Is DVC Worth the Cost?
As much as I love being a Disney Vacation Member, I have to admit that DVC is not for everyone. For example, those who are happy to stay at the Value Resorts at Walt Disney World, visit less than every other year, or tend to book last minute trips may not get the most out of a DVC membership.
However, if you do travel to Walt Disney World (or even Disneyland, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, or Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort) more than every other year, mostly stay at the Deluxe Resorts, and tend to plan your trips far in advance, DVC may be worthwhile for you. There are two ways to look at the value of being a DVC member: the financial savings and the qualitative value it brings to you and your family.
Financial Savings of DVC
You can really see the value of DVC when you compare the cost of a vacation paid by points versus a cash stay. One way to determine the cost of a stay on DVC points is to calculate the cost per point of a DVC contract divided by the years left on the contract and then add in the dues.
For example, let’s say a 150-point Copper Creek contract goes for $168 per point. Copper Creek contracts last through January 2068, so there are about 45 years left. The $168 per point divided by 45 years is equal to $3.73, which is the cost per point each year. To factor in annual dues, we can then add in the cost of dues for 2022, which is $7.60 per point. This brings us to $11.33, which is the cost per point of this Copper Creek contract for 2022.
As a point of comparison, a 7-night cash stay in a Courtyard View – King Bed room at Copper Creek for the beginning of December 2022 would cost $629.25 per night or $4,404.75 for the week. By contrast, a One Bedroom Villa at Copper Creek for that same week would be 218 points or a value of $2,469.94 (218 points x $11.33 per point for 2022). So not only would you save $1,934.81 by booking with the Copper Creek contract points, but you would also have larger accommodations with better amenities!
In the long run, DVC provides financial savings by hedging against inflation since you are paying in advance for decades of resort stays to come. Although the cost of annual dues does increase slightly each year, this increase does not outpace the rising cost of cash stays from year to year. In other words, becoming a DVC member is similar to locking in the rate you will pay to stay at your favorite Disney Deluxe Resorts.
Other Benefits of DVC
Aside from the financial savings of DVC, there are also some qualitative benefits that cannot be ignored. On a practical note, DVC offers larger accommodations in prime locations that can make it easier to travel with family. The extra space, full-size kitchens, and washer/dryers can be a real game-changer.
Above all, by prepaying for your vacations, you are dedicating time each year to spend time with your family at your favorite destination. There’s something so exciting about always having that countdown to your next Disney trip! DVC members also know that because they’ll be back year after year, they can enjoy more leisurely trips that don’t consist of packed days of rope drop to park close. There will always be that next trip to do whatever you may miss.
If you’re ready to take the next step and become a DVC member, Monera Financial can make the membership even more attainable. Contact them today to learn more about how they can help you finance a DVC resale contract.
