Disney Vacation Club 101 START HERE

[@Ashleew]

I’d like to request a whole series of these videos “Jen’s guide to all the life decisions!”

[@JenLefforge]

LOL Um, that's actually not a bad idea, Ashlee . . . .

[@katiemladinich8478]

Um yes please!!!!

[@ashlynneeley7302]

I agree Ashlee W!

[@marybiggs6233]

If it's a vote, I'm a yes too.

[@jennyvanburen3762]

Owned DVC since 2000! Best decision we ever made! Love love love it!

[@JenLefforge]

We do love it, don't we, Jenny??😂❤️

[@jennyvanburen3762]

@@JenLefforge yes, I think I make the same comment on all of your DVC videos! 😂😂

[@majorhollingshead5906]

Yay!!!! Old school Jen. You’re the OG of DVC. This is what sky rocketing your KZbin career. ❤️😘

[@JenLefforge]

Awww thanks, Major!!

[@heremeraldeyes]

I’m staying at Riviera at 4 nights in September! I’m so excited!

[@becksstuff9451]

Thank you for the simple, honest facts. I’ve found it so complicated.

[@JenLefforge]

It seems complicated because . . it is. Seriously, Becks, it took me forever to figure it all out so I'm happy to share!

[@jcbnyc2009]

Sweat equity. Never heard. Love it..

[@kristensmith80]

We are very happy new owners and thank you for all of your super helpful videos over the years! Closed on our resale contract at BLT in April. You can’t beat the WALK to MK from BLT. And my monorail loving hubby is over the moon to watch the monorail drive by year after year! It was such a huge decision though and every consideration you lay out in this video is so important!

[@olafpamela]

We have own Boardwalk since 1998 and has been the best decision ever!😀♥️. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and math😅 on DVC

[@JenLefforge]

Pamela I'll be in your neighborhood next month! 1 night at Riviera and 4 nights at BW. I LOVE IT there!

[@kristynbrown178]

I have been watching and saving your videos for months now and I CANNOT thank you enough for this video!! I 1000% appreciated the over all breakdowns of DVC and how truly genuine you are in all your videos. You’ve been my go to person for objective DVC info because I think like you do but you explain things so much better than I do. So thank you SO SO SO much for all your hard work and wonderful information! ❤️❤️

[@JenLefforge]

Wow, Kristyn, what a lovely comment! Thank you SO VERY MUCH!!!!!! I'm so honored that you're here.

[@CarissaHelmer88]

Always love your DVC advice!

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks, Carissa! I needed something fun to talk about!

[@jennyherrington6215]

So grateful for you and your feedback. We have been seriously contemplating for several months and your videos always give us more things to think over prior to making it an impulse buy. I fully expect DVC is in our future, but a bit more research is due. Thank you for your wisdom (and experience!)

[@JenLefforge]

Yes, so many people see the presentation at Disney and buy on the spot which is crazy to me! It's such a big commitment and serious money requires serious research!

[@deancoffman9164]

I would be one of the worst salespeople for DVC. I don't know if you Remember but I danced with the idea of DVC for close to 20 years before we actually bought in. But when I did decide it was finally a good idea for us, You were the last stop I made to push me over the line. Then your videos are what I shared with my husband (who had been in the dark all these years as I have contemplated it) to get him to understand how it works and why it was finally worth it for us. Thanks for sharing.

[@JenLefforge]

Dean you were almost as slow on committing as we were!😂

[@stephaniejacobs7659]

The most exciting part of this video is that you’re staying at the Riviera! Even for one night, I know you’ll love it so much!!

[@JenLefforge]

We can't wait, Stephanie!

[@stevenchen1338]

Fantastic video! Heard your interview on WDW Prep to Go again. So good!

[@JenLefforge]

Oh Steven I'm so glad you found me here! Welcome!

[@kelseylaulainen7]

We absolutely LOVE DVC! We bought on the resale market over a year ago and got to stay at The Grand Floridian a few months later. So excited to stay at OKW in February - our first stay at our home resort!

[@JenLefforge]

I know you will lOVE IT THERE, Kelsey!

[@christiemildon9474]

I finally bought resale at Copper Creek this year and am so excited to start using my contract! My daughter loves Disney too and I plan on leaving my contract to her and her family (hopefully a long time from now lol). Funny you mentioned it, my financial advisor told me DVC is the only timeshare he is okay with his clients buying into. Thanks for the great video-I'm sure it's going to help a lot of people who are thinking about getting into DVC!

[@d.a.ballou9740]

I should buy a lottery ticket because it must be my lucky day, 2 Jen Lefforge videos in one day! I'm so excited. :)

[@JenLefforge]

You're too kind, D.A.! Thanks for your enthusiasm - it really does make me very happy!

[@snycity]

Two videos in one day?? How did we get so lucky? I can't contain myself! Good breakdown of basics, thanks! ...Now to find out what you eat!

[@JenLefforge]

Stephen you are wonderful for watching both! I mean they were edited and I liked them both so why not? Happy Friday!

[@pukestar]

Thank you for this clear and concise review! My husband and I have been throwing it back and forth since we now have grandbabies and it is such a tough decision! Thank you thank you thank you! And your ears are adorable! I saved this video to my favorites. 💓

[@tammydahl386]

We have been renting DVC points to try before we buy. Hopefully we can buy once we meet some other financial goals. Looking forward to trying 3 new resorts in September, including OKW!

[@JenLefforge]

Ahhhh my fave!

[@charliehuffman326]

Still mulling a DVC purchase but given my age would definitely do a resale purchase, because I'd want one of the earlier expiring resorts and am not willing to pay the direct price from Disney for those. Beach Club is more per point than Copper Creek but you get 26 more years at Copper Creek. I realize that annual dues need to be factored in, but at a per-year cost breakdown over the course of the contract, the math doesn't work for me to purchase direct at a resort expiring in 2042. No one else could inspire me to do recreational math on a Friday except you, Jen!! :-)

[@JenLefforge]

I've very talented that way, Charlie! 😂😂😂

[@mom2kaipar]

We just bought a DVC in June! We can’t wait to go home for the first time!!

[@Jeissa73]

Love your Mickey ears, thanks for the information

[@eolauryn4]

Very well articulated Jen!! I’ve seen so many videos and some of your older videos and this one was definitely a concise overview!! Thank you! And BTW, I have never stayed at Riviera but have dined there twice and bought the robe!! If I bought DVC, despite the small rooms, I would buy that resort for the expresso shop, library and dining at Toppolino!!!! I keep their bathroom napkins cause they are like towels, lol

[@JenLefforge]

I am sad we are only there one night (I mean then we move to BWV so boohoo😂) but I’m really looking forward to it!

[@chevonnewallace8370]

I always love your DVC CONTENT! Its my favorite and as always this is such helpful!

[@kevinfraser7815]

Been watching you since May of last year and it’s so beautiful to see how much your channel has grown and your content continues to evolve. Very inspirational- keep up the wonderful work :-)✊🏿

[@JenLefforge]

What a lovely comment, Kevin, THANK YOU!

[@WildNaturebyElizabeth]

Thank you for a wonderful, unbiased view Jen! My husband and I have points that I have struggled to use due to the closures. I live in New York and have not been allowed to go to Disney for the longest time. I really wish Disney was a little more flexible with the DVC members. I really think we should have been given a little more support during this time. Thank you so much!!!

[@JenLefforge]

Yes, I feel that as well, Elizabeth.

[@lisasproul8027]

Great video!

[@JenLefforge]

thank you, Lisa!

[@richdeguzman101]

You saved me money. Thank you.

[@JenLefforge]

My pleasure, Rich! It really ISN'T right for a lot of people and I'm super happy when I can help somebody navigate that!

[@ksessa1010]

So exciting you going to the Riviera . I promise you will not hear the people next door sneezing and answering when you say god bless you. Missing the Bar Riva and walking around the lake to the Caribbean Resort. If you are going to the parks I think you need more than one day at the Riviera. After doing 14k steps at Epcot the next day at the quiet pool is so relaxing . Enjoy and safe travels.

[@JenLefforge]

Lol well don’t worry we then move to Boardwalk Villas for 4 nights!❤️

[@tinkershell1856]

Thank you thank you thank you! 💙💙💙 i’m a Disneylander and didn’t realize how much of a commitment this was. I thought about joining for the Grand Californian villas, but I think I’ll look into renting points instead.

[@melissaclark79]

Jen love your unbiased DVC content. Am on the cusp of buying DVC resale and all these Disney price hikes has me questioning this buy in. Makes me wonder if in a few years I can even afford to buy tickets or feed our family at the parks! Having a hotel room does me no good if I can’t afford the rest that goes along with it.

[@JenLefforge]

It's an important consideration. And paying cash vs DVC you may end up paying more in rooms per night BUT you're not boxed into a 50 year contract and can base going or not going on both your own financial position and Disney pricing for any given year. I've struggled with this as well and it's why we've held off adding on!

[@melissaclark79]

@@JenLefforge glad I’m not the only one thinking this way! we’re finally in a financial position to purchase a contract, and I love Disney so much but they way they are treating their fans I feel like I’m in an abusive relationship 😂🤣

[@harunatakahashi3335]

I'm finally getting my 250 direct point contract for Riviera on Monday! It's been a long road saving for this, but I read the fine print and figured out I could stretch that double discount promo by 1 week! Just squeaked in! Thanks for all of your videos. Knowledge is power, and I felt totally comfortable and confident going into the conversation with the CM. Now the only thing keeping me up is which resort my next contract will be with.....

[@JenLefforge]

Haruna that comment seriously makes my day. I'm so happy for you! Welcome home!

[@ArcadeJackpotMaster]

We are renting in 2022 at old key west, we may buy a contract after. we are ca residents but the grand cal is too expensive to get a good amount of points.

[@crystal1742]

Very informative! Thanks for the info! Love your honesty regarding DVC😊😊

[@JenLefforge]

Thank you, Crystal! I try to be objective as I can be!

[@gcart8534]

I know you dont do videos on this channel anymore, but oh, I do wish you would come back and update these same videos every few years with more contemporary numbers. DVC math is so different today than it was 6 years ago when you were part of our decision-making process to buy (THANKS btw). Theres a whole new generation of people to help!

[@carlaeasley6862]

We have been budgeters from even before we were married. We are privileged to no longer be in a beans and rice season of life, but we will never not be frugal or intentional with money. That being said, we are huge Disney fans. Paying cash for a resale contract gave us “permission” to look forward to regular Disney vacations, whether or not they even involve the parks! Our first trip on points was last fall and we only went to 1 park 1 day. The rest of the time we resort hopped and swam. The trip ended up being cheaper (also safer, in our opinion) than the beach vacation we originally planned for that week!!

[@JenLefforge]

Carla, the thought that we could easily be happy at our home resort for a vacation with or WITHOUT the parks was a big mindshift change for Scott. He doesn't love the parks like I do but really enjoys Old Key West for a laid back vacation!

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

I think DVC is a little out of my price range 🤣😂 but this video was very helpful to know more about it. BTW I am a new subscriber and really enjoy your videos ❤️❤️

[@JenLefforge]

I'm so glad you're here! Welcome!

[@LUCY.PARK.06]

@@JenLefforge thank you, love your channel ❤️❤️

[@frednmissy]

It's one of my life goals to get a resale contract. It'll take me awhile to save enough. This video is great!!

[@JenLefforge]

It took us years to save!!! I get it!

[@happycanadianguy]

Great eye contact with the camera today Jen :)

[@JenLefforge]

I feel like this is one of those comments like wow your hair looks so much better today than it usually does . . .😳😳🤣

[@michelleakashellbellest.pi5769]

I love those ears!!!!!!!

[@JenLefforge]

Thanks! They're from shopbbbrooke.com

[@GC-vw1mg]

Such a good idea for a video. A lot of times, even though all the information is out there, just getting started with DVC can feel like drinking from a fire hose

[@JenLefforge]

Totally agree! I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@EricMobley1]

Absolutely love this video! Thank you so much, Jen! :)

[@JenLefforge]

My pleasure, Eric!!! Making these types of videos for watching me to focus on happy things

[@birgitreiner-holm5397]

We just bought DVC membership after wondering about it for some years. But after watching your videos, we just decided that this is our dream. Thank you for all your insightful and describing videos. I would not have bought this membership without your help 🙏😊

[@JenLefforge]

I'm so honored to have played a small part! Thank you!

[@birgitreiner-holm5397]

@@JenLefforge Thank you 💖

[@willrontani5894]

As a Disneylander, I am both attracted and repelled by DVC. I really want to buy in, but there just isn't enough of a California benefit. I mean, yes we are closer to Aulani. Yes there is a Grand Californian DVC - which is small and more of a premium - less of a good deal as some of the properties on the other coast. Yes they are building a Disneyland Hotel DVC. I do have friends who bought into WDW DVC complexes, but it just adds that extra exasperation. I am still hopeful one day they will sort this out, but since most of the corporate mojo is focused on the new Magic Key program, I find it difficult to be optimistic. Still a villa with a washer and a dryer is something worth thinking about.

[@brat32179]

I initially saw DVC at the D23 Expo. At the time all they were selling was Aulani. I was like … but that’s not where we would go several times a year. I went back to my hotel to do some research, real estate is real estate, there can’t be people that keep it forever. I quickly found the many resale sites that did have Grand Californian for sale. While it is expensive for a resale, even many years later, that many fewer years left on the contract… I could sell it today for more than I paid for it, many years ago, because the limited inventory at DLR keeps the demand very high. It was only as an owner that I began to understand the priority booking for your home resort and how critical that is for Grand Californian. Also the dues are fairly low for DVC because the resort doesn’t require the same level of seasonal upkeep that the Florida resorts face because it’s Florida. No matter which version you buy the math holds pretty true that you recoup your initial investment in 7-10yrs. Which for me means that if I sold now, not only would it be for more than I purchased, but it would be 100% profit. It’s also important to remember that added “perks” are not guaranteed. While you can get AP discounts at Disney World, that could end at any time. The shopping and dining discounts you can get with a Disney Visa, no matter your DVC or AP status. I completely agree that DVC is not for everyone. I have told many friends the same when they have gone with us and then wanted to buy. But it does being a level of joy and you feel special even tho it doesn’t make you any more special than any other park visitor.

[@willrontani5894]

@@brat32179 I do have friends that bought in to GC DVC, and they love it…. The market was different then, and the inventory is pretty low in California. That low inventory inflates the price. Aulani has a lot of inventory to sell, and the managers thought the price should be lower given the super high maintenance cost of being on an island. What I’ve been trying to say is that it is a completely different market in California than it is in Florida. So the company’s priorities have been to support the fact that Disneyland is still the world’s most famous regional theme park. They had over 1 million people in their AP program. Considering they ended the AP program because of COVID, they realized that they were leaving billions of dollars on the table in regular installments. In the meantime they just keep building villas in Florida. It is a completely different strategy…. One says, we want you keep coming back seasonally and spend money over a year; the other spend your week long vacation with us every year: now sign in blood and give us your first born. (Picture Elliot Gould with Bill Cosby over his shoulder.)

[@lindsaymoser4200]

We're ready to pull the DVC trigger but we can't decide between 2 resorts and they each have a unique problem. If Disney changed one of the 2 things that's where we would buy and it would be ASAP

[@JenLefforge]

I’m betting it’s Riviera and girl SAME. If they dropped the resale restrictions I’d add on there tomorrow.

[@lindsaymoser4200]

@@JenLefforge 🤣🤣🤣 How did you guess? The other one is Boardwalk and it's the expiration date.

[@marisahammett8895]

@@lindsaymoser4200 we were in the same predicament and decided to buy at AKL since it was cheaper and had a longer expiration. I'd love to add on at Riviera and just use those points every other, or every third year for stays at The Riv!

[@johnpangan1715]

Thank you! Were you able to get a reservation for DVC Remy’s Ratatouille preview?

[@JenLefforge]

I won't be there on the dates they're doing it. I've ridden the ride in Paris, though, and it's lovely!

[@johnpangan1715]

Enjoy your stay at the Riviera...it is a beautiful resort.

[@TerriR1818]

Really jonesing to become a DVC member for the new Disneyland Hotel DVC Resort. Scratching my lottery tickets daily!🤞🏻🤞🏼💖

[@swonnenw9974]

Thank you for your many informative videos on DVC! We are new resale shoppers and I am having the hardest time narrowing down home resort. We are a family of 5 (kids 8,12, and we love to have space when we travel! I love the Skyliner access, but Riviera is a hard pass for all the reasons! I am pretty sure we will do an AK contract between 300 and 350 points. I like the large rooms and bathrooms! And the 30ish years. My only hangup is the location. Have you stayed there. How did you feel about transportation ease from AK to parks?

[@JenLefforge]

Two thoughts: love AKV. Absolutely love. Great choice. Second thought: have you considered doing two contracts instead of one big one? If you do the same use year they will work like one contract but id you ever want to sell a 150 point contract will go much faster and for more money per point and it gives you more flexibility. I love your plan!

[@swonnenw9974]

@@JenLefforge Thanks so much for the response! Your videos are soooo helpful! And,yes I SO have gone back and forth on 2 or even 3 contracts. Because larger contracts are not as in demand, points are way less per point. So, buying more points in a larger contract is less money than fewer points in multiple contracts. I am totally back and forth on that right now as the flexibility would make me happy:) plus splitting them for my kids down the road as well.....oh man! How does anyone EVER decide these things?!

[@JenLefforge]

Well if it helps even the Disney people encourage breaking up a contract into smaller ones so although three may be a lot, I think two 150 point contracts is what I would do for sure!

[@leanne.arrington]

Can we just talk about your ears for a moment? They are seriously one of the cutest prints I've seen!!

[@JenLefforge]

I love them too!! They are from shopbbbrooke.com!

[@joelledaddino9356]

Do you know how to become a DVC resale Sales rep?? I can not find any video anywhere on KZbin that tells that :)

[@JenLefforge]

I'm sorry I don't although I believe a real estate license is required for the real estate brokers?

[@samuelmckibban3772]

Hey Jen. Do the points need to be used of the ‘use year’ month?

[@JenLefforge]

Use Year Month is just the month your points are loaded for your year. It's kind of complicated but we have a December Use Year so my 2021 points will "load" in December and I have from December 1 - November 30th to use them.

[@WizardofVA]

Would it be better to buy from Disney or Resales? If you fiancé can you pay off early without an extra cost. Can you buy extra points? Do you have to buy only we’re you have your home site. Thanks

[@pukestar]

We are also passholders. Does DVC ever offer any combo deals or discounts on being PH and/or Florida Residents?

[@JenLefforge]

Not that I've ever seen? Although that would be amazing! If you buy direct from Disney (at least 150 points) you o get discounts on annual passes, but I've never seen a DVC offer FOR AP's if that's what you're asking?

[@FamilyPixieDust429]

When your boys were in high school did you ever pull them out of school for a week - like January or whenever where they missed school in the upper grades ??

[@JenLefforge]

I didn’t. We did it once or twice while they were in elementary but never a week in the upper grades.

[@FamilyPixieDust429]

@@JenLefforge what times of the year did you take them when they got older? Was thinking spring break but super crowded and Christmas week is crazy crowded and expensive. Thanksgiving week is expensive but only miss 3 days of school. 🤔

[@JenLefforge]

@@FamilyPixieDust429 Scott was the one who gave me clarity on this. He said he could heat or he could do crowds but not both. So we loved Thanksgiving week (our district had the whole week) as our first choice, then spring break. We occasionally went in early June as well (our district let out early) which was good for crowds not so much for heat! Hope that helps! And we did occasionally take them out for one or two days for the Thanksgiving week to work.

[@FamilyPixieDust429]

@@JenLefforge that is helpful and does sound great! Thank you! 💕❤️

[@1DawnMarie1]

It makes me so sad when you wear your beautiful BBBrooke ears and they are sold out! But considering how many pairs of ears I already own, it’s probably for the best…

[@JenLefforge]

Well, Dawn, she opens her shop pretty regularly so just make sure you always check when she premiere's new styles! But I know what you mean . . these are particularly adorable!

[@emilysolomon5977]

If you are wanting to buy direct from a resort that they are not currently selling, like animal kingdom lodge or Boulder ridge for example, do you have to be put on a waiting list? Or wait until there’s availability? And also, will Disney bargain at all on how many points they sell you to get perks? I know I have heard it has to be a minimum of 100 to get all the perks.

[@JenLefforge]

The current minimum was just raised to 150 points and yes, you may have to be put on a waiting list as happened to us with our OKW contract, We were told it could take a few weeks but actually they contacted us within just a few days and they were able to get us what we wanted!

[@stuartgraham9357]

No one told me there would math.

[@JenLefforge]

😂😂😂I mean, let me just say if there MUST be math you don't want me to be the one in charge of it. Trust me on that. 😂🤣😭

[@fastpassfam]

Quick question, I am on the DVC website and it only lists Aulani or Riviera-does that mean you can only purchase there?

[@JenLefforge]

Nope. If you reach out to them they can give you pricing for the other resorts and there may be a slight wait if they don’t have the points but we only waited like a week for our OKW contract (it’s currently selling at $165)