Am I crazy for contemplating this?

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

I am thinking about buying a DVC membership (probably resale) for a couple of long weekend trips per year. My reasoning is the follows.

1. I don't want to pull the camper for a 2 night stay.

2. I have a free place to stay a few miles north of MK, but it doesn't compare to on property

3. I am over All Star's

4. Could a DVC be a good deal for FW if rates keep climbing??

5. My girls could use it as they get older. 

 

Is this a dumb idea? 

[CCIntrigue...aka Gwen 547]

We looked into DVC several years ago with the sole purpose of using points to stay at the Fort.  The DVC rep actually told me that was a bad idea.  Apparently very few sites are allocated for DVC.

[Katman1356...Jason 1,140]

Definitely not a good deal for the Fort. As Gwen said from all I have heard the availability just isnt there to trade into. 

[PghBob 31]

HI.  We are DVC members and have been just OK with our membership.  It is extremely difficult to get time (any time) at the Fort, and nearly impossible to get time when you want it.  We have been able to use points there a couple of times.  Ask the front desk at FW about DVC availability at the Fort and they tell you to call DVC.  Call DVC about availability at the Fort and they tell you the Fort has not given out that information.  It can drive you crazy.  I've even tried asking DVC, "tell me when there is any availability at the Fort, and I'll come then".  They don't have the info. most of the time.

So, we use our membership for staying in a resort for shorter stays.  Even then, it can be difficult.  For example, a few months ago we figured we had a some days in June when we could come down.  The only thing available was 2 nights in a one bedroom at Saratoga, then 3 nights in a Studio at Saratoga.  So, we need to move mid-stay.

IMHO, DVC works best for a family that consistently knows 7-9 months out where and when they want to use the points.  Otherwise, you could have problems getting something when you want, or a room size that fits your needs.  Especially true around peak times like Holidays and Spring Break.

Finally, be careful of buying points from anyone other than Disney.  WDW is increasing restrictions on non-Disney DVC purchases as to how those points can be used.  Check out all options before buying.

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

7 minutes ago, PghBob said:

HI.  We are DVC members and have been just OK with our membership.  It is extremely difficult to get time (any time) at the Fort, and nearly impossible to get time when you want it.  We have been able to use points there a couple of times.  Ask the front desk at FW about DVC availability at the Fort and they tell you to call DVC.  Call DVC about availability at the Fort and they tell you the Fort has not given out that information.  It can drive you crazy.  I've even tried asking DVC, "tell me when there is any availability at the Fort, and I'll come then".  They don't have the info. most of the time.

So, we use our membership for staying in a resort for shorter stays.  Even then, it can be difficult.  For example, a few months ago we figured we had a some days in June when we could come down.  The only thing available was 2 nights in a one bedroom at Saratoga, then 3 nights in a Studio at Saratoga.  So, we need to move mid-stay.

IMHO, DVC works best for a family that consistently knows 7-9 months out where and when they want to use the points.  Otherwise, you could have problems getting something when you want, or a room size that fits your needs.  Especially true around peak times like Holidays and Spring Break.

Finally, be careful of buying points from anyone other than Disney.  WDW is increasing restrictions on non-Disney DVC purchases as to how those points can be used.  Check out all options before buying.

Good info....thanks. 

 

 

Just to clarify I'm not really interested in DVC for FW stays now. Just thinking in the future it may be beneficial.  

My interest now is quick trips (2 or 3 nights) in a nicer resort without the hassle of pulling a camper. Looks like we will be AP holders for a while. 

[PghBob 31]

Got it.  But, please do the math before purchase.  Min. purchase was $18,000 several years ago, plus the annual dues based on the points you buy.

One can get a lot of 2-3 nights stays for that kind of money.

Good luck working it out.  

[LONE-STAR 370]

I was looking at buying used a few years back and right when I was getting serious Disney got rid of a lot of the benefits if you buy it second hand. So I lost interest.

[DaveInTN 3,247]

19 minutes ago, LONE-STAR said:

I was looking at buying used a few years back and right when I was getting serious Disney got rid of a lot of the benefits if you buy it second hand. So I lost interest.

I think in some ways Disney hurt themselves by doing that.   We don't own DVC, but when I've considered it I have thought that a primary benefit compared to other timeshares is the ability to easily resell.   I'm not sure it's that easy anymore since they've killed many of the benefits of buying that way. 

[WannaBeImagineer 98]

12 hours ago, LONE-STAR said:

I was looking at buying used a few years back and right when I was getting serious Disney got rid of a lot of the benefits if you buy it second hand. So I lost interest.

I was in the same boat, I was seriously considering it until that happened.

12 hours ago, DaveInTN said:

I think in some ways Disney hurt themselves by doing that.   We don't own DVC, but when I've considered it I have thought that a primary benefit compared to other timeshares is the ability to easily resell.   I'm not sure it's that easy anymore since they've killed many of the benefits of buying that way. 

I agree, it had to of hurt the resell market, but it may have helped the point rental market?

On another note I've heard that's it's hard to get the DVC resort room that you want even when you have the points, just like the Fort people are booking as soon as they become available 11 months in advance (or whatever it is).  Am I'm the only one getting tired of having to do that?  I feel like all my trips are that way now, even local state parks.  Heck even thinking about a trip out west you have to be prepared to book early to get the best campgrounds.

WBI

[DaveInTN 3,247]

32 minutes ago, WannaBeImagineer said:

 

On another note I've heard that's it's hard to get the DVC resort room that you want even when you have the points, just like the Fort people are booking as soon as they become available 11 months in advance (or whatever it is).  Am I'm the only one getting tired of having to do that?  I feel like all my trips are that way now, even local state parks.  Heck even thinking about a trip out west you have to be prepared to book early to get the best campgrounds.

WBI

These things always have an ebb and flow.  Yes, the RV market has exploded in the last few years.  But at some unknown point a combination of things will change that:  the economy will go into recession, gas prices will spike, an international crisis will send consumer confidence plummeting, people will simply tire of RVing and move onto the next big thing.  Etc etc.  Other than a huge hit to the value of our used RV's as hundreds of thousands of unwanted units glut the market, the exit of all of those people from the lifestyle will be somewhat positive for those of us that might remain and will be able to snag campsites again.  It's happened before, and it'll happen again.  Just look at the economic history of Elkhart, IN.  Boom, bust, boom, bust, and so on.  The issues is, there is no way to know when it'll happen.  But when it does, watch out.  I wouldn't want to be one of the large banks lending in that space when the bottom drops out.  Repossess a house, and you have a chance of getting out.  Repossess an RV in a down market, and you've got a depreciated, rotting hunk of junk.  

[Beckers 1,136]

I just got info in the mail (only because I entered a contest) this part is interesting that I underlined.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PGHFiend 140]

You could get a room for just the maintenance fees you'll pay.  And you'll pay them FOREVER.  I've never seen the draw. 

[ftwildernessguy 778]

I have done the math a few times, and DVC just never works out.  I have a friend who owns points at three, count them, three DVC resorts and all he does is complain about paying the maintenance fees every year.  I bet he will buy into a fourth resort. 

[DaveInTN 3,247]

31 minutes ago, ftwildernessguy said:

I have done the math a few times, and DVC just never works out.  I have a friend who owns points at three, count them, three DVC resorts and all he does is complain about paying the maintenance fees every year.  I bet he will buy into a fourth resort. 

Maybe your friend would be interested in purchasing my membership interest in the 3000 Loop?  I am getting tired of the maintenance fees that just keep going up and up every year.  I understood the need to replace the underground beer lines a couple of years ago, so I was fully onboard with the special assessment for that.  But the fees to install the RFID Crockpot Lid Release Mechanisms that are integrated with your phone were a bit much, as were the expenses to build the live streaming webcast setup at Mickey's Backyard Massage Parlor and Casino that only you seem to be able to access.   

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

2 hours ago, PGHFiend said:

You could get a room for just the maintenance fees you'll pay.  And you'll pay them FOREVER.  I've never seen the draw. 

That's what I have always said too, but if I buy 100 points at Old Key West that's about $650 a year. Using 2018 points I could stay 4 to 6 nights in a studio for $650. I don't think that can be done staying at CR just paying cash. Am I missing something? Seems like a good deal to me. The last time I stayed at All Stars it was $120 a night.

[PGHFiend 140]

If you've got the cash and think it's right for you, do it. I can see how you could sell yourself on it, but I'd look at a 10 year spread. 100 points at 100 bucks is 10k. 650 a year maintenance with a recurring 4pct increase will cost you another 7500 (whether you go or not). Over the 10 year "payoff" it's 1750 a year for a 4 day trip. For me right now, that's a week at the Fort and 2 sets of 3 day tickets.
It's hard to judge how anyone spends their vacation, but Dave Ramsey would yell me no to any timeshare.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[AuburnJen 777]

On 6/5/2018 at 7:51 PM, ImDownWithDisney said:

Good info....thanks. 

 

 

Just to clarify I'm not really interested in DVC for FW stays now. Just thinking in the future it may be beneficial.  

My interest now is quick trips (2 or 3 nights) in a nicer resort without the hassle of pulling a camper. Looks like we will be AP holders for a while. 

We got the minimum points just for what you are wanting to do.  There are many times that we want to go, but our camper is 1) getting maintenance and it is taking forever to find parts because she is vintage  2) I don't feel like towing the popup  or 3) I don't want to bring tents because it is too hot.  So, for this year, we banked points and used it to book a stay at OKW for our International Karate tournament.  All three of us in the family were supposed to be in it.  Right after we booked it, the school we are in changed federations and now they are not going.  However, there are a bunch of us that won't change our reservations and are just going to do Disney instead.  We like having the 4th option, especially because both of our campers are old and even though we dearly love them, most people make us find the parts for them if we want them worked on.  Anyway, I wouldn't get a bunch of points, but in our case, it is working so far.

[dblr....Rennie 224]

I will add my 2 cents now, we have enough points on a average for a 2 bedroom once a year, do we go every year....no. Sometimes we go at high times so the banked points work there. What I liked about the DVC is options, size of unit, length of stay and not the same week every year. I have traded out once to RCI to stay at a Wyndham resort to ski with my sons, extra cost zero, value, priceless spending time with my boys!!!!!!! After paying off the purchase the yearly cost does seem like a PIA but it works for us and as always that is the most important factor we figure in, will it work for everyone, probably not but as I like to say that is why we have both kinds of ice cream, vanilla & chocolate.

[WannaBeImagineer 98]

2 hours ago, dblr....Rennie said:

I will add my 2 cents now, we have enough points on a average for a 2 bedroom once a year, do we go every year....no. Sometimes we go at high times so the banked points work there. What I liked about the DVC is options, size of unit, length of stay and not the same week every year. I have traded out once to RCI to stay at a Wyndham resort to ski with my sons, extra cost zero, value, priceless spending time with my boys!!!!!!! After paying off the purchase the yearly cost does seem like a PIA but it works for us and as always that is the most important factor we figure in, will it work for everyone, probably not but as I like to say that is why we have both kinds of ice cream, vanilla & chocolate.

Hey Rennie, how long ago did you buy in?  I assume since you were able to trade out to RCI you bought from Disney or long enough ago that still got that perk with resale.

I'm just curious because it seems that the longer ago you bought in the better deal it is.  We met people on a cruise once that bought when it first started and they loved it, but they paid a fraction of what it would cost now.  BUT I guess it will keep going up every year, so you could buy in now and in 20 years it will be a great deal.  How are they going to handle the life of contracts though, a lot expire in 2042.

WBI

[AuburnJen 777]

Hey folks, new sets of points are on sale!  (she says sarcastically) 

http://chipandco.com/disney-vacation-club-incredible-savings-offer-on-new-club-membership-310881/

[dblr....Rennie 224]

21 hours ago, WannaBeImagineer said:

Hey Rennie, how long ago did you buy in?  I assume since you were able to trade out to RCI you bought from Disney or long enough ago that still got that perk with resale.

I'm just curious because it seems that the longer ago you bought in the better deal it is.  We met people on a cruise once that bought when it first started and they loved it, but they paid a fraction of what it would cost now.  BUT I guess it will keep going up every year, so you could buy in now and in 20 years it will be a great deal.  How are they going to handle the life of contracts though, a lot expire in 2042.

WBI

We bought back in 2004 and I believe paid somewhere around $90 a point back then, plus were offered builder points that we couldn't use in time so we rented them out to a friend and recouped a little bit of money. We have also rented the points out around 3 times thru a broker and were very happy with what we received and how everything was handled. Yes it seems the older the contracts the better the perks and also the resales seemed to be offered much less.

[HeyHeyJP 0]

We bought into DVC in 1997 with 460 OKW pts.  We've added on twice, 120 Aulani pts and 125 VGF.  We also just bought 300 OKW resale points.  We've only stayed in a studio once, they're really hard to get and we'd rather be in 1 or 2 bedroom. We've stayed in 3 bedroom Grand Villas a number of times. I would never be able to afford those on a cash basis.  Well, we DID pay cash for 2 nights in a 1 bedroom just after Hurricane Irma screwed up our vacation, and the price was nuts. If you don't need the multi bedroom option, or the full kitchen, living room, etc, then DVC probably isn't for you.  However, we come down several times a year and are not park rats so we enjoy the larger accommodations.

That said, we're 'closing' on 2018 Dynamax DX3 so we can vacation MORE at the world and also enjoy the USA during our retirement years.

[lightbikes 73]

We've been DVC members since 1998.  Do we feel we got our monies worth?  Yes by and large.  

There are some serious disadvantages that have been noted above.  We have tried several times to use our points at the Fort.  Success rate:  once out of 8 or 9 attempts.  Pretty bad odds.

We did the three year, carry over/use/borrow to use three years of points to do an Adventures by Disney trip.  We still only had enough points to pay for one of us and had to do the cash for the second.  Again, not a great payback.

We've been told that using points to do a cruise with Disney is a terrible waste but we're not big cruisers so that's not important.

On the other hand we have used our points to stay, with as many as 10 of us, in the villas, or two bedrooms, over Christmas at least five  times and that has been amazing.  Could not have done it for the cost and convenience.  Pretty easy.

We've taken friends down for two week stays and been able to get accessible rooms for them with no problems that were lovely and delighted them.

We have also used our points to stay at Disneyland in California, Hong Kong and Tokyo.  Again, well worth the cost.

And, from our perspective we have traded into RCI frequently.  We did a month in Hawaii, 1 week at Aulani with Disney, then one week on each of three islands with RCI.   A perfect, cheap vacation.  Our only costs were food and the car rental.

We've used our points with RCI in New Orleans, San Francisco,  New Zealand, Australia and South America.  Again, great value for what the exchange costs.

We are currently planning to use our points next year for Disneyland Paris and a couple of weeks in Paris and Rome.  

You probably really need to analyze how your like to travel and what your needs are but for us we do feel we've at least broke even.

 

[dblr....Rennie 224]

16 hours ago, HeyHeyJP said:

That said, we're 'closing' on 2018 Dynamax DX3 so we can vacation MORE at the world and also enjoy the USA during our retirement years.

JP, you might want to check out the Forest River Owners Forum, they have a great Dynamax group there and even a factory person involved that is really a great help to their owners.

http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/

Also join FROG, lot's of great rallies held all over the place

http://www.forestriverfrog.com/

[ImDownWithDisney 342]

Well after considerable thought about joining DVC I'm not into it right now. My main reason is the Fort has become our #1 draw for a Disney trip. Using points for a site isn't a good deal. Also another reason we considered DVC was for quick trips. Owning a new F450 makes pulling the camper a non issue. It's no more stressful than driving down in our suburban. We've done a few short trips already without feeling any negatives of taking the camper. We may buy in at a later date, but for now we are still campers.