Maximizing Your DVC Membership: Breaking Even with Disney Vacation Club

In this episode, we chat with Samantha, aka "DVC Millennial," to discuss her journey to breaking even with Disney Vacation Club!

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[andygrant]

If your going to make a break even video you need to add the annual dues

[dvcmillennial]

Hey everyone! First and foremost, I want to thank Paul and Amy for inviting me on The DVC Show to share a little bit about my DVC journey and my latest series with all of you. Second, I have read all your comments and really appreciate the feedback on my first shot at presenting DVC math. I will be working over the next few weeks to create a "DVC Breakeven - Season Two" (working title) that includes the cost of annual dues, and I hope you'll all show it just as much love as Season One!

My goal is to create DVC content that is approachable, fun, and informative. As I continue to make more series like this, I will be sure to show a variety of perspectives on DVC math, using my own experience as a Member as an example. Once again, thank you so much for all the amazing feedback!

[pianomanzano]

I like the approach, but the fallacy of using the rack rates is that I never would've paid those rates to begin with, even if they were discounted as they are now. A more realistic breakeven point would be one that shows that the comparable rates at Pop or AoA for those days (or the rate for renting points). It probably stretches out the breakeven point, but we're still coming out ahead with DVC!

[melaniebusmc]

Loved this show! I'd love to see something similar but with someone like me who purchased their first contract over 50. I bought mine to experience Disney with my grandkids and also so that my husband and I can go to the festivals. I think it would be a great episode for us folks who are a bit older!

[sammaier]

Different perspective, but similar outcome. I was 26 when I bought into DVC, but unlike Samantha I had never been to a Disney park before buying. I think it was the best "fun" purchase I've ever made - even though I slightly disagree with Samantha's math (you gotta include dues - it's the majority of what you pay throughout the life of the contract), it still has been absolutely worth it to "force" me to take amazing vacations with my family.

[anthonyZ]

I agree, it is not a trip without Country Bears, Tiki and Carousel. Those attractions make Disney World Unique and magical!!

[eatdrinklearn]

I think Samantha's methodology is a great way to see what you would have spent otherwise, if you didn't have points. To calculate the break-even point for my membership, I divide the total I spent (without the annual dues to simplify things) by all the points I'll get over the course of the contract. That tells me what I spent per point overall. Then I can calculate what I spent per trip (by multiplying the number of points spent by the per-point cost to me.) It's amazing to see how quickly it adds up. Thanks, Samantha & DVC Fan!

[JeffreyLangdon]

I am absolutely amazed you glossed over the fact that the interest she paid on the loan was 50% of the contract cost!!

Your total DVC contract costs includes all the dues you pay over the 50 years or however many years are left on the contract.

Your "breakeven" math doesn't include your second largest cost next to your initial contract costs. In some cases, the dues you pay over the duration of the contract are more than you pay on the contract itself.

[acaciamurphy]

I have been following DVC Fan for years and I'll admit, I was nervous about the new direction of the show, but this episode was a breath of fresh air. The rapport was fantastic and Paul and Amy you both seemed more enthusiastic and appeared to smile a lot more. I loved hearing Samantha's story. I'm on the West Coast and grew up at Disneyland and was heartbroken when they got rid of Country Bear Jamboree over here, so it is always on my must list at WDW, that and the People Mover! I can't wait to see what more episodes bring.

[lalter]

Great show!! Im a early dvc millennial!! Love this show and love this episode. This is my show i listen to every Monday on my drive to work. Samantha was amazing and I will be following her for sure now

[pco]

THE DVC Millennial??? How exciting to see her on the show!

[MoniqueARuiz]

Sam, an idea for your next series once you’ve broken even on your CONTRACT price, since it seems a lot of people are complaining you didn’t factor in annual dues is “DVC or Doom: The Annual Dues.” Go back and look at annual dues for each year of your contract and compare it against future stays. So if you break even next year and 2025 is your first year of “free” (loose terms) stays, how many trips does it take you to cover what you paid in annual dues since the beginning of your contract. That would be interesting to see if you still end up paying out of pocket to stay, after multiple yearly trips or if one or two stays covers the cost of dues and anything over that is “free” (again, loose terms!)

[kenmartin]

Such a great episode! Love the direction of the content! Y'all are fantastic!

[danmeagher]

I guess you were right Paul when I asked about having guests and you said I’d be happy then!!!

[jerrodvillarreal]

Thank you so much for this episode!! Have been waiting for material on this topic.

[flowertiki]

Fantastic to see you in the new and improved studio/show!!

[deesea]

I bought my first contract at Bay Lake Tower in 2009 at 35 years old. Then added on in 2015 at Poly. We then added another contract in 2021 at OKW, and just this year added on another OKW contract. One of the best things I ever did! I lost count how many times we have been there. We stay long enough now to do tons of other “Orlando” adventures. It’s like our true second home in Fla. It’s more than paid for itself for us.
Absolutely Love it! The big 50 is in a couple weeks for me and that’s where I want to be! Can’t wait!

[jimmyD]

Inspiring episode. I’m going to add up my stays so far and see where I am at. Shout out to south Jersey!
Wildwood representing ❤

[williammcgovern]

Great show. We bought into DVC in 2009. We bring 17 people every other year and everyone has a ball.

[kerryw.]

Where can I find Disney's rack rate for rooms in past years?