Questions needed answered

[stefan74]

In 2008, I bought 190 points at Animal Kingdom Villas but in the end, I did not go through with it. As you can see by my Signature, I have been to Disney numerous times, not every year, but at least every other year recently. I guess the reason why I am needing advice is that I want to know from you DVC experts, if it is really worth the money.

I have stayed at all levels of resorts and enjoy all of them. I am thinking about purchasing at Beach Club or Yacht Club. I stayed at the Beach Club and loved how easy it was to walk to/from EPCOT. Do you think these are good choices? Is it usually easy to get reservations at other resorts 7 months out if I usually travel during the Adventure Season?

I enjoy going to Disney but my other half does not and will most likely never go to Disney (says he can't take the walking/waiting in line so much). When I do go, I usually go with some of my family. I do not have children (never will) so I take one of my nephews with us since he likes Disney so much. I have two other nephews who have never been to Disney but I would like to introduce them to it one day. Of course, none of us are getting any younger and I am not sure if purchasing DVC at this time is a wise choice. I think it would be good so maybe my whole family could go (Grand Villa) and we could all enjoy ourselves. Do you think people travel more to Disney when they have a DVC than if they do not? I am thinking if I purchase the DVC, as my family grows older and larger, we will always have a comfortable place to stay and everyone can be happy. I was also thinking of leaving the DVC to my oldest nephew if something were to happen to me...is this possible?

Also when I travel to Disney, we always use the Dining Plan...we love to eat and since we have been to the parks numerous times, it does not bother us to have a nice meal every day/night instead of missing some attractions. We also usually stay for about 7-10 days. Can the dining plan be purchased as a DVC member? Do you get a discount price on park tickets (park hopper)? Do you get discounts on either or both of these?

I currently receive newsletters from DVC by Resale. I also know that if I purchase through a resale company, I only can reserve at Disney properties (Disney World, Disneyland...I think), which is fine and dandy with me since I would rather use my points there than across the country.

I sure hope I got everything down and did not forget anything. Sorry for so many questions and I would really love any input you can share.

Thank you very much!

 

[Pioneer Hall]

In 2008, I bought 190 points at Animal Kingdom Villas but in the end, I did not go through with it. As you can see by my Signature, I have been to Disney numerous times, not every year, but at least every other year recently. I guess the reason why I am needing advice is that I want to know from you DVC experts, if it is really worth the money.

A lot of potential purchasers ask the question of is it worth it. The only one who can answer that question though is you. DVC can be worth it to some and not to others. You seem like you have a pretty decent grasp on the concept of DVC, so you would have to break down the costs vs your own current vacation prices and determine what works best for you.

I have stayed at all levels of resorts and enjoy all of them. I am thinking about purchasing at Beach Club or Yacht Club. I stayed at the Beach Club and loved how easy it was to walk to/from EPCOT. Do you think these are good choices? Is it usually easy to get reservations at other resorts 7 months out if I usually travel during the Adventure Season?

Only Beach Club has DVC, not the Yacht Club. I travel during adventure season a lot as well and haven't really had a problem booking at 7 months for other resorts. However, I suggest purchasing at a resort you won't mind staying at so you can book that at 11 and then try changing at 7 months.

I enjoy going to Disney but my other half does not and will most likely never go to Disney (says he can't take the walking/waiting in line so much). When I do go, I usually go with some of my family. I do not have children (never will) so I take one of my nephews with us since he likes Disney so much. I have two other nephews who have never been to Disney but I would like to introduce them to it one day. Of course, none of us are getting any younger and I am not sure if purchasing DVC at this time is a wise choice. I think it would be good so maybe my whole family could go (Grand Villa) and we could all enjoy ourselves. Do you think people travel more to Disney when they have a DVC than if they do not? I am thinking if I purchase the DVC, as my family grows older and larger, we will always have a comfortable place to stay and everyone can be happy. I was also thinking of leaving the DVC to my oldest nephew if something were to happen to me...is this possible?

Again, a lot of the questions here are a bit more personal to your situation. You would need to decide if DVC works for your unique travel style. As far as a Grand Villa though, those require a lot of points per night even during the quiet seasons. It's safe to say that those who have DVC do travel more often to WDW because they are paying a lot for the opportunity to do so. Some DVC members (like myself) go for short trips a number of times a year, while other members take one big trip each year or every other year. All depends on personal preference. You can will DVC to someone if you want. Just remember that DVC is a little unique in how the contract will revert back to Disney at a certain date. So even if you will it that person will only have it until the end date on the contract.

Also when I travel to Disney, we always use the Dining Plan...we love to eat and since we have been to the parks numerous times, it does not bother us to have a nice meal every day/night instead of missing some attractions. We also usually stay for about 7-10 days. Can the dining plan be purchased as a DVC member? Do you get a discount price on park tickets (park hopper)? Do you get discounts on either or both of these?

The dining plan can be added to a DVC reservation, and you have to pay for it out of pocket (can't use points for it). DVC members currently get a substantial discount on Annual Passes, but not on normal park hoppers. If you want a standard hopper ticket, you are going to have to pay the normal prices for those. The dining plan is also not discounted. Also remember that all discounts are subject to change at a moments notice.

I currently receive newsletters from DVC by Resale. I also know that if I purchase through a resale company, I only can reserve at Disney properties (Disney World, Disneyland...I think), which is fine and dandy with me since I would rather use my points there than across the country.

I sure hope I got everything down and did not forget anything. Sorry for so many questions and I would really love any input you can share.

Thank you very much!

Answers in bold above.

 

[LuvtheGoof]

In 2008, I bought 190 points at Animal Kingdom Villas but in the end, I did not go through with it. As you can see by my Signature, I have been to Disney numerous times, not every year, but at least every other year recently. I guess the reason why I am needing advice is that I want to know from you DVC experts, if it is really worth the money.

While only you can answer the question of whether it is worth it or not, I will say it was worth it for us. We take multiple trips every year, prefer staying in the deluxe resorts (we're spoiled ), and purchase Annual Passes with the discount. We have taken more trips after we joined, but my wife and I are both Disney lovers. It has also changed HOW we vacation there. Since we know that we will be back, we take our time, rest a lot, and don't sweat it if we miss an attraction, because we know we will be back!

I have stayed at all levels of resorts and enjoy all of them. I am thinking about purchasing at Beach Club or Yacht Club. I stayed at the Beach Club and loved how easy it was to walk to/from EPCOT. Do you think these are good choices? Is it usually easy to get reservations at other resorts 7 months out if I usually travel during the Adventure Season?

The first rule that most people talk about is to buy where you want to stay. If you think that you would prefer Beach Club the majority of your stays, then buy there. It is easier to switch to some of the other resorts at 7 months, than it is to get the Beach Club. We own at SSR, but have not had a problem switching to another resort at 7 months. Of course, some resorts, like Beach Club, will be next to impossible to get at 7 months during certain times of the year, such as Food & Wine.

I enjoy going to Disney but my other half does not and will most likely never go to Disney (says he can't take the walking/waiting in line so much). When I do go, I usually go with some of my family. I do not have children (never will) so I take one of my nephews with us since he likes Disney so much. I have two other nephews who have never been to Disney but I would like to introduce them to it one day. Of course, none of us are getting any younger and I am not sure if purchasing DVC at this time is a wise choice. I think it would be good so maybe my whole family could go (Grand Villa) and we could all enjoy ourselves. Do you think people travel more to Disney when they have a DVC than if they do not? I am thinking if I purchase the DVC, as my family grows older and larger, we will always have a comfortable place to stay and everyone can be happy. I was also thinking of leaving the DVC to my oldest nephew if something were to happen to me...is this possible?

Pity that your other half won't go. There is so much to do besides stand in line for attractions. If you go at a slower time, the lines are usually really short. If he doesn't like walking, an ECV might be the answer. Also, he could spend time at the resort while you and your nephew visit the parks. There is just so much more to WDW than lines and attractions!!

We have definitely gone more since purchasing DVC! Best decision we made, since it allows us to go more often.

Yes, you can will your DVC membership to anyone you wish! One of the benefits of owning a piece of the mouse, is that it is property that can be willed just like a house.

Also when I travel to Disney, we always use the Dining Plan...we love to eat and since we have been to the parks numerous times, it does not bother us to have a nice meal every day/night instead of missing some attractions. We also usually stay for about 7-10 days. Can the dining plan be purchased as a DVC member? Do you get a discount price on park tickets (park hopper)? Do you get discounts on either or both of these?

I would take a hard look at the Disney Dining Plan. We used it back in 2007 when it included the appetizer and tip. Since then, we have purchased the Tables in Wonderland card (which will be available to all DVC members soon, even without purchasing an Annual Pass!), and we save 20% off pretty much much every table service restaurant on property, and it includes alcohol! The DDP does NOT include alcohol, so if you enjoy a glass or two of wine with dinner, the Tables in Wonderland might be your best bet. We have saved several hundred dollars on our 2 trips this year alone! More than enough to cover the cost of any Quick Service dining that we do. We are foodies, and love to eat!

I currently receive newsletters from DVC by Resale. I also know that if I purchase through a resale company, I only can reserve at Disney properties (Disney World, Disneyland...I think), which is fine and dandy with me since I would rather use my points there than across the country.

I sure hope I got everything down and did not forget anything. Sorry for so many questions and I would really love any input you can share.

Thank you very much!

While it is true that you can only use your points at DVC resorts (and yes, I think it does include the Grand Californian at Disneyland), we have not found a need or want to use ours anywhere else anyway, and we purchased all of our points directly from Disney. If resale works for you, it can save some serious money. Definitely stick to a reputable dealer, though, as you don't want any issues with the sale. I would not purchase directly from a person.

Good luck with your decision!

 

[stefan74]

Thank you both so much for your answers and honesty, I really appreciate it.

 

[stefan74]

Regarding the Tables in Wonderland, if I bring anyone with me, do I have to get Tables in Wonderland for them as well?

 

[Monty]

Regarding the Tables in Wonderland, if I bring anyone with me, do I have to get Tables in Wonderland for them as well?

TiW covers up to ten people [including the cardholder] on any single bill. The only way the other people with you might need one is if you intend to dine separately a lot.

 

[stefan74]

WOW!!! Didn't know that! We tend to usually eat together so this is great!

So if I get DVC, Tables in Wonderland and plan to visit Disney, all I or anyone else in my party would have to pay for would be the Park Hopper Tickets and our airfare?

 

[Pioneer Hall]

WOW!!! Didn't know that! We tend to usually eat together so this is great!

So if I get DVC, Tables in Wonderland and plan to visit Disney, all I or anyone else in my party would have to pay for would be the Park Hopper Tickets and our airfare?

You still have to pay for food with the Tables in Wonderland card, it just knocks your bill down 20%.

 

[Monty]

WOW!!! Didn't know that! We tend to usually eat together so this is great!

So if I get DVC, Tables in Wonderland and plan to visit Disney, all I or anyone else in my party would have to pay for would be the Park Hopper Tickets and our airfare?

You still have to pay for food with the Tables in Wonderland card, it just knocks your bill down 20%.

I have a suspicion that stefan74 is actually thinking of the Dining Plan and not Tables in Wonderland.

For clarification:

Tables in Wonderland is a dining discount card available for Florida Residents and Annual Passholders that gives the holder 20% of food and drink [including alcohol] for themselves and up to nine others on the same bill.

Dining Plan can be added part of a Disney Resort package vacation or to a DVC/AP booking and each person in the same room must have the same package as everyone else in the room.

If, on the other hand, you mean all you'll have to pay in advance of your trip, then you haven't quite got it right either... As a DVC member, you would only have to pay for your airfare in advance, as well as you'd have to be up-to-date on your annual dues. But at least one member of your party would have to get an Annual Pass or be a Florida Resident to qualify to purchase a TiW card. Once you were at WDW, the individuals who join you would have to buy their tickets and food [splitting the bill with whoever bought the TiW where it's valid].

 

[stefan74]

Thanks everyone for the answers/comments! I appreciate it and it will make the decision to buying DVC a little easier.