Keep in mind, its not just the "membership" benefits. It's also the ability to stay at new resorts. Plus, you can always go the hybrid approach. The breakeven on annual passes, especially with a family of 4 or 5 doesn't take that long on a 75 to 100 point direct contract.
Your post illustrates the real problem. Because the direct price is $245 a point nobody is balking at $180 a point, which is also absurdly high! Genius move by Disney and we all fell for it.
I honestly don't know and it's something I struggle with constantly. If I wouldn't buy something at a particular price, and I own it, does that necessitate that I sell? I don't really know.
The reality is, I *should* probably invest it, right? But where's the fun in that? I can't come on the DIS and talk about how my stocks are doing with the same kind of enjoyment I get from shooting the breeze here.
I do the same analysis! Now that we travel during school breaks a lot, I find that the rooms I like are pretty much booked out in the 7-11 month window, and my whole family LOVES VGF, so we hold it. RIV actually may give VGF a run for its money, with our family. I love BLT and the nostalgia of the Contemporary, so we are holding on to that as well. And for standard rooms at BLT, you do need to own there. My kids still love going to TOTWL in their pajamas to watch fireworks (or watching from our balcony) and then getting into bed from there. Plus California Grill is DH's 2nd favorite restaurant. So we hold ALL our points, on 90% emotion and 10% reason.
Spend it on hotel stays in a more efficient manner. Just saying that makes me think that maybe I need to relax a bit.
The reality is, I *should* probably invest it, right? But where's the fun in that? I can't come on the DIS and talk about how my stocks are doing with the same kind of enjoyment I get from shooting the breeze here.
I'm confident Disney will figure out the Skyliner and eventually "upgrade" the monorail with one.
And lawsuits? Long run you have to wonder if monorail wouldn’t have been cheaper. Definitely more comfortable.
Of course my biggest issue is still the resale restrictions. Paying more is one thing but paying more AND knowing you will take a large resale hit if you need out is another.
Why would DVC members be on the hook for lawsuits? Transportation to and from resorts is not part of DVC operations. The resorts contract with the Transportation department for transportation. They (Disney Transportation Department) operate the system. While it's all "Disney", I can't imagine a legitimate way DVC Members could be responsible in any way for a transportation accident. We don't pay for boat or bus accidents.
From what I understand a percentage of the operations and maintenance of the Riviera station is assigned to RIV maintenance fees.
