[rjbarnhart]

Hi everyone. This is my first posting. I'm definitely taking my family (me, wife, daughter, 12, and son, 15) to WDW this summer (our 3rd trip) and I'm wondering if the Disney Vacation Club is the right thing for us to consider. My wife is a teacher, so summers are the best time for us to travel right now. We like to stay for a week when we go and we love the dining plan. So here's my dilemma: With the Magic Your Way deals, we can stay at a moderate resort, get the dining plan and park tickets for under $3,000 ( I think). Add air fair from Pittsburgh to Orlando, and it's about another $1,000. That's in my budget. As I undestand it, DVC membership would only gives us a great place to stay. We'd still have to buy park tickets, food and of course, air fare. Am I missing something? I've watched the DVC video and it sounds great, but at the same time, its seems like I'd still have to shell out a lot of money for everything else. Any input from other members would be appreciated. We're planning on booking our trip soon. Thanks - Roger B.

[Dana]

As a DVc member, you still have to buy everything but accomidations. You do, however get the annual pass as a discount and if you are going to go every summer, you can get two trips out of one Annual pass if you work the dates right. You still have to pay for the dining plan and everything else....

Welcome to mousebuzz!

[iluvwdw]

It's a lot to consider. If I were you, I'd do a search here on the DVC forum. Many people have asked the same exact question!

If you like to stay in luxurious accomodations on Disney property and will go every year, then maybe it is right for you. If you are content staying in a Value or Moderate, it might not be best for you since you can take advantage of awesome promotions that come out (FREE DINING). If you buy into DVC, you still do have to pay for the dining plan and park tickets. Like Dana said, you DO get discounts on Annual Passes that could make multiple trips in 1 year cheaper! You also get a bunch of other discounts, too.

It's a lot to think about. Do a little research before jumping in.

Oh, and WELCOME to Mouse Buzz!!!

[DisneyTeacher]

Welcome to MouseBuzz.

DVC is a good deal if you plan to go to WDW at least once every two years. Once you pay off the points your deluxe room will cost your the maintenance fee each year, usually less than the cost of a moderate resort for a week.

[rjbarnhart]

Thanks everyone. I have another question. In the past, I've booked our trips to WDW through AAA (the deals are better than at a local travel agent I talked to) But how about the WDW Website for travel deals? Which is better? Personally, I like talking to a person rather than plugging dates into a computer. As for DVC, it is a lot to think about. I'm the big Disney fan in the family. My wife is more concerned about saving for college for the kids than commiting to a long-term vacation plan like DVC. I'll do some more checking.

[DisneyTeacher]

Sometimes AAA has the best deal other times Disney will have a bigger discount but you will have to watch for discount codes to come out. If you book through a travel agant like our site sponsor Mouseketrips they will watch for a discount and apply it for you.

[Dana]

Originally Posted by rjbarnhart

Thanks everyone. I have another question. In the past, I've booked our trips to WDW through AAA (the deals are better than at a local travel agent I talked to) But how about the WDW Website for travel deals? Which is better? Personally, I like talking to a person rather than plugging dates into a computer. As for DVC, it is a lot to think about. I'm the big Disney fan in the family. My wife is more concerned about saving for college for the kids than commiting to a long-term vacation plan like DVC. I'll do some more checking.

I think you should contact mousektrips from our homepage. They are a disney only travel agency that will get you the very best deal possible. Matter-of-fact, if a deal comes out after you have already booked with them, they automatically rebook you to get you the lowest price possible. Triple A is not going to do that for you. I have used mousektrips for three trips and am compltely satisfied. you could also book this trip yourself, but I suggest using mousektrips...costs you nothing extra to use them. They know everything about WDW unlike most travel agents who just book anything. These guys know their stuff. The link is on the home page.

[llama]

We've been DVC members since 2000,

What I suggest you do is take a DVC tour while you're in WDW. You won't be pressured, the reps will answer all your questions and you'll get a better idea of what DVC is all about. It's not a decision to make without a lot of number crunching and discussion. (unless, of course, you've just won the lottery. )

We started to think about it in 1997 and it took us 3 years to take the plunge. Our personal experience is that it has been a great one. We're able to have two trips to WDW per year and after paying off our loan, we just have our yearly maintenance fee to consider now. But each family has to consider their wants and needs. Good luck in your decision! And welcome to Mousebuzz!

[rlcarmichael]

My only regret is not doing it sooner.

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by rlcarmichael

My only regret is not doing it sooner.

I hear A LOT of people saying that!

[woohoo]

What types of discounts do you get in passes and do you get to participate in the dining plan?

[iluvwdw]

Originally Posted by woohoo

What types of discounts do you get in passes and do you get to participate in the dining plan?

Not 100% sure, but I think it is something like $100 off of
APs! And YES you can participate in the Dining Plan...and you DON'T even have to buy a 1 day MYW ticket to buy it, either!!!!

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by rlcarmichael

My only regret is not doing it sooner.

That's us. And wishing we had a few more points too.

Before you buy, consider the size of the space you'll need. We would like to have enough points for a one bedroom - any time of the year. We're almost there. Even without, we've been able to do almost 2 trips a year.

[woohoo]

ok but here is yet another question (as I sit here with the dvc book open on the table next to me) Do you feel obligated to do disney as a trip because you have paid for it? Or is it something that you choose to do each year? Do they ever offer promotions exclusive to dvc members?

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by woohoo

ok but here is yet another question (as I sit here with the dvc book open on the table next to me) Do you feel obligated to do disney as a trip because you have paid for it? Or is it something that you choose to do each year? Do they ever offer promotions exclusive to dvc members?

We joined the DVC because we knew we wanted to do Disney. Also, the system forces us to take a vactation - something we really needed. We aren't opposed to using points outside Disney, but we feel the kids are a little too young to go to Europe now. We are thinking 2009 for that trip.

You will get your best bang for the buck by going to WDW.

As for special promotions - there is a long list of discounts available to members: AP's, meals, tours, merchandise. You won't get a points discount for a stay - but nothing prevents you from paying cash for a room if you felt it was the better deal. For example, we are looking at the cruise for 2008. We will probably pay cash instead of using our points.

If you aren't a "Disney person", you probably won't truly appreciate all that the vacation club offers.