?DVC membership

[SCarolinamom]

My husband and I were just on a disney cruise with our kids. My husband went to the DVC meeting and became very interested about the membership. We love disney but don't see ourselvess going there every year. what we loved about the membership is the ability to go to other resorts all over the world. I have been reading postings and my head is swimming. I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there. Are they good accommodations. Can you get reservations easily? I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was. Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800. Anyone who can give some feedback it would be very helpful. We have 10 days to decide.

[chalee94]

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

My husband and I were just on a disney cruise with our kids. My husband went to the DVC meeting and became very interested about the membership. We love disney but don't see ourselvess going there every year.

i'd buy DVC for DVC stays. if you don't go to wdw (or HHI or hawaii) at least every other year, then DVC is probably not well suited for you.

what we loved about the membership is the ability to go to other resorts all over the world. I have been reading postings and my head is swimming. I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there. Are they good accommodations.

DVC is very expensive - thousands up front and $1500 or more for annual dues for a week in a 2BR. you can probably buy many of the timeshares that you can trade into for one dollar on ebay with annual dues of less than $1000. why buy a lexus just to be able to trade it for a chevy?

edited to add: some are "good" accommodations, though. a few are even nicer than DVC...but most are not... if that's your main goal, go over to TUG to learn more and then buy a cheaper timeshare for trading.

Can you get reservations easily?

even just using DVC pts for DVC resorts works best if you plan well in advance.

but trading out of DVC for other timeshares generally requires a lot of planning ahead - and some of the top options, especially if you are limited to school schedules and holidays, never show up as trades.

I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was.

only at DVC resorts. you have access to your "home resort" at 11 months out. if other DVC resorts still have availability at 7 months out (and certain room types and resorts are tougher to get), then you can trade your pts for another DVC resort.

but stays at the contemporary hotel or yacht club resort are not an option. you also cannot trade DVC pts for a stay at a value resort. stays at the poly are currently possible but extremely expensive.

take some time to do more reading but it sounds like you'll find DVC very frustrating.

[disneynutz]

IMO you should only do the DVC for stays at DVC resorts. Anything else isn't guaranteed, can be a poor value, can be hard to get and may have restrictions.

Also IMO, Disney uses the possibilities as a sales tool never intending that people would actually use their points for those stays. An example would be DCL which is run by the same Disney executive as DVC. You would think that DVC would get a good deal on DCL but we really don't and there are black out periods and other restrictions and fees.

Bill

[k3chantal]

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

My husband and I were just on a disney cruise with our kids. My husband went to the DVC meeting and became very interested about the membership. We love disney but don't see ourselvess going there every year. what we loved about the membership is the ability to go to other resorts all over the world. I have been reading postings and my head is swimming. I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there. Are they good accommodations. Can you get reservations easily? I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was. Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800. Anyone who can give some feedback it would be very helpful. We have 10 days to decide.

We have used our points to go to Princevalle, Kauai, Hawaii for a seven night ocean view condo.
We have also used our points to go on a 7 day Disney Wonder cruise.
We have made reservations at other DVC resorts other than our home resort under the 7 month window.

Yes, it can be done. But even though we have done all of your concerns successfully, I would say that we were lucky and willing to be flexible. When I called Member Services for the Hawaii trip, I said that my first choice was to go to Hawaii but anything on the West Coast I would consider. At the time, MS actually had two resorts to choose from on the island of Kauai but not on any other Hawaii island. I took an additional chance, hung up the phone and researched both resorts. Then, I called back and luck was still with us, the resort we preferred was still available.
With our reservations to WDW under 7 months, we were willing to have a split stay (moving from one resort to another during the same trip).
As you read through the posts, you are going to bump into a whole segment that has figured out a formula that it isn't a good value to use your points anywhere other than at a DVC resort. When we decide to use our points, we factor in the costs to travel there and back and the food, tickets and other costs associated with traveling. Since we live in California, flying to Florida is not an option every year. When we went on our cruise, we were able to drive down to L.A., go to Disneyland for two days, and then go to the cruise. That trip was actually several thousand dollars cheaper than going to WDW on our points between not having to pay for five on a plane and the tickets to get into the WDW parks for several days.

Even Kauai was 'cheaper' for us even though we had to fly. We found that the cost of food was about the same as where we live in the Bay Area and we found Costco on the island. Our activities were not as expensive as going to a park each day at WDW either.

You need to keep in perspective that there are hundred of thousands of DVC members using their points in every way imaginable and only 3000+ here giving our opinions.

My biggest concern for you is that with 160 points, you are going to be more limited in what you can do. An example would be that Kauai cost us 160 points but we were able to bank the remainder of our points to go to a larger trip the following year (I think it was part of the points that went to our cruise). I am also concerned that you find it expensive. Yes, it is but when it is an overriding concern is probably when you shouldn't do it.

Good luck with your decision.

[chalee94]

Originally Posted by k3chantal

We have used our points to go to Princevalle, Kauai, Hawaii for a seven night ocean view condo.

how far ahead did you call to book hawaii?

[mort1331]

As you will see there is a large portion of people who are here that will say the best use of points are at DVC, but as you have seen with some it depends on your lifestyle.
My concern is your numbers, 1800 for 160mf, that would say that your fees would by over 10/point. check with your rep. at most it should be 7 depending on where your rep is selling you. but should be closer to 5-6.
ALso as you will find, resale is a much better deal, as long as you dont mind doing alittle research and waiting a couple of months. For us that translated into 10,000 savings. So well worth it for us. And its the mf to look at in the long run as well.
Either way have a great time talking and deciding

[Brian Noble]

We have 10 days to decide.

If you have any doubts at all, you should rescind and do a little more homework. You may end up deciding that the contract you have now is exactly the right one for you, at the right price, and if so you can probably get that deal---or one pretty close to it---again. But, you might also find that some other contract, at some other price, is a better fit for your travel plans, or you might even find that DVC just isn't right for you.

Better to learn that before your contract drops in value by thousands of dollars, and that is exactly what will happen when your rescission period ends.

[k3chantal]

Originally Posted by chalee94

how far ahead did you call to book hawaii?

Under a year I believe. But for the specific number of months, I can't be certain. I know we had to make a decision on how were were going to use our points or bank them.

[a742246]

To get a better idea if DVC is right for you. I would suggest you rent someone's points for a few days and see for yourself if you would like it.

PS. that's what I did and I liked it!

[bumbershoot]

Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800

That's not right; that would mean per point dues are over $11, and there is no DVC resort that has dues that high.



I believe DVC currently trades out with RCI, right? My mom and stepdad owned RCI a while back, and they, even owning it, had a HARD time getting anything good. The resort they got into in the Bahamas, for their honeymoon, was horrible. They tried for a year to get me a reservation in Ireland, and were unsuccessful. They finally sold it after not getting into a single place they *wanted* to get into for a period of years.

Maybe it has changed between then and now, but it sure soured me on RCI! And having to trade out there, pay $95 for them to even look for you (as I understand it)? Ick.

If I wanted RCI, I'd just buy into RCI.

[myxdvz]

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

My husband and I were just on a disney cruise with our kids. My husband went to the DVC meeting and became very interested about the membership. We love disney but don't see ourselvess going there every year. what we loved about the membership is the ability to go to other resorts all over the world. I have been reading postings and my head is swimming. I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there. Are they good accommodations. Can you get reservations easily? I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was. Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800. Anyone who can give some feedback it would be very helpful. We have 10 days to decide.

Technically, no one lied to you.

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

Can you book Disney resorts all over the world?

If you buy direct, yes. If you buy resale, no. But most people here will probably tell you it's not worth the $ to buy direct just to get a resort outside of DVC (+ the $95 fee).

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there.

You'll hear a lot of talks about the DVC resorts here. There are some talks of the different Disney properties (DLR, Paris, Tokyo, etc) in other forums on the DISBoards. You'll see some posts about using DVC points to book DLR Paris. But you'll probably see the same people recommending not to do this because it's not a good use of points.

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

Can you get reservations easily?

It depends on when and where you book. IF you book 11 months out. Chances are very high that you will get your HOME resort.

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was.

At 7 months out, you can try to book any disney property. However, owners have had a 4 month window ahead of you to book. So, certain resorts/rooms/seasons might be hard to get at 7 months - these include AKL Concierge/Value, BLT/BWV Std rooms. Popular resorts at F&W, F&G, Holidays (Christmas/Thanksgiving/Easter/Spring Break).

However, if you're not too choosy and you're flexible - you will most likely always get something. At the very least SSR/OKW or a split stay in multiple resorts.

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800.

This looks suspect. As others have said $1800 for MF for 160 points are high since that should only be about ~$5/pt. I wonder what resort they're selling for $135? I thought the cheapest, even SSR is at $140?


Having said all that - I will probably agree with others that if you have time, rescind and learn more. Most here will recommend for you to look at the resale market. Buying resale will have some restrictions

• You can't book properties outside of DVC (those international disney properties you talk about), although you can still trade into RCI
  
• You can't use them for cruises

Most will tell you that these are bad use of points anyway.

If you can't rescind, it's ok. Lots of people here bought direct and are happy. Still learn how to maximize your purchase though. I bought direct and never really regretted my purchase. I have the $ and will spend it anyway (I wouldn't have even thought to save/invest it). I don't have restrictions (and I like it that way). However, my add-ons will be resale unless they're smaller points and I am targeting specific UY.


IMO, only you can tell what's "good use" of points for you is. If we're talking purely Math - it's probably correct. But a lot of people have found ways to use their points outside of the DVC properties and they will consider it good use of points because its money they've already paid for.

[Deb & Bill]

We bought in 1997 direct from Disney. 175 points for $8750. You are paying a whole lot more now that we ever thought anyone would pay. It really behooves you to read up more about DVC. Rescind the offer you bought on the cruise ship. You really need to find out more.

DVC works best for DVC reservations. You can get other places, but they aren't always available.

[SCarolinamom]

I made a mistake, it is 1800 for 320 points. we were looking at both amounts. I really appreciate all the feedback. keep it coming. One of the things we are not is flexible as we have 2 young teens in school and sports so our times are limited. what it is sounding like is that this may be very difficult for us.

[myxdvz]

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

I made a mistake, it is 1800 for 320 points. we were looking at both amounts. I really appreciate all the feedback. keep it coming. One of the things we are not is flexible as we have 2 young teens in school and sports so our times are limited. what it is sounding like is that this may be very difficult for us.

How does the 22,000 factor in. Coz at 320 points that's a bargain @$68/pt direct? Or was that just 2 yrs worth of MF?

[PirateJohn]

Originally Posted by SCarolinamom

My husband and I were just on a disney cruise with our kids. My husband went to the DVC meeting and became very interested about the membership. We love disney but don't see ourselvess going there every year. what we loved about the membership is the ability to go to other resorts all over the world. I have been reading postings and my head is swimming. I hear no one talking about the other non disney resorts out there. Are they good accommodations. Can you get reservations easily? I also hear a lot about your buy in hotel. I thought you could get reservations at any disney property it didnt matter where your buy in was. Currently 160 points is 22,000. maintence fees are 1800. Anyone who can give some feedback it would be very helpful. We have 10 days to decide.

What cruise were you on? I just got back from the Panama Canal cruise and I also signed up for the DVC. We have been looking into this for 7 years now and always tell ourselves that next year will be the year we buy in. Finally did it this year and don't regret any of it. Even our rep, Anne, made mention of the fact that we had done this before and should know the sales pitch by heart. We are always traveling somewhere and lately it has been Disney cruises. Already booked a stay at AKL for first week in June. Without DVC, the room alone would have cost us $5800 for the week. We used a little less than 1/2 of our points. So, now I will either rent out the other 1/2 (pay my yearly dues and or buy season passes) or we will take another vacation. What you really have to ask yourself is this: can you tie up that much $, are you going to take at least 1 vacation a year and do you love Disney that much? It's really that simple. I wish you all the best in whatever decision you and your DH make. Hopefully, I will see you around the AKL or maybe even on the member cruise in September. Feel free to PM me and we can talk further. I learned some great tricks while on the cruise and am learning even more each day. Don't let the well meaning folks (including myself) on this board influence your decision, ask yourself the three questions I mentioned earlier and go from there. God bless.