Why have you NOT bought DVC?

[jimmalru80]

1) I don't really understand it and I am way too lazy to take the time to learn about it. My friend at work is a DVC member and he's tried to explain the points to me, but it just does not register.
2) $$$$$

 

[a Really Bad Egg]

...my question goes to those who got to WDW every year, especially those who pay to stay in Deluxes, and have chosen not to buy DVC?

I think the OP wanted opinions from those who do WDW every year (especially those who do the deluxes) that chose not to buy DVC.

 

[chalee94]

1) I don't really understand it and I am way too lazy to take the time to learn about it. My friend at work is a DVC member and he's tried to explain the points to me, but it just does not register.
2) $$$$$

1) seriously, it takes some time to figure out, but the DIS makes it a lot easier to learn the ins and outs to see if DVC would be worthwhile. i'm still trying to read the TUG boards to figure out how to understand other timeshares...

2) i bought a small resale for less than $4000 and my maintenance fees are about $15 a month. people throw around numbers like $16,000 but couples/small families who want onsite annual trips to wdw can start smaller than that if they are willing to accept some limitations.

 

[Blessed_wth_Triplets]

1) seriously, it takes some time to figure out, but the DIS makes it a lot easier to learn the ins and outs to see if DVC would be worthwhile. i'm still trying to read the TUG boards to figure out how to understand other timeshares...

2) i bought a small resale for less than $4000 and my maintenance fees are about $15 a month. people throw around numbers like $16,000 but couples/small families who want onsite annual trips to wdw can start smaller than that if they are willing to accept some limitations.

Really??!!! Now that sounds very reasonable....what exactly do you get for that $4,000 and $15 a month?

 

[Tam1067]

I love the Polynesian and need my daily housekeeping! I don't want to be locked into something for long term.

 

[chalee94]

I think the OP wanted opinions from those who do WDW every year (especially those who do the deluxes) that chose not to buy DVC.

yeah, i was going to stay away...but then i saw posters making dishonest statements about other websites' evaluation of DVC and couldn't stand it...
(*DOH!* )

to help get back on track, there are lots of good reasons to balk at buying DVC:

1) thousands of $ upfront plus annual fees require a certain level of financial ability and commitment (and still need to pay for tickets and travel, etc.)
2) commitment to wdw/fear of wdw burnout (sorta - while you can trade out, the best value is staying at the DVC resorts)
3) DVC not as deluxe as deluxe hotels in some senses (limited housekeeping, sofabeds, no room service at some DVC resorts)
4) prefer to stay on weekends and weekend point costs are OUTRAGEOUS
5) financing a depreciating (sooner or later) luxury purchase is generally a poor idea
6) happy with value hotels
7) want to stay at a monorail resort (pending "kingdom towers" announcement)
8) amenities like a kitchen and washer/dryer have no value for me
9) i don't/can't plan my vacations 6+ months in advance
10) i enjoy hunting for deals/bargains for each trip

 

[sarahlovesmickey]

we don't because we have a timeshare through II that allows us to go anywhere in the world. Granted it is only for 2 weeks every other year, but at some point, we may buy another one for the years that we don't have our 2 week one (hope that made sense! LOL) The DVC option just isn't a good option for us...we have ran the numbers twice and come to that conclusion twice.

 

[cymbaldiva]

I have not bought DVC because I am poor!

 

[thegrimdwarf]

Honestly, for us, we aren't an All About Disney family. As much as DH and I have enjoyed Disney in the past, it's not ever going to be what we want to do for vacation every year. My parents are looking into buying, and this has become a real issue because I won't promise them we'll make the trek on a yearly basis just so they can justify the cost.

(ducking and running for cover.....)

My aunt and uncle bought in about 8 years ago, and I do believe they have regrets. It was their intention to have these wonderful family vacations with their kids and grandkids joining them. They are all there this week, and I was just talking with my cousin last week - she was dreading the trip because her 8 year old is "soooo tired of going to Disney!".

 

[chalee94]

Really??!!! Now that sounds very reasonable....what exactly do you get for that $4,000 and $15 a month?

5 weeknights a year in a studio at OKW for the next 34 years, during a "low season." (if i go every other year, i can stay a full week - as 2 weekend nights roughly equal the point cost of 5 weeknights.)

i like going to wdw when the decorations are up and the parks are (relatively) less crowded in late nov/early dec, and that's an option as a "low season." i like the laidback feel of OKW and the 2 queen bed setup in the studios there. i like the onsite benefits (EMH, magical express) and the (limited as they are) DVC dining perks. i have the flexibility to avoid weekend nights and have family in FL, so i'm going to be down that way anyway (and it's convenient to stop and see them on the weekend before or after a wdw trip.)

OTOH, i'm limited in trading out since i only have a small contract, and even trading out to another DVC resort (or staying at a busier time of year) would require borrowing pts since most studios cost more than 8 pts per night. also, i don't really stay long enough to benefit from the $100 AP discount which is can be a huge perk of membership for some.

so there are certainly limitations to consider, but it's worth it to do the math to see if DVC works for your individual situation. at least be aware that smaller resale contracts may fit your situation better than a $16000+ contract.

 

[disfan07]

my parents never bought for one main reason....we could never justify spending that much money when we are perfectly happy with staying at the value and moderate resorts...its all a matter of whether or not it works for your family...i think the idea of DVC is great, it just doesnt work for my family

 

[Amirah95]

My DH and my DD12 prefers to stay-offsite because there is more to do (2 against 1 at the moment), we're saving up for a trip around the World when we retire (taking our girls with us) and we have college tuition to save up for as well. If we didn't have these goals we would gladly buy into DVC in a heartbeat because I want it.

 

[suzimar57]

i had wanted to, and had the money - but DS went to college, his father refused to help pay half like he promised, so i wound up paying....

no DVC at CR, like i'd dreamed of - oh well, life happens.

 

[Taja]

I'm a "sometimes deluxe resort" WDW guest, but tend to stay at values simply because I don't use most of the amenities at a deluxe resort!

That said, I have conisdered DVC, but would only purchase it if:

1. I had purchase price up front for enough points to visit every two years for two weeks (without changing resorts for weekends).
2. I could purchase a resale contract for 10 to 15 years.
3. I had the expected dues tucked away in savings.

I'm middle-aged with no children, so a long-term contract doesn't interest me. I don't see myself visiting WDW in my "golden" years--whenever they may occur! *LOL*

None of those apply at the moment (well, #3 does, but that's it!), so DVC is not a good value for me at this time in my life.

I can see where it could be for others, though!

 

[ObsessedwiththeMouse]

We haven't bought DVC simply b/c we get my brother's cast member discount for our hotel room. Last Christmas, we stayed at the Poly for 5 nights and paid $222/night.

 

[kjetjl]

I have been pondering DVC.
All of the posts, for and against the DVC have been interesting.
I have never read anywhere in my research what happens if DH and I passed away? Would the contract be 'inherited' by our kids until the expiration date?
And what would happen if hard times hit and one couldn't sell resale or pay dues?

 

[DVC Jen]

I agree with that as well. I choose not to buy because regardless of whether or not we own DVC, we still need to get down there, still need park passes, and still need to eat. It's reassuring knowing that if things aren't going well one year, we don't have to worry about making monthly payments. If I had the cash it would take to pay DVC off up front, I wouldn't hesitate. To finance vacations, just doesn't make sense to me.

I understand and respect that. DVC is the ONLY part of our vacations that we have ever financed - everything else we save up for all year long and is paid with cash.

It all comes down to personal choice and what is best for each individual/family. For us - being able to stay in incredible accomodations for alot less than we would pay out of pocket (in the long run - not short term) has made a lot of sense for us.

I am also really looking forward to at some point using my DVC points for trips around the country and outside the country.

 

[DVC Jen]

I think it's fair to say that buying into DVC is a good idea if you like to stay at Deluxe resorts more than once a year. If you don't fall into that category (which I don't), then you won't feel like you got your money's worth.

That is EXACTLY what our guide told us face to face when we bought in.

The trip we decided to buy in - we were staying at the Wilderness Lodge for the first time - fell in love with it. Checked out the villas - loved them too.

We had a courtyard room - with a discount and was still paying about 180.00 a night for 10 nights. Since buying into DVC we have stayed a total of 7 nights in a one bedroom (415-615 a night - rack) 40 nights in a studio (305-465 a night rack) and 5 nights in a 2 bedroom (590-1075 - a night rack). This coming June you can add 11 more nights in a studio to that.

It has more than paid for itself for my family - no doubts.

 

[DaisyD]

We haven't bought DVC because of a few reasons. I don't want to see a kitchen on vacation. I prefer deluxe hotels. DVC reminds me too much like condos. I love the Poly. I would rather spend more to stay at the Poly then save and buy DVC.

 

[castleeto]

I just haven't been able to talk dh into it... yet...

He's not sure he wants to be committed to an annual WDW vacation, but we just booked AKL again for October, which will make it 3 years in a row, so I think he's starting to realize the value for us. Hopefully I can break him down with this next trip!!!