DVC for 2 adults only?

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Pixiedust613

New Member
Original Poster
Hi all, i was wondering if any of the experts:) on this forum could answer a quick question for me. Im new to this forum so if i ask dumb questions plz forgive me. My hubby and i read alot about the DVC, but never really understood if it was a good deal for us.
We take a WDW vaca every fall (Sept-end of Oct). We usually like the type of resorts like WL, or sometimes stay at the CB or CS. We usually like to spend at least a week, usually more like 10 days their. A vaca like that through our local AAA as travel agent is about $3000, including the dining plan.
Now, being their are only 2 of us in these vacations, knowing that we like a lengthy vaca, in decent accomodations, at least once a year, would this be a good deal for us? Or are these plans more for a larger family? And also, if possible, does anybody have any ballpark #'s as too what a plan w/ our specifications cost? I really appreciate any help, Thanks alot!:kiss:
 
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Peachyyy

New Member
Hi there!

I'm brand new to the DVC (We just joined last week) but i've done a ton of research, so I think i can help. if any senior members see that I've given incorrect info, please correct me.

if you go every year, then i definitely recommend DVC for you. Here is why:

Saratoga springs is my home resort, so i'm going to use it as an example, but there are other resorts, some that cost more points, some that will cost less.
IN september, you can stay at saratogo springs for ten nights, (fridays and saturdays are more points) with two fridays and saturdays included in a studio for 146 points. now i've never stayed at the wilderness lodge, but I would guess that a studio at saratoga springs is a decent size, with the kitchenette, and would be plenty big for the two of you. You can see the floor plans here:

http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/...id=ProspectsSaratogaSpringsAccommodationsPage

If you chose to stay in October, it would cost 150 points for the same accommodations, but still under the minimum points you would be required to buy if you bought directly from disney.

If you chose to stay in a larger room, of course the points would go up, and quite a bit actually. If the studio isn't big enough for you, you can always buy more points now or later.

The minimum amount of points you can buy is 160, and they are $104 each if bought directly from disney, which is a total of $16,640 plus dues and closing costs. Plus you'd get a discount on park passes. i know we plan on buying annual passes, which would only run about $340 per person with ourDVC membership (our 6 day passes we just bought were about 270 each!)

The reason i think it is a good idea for you, is because you're going to be going every year, and spending about $3000 for your trip, you could have your DVC membership paid for after 5-7 of your normal annual visits, and you'd still have 40 years of vacations left! Of course, the dining plan would be a bit more, but still worth it in the long run, IMO. I believe you can still get the dining plan with DVC, and you also get some dining discounts for being a DVC member.

To me, if you go to Disney World often enough, the DVC is a no brainer. I've gone to disney 8 times in the last five years, and i'm positive that I've spent at least $16000 for my accommodations.


Wow, maybe that was a bit overly enthusiastic. Forgive me, i'm still excited. :)
*shrug* other people may have different opinions, but that is mine :)
 
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Pixiedust613

New Member
Original Poster
Thanks for replying Peachyy. Your info helps alot:animwink:

Now, i probly should adjust my yearly vaca price to around $2000. The $3000 was w/ dining included and 9 day park hoppers.

So.....$16600 divided by 2000=8.3 yrs to pay of initial investment (ill just round that off to 9 yrs to cover any hidden fees i dont know about yet;) )

9 yrs of "dues", averaging $1000 a year, divided by the $2000=about 4.5 yrs.

So, i figure, using these #'s that Peachy has been so helpful in giving, it would take about 13-14 years (adjusting for increase in vaca's price if i dont go DVC way, and dues dont skyrocket for the DVP). Would this sound correct to anybody? :shrug:

Also, i have read where you can take other vaca's in different parts of the world while using this plan. Has anybody happened to do that yet and what is their experience w/ that. Id still like to go to other places in the country like Hawaii.

One more thing. Does Disney want the whole $16000 up front, or is their a minimum they want and then you can make payments? Thanks so much for answering my noob questions.:wave:
 
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Peachyyy

New Member
Disney does their own financing, so yes, you can make payments. they will finance for 10 years, and you have to put 10% down :)

The rest i can't help you with, but i know that a lot of their off-disney vacations are done through interval. my cousin has an interval timeshare and we've used it a few times and had really good luck with it. I can't really be helpful with that part, hopefully someone else can :)
 
HauntedPirate

HauntedPirate

Park nostalgist
Premium Member
Annual maintenance fees are between (I think these are correct) $3.50 and $5 per point. Our maintenance is about $82 per month for 240 points. This number isn't going to go up drastically. But what probably will go up is the cost for Resort accomodations - I have a Birnbaum's from 1997 and Value resorts were $69 per night. I think their rack rate is $30 more per room now. 10 years, 40+% increase.

If you join the DVC, you won't regret it. :)
 
LuLaSue

LuLaSue

Well-Known Member
Awesome information! My DH2B were also continplating the purchase of DVC and this has been extremly helpful!

Thanks Again :wave:
 
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Pixiedust613

New Member
Original Poster
Does anybody know what a ballpark interest rate from Disney would be? I know it will probly have something to do w/ your credit rating, but im just wondering if we are talking about single digit rates:sohappy: or in the 20's:hurl: .

Thanks alot for any help!:kiss:
 
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jim1051

Active Member
I think you'll find the Disney rates reasonable, though you may be able to beat it if you shop. We've been members since 1999. Once you get the hang of reservation and booking window rules, it's a great thing. Our initial investment was 17000, plus around 900 per year in maintenace. Our vacations since then would have cost over $ 23000. so I figure it was a good deal for us.

We've used them for non Disney too, like a 1 week stay on Maui, and this year an Alaskan cruise. My opinion is if you can afford it doit.
 
The Mom

The Mom

Moderator
Premium Member
You also have to factor in the intangibles. (We only go for a couple of days at a time, and my husband/children don't want to go every year)

If you're staying for a week, factor in the cost of breakfast. You can buy (even at WDW sky high prices) cereal, coffee, milk, etc for your whole stay at close to the price of one full breakfast. You also won't have to get dressed to eat it. You can also stock your kitchen with bottled water, snacks, beer , wine etc at much less than WDW costs. Just think about the convenience of being able to have a cold one, on your own balcony/patio, at the end of a long day. I'm not even goping to mention the convenience of a washer dryer; you only have to pack a couple of days worth of clothes, and have a way of washing them if you have a spill (or get caught in the rain.)

If you get a one bedroom, rather than a studio, you will also have room for another couple (there's usually a sofabed in the living room) or children some day. (although the studio will fit children, just in the same room)

If I knew I would be visiting every year, for a week at a time, I would definitely buy in.
 
brkgnews

brkgnews

Well-Known Member
I'm about to buy in for ONE adult. :lookaroun

Interest is currently, I believe, 10.25%

Look at it long-term. After your get the initial blow paid down, you'll only have to pay annual dues (which can be broken down monthly) of ballpark $100/month, depending on number of points, resort, etc. Could be much less or much more. So if they're $100/month, you can easily get $3000 worth of vacation for $1200. Plus there are discounts on APs, dining, etc.

If you go with the studio accomadations and travel in September, you'll be in the "cheapest" (number of points) room at the cheapest time of year. IE -- you'll get the most bang from your points. Smaller room in off season = fewest points. 3-Bedroom Grand Villa on Christmas Day = Mother of God!

Also note that the yearly dues are protected from major spikes from yeaar to year (I think max increase is 3%). Hotels on property, on the other hand, can spike as much as they want. And then there's the little matter of the hotel tax. :)

A greaat deal, if you can weather the first years of paying annual dues + your real estate interest.
 
George

George

Liker of Things
Premium Member
The Mom said:
You also have to factor in the intangibles. (We only go for a couple of days at a time, and my husband/children don't want to go every year)

If you're staying for a week, factor in the cost of breakfast. You can buy (even at WDW sky high prices) cereal, coffee, milk, etc for your whole stay at close to the price of one full breakfast. You also won't have to get dressed to eat it. You can also stock your kitchen with bottled water, snacks, beer , wine etc at much less than WDW costs. Just think about the convenience of being able to have a cold one, on your own balcony/patio, at the end of a long day. I'm not even goping to mention the convenience of a washer dryer; you only have to pack a couple of days worth of clothes, and have a way of washing them if you have a spill (or get caught in the rain.)

If you get a one bedroom, rather than a studio, you will also have room for another couple (there's usually a sofabed in the living room) or children some day. (although the studio will fit children, just in the same room)

If I knew I would be visiting every year, for a week at a time, I would definitely buy in.
Click to expand...

You accurately described our situation an we just bought in. Tacit approval from the The Mom, especially right before this weekend, makes me very happy indeed!:D
 
hansel1

hansel1

Member
For anyone interested, I gave a description from start to finish on what it took me to purchase DVC. I wanted to purchase at Boardwalk villas because of the location. So I decided to buy a "RESALE" through disney. And yes, buying through disney it not technically a resale, but that is the best term to describe buying at a sold out resort.

Here is the link to the thread:

http://forums.wdwmagic.com/showthread.php?t=164239
 
1

1000th_Guest

Member
some details

A few things have been said above that need some clarification:

If you get a studio you'll only have a small refrigerator, microwave and no washer/dryer. Since there is only one room (plus bathroom, natch), there is no where to "escape" your partner [I'm not saying you need to, but if you do....]

With the 1 bedroom you get a full kitchen [full-size fridge, stove, etc.] and the dryer-over-washer combination. Plus, of course, the extra room. It is also easier to bring another couple along for a shared vacation, if you ever wish.

It all comes down to the points you're willing to buy/use each year.

Resales right now seem to be running in the high $80/low-mid $90 per point range
(lower for Key West).

To your question: is it right for you? I like the advice I see others giving, but you're the only people who can decide if it is truly right for you. It certainly has been for my family (me, wife, two kids). Your mileage may vary.

Good luck with your decision, whichever way you go.
 

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