Why Dont you do DVC??

[quirty30]

If I had to stay at WDW in a hotel room with my 2 kids, I'd go nuts. Quite frankly, we wouldn't go nearly as often. But for those of you who don't mind hotel rooms, more power to you. I also wouldn't be happy at an offsite condo - we adore staying on site. I was fortunate enough to make my DVC purchase last year outright - no financing. My annual dues are appx $1700. This year we stayed a total of 18 nights in nothing smaller than a 1 BR villa. Mind you, I did have some banked points from last year. But next year, we have 13 nights planned, without any borrowing; all 1 BR stays, some of them AKV concierge level. My kids and I are WDW fanatics and we LOVE our DVC. We simply don't tire of our visits and I doubt we'd ever trade out. And that's how to get the best value out of DVC. But different strokes for different folks - it's not for everyone.

P.S. I didn't read the whole thread and I'm not up for controversy tonight. Just wanted to offer my own take. I'd have been hard-pressed to go with DVC if I my financial situation had been different.

 

[MatersTowing92]

Everyone that doesn't want to buy into DVC is fine with me I have a better chance at getting the resort I want with less people owning DVC. Now for the people who say it cost to much? You do realize you pay for DVC and own it for 45 years if you get into a new resort? I own at the BWV and will be taking my third trip since I bought it(resale) and even with dues it has paid for itself already. The first trip we had 2 rooms a 2br and a studio for 10 nights, second trip we had a grandvilla for 6, this trip we will have a 2br and a 1br for 6 night(all at the BWV). So not only are the rooms better but every time I go for the next 30 years it will be like a free trip to a delux resort. Add up the cost for those rooms if you were to pay cash you come out ahead. If you go 4 times a year it would still work out to save you a lot of money it would just be more upfront. As for the people that go every other year its perfect for you thats what we do we take a 10 day trip every other year around Thanksgiving.

 

[d1gitman]

Hmmmm...It's been a few years since I compared costs between DVC and booking on-site. So the estimator in me decided to do a quick comparison...

First off, I know that the resorts are apples and oranges but the premise was the least expensive resort for DVC and the least expensive for booking direct.

Here is what I came up with:

3/6/11 - 3/10/11 + 9/23/11 - 10/2/11 = 14 nights total.

DVC
AKL Studio
160 pts = 47 yrs = $19200 cost + $345 closing + $37,224 dues (based on today's rates) = $1208 yr. in "today's dollars"


All-Star Music
Standard Room
Room Only
$1525 for 2011 pricing

POFQ
Standard Room
Room Only
$2650 for 2011 pricing

I find this interesting, because in years past I had done the same comparison and the math came out in favor of booking direct.

Also, the DVC math is based on Disney pricing. It is possible to 'buy' DVC points through resellers for less than the current retail pricing.

This has me thinking now that i may have to re-investigate this whole DVC thing.

If i find the math works in my favor to my liking, the only drawback currently would be that i can get free DDP by booking direct (food adds up with a family) and the 47 yr. commitment...I love Disney, but....

Oh, and DVC value studio - i have no idea what the bed scenario is (2q's or 1k?). If you start to look at other DVC resorts, the point usage jumps up, so i would have to factor that. Not sure I want to stay at AKV for 47 yrs. running.

 

[MatersTowing92]

I bought 2 timeshares in Vermont for $1 each on Ebay. I'm good with them.

I am also spoiled by the Starwood program. We're staying at the Swan in November for $60 a night. DVC can't beat that.

I would rather stay a the All-stars or Pop then the Swan/Dolphin but if you like it thats a good deal for you. I just don't like the non-disney feel of those resorts but some people really like them. Also it your opinion DVC can't beat that every DVC resort is nicer then the Swan/Dolphin(thats my opinion), also does the $60 include the daily parking fee at the hotel(if you have a car), your fee to book and taxes?

People get defensive about owning DVC and people get defensive on why they won't buy DVC. To each there own people see things different ways but the people that have to get rude about it on a message board need to find something else to do with there time.(not saying that to you Duffy)

 

[SSR]

True but you have to pay closing costs. And many are stripped and with direct, you get twice the points. If you buy say a 100 point contract in October 2010 for some March Use Year BLT points, and make a ressie 11 months out right after you get those points for say September 2011, you start with 200 points.

For the most part, buying resale BLT right now is not a better value. Plus, buying direct allows you to choose your contract types. I have 8 BLT contracts for 290 points total. Many 25s, a couple 30s, two 50s, etc.

Another benefit is being able to use your Disney Visa Credit Card to make the purchase and getting the benefit of points on your card from this large purchase.

While I think you're spot on in post 261, I diverge from your thinking here, especially regarding the ViSA. I would never justify paying 30% more for DVC direct through Disney (for non BLT resort) because of VISA points. You're really talking only $150 on a $15,000 contract. I saved over $5000 buying SSR on resale. This VISA thing strikes me as a resale timeshare salesperson tactic. My .02.

 

[duffy]

I would rather stay a the All-stars or Pop then the Swan/Dolphin but if you like it thats a good deal for you. I just don't like the non-disney feel of those resorts but some people really like them. Also it your opinion DVC can't beat that every DVC resort is nicer then the Swan/Dolphin(thats my opinion), also does the $60 include the daily parking fee at the hotel(if you have a car), your fee to book and taxes?People get defensive about owning DVC and people get defensive on why they won't buy DVC. To each there own people see things different ways but the people that have to get rude about it on a message board need to find something else to do with there time.(not saying that to you Duffy)

Yes. I've never been charged any resort fee, and Starwood does not charge any fee to book, and taxes are included in the $60.

I like the All-Stars very much too. But, I love being able to walk to my favorite park, Epcot.

The only DVC resort I've stayed at is the Wilderness Lodge. It is beautiful, and if it was within walking distance of Epcot, I'd love to buy there.

I love our two Vermont timeshares. We have one week on even years at one, and week 51 at the second, only a few miles from Stowe. We love skiing, and have family in the area, so it's perfect.

We don't have enough vacation time to spend any more time at Disney too. In fact, our trip in November is a romantic, adults-only long weekend. Going down on a Friday, home late Monday night.

 

[Minnie J]

The reason I wont go into DVC

1. Cant afford it~Paying 19,000 or whatever and maintenance fees and I cant even get mousekeeping in my room more than once plus no coffee everyday

2. You'll be locked down into the contract for 30-45 years. So if you "lose the magic" you either have to give the DVC up, rent points, or share with others.

3. Did I mention losing out on perks?

 

[Kay1]

10.5 to 12.5 depending on your credit rating.

Thank you, and Wow!

 

[mgroshans]

My take:
If you don't think DVC is right for you and your family, that's is fine.
DVC works for us. Here is my example why I think this:
We have 2 trips planned for next year:
1st trip: May 28th - June 6th, cash price staying at AKV, studio, savanah view is $4860.00 with tax, room only.
2nd trip: December 17th - 23rd, cash price staying at AKV, studio,savanah view is $3493 with tax, room.
Total for both trips is $8353

We did finance our 2 DVC contracts thru Disney. So with our monthly payment, including annual dues, we will pay almost 50% less than the total of both trips if we paid cash.
I know there are incentives for non DVC members, i.e. free dining, we don't do the dining plan at all, it's not our cup of tea. DH and I always split a meal, the boys don't eat enough to cover the cost.
We do annual passes with the DVC discount b/c we do 2 trips in the 12 month period.
We also have 2 seperate contracts of equal points at the same place to give our 2 boys when they are older and have there own family.
I know DVC isn't for everyone. We don't look funny at people if they don't have it or don't like it.
Bottom line is: what works for our family may or may not work for another.

 

[k5thbeatle]

We stay Deluxe every year and DH and I have crunched the numbers many times and its just not worth it.

Just can't understand why anyone would pay all that money up front plus maintance fees every year and not be able totake part in all the good deals, disney has to offer every year. Plus DVC isn't even yours. After a certain number of years, you have to give it back so in reality you don't own just rent.

Plus sometimes I don't know 11 months out where we are going on vacation and if I want a popular resort like BWV during October, its not happening unless I book far in advance.

We just returned last week from WDW but won't be going back for a couple years (been every year for the past 10 years, we want to do other things) I don't want the hassle of having to sell my points so I don't lose money,

Some people view it as a guanranteed vacation. Thats not mine and DH's take. Hey if it works for some people , good for you, but its not for us.

Same here! Also not enough perks.

 

[going/again]

Apologies if I am mistaken but I believe you have stressed that the Maintenance Fees (i.e., costs and original purchase price) are too much.

Then you suggest that you don't get enough maid service.

Guess what pays for the maid service?

The dues are lower because there is less maid service.

Interesting point, but the guests that get 40% off or upgraded from values get full mousekeeping, or UK guests who get 42% off and free dining, having asked DVC several times who pays for this I have never got an answer.

 

[Minnie J]

We did finance our 2 DVC contracts thru Disney. So with our monthly payment, including annual dues, we will pay almost 50% less than the total of both trips if we paid cash.
I know there are incentives for non DVC members, i.e. free dining, we don't do the dining plan at all, it's not our cup of tea. DH and I always split a meal, the boys don't eat enough to cover the cost.
We do annual passes with the DVC discount b/c we do 2 trips in the 12 month period.
We also have 2 seperate contracts of equal points at the same place to give our 2 boys when they are older and have there own family.
I know DVC isn't for everyone. We don't look funny at people if they don't have it or don't like it.
Bottom line is: what works for our family may or may not work for another.

I agree with you here about what works for one might not work for another but threads like this shouldn't be posted due to the fact one will cry on another and it'll get out of hand as it has already done the last 21 pages. THe OP asked a certain question and those of us answered as to why we DONT. We didn't need people jumping in stating why we should or why we made such foolish decisions

 

[Lynne M]

Same here! Also not enough perks.

I dunno, paying ~$95/night for a room at a deluxe resort is plenty of 'perk' for me.

 

[awilliams4]

For the most part, buying resale BLT right now is not a better value. Plus, buying direct allows you to choose your contract types. I have 8 BLT contracts for 290 points total. Many 25s, a couple 30s, two 50s, etc.

Another benefit is being able to use your Disney Visa Credit Card to make the purchase and getting the benefit of points on your card from this large purchase.

Okay, my ears perked up here! THis was a biggy for dh, he did NOT want to buy a large pts contract and we were told that there was a 160pt minimum contract ... SO unless I am missing something...how did you get your 290pts in small contracts direct from Disney? (before I gave reasons why not, and I forgot about this one, although dh said he wished we could start out "small" ) we may change our minds afterall[/QUOTE]

We originally purchased 130 BLT points in May of 2009. When we contacted our guide, we requested (2) 25s and (2) 50s & (1) 30. We were told no, then I said that I know that other people do it. The guide said he would get back to me and 1 hour later, the call came and he said his manager waived this rule for me and set it up the way I requested it.

In July 2009, we realized 130 points wasn't enough and bought (4) 25s & (1) 30, this time the guide didn't even blink and did what we asked. All of these purchases were during the $96 per point time last spring/summer.

Then this past July after staying in a 2 Bedroom at BLT in June, we decided to cancel a Disney Dream ressie for Nov 2011 and use that money to get 30 more points at BLT. $120 per point though, ouch. But we just needed more points. We are done now.

Our entire intent is to eventually sell some of our BLT contracts and use those proceeds to purchase GF or Poly when/if they materialize. I suspect we will get 80-90% of our money back and will have to put some money down again for GF or Poly but we won't regret it. We are the type to do nother all year long and not spend a dime on anything but the essentials. My wallpaper on our 15 year old bathrooms are peeling but I have DVC Points!

We also have a 200 point contract at BCV that we purchased resale in 2008 (banked points, not stripped at $89 per point. A point or two high but we are happy) that we have every intent to extend if/when DVD offers and extension on the BCV contracts. I suspect that will set us back at least $3k but for another 15 years or more at BCV, worth it to us.


To the others that consider my recent posts harsh, I agree, they are a bit harsh. This is about why we Don't Do DVC. While my posts my seem obviously harsh, the posts I was replying to, to me, seemed equally harsh and misguided in their descriptions as to why they Don't Do DVC (i.e., things like INSANE, RIDICULOUS, etc) They are border line not even opinions at that point but just plan incorrect.

 

[awilliams4]

While I think you're spot on in post 261, I diverge from your thinking here, especially regarding the ViSA. I would never justify paying 30% more for DVC direct through Disney (for non BLT resort) because of VISA points. You're really talking only $150 on a $15,000 contract. I saved over $5000 buying SSR on resale. This VISA thing strikes me as a resale timeshare salesperson tactic. My .02.

Sorry, I should have added that we purchased BLT direct for $96 per point. There has never been any resales that I have noticed going for $67.20 (30% off of $96)

We paid off the Visa in full the next month so we got 24,960 Disney Visa points for our 260 points we purchased in 2009 for $96 per point. That is basically $250 in a Disney Gift card. Effectively lowering our purchase price another $1 (260 points, $250 dollars). Then you add that we got 2009 points in addition to the 2010 another $2600 dollars (assuming each point is worth about $10 at 260 points total) Lowering our real cost to $85 per point. Then take into consideration no closing costs. And 30 days free interest (when you pay with a CC direct, you can ask your guide to date the transaction 30 days out) Throw in the fact that we were able to get small contracts that will now sell significanly higher than larger contacts....we got a pretty good deal!

 

[kangaroodle]

The value of DVC REALLY depends on when and how you purchased......

My husband and I bought in 1995, before we had children, because we knew we loved WDW and would go back many times once we had children. Now my daughter is 14 and her friends are jealous that she has been to WDW 14 times! My son is 11 with 11 trips.

Back then, the cost was only $59/point AND we got FREE PARK PASSES EVERY TIME we stayed at DVC untill the year 2000!

We paid with our credit card and got enough for a free airline ticket to WDW....then we paid the credit card off with a home equity loan and wrote the interest off on taxes.

You are still able to write off a portion of the maintenence fees on your income tax.

Our DVC paid for itself within the first 3 years. We went many times with the park pass perk!

We use our Disney Visa for everything now and that is our spending money for our trips.

My kids have been to MANY places (2 cruises, New Mexico, Niagara Falls, Atlanta, Alaska.....) other than Disney because for us, Disney is our CHEAP vacation!!


BUT...there is absolutely NO WAY I would be able to afford DVC now!

 

[Sanchez]

The best timeshare is one owned by a friend or family member.

 

[staceymay00]

I agree with you here about what works for one might not work for another but threads like this shouldn't be posted due to the fact one will cry on another and it'll get out of hand as it has already done the last 21 pages. THe OP asked a certain question and those of us answered as to why we DONT. We didn't need people jumping in stating why we should or why we made such foolish decisions

DVC is most definitely not a good deal for everyone. I think most DVC members agree with that statement. DVC members are likely to jump in, however, to respond to inaccurate statements and blanket statements that all DVC purchases are a waste of money. I am not going to re-read the enitre thread (some if it I read a day or two ago) but I don't recall seeing posts coercing others to by DVC, or saying it is foolish to not buy DVC. Some people do get too emotional and condescending defending their choices. This happens on both sides of the issue.

 

[mgroshans]

DVC is most definitely not a good deal for everyone. I think most DVC members agree with that statement.

 

[staceymay00]

you see..I dont CARE about having a washer/dryer and a kitchen...I do not go on vacation to do wash and cook.... I also dont care about having tons of room I spend my time out doing things and I dont need another room for the kids after a day in the park they are fast alseep as soon as we hit the door and so are we.We have stayed in a villa plenty (OKW) because we know someone with a dvc they wish they could get rid off..not impressed enough to spend that kind of money when I like my kids to have a little more culture then spending EVERY single vacation at wdw.

I'm curious...what leads you to believe that DVC members lack culture, as you put it, and only take their children to WDW?