Worth it for 1vacation/yr for a couple?

[stellablue]

We are a couple in our early 30's (no children) thinking about purchasing. We are just starting to research it now and still don't understand quite a bit of it, so we are just looking for advice on if its even worth it for us, because we are only looking for a small amount of points...or I think its considered small.

Some stuff about us and our preferences:
-As mentioned we are a relatively young couple, no kids but maybe someday.
So we are guessing a studio sized villa would be fine.

-We would like something that would give us just one trip per year. Trip would be 7 days or so. Our preferred times of year are the week before Christmas and we also like Jan/Feb times. As of now, our work schedules allow us to come on weekdays, but throwing in a weekend once in a while would be neat...though not a "must"

-We are basically looking into this because of the price savings. We feel that we'd plan a WDW vacation once a year anyways, and it seems like it's cheaper to just go through DVC. Is it really that much of a savings?

-We were looking at resales posted on Ebay. The company who posted them is the same one that is the official sponsor of this board. They seem reputable. Is it cheaper to get a resale?

and two more questions that we havent yet been able to find answers to:

-Is maintenance fee the ONLY yearly fee you pay (aside from initial price to buy into it)??

-Is it a hassle to book a trip at a DVC resort that we did not buy into? Any extra fees to do this? We were thinking that we should look into SSR because it's cheapest and membership lasts longer, but we are not huge fans of that place. Just preference....we like the WDW resorts that are a bit more themed or "magical"-just part of the experience for us.
We're not sure we could afford the ones we really want like BWV and AKL, but if we could buy into the SSR and then trade for a different one for our trip, we would do that.

Thank you so much in advance!!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Dear Stellablue:

I will try to answer your questions, and hope others will reply as well.

DH and I are 41 and 38 respectively, and have no kids. Before DVC we visited WDW in '92, '94, '02, & '05. We purchased 100 points at BWV in January of '06.

We want to go 5 or 6 days usually, some weekends, and like Hilton Head too. Since joining we have:

3 nights in a studio at Hilton Head (2 nts on pts, 1 on $81 cash) Nov. '06
Value: $250
5 nights in a 2 bdrm BW view at BWV (all on points) April '07
Value: $4,500
4 nights (weekend) std BWV studio (all on points) Jan. '08
Value: $1,250

So far we have been out $8,400 DVC, $300 closing, $900 dues or $9,600 and have reaped $6,000 and we have 35 years left to recoup the other $3,600.

It is cheaper to get a resale, and there are other resellers than TTS. I've only heard bad things about GMAC. We had good luck with a reseller that is a sponsor of another really big Disney website.

Maintenance fees are the only other fees necessary for DVC, but not forget the price of park tickets, plane tickets, souvenirs, dining plan, etc. You do not get any of these for free.

I don't know alot about getting in resorts late. We were able to book the Hilton Head trip after Thanksgiving at the 7 month window, and the standard boardwalk studio in January 4 months out. We reserved our 2 bedroom in April at the 11 month window.

As for buying at SSR, only you know what is important to you. DH and I love the boardwalk area and were very pleased with the availability of standard views with lower points. Life changes. Jobs change. Etc.

DH and I were thrilled to plan a long weekend using standard BWV points. I've had unexpected job instability and had to plan our trip focusing on the weekend. I'm so glad to know that we own at BWV and that we can get that standard view at the 11 month window if we need it.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

So we are guessing a studio sized villa would be fine.

Yes, the studios are nice, but a 1br is nicer.

We are basically looking into this because of the price savings. We feel that we'd plan a WDW vacation once a year anyways, and it seems like it's cheaper to just go through DVC. Is it really that much of a savings?

Yes, it's a sizeable savings. However, the less you visit, the less the savings.
I figure points are presently costing me about $6.75 per use. Multiply that by the required points, than compare that to the cash rate. Remember there's no tax on the point usage figure.

We were looking at resales posted on Ebay. The company who posted them is the same one that is the official sponsor of this board. They seem reputable. Is it cheaper to get a resale?

The Timeshare Store is a very reputable company, and yes you can save some money buying from them.
Please be aware that if the price is too low, DVC can buy the contract out from under you (they have right of first refusal).
Also be aware of closing costs and stripped contracts.

Is maintenance fee the ONLY yearly fee you pay (aside from initial price to buy into it)??

Yes, unless there is some freak special assessment the maintenance fee is the only annual charge.
There is a fee if you use points for things other than the DVC Resorts.

Is it a hassle to book a trip at a DVC resort that we did not buy into? Any extra fees to do this?

You will have a booking advantage at your home resort, so if you want to stay at a particular resort at particular times I would buy at that resort.
There are no additional fees to book other DVC Resorts. Once you get outside of the DVC Resorts, there is a fee.

We were thinking that we should look into SSR because it's cheapest and membership lasts longer, but we are not huge fans of that place.............
We're not sure we could afford the ones we really want like BWV and AKL

If you're going to have the membership for close to 50 years, I wouldn't purchase my second choice to save a few bucks a month.
As DVC grows, it will only get harder to book your favorite resort unless you own there.

Good luck, and GO SOX!

MG

 

[stellablue]

Thanks for your replies!

So, there would still be a savings if we were only to buy enough points for 1 vacation/year? We really cant see ourselves going more than once a year for a whole week.

At this time we are only interested in DVC at WDW resorts so that other mentioned fee wouldnt apply.

We are tempted!

 

[Lynne M]

It seems to me that your primary interest in DVC is saving money on your trips. DVC really isn't a way to save money. If you're comparing the cost of DVC to the cost of staying at a deluxe resort, then yes, in all likelihood you'll come out ahead with DVC, particularly if you stay in studios all the time.

But it's most certainly not a 'cheap' way to do WDW, or a discount program. I think a lot of people choose DVC because they want the larger accommodations (1 BDR and up), and look at it as a way of fixing the cost, and prepaying, for those larger accommodations.

 

[sjdisneywedding]

Thanks for your replies!

So, there would still be a savings if we were only to buy enough points for 1 vacation/year? We really cant see ourselves going more than once a year for a whole week.

At this time we are only interested in DVC at WDW resorts so that other mentioned fee wouldnt apply.

We are tempted!

IF you were planning on going every year anyway then its worth it. many will say if you planned to go every year and stay in deluxe resorts then its worth it, but IMO all the resorts are getting pretty expensive.

your biggest problem will be seeing how many points you will initially need. theres quite a difference between weekdays and weekends, with points needed being almost double on the weekend

 

[DVC Grammy]

stellablue,
DH and I are in the minority when it comes to preferred accommodations. We've owned DVC for about 10 years, and stay in studios. We like to stretch our points, either for more trips, or for "special" categories (AKV CL, BW views, etc.). The amount of space works for us, and since we don't cook in our rooms, we don't need a full kitchen. The refrigerator holds our milk for cereal, there's a toaster and microwave, and the hotel store sells adequate offerings if we want a light meal in the villa.
Only you know if you'll be okay with that type of accommodation.

 

[chalee94]

i started very small and bought a tiny 40 pt resale contract at OKW for around $3800. i pay monthly maint fees of less than $15 a month. that gets me 5 nts (sun-thurs) a year for the next 35ish years in a studio with 2 queen size beds during the cheapest seasons (i'm staying the 2nd week in dec this year - it's amazing with the decorations up.)

including both a share of the upfront costs and the maint fees for the year, i'm estimating that the studio costs me around $56 a night (tax included) - in a pure cost analysis, it's very tough to beat that while staying onsite at wdw...so it can be a great cost savings.

as some have mentioned, though, point costs go up a lot on weekends...and $56 a night turns into $140-$150 a night...which means it depends a lot what you are comparing it against.

that just gives you an idea of how some of the math works...

BTW, i bought from the board sponsor and has a great experience. as others have said, you can buy more cheaply if you buy a resale (and if you don't need to start with 160+ pts, it's also your only option) - but don't try to buy too cheaply or you'll get ROFR'd.

 

[ransom]

When I figured it out for DW and I (child-free couple), as long as we went at least once every three years and stayed in a studio -- and only bought the number of points we actually needed -- DVC was a money saver. If we bought more points than we needed, or if we bought enough points for a 1- or 2-bedroom stay, then we would be losing money.

So, figure out how often you will go, figure out how many points that will take, and then figure out the costs associated and compare to the accommodations you would normally rent. That's what I did, and I saw a significant savings. YMMV, of course.

But my best advice is to only buy the points you need. I don't mean exactly, of course -- if you need 96/year, it's OK to buy a 100-point contract, for example...and even advisable, as it'll be easier to resell than an odd number of points. But get the minimum you think you really need. You can always add on later (25-point minimum add-on if not financing, 50 if financing) if you find that you need to do so. The maintenance fees add up over the years, so the fewer the points the better from a financial perspective.

As far as the Timeshare Store, I recommend them wholeheartedly. I had a great experience with them. Their service from start to finish -- and even post-sale -- has been exemplary.

 

[vandy]

Our preferred times of year are the week before Christmas and we also like Jan/Feb times.

The week before Christmas is a busy time so if this is when you want to travel, you better buy at the resort you want to stay at. You may lose the extra years and lower dues that SSR offers, but you will gain the 11 month booking window for your home resort and that may be more important. Best wishes.

 

[Caskbill]

You're welcome to download my DVC-Planner software program. You can use it to 'play' with different vacations. This might give you an idea of how many points would work best for you. Follow the link in my signature below.

You can ignore the information about 'banking deadlines' as that all changes on Jan 1st to a new system.

 

[Lauralei]

We've been members since the end of 2005 (this is me, my DH and my DS age 8). For our 1st year we booked at SSR and it was okay. Last year I booked at WLVillas and had no problem. This upcoming year (for 2/08) I booked at AKVillas and had no problem. We usually go at least once a year, always Presidents week in February. So far I have not had any problems getting what I want. We have always been getting a 1BRVilla, so I don't know if you might have more of a problem if you want a studio. I think if you call right away at the 7 month window, you probably won't have a problem. After all, Presidents week is one of the busiest weeks of the year. If you are 2 adults w/o children you have more of an option to go on off times, and even if you have children it will be about 5 years before schooltime plays a part in your vacation plans. So I think your home resort is not really that big of a deal.

 

[Cinderella]

Hi there - one of the listings is actually mine! But, it is for 250 points would probably be far too many for your situation. The rest are the resale company Disney recommend. I haven't dealt with them personally but apparently Disney recommend them because they get a commission, which is fairly typical of Disney.

There are a lot of reputable resale companies out there, including the board sponsor.

As to whether it would be worth it, you'd need to do the math. The only problem I could see with there being two of you is that you'd be tempted by the one bedroom villas. And once you'd stayed in one of them you'd find it tough to go back to a studio. But you would be getting lovely accommodation for less than you'd pay for a deluxe hotel room!

 

[OKW Mom]

Some stuff about us and our preferences:
-As mentioned we are a relatively young couple, no kids but maybe someday.
So we are guessing a studio sized villa would be fine.

BECAUSE-
DVC will spoil you. Every hotel you go to will get measured against your DVC unit.

DVC will be where you enjoy the highlights of your family get togethers with siblings, parents and future mouseketeers.

3 Words:
Candles, Wine, Spa tub.

You are buying for the "long haul" and you could add, if you can afford it now, do it now
The Studios are very nice and we have used them for the 4 of us to check in on a high point night when we arrive late and do not want to waste a 2BR (the next day we check into the 1BR and we become a 2BR.
The Studios do not have the washers in the rooms or the luxurious Shower stalls and spa tubs.
Vacationing as adults you know you want to enjoy the option of bubble baths!.

 

[JenSop]

We're a similiar type couple. I'm 31 and DH is 33. We don't have kids yet, but plan to have ONE in the next few years.

We bought in because we want to go regularly to WDW. We bought 160 points through Disney at AKV because we liked it WAY better than SSR. We plan to go about every other year.

For us, it IS a money saver. We're doing our first DVC trip next summer and will be taking my parents and my grandmother. We will have a 2 BR for a week, then DH and I will stay on for two more days in a 1BR. In doing the math of what it would cost us to stay in those accomadations at rack rate, we'll already have a third of our investment paying for itself. We'll then have another 49 years to get the other money's worth out of it! Not too shabby if you ask me!

In several years, we're planning on doing another big family trip with my parents again, but also with my DSis, her hubby and 2 kids, and maybe by then a little mousketeer of our own. Again, to pay for it would be VERY pricey. I'm so excited that DH and I can have great Disney memories (and often!) AND share it with our families. I also plan to do some girl-only trips in the future - can't wait to share with my friends!

One last note - if you want to go alot around Christmas I REALLY recommend buying at the resort you want to stay at so you can have that 11 month window. From what I've been reading around here, it's super hard to get a room during the Christmas season.

 

[2tink4u]

Yeah, We looked at this in 2003 and it was sooo much cheaper. I'm still kicking myself for having not bought. I'm told price increases per point every 8-10 months. So if you plan to go you should be good. I've done all the math...... We usually pay 250-315 a night and florida room tax like7.5 to 11.5 % can't remember exactly.. Also, 100 off annual passes saves if use twice go later one year than the next. Happy Hunting!!!

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

For us, it IS a money saver. We're doing our first DVC trip next summer and will be taking my parents and my grandmother. We will have a 2 BR for a week, then DH and I will stay on for two more days in a 1BR. In doing the math of what it would cost us to stay in those accomadations at rack rate, we'll already have a third of our investment paying for itself. We'll then have another 49 years to get the other money's worth out of it! Not too shabby if you ask me!

In several years, we're planning on doing another big family trip with my parents again, but also with my DSis, her hubby and 2 kids, and maybe by then a little mousketeer of our own. Again, to pay for it would be VERY pricey. I'm so excited that DH and I can have great Disney memories (and often!) AND share it with our families. I also plan to do some girl-only trips in the future - can't wait to share with my friends!

This is so true. DVC is an incredible investment in your family, whether that is you and your spouse, or you and EVERYBODY.

 

[wendyinoc]

I'm 34 single and in the process of buying 65 points at SSR. I currently live with my boyfriend and we love to travel. I'm also a part time travel agent and I am buying. I get a discount as an agent, but the DVC is worth it. Hotels are getting more expensive and overtime will continue to rise. The deals post 9-11 are gone. What really sold me is Ca and Hawaii. I hope in the future they add a Europe location. I plan to only use it maybe every other year and if more locations are added I will increase my points. Spend the money now before you have children. I feel most people 30 something don't travel once they have kids. Its tragic. Most seniors I book on vacations wish they would have vacation more when they were younger.