My two cents...
Financially, one item I like to think about is the potential cost of a room at WDW in the future. How much was a room at the Contemporary in the 1970's compared to today? What will it be in 30 years from now? Many of the previous arguments are great at explaining why it saves you money now, and I wanted you to think about what it could save you in 10, 20 or 30 years from now as inflation continues. If you could have bought 50 years of stay at the CR at 1975 prices, wouldn't it be worth it now?
Finances aside, my reason for
DVC is more abstract. I had the pleasure of visiting WDW three times in my life prior to January of this year. All three times, we stayed at a Days Inn or equivalent hotel outside the gates of WDW. As a little and medium sized kid, I always wanted to stay on property. It was great and unique and special to have the magic 24/7 during the vacation. I made a personal promise to never stay off property again, and I stuck by this while planning for my honeymoon in January. I refused to stay offsite.
DVC is a way to keep my personal promise! I bought into SSR with 49 years, thus I will be 85 when it expires, and will have been fulfilled. I will never need to debate about where to stay and when the best rate is. We financed for 10 years, and I do not mind paying an interest charge to guarantee my dreams come true. I am very glad we did this, too since we just found out our first little one will be along in February. Our child will never know WDW without being on property and he/she can bask in magic the whole visit. besides, we know a large chunk of our vacation expense will be paid for ahead of time at 2005 prices!
Thank you fro listening...