Your thoughts on DVC

[mprewitt]

Maybe assuming you go on all low nights of the year and never stay on a weekend.

To stay 20 nights in a studio at OKW in the summer would run 316 points.

In the same respect, if you stay at a Value Resort during all low nights of the year, the $99 per night drops to $74.

Exactly, boomhauer!

My point is that there are so many variables that make a simple financial analysis fall apart.

I just don't want numbers thrown out that would give someone the wrong idea. A complete and accurate financial analysis of DVC is not that simple.

I agree with you that if you always stay offsite or at a Value resort, then DVC doesn't make sense from just a financial standpoint.

Also, beyond just the financial considerations, DVC membership is emotionally satisfying (you “own a piece of the magic”), 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.

Buying into DVC is almost a lifestyle choice. 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. DVC will pay dividends beyond mere dollars and cents – your return on investment will be the joyous times, the family gatherings, and the experiences of a lifetime.

Only you can determine if DVC membership makes sense for your situation, based upon your lifestyle and financial capabilities.

 

[chalee94]

Nice Attitude. You must have lots of friends. Done Here. Bye Bye.

i do - and most all of them have better sense than to try to act like experts when they are ignorant of even the basic facts.

i'm glad you're choosing to stop trying to confuse people who sincerely want to learn about DVC...so long.

 

[boomhauer]

Again, this is not an apples to apples comparison.

Deb and Bill's $2500 a year in dues is probably for over 500 points, and with that many points you could stay 62 nights a year in a studio at OKW.

Again, low season, no weekends. Where you can save money on DVC, you can save money at other resorts.

 

[minnie61650]

......Also, beyond just the financial considerations, DVC membership is emotionally satisfying (you “own a piece of the magic”), and it gives you a reason to take a vacation at WDW.....

Sorry, I don't want guests to mistake owning a DVC contract to be under a misconception that they will be an owner of the DVC resorts. That is not really the case.

Unlike traditional timeshares, Disney Vacation Club membership ends on January 31, 2042. Membership at the new Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will end on January 31, 2054. Although you are buying a "real-estate interest" and your purchase is actually deeded, your ownership ceases to exist after these dates.

It's very important to realize that you while you are purchasing a deeded and transferable interest, it is not a real estate investment, but rather a prepaid vacation plan.

When someone buys a DVC contract they have paid for a certain amount of points to be used for thier prepaid vacations.

Have fun planning your next Disney vacation!

 

[Luv2trav]

I've been reading this thread because we are getting ready to purchase DVC and it's nice to see how people view the cost savings..

However, what is going to happen when Disney changes their reservations for 2008 and starts charging more for weekends and special events? This cost comparsion and argument is going to null and void.

 

[boomhauer]

However, what is going to happen when Disney changes their reservations for 2008 and starts charging more for weekends and special events? This cost comparsion and argument is going to null and void.

Not true. The price will increase minimally for the weekends. Nothing so large that will make much of a difference.

Remember - All the comparisons made so far have been using rack rates. I don't remember the last time I paid rack rate at a Disney resort.

 

[Sammie]

The only justification anyone needs to purchase DVC, is, does it work for you.

If not then don't purchase, if it does, buy it and enjoy.

We bought after we out grew and got tired of values and moderates. We wanted a 2 bedroom villa on Disney property during the summer and did not want to pay $550 for it.

It won't fit everyone and it won't save everyone money. It saves us money because it less than paying for the cost of a villa or 2 deluxe rooms during the time we go.

You truly have to personalize it and detemine the fit for your type of vacation.

 

[boomhauer]

Here's why I tihnk these threads get so debated:

1.There are a few non-DVC members who insist that DVC is a waste of money and this angers DVC members, and rightfully so. Not true.

2.There are a few DVC members who make it seem as though the only way to enjoy a Disney vacation and have it make sense is to be a member. Not true.

As others have said, there are so many different variables that go into deciding if it's right for you.

My point on this thread is to play devils advocate to the seemingly endless onslaught of DVC advertisements from Disney while at Disney World. They make the uninformed traveller believe that no matter what, you will save 70% off Disney vacations, or it will pay for itself in just 7 years. While this COULD be the case, it's certainly NOT the case for everyone.

 

[Lewisc]

I decided against DVC because most of my visits are long weekends 3-5 nights with 2 weekend nights. I also decided against it because many of my trips are planned a few months out.

Any analysis that assume all DVC stays will be during the week, and in value season, gives people the wrong idea.

For a "normal" analysis assume a 7 night stay during the time period the purchaser is likely to be vacationing.

DVC works well for guests who want to book the kind of accomodations that are unique to a timeshare. One and two bedroom units.

Exactly, boomhauer!

My point is that there are so many variables that make a simple financial analysis fall apart.

I just don't want numbers thrown out that would give someone the wrong idea. A complete and accurate financial analysis of DVC is not that simple.

I agree with you that if you always stay offsite or at a Value resort, then DVC doesn't make sense from just a financial standpoint.

Also, beyond just the financial considerations, DVC membership is emotionally satisfying (you “own a piece of the magic”), 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.

Buying into DVC is almost a lifestyle choice. 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. DVC will pay dividends beyond mere dollars and cents – your return on investment will be the joyous times, the family gatherings, and the experiences of a lifetime.

Only you can determine if DVC membership makes sense for your situation, based upon your lifestyle and financial capabilities.

 

[DisneyFreaks]

The only justification anyone needs to purchase DVC, is, does it work for you.
If not then don't purchase, if it does, buy it and enjoy.
We bought after we out grew and got tired of values and moderates. We wanted a 2 bedroom villa on Disney property during the summer and did not want to pay $550 for it.
It won't fit everyone and it won't save everyone money. It saves us money because it less than paying for the cost of a villa or 2 deluxe rooms during the time we go.
You truly have to personalize it and detemine the fit for your type of vacation.

I totally agree!

 

[jeanninepl]

Wow! I posted the question just to see if DVC was right for my family. I am sorry, I did not mean to set off such a debate.

Thank you all so much for your responses. This has definitely been educational.

 

[kend58]

Wow! I posted the question just to see if DVC was right for my family. I am sorry, I did not mean to set off such a debate.

Thank you all so much for your responses. This has definitely been educational.

You have no reason to apologize just because the question you posed has generated lots of responses with varying opinions.

Hopefully you gathered from all this discusion that no one simple answer exists to this question. Much has been said on this thread regarding the relative value of DVC vs Disney resorts of various types (Value, Moderate and Deluxe) and I don't feel I have anything to add to the analysis already offered by others. I will add that if the DVC villa style accomadations are what you decide you desire for your family that DVC vs offsite TS should still be analyzed before making a final commitment to buying DVC.

Yes "owning" a "piece of the magic" for a number of years has advantages through a DVC lease interest. DVC "ownership" may be the right solution for you it already is for many others. But it can come with a price tag signifigantly higher than offsite TS (especially resales) carry. DVC does have signifigant advantages when it comes to flexibility in booking over other TS with the std 1 wk style and brings the onsite perks that many consider necessary but often at a signifigant upfront and annual MF (depending on Season) cost when compared with offsite TS.

 

[yxe dad]

I was in the same boat since my first WDW trip but never really looked into any numbers. On my last trip I had some time to kill due to really hot temps and long lines and decided to do the tour only if they could get me outta MGM asap(cheerleaders were everywhere!!!).
I went to the SSR/AKV preview center and liked what I heard but was not sold at first. I live in Canada and if I wanted to buy, it had to be before I left in 4days!!!
Here's the numbers and how it worked for me.
$96/pt / 50 years = $1.92 a point
current AKV dues of $4.62 + $1.92 a point = $6.54 a point
$6.54 x 15pts(points needed if AKV's were open, in a Savanna Studio in March07) = $98.10 (this is also the same number of points needed for the summer months)
135 points for the week x $6.54 = $882.9 (15 for Sun-Thur and 30 for Fri/Sat)

Now that being said, I was at the time staying at POR on an AP rate of $139.50 tax in(139.50 x 7 = $976.50. I also stayed at AKL in December06 on an AP for around $190 in a standard room. So would have saved $$$$$ if I had purchased sooner even with an AP rate at Mods and Deluxes

I normally travel during Adventure and Choice seasons on the DVC point charts so the points per night with be less but I also have the flexibility to travel and use the points anytime I want.

I was perfectly happy staying in the Values until I took my girlfriend away for her first trip to WDW and stayed at WL. It's really had to go back after that. Since that trip we have stayed with the kids at CSR, AKL, and POR but really missed sitting on the balcony at the end of the day.

Sorry I'm sick at home today, but I hope my numbers made sence to you??
Shayne

 

[Deb & Bill]

I must add that the first 175 points that we bought cost us $50 a point, much less than points are going for now. We have 500 points. The most our points cost us were about $67 a point. Right now, we are thinking about selling one of our contracts to purchase a timeshare at the beach to give us other options since you get the best use of your DVC points staying at DVC resorts.

Would I pay $100 a point for DVC? I don't think I would. My points have appreciated. I'm not so sure that they will continue to do so. But we've had more than 20 vacations on our points and have had a blast.

We've brought friends and family members with us and were able to provide a great place for them to stay at no cost to them (we usually get a two bedroom villa at OKW for our larger groups).

Does the Jan 31, 2042 deadline bother me? Nah, I'll be 91, going on 92 if I don't have Alzheimers by then (it runs in my family). We have one son who loves to go now, but could change his mind in the future.

Would I advise others to purchase DVC? Only if you understand that it is not an investment. It is a prepaid vacation plan that requires a bunch of planning. In the past you could wait longer to get that holiday reservation. With the greater number of members these days, there is a lot more competition for those desired nights and you need to use that home resort advantage from 7 -11 months ahead of time. If you don't mind a night here, a night there, etc., you can make reservations closer to the time you want to leave. But don't expect to get the VWL at Christmas time a few months before you want to leave.

If you have the money to spend, if you love going to WDW (and hopefully DL in the near future), and think you want to do this for many years, go for it. If it will be a financial struggle for you or you don't think you'll want to go to WDW or DL that often, rethink your decision. DVC just might not be for you. It's a very personal decision and it's yours to make.

Good luck to those deciding whether or not they should. Happy trails to those who have decided its not for them. And to existing DVC members, aren't we having a great time? Everyone have fun!!

 

[boomhauer]

I must add that the first 175 points that we bought cost us $50 a point, much less than points are going for now. We have 500 points. The most our points cost us were about $67 a point. Right now, we are thinking about selling one of our contracts to purchase a timeshare at the beach to give us other options since you get the best use of your DVC points staying at DVC resorts.

Would I pay $100 a point for DVC? I don't think I would. My points have appreciated. I'm not so sure that they will continue to do so. But we've had more than 20 vacations on our points and have had a blast.

We've brought friends and family members with us and were able to provide a great place for them to stay at no cost to them (we usually get a two bedroom villa at OKW for our larger groups).

Does the Jan 31, 2042 deadline bother me? Nah, I'll be 91, going on 92 if I don't have Alzheimers by then (it runs in my family). We have one son who loves to go now, but could change his mind in the future.

Would I advise others to purchase DVC? Only if you understand that it is not an investment. It is a prepaid vacation plan that requires a bunch of planning. In the past you could wait longer to get that holiday reservation. With the greater number of members these days, there is a lot more competition for those desired nights and you need to use that home resort advantage from 7 -11 months ahead of time. If you don't mind a night here, a night there, etc., you can make reservations closer to the time you want to leave. But don't expect to get the VWL at Christmas time a few months before you want to leave.

If you have the money to spend, if you love going to WDW (and hopefully DL in the near future), and think you want to do this for many years, go for it. If it will be a financial struggle for you or you don't think you'll want to go to WDW or DL that often, rethink your decision. DVC just might not be for you. It's a very personal decision and it's yours to make.

Good luck to those deciding whether or not they should. Happy trails to those who have decided its not for them. And to existing DVC members, aren't we having a great time? Everyone have fun!!

This is an excellent, honest and informative post. Just thought I'd let you know.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks, boomhauer, that was my intent.

 

[ducklite]

I must add that the first 175 points that we bought cost us $50 a point, much less than points are going for now. We have 500 points. The most our points cost us were about $67 a point. Right now, we are thinking about selling one of our contracts to purchase a timeshare at the beach to give us other options since you get the best use of your DVC points staying at DVC resorts.

Would I pay $100 a point for DVC? I don't think I would. My points have appreciated. I'm not so sure that they will continue to do so. But we've had more than 20 vacations on our points and have had a blast.

We've brought friends and family members with us and were able to provide a great place for them to stay at no cost to them (we usually get a two bedroom villa at OKW for our larger groups).

Does the Jan 31, 2042 deadline bother me? Nah, I'll be 91, going on 92 if I don't have Alzheimers by then (it runs in my family). We have one son who loves to go now, but could change his mind in the future.

Would I advise others to purchase DVC? Only if you understand that it is not an investment. It is a prepaid vacation plan that requires a bunch of planning. In the past you could wait longer to get that holiday reservation. With the greater number of members these days, there is a lot more competition for those desired nights and you need to use that home resort advantage from 7 -11 months ahead of time. If you don't mind a night here, a night there, etc., you can make reservations closer to the time you want to leave. But don't expect to get the VWL at Christmas time a few months before you want to leave.

If you have the money to spend, if you love going to WDW (and hopefully DL in the near future), and think you want to do this for many years, go for it. If it will be a financial struggle for you or you don't think you'll want to go to WDW or DL that often, rethink your decision. DVC just might not be for you. It's a very personal decision and it's yours to make.

Good luck to those deciding whether or not they should. Happy trails to those who have decided its not for them. And to existing DVC members, aren't we having a great time? Everyone have fun!!

Very well said. We bought into DVC in 1997, back when the points were a lot less than they are now--I think we paid $63 per point, before incentives.

We've gotten a lot of great use out of it, like Deb&Bill we've been able to treat friends and family who might not have been able to go otherwise. But like Deb&Bill, I'm not sure that I'd pay what they are charging per point these days.

We'll be in our late 70's when our contract expires, and I highly doubt that it will really matter to us by that point in time. If anything it will be good, our estate won't have to worry about paying the maintenance and selling it.

Anne

 

[starbox]

Which is exactly where I would be. We currently spend on average, about 20 nights at Disney per year. I would need ALOT of points for that, and with dues, it was crazy expensive.

I own 275 points and last year, last year I spent 23 nights in Disney deluxe studios.

3 @ SSR
6 @ BWV
6 @ VBR
3 @ VWL
2 @ OKW
3 @ HHI

Retail cost would have been close to $6,000

Next week, I'll be at AKV for 5 nights - CRO for a savanna-view room for those same 5 nights is around 1,800.

 

[boomhauer]

I own 275 points and last year, last year I spent 23 nights in Disney deluxe studios.

3 @ SSR
6 @ BWV
6 @ VBR
3 @ VWL
2 @ OKW
3 @ HHI

Retail cost would have been close to $6,000

Next week, I'll be at AKV for 5 nights - CRO for a savanna-view room for those same 5 nights is around 1,800.

To buy those points now would cost $26,400. What would the dues on that be per year?

I have no doubt it would work out cheaper than staying deluxe. But value and moderate, no way.

 

[Deb & Bill]

To buy those points now would cost $26,400. What would the dues on that be per year?

I have no doubt it would work out cheaper than staying deluxe. But value and moderate, no way.

And you are exactly correct on that one. If you choose to stay in values or moderates most of the time, DVC just might not be right for you. You'll spend more on the DVC purchase and members' fees than you probably would on that moderate or value resort.