Your thoughts on DVC

[boomhauer]

Could you explain what you mean by this, because I don't think it's necessarily correct?

Thanks
Shelly

I think I may be wrong about this. A friend of mine explained it to me that the number of points for a room could increase from year to year, but thinking about it, that makes no sense.

Dues increase from year to year, but that's comparable, less actually than the resort rate increase on average. Difference is, if you can get a resort discount (Annual Pass, AAA, General) you're not saving much.

I made up a chart a while back. I'll see if I can find it and post it for you.

 

[MissSha]

My husband and I bought DVC after our first trip with our 2 boys, then 11 and 9, 2 years ago, and have been back 3 times since. We only regret not having done so sooner. We bought in at SSR-absolutely magnificant! No daily "mousekeeping"? So what! Remember, you can request it if you choose! Pull-out sofa bed uncomfortable? Not in the one-bedrooms we've stayed in! Air conditioning was never a problem for us, either. And the full kitchens are wonderful. We have groceries delivered upon our arrival (very reasonably priced, too) and eat breakfast "home" almost every day. Then we have plenty of cold drinks and snacks when we come back for our daily park break in the afternoon. This turns out to be a real money saver! Don't worry about anyone in your family eventually "getting sick of Disney". We see this as the ever-changing vacation experience. Getting tired of riding Space Mountain and such? Just vacation at your resort - there's sooo much to do! Golfing, water sports, boating, shopping, swimming.....Or simply rent a car and go exploring! Disney offers so much, there is never a possibility of getting sick of it! Think about it!

 

[mprewitt]

DVC is not or everyone.

If you don't see yourself going to WDW at least once every other year for the next 8-10 years and always staying at a moderate or deluxe reort, then DVC is not for you.

If you can't plan and book your vacations 11 months in advance, and staying at a particular DVC resort is important, then don't join DVC. If you really don't care which DVC resort you end up with, then it's not an issue.

If you always stay at a Value resort, or you really are at the parks every single day for every day you're there, and you don't spend time at the resort itself (other than crashing at the end of the day), then DVC may not be for you.

If daily mousekeeping is really that important to you, as is room service, then don't join DVC.

However, if WDW is a lifestyle choice and you see yourself going to WDW at least once every other year for the next 8-10 years, and you typically stay at a deluxe (or even moderate) resort, and you don't spend every waking moment at the parks, the DVC will save you money.

I joined DVC and don't have any regrets. It's great!

 

[boomhauer]

This was a chart I made up in reply to someone a while back. This is in comparison to purchasing the minimum 160 points from DVC. Not sure what the current price per point is, but at the time this was done, the price was $91 per point. In 20 years, with the dues, you will have spent $32,273 on DVC. Please keep in mind, that is if you pay UP FRONT and DO NOT FINANCE.

Let's just say, you take the regular 2007 season rate of $99 per night at a Value Resort for 8 nights and adjust the chart yearly with a 4% increase over the same 20 year period:

$784
$815
$848
$882
$917
$954
$992
$1031
$1073
$1116
$1161
$1207
$1255
$1305
$1358
$1412
$1468
$1527
$1588
$1652

Over 20 years, you would spend $23,345 without DVC. To break even with 160 points, it would take you 24 years, and this is all assuming, you have received no annual pass discounts in that time. Also, this is assuming you pay for DVC upfront and don't finance it. If you finance it, you're probably looking at just breaking even over the life of membership. To take it a step further, if you DO adjust for resort room discounts, it's almost assured you'd spend more money with DVC.

If you wanna take it even further, this is on an 8 night per year scenario in a studio. If you factor in a 1 bedroom or above, forget it. Not even close.

Of course, this isn't apples to apples. You're talking a studio at a DVC versus a hotel room at a value. Some, much prefer the DVC studio. I've stayed in both and I can honestly say, hands down, I would chose a value standard room.

The point I'm trying to make is this: I think alot of people are talked into joining DVC under the assumption that they are saving all this money no matter how you look at it, assuming you go to Disney every year. This simply isn't true.

 

[alldiz]

I'm not certain. I think what they told me was the COST of a point when you buy will never increase, but how many points it will take to stay in a room at a resort could increase. I could be wrong. Either way, it's only one of many reason why I decided against it.

It's the opposite....the PRICE of the points go up....
ie....I bought WLV for 88 a point.....
10yrs ago it was probably 78 a point....just an example....
Which is why they want you to buy NOW....before the
price goes up.....BTW....it is always NOW

The points you need to stay in a particular accomodation...
DOES NOT CHANGE...
Kerri

 

[alldiz]

This was a chart I made up in reply to someone a while back. This is in comparison to purchasing the minimum 160 points from DVC.

Let's just say, you take the regular 2007 season rate of $99 per night at a Value Resort for 8 nights and adjust the chart yearly with a 4% increase:

$784
$815
$848
$882
$917
$954
$992
$1031
$1073
$1116
$1161
$1207
$1255
$1305
$1358
$1412
$1468
$1527
$1588
$1652

Over 20 years, you've spent $23,345. To break even with 160 points, it would take you 24 years, and this is all assuming, you have received no annual pass discounts in that time. Also, this is assuming you pay for DVC upfront and don't finance it. If you finance it, you're probably looking at just breaking even.

DVC is not a good value for someone that stays in a VALUE.....

It was designed to save someone money.....
IF they stay in a moderate or deluxe...
Kerri

 

[spiceycat]

Could you explain what you mean by this, because I don't think it's necessarily correct?

Thanks
Shelly

It is not.

the points haven't change since 96. then it was only OKW (DVC) - they put Dec up and some seasons down. If they tried that today with over 100,000 members do you realize the letters, emails, phone calls of complaint.

there was a chance back in the early 2000's when Disney up Oct/Nov then I really though that DVC would do it too. they didn't. my opinion, if they tried it now - too many members would be up in arms.

we got told long ago, don't know if they change it, DVC has a lot of Florida owners. So if they allowed weekends to be the same as weekdays, they would all be gone quickly.

my feeling - they can easily rent the weekends and they know it. WHy let us have it if Disney can rent it.

Now you can't compare my situation to yours. I have owned since 1993 so my original contract is longed pay off.

I can stay at OKW in a studio - adventure or choice season for 8 points a night. that cost me $4.4 per point so $32.20 per night, and for 5 nights - $176.00.anything else is more.

OKW has 2 queen beds. but for most couples or solos - the queen bed and sofa bed work out better. you have a place to sit while you watch tv or read a book.

lots of people have gotten into trouble because they went from one hotel room to a 2-bedroom villa. just because they had the points. well if you can't afford the 2-bedroom villa, you can't afford it. my suggestion is to either buy the min you need. or go with DVC and buy 160 points - but only use the points you need - rent out the rest. Until you know that you can do it.

just don't think you can immediately go deluxe when you are used to value or moderate.

you might be surprised at the people who think they can.

my method only use what you need and rent out the rest - until the thing is paid for and you know it won't cost you anything you can't afford!!!

the problem with resale is DVC allows us to borrow points.

so if you brought a contact today on resale - you might be able to use unborrowed points until 2009. now in 2008 you can borrow points from 2009.

if you buy from Disney not only do you get 2007 points, in most cases you get 2006 points too.

some people think this is worth buying from DVC others don't.

it depends upon your budget. If your budget can't take the buy from DVC - then go with resale.

the resaler on the DVC boards now does financing.

smaller contracts are hard to get. Disney doesn't want anyone getting into DVC but just buying a 25 point contracts. so be aware that those are the hardiest to get. It can be cheaper per point and easier to get a bigger one.

that say if you can travel offseason and you would be happy in a studio - you can stay at OKW or standard view BWV - for 25 points every other year for 5 days.

 

[mprewitt]

Let's just say, you take the regular 2007 season rate of $99 per night at a Value Resort for 8 nights and adjust the chart yearly with a 4% increase

As I mentioned, if you always stay at a Value Resort, DVC doesn't make much sense from just a financial standpoint. Also, you didn't add in the substantial hotel taxes, so your analysis is skewed. I have seen financial analysis that show the break-even point would be about 12 years as compared to Value resorts. Since DVC offers up to 50-years of vacations, it would still be better; it would just take much longer.

DVC makes great sense if you typically stay at a Deluxe resort, and still makes good sense if you typically stay at a Moderate resort.

 

[eliza61]

I posted this here rather than in the DVC section because it seems that many people on this board have been to Disney many times but have not purchased DVC.

My husband and I have talked about it since our trip in 2006. We are interested in DVC but unsure if its worth it. We do like to go to Disney, have two DD ages 8 and 3. They LOVE Disney. We like to stay in deluxes because we spend a lot of time at our resort.

My question is for those of you who go to Disney every year but do not purchase a vacation club. What are your thoughts?

We actually purchased the dvc after the 4th year of returning to Disney. My dh finally said "for the amount of money we spend on our room, we could have purchased a time share".
Only you can decide if it is worth it. Price was about the 4th consideration on our list.
Here are a few of the things we considered.
1) We travel to WDW at least every 16 months. We always stay on site and always deluxe.
2) We figure this will continue for at least the next 10 years.
3)We love the extra space and daily housekeeping is not a major "must have"
4) We can plan ahead for our disney trips and we are not big "budgeter". we like a bargain but I don't spend major amounts of time finding the best room rates. I more of the "pick where you want to stay and see how much it will cost"

 

[boomhauer]

As I mentioned, if you always stay at a Value Resort, DVC doesn't make much sense from just a financial standpoint. Also, you didn't add in the substantial hotel taxes, so your analysis is skewed. I have seen financial analysis that show the break-even point would be about 12 years as compared to Value resorts. Since DVC offers up to 50-years of vacations, it would still be better; it would just take much longer.

DVC makes great sense if you typically stay at a Deluxe resort, and still makes good sense if you typically stay at a Moderate resort.

$99 a night is high for Values. It's less than that, most times of the year, with taxes. I've paid as little as $60 a night with taxes.

It's simple math. $91 a point, times 160 points, then add in the cost of dues per year with the increase year to year. In 20 years, you've spent $32,273.

I haven't ever done a chart with a moderate resort, but if you were to factor in financing DVC over 10 years, I would bet good money, it'd be very close. Of course, it all depends on credit ratings, length of finance time, etc.

What we noticed is, whenever we've talked to DVC, they've always looked at the high end, worse case scenario for Values/Moderates, and looked at best case, low end for DVC. In other words, travelling at Value season every year and paying the cost up front so not to incur finance charges.

Again, I completly agree, it's not apples to apples. But there are pluses and minuses both ways.

 

[sfbank]

We have thought over and over about buying into DVC and have taken the tour. The only thing right now that keeps us from doing it is not being able to use points to stay at the Boardwalk Inn Concierge. I know that sounds selfish but that has become our home away from home and my DH has said he would not want me to be sitting across the Boardwalk in a villa disappointed our whole trip wishing we were on the other side. We love the concierge staff at the Inn and if DVC would let points be used for that we would sign up in a heartbeat. I know we are probably spending more money in the long run but I figure it will be more enjoyable if we know we are happy for sure

 

[Tink3Belle]

Thanks for the post very informative I was sondering if I should become a member also.

 

[mprewitt]

DVC membership might make sense if you meet most or all of these criteria:​

• The cost of membership and dues does not appear to present a financial hardship.
• You vacation at Walt Disney World frequently: ideally at least once every two years.​
• You plan to continue staying at Disney World far enough into the future to make the membership at least break even.​
• You prefer to stay in Deluxe or DVC accommodations and/or you stay a long time (10 days or more per year).​
• You are able to plan your vacations well in advance -- ideally 7 to 11 months out.​

If the only consideration is whether it makes financial sense, then maybe you should be staying offsite and only eating offsite as well. DVC membership is emotionally satisying as well, and it gives you a reason to take a vacation at WDW.​

Buying a DVC membership is a rational, financially viable option for some people: namely people who plan to stay in the higher-end accommodations at Walt Disney World on a regular basis.​

A DVC purchase is a way of committing to an annual Disney vacation with family and friends. For some people, that may outweigh any financial considerations. Only you can determine if DVC membership makes sense for your situation.​

 

[chalee94]

This was a chart I made up in reply to someone a while back. This is in comparison to purchasing the minimum 160 points from DVC...

If you wanna take it even further, this is on an 8 night per year scenario in a studio. If you factor in a 1 bedroom or above, forget it. Not even close.

Of course, this isn't apples to apples. You're talking a studio at a DVC versus a hotel room at a value. Some, much prefer the DVC studio. I've stayed in both and I can honestly say, hands down, I would chose a value standard room.

except that the minimum 160 pts would get you nearly 10 nights per year (i.e. 10 nights most years, with an occasional 9 night stay over the 20 year period) in a studio during the middle of the summer at SSR...and exactly 11 nights in may and early june. studios are even cheaper at my home resort of OKW: nearly 12 nights per year for 160 pts in the middle of the summer and more in the off-season. i don't see why are you using only 8 nights in your calculations...

i would agree, though, that value hotels will beat DVC every time in terms of cost over a weekly basis...and moreso if you like hunting for codes and special deals. if you're happy in a value, there's no reason to consider DVC...unless you also have the flexibility to avoid weekends completely.

 

[Irishhockey]

I am totally in the same boat... arg (not the pirate kind, the frustration kind)

As of right now, I can't justify the annual dues. If you have 200 points at SSR, in 2007 the annual dues were $4.12 a point. Thats an additional $800 in one year after my nice little investment That $800 in annual dues could have got me a week at CBR on room discount code... and it's that kind of mentality (I know, I bring it onto myself) that will always prevent me from buying DVC.

To be honest though, every trip since 2001 we have traveled on a Disney "package"... and I think thats what has spoiled me. I've recieved some really great deals through disney. But at the same time, my trips are usually at moderates and values, so maybe if I was more of a "deluxer" the savings with DVC would catch my eye.

For right now, I'm very content as a DVC "wannabe". I love the idea of DVC, I love the resorts, I love the rooms... but financially, and for the type of travelers/people we are... it's just not a good fit for our family (yet lol).

Interested tidbit though, for any of you "wishing" for CRVs, you may want to take notice of the entrance sign to the constuction site which reads along the lines of: Contemporary Resort Family Suites.

 

[boomhauer]

except that the minimum 160 pts would get you nearly 10 nights per year (i.e. 10 nights most years, with an occasional 9 night stay over the 20 year period) in a studio during the middle of the summer at SSR...and exactly 11 nights in may and early june. studios are even cheaper at my home resort of OKW: nearly 12 nights per year for 160 pts in the middle of the summer and more in the off-season. i don't see why are you using only 8 nights in your calculations...

It was in response to another poster using the calculation of 8 nights based on 160 points. So I in return, used 8 nights.

If you travel on the weekends, as many have to, 160 points only buys you 8 nights at a studio at Saratoga Springs in the summer. 152 points to be exact.

 

[LilGMom]

My dh and I were in the 'should we or shouldn't we' boat for a few years and finally took the plunge into the DVC waters this year. For us it makes sense and here is why.... We have been going to WDW 2-4 times a year since '99 which was pre-kids. Our first on-site stay was in CSR and we've since worked our way throught the moderates and started in on the deluxes. WL completely spoiled us and made us pretty much into deluxe only people. While it is true that we don't spend a lot of time in the rooms we do like the accommodations and the feel of the deluxe resorts. We were also starting to find that the deluxes were starting to really hit us in our vacation budget each trip even with the FL resident or AP rate. We also know that we'll continue vacationing at WDW for many years because our children are young (6 & 2) and we will eventually use our points to take a Disney cruise. Eventually we will want/need more room than the space that the standard deluxe room will offer us so we'd be looking at getting two rooms and at the current deluxe rates that thought sent a shiver down our spines. Yes the weekend points are higher, but WDW is going to be going to a new way for charging for the non-DVC resorts which will include higher rack rates for the weekends as well and we tend to go Sunday - Friday or Saturday - Friday, very rarely two weekend nights, so the higher weekend points aren't really an issue for us. And while our maintenance fees might run $600ish/year we can't get a deluxe room for ten days (that is what we average between two trips) for that amount. And being DVC allows us to get the DDP which we've never been able to get before because we'd always get a discounted room rate and we have AP. Our DVC membership will completely pay for itself in approximately five years based on the current trend on resort rate increases, how much we have put into it, etc. We ran spreasheets and researched the other areas where we can use our points and now our only regret is not doing it back in '99.

 

[blondemom]

We were considering it as well. However, we have decided against it from speaking to a few people we know and reading some stories. First, the price (and we would have to do the payment plan since we don't have $16,000 to lay out) is a bit much. We would finance over 10 years and then once the DVC is paid off, we were told we would be paying close to $1000 a year on maintenance fees (for the duration of the plan - that's $40,000)! That is a lot of money to put out only to end up losing it when it's all over. I know, it's not an investment, but a kind of prepayment on future vacations. But, we could use that $1000 in maintenance fees to visit the shore, weekend trips, etc. The only open DVC's are Sarasota Springs, which does not appeal to our family; and the Animal Kingdom, which also isn't our favorite. I was told by a friend that if I wanted to stay at Wilderness or Beach Club, I would have to book 7 months out and since we have to go during the summer months (school-aged kids), our chances of getting alternate resorts are slim. We would be put on some kind of wait list. We always book our vacations at least a year out so that we could stay where we want. We would also not be entitled to free dining or any other promotions that occur during our stay. A friend said that when you purchase your time share, make sure it is somewhere you really like. I really like what they are doing with the Animal Kingdom - it looks like it will be beautiful. But, we aren't fans of the cuisine, nor do we like feeling so far away from the other parks. It just doesn't work for us. I love the idea of staying in different resorts. You see, the woman I spoke to about the DVC kept telling me that I would always have a choice as to where I could stay. She said that there were so many locations, and we could stay somewhere different all the time. From the handful of people I spoke to, that is just not true. You are pretty much guaranteed a spot in your home resort. You have to really work hard at getting a different location. I just felt like I was lied to, given false information, etc. I was not told about the maintenance fees immediately. I was told I would pay around $250 a month for 10 years and my DVC would be paid off. That appealed to me. To get 50 years worth of vacation paid off after 10 years - sounded great. But then I would be paying another $70 to $100 a month for the duration for maintenance fees! So ultimately, you do pay the whole 50 years and still walk away empty handed. In my opinion, it is not prepaid vacations, as you are paying until the last month your own it. That's just my opinion, and again, I'm upset because I was given so much false information in order to make the sale. To each his own, though! I think the rooms are beautiful, and the benefits are great. But it is just not for us.

 

[TTT103]

I know this isn't a timeshare, per-se. However, let's look at what the cost of points would be for a typical week's vacations and multiply that by 52 weeks. I don't have the exact numbers, but let's say that the minimum of 160 points costs you $16,640. When you multiply that by 52 weeks so that in theory you would own that unit outright (I know in reality you can't becuase this isn't a typical timeshare), it would total $865,280. Do you feel that your DVC unit is worth that sum of money if you could buy it outright??? If so, go for it. Of course, you should also take the annual fees (let's say $700) and multiply them by 52 weeks as well to see if you would pay less than $36,400 ($700 * 52) to determine if your taxes, housekeeper, etc. makes sense. There's also the time value of money (opportunity costs). Remember, $16,640 in a money market account will earn you $832 a year in interest. Then there are those who finance DVC purchases. Oh my, how those costs add up.

DVC and timeshares are by no mean a good investment, given the resale market. However, they do make sense for many people.

 

[Sammie]

If you want or need the type of accommidations that DVC offers especially the 2 bedrooms and Grand Villas, and you visit at least every other year and will stay at DVC resorts, then yes it can make sense financially.

However if you prefer the deluxe resorts over DVC, or moderate or value covers your needs, then No it would not make sense to purchase.

We went many years, before purchasing DVC because we stayed in moderate then deluxe when a discount was available. Finally we outgrew both and were having to get 2 rooms and it made more sense to get DVC at that point.

Even though we enjoy our DVC we do miss our favorite deluxe resorts and try to schedule at least 2 nights at one at the end of our DVC stay.