If you're in the market for a quick estimate of how much Disney Vacation Club ownership can potentially save, there's a new web-based tool to simplify your calculations.
The website dvctools.com was created to provide a quick comparison between the costs of DVC point ownership vs. hotel stays over the same period of time.
Users start by selecting a resort, number of points, cost per point and years remaining on the deed. For those looking to finance, the loan terms may also be entered into the calculation. Also chosen are the average hotel cost per night, number of nights and number of vacations per year.
The tool then calculates the total DVC cost and total hotel cost over the indicated period of time. Inflation estimates are provided for both the DVC annual dues and the hotel costs.
The tool is "unofficial" in every sense of the word--it was not created or is it endorsed by any Disney or Disney Vacation Club entity.
While this is far from a definitive analysis, it does provide a good entry-level comparison of the two vacation approaches. It can also be useful for comparing various purchase options, for instance a contract at Disney's BoardWalk Villas purchased resale for $90 per point with only 25 years remaining vs. a higher priced 50-year contract at Disney's Polynesian Villas.
When looking at those "savings", just don't forget to make an allowance for up to 50 years of travel expenses, theme park admission and Mickey ice cream bars!
To give it a spin, visit www.dvctools.com.
