Pros of owning a dvc property

[sneffg]

I am very new to this concept, and am really trying to decide if it's right for my family. We have made 3 trips in the last 7 years. The kids and I would love to go more often, my husband not as much. He says he doesn't enjoy forcing all the activities. And trying to see everything (even though that is totally impossible)! I really think owning would be a good option,and he is open to it if it means he won't be forced to road march everyday. A few questions I have...when you purchase park tickets do you have to purchase for everyone in your room? If my husband decided to lounge at the resort and not go to the parks would he still need a ticket? Would it really be better to buy direct or resale? I have read every post on both points and feel like resale is great, but are you really getting everything you could. I saw that they offer DVC only events are they really worth the extra? Can you only buy additional points if they are available? Or can you get them because you already own at that resort? A family of 4, they are only offering direct at Poly which would be amazing, but I also like the Beach Club atmosphere and the easy access to Epcot....any suggestions on this? And I was trying to see what the length of resort ownership is and couldn't find anything. Is that listed in the resale agreements?

 

[Supplanter]

You've made a few trips the past 7 years, use those costs to compare to a dvc membership. Use saratoga springs as a baseline since its the cheapest and see if you'd have saved money based on where you're staying. For us, we save money but we go to aulani in a 2br.
No everyone doesnt need a ticket.
Resale is cheaper by far... Like half price... and you have a large selection rather than just poly/ aulani.
You can always add on a small direct contract later of you really want those benefits. From what I have seen so far they are pretty lame except ap discounts.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We owned for 10+ years and loved it. We were high point owners and a true DVC / Disney cheerleader. That said, after a certain point we got a bit discouraged with Disney. We saw a major decline in quality. That, plus "how many times can you ride Spaceship Earth in a lifetime", was a contributing factor for our decision to sell (part was a job loss). I don't mean to be a downer, but truly if the quality was upheld we would likely still be Members today. By quality I'm talking about everything from poor housekeeping to the demise of Pleasure Island.
Since we've sold a few years back, conditions have deteriorated further. Now if you want to eat at a specific restaurant you need to wake up at 6 am (3 am on west coast) 180 days (yes 6 months) ahead of time if you want A CHANCE to get your reservation. It's so over the top it's beyond me.
Since our sale we have moved to Orlando. This has changed everything drastically, and not for the better. Try to get an 'Ohana reservation as a local.

Good luck with your decision. Remember, the actual DVC rooms don't look exactly like the models. Yes, the layout and decorations are the same, but you won't see beat up scratched furniture and dirty bathrooms.

Good luck,
MG

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

We own at SSR and VGF we bought direct and never regretted it. We started coming every other year and now once maybe twice a year. You can waitlist the older resorts direct like Beach Club we did that with more SSR points abd they came up in 2 weeks.

We get an AP because we come every year. We get 2 visits from it. Having DVC sure makes you less frantic getting into the parks. Now we just enjoy mornings only, maybe have lunch afternoon by the pool or other things. My health took a downhill turn in the 9 years we have owned so we do less now anyway so it worked out well. We also now enjoy a 4 night cruise on The Dream some years. We like spilt staying also. A vacation in a vacation. We love owing DVC. It is perfect for us. But it's not for everyone. I hope you arrive at the right answer.

 

[Minniesgal]

For me the main gain with DVC is space and functionality. When we travelled as a family of 5 or 4 the two bedrooms were perfect. Now we travel
Mostly as a trio the 1 bedrooms are perfect and even when it is just the two of us we love the 1 bedrooms a

We like being able to have a leisurely breakfast in the room sitting around a table and we find it saves us time As we can do it as we get ready. We sometimes get tired of eating out and like a simple meal in.

But what I like best of all is whenever we leave we know we will be back. Before DVC that was much more of an if

 

[CarolMN]

There is no requirement to buy tickets. If your DH wants to skip the parks, he can. You can buy your tickets (or not) from Disney or any authorized ticket broker. Buy for the entire party, just some of the party or none at all. (If you choose to buy a Dining Plan, you must buy it for the entire party for the entire length of your stay. But even if you choose to buy a Dining Plan, there is no requirement to buy tickets).

We've owned since 1999 and we visit very differently now. We do go to the parks, but usually just go to favorite attractions / shows or try something new. We do things at a lot more leisurely pace and hang around the resort more often. No longer are we park "commandos". We'll be back so no need to rush around on a schedule.

 

[ColonialMouse]

I think the answer to the question you didn't ask is that you're really not ready to buy DVC. You don't want to buy points for vacations over the next 30 years that your husband doesn't want to go on. You can experience DVC by renting the points. Rent points for a couple of trips and see if all of you want to keep traveling that way. Then make the decision whether to buy.

Bruce

 

[disneynutz]

A common incorrect thought is that WDW and DVC are the same thing. People will post that they love DVC because they have wonderful family vacations. You don't need DVC to have wonderful family vacations. You don't need to own DVC to stay in a DVC room.

DVC might save you some money on your room but you will probably spend more at Disney and you might find yourself taking vacations there more often.

In the end it's all about the savings numbers, you might want to take a look at renting a DVC stay from an owner.

Bill

 

[sneffg]

We are actually planning to rent the next time, so we can see what type of resort if we did choose to purchase would suit us best. I would love to stay at them all, but I feel like when you factor in the airfare and room cost and the incidentals we could have purchased already. I know my mom and I would like to be able to go and have some trips together with the kids. But a resort that is nice to hang around in and actually be able to relax is a major plus for DH. I am all about the convenience and quite honestly I like Epcot and HS better so am leaning toward those resort areas. But Poly holds the appeal of being on the monorail. I wouldn't do financing so paying over 30 years isn't really an issue, I know we would at least get our money out of it. I'm not looking to make $, but we also know that we have stayed at moderate level and value. I would never do value again! The buses are terrible and moderate was a nice upgrade. But while the buses were more frequent it seemed it was still a drag to have to rely on the bus especially to have our meals at the deluxe resorts which we did more often than not. One last question, if you buy a resale contract and buy a small direct contract from Disney does that give you 2 home resort choices? Or is it where the bulk of your points are?

 

[disneynutz]

Each resort purchase gives you an 11 month booking advantage for the points at that resort only. At 7 months you can combine your points to stay at any DVC resort.

As time goes on you will find that repeat vacations changes the way that you feel about Disney vacations. Things don't change much and after awhile there isn't any need to rush around and fight crowds. You will have a different outlook and you can stop and smell the roses. Finding your favorite resort will become even more important since your time will be increasing there.

Bill

 

[DizBub]

We went to WDW for many, many years with my DH protesting most of the way. Started out camping at Ft Wilderness, stayed off-site, did moderates and values. It felt to him that he had his wallet out the entire time. Yet, we continued to go. Basically he was over-ruled by myself and our 3 DDs.

7 years ago we bought our 1st contract direct and now he is an enthusiastic participant in DVC. In fact we just sent a rather large check out to pay for our 4th contract....and he's perfectly fine with that. Ok, with so much $ sunk into DVC, MFs, annual passes and going multiple times a year we are not really saving money but DH likes to say that it's a quality of life thing. Now we are retired he really is enjoying it. And he rarely takes his wallet out these days....we really don't spend that much money while there anymore.

You asked for a pro to owning. We could rent points (and have) to stay at DVC properties but the ability to have control over your reservations is a huge plus for me. When you rent the owner of the points has the control and this can become very problematic if you would need to adjust or cancel.

 

[Dean]

I am very new to this concept, and am really trying to decide if it's right for my family. We have made 3 trips in the last 7 years. The kids and I would love to go more often, my husband not as much. He says he doesn't enjoy forcing all the activities. And trying to see everything (even though that is totally impossible)! I really think owning would be a good option,and he is open to it if it means he won't be forced to road march everyday. A few questions I have...when you purchase park tickets do you have to purchase for everyone in your room? If my husband decided to lounge at the resort and not go to the parks would he still need a ticket? Would it really be better to buy direct or resale? I have read every post on both points and feel like resale is great, but are you really getting everything you could. I saw that they offer DVC only events are they really worth the extra? Can you only buy additional points if they are available? Or can you get them because you already own at that resort? A family of 4, they are only offering direct at Poly which would be amazing, but I also like the Beach Club atmosphere and the easy access to Epcot....any suggestions on this? And I was trying to see what the length of resort ownership is and couldn't find anything. Is that listed in the resale agreements?

If you go more and make the best pass choices, you don't have to be park commandos. There's more information that would be pertinent than you shared but from a cost standpoint SSR will be the cheapest (or at least the best value) and it sounds like cost is a significant portion of your decision at this point. Don't cut it too close on the number of points, better to wait and buy more what you need and maybe rent than making a less than best possible choice. I would not recommend Poly or even direct in your situation, at least from what you've posted.

 

[Madame Señora]

I am very new to this concept, and am really trying to decide if it's right for my family. We have made 3 trips in the last 7 years. The kids and I would love to go more often, my husband not as much. He says he doesn't enjoy forcing all the activities. And trying to see everything (even though that is totally impossible)! I really think owning would be a good option,and he is open to it if it means he won't be forced to road march everyday. A few questions I have...when you purchase park tickets do you have to purchase for everyone in your room? If my husband decided to lounge at the resort and not go to the parks would he still need a ticket? Would it really be better to buy direct or resale? I have read every post on both points and feel like resale is great, but are you really getting everything you could. I saw that they offer DVC only events are they really worth the extra? Can you only buy additional points if they are available? Or can you get them because you already own at that resort? A family of 4, they are only offering direct at Poly which would be amazing, but I also like the Beach Club atmosphere and the easy access to Epcot....any suggestions on this? And I was trying to see what the length of resort ownership is and couldn't find anything. Is that listed in the resale agreements?

when you purchase park tickets do you have to purchase for everyone in your room? Through Walt Disney Travel Company (i.e. if you are NOT a DVC member and you are purchasing package tickets) everyone gets a ticket. Or you can go room-only and get tickets for whomever wants them. As a DVC member, you may consider an annual pass at a currently $100 discount for unlimited access.

If my husband decided to lounge at the resort and not go to the parks would he still need a ticket? Nope. He could just lounge at the resorts!

Would it really be better to buy direct or resale? This is a loaded question. I *just* bought direct because I was tired of "missing out" as prices have gone up from $168/pt in March to $171/pt in June and new resale purchasers have lost the incidental benefits of owning DVC direct. On the one hand, resale is WAY cheaper with more resort options. On the other hand, you could be refused by Disney buying it back only to have to start over again and the wait time can be MONTHS. I didn't want to wait months, so I bought direct. However... I haven't even finished buying into DVC direct and ALREADY I've been unable to place my first reservations (they're already sold out for the first week of January) and I've been able to get into NONE of the DVC member-only events (the summer beach bashes). So, really...I'm no different than before I "bought" DVC except that I have a tote bag and some points. For what it's worth...I continue to look at resale myself.

I saw that they offer DVC only events are they really worth the extra? Short answer = No. As aforementioned, you can't even get in to the summer beach bashes. I'm a new member and they've got nothing for me. Really, nothing.

Can you only buy additional points if they are available? Through resale, only if they're available. Through Disney direct, you may add-on a minimum of 25 points at any time at the current rate.

A family of 4, they are only offering direct at Poly which would be amazing, but I also like the Beach Club atmosphere and the easy access to Epcot....any suggestions on this? Beach Club is my #1 after the Polynesian (where "supposedly" I currently "own" even though I can't get my first reservation there or anywhere) and Bay Lake Tower is my #2. However, Beach Club is expensive - even through resale - and does not give you a 50 year contract. Only a 26 year contract. I stayed in the Beach Club Villas for one night on my last trip, this past March 2016, just to check it out and see if I wanted to "buy into" DVC. The Beach Club studio was just OK. Really. Nothing extravagant and I only had my daughter with me. I think four people would be cramped. The room seemed "dated" to me.

And I was trying to see what the length of resort ownership is and couldn't find anything. Is that listed in the resale agreements? Polynesian & Aulani direct through Disney = 50 years. Beach Club through resale = 26 years. And yes, it is listed in the resale agreements.

 

[lightguy]

We're a family of 5 and we're in the middle of buying our 1st DVC contract. We went with resale due to the cost savings. We're paying about 60% of what disney is currently charging- though we are buying at bay lake tower, which I don't think Disney is selling any more. It can be hit or miss with Disney's right of first refusal, but we got through that ok. You loose a few perks buying resale, but nothing that's worth $10,000+. As far as DVC saving us money, maybe it will maybe it won't compared to a hotel room ( we generally have stayed in 1 room in moderates and deluxes). But we figure we'll spend about the same (maybe less) but be able to stay in 1 or 2 bedroom villas every time we go from now on instead of just a hotel room.

 

[sneffg]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a room that seems spacious? I want to rent points and check out which ones we would be interested in....We decided after our second trip we would never do value again. The rooms were terrible and the only perk was free dining. I'm really not to enthusiastic about buses either. Moderate was a bit better it definitely felt more roomy, but my mother often goes with us, so it still seemed a bit cramped. But it seems that the resorts I'm most interested in are a shorter contract. Not sure if that is good or bad....
Does anyone use any of the DVC 'perks?' Do you attend the member only functions or is that just really a bunch of fluff?

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a room that seems spacious? I want to rent points and check out which ones we would be interested in....We decided after our second trip we would never do value again. The rooms were terrible and the only perk was free dining. I'm really not to enthusiastic about buses either. Moderate was a bit better it definitely felt more roomy, but my mother often goes with us, so it still seemed a bit cramped. But it seems that the resorts I'm most interested in are a shorter contract. Not sure if that is good or bad....
Does anyone use any of the DVC 'perks?' Do you attend the member only functions or is that just really a bunch of fluff?

If room size is your goal, and if I remember correctly, OKW has the largest rooms.

I have never stayed at OKW.. Not because I didn't like it (always thought it was beautiful), it's just there was too many other great choices.
Perhaps I'll rent some points in the near future!!

MG

 

[Dean]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a room that seems spacious? I want to rent points and check out which ones we would be interested in....We decided after our second trip we would never do value again. The rooms were terrible and the only perk was free dining. I'm really not to enthusiastic about buses either. Moderate was a bit better it definitely felt more roomy, but my mother often goes with us, so it still seemed a bit cramped. But it seems that the resorts I'm most interested in are a shorter contract. Not sure if that is good or bad....
Does anyone use any of the DVC 'perks?' Do you attend the member only functions or is that just really a bunch of fluff?

You don't share enough info that I think we can give you good recommendations, all we can do is talk about what you have provided. Items like budget, group size and ages would help us to understand what might be best for your situation. From a studio standpoint OKW will have the most room and give you 2 queen beds. It's the only studio that gives 2 normal beds. Studios normally sleep 4 though a few sleep 5 with a small pullout bed suited for younger children and with renovations, more may have this option. OKW, AKV & SSR will be a similar bus situation as the value and moderates. I wouldn't let the RTU expiration bother you, just figure out what fits the best, what's the best value in your situation and then how they fit together. Cost wise SSR & BLT will be the best value for almost all situations. No matter where you own you should be able to get SSR, AKV & OKW most of the time at 7 months out but you might have to use the wait list at times. BLT lake view and BWV garden/pool will often be available as well. specialty view and standard at BLT, BWV & AKV (value/concierge) will likely not be available unless you reserve AT 11 months out. I get the sense that a 1 BR is better for your situation, esp when your mother goes. AKV Kidani & BLT will have a second bath in the 1 BR which is a plus with additional adults. If your group would be 5 or more with the extra adult, you may quickly get to a 2 BR. You just want to consider these options when looking at home resort and number of points. Pay cash and don't cut it too close on the number of points, give yourself a cushion in case they change the points structure in the future. I'd definitely rent and try it. Make some decisions on what you think will be best and rent your top choice. You may want to rent a couple of times before making a final decision. When you go and rent, do visit as many resorts and info as you can including looking at rooms.

 

[DizBub]

Does anyone have a recommendation for a room that seems spacious? I want to rent points and check out which ones we would be interested in....We decided after our second trip we would never do value again. The rooms were terrible and the only perk was free dining. I'm really not to enthusiastic about buses either. Moderate was a bit better it definitely felt more roomy, but my mother often goes with us, so it still seemed a bit cramped. But it seems that the resorts I'm most interested in are a shorter contract. Not sure if that is good or bad....
Does anyone use any of the DVC 'perks?' Do you attend the member only functions or is that just really a bunch of fluff?

OKW 1 bedrooms are huge. They also sleep 5 and if you buy direct or resale with an extended contract that would end in 2057 instead of 2042. BLT and AKV 1 bedrooms also sleep 5 and have 2 full bathrooms. I am not a fan of cramming 5 people in a studio but that is the trend with DVC right now. If you want space and privacy don't do it.

As for the DVC perks, we are able to buy the discounted APs and the TIW card which is a big saver for us. We have also used the DVC dining and mini golf discounts. The member events are a bit harder because you actually have to be there when they are offered. We have gone to several Merry Mixers and this year we are going to the Typhoon Lagoon Beach Bash on the 29th and the Safari Spectacular on Sept 6. The last 2 have to be reserved in advance because those events fill up fast. We just happened to already have those dates booked, a rare case of good timing on our part.

But don't buy for the perks because they do come and go. Buy because you want to upgrade your room experience and yes, even for the location. If you do get a location you really love, especially an Epcot resort or BLT be prepared to book at 11 months because there is no guarantee that you will get your room choice even if you own there.

Oh, and the bus situation at ANY DVC resort is like night and day compared to the values and the moderates, even OKW and SSR. No comparison. Just don't try to close MK.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We're a family of 5 and we're in the middle of buying our 1st DVC contract. We went with resale due to the cost savings. We're paying about 60% of what disney is currently charging- though we are buying at bay lake tower, which I don't think Disney is selling any more. It can be hit or miss with Disney's right of first refusal, but we got through that ok. You loose a few perks buying resale, but nothing that's worth $10,000+. As far as DVC saving us money, maybe it will maybe it won't compared to a hotel room ( we generally have stayed in 1 room in moderates and deluxes). But we figure we'll spend about the same (maybe less) but be able to stay in 1 or 2 bedroom villas every time we go from now on instead of just a hotel room.

I see that you've been a member for a year but just made your first post so ...

*** WELCOME! ***

 

[sneffg]

Well after several days of reading all of the responses, which I am really thankful for! And reading different threads on this site. I feel like I am getting a pretty solid understanding of how all this works. Considering my kids are 10 and 9 I feel like we would definitely get some great use out of the DVC. I think for our next trip, I already have it in motion, we will rent points and check out all of the resorts that hold interest for us. My husband just really would like a place with good food and pool he can relax by, and catch up to us when he wants to. I really would prefer to do resale, I need to feel like I got a great deal! I think I am really leaning toward a smaller contract, 100 points so I can pay cash. I still really am interested in BCV and BWV also. I really feel drawn to them. I think I will try to book our stay at one of those. And then after we see how that works and as the kids get a little older we may add on a different resort, or more points at our current. I feel like then if the kids don't care about going I still have a place that my mother and I will be able spend some time together. And won't be stuck with a huge contract that I end up having to sell off because it's too much. Thanks again for all of your great input. I will still probably spend another 6 months researching until I have sufficiently driven my family insane with bouncing my ideas off of them. LOL