for long stays at WDW once we retire, for 10 years (we will retire in 2032...we are teachers)
10. Same perks as staying at a non-DVC resort (EMH, parking, Disney transportation, etc.)
11. Knowing a nice, luxurious long vacation is waiting for me every 2 years
12. Prices of DIsney hotels do go up, but you pay for your membership for DVC and then only pay the annual dues.

Cons:
1. We would be committed to WDW every other year for a while so that this pays for itself. We LOVE Disney, but through several years people change their minds about things and this is a long-term commitment
2. It ONLY includes accommodations, and points cannot be used for anything else except accommodations. So we pay out of pocket for tickets and food.
3. Annual passes are not for us, so even with the current perk, it would not apply to us. We plan to go 5 or maybe 6 days, one park per day so that base ticket would be much cheaper than an AP.
4. We could stay at Pop Century for 10 nights for just over $1300 in the summer of 2009. Ticket prices and dining would be the same whether we were going with or without the DVC membership
5. Annual dues are a commitment for the life of the DVC membership and they go up.
6. The money...making sure we could afford and are not in over our heads to do this because it is very expensive and a HUGE purchase
7. Only being able to do a non-WDW vacation every other year, so that we could get the most out of our points and not waste them
8. Travelling outside the DVC resorts seems complicated and not so worth it
9. If using points for a cruise, Disney cruiseline is the limit which means I cannot cruise out of NY (where I live). Also, from what people say it is a LOT of points for a Disney cruise. This is a consideration for us because we love cruises too! Cruises and WDW are our 2 favorite vacations!
10. What if my kids get "bored" going to Disney every other year? I don't want to make them miserable...or what if WE get bored going there and feel this is a huge mistake?
11. By the time my younger one is in college, it will be 17 years from now, and that means there would be 17 fewer years left on the contract. It would be very difficult to sell with fewer years left, if DH and I decide to sell at that point, and even more difficult if we enjoy it ourselves for a few years and then do not want it anymore
12. Even though you could rent your points to someone, it is a huge risk and a big gamble to trust the person

So help me out...am I forgetting anything either way? I know this is extremely subjective but I would like different points of view. I need to get all the info and points of view I can before we decide whether or not to buy next Spring!

 

[hakepb]

#6 con - going over your head in money would be the biggest reason to not buy DVC, especially if you would have to finance most of it.

As teachers, you may be able to negate a lot of #8 as it sounds like trading out is easiest if you are most flexible. If you would be OK with a general request for multiple resorts for some time during your summer, you might get better luck than some people that are locked down to looking for one specific week..

If the total $ is difficult you might consider a smaller contract (~50 points) which you could bank and borrow for a 150 point reservation at your home resort. And as you expect you would need more points, you can rent out a points transfer. Once the points are transferred to you, you are responsible for using the points, and have full control over them until they expire in that UY.
Also if you buy multiple, smaller contracts, you can sell those smaller contracts individually, if you eventually decide you have too many points. Existing contracts cannot be broken into smaller pieces.

 

[bellazachmom]

I have a comment about these --

Cons:
1. We would be committed to WDW every other year for a while so that this pays for itself. We LOVE Disney, but through several years people change their minds about things and this is a long-term commitment
10. What if my kids get "bored" going to Disney every other year? I don't want to make them miserable...or what if WE get bored going there and feel this is a huge mistake?



--You are correct that the best use of your points would be to stay at a DVC resort. HOWEVER, there are DVC resorts that are NOT at Walt Disney World!! There is a beautiful resort on Hilton Head Island and one at Vero Beach. You use your points at these, no exchange needed or fees added!! DVC is also currently building at Disneyland in California and have released info on the next resort in the works in HAWAII!! (Now, this is still a few years away, and could change, like a few previous DVC resorts that we expected but never delivered -- Eagle Pines, anyone?!?!) Also, several members have mentioned getting a survey from DVC about other locations you would like to see resorts at. Lake Tahoe and somewhere in Colorado were mentioned, I believe.

 

[Dean]

I wouldn't finance, save the money and pay cash. If it's important enough, you'll make it work. AP may still be a good option if you can group trips by getting 2 years out of one pass. You may want to look at resale and buy much less points, possibly just enough for an every other year (EOY) trip. Buying in and using points for a cruise or any other exchange outside DVC is not a good choice financially.

As for it only including accommodations, so does everything else since there are no cheap AI locations for Orlando. But you would be giving up, or limiting your choices, for some of the specials like free dining. IF your 10 day trips is 2 weekends, the $$$ still may not be reasonable, you'll have to decide. Interesting you're comparing a value room to a DVC 1 BR, that's quite a jump in luxury and it's one of the benefits of owning DVC for the right person. Hopefully it works out for you.

 

[ITGirl50]

If you don't just love going to Disney every year or multiple times a year, I don't see the value in DVC. We have been going twice a year since 1999 and finally bought in December 2007. It really wasn't a financial decision, but something we wanted. We bought DVC instead of a boat or RV. Also, we were going to spend money on accommodations at WDW, we might as well put it into DVC. We would never stay in a value or moderate resort. Deluxe is the only way for us. DVC was perfect for us, but you may want to put your money into something else.

Your post sounds like you really don't want to spend a lot of money on vacations at WDW. That's okay. Everyone has there own priorities. Some people spend their extra money on houses or cars or gadgets or clothes (or nothing). We like to spend money on vacations. It gives us all a life time of memories.

 

[lah3hh]

The only CON I would have to rebuttal is the only going to WDW. There is a lot of discussion on this board about what is worth it and what is now. I bought in DVC to vacation now, however and whereever I want to go AND prepare for retirement when I can travel more often.

Now with that being said, we have traveled the past 10 years on only our DVC points. In those 10 years we have cruised on DCL 9 times (including a Mexican Riveria cruise and a Panama Canal cruise), gone to Hilton Head (a DVC resort) 10 times, been to DL a couple of times, Vero Beach (a DVC resort) a few times and WDW too many to count. But on top of that we have exchanged out to take parents to Las Vegas, upper Michigan (near Mackinaw Island) as well as taken a trip to New York.

I have never felt limited by DVC. I think as long we you are a planner and flexible you will always find a place to go on your points. Trust me WDW is not the only place you get value. If you have a great vacation with wonderful memories that you share as a family...that is better value that most of the discussion on this board.

Well I better step off of my soapbox now and let someone else talk....thanks for listening!

Hope you make the best decision for you and your family....the best to you!

 

[Mtnman44]

RE: #1

Reservations are subject to availability. Nothing is guaranteed. with DVC you need to plan early. Sometimes 11 months early for popular times/resorts.


Also, plan on something called "Addonitis". It effects 95% or all DVC members and the only known cure is bankruptcy. Sure you can treat the symptoms with regular does of points, but there is no full immunity....Seriously, plan, yes plan on your every-two-years amount of points quickly seeming like not enough. soon you will want to explore larger rooms, different seasons, different resorts, longer stays, go more often, etc etc. Remember Hawaii is coming as well as Bay Lake Towers. Just go into this KNOWING that you will want more points.

The only CON I would have to rebuttal is the only going to WDW. There is a lot of discussion on this board about what is worth it and what is now. I bought in DVC to vacation now, however and whereever I want to go AND prepare for retirement when I can travel more often.

Now with that being said, we have traveled the past 10 years on only our DVC points. In those 10 years we have cruised on DCL 9 times (including a Mexican Riveria cruise and a Panama Canal cruise), gone to Hilton Head (a DVC resort) 10 times, been to DL a couple of times, Vero Beach (a DVC resort) a few times and WDW too many to count. But on top of that we have exchanged out to take parents to Las Vegas, upper Michigan (near Mackinaw Island) as well as taken a trip to New York.

I have never felt limited by DVC. I think as long we you are a planner and flexible you will always find a place to go on your points. Trust me WDW is not the only place you get value. If you have a great vacation with wonderful memories that you share as a family...that is better value that most of the discussion on this board.

Well I better step off of my soapbox now and let someone else talk....thanks for listening!

Hope you make the best decision for you and your family....the best to you!

 

[bangzoom6877]

I have a comment about these --

Cons:
1. We would be committed to WDW every other year for a while so that this pays for itself. We LOVE Disney, but through several years people change their minds about things and this is a long-term commitment
10. What if my kids get "bored" going to Disney every other year? I don't want to make them miserable...or what if WE get bored going there and feel this is a huge mistake?



--You are correct that the best use of your points would be to stay at a DVC resort. HOWEVER, there are DVC resorts that are NOT at Walt Disney World!! There is a beautiful resort on Hilton Head Island and one at Vero Beach. You use your points at these, no exchange needed or fees added!! DVC is also currently building at Disneyland in California and have released info on the next resort in the works in HAWAII!! (Now, this is still a few years away, and could change, like a few previous DVC resorts that we expected but never delivered -- Eagle Pines, anyone?!?!) Also, several members have mentioned getting a survey from DVC about other locations you would like to see resorts at. Lake Tahoe and somewhere in Colorado were mentioned, I believe.

It's funny you mention both California and Hawaii which seem to be in the works for now. DH and I always talk about doing a big trip for our 25th anniversary (far away...our 7th is coming up in nov!). However, if we purchase DVC, we are going into it with realistic expectations. I am sure people will be jumping at the chance to stay in Hawaii on their points, which means many will also be buying points there as their home resort. That means that booking 7 months out would probably be very difficult! Now, the good thing is that I suppose we would be able to secure a stay at our home resort at WDW and assume we would be going there for our 25th anniversary trip (which DH and I would definitely both LOVE...think of how much it will change...for the better... between now and then!). Then at 7 months before the scheduled trip (or for anytime during the summer, as we are off for 2 months), we could see if we could book hawaii instead and cancel the home resort trip. You could do that right, as it is in the window for cancellation without penalty?

Anyway, that is just one example. If there is ONE DVC resort in Hawaii, which I would think it would be like that just like HH and VB, it will be extremely popular and very hard to book if it is not your home resort, IMO, from what I have read on these boards.

California would also be wonderful, with the boys, so we could see DIsneyland, when they get older though. It really would be awesome, because hopefully we would be able to have a long stay and explore the area as well, not only Disneyland.

These are all things we are considering. That's why we are thinking about this WAY early, and not like a week before we would possibly buy!

I also do not want to have any regrets. Let's say we end up going to Disney every other year anyway, and I do have a feeling we are going to start staying in deluxes since values are small and DH HATED the double bed! We are thin people but it still felt way small! We are used to a queen, and at BWV, we could get a one-bedroom and sleep on a KING! That's a true luxury when on vacation!

 

[crisi]

I'll add something to #1 - DVC is not the same as staying at a Deluxe hotel. If you want a Deluxe hotel, book a Deluxe hotel. DVC is much nicer (IMO) than the values - but over time there have been several people disappointed (including myself) in the difference between a timeshare and a Deluxe hotel.

If it weren't for the kids, we'd stay in Deluxe hotels, what DVC gives us is the ability to put the kids in a different room affordably.

 

[bangzoom6877]

I'll add something to #1 - DVC is not the same as staying at a Deluxe hotel. If you want a Deluxe hotel, book a Deluxe hotel. DVC is much nicer (IMO) than the values - but over time there have been several people disappointed (including myself) in the difference between a timeshare and a Deluxe hotel.

If it weren't for the kids, we'd stay in Deluxe hotels, what DVC gives us is the ability to put the kids in a different room affordably.

Can you please tell me the difference between a DVC room and a regular deluxe room? Here are the things I like about what I know of the DVC rooms:

-ability to stay in a one-bedroom, giving DH and I some privacy
-as the boys get bigger we will need more space and one room will seem crowded
-fridge, microwave, toaster in a one-bedroom
-washer and dryer just in case (also can pack lighter on a long trip if we so choose)
-king bed for DH and me in a one-bedroom (NOT a double...a queen would be good too, as this is what we are used to at home)
-interior corridors at Boardwalk (where we would definitely purchase if we decide to purchase)
-close proximity to Epcot and DHS at Boardwalk

Am I missing something? Are these *good* reasons for the DVC villas to be appealing to me?

I know about housekeeping and that seems like the major difference between a regular deluxe resort and staying on DVC points at a DVC resort. Clean towels and replenishing toiletries every 4 days, and they clean the room between guests. That is fine with us.

 

[kim_d]

Can you please tell me the difference between a DVC room and a regular deluxe room? Here are the things I like about what I know of the DVC rooms:

-ability to stay in a one-bedroom, giving DH and I some privacy
-as the boys get bigger we will need more space and one room will seem crowded
-fridge, microwave, toaster in a one-bedroom
-washer and dryer just in case (also can pack lighter on a long trip if we so choose)
-king bed for DH and me in a one-bedroom (NOT a double...a queen would be good too, as this is what we are used to at home)
-interior corridors at Boardwalk (where we would definitely purchase if we decide to purchase)
-close proximity to Epcot and DHS at Boardwalk

Am I missing something? Are these *good* reasons for the DVC villas to be appealing to me?

QUOTE]
Another thing we love about DVC is the whirlpool tubs. Very nice after a long day of walking.

While only true for some rooms in AKV we love the idea of a one bedroom having 2 bathrooms-- great for when our kids get a little older.

 

[bangzoom6877]

Can you please tell me the difference between a DVC room and a regular deluxe room? Here are the things I like about what I know of the DVC rooms:

-ability to stay in a one-bedroom, giving DH and I some privacy
-as the boys get bigger we will need more space and one room will seem crowded
-fridge, microwave, toaster in a one-bedroom
-washer and dryer just in case (also can pack lighter on a long trip if we so choose)
-king bed for DH and me in a one-bedroom (NOT a double...a queen would be good too, as this is what we are used to at home)
-interior corridors at Boardwalk (where we would definitely purchase if we decide to purchase)
-close proximity to Epcot and DHS at Boardwalk

Am I missing something? Are these *good* reasons for the DVC villas to be appealing to me?

QUOTE]
Another thing we love about DVC is the whirlpool tubs. Very nice after a long day of walking.

While only true for some rooms in AKV we love the idea of a one bedroom having 2 bathrooms-- great for when our kids get a little older.

That's right, I forgot about the whirlpool tubs!! That is a wonderful extra in the one-bedrooms!

AKV does look very nice also. But we don't like the location. It is very far from the other parks, while close to AK. The club level is tempting, but the location and theming of the Boardwalk is so much more appealing to us. Seems like we can get a much better deal on BWV too!

 

[crisi]

Can you please tell me the difference between a DVC room and a regular deluxe room? Here are the things I like about what I know of the DVC rooms:

Housekeeping is the big one for me.

Only VAKL has conceirge available.

Deluxe rooms have two queen beds - DVC studios at WDW (except OKW) have one queen bed and one full pullout.

CRO reservations have better cancellation policies.

IME (and not everyone agrees) Deluxe CRO rooms are better maintained, refreshed more often, and better appointed than their DVC counterparts.

IME (and not everyone agrees) I perceive I get better service when staying in a Deluxe resort - bell services comes faster to my room for instance.

 

[kim_d]

That's right, I forgot about the whirlpool tubs!! That is a wonderful extra in the one-bedrooms!

AKV does look very nice also. But we don't like the location. It is very far from the other parks, while close to AK. The club level is tempting, but the location and theming of the Boardwalk is so much more appealing to us. Seems like we can get a much better deal on BWV too!

That is great thing about DVC (and WDW resorts in general)- lots of different options. And you can always try something different down the road or do a split stay.

We love our home resort BCV, but we just did an add-on for AKL. While AKV far from many parks we love the theme and the animals as well as the planned "mini water park". DH is also a fan of the one resort bus stop...we find it to be a pain sometimes to be on a bus that stops at Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk.

 

[bangzoom6877]

That is great thing about DVC (and WDW resorts in general)- lots of different options. And you can always try something different down the road or do a split stay.

We love our home resort BCV, but we just did an add-on for AKL. While AKV far from many parks we love the theme and the animals as well as the planned "mini water park". DH is also a fan of the one resort bus stop...we find it to be a pain sometimes to be on a bus that stops at Swan, Dolphin, Yacht, Beach and Boardwalk.

Buses don't bother us because we like to drive to the theme parks. We did it both ways last month on our trip, as prefer driving to the parks, which was why I originally asked about free parking at theme parks for a DVC-stay. The buses were great, did not have long waits, etc., just preferred driving especially since we got to the parks before rope drop and never had to use the parking lot trams. We drive down from NYC so we would always have our car with us, so no added rental car expense.

Now here's a question...provided that Disney keeps including free valet parking at DVC resorts as a perk for DVC members...would that mean you could valet park for free at Bay Lake Towers, IF it comes to be a DVC resort? I know you are not supposed to park at another resort, but I know people can valet park at another resort without a time limit. Has anyone else thought of this for going to MK later in the day, like for going back for dinner after an afternoon break in the room?

 

[hakepb]

Buses don't bother us because we like to drive to the theme parks. We did it both ways last month on our trip, as prefer driving to the parks, which was why I originally asked about free parking at theme parks for a DVC-stay. The buses were great, did not have long waits, etc., just preferred driving especially since we got to the parks before rope drop and never had to use the parking lot trams. We drive down from NYC so we would always have our car with us, so no added rental car expense.

Now here's a question...provided that Disney keeps including free valet parking at DVC resorts as a perk for DVC members...would that mean you could valet park for free at Bay Lake Towers, IF it comes to be a DVC resort? I know you are not supposed to park at another resort, but I know people can valet park at another resort without a time limit. Has anyone else thought of this for going to MK later in the day, like for going back for dinner after an afternoon break in the room?

It has been asked about VWL. No you cannot use valet parking to go to a nearby park. It is just supposed to be for meals, shopping or pool hopping

 

[ITGirl50]

I'll add something to #1 - DVC is not the same as staying at a Deluxe hotel. If you want a Deluxe hotel, book a Deluxe hotel. DVC is much nicer (IMO) than the values - but over time there have been several people disappointed (including myself) in the difference between a timeshare and a Deluxe hotel.

IMO...We've stayed in WDW deluxe hotels for many years and I think the DVC rooms compare very well. We stayed at the Poly and BWV in July. BWV was much nicer than the Poly. The Poly shower didn't work very well (dribble, dribble ) and the bathroom was very small. The 1-bedroom at BWV had a very large, clean and well working shower. We the Poly's location, view, beach, monorail, and pool, but the rooms at the DVC resorts at the hotel locations are just as nice. The only thing you don't get is daily mousekeeping and you could pay for it at DVC if you really wanted it.

 

[crisi]

IMO...We've stayed in WDW deluxe hotels for many years and I think the DVC rooms compare very well. We stayed at the Poly and BWV in July. BWV was much nicer than the Poly. The Poly shower didn't work very well (dribble, dribble ) and the bathroom was very small. The 1-bedroom at BWV had a very large, clean and well working shower. We the Poly's location, view, beach, monorail, and pool, but the rooms at the DVC resorts at the hotel locations are just as nice. The only thing you don't get is daily mousekeeping and you could pay for it at DVC if you really wanted it.

A lot of people agree with you. I don't. The important thing is whether bangzoom does. It actually doesn't sound like bangzoom has stayed in a Deluxe, so she may not have that to really compare it to - she's stayed in values, and I think she'll find DVC (with the exception of housekeeping) superior to the values.

 

[bangzoom6877]

A lot of people agree with you. I don't. The important thing is whether bangzoom does. It actually doesn't sound like bangzoom has stayed in a Deluxe, so she may not have that to really compare it to - she's stayed in values, and I think she'll find DVC (with the exception of housekeeping) superior to the values.

No, I have not stayed in a deluxe, only in a Value last month, and offsite for trips when I was a kid. However, we did get to see the lobbies of a couple of deluxes, and WOW! Even the Contemporary which is far less themed than any of the other WDW resorts was gorgeous! And we took a walk over to look at Beach Club and Boardwalk from Epcot, and my goodness, we said it was our dream to stay at either one of those someday! We also ate dinner at the Grand Floridian one evening and we loved it there too. And also AKL, when we ate at Boma. All were beautiful and unique in their own way.

The housekeeping factor is fine. However, do they give you enough of a trash can to throw out a few days worth of garbage if you eat breakfast in the room each morning? We had breakfast in the room at Pop Century except for 2 character breakfasts. We prefer to eat breakfast in the room to save money, and it saved us time and we got to the parks early. One of our 2 character breakfasts was at DHS an hour before the park opened (so we made it out before rope drop) and the other was at Chef Mickey's the morning we left (we left right after breakfast). We decided then and there that we would end each and every Disney trip with a character breakfast before heading out! Now if we buy at BWV we can do that at Cape May and walk right over!!!

 

[crisi]

If you fill up the can, they give you more bags. Its your responsibility to walk it to the trash room if you need to get rid of it before Trash and Towel. Its a small kitchen garbage can - we have filled it up perhaps ONCE and needed to take the trash down.

The DVC resorts in Deluxe hotels share all the amenities with the Deluxe hotel - lobby, bars, checkin - and occationally have some space of their "own" (the Solarium at BCVs, the Iron Spike room at VWL - BWV has the Community Hall).