4. Other theme park costs must be factored in
The topic above and this one blend together. I just mentioned the profit margin for the rest of a tourist’s visit to a Walt Disney theme park. It is large enough that the company can swallow the lack of revenue for the hotel stay. That statement is telling with regards to how much money you will have to spend beyond the cost of the hotel room.
A basic four-day ticket to Walt Disney World costs roughly $300 for adults. That total does not include meals, which can cost as little as $10 or as high as $75 per person (and even more for wine connoisseurs). These numbers do not include merchandise or snacks, either. Everyone reading this site understands just how expensive a theme park visit can be, even if the hotel room is free. So, DVC membership only goes so far in mitigating the cost of a trip to a Walt Disney theme park.
5. Spontaneity is the enemy of DVC membership
I am planning a return trip to Walt Disney World next May. As I write this in October, several of the nights I want at the most desirable locations are already listing as booked. Now, the magic of the waitlist protects me in that I know from past experience that I will probably wind up getting the room I want by the time May comes around. Still, I have to think about the precise details of my vacation seven months before it happens. And it gets worse from there.
Because Walt Disney World restaurants are so popular and in demand, I also have to spend time considering where I want to eat each day I’m there. My wife and I rarely have dinner plans for a given evening yet I already know I will be eating at Chef Mickey’s on a random Tuesday next May.
A few months from now, 60 days before my trip, I will also have to select my FastPass+ rides for each day of my visit. As I recounted in a previous column, I found the process immensely unsatisfying last time. In order to avoid history repeating itself, I will spend quite a few hours trying to figure out the best ways to utilize the system to maximize my enjoyment next May.
Simply stated, planning a trip to a Disney theme park requires a lot of forethought. As a huge fan of Cedar Point, I fall into the old school theme park crowd, which means I prefer to be impulsive. With regards to my DVC membership, this behavior is impractical bordering on impossible. If you join the club, you need to realize that you will have to know when you want to visit over half a year before you arrive. You would also be well served to make dinner reservations and FastPass selections six/two months ahead of time. Spontaneity goes out the window when you join DVC.
If you can get past the costs and the planning, DVC has nothing but positives. Over my next few columns, I will take you through the purchase process, discuss resale ownership versus buying direct from Disney, and evaluate Tables in Wonderland vs. the Disney Dining Plan as meal options. I also read the comments, so if there is a specific topic you would like to see addressed, please let me know!
Comments
Hi, I have a question. I am thinking of purchasing a membership. Hoping to buy one that is cheaper but use the points to stay at Bay Lake whenever possible. Is there a chance considering it wouldn't be my "Home" resort? or do you think it would be fully booked by the time non home resort owners can book? I hope I explained it right, still trying to understand all the DVC terminology but soo excited!
You dont actually own it. You instead have a long term rental that after some time holds no value; or are you speaking of a different program?
we just came back froom disney and stayed at the boardwalk villas they have been redone and now are beautiful. been a member since 1992 and are very happy A LOT OF PERKS 100 DOLLARS OFF ANNUAL PASS discounts on meals (without any dining plans)also my daughter was in a dance recital in nyc and was able to get plaza hotel for 2 days with points. thank you for the great info you come up with and i hope disney checks out your site and improves with your info
If you purchase a timeshare with another company say Hilton can you use your those timeshare points at a Disney resort? I know that when you buy into DVC you can pay $75 to convert your points and use them at other hotels around the world does this work the opposite way with other timeshare companies such as Marriott, Fairfield, Hilton, etc? The one drawback of DVC is not being able to pass it on to your children to enjoy. It's a lease that eventually runs out whereas another timeshare I could leave to my children to continue to enjoy.
My understanding is that DVC is transferrable to my children and so on until the lease ends. DVC is great for the long term. Even if I am paying $1500 annually in dues (worst case scenario in 10 years), I get a room that normally goes for $1100/night (2015) and my points gives me that room for 5 nights. Just think what that same room will cost per night in the year 2025? And I'm still paying $1500. And that room I get (1-Bedroom at Grand Californian) has a full kitchen (Stove, Dishwasher, Washer/Dryer and Microwave) whereas the "Cash Retail" 1-Bedroom does not. Also, DVC has no resort tax and you can park 2 of your cars for free (Cash Residents pay a daily resort parking fee).