What are the benefits to owning DVC?

[PatricenPete]

DH and I are seriously contemplating buying into DVC? We will be making our first trip to a DVC resort in October on rented points.

What are some of the benefits of owning DVC? Aside from just owning a piece of the "Disney magic." It seems like a lot of money up front and then annual dues. What is the "break even" mark? For example - we average AT LEAST 1 trip a year usually at a moderate resort - there have been a few years where we have taken 2 or 3 trips - what would a break even mark be for us?

How many points would you recommend? Would you recommend buying direct through Disney or the Timeshare store?

For those of you that are financing, what was your down payment and what are you monthly payments and for how long? (sorry if I am getting too personal) What is the discount that you receive on APs?

I know that my husband will ask a million questions and I would love to be able to point him to this thread.

Thanks in advance!

 

[tjkraz]

The only thing guaranteed is the use of your points for the next 37-49 years (depending on resort.) Other perks are available (AP Discount, dining discounts, recreation discounts), but they aren't guaranteed. The list of perks can--and does--change frequently.

If you're used to paying for Moderate rooms, about the best you can hope for is to break-even over the long term. DVC resorts are on par with WDW's Deluxe resorts, and the Deluxes are 2-3x the cost of a moderate room.

All DVC rooms have a kitchenette, balcony in-room or access to free public laundry facilities, and all of the amenities you associate with a Deluxe resort. The One-Bedroom and larger Villas have a whirlpool tub, separate living and sleeping quarters, full kitchen, washer/dryer in-room, at least two TVs, DVD player, etc.

If you do a cost comparison between the Deluxe resorts, you'll probably see a breakeven point of 6-8 years. From that point forward you get your accommodations for a fraction of the cost (dues only.) But, when comparing to the Moderate resorts, it could take 20 years or more to break even. It's just not an apples-to-apples comparison.

The decision you need to make is whether it's worth the up-front investment to basically UPGRADE from the accommodations you are accustomed to. If a Value or Moderate resort is adequate for your needs and/or you see yourselves tiring of WDW in the next 10-20 years, then it's not worth the money. But, if you want the upgrade in accommodations and see yourselves visiting WDW for years and years to come, then it is worth investigating further.

EDIT: The number of points you need depends on a lot of factors like the size of room you want, dates you intend to travel and your expected number of nights per year. You can buy either direct from DVC or via resale. Contracts at Saratoga Springs (the resort DVC is currently selling) run through 2054. At this point you can either buy direct or look for an SSR resale. Either way the pricing is fairly comparable.

If you want any of the other resorts, you're much better off going the resale route to save money. But note that contracts at the other properties end in 2042.

If you go resale, you have to pay cash or finance it yourself (home equity.) DVC can finance for you at about 9.75% for up to 10 years.

Regardless of whether you buy resale or direct, you will be treated the same as any member. It's mostly a question if you want to expend a little more time and energy to save a few dollars (resale) vs. completing the entire transaction in one phone call (direct.)

 

[poolgirl]

We bought in three or four years ago and both DH and I wish we did it 10 years ago!

Its the best thing we ever did and we don't have children of our own. The rooms are larger and even with a studio you will get a "kitchen-ette" with a small fridge, microwave, toaster and sink also equiped with paper plates, etc...

But the one and two bedroom are fantastic!!!!!! The bathrooms are to die for with a king size bed in the master bedroom, HUGE bathroom, your own washer and drywer (full size) and a complete kitchen. We make breakfast each and every day (talk about a huge savings), and it would allow you so much "Room for growth" as your son grows up.

We bought originally at BCV directly thrtu DVC but also bought more points thru the Disney store at WLV. We financed BCV but bought WLV - dues are not cheap but we feel they are well worth it. FYI - make sure that if you buy thru Disney Store you ask NOT to have your phone number added to a mailing list that drives you crazy about selling or renting your points.

Have you taken the tour? You really should!

Depnding on when you like to go will effect how many points you purchase. We bought 350 initially and 200 more later. But to be honest if you like to go 1 week per year you probably only 100 - 200 points depending on when and where you stay.

You also receive a $100 discount on AP's being a DVC member.

 

[JimMIA]

What are some of the benefits of owning DVC? Aside from just owning a piece of the "Disney magic."

I wouldn't buy it for a "piece of the Disney magic." But there is something to be said for Disney quality, Disney attention to detail, and also the thought that Disney has an important vested interest in your timeshare. Those are important considerations.

It seems like a lot of money up front and then annual dues.

Yes, whether you buy a small contract or a large one, it is a serious financial decision. There are many, many factors to consider and this board is a good place to start. Specifically, this link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=778634 is a thread I started to raise some of the most basic issues we confront when deciding what to do. It is not the definitive word, but it's a place to start. It will also give you some opinions about buying direct or resale.

What is the "break even" mark? For example - we average AT LEAST 1 trip a year usually at a moderate resort - there have been a few years where we have taken 2 or 3 trips - what would a break even mark be for us?

I am very reluctant to do "break even," and I also don't like to discuss DVC as an investment. I prefer to look at two factors. One is the ability to lock in vacation costs at a place you obviously LOVE. That, to me, is the reason to buy a timeshare. And the other thing I like about DVC is the versatility and flexibility of the points system. The points have great value whether you stay in a Grand Villa for a week, or a studio for two days, or a 2 BR for two weeks. That flexibility, plus the ability to lock in costs at a place where you know costs are certain to go up, are the keys for me.

IF YOU MUST think of this in terms of breaking even, at least you have a leg up on most folks. You know how often you've visited; you know where you have stayed, you know what that has cost you. Now just factor in a little inflation, and compare the result to the cost of DVC.

How many points would you recommend? Would you recommend buying direct through Disney or the Timeshare store?

How many points depends on a wide array of factors. How often will you visit? How long will you stay? What size accommodations will you need? Don't factor in bringing all of the in-laws; just figure on the three of you for now. And don't be afraid to buy too few points. You can always add on.

The above link will give you some thoughts on direct vs. resale. As I said in several other threads, I recently bought resale, but if I had it to do all over again, I think I would probably buy direct. If you go to the end of this thread http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=785511 , you will see my computations and my logic. There are many, many other posters who would take vigorous exception.

Considering resale, one important consideration is ROFR. This link http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=720134 will give you info on the current level of transactions and hopefully (to the degree that any of us can figure it out) give you some idea what will or will not pass ROFR. Go to the last page for the latest info.

Good luck and happy hunting!

 

[ton80]

I Too Have Wavered On Joining And In The End Did Join As I Have A
Wife An 3yr Old We Will Be Spending A Lot Of Time At Ssr Or Any Other Of The Resorts. It Is A No Brainer As We Figure If We Go
At Least Once Per Year As Our Son Grows Up It Will Have Paid Itself Off Within 5 To 7 Years.

Ps Just Received My Dvc Member Id Today !!!!!

Port Orleans 9/98 D-day Honeymoon
All Star 9/99
Off Site 5/03
Bw 11/04
Animal Kingdom Lodge 3/05
Ssr Or Okw 11/05