eightieschild said:
Hi. I know practically nothing about Disney's Vacation Club. But it sounds interesting. So I have some questions:
- Does your DVC membership include access to the WDW theme parks? For example, if I have enough points to visit WDW for 1 week each year, will my park admission be included in that DVC price?
No, but you do get discounts on Annual Passes. Significant discounts, actually. It might be worth it for 7 days, depending on what you want to do. There are no discounts on Magic Your Way tickets, but you can buy the Disney Dining Plan for the dates of your stay. The cost is a couple of $$ higher per day.
There are other perks and discounts, but none are guaranteed and they can change at any time. However, I supsect Disney will always offer something.
- Approximately how much is it to purchase just 1 weeks worth of points per year?
That's not an easily answered question, since the number of points required depends on size of acommodations and time of year. A studio in January costs less points than in June, and a studio is obviously less points than a 1 or 2 bedroom.
The minimum buy in is 150 points which will get you a studio for about 8 nights - more if you don't stay on Friday/Saturday nights which have a higher point value. For instance, it costs us about 55 points to stay in a studio Su - Fr. We then switch to a moderate or Pop Century for Friday and Saturday nights and then back to a DVC for the 2nd week. It won't get you a 1 bedroom for a full week.
Mouseowners.com is a great a resource for point charts and other DVC invformation. The link to their DVC point charts (which you should review carefully) is
here.
- Also, how long does the DVC membership last? Do you buy a package for a fixed number of years? Or do you pay on a yearly basis?
That also depends. Saratoga Springs Resort (which is the only resort you can buy new through Disney) expres in 2054. The other DVC contracts at Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas, etc., all expire earlier. I think 2042. You can buy there through resale, either through Disney, or a reseller such as those listed on the top of this forum. Prices vary for resale based on size of contract, though Disney charges a flat rate per point if you go through them. There are advantages and disadvantages to resale, but you're still just as much a DVC member as anyone else once the sale is completed.
DVC isn't for everyone, but it can meet the needs of a vast number of Disney fans. I recommend do some thorough research through sites such as
Mouseowners.com and elsehwhere, and talking to a DVC guide on the phone or in person.
Dirk
