Go to any discussion forum or social networking site where the question of whether or not it’s a good idea to become a Disney Vacation Club member comes up, and chances are you’ll find people on both ends of the spectrum.
While you will hear from people who have rationally considered DVC and made the right decision based upon their specific situation, you’ll also hear others expressing extreme, polarizing opinions.
Some people bluntly state that DVC is wrong for everyone, and buying DVC is just plain stupid. Others say DVC is great for everyone. I see a lot of passion (and unfortunately ignorance) in these discussions, which typically turn into debates when people from both ends of the spectrum debate the question of DVC.
Obviously, DVC is not for everyone. Nor is becoming a DVC member a bad decision for everyone. Like many other things, the right answer to the question of whether or not someone should become a DVC member is “it depends” (I’ve covered some of my thoughts here.)
Since DVC is a major purchase, some people spend a lot of time thinking about the pros and cons, while others view it as a luxury purchase, have the cash and buy it because they want it.
One of the things you hear a DVC member say is: “I wish I would have joined sooner”. While some folks immediately join the Disney Vacation Club and become members, others need to think it over before purchasing. In fact, some give considerable time to working through the pros and cons of buying DVC. Their thought process may take hours, days or even months.
Some people never get over potential concerns or worries they have, and decline the opportunity to become DVC members. Others finally get comfortable with the program and move forward with a decision to buy in.
I thought this thread would be a good place to discuss what your concerns were before you joined. What were your concerns, and how long did these reservations about becoming a DVC member delay you signing on the dotted line? Why did you decide DVC was right for your family? For others who are right now facing the same decision of whether to join or not, how did you overcome your concerns?
If you are a prospective member who is considering DVC, what are your big questions? How are you working through the decision-making process?
Join in the discussion on our DVC discussion forum.
I have not bought in yet. I’m not on the fence about it, I don’t want to borrow the money to buy in – especially with the associated fees that go along with it, then if you throw in the amount it costs to get into the parks, travel expenses and not to mention the load of souvenirs we tend to buy.
It also locks us into a specific vacation every year. i realize we could sell the points, but I wouldn’t, which means I would end up spending even more and enjoying my retirement working at McDonald’s.
As it stands, I am saving the money to do this and hope to have points by the time my youngest is 10 and my oldest is 20. I hope at that point it will still be worth the investment.
A Disney vacation is not inexpensive. DVC just covers the room, and as you mention, there are a lot of other costs. While DVC is essentially a commitment to Disney vacations, you can rent your points out pretty easily using a points broker and use the cash to go elsewhere or simply pay some bills. You can rent your points for $11-15 per point, whereas annual dues are $6/pt. Financing a DVC purchase does push out the time it takes to reach the break-even point.
We are DVC members, it has been a great thing for our kids and grandkids, we also go down by ourselves and enjoy. If you use the discounts that come with membership (Purchase, food, tickets) you will find that it is worth it. Also look at all the other places you can use points other than at disneyland. Cruises, adventures, etc. I would suggest that you sit with a Dgave us time to thVC sales associate and go through the whole presentation and ask questions, we found them to be very helpfull when we were deciding and they were not pushy, we actually left and went back three days later to purchase. It gave us time time delve into and make sure we wanted to do it. It is not for everyone so do your homework.