What age is too old to buy into DVC?

[bobbiwoz]

I was in my late 50s and DH was in his early 60s when we bought in '03. We were very lucky to celebrate DM's 85th birthday with 13 family and friends in '04, and in '05 we had a 4 generation trip with her DGGC! DM can't travel now, it's hard for me to get around, but buying into DVC and enjoying WDW with my family and friends has kept us young at heart!

I spent much of last week solo at WDW, sandwiched in between weekends with DH and the DGC and their parents. When DH retires next April, we'll be there together during the week between weekend family trips, and that will be even better!

 

[abner1776]

I ( with DW semi- approval) bought DVC back in 2006 when I was 56 and our two DD's were in college. We are the opposite of your situation as I am the WDW person and my DW is more like your husband. I am also a tax accountant and while the finance side of my DVC purchase does not exactly make sense, I am looking out for the next 25 years and with one DD who is an over the top certified Disney Nut, I do not see any downside to my purchase.

I have had no problem renting out my points and in fact have established a great relationship with a single mother out in CA who is more than willing to rent my points when available.

While I would never purchase a "time share," per se I look at DVC slightly different. Maybe that's just my slant on the purchase but I have no regrets about my DVC purchase back in 2006.

 

[bookbunny]

I have to say, I have been thinking about getting DVC property as well. I know thought about the fact that I am 41 and wondering if I am too late to get property. I have always stayed at the value resorts and never have stayed at one of the nicer ones. I have been saving up my money but am uncertain as to if I should purchase "a part of the magic." I do think it would give me more of an incentive to go more often to Disney. I am really torn. I need some advice.

 

[DizBub]

I have to say, I have been thinking about getting DVC property as well. I know thought about the fact that I am 41 and wondering if I am too late to get property. I have always stayed at the value resorts and never have stayed at one of the nicer ones. I have been saving up my money but am uncertain as to if I should purchase "a part of the magic." I do think it would give me more of an incentive to go more often to Disney. I am really torn. I need some advice.

We wish that we had bought when we were much younger but simply couldn't afford it. We are now in a position that we can afford it and have the time to fully enjoy it. No regrets. Life is too short. It's never too late. Only you know what is possible for your situation. Good luck with your decision.

 

[bom_noite]

I have to say, I have been thinking about getting DVC property as well. I know thought about the fact that I am 41 and wondering if I am too late to get property. I have always stayed at the value resorts and never have stayed at one of the nicer ones. I have been saving up my money but am uncertain as to if I should purchase "a part of the magic." I do think it would give me more of an incentive to go more often to Disney. I am really torn. I need some advice.

I think 41 is a perfect age. I think 21 is a perfect age. I think 71 is a perfect age. I think allot of things - here -is what I think:

• We joined when I was 40 and had 2 kids aged 12 and 9. Those kids loved their yearly WDW jaunt.
• At the time I used a small inheritance to buy in. I saw it as a lifestyle choice. My wife did also after she saw her first OKW room. Our kids loved their 1 week a year during their youth and teens. In the future we see it is a place to entertain Grand-Kids. When we are gone - the kids will inherit our tradition.
• We have been so fortunate to entertain family members (My MIL ever year, other family members that could not afford a WDW vacation without a leg-up).
• We have been so fortunate to take our kid's friends with us on so many trips. And, many of those kids are not the sons / daughters of WDW fanatics - or - whose family's could not afford the trip.
• Though living in the same house, my wife and I have lived a marriage of financial convenience for 3 or 4 years. If we do ultimately separate - we will make sure each other has a contract to enjoy or split the existing contract we have now. NOTE: PM me now would be single female DVC'rs - LOL!.

I have always felt we are somewhat different from other DVC members in the way we use our DVC (dumb of me - it is always difficult to paint with a large brush). But, I think you need to see / understand the way we use our budget to afford it:

• Bought in to BCV at 150 Pts at I think $94 a point - in '93? Dont quote me. Total cost was like 12.5K Probably paid 8 to 10K in Dues? So I put in 18 to $22K - in that ball park!
• 2 Years ago did a "sell-buy" of our property for 190 OKW pts. Why? Absolutely everything OKW. Love lower pts, love 11 Month Window, Love Bigger Rooms, OKW IS - our 2nd home!
• 190 OKW Pts is not much - but enough points for us. Will NEVER take a cruise on points. Will never visit Hawaii on points. Will never get a AKL Grand Villa on points. And will get thrown out of Bay Lake Tower as a vagrant! But, that is ok for us!
• We are more then fine by-passing the Dining Plan and cooking in our room. Once or twice a trip we splurge on a nice dinner. The last trip our splurge consisted of $45 in Flippers Pizza.
• We cherish the mid-afternoon lunch / pool / let's quit fussing at each other break!
• We don't have AP's - we buy 10 day No Exp - Park Hopper tix and use them over 3 to 4 years.
• Even the kid's balk at going to 4 parks in 5 days - it is WAY too much! We like to take at least 2 down days to sleep in and Pool or Resort hop.
• Would love to do a 15 day stay with AP/MYW and DD! But, does not fit our budget - or who we are! My point is you can have DVC and a limited budget!

I personally see you answering two questions:

• Do you love WDW? Do you want to go there every year or every other year of your life?
• Can you afford the financial commitment. And, you have to be able to see in to the future a bit.
• Note: Even with the last bullet - you may be able to rent points out to meet your yearly dues when finances are tight.

Granted, I do not know your circumstances, but, if the above conditions are true: I think it is a no-brainer!

I have said in the past that many of the "Financial Justification" spreadsheets are a lark. Here is my justification spreadsheet:

• 3 out of the last 4 years stayed in a GV worth 14.5K per night! 3 Weeks at 5 nights each. That add's up to over $21K worth of rooms (at Rack Rate). And, if I added up all the rooms we have had over the years (GV at Vero Beach, 2 BR's at BCV, 2BR's at VWL, 1 BR's, 2 BR's and GV's at OKW, a few odd-days at Grand California - you name it) the rooms we have had over the 10 years is astounding.
• I attempt to offend nobody, but, when I go to WDW I don't want to stay at a value or moderate resort - been there - done that. I am not a prude - it is just who I am and what I like.

All my humble opinion!

 

[chalee94]

I have to say, I have been thinking about getting DVC property as well. I know thought about the fact that I am 41 and wondering if I am too late to get property. I have always stayed at the value resorts and never have stayed at one of the nicer ones. I am really torn. I need some advice.

if you are happy at the values or offsite, DVC will never save you money.

if you want to stay in nicer onsite resorts, DVC is a good option (if you are willing to make a long-term commitment). as you are around my age, you may want to stick with the resorts that expire in 2042 - OKW can be a very good deal.

but take your time and read through different threads on the DVC forums for a few months and get a feel for how DVC works and what current owners like or don't like (and how that might impact you specifically.) but don't buy in to get "a piece of the magic" - think in terms of "ownership" rather than "membership"...

 

[tb1972]

DH and I are both 39 and just joined in March 2012. Right now we have children ages 7 & 10, but we bought DVC thinking we'd use it as a family for now and for traveling as a couple in a decade or so!

 

[bookbunny]

Thank you so very much. I have been trying to get my boyfriend on board with buying property. I do keep a watch on the TimeShare Store resales. I am hoping that OKW comes up that fits my price range.

 

[WsPrincess]

I was 50 when I first bought. Plan to use it for at least another 25 years or until I can't find my way around an airport!

You can always hire someone to help you

i was wondering the same thing. my wife and i bought this year at age 32 but it would interesting to know how early of an age people buy into DVC.

I would be interested to know too. We were 34 and 35 when we bought in with small kids. We had a bonus come in we had not expected and we jumped on the chance to do this for US!

I wish I could of afforded it when I was that age, but I was house poor.

I think we will always be house poor, well not really but it is so hard to see what other houses in our neighborhood are now selling for and looking at what we still owe. I think it was one factor in buying a resale DVC contract, we just needed to feel like we got a deal (even if we really didn't)

 

[SpectroMan71]

michelleiada! Your original post really struck me. I'm 41 and have been wanting to purchase since I was about 32. But like you, I've only wanted to do this if I can pay cash. I don't need another loan for anything - the car is paid, and I have 3 mortgages on 3 houses and that's more than enough. I decided to pocket my roommate's rental income for as many months as it takes to buy 150-160 points and then empty that account and never look back. I've got about 2 months to go, so I'm signing up with the resalers now to get on the email notification lists when the right contract comes up.

Good luck to you and no, it's not too late! I don't see myself stopping coming to FL any time soon unless airfares from CA get out of hand. So far, they're still ok.

 

[mickeyworld]

I purchased DVC ten years ago at 47, shortly after my husband suddenly passed away. For ten years I have been able to take my children ( who are now 18 and 21) every year on a trip, even letting them bring friends and stay somewhere nice. You don't ever feel SINGLE while on vacation at WDW, even if the teens do their own thing. I use it for holidays, family get togethers, and long weekends with girlfriends. You are never too old for DVC! Of course any single guys who love Disney are also welcome

 

[alice99]

My parents are 66 and 68, they just purchased Boardwalk points.

They are traveling and enjoying them , age makes no difference at all.

 

[edk35]

We bought into DVC in Jan. 2007 when I was 44. We love it..and we have one in college and another one starting in Aug. We bought directly though Disney, then added on through Disney..THEN added on again last fall, but thru resale. GO FOR IT!!!!

 

[DougEMG]

My parents are 66 and 68, they just purchased Boardwalk points.

They are traveling and enjoying them , age makes no difference at all.

Awesome

 

[Sammie]

I definitely do not think there is an age where you are too old to enjoy going to Disney as long as your health allows it. I took my 80 something year old Mom recently and she had a blast.

That said, I will say that the recent thread about dues projections for coming years has gotten me to thinking about what will the dues be when I am in my 80s and it was kinda distressing.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2951732

So just remember that factor, dues will increase and your income will probably decrease as you age.

 

[joeyrose]

i was 43 when i first bought in...have added on through the years. remember that this decision isn't necessarily "for life." buy, use, resell if you want. i am quite certain you'll get more than you're money's worth while you own.

 

[ELMC]

I just read an article about a woman who just celebrated her 104th birthday. I'm guessing that buying DVC might not be for her.

 

[Brian Noble]

Your problem isn't that you will be older when you have enough saved up---I'm about your age, and expect to travel for at least the next 25 years. The problem is that you and your husband fundamentally disagree about whether or not returning to Disney often is a good idea.

My (completely unsolicited and worth-what-you-paid-for-it) advice is to solve the problem you have. For example, that could mean that the two of you decide that sometimes you will vacation separately. Or, it could mean that you each get a "fun stuff" budget that you can do anything you like with. Once you've come to *that* understanding (or a similar one) then you can solve the DVC problem.

 

[alice99]

I just read an article about a woman who just celebrated her 104th birthday. I'm guessing that buying DVC might not be for her.

Very funny!

 

[wildernessDad]

I am 61 and I'm thinking about adding on. I say go for it if you want it.