In my calculations they are included. Our member rates per night are cheaper than non member rates and I included my pro rated portion of my initial capital outlay. We pay less per night and have a free room upgrade as well. We dont have RCI so we have zero yearly fees.
I purchased my "membership" in 2005, and upgraded each of the next 2 years. These came with points, which I use for flights, car rentals, theme park tickets, etc. So I have always thought as my up front fee and the cost for points, and believe it to be worth it. I have not been to a presentation since 2007 because they have changed some of the things we signed up for. Examples are restrictions on the number of points you can use yearly for flights, there were 5 resorts when we signed up, now only 3, referral program has changed, although I haven't really used it as it varies from what folks post now. But, what we bought works for us, as we only head to Temptations once a year. Based on the items they did change, I wouldn't consider upgrading now knowing the changes coming. If they changed things we did sign for before, how will they change when we have basically a new resort? Overall, I'm happy with what I bought, because I didn't think we paid a lot up front, compared to those who spent 2 to 3 times more than we did, thinking their points would be used whenever they felt. Bottom line is I feel the upfront cost paid for the points and were worth it. The Premier benefits (upgraded room, food, liquor, beer) is just gravy. But I also know there are various memberships that didn't, or no longer, fit their needs.
