Why Dont you do DVC??

[roomthreeseventeen]

Yes, you can (though it's not a particularly good deal to do so).

If you define "best" as being the cheapest number of DVC points, then a value or standard room at AKV is even fewer points than SSR or OKW, and a standard room at BWV is comparable.

You know, for someone who purports to know everything about DVC and its value, you seem to have some gaps in your knowledge.

OK, never mind. I never said I knew everything about DVC. I just said it's a horrible financial value for my family.

 

[bakenatj]

One thing I tell everyone is to try all the resorts. As humans we tend to find something we are comfortable with, something we like and is familiar to us. Then we stick with it thick or thin. If that was the case I would vacation to Maui all the time because I absolutely love Maui. My wife on the other hand likes to see new place and enjoy things we haven't seen. Luckily for me I listen to her and have been to many places and have enjoyed many new experiences.

How does that relate to DVC. Easy, don't think if you purchase at BLT or SSR that it is the only resort you can stay at. We haven't stayed at the same resort yet. They are all unique, and have something enjoyable about them you would never know unless you try. Life is short and there are so many things to see in this world (same goes for WDW), don't limit yourself to your comfort zone, step out of it once and you might be surprised to find many new "favorites" that are out there.

p.s. Don't be scared about the 11 or 7 month booking windows. Unless you have to travel during peak travel times (X-mas, 4th, Spring Break) it won't be an issue. You will get a room.

 

[KellyNY]

Yes, you can (though it's not a particularly good deal to do so).

If you define "best" as being the fewest number of DVC points required for a stay, then a value or standard room at AKV is even fewer points than SSR or OKW, and a standard room at BWV is comparable.

You know, for someone who purports to know everything about DVC and its value, you seem to have some gaps in your knowledge.

I just wondering, if for example person has enough points for a week at SSR, 1bdr, how many days it would be in GF. Just trying to understand system, and somebody said you can do it all over the world, how does it work?

 

[bakenatj]

I just wondering, if for example person has enough points for a week at SSR, 1bdr, how many days it would be in GF. Just trying to understand system, and somebody said you can do it all over the world, how does it work?

Well I'll give you an example. We are staying at BLT for a week, in a one bedroom Lake View the end of October for 242 points. For me to stay at the GF in a Garden View room for the week would cost me 416 points. That is a 174 point difference. I could stay almost another week at BLT for one week at GF. See what I was saying, not the best use of your points.

 

[pearlieq]

Each of my BLT points costs $2.12 + maintenance, so for this year they cost $5.90 each.

I never bother counting the "opportunity cost" because we would have spent the money at WDW either way. We stayed in deluxe resorts, usually with AP discounts. It would come out to around $250/night plus tax, if we were lucky.

We leave in a couple of weeks. We're staying in a 1 bedroom for two nights and a 2 bedroom for three nights. The total cost is 217 points. For $1280.30, I'm getting 5 nights of ultra premium lodging.

We usually vacation in May. The BLT studio on a weeknight in May is 17 points, or $100.30.

Rack rate on a Contemporary Garden View Wing Room for a weeknight in May is $429.28

Even if you scored a generous 40% discount (not at ALL guaranteed) it would be $257.57.

DVC owners get a better room for half the price, guaranteed.

DVC definitely isn't right for everyone, but for some people with certain tastes and vacation habits, it's definitely a bargain.

It's kind of like buying a Rolex at Costco. No one on Earth needs a Rolex, but if you're going to buy it anyway, you might as well do it cheaper.

 

[TinkBride]

I noticed a lot of people getting hung up on the maintenance fee issue...

If you qualify...get a Disney Visa card from Chase and use it to earn points. You can use those points to pay all, or most, of your annual maintenance fees thus costing you nothing out of pocket.

If your DVC purchase is paid off and you use your Disney Visa points to pay off your annual fees...you will essentially be travelling to WDW and beyond with free Deluxe accomdations.

Ding ding ding!!

I AM a a Disney visa card holder.......interesting..definitely interesting

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Well I'll give you an example. We are staying at BLT for a week, in a one bedroom Lake View the end of October for 242 points. For me to stay at the GF in a Garden View room for the week would cost me 416 points. That is a 174 point difference. I could stay another week at BLT for one week at GF. See what I was saying, not the best use of your points.

416 points? That's MORE than rack rate.

 

[Amy&Dan]

But being locked into the same few resorts with fewer amenities just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it does to some.

DVC resorts don't lack for amenities. AKV, BLT, BCV, BWV and VWL are all attached to deluxe level hotels. Its not the same type of resort experience if you stay on points (unless you pay extra for maid service).

But in the end, the biggest issue of anything being locked into something on this thread is you with your opinion. And its valid for you. But I have to say, the way you have posted on this thread and others with your opinions on DVC makes a lot of your points just hard to figure out.

I think your final statement is what really says it all. It doesn't appeal to you but it does to others. But I am sorry, there are financial pros to DVC. Maybe not as deep for some as others (a lot depends on when you bought and what type of accomodations you would have to have based on your family size) but they do exist.

 

[KellyNY]

Well I'll give you an example. We are staying at BLT for a week, in a one bedroom Lake View the end of October for 242 points. For me to stay at the GF in a Garden View room for the week would cost me 416 points. That is a 174 point difference. I could stay almost another week at BLT for one week at GF. See what I was saying, not the best use of your points.

I see, thank you.

 

[bakenatj]

416 points? That's MORE than rack rate.

That's why I wouldn't stay there on points. DVC is geared for members to stay at the Deluxe Villas. You would be better paying cash to stay at GF than to use points. Now if you priced out a 1 bed room Lake View at BLT and figured the 242, it is less than what a cash paying customer would have to pay. It's in knowing how to use your points, not just having points.

 

[Desnik]

416 points? That's MORE than rack rate.

Yup! See, now that to me is crazy!

Your DVC points have a better "value" when you use them at one of the DVC properties. Right now they are 7 on WDW property, one at Disney land, one in Hawaii, one in Hilton Head, and one in Vero Beach. That gives plenty to choose from. Now add to that trading out all over the world, Disney Cruise line and you get even more options. DVC is not for people who like to stay at Value and Mods and it is not for people who only want to stay at the GF. But, just because I am a DVC'er doesn't mean I can't stay at those places. A lot of DVC'ers stay at the other resorts as an add on to their DVC vacations. Take a look at my signature, I do it often.

 

[Corwin]

I just wondering, if for example person has enough points for a week at SSR, 1bdr, how many days it would be in GF. Just trying to understand system, and somebody said you can do it all over the world, how does it work?

Well, it currently takes 224 points to stay for a week at SSR in a 1BR (in late August when we usually travel).

This would just about get you five weekday nights in the GF at the same time (225 points). The whole week would be 361 points, because of the greater expense of weekends. You also have a $95 fee to do this.

Again, not the best value for your points.

 

[mistyt]

Each of my BLT points costs $2.12 + maintenance, so for this year they cost $5.90 each.
.

The first time I saw the point break down and how it comes out price wise I was blown away! Isn't it insane when you do the per point break down over 50 years?

 

[TinkBride]

So can you have your maintenance fees automatically charged to your disney visa on a monthly basis?? Because, personal as it may be, we currently put our fixed bills on our Disney Visa to gain points and pay it off every month.......soo if we also added our maintenance fees on a monthly basis that would just increase the amount of points we earn......not necessarily to pay maintenance fees......but maybe use our points for spending money while at the World......holy crap....and if the room is taken care of, and spending money is taken care of via reward points.....that takes away a lot of our current vacay costs......plus an AP discount....hmmmmm

Okay finance people - my husband is a CPA so everything is very black and white to him........would anyone mind sending me an excel spreadsheet to outline the costs?? Because DH is going to want to see hard numbers on actual savings......and he is the math whiz.....me not so much

Sorry I have totally hi-jacked this thread - sorry OP!

 

[bakenatj]

For us the decision was pretty easy. My wife and I have three children, 8, 6, 3. We do not like to stay in the traditional "hotel" type rooms. Those that have kids know a good night sleep is hard to come by when you are sleeping in the same room as three other children. Never mind after a long day in the parks. We want our own room, and the kids to have their own room, and a place where we can all be together and not crammed in a small hotel room.

Looking at what a Disney Deluxe Villa rate is, it didn't take a mathematician to figure out that it will not take long for it to be a savings for our family. Will we grow out of it, maybe, but I can sell. I don't intend to sell, I want to take my grand kids (Lord willing) to WDW and share many wonderful memories with them too. I just paid up front to make sure that I get a good deal in the future.

 

[Pakey]

416 points? That's MORE than rack rate.

Yes it is. And using the points, for the most part, for Disney cruises or Adventures by Disney is also really whacked. I'm considering one of these options next year just to burn up my excess points but it's hard to justify when I realize I would pay less with cash.

It's a nice option for members who find themselves in the same pickle as me with excess points in a year but ongoing, DVC points are best used at DVC.

 

[poohj80]

But being locked into the same few resorts with fewer amenities just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it does to some.

If you are going to WDW any way and want to stay in a Disney resort, you are still locked into staying at the Disney resorts available. Being a DVC member does not keep you form traveling anywhere but Disney either. What limits my trips is the amount of leave I get from work, not my DVC points. We still manage two non Disney trips and at least two Disney trips a year.

I'm loving your posts in the thread! We are huge DVC fans and look at it as we bought into something that is inflation proof price wise.

Take for example that a room at the Contemp, when it opened, was only $88 and now that same room is up to over $400 a night!

Thanks so much, but I must correct you on one point...when the Contemporary opened, rooms were only $29 per night according to a recent trivia game I particpated in.

 

[TinkBride]

Sorry another question - say we buy 200 points at x resort - but one year we do not go......do points roll over continuously?? Or do they only roll for a one year max?

Say I dont go for 3 years - does 600 points roll over?

 

[mistyt]

Thanks so much, but I must correct you on one point...when the Contemporary opened, rooms were only $29 per night according to a recent trivia game I particpated in.

Feel free to correct away!

 

[mistyt]

Sorry another question - say we buy 200 points at x resort - but one year we do not go......do points roll over continuously?? Or do they only roll for a one year max?

Say I dont go for 3 years - does 600 points roll over?

One year max.

But say you know you are going to take a trip in 2012, but not 2011 or 2013...you can bank your points for 2011 to 2012 and borrow your 2013 points as well to have 600 for one year.