Would DVC make sense for us?

[RobDoc]

The "Magical Beginnings" program did allow those staying onsite to transfer the cost of their onsite Disney accommodations at the time of purchase towards their DVC purchase up to a certain limit, but they had to give up some of their first Use Year's points to do so based on the number of nights of their stay. That program was later amended to allow new purchasers to "buy back" their first year's points at $10 per point and apply that towards their purchase.

It was an early purchase incentive offered once the free park pass program had ended. If you applied the current stay or the $10 buy-back, points from the current Use Year were taken in exchange for the cost reduction.

 

[JimMIA]

Everyone sems to focus on the negitive around here.

There are two ways to interpret a statement like this -- one, that people are negative toward DVC, and the other is that people are negative toward you personally...which you obviously believe is true.

This forum tends to be believers preaching to the choir, so I don't think folks are anti-DVC. If anything, we're a little too pro-DVC to be objective.

However, there are downsides to DVC, and there are also often wide gaps between posters understanding/expectations of DVC and reality. To try to clear those up is not negativity -- it's honesty and accuracy.

As far as you personally are concerned, I don't see any "haters" here. I just see some instances where people have corrected some inaccuracies. "Pobody's Nerfect" and we all make mistakes or have incomplete information from time to time. Don't take that personal, because nobody means it that way. I've posted some incorrect info (not once, but many times) and some of my best "friends" here are usually the ones to set me straight.

People who correct misstatements are just trying to ensure that readers don't buy DVC for the wrong reasons -- like "free parking at the theme parks," which is NOT a perk of DVC.

 

[JimMIA]

...my only concern when I respond to threads such as this is to impart some of the wisdom I've gained from the knowledgeable people on these boards.

I think that's why most people post here, but there is another important component to being a member of the DIS DVC boards (and other DIS boards).

You can't just sit back idly and watch misinformation go unchallenged. All of us who post here have a responsibility to at least get our FACTS right. We may disagree on the meaning of the facts, the value of various things, etc, etc.

But when there are clear factual misstatements, we owe it to all readers to try to correct those. Misstatements are never malicious, but they can hurt innocent readers. Many many readers -- especially newbies -- do what you did when you first joined. They don't post, they just read and digest. And often, they make decisions based at least partly on what they have read here -- big decisions, lots of bucks.

We owe it to those DIS members (and lurkers) to make sure what they are digesting is accurate.

 

[DougEMG]

Bestdad-thank you for posting CURRENT perks and explaining that those are not a promise.

Thanks for all of your insight. It seems this board is a bit split about DVC or not. At this point so am I!!

DVC is great if you want to stay on site in a deluxe accomodations and can plan ahead. If you are happy in moderates with discounts and book mostly on short notice, DVC isn't going to be that good a fit for you.

Take your initial purchase cost, divide that by the number of years left in your contract. This will probably be around $2/point. Compare that to your annual MF and you'll see right away that MF are a much much larger component of your total DVC costs than your initial buy in costs. Plan for MF to increase anywhere from 3-6% a year.


Perks can come and go, don't buy because of them, but some of them are great. I just picked up 3 annual passes and saved just about $150 on each one.

Me, I love DVC. There is no way I'd ever pay the cash rate to stay at BWV, but I've got it booked for my next 2 trips

 

[BestDadEver]

There are two ways to interpret a statement like this -- one, that people are negative toward DVC, and the other is that people are negative toward you personally...which you obviously believe is true.

This forum tends to be believers preaching to the choir, so I don't think folks are anti-DVC. If anything, we're a little too pro-DVC to be objective.

However, there are downsides to DVC, and there are also often wide gaps between posters understanding/expectations of DVC and reality. To try to clear those up is not negativity -- it's honesty and accuracy.

As far as you personally are concerned, I don't see any "haters" here. I just see some instances where people have corrected some inaccuracies. "Pobody's Nerfect" and we all make mistakes or have incomplete information from time to time. Don't take that personal, because nobody means it that way. I've posted some incorrect info (not once, but many times) and some of my best "friends" here are usually the ones to set me straight.

People who correct misstatements are just trying to ensure that readers don't buy DVC for the wrong reasons -- like "free parking at the theme parks," which is NOT a perk of DVC.

With that past I did mean negitive towrds dvc . Because majority of posters here seem to only point out . The negitives , so much that I wonder why they bought in the first place .

I dont mind people correcting miss information . That is fine, the problem I have is when people dont agree with my opinions (not facts) it seems I get flamed . This thread is not an example of this .

Example using points outside of dvc resorts is not a good use of points . I dont agree with that . Numerous times have had to make multiple posts to defend my opinion . Even though it's very subjective because of diffrences in how they calculate the value . Therfore it's bit a fact .

 

[ELMC]

The reason so many of us point out the negatives is because this is a "No Pixie Dust" zone. We are aware of the negatives and for the most part bought despite them. Obviously many of us love DVC, that's why we are owners and that's why we are here talking about it. What we are trying to provide is another voice to counter the overly optimistic views of DVC salespeople and the like. We want people going into their purchases eyes wide open. Unfortunately this doesn't happen often enough. By mentioning the negative aspects of owning DVC, hopefully we balance out the discussion and potentially save some people from making mistakes.

As for your personal situation, I went back and forth about whether or not to address it, but I figured why not. The issue I have had with some of your posts is that you say you are sharing your opinions but you don't actually identify them as such, you present them as facts. Case in point, in another thread you said that direct prices would double in five years. You may think that's going to happen and that people should buy now because of that...but you need to say that's your opinion. I also think you may be a little guilty of manipulating the numbers to justify your decision to purchase direct (and I can't remember if you financed or not but you have advocated for it in the past). To determine your break even point you chose the most expensive studio at the most expensive time of the year in order to say that you will break even in four years. Even DVC salespeople use a 7-8 year break even point and they stretch the truth as a matter of habit. I would be interested to see your documented usage of DVC to see if this analysis gets proven true. Regardless, you should be aware that when you make exaggerated claims like this, you are opening yourself up to some criticism. Going forward, it might be in your best interests to identify your opinions as such and try to do your best to verify the accuracy of the statements you make in your posts. I think this might help reduce the number of posts that you feel are going after you.

 

[BestDadEver]

The reason so many of us point out the negatives is because this is a "No Pixie Dust" zone. We are aware of the negatives and for the most part bought despite them. Obviously many of us love DVC, that's why we are owners and that's why we are here talking about it. What we are trying to provide is another voice to counter the overly optimistic views of DVC salespeople and the like. We want people going into their purchases eyes wide open. Unfortunately this doesn't happen often enough. By mentioning the negative aspects of owning DVC, hopefully we balance out the discussion and potentially save some people from making mistakes.

As for your personal situation, I went back and forth about whether or not to address it, but I figured why not. The issue I have had with some of your posts is that you say you are sharing your opinions but you don't actually identify them as such, you present them as facts. Case in point, in another thread you said that direct prices would double in five years. You may think that's going to happen and that people should buy now because of that...but you need to say that's your opinion. I also think you may be a little guilty of manipulating the numbers to justify your decision to purchase direct (and I can't remember if you financed or not but you have advocated for it in the past). To determine your break even point you chose the most expensive studio at the most expensive time of the year in order to say that you will break even in four years. Even DVC salespeople use a 7-8 year break even point and they stretch the truth as a matter of habit. I would be interested to see your documented usage of DVC to see if this analysis gets proven true. Regardless, you should be aware that when you make exaggerated claims like this, you are opening yourself up to some criticism. Going forward, it might be in your best interests to identify your opinions as such and try to do your best to verify the accuracy of the statements you make in your posts. I think this might help reduce the number of posts that you feel are going after you.

Ok first off again going back to my statement about the fact that people dont read properly around here. What I said about the price doubleing was that out would LIKELY(obviously no one read the likely cause I had to explain it ten times in that thread too) be double plus I didn't give a time frame for it to double either . So again not a fact if you read it right .

Also I have see numorous posts about "yhalf off with resale" and "MF will double" no one ever has a problem with these missrepresentations since the only resale going for half is SSR . And the MF are also speculation much like me saying the price point wil go up . And back to that fact I just bought DVC and looked into prices about a year ago and the price when I bought from the first time I prices it was already up $30pp and I have the paper work to prove it . Do to me based on that I would think the price would LIKELY go up a lot in a few years .

Also I almost always state imo .

And brake even point is another thing I will not get into again . I understand now the three diffrent ways people look at it . So there is just a difference of opinion there.

 

[ELMC]

Ok first off again going back to my statement about the fact that people dont read properly around here. What I said about the price doubleing was that out would LIKELY(obviously no one read the likely cause I had to explain it ten times in that thread too) be double plus I didn't give a time frame for it to double either . So again not a fact if you read it right .

Also I have see numorous posts about "yhalf off with resale" and "MF will double" no one ever has a problem with these missrepresentations since the only resale going for half is SSR . And the MF are also speculation much like me saying the price point wil go up . And back to that fact I just bought DVC and looked into prices about a year ago and the price when I bought from the first time I prices it was already up $30pp and I have the paper work to prove it . Do to me based on that I would think the price would LIKELY go up a lot in a few years .

Also I almost always state imo .

And brake even point is another thing I will not get into again . I understand now the three diffrent ways people look at it . So there is just a difference of opinion there.

I did misspeak when I referred to your saying that direct prices would double in five years. I went back and reread your post and you did indeed say that direct prices would likely increase at a rate similar to the interest paid on a financed direct contract (implying a 10 year period). However, given the fact that financing a contract nearly doubles the price and that no DVC contract is currently selling for double it's initial offering price (assuming an OKW initial offering price of $51 per point), I still suggest that this statement has no basis. Additionally, stating that something will "likely" happen is not stating an opinion, it's stating a near certainty. Perhaps you could've chosen a different word to make your point.

That being said, I'm sorry to say that your most recent post contains many inaccuracies. Please look at the ROFR thread to find multiple instances of BWV, OKW, VB and VWL resales going for half off of direct pricing. Please reread the MF threads to see that they are projections based on historical maintenance fee increases and are advertised as such. Please check the DVC pricing history post in the DVC Resource Center to confirm that no DVC resort has increased in price by $30 in a one year period.

The risk you run when you continually say things that are patently false is that people will stop taking you seriously. Putting a disclaimer in your signature probably isn't going to change that.

 

[tbaptista]

DVC is not a way to save money. If you book offsite locations or moderate resorts, you won't like spending the money on annual fees and the initial buy-in price.

April isn't all that quiet. Especially with spring break and Easter.

Thank you!

We plan on renting homes for future visits to Disney. I was wondering if it would be better to just get a DVC.

Figure to visit WDW at most every other year and spending at most $1,200 a year for the rental.

Love these boards!!!

 

[DougEMG]

Thank you!

We plan on renting homes for future visits to Disney. I was wondering if it would be better to just get a DVC.

Figure to visit WDW at most every other year and spending at most $1,200 a year for the rental.

Love these boards!!!

Renting a vacation home off site is going to be cheaper (probably a lot cheaper) than staying on site at DVC.

Take a look at the point charts for the size room you want, multiple the points by the resorts maintenance fees which you pay every year and you'll see how that compares to your $1200 and that doesn't include your purchase costs.

Or go to Daddio's web site and use their point calculator to figure out the points you need.

 

[tbaptista]

Renting a vacation home off site is going to be cheaper (probably a lot cheaper) than staying on site at DVC.

Take a look at the point charts for the size room you want, multiple the points by the resorts maintenance fees which you pay every year and you'll see how that compares to your $1200 and that doesn't include your purchase costs.

Or go to Daddio's web site and use their point calculator to figure out the points you need.

Holy cow! A 2 bedroom is expensive just for management fees never-mind the purchase price...

I guess I would have to figure what the value is for the extras you get as a WDW onsite guest. I know me and the DW always avoid EMH parks as they are usually the most crowded.

Hmm...

 

[JimMIA]

Holy cow! A 2 bedroom is expensive just for management fees never-mind the purchase price...

Yes it is. If you are satisfied renting a vacation home or renting an offsite timeshare unit from an owner, those are going to be WAY less expensive than DVC...and with no initial outlay. And, in some cases, you'll even get better lodging.

DVC is really for people who really would not be happy staying offsite (or assume they won't, having never tried it).

We see some pretty interesting rationalizations comparing DVC to onsite Disney resorts rolleyes, but I don't think the mathematical gymnastics exist to make DVC work comparing against anything offsite.

Anything ONsite is going to be considerably more expensive -- whether you're looking at hotels, a timeshare purchase, or rental of a timeshare/home from an owner.

 

[DizBub]

DVC is really for people who really would not be happy staying offsite (or assume they won't, having never tried it).

For us, this is the point. We have stayed offsite and didn't like it. We like "being in the Bubble".

 

[Dean]

Holy cow! A 2 bedroom is expensive just for management fees never-mind the purchase price...

I guess I would have to figure what the value is for the extras you get as a WDW onsite guest. I know me and the DW always avoid EMH parks as they are usually the most crowded.

Hmm...

My cost per week for staying off property is usually in the $300 a week range. A novice on a smaller scale likely can't do as well but can still get in much cheaper than other options. We prefer staying at top resorts with pool complex's and activities. Our favs for off property are the Marriott's Hilton's, The Fountains, and Vistana Villages. There are many other great resorts that are just a notch below though. DVC and on property is great and does have value for many but each person has to decide what that value is. For me it's not worth it at $3000 on property compared to $300 off but for others it is. Fortunately we've been able to trade in at times and have the best off both world's.

 

[tbaptista]

My cost per week for staying off property is usually in the $300 a week range. A novice on a smaller scale likely can't do as well but can still get in much cheaper than other options. We prefer staying at top resorts with pool complex's and activities. Our favs for off property are the Marriott's Hilton's, The Fountains, and Vistana Villages. There are many other great resorts that are just a notch below though. DVC and on property is great and does have value for many but each person has to decide what that value is. For me it's not worth it at $3000 on property compared to $300 off but for others it is. Fortunately we've been able to trade in at times and have the best off both world's.

For $300 are these suites with 3+ bedrooms and 2+ baths or just studios?

Not sure I could do a single room hotel anymore with the 4 of us.

 

[Dean]

For $300 are these suites with 3+ bedrooms and 2+ baths or just studios?

Not sure I could do a single room hotel anymore with the 4 of us.

Generally 2 BR 2 BA units but occasionally 1 BR or 3 BR units. Often the price is the same when exchanging regardless of unit size but there aren't that many 3 BR or larger units though there are a few like the houses at Summer Bay. Our last few years have included many exchange stays at DVC resorts in 1 & 2 BR units, Marriott's Grande Vista 2 & 3 BR, The Fountain's 2 BR and presidential suite, Hilton Tuscany (by Outlets) 2 BR, 3 BR at Orange Lake and 1 BR at Summer Bay. I've also has staff stay at Star Island and Harbour Lakes. Orlando is relatively unique in that there are a ton of great resorts such that the supply outpaces the demand. Branson, Williamsburg and LV are other similar areas with more supply than demand. Even then the gems will shine through so getting Big Cedar at Tablerock lake isn't that easy for any high demand time.

 

[DougEMG]

For us, this is the point. We have stayed offsite and didn't like it. We like "being in the Bubble".

Same here. I've stayed off site in hotels and other timeshares. I did that to save money. My preference is to stay on site and once I could afford it I stayed on site. Once on site I moved from values, to moderates to eventually DVC. Notice how I skipped the deluxes; could never justify paying those rates. This all took place over the last 20+ years.

 

[Missyrose]

For us, this is the point. We have stayed offsite and didn't like it. We like "being in the Bubble".

Same here. I've stayed off site in hotels and other timeshares. I did that to save money. My preference is to stay on site and once I could afford it I stayed on site. Once on site I moved from values, to moderates to eventually DVC. Notice how I skipped the deluxes; could never justify paying those rates. This all took place over the last 20+ years.

This is where I landed, as well. I've stayed offsite a number of times. Most recently we rented a Windsor Hills townhome for an extended family trip in March. It was the right decision for the number of people in our group and the budget constraints. But I definitely missed being in the bubble and hated driving out of the gates every night on the way back to WH.

But yes, we got the townhome for six nights (all in, including cleaning, pool heat, etc.) for what two nights at the Contemporary cost us under the AP rate last October.

DVC will never compare (savings wise) to staying offsite. Like Dean said, there are many, many options in and around Disney. It's an extremely overbuilt area. DVC works for many because there are many, like me and the PPs, who have made the decision that we prefer onsite to offsite. And DVC was ultimately an investment in that for me.

 

[Dean]

Same here. I've stayed off site in hotels and other timeshares. I did that to save money. My preference is to stay on site and once I could afford it I stayed on site. Once on site I moved from values, to moderates to eventually DVC. Notice how I skipped the deluxes; could never justify paying those rates. This all took place over the last 20+ years.

Personally I enjoy both for different reasons. I find the off sites timeshares generally nicer with more activities and with a more responsive management and employee set than I do DVC or Disney in general. Not that DVC or Disney are bad, they're not, just that the others tend to go above an beyond. Disney excels at theming and of course there'e the park proximity and tie in. We always have a car so the difference is likely less for us than for some.

 

[ELMC]

Same here. I've stayed off site in hotels and other timeshares. I did that to save money. My preference is to stay on site and once I could afford it I stayed on site. Once on site I moved from values, to moderates to eventually DVC. Notice how I skipped the deluxes; could never justify paying those rates. This all took place over the last 20+ years.

We had a little different of a path. My wife and I bought a Marriott Vacation Club timeshare about 10 years ago and ever since then have been staying in 1 or 2 BR villas wherever we went, including Orlando. We stayed at Marriott Harbour Lake and Grande Vista and absolutely loved it. Like others have said, we didn't love "leaving the bubble" each day but we did love the accommodations at Marriott (and the price). I guess we never really saw the value of staying on property. (That has since changed, believe me). It wasn't until our (then) 4 year old commented about how much time we spent in the car that we decided to stay on site. So we bought BLT and BWV...no more driving to the parks.

So our stays at Disney were always in timeshares, just from lesser expensive off site locations to more expensive DVC villas.