are you happy with the DVC?

[BigThunder]

Hi all! I'm curious (& trying to drum up some topics way down here in the DVC board), out of you who have joined DVC do you feel like it was really worth it? Do you really think you will have or have already saved money? We just bought in August of last year so I haven't had it very long. But as that payment is made each month I sometimes think "OUCH"! And wonder if it is really worth it.

[dcfromva]

BigThunder,
Well, I don't know if money saving was ever a motive for me. I just wanted a guaranteed Disney Vacation every year 'til I'm senile :) ! Vacation has always been a pretty high priority for me, and I wanted to try to lock-in a certain minimal level of comfort.

After our first year...We have stayed at 2 BR units on points at the following places: Hilton Head (1 night in the summer), Old Key West (2 nights in Nov) and BCV (4 nights over New Years Eve). DH and DS were delighted with the accomodations (as was I). After staying at the DVC accomodations, DH wanted to know why I would make him stay in a regular hotel room at the Polynesian. (I need way more points for this family!)

I have to say that so far, we are delighted with our decision.

-DC :ears:

[dcfromva]

BigThunder,
REF the cost, I calculated how much my points actually cost me for this past year.

Since I just received my interest statement, my dues statement and my propery tax statement and I know how many nights I actually stayed using my points, I figured that my average per night rate was $222 per night for the 2002 points that I used.
Considering that we stayed in a 2BR, 2 Bath unit each time with a full kitchen (and washer/dryer) with 1 night at HHI in the summer and 4 nights over New Years Eve (and 2 nights in Nov at OKW), I feel we got our money's worth :).

For comparision, in Nov, we also spent 2 nights at the Polynesian at a discounted rate of $204.00 (including tax) prior to checking in at OKW.

We also received a 7 night stay at the Polynesian and a 4 night stay at the Beach Club for free as incentives to join. I'm not even considering the value of this perk since it was a 1 time thing. But, it turned out to be a pretty sweet deal last year!
-DC :ears:

[OKWTink]

I don't have the figures in front of me, but if I remember correctly I once calculated that my break even year for DVC was the 5th year of ownership.

I've had far more use out of it than I ever thought I would. I've used weekends, used points for resorts, and stayed at other than my home resort. I'm always happy with the accomodations and love the program.

It's more than worth it to me. My only regret? Wish I'd bought in sooner (I joined in '96)!

[BigThunder]

I have only been once as a DVC member but I already started a notebook where I am keeping track of how much that same room would have cost had I paid regular fee. I deduct 20% as that is the discount I would have gotten for being a Disney Club member. I will add these up over the years & see when I hit the amount I paid. I don't imagine it will take long. Probably 5 years or so, like someone said. There are some nice perks too like free washing & drying. I used to spin $25/$35 every trip at least on that. Plus free valet parking! We took advantage of that a few times. And the money we saved just being able to eat breakfast in the room as compared to foodcourt or restaurant.

[draje01]

I have to say that I was hesitant when we joined and had to write that check but I will say that it was some of the best money we've spent so far. My hubby and I have gone to New York on our membership and have been to Hilton head and then Disney 3 times since we joined in Novemer/99. I think that it does save you money in the long run, especially if you have some meals in the room versus eating out all the time. We almost always have breakfast in the room with the exeption(is that spelled right?) of having one character breakfast per trip. And having most of the laundry done before you get home is wonderful. Now, we never want to stay in a regular room again!

[Whitequeen]

DH VERY nearly bought into DVC!!!

We decided against it for a few reasons - This, obviously, doesn't apply to most people, but because of his MS he thought the timespan was too long for us to be making a commitment!
He also said (I didn't go with him to the presentation) that it is best for us in the UK if you save your points(? ) for 3 years!!!!

I CAN'T WAIT THAT LONG BETWEEN VISITS!!!!:eek:

So we didn't do it, and of course now we're home he's gone all anti-Disney again!:rolleyes: Oh well!!!

[BigThunder]

If I lived in the UK or in Europe at all I don't know if I would think it is a good thing. Unless of course your just very rich! LOL
I imagine flying over here costs a fortune alone so to buy into the DVC I would think you would be planning to come over often.

We were already doing it (going to WDW) once every year & had no intentions of stopping but felt by joining it would allow us to stay in nicer resorts for a lot less money down the road. I figured our dues by themselves would equal what it would cost to stay in a Moderate or less, this way we not only get a deluxe resort but a home away from home w/W&D & kitchen. Does that make any sense???

[draje01]

Same here, Big Thunder,

When we bought into it , it was our second trip in 2 years so we figured why not and then when we realized we could go to more than just WDW, for example our trip to NYC, we were sold! We've never regretted it for a moment. :ears:

[BigThunder]

draje01, I have a question, if you come back here to read this! LOL When you did NY, was it a pretty easy transaction. I mean, booking w/WDW & getting the place you wanted. Were there any hidden fees that you remember? I have points left over this year that I'd like to use for a swap at someplace in Myrtle Beach. I don't know any of the places there but I would hope they are nice. I just wondered if it was a pain doing it all.
Thanks:ears:

[draje01]

I'll have to get back to you on that, but I think there was a transfer fee of about $85. My husband is the one who planned the trip and it was a total surprise to me. I'll ask him and let you know.

[dcfromva]

BigThunder,
I have only been once as a DVC member but I already started a notebook where I am keeping track of how much that same room would have cost had I paid regular fee.

I hadn't thought of that. I think that is a good idea. Do you also keep track of your meal expenses, too? For our trip in December, we had breakfast in our villas and we had a couple of evening meals there, too. I know some folks don't like to cook at all on vacation. Sometimes, my family just likes to have some familiar dishes instead of eating out all the time--so, it is nice to have a choice.

My dream is to go to Disneyland Paris and stay on points. I believe that the points also include admission into the park for the room occupants--so, it seems like during certain times, it might be a pretty good deal!


-DC :ears:

[OKWTink]

Be sure to include in your cost tracking the amounts that reflect savings of doing laundry and not needing bell services (if indeed this is the case) or valet parking. Also, if you attend special events for DVC members, or for those staying at DVC resorts (OKW has special events, as does Vero Beach, ect.) you should incorporate those into your calculations.

If you want to get really particular, you could run a comparison of the amounts spent intrinsic only to DVC, against the amount as if it had been invested at a certain rate.

There are all sorts of ways to tweak the numbers to determine if you've received value for your investment. I'm fairly certain that you will find you have!

[BigThunder]

Ok, I'm a little embaressed to admit this but in my calculating savings I did count the washing & drying & I even counted the times we used valet parking. I know, I'm getting a little anal here. But hey! I hadn't thought of figuring the meals I eat in the room thing! I'm going to do that! LOL! REally. Because the more I see the numbers add up the more I think, wow, this is a great thing! Thanks for the idea dcfromva!

[PumbaNY]

If you have the need to go to Disney related locations, on a regular basis there is no other way to do Disney & save money for lodging in upgraded hotels

We were staying at the Yacht club Concierge for 7 to 10 days in the summer & 5 to 7 days in the winter every year at a cost of Huge dollars$$$$$$$ per year. I took a spread sheet and based the current rate for a yacht club room for 14 days over 42 years vs the board walk villas with the available points to stay for 14 days added 3% increase over the 42 years to the hotel rate & it calculated to almost a $100, 000 savings over the 42 years including calculating the maintenance fees with a 3% increase over 42 years. I showed this to Betty our sales rep at DVC before we purchased to see if I was off with my calculations & she was in agreeance with me

now if you stay at concierge level hotels they are slightly more posh than vacation club rooms but my dear wife is very satisified & is glad we can afford to go as much as we do!

The savings is more than likely spent on our dinners & expenses, but we can not take it with us!!