Is Disney Vacation Club Worth the $$ in 2023?
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- I do the math and analysis YOU need to make a decision about Disney Vacation Club. I compare the cost of Disney Vacation Club direct with Disney or on the resale market. I also take you through the FULL cost including the on going annual fees.
Link to spreadsheet (note you will need to make a COPY to edit): docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
I would love it if you could subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell!
You can find lots of playlists on my channel including weekly vlogs, Disney vlogs from Walt Disney World Florida, Disneyland California, Shanghai Disneyland and Disneyland Paris, DVC vlogs and some other lifestyle bit and bobs!
Check me out on social media:
Instagram, Twitter & TikTok: @karenbeeyt
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There is an updated video on my channel with 2024 pricing - ua-cam.com/video/BO4IL9kKIL8/v-deo.htmlsi=iUfosYG9RbWG1L9v
For the first time EVER I understand how DVC works. I couldn't wrap my head around it. So well explained. Thank you!
Omg this has never been done before I've always been so scared of DVC but really this has made a lot of sense to me as I never understood why people would buy it if it wasn't financially viable great vlog Karen thanks for making it so easy to understand
Fantastic video and so informative! As a numbers and spreadsheet person I was in my absolute element seeing you talk through it all in such detail 😂😂
Karen, great video. Although we are DVC owners, you provided excellent information in a clear manner. I think you should continue with a series on various DVC topics.
This is hands down the best DVC video I've ever seen!!! Seriously you explained everything so well and showing everything really made a difference!!
Wow I just recently found your channel through Jen, and was just hoping for an updated DVC video! So excited!
What a Fabulous job you did explaining things. I have never understood the whole concept and you really broke it down! Amazing considering you are so relatable when you are in the parks and giving the details on food and all the park experiences! Again, Amazing 😊
Thank you so much for this informative video!
Amazingly helpful video!-- thank you! Love the Saratoga price --- and honestly I love that resort it's super underrated!
Ms. Bee, Your videos are the best. No other DVC youtube gives a long-range review. I have watched many. Your comprehensive evaluation has helped me understand the benefits of buying direct. I also appreciate the way your family enjoys their trips. Thank you very much. I recommend everyone review your site since it explains the cost/benefit. I am so glad you take the time to share your knowledge.
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you think so! I found the way the information is presented it's really hard to get the full financial picture so I'm really happy to hear that these videos help!
This is the best DVC explanation Vlog I’ve seen. I’m fortunate to have a contract and think I’m pretty clued up on it, but I couldn’t explain it as eloquently as you have🙌🏼💖
I really appreciate that thank you so much!
Great video! Thanks! We own a mix of direct and resale but have not looked at it broken down like this.
Karen this is an excellent break down of realistic cost. Also explained very well too.
Thank you so much for the spreadsheet!
Another great video! We would call that meat pie a Cornish pasty here in England (although it’s usually lamb) That charcuterie looked so good! We are fully paid up members of The Polite Pig fan club - so good! Thanks for sharing xxx
Wow Karen!!!!! Thank you for doing this.
I love your spreadsheets 😁 definitely reinforces that DVC is not for me. Happy renting points for the occasional 'splurge' stay 😊
So glad they are helpful in making your decision!
Wow, this was a fantastic overview of DVC! Thank you for taking the time to put this together and for sharing your spreadsheet. Well done!
You're so welcome!
This was incredibly helpful! Can’t wait to show hubby! Also, we want to visit both Ireland and the uk eventually…. So subscribed!
This is absolutely hands down the best breakdown for DVC ownership that ever seen!!! Great Job & Thank you for making it make sense!!!!
Thank you so much I'm so glad you appreciate it!
Love this vlog. We have a resale contract at Poly and I actually met you, Racheal and Natalie in the lift in Moorea building last May!! After Epcot late hours. We moaned about Ratatouille being down and I even got out of the lift on the wrong floor as I was chatting so much ha ha!! Anyway thanks for all your time in these vlogs, your tips and info are extremely useful, so thanks Karen 🤗
YES I REMEMBER! Haha funny enough we are staying at Polly and just did Epcot evening hours yesterday and I was equally as delirious coming back to the room after! Aw you’re so welcome thanks for watching!
This is so useful & so clearly explained. Thank you.
Great job explaining it! I’ve never seen a video where someone breaks it down so well.
Aw thank you so much, so glad you found it helpful!
Wow. Fantastic job explaining everything and thank you for including the spreadsheet as well as showing us the websites you use. I will definitely be checking out your social media accounts. 😄
Aw thank you so much! I plan to start doing some short form content on DVC on the likes of insta and tiktok in the near future!
Great video! Very clearly explained! ❤
What a useful tool, right up my alley. Loved this video!
I'd love to see this with an initial disney purchase of 150 minimum and then buy resale for another 350 points. This is always DVC pitch - you are a 500 point family!😅
Great Video!!!
That’s a lot of points! You can also tweak the spreadsheet however you like just make a copy and update the points number columns, hope that’s helpful!
This is absolutely brilliant!!!!
Hey Karen, this was such a fab video - so insightful and full of great, very useful information. I’d love a video about renting DVC points please, as much information as poss. Especially about insurance that covers that type of holiday. Not long to Florida now - eeeek! 🩷 xxx
Best and most transparent analysis I have seen on DVC. THANK YOU!
Thank you so much I'm glad it's helpful!
Love a good spreadsheet! Glad you did all the research before we bought ours so I didn’t have to 😅
Brilliant! Thank you!
Brilliant video - great explanation!
Thank you for the spreadsheet it was super helpful!!!
You're welcome!
This is a fantastic breakdown of the pricing. Of course if anyone decides to finance their initial purchase they need to add in that cost to their breakdown (and I would never recommend you finance!). People also need to decide if they will take the vacation every year (or bank and every other year). I have no idea how renting out points would work as far as recouping your fees if you choose not to use the points yourself. Lots to think about!
This is such an excellent video and the most comprehensive and straight forward breakdown I have ever seen. Thank you, thank you, thank you for the spreadsheet. It was EXACTLY what I was after,
I'm glad you found it helpful!
thank you so much for this information 👍
loved this, so informative and helpful. Please can you do a video on renting dvc points?
Great video 👍
Thank you ~ lots to think about. Blessings.
Glad it was helpful!
This is FANTASTIC info. Very very helpful. Thank you
So glad it was helpful! I am recording an updated one tomorrow!
So helpful, thank you! :)
You're so welcome!
Excellent video and analysis. It will be interesting to see how price continues to change as the term of the contract gets shorter.
I know our family would value a 5 year term considerably more than a 20+ year term due to changing family dynamics of growing children.
excellent video
Please do a dvc rental vlog as well please. You make it much easier to understand x
I will do! That will be the next DVC video I do! So glad you find it helpful!
Great job! Thank you!
Your eyebrows are perfection! I admit I had to rewind the first little part of the video because I wasn’t paying attention to what you were saying cuz I was looking at your eyebrows lol.
Thank you so much for all this great information! Really appreciate all the effort you put into this. 🙂🙂
There is no greater compliment - can't beat a good eyebrow day!
Very good job. I would avoid spending a dime at any Disney entity. Disney no longer merits any premium whatsoever, least of all a convoluted timeshare scheme. Save your money-this world no longer provides reasonable expectations.
This video nailed the "true" cost of DVC ownership. Excellent job.
Very helpful. Thanks🎉
You are very welcome!
This was the most helpful video ever
I’m so glad to hear that!
I love your spreadsheet it is a waking .
Thank you so much!
excellent video, thank you!
For a lot of travelers that just cannot book at 11 months out, Saratoga or Old Key west is the best bet. The prices for a 2 week stay are very reasonable at these resorts and at 7 months out the window for other resorts opens, which works very well in my case. We can never book that many months in advance...
Yes that's so true, they always have the best availability!
My most basic reply when people ask if it’s financially worth while is that yes you will save money over the long run but only if you would rent those same rooms for cash. The issue I find is that most people would not pay rack rate for those same rooms, they would stay somewhere else. And yes you can look at this as a means to get more for what you’d normally spend, but there a lot of variables in there. While I am very happy with my ownership, it’s also not for everyone.
Yes this is a great summary and I totally agree! It’s definitely not the right financial decision for a lot of people..
Thanks!
Oh wow thank you so much ☺️
1) Your video on purchasing was VERY thorough and well presented.. You described why you included items, how you came up with info, etc. I've watched several videos and this was BY FAR THE BEST. The spreadsheet takes many things into consideration and calculates them in a way that allows comparisons. I didn't really consider how much (per year) more a contract with 19 years left would cost compared to one with a longer life.
2) Thanks for sharing your spreadsheet!
3) Approximately what percentage of resale costs are going to the owner (If we change our mind what might we get back)?
4) I'm pretty sure we won't buy into DVC, but would LOVE to see a video about renting points.
3) Approx 10% to be conservative is the commission taken for resale.
4) I’ve never rented my points personally but will do some research! I do have an updated version of this video for 2024!
Thanks so much. I subscribed and found the updated 2024 video as well as some others I enjoyed. I hope to watch more when time allows - you move things along and cover things well. I shared your site with my adult daughter who is seriously considering buying on the resale market. @@KarenBee
Excellent deep dive! I'd like to see your thoughts on things to consider if you are already a DVC member with direct from Disney benefits and you add on a resale contract both at an existing home resort and at another resort. Again, great video.
Personally, as a direct member with benefits I'm very unlikely to ever go direct again. The one thing that would sway me is a new resort - so for example if I wanted to purchase Riviera I would go direct as I don't want the significant restrictions that come with purchases the new properties via resale. Any other property I see no reason (other than convenience / speed) to go direct with Disney as the cost far out weighs any benefit.
That spreadsheet you did is fantastic, really appreciate it. Love your vlogs. So if you buy direct you can only buy 150 points or more??? I would think that would really hurt sales.
I remember sitting in a DVC sales presentation on a Disney cruise and I thought this away to raise capital without selling bonds. Genius
Great video. The only two variables that are not calculated are - interest financing on the loan to buy the contract. There are not many people that pay cash for this type of luxury. Second, hotel guests pay a daily hotel tax on their stay whereas DVC owners do not pay that accommodation tax. It's a double digit % (12.5%?) savings that most do not even consider.
And, there are numerous matchmaking services that will help you find someone to rent your points to if you decide that you do not want to use your points some years.
Yes financing definitely has to be factored in to the cost equation if it's needed. I've spoken about this in order videos but completely agree most people go for the finance option. I actually financed both of my contracts but paid them off very quickly and so minimised the interest cost. As for tax I compare to the tax inclusive cost for cash bookings where I can to make it a fair comparison.
DVC renting vs membership is next on my list!
great point! I didn't even consider the accommodation tax!
Hey Karen, just re-watching this as I am trying to work out what is best - it’s so hard to decide 🙈 xx
Planning to do a new one next week on updated prices! It’s a tough decision though!
@@KarenBee Oh great. I think I’m more swaying towards doing it but I’m looking forward to your video. Happy New Year! ♥️ xxx
I think the real comparison is between owning points and renting points.
Based on the calculations I’ve done (not a CPA), it seems to be cheaper long term to own the points, with the trade off being locked into the Disney ecosystem (unless you want to rent them out).
Great video. I think the only thing missing is the opportunity cost. AKA the amount you could make on the same amount of money, at a moderate interest rate (say 6% on avg/year). And then there's the cost of financing, if you dont have the money up-front...
Yes the cost of Financing is significant especially if using Disney's financing option! Opportunity cost is definitely something I considered too.. thanks so much for watching.
This was great. Do you have anything showing renting points vs. Normal stay? I've never been able to justify the cost doing it
Absolutely if you go every 1-3 years. It’s about 50% less when renting the same rooms for cash.
Great job! I wonder if you could do a video comparing DVC resale cost with DVC rental cost?
Yes that’s going to be the next video! Thanks for watching!
So animal kingdom! That’s the answer for those who don’t have time :D
Well..... assuming you have no home resort preference lol
Unless you have cash available, buying DVC in 2023 is horrible. We bought Saratoga resale back in 2005 for $75/point. Picked up 250 points and did not finance it. Cant imagine paying $150+ per point now. Even thoguh we did well with the purchase, the annual fees have gone throguh the roof. We are CDN so with exchange it is not great. We defintely recouped the inital cost wothn the first 5 to 6 years. This included a cruise and yearly to bi-yearly visists to WDW. However, since 2019 and all of the changes, and constant gouging, we have taken a pass. Just rent out the points and have used that money to travel elsewhere. Disney really needs to give DVC members better incentives. They do not becasue they know members have to come. It would be a no brainer to offer better food and merchandise discounts not to mention park ticket diacounts.
That's such a great price you got I'm very jealous! It is crazy when you look at the price comparison and consider that the contract has LESS years on it than back when you bought in. It is great that you have the rental option and can hold out for a time when you're happier to travel. I do wish there were more benefits - a lot of the benefits overlap with AP benefits which I imagine a lot of DVC members have making them a bit redundant.
@KarenBee Agreed. We bought with the mindset that we could get 2 weeks every year in a studio. We bought before we had kids as an investment knowing we would want to go at least every other year. As time went on, we enjoyed the one bedroom option. We went into it knowing we wanted to stay on property and not in value hotels.
This is fantastic ! Would you be able to share this info for grand Floridian?
This is so thoughtful and helpful. Thank you!! We just became DVC members with a 175 point Disneyland hotel contract. What would you recommend if we wanted to get add-on points in the future? In the past we have also enjoyed staying at the Grand Floridian Villas. Usually reserving 1 bedrooms direct from Disney. Thanks!
Hey! Oh that's so exciting! So it definitely depends - if you intend to use the add on at WDW and you don't mind not being able to book Riviera then I would go resale as you'll save a LOT of money, resale would be ideal for your Grand Floridian stays and if that's your priority resort get it there. Top tip for adding on is to make sure it's the same use year, it'll make your life easier! If you went direct you would have no restrictions and so you could use your add on contract at any hotel but then you pay a premium for that.
OMG! You're one of the few DVC content creators who talks about DVC's most crucial aspect, in my opinion: how many nights do you get per 150 points. There's a huge gap between the resorts, and people often overlook this math...
I wish that this was more transparent for people signing up to DVC, it makes such a difference!
depends on when and what resort you want. Each resort is different. for example we just got back from Beach Club for a week and it was 118 points. however if you go during peak time or on Holiday, will be more. The Grand Floridian, Poly will be more than Old Key West. So it doesn't go by how many nights per say, it goes by points per night.
Wow. Thanks for helping to make a decision. It’s way too expensive: I’ll take my chances on reserving a room somewhere. There is absolutely no value to having a specific week at Disney.
It is definitely expensive, a big financial commitment. Just to clarify you don't have to pick your week - you purchase a number of points that can be used for any time during the year but I chose a specific date in order to demonstrate the cost. It will cost a different number of points depending on what time of year you travel. You can also bank / borrow points from different years and pool them together. I've got more videos on my channel on how DVC works. Hope that helps!
So are you paying the difference between the annual cast and the 2-week stay? Or paying both?
Once your contract is paid in full, you can determine how much you are pay per stay by multiplying the points the stay uses by your per point dues.
I have BLT, dues $7.43
Upcoming stay in a onebedroom for 4nights 168 points which means I prepaid $312.06 a night.
Ye that's definitely a good reflection of the on-going cost
Sort of. You still need to take the up front cost and divide that by amount of years left. If I paid 32k for copper creek and there were 46 years left, then that’s $695 a year. Add that to your annual dues cost per year and divide by how many points you have. That’s the real cost per point. You can’t ignore that cost.
I paid $89.00 pp for my direct BLT points. I figure I can easily get my money back plus more anytime I might sell. That's why I focus on dues/points in my head.
What are your thoughts on purchasing the new villas at Disneyland California at $230 per point with an annual fee of $9.06 plus TOT of $2.35 when you stay vs trying to buy a Grand California re-sale contract. We already have DVC membership, so are not bound by min to get the perks. Just want to add on in California as we go there annually.
Hey Natalie! I actually just released a new video talking about the new resort and doing the math including the tax. Disneyland California doesn’t have a great discount on resale market vs other resorts but I have updated the resale prices too. I also LOVE the Grand Californian but if you buy resale you won’t be able to book the Disneyland Villas at all. It’s a tough decision!
Please add “Present Value in your calls. I bought 370 points for $18k in early 2000’s and paid $1500-3000 for taxes and fees each year. I’m good
Hey Karen- Awesome breakdown!! I’m not a math girl. If just staying for 1 week as opposed to 2, can one just split the amount you have in the 2 week column and maintenance fee column in half?
Thanks! Another Karen ❤
Yes! If you make a copy of the spreadsheet you can just amend the points required (to half the amount - use the amount for two weeks are your desired home resort) just keep in mind that with Disney right now you have to purchase a minimum of 100 points and 150 if you want the benefits.
Great❤
May I ask a question? My home resort has been HH for many year via resale. I also own Copper Creek through Disney and just purchased BW via resale. I would like to sell HH and purchase GF via Disney b/c of the good deal they are offering. What are your thoughts?
Thank you Karen. I would like to know, do you prefer being a Disney Vacation Club member?
YES I do - I think I bought it at a good time before they increased the limit for direct benefits and I also got my resale at a great price so I'm very happy with my position. It might be a different outcome if I was looking at buying in today.
When I go on the website Disney states that the total price would be paid off in ten years, but would we still have the benefits for the 50? Or just the ten?
You have the benefits for the full term of the contract of the DVC regardless of the term of the loan (so 50 in your example) but please do bear in mind that if you're paying off a loan you need to factor in the interest cost to any cost calculations
Is there a best time of year to buy in for the yearly reset time?
I actually don't know as I assume the use year offered moves depending on when you buy. So for example I bought in September and was given a Feb use year which was perfect because September was the deadline to bank and so I got a whole year banked as I didn't plan to travel between Sept and Jan.
Can you do a spreadsheet for Dec use year direct and resale for Old Key west and the Polynesians
The spreadsheet works for any use year as the cost remains the same for direct contracts - for resale the only adjustment needed is to filter your search results on the resale website to show Dec use year only. Unless that use year is rare / in high demand you should see the same prices. Feel free to make a copy of the sheet and then you can edit it as much as you like! I try to keep the videos as generic as possible so that it help for all scenarios.
With seeing the realized resale value from 20 to 60 percent minus fees, it seems not worth it unless the benefits are worth it to you. But overall loss 😢
It's hard to predict but there are people that have bought and sold for a profit while also getting years of use on the contract - if prices continue to rise that's possible but I certainly wouldn't be relying on that. Only worth buying in if you think you'd get value from using the contract itself.
DVC has not been worth it for years since they stopped offering complimentary park admission with each stay.
I live 10 minutes from Disney. Is the club worth it for me? I’m
An annual passholder
You left out interest on the upfront cost. When you extrapolate that cost out, it shows a HUGE difference in the per night bottom line.
Hi! Yes I usually note that any price comparison is at current pricing and assumes no financing - this is just for simplicity and to be able to compare across different options but I totally agree adding Finance in the mix changes the numbers dramatically. My next video will include the financing calc to highlight this - thanks for taking the time to comment
@the financial diet need to see this
I think they actually did a video on DVC!
@@KarenBee Yes that's why I was saying it :)
@@OnaSalvatFebrero Ah thanks for flagging!
Just received my dues for 2024. Price 1987 dollars....
Just paid mine too!
It's getting to the point where it's not worth it anymore....
Makes me feel relieved I bought Grand Floridian. I estimated based on the dues that it would have one of the lower costs of ownership and nice to see she got to the same result. Granted the points per night are a little high, I am flexible waiting until the 7 month window when I want to stay somewhere else
I have yet to stay at Grand Floridian but really want to try out those resort studios they look amazing. I’m glad the video reinforced your decision!
Just feel this is like most timeshares. A bit of a con. Seems like a lot of money for only a few nights a year.
The pricing in this video is for two weeks a year but for sure it's a HUGE financial commitment and for a lot of people I don't think it's right or cost effective. I think cash price will work out better for most people wanting to stay onsite.
If you are a frequent Disney vacationing family and do not finance it, then it's a no brainer. If you're a casual visitor, no.
Why didn’t you include the increase in dues in your total contract price?
I calculated everything in current prices for simplicity and comparison. I've thought about adding a growth rate and adding that in so might add that to the next calc.
@@KarenBee your total contract price will be at least double in every instance with year over year dues increases.
@@littlemissnobuy6164 agreed, I've kept all prices at 'todays' price because I do a lot of comparisons (to renting points and cash rooms on site) and so to keep an even comparison I don't adjust any prices for inflation. My next video I'm planning to focus just on DVC cost and include both inflation of dues (based on historic growth rates which I think is the best measure) and also the cost of finance for those that choose it. Any suggestions you have for sources of growth rate of dues let me know!
I still don't know it is worth it
It definitely depends on your personal situation - I do think it takes a special set of circumstances to make it the right financial decision..
Sounds like a scam to me.
I bought resale 200 points in 2018 for $75 a point. I get the shopping discounts and some dining. Depends what restaurant u go to and mood they are in. Disney has def changed and keep raising the prices. We actually do not do any of the Disney parks anymore. Kids still love the resorts, but save a ton of $$$ not going to the parks. So resale wouldn't matter for the "perks". Which the perks are not not that good anyway. Everyone wants the extra events, but what Disney doesn't tell you is that you have to be lucky enough to get one. Its not automatic because you are Disney direct buyer. You have to log on at 0700 hours and by 0705 its sold out. Def think about if you want to go every year or not and if you don't mind the lower tier hotels.
Such a great price for your points - I think mine were $104 in 2020. The main perk that matters for us is the AP as we buy the AP each year but even still at 150 point minimum it's a LOT of extra $$ for those rewards. YES those events are STRESSFUL to get into and you have to be lucky to have a trip planned for the dates too!