Is A Disney Timeshare Worth The Money?

JMarsden92 October 20, 2011
[3] comments

YES!!!

Many years ago I asked this very question.  I had gone to many timeshare tours in Florida, and also Atlantic City.  I knew what kind of money I was spending by going to Disney World 1-2 times per year.  This was calculations based on 2 adults + 1 child in a “Value” resort.  We were spending on average $600-$700 in accomodations.  My mother and father came home one year and told us about the Disney Vacation Club.  Being we had done many timeshare tours in the past we basically tried to tell them what we didn’t want.

My parents showed me where the savings would be, and asked if we would just meet with the guide and see what she could offer.  We agreed to this as long as noone tried to pressure me.  We got there and met with Kelly.  She went over everything and at the end told us to call if we were interested.  My wife was very hesitant at first.  She said that we should just look into houses for rent when we go to Florida.

WAIT… She didn’t try to keep us at the table and sell us on the spot?  No.

After we got home and evaluated everything we called Kelly and told her that we were ready.  She said she would send us all the paperwork to finalize through the mail.  We were very pleasantly surprised at how easy everything went in comparison to the other timeshares that we saw.  Disney financing went through quick, and easy.

Disney Vacation Club accomodations have Studios, 1 Bedroom, 2 Bedroom, and Grand Villas.  Each accomodates a maximum amount.  Each also has a specific set of ammenities included.  The best part is that I get points, and those points can be used at any of the DVC resorts.  I am automatically part of an exchange program so I can go to other places that aren’t part of Disney.

Looking back at our decision I realize that it was one of the wisest things we could do.  We have already made our money back.

Would I do it again…?  Yes.  I would hope to get my hands on any of the original properties only because of the cost.  The cost of the DVC properties has gone up quite considerable since we bought.

Posted in Disney DVC | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Fun Things To Know About DVC

JMarsden92 July 9, 2010
[1] comment

Since it was founded in 1991, Disney Vacation Club (DVC) has become one of the highest-rated vacation-ownership programs in the industry – and a prime example of how Walt Disney Parks and Resorts is growing its family vacation business by addressing a broad range of vacation experiences.

DVC was created as a unique experience for guests who like to return to Walt Disney World Resort on an annual basis and stay for longer periods of time.  It has quickly grown to include a wide range of vacation offerings, currently boasting 10 properties both inside and outside Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.
Members access their vacation club ownership through a highly flexible vacation point system that allows them to tailor vacations to their personal needs.  Members receive an annual allotment of vacation points that can be used in a variety of ways for different types of accommodations.
In 2009, DVC reached a company milestone, with more than 420,000 individual members from approximately 100 countries and every U.S. state having made a long-term commitment to unforgettable vacations.
 
Fun Facts
·        DVC has doubled its membership since 2003 to include more than 420,000 member families from each U.S. state and approximately 100 different countries.
·        Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas feature intricate African-inspired details and home-like amenities, and many vacation villas offer sweeping views of an expanded savanna inhabited by a variety of African animals.
·        At Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, a horse-racing fanfare can be heard across the resort every hour on the hour signaling the top of the hour to amused members and guests.
·        A special room at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge houses a collection of train memorabilia and artwork, including an exhibit featuring two of Walt Disney’s personal scale-model railroad cars.
·        There are 167 miles of post-tensioning cable running through Bay Lake Tower’s concrete slabs.  These cables could stretch from Bay Lake Tower to Disney’s Vero Beach Resort and back.
·        Environmental sensitivity was extremely important to Disney Imagineers while constructing the new Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa.  As a result, 5,178 tons, or 65.22 percent, of materials from demolition were recycled, including concrete and metals.
Posted in Disney DVC | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Purchasing A DVC Membership

JMarsden92 May 20, 2010
[3] comments

While there are many different timeshare out there I only recommend DVC (Disney Vacation Club).  I own a DVC membership, and I have been on tours of many other timeshares that are available.  Most of the other timeshares are very high pressure, and on top of that you get “Weeks” to use.  With Disney you get “Points.”  Here is some things to account for if you have considered purchasing a DVC membership. 

  • Figure out roughly how many trips you want to take a year.
  • Come up with an idea of how many people will be going majority of the time.
  • Decide what kind of accomodations you will want.

These things are important to know because if you are single, or married, and only need basic accomodations, then that is a studio.  If you have kids going, and you want to save money by cooking, then a 1 bedroom will work.  The scenarios keep going.  The amount of points is important if you want to go away multiple times, or if you are going to get larger accomodations.

Before you decide on buying you can contact your preferred banking lender with a free credit score, and see what they will charge you for interest, and the loan.  If you don’t want to do that, then you can just leave it in the hands of Disney Vacation Club.  Their rates are pretty good, and I haven’t heard of a lot of people being declined the credit.

After all is said and done you will be able to vacation roughly 2-3 months later.  There are usually some sort of promotions going on if you purchase, so watch out for the deals.

Email me if you want to get in touch with a DVC rep. like ours, Kelly Jo.  Kelly Jo will make sure you get all the information you need, and you will be very happy with the level of service that you get.

If you have DVC, then what do you think of it thus far?

Posted in Disney DVC | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

DVC Is Starting To Annoy Me

JMarsden92 January 26, 2010
[1] comment

I have been a loyal DVC member for a few years.  Recently my wife sat me down, and discussed a serious money problem that we are having.  She pointed out to me that selling our DVC may be the only way to go.  After she showed me the annual dues statement I understood a bit more.  Our dues are at approximatelly $1000 a year.  This money must cover some real good toilet paper, tvs, internet, and maybe even a Refrigerator water filter.  These assumptions are all just me joking around, but the dues are a bit much.  Disney never represented that my dues would jump this much over a few years, and that is what I am ticked about.

Do you have a DVC?  Have your dues jumped up drastically?

Posted in Disney DVC | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Working For Disney

JMarsden92 January 1, 2010
[2] comments

Being that I am such a Disney nut I have always wanted to work for Disney.  Back a few years ago I applied to work in Disney World.  The wages weren’t my cup of tea so I decided against it.  I would have had to move, and I knew what I wanted for a check at the end of the week.

Recently when I was doing a sales job search I saw that Disney is now using outside agents to sell their timeshares.  Yes, you do have to be a licensed real estate agent, but I would love that job because it is selling something that I highly believe in.

Hey Disney… Set it up so that people in NJ can sell, and I will definitelly come to work.

Posted in Disney DVC | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments