Outsiders Perceptions of DVC?

[emma'smom]

I just read a thread on a different forum that referred to DVC as exclusionary. I never really thought of DVC this way. In fact, after reading these boards, it seems like regular resort guests have more ammenities that we do (daily cleaning, free dining, etc). Now I understand the benefits of DVC and am willing to make these trade-offs.

However, I am wondering what other folks who are not DVC members think about DVC and DVC'ers? In other words, when someone says they are part of DVC, what impressions/stereotypes are affiliated with this designation?

[disney junky]

Where is that thread? I'd be interested in reading it.

[Blue&Gold]

referred to DVC as exclusionary

Maybe they're confusing the meanings of the words "exclusive" and "exclusionary?"

[crisi]

Well, it is exclusionary, in that you need to be a member in order to take advantage of member benefits. You can rent points from a member, but that won't get you member perks. But it isn't exclusionary in that they discriminate against people - unless you consider not having $15,000 discrimination. But by that measure, WDW itself is exclusionary, you need to pay for your ticket to get in.

[corpcomp]

We just purchased at BCV and I did notice in the contract last night that there is no daily room cleaning, unless you pay something extra which was not specified. However, considering the rooms and location versus what we have used for the last nine years (2 at Poly - frankly the room was a mess and we got little help fixing the issues with the bathroom, and 5 at Coronado which we like) we are not going to mind making the bed ourselves especially since we can walk to Epcot and not pay $400+ per night at Poly or the Yacht club next door. We could have just stayed at Coronado and paid the typical $150 per night and not shelled out a significant amount of money.

However, my wife and I have gone every year since my son was born and love it. I see it as a good opportunity to enjoy another part of Disney that I think my family will enjoy for years. And I don't expect to sell so I don't look at it as an investment. I'll pass it on to my son. I never thought of DVC as a special class of people, just people who really like Disney and go there on a regular basis. Actually I don't think most people have any impression of DVCer's different from anyone else. We all stand in the same lines.

[MikeBW]

It is exclusionary. Only smart people are DVC members! :cheer2:

[dkostel]

I'm not a DVC member (yet). My opinion of DVC members is that they are lucky so and sos, with good taste and more than a bit of the mouse fever. I also think it is a wonderful thing to do for your kids (and anyone wanting to adopt a 40 year old please pm). I mostly think there's someone who really gets the whole Disney thing. Nothing but good (and maybe a bit jealous) thoughts.

[DisFlan]

dkostel - you have the makings of a great DVC member! :teeth:

It doesn't matter to us how others see DVC. WE love it. If that's "exclusionary", well...tuff tootie.


DisFlan

[geffric]

It is exclusionary. Only smart people are DVC members! :cheer2:

yep..::yes:: :teeth: :thumbsup2

[Dean]

I just read a thread on a different forum that referred to DVC as exclusionary. I never really thought of DVC this way. In fact, after reading these boards, it seems like regular resort guests have more ammenities that we do (daily cleaning, free dining, etc). Now I understand the benefits of DVC and am willing to make these trade-offs.

However, I am wondering what other folks who are not DVC members think about DVC and DVC'ers? In other words, when someone says they are part of DVC, what impressions/stereotypes are affiliated with this designation?I can tell you there is a segment of the general timesharing population that doesn't think very much of either DVC or the DVC members. There are a number of reasons, some reasonable and some not.

[Tinky]

I can tell you there is a segment of the general timesharing population that doesn't think very much of either DVC or the DVC members. There are a number of reasons, some reasonable and some not.

And...??

[DrTomorrow]

I can tell you there is a segment of the general timesharing population that doesn't think very much of either DVC or the DVC members. There are a number of reasons, some reasonable and some not.
[In the voice of Ted Knight as Judge Smails in 'Caddyshack']: "Well, we're waiting...."

[Tinky]

[In the voice of Ted Knight as Judge Smails in 'Caddyshack']: "Well, we're waiting...."

:rotfl2: :rotfl2: great movie!

[emma'smom]

I can tell you there is a segment of the general timesharing population that doesn't think very much of either DVC or the DVC members. There are a number of reasons, some reasonable and some not.


In that I bought into DVC without knowing much about timesharing in general, I am curious what these reasons are?

[crisi]

We've heard some of them before:

DVC is a lease, we don't actually OWN the property. Some people tend to think this makes it a worse deal or less of a timeshare.

DVC is expensive, there are better traders for less money.

DVC is Disney focused (the old "why do you want to go to Disney every year.")

DVCers are timeshare snobs (and a lot of us are - how many of us considered a "timeshare" - we bought "The Disney Vacation Club" - we aren't "timeshare" people.)

[OneMoreTry]

I can tell you there is a segment of the general timesharing population that doesn't think very much of either DVC or the DVC members. There are a number of reasons, some reasonable and some not.


And...?

[In the voice of Ted Knight as Judge Smails in 'Caddyshack']: "Well, we're waiting...."

:bored:

[Jynohn]

I don't see how it could possibly be viewed as "exclusionary" seeing that no one is barred from joining given that they have the funds.

I do know that most people who find out I own DVC view me as crazy though! I get the standard, "why do you want to go to Disney so much, don't you know there are other places to see?" line from most people.

[emma'smom]

We've heard some of them before:

DVC is a lease, we don't actually OWN the property. Some people tend to think this makes it a worse deal or less of a timeshare.

DVC is expensive, there are better traders for less money.

DVC is Disney focused (the old "why do you want to go to Disney every year.")

DVCers are timeshare snobs (and a lot of us are - how many of us considered a "timeshare" - we bought "The Disney Vacation Club" - we aren't "timeshare" people.)


Who are "timeshare" people?

Honestly, we never gave the whole issue much thought and just jumped right in because we had a great trip to Disney and we like to travel (thus like the idea of trading for other places-even if it isn't the best use of our points).

I think the exclusionary issue does have to do with finances. That's sort of why I asked the question. However, we bought into DVC because we will SAVE money in the long run. I don't care if I own it vs. lease...I'll be too old to care much by the time the lease expires (SSR) and my kid's will have their own ideas of how they want to vacation anyway.

[Caskbill]

Any group of people who do not have what another group has, will tend to think the other group is exclusionary.

For example:

Home Owners compared to those who rent an apartment.
Someone who drives their own car compared to those who take public transit.
Someone who flies to their vaction rather than drive a car.
Someone who owns a big RV rather than staying in a motel6.
Someone who stays in a holiday inn rather than staying in a motel6

And so on....

Just a final thought, these two definitions:

The Lottery: A tax on people who aren't very good at math!

DVC: Accommodations for people who ARE good at math!

[crisi]

Who are "timeshare" people?



In the "DVC Snob" approach "timeshare people" are people who went to a sleazy timeshare presentation and ended up with a timeshare that they could sell for 1/3 of what they bought it for and won't be kept up with promises that they could trade into far cooler timeshares in places like Hawaii or Cancun. All the "bad" timeshare stuff.

The timeshare world has changed, but timeshares continue to have some of their baggage as a scam or really poor investment. Which is why people tend to avoid the word timeshare.

[DisFlan]

Any group of people who do not have what another group has, will tend to think the other group is exclusionary.

Add to that list the people who own vacation homes or condos vs those who buy little chunks of them as timeshares.

We have a number of friends and acquaintances who own vacation homes of some sort. My DH is a physician. Lots of doctors seem to own vacation homes or condos in "impressive" or exotic locations. As in: "We'll be at the condo in Cabo next week." Since we first looked at OKW back in '92, I think we've heard every possible joke and negative comment about DVC. But so what? We bought DVC because it works for us.

DisFlan

[spiceycat]

tug use to be really down on DVC....
but lots of them have changed their mind and even brought it.

a few still think that it will go down in value. I don't. Disney won't allow anyone to stay on site at WDW by getting BW for $5,000 even if only 10 years are still in the contract...

no one knows what Disney will do at the end of the contract. So therefore in some other timeshares owners DVC is not a good buy.

I have gotten my money out of DVC - next year it will be out of my PCB - and SA also I gotten my originial investment out. the only one that I can never get my money out of Westgate.

Now if I tell you the people who are so down on DVC also own Westgate - do you see the problem....

Disney unlike other timeshares, does not put their best week on the exchange market. that would be silly - they can rent these weeks and kept the profits. So what II gets is generally the offseason. Now occasionally there will be a July 2-bedroom - but don't count on it happening often.

so there have been more timeshare owners who want to trade to DVC - than can do it. that makes hard feeling.

I don't see it that way. If you want to stay at DVC during the holidays - go buy DVC....

[Camping Cat]

I think the exclusionary issue does have to do with finances. That's sort of why I asked the question. However, we bought into DVC because we will SAVE money in the long run. I don't care if I own it vs. lease...I'll be too old to care much by the time the lease expires (SSR) and my kid's will have their own ideas of how they want to vacation anyway.
We're also new members (bought in December), so if this question has been asked and answered 1000 times already, please forgive me. :) Does anyone know exactly what happens when the contract expires? I was wondering if Disney might give us some kind of option to continue somehow, or is it just OVER? I'm just wondering....since my husband and I are in our 50's, we won't be around to find out for ourselves. :hourglass

[Disney MAINEiac]

We looked at timeshares prior to our first purchase. Sales staff asked "were do you like to vacation, anywhere in the world?" Our answer was we love WDW. They told us we could trade into disney through ownership in thier resort. We looked at price and the difference, frankly wasn't worth the yearly trade hassles, when we realized we really didn't want to do other vacation destinations. This is our dream vacation and we get to do it every year. show me something that gives you that much satisfaction year after year, then try and tell me its not worth the price difference. :thumbsup2

[Dean]

crisi summed up much of the issues. I've even had DVC members argue with me that DVC is not a timeshare. The one thing I'd add to the list is that DVC themselves feel they are better than other timeshares and in some ways, they are likely correct. And the extra $95 fee just because they can, certainly tics people off.

[Granny]

Just a final thought, these two definitions:

The Lottery: A tax on people who aren't very good at math!

DVC: Accommodations for people who ARE good at math!
Why Caskbill, that's downright poetic! Just beautiul, and so true! :thumbsup2

[rinkwide]

...Does anyone know exactly what happens when the contract expires?Each resort turns into a giant pumpkin.

[BWVNUT]

Each resort turns into a giant pumpkin.

:rotfl2: :lmao:

[DebbieB]

Who are "timeshare" people?

Honestly, we never gave the whole issue much thought and just jumped right in because we had a great trip to Disney and we like to travel (thus like the idea of trading for other places-even if it isn't the best use of our points).

I think the exclusionary issue does have to do with finances. That's sort of why I asked the question. However, we bought into DVC because we will SAVE money in the long run. I don't care if I own it vs. lease...I'll be too old to care much by the time the lease expires (SSR) and my kid's will have their own ideas of how they want to vacation anyway.

On the issue of "exclusionary", my mother who passed away over 7 months ago got a post card in the mail recently inviting her to come see a Marriott timeshare in Orlando. I forget how much it was for 4 nights but it was pretty cheap (of course you had to attend the timeshare sales presentation). However in the fine print it said you must have a minimum annual income of $70,000! Ironically, she was on a pension & social security, no where near $70,000, probably closer to $15,000. The funny thing is I own 250 DVC points and don't make anywhere near $70,000.

[Dean]

On the issue of "exclusionary", my mother who passed away over 7 months ago got a post card in the mail recently inviting her to come see a Marriott timeshare in Orlando. I forget how much it was for 4 nights but it was pretty cheap (of course you had to attend the timeshare sales presentation). However in the fine print it said you must have a minimum annual income of $70,000! Ironically, she was on a pension & social security, no where near $70,000, probably closer to $15,000. The funny thing is I own 250 DVC points and don't make anywhere near $70,000.Almost all timeshares target a minimum income level. Generally I've seen between $40 & $70K.

[aDVCguy]

:rotfl2:
"Been there done that!"
That's my sister-in-laws answer to DVC!
She and her hubby own at the Marriot off of Celebration Drive...
They have to put in for "their week" by a certain time early in the year...
and my SSR/DVC...whenever DW,DD & I feel like it...we go!

Her jealousy brings a big Disney smile to my face...I love it! :rotfl:
I always remind her of the great perks we have & whenever she
mentions food...well, I can't hold back on telling her about
the unbelievable restaurants we have access to with discounts!

Oh,yeah...I just remembered that she had talked about selling
their time share...would it be correct to stick it in her snobbish
face how wonderful DVC will be for the next 48 YEARS?

Is that wrong? :confused3

NOT!
:banana:

[Judique]

:rotfl2:
"Been there done that!"
That's my sister-in-laws answer to DVC!
She and her hubby own at the Marriot off of Celebration Drive...
They have to put in for "their week" by a certain time early in the year...
and my SSR/DVC...whenever DW,DD & I feel like it...we go!

Her jealousy brings a big Disney smile to my face...I love it! :rotfl:
I always remind her of the great perks we have & whenever she
mentions food...well, I can't hold back on telling her about
the unbelievable restaurants we have access to with discounts!

Oh,yeah...I just remembered that she had talked about selling
their time share...would it be correct to stick it in her snobbish
face how wonderful DVC will be for the next 48 YEARS?

Is that wrong? :confused3

NOT!
:banana:

I wonder if she does sell it, will she share what she paid versus what it sells for!

[aDVCguy]

:confused3
Don't know...don't care!

Bottom line for at least myself...
I love Disney & always have since Walt first appeared
on Sunday's @ 7p.m. years back...i don't care what
anyone says negitively about our beloved Mouse & DVC!
There's nothing on earth like Walt Disney World...period!
::MickeyMo ::MinnieMo pluto: :dumbo: pooh: :eeyore: :smickey:

[rocketriter]

It's laughable to think of DVC as exclusionary. Are concierge rooms exclusionary? Is a dinner reservation exclusionary? Is a rental car exclusionary? Yer pays yer money and yer takes yer choice. There are always people looking for fake ways to divide other people. We shouldn't fall for "Let's you and him fight."

[erikthewise]

Each resort turns into a giant pumpkin.

That's what Disney would like you to think.
The truth that each will spontaneously combust and burn to the ground the minute the contract expires. (At least that will make it relatively easy to replace them -- no demolition costs.)

Regarding OP "what do outsiders think of DVC?":
Don't forget that most people just don't know much about DVC and think of it as just another timeshare, just another way for Disney to take your money.

When DW and I stayed at the Polynesian in 92, and I knew no more about WDW than what I had read in the Birnbaum guide, I noticed the DVC displays in the lobby. My reaction was that it was disgusting that Disney was lowering themselves to the point of selling timeshares. At the time the timeshare industry had a well-deserved reputation of being a couple steps below used-car salesmen. So I just ignored DVC for 10 years. When I started following this board in 2001, I decided to take another look at it...

[browniemtb]

This is a great topic......Is DVC exclusionary. I think we all can say yes to a point. First off not everyone can afford it so those people are a little jealous. The point system works great vs other timeshares that say you own a blue week only, more jealousy. To sum this up....most luxery items are exclusionary......
On a side note.....has anyone looked at the reny/trade board lately. Almost the whole first page is reservations wanted.......
Brownie

[BroganMc]

Owning at Marriott (in Orlando) and now DVC, I can tell you the impression I had of each.

I came down for a preview at Marriott back in 2001. Fell in love with the place and bought a week. Added a few more as the years went by. I was told I could trade into Disney with II, but that never worked out. Availability at Marriott is excellent pretty much any time of the year I want to go. Closer to the travel date the more availability. Accessible units have never been a problem either and don't require a pre-registration.

But I always wanted to add a few days at Disney just to get the full experience, especially since I started getting AP's. I investigated DVC in 2003 but the price was more than what Marriott offered at the time for the same amenities (2BD/2BA). And the point system confused me. So I passed on it.

Now I feel full up on Marriott so DVC makes more sense as an add-on. I am a bit disappointed in the lack of availability I've found at DVC for my chosen accommodations, but the MS staff has been great.

So overall, DVC is pricier and pickier but it also gives me a bit more flexibility in my length of stay. It makes a nice add-on addition to my Marriott trips. I wouldn't give up either.

For my family, DVC remains confusing and pricey. One brother owns at Liki Tiki (bought a resale and I still don't understand that) and the other just bought at Westgate.

[OneMoreTry]

Add to that list the people who own vacation homes or condos vs those who buy little chunks of them as timeshares.

We have a number of friends and acquaintances who own vacation homes of some sort. My DH is a physician. Lots of doctors seem to own vacation homes or condos in "impressive" or exotic locations. As in: "We'll be at the condo in Cabo next week." Since we first looked at OKW back in '92, I think we've heard every possible joke and negative comment about DVC. But so what? We bought DVC because it works for us.

DisFlan

If you invest the extra (not spent on a condo) wisely, you probably end up on par with or ahead of those condo "investments" without the bondage.

[greenban]

If you invest the extra (not spent on a condo) wisely, you probably end up on par with or ahead of those condo "investments" without the bondage.

Actually some of us like the bondage!

-Tony

[OneMoreTry]

Actually some of us like the bondage!

-Tony

We just bought a condo in CO and I am not sure whether I love it or regret it. Only time will tell. I have never had that question with our DVC though. DVC is really low-bondage.

[DisFlan]

Actually, the house we live in now WAS our vacation home. (Long story short - my DH ended up practicing near where the house was - west of Branson near Table Rock Lake.) We opted against owning another second home because of the care-taking factor. Ugh. Using a vacation home is nice, but heck, I have enough trouble taking care of ONE house. And there's taxes, insurance, utilities, lawn care etc. etc. Etc. squared... We prefer low-bondage, too. I'd rather vacation on my vacation.


DisFlan

[spkk]

Those that criticize the DVC sound like they like the taste of sour grapes to me. I've just passed ROFR and should close on my 275 point SSR contract through TTS next month. I looked into this very thoroughly since visiting WDW last August and sitting down for the DVC presentation. I justified it to my DW as follows: We have a DS of 12 and a DD of 3. We'll go to WDW alot over the next 5 to 10 years while she's really into it (she loves all of the Disney princesses!). For 5 to 10 years after that, my DW and I will probably use our points to cruise and spend some time doing things at some of the 500 other places that you can use them. Then when the grandkids come along after that about 20 years from now, we'll be taking them down every year or so and enjoying the magic all over again with them. That will pretty much cover the next 25 years or so for us, 'cause we'll be 70 or so and probably not really into all of the walking. What a great gift to leave to the 2 of them when we pass on - at least 15 years of free lodging that they can split between them. Not a bad deal and enough to make me happy that I'm not one of the ones that "don't know what they don't know".

[DVCconvert]

aDVCGuy:
Her jealousy brings a big Disney smile to my face...I love it! :rotfl:

You are soooo bad!!!
:rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2: :rotfl2:

[aDVCguy]

:thumbsup2
Getting together for Mother's Day...usually about 16 of us
at a nearby restaurant or diner...SIL will be there...along
with my DVC smile!
It just irks her to my way of thinking...I love Disney World
and could care less of what she has. I'm not being mean to
her at all...I'm just very happy with what I have and brush
off any negitive criticism from her!
I'm still buzzing from purchasing SSR back in Oct. 2004!!!
:thumbsup2

[Dean]

:thumbsup2
Getting together for Mother's Day...usually about 16 of us
at a nearby restaurant or diner...SIL will be there...along
with my DVC smile!
It just irks her to my way of thinking...I love Disney World
and could care less of what she has. I'm not being mean to
her at all...I'm just very happy with what I have and brush
off any negitive criticism from her!
I'm still buzzing from purchasing SSR back in Oct. 2004!!!
:thumbsup2I can't speak to your family dynamics, don't want to. But I can tell you that there are also many advantages of owning a Marriott over DVC, just like DVC has other advantages over Marriott. If the two families were on better terms than it seems you are, you could get the best of both worlds by working together on the timeshare thing. Sounds like she is down on DVC and you are down on other timeshares or at least Marriott.

[OneMoreTry]

I can't speak to your family dynamics, don't want to. But I can tell you that there are also many advantages of owning a Marriott over DVC, just like DVC has other advantages over Marriott.


If I weren't a Disney fan we wouldn't own a timeshare at all. My wife couldn't care less and I wouldn't buy another because of the resale. We would either rent a place or rent an owner's week.

But I love having DVC. :mickeyjum

[Dean]

If I weren't a Disney fan we wouldn't own a timeshare at all. My wife couldn't care less and I wouldn't buy another because of the resale. We would either rent a place or rent an owner's week.

But I love having DVC. :mickeyjumYour option of course. I assume from your response that you never plan on exchanging. I'll just tell you that timesharing has been very good to me and my family both DVC and otherwise.

[pickles]

My inlaws own some timeshare through Hilton and something about las vegas. They are not very happy with it and have wanted to sell it for awhile, but the only brokers who have contacted them about selling it want an upfront fee. Is there a good broker for these things out there, that lists it and collects their commission once it is sold. i would love to point them in the right direction.
Course, my direction may include them getting DVC instead!

[Dean]

My inlaws own some timeshare through Hilton and something about las vegas. They are not very happy with it and have wanted to sell it for awhile, but the only brokers who have contacted them about selling it want an upfront fee. Is there a good broker for these things out there, that lists it and collects their commission once it is sold. i would love to point them in the right direction.
Course, my direction may include them getting DVC instead!The upfront fee brokers are not appropriate to deal with for selling. MOST are just scams. They take your money and you never hear from them again. Timeshares are likely anything else that's depreciable, much like cars only worse. Many buy high from the developer and if they want to sell find out the true value is only pennies on the dollar. The secret is to understand the system on the way in and buy low, much like stocks. In almost all cases, that means resale. I'd recommend they learn the system and use it to their advantage rather than worrying about what they've already thrown away.

[pickles]

Yes they understand that brokers charging upfront fees are probably scams.

I think, you misunderstood or I didn't write clearly. They want rid of it because they are tired of paying the yearly fees on something they don't use. They have planned trips on it and have used it. They just don't want it anymore, but haven't found a good way to sell it.
I thought maybe someone here would know a reputable broker they could list it with

[Dean]

Yes they understand that brokers charging upfront fees are probably scams.

I think, you misunderstood or I didn't write clearly. They want rid of it because they are tired of paying the yearly fees on something they don't use. They have planned trips on it and have used it. They just don't want it anymore, but haven't found a good way to sell it.
I thought maybe someone here would know a reputable broker they could list it withBoth should have a market to sell. Assuming they bought retail, it's likely to be pennies on the dollar but just how much or little depends on a lot of variables that would be in violation of the posting rules to produce. Some just can't reconcile selling something for $500 that they paid $15000 for. Without knowing specifics, I'd suspect Hilton of more value than a general Las Vegas week but it depends. Are there two weeks or is this a Las Vegas Hilton ownership? There are brokers, most have a minimum in the $795-1200 range or 10-12% which ever is higher. I'd suggest you or they go to TUG and spend a few months getting educated about what they have and what it's worth then they can decide if they truly want to sell it for the actual value. It's also a good place to find broker recommendations but I'd suggest they sell it on their own.

[WebmasterDoc]

My inlaws own some timeshare through Hilton and something about las vegas. They are not very happy with it and have wanted to sell it for awhile, but the only brokers who have contacted them about selling it want an upfront fee. Is there a good broker for these things out there, that lists it and collects their commission once it is sold. i would love to point them in the right direction.
Course, my direction may include them getting DVC instead!

Why not contact The Timeshare Store (http://www.dvc-resales.com)? If that timeshare is not something they are equipped to sell thru their business, they may be able to direct you someplace else.

Their fee is only earned when they sell your timeshare - there are no up-front fees.

Good luck!

[7onbuzz]

I just read a thread on a different forum that referred to DVC as exclusionary. I never really thought of DVC this way. In fact, after reading these boards, it seems like regular resort guests have more ammenities that we do (daily cleaning, free dining, etc). Now I understand the benefits of DVC and am willing to make these trade-offs.

However, I am wondering what other folks who are not DVC members think about DVC and DVC'ers? In other words, when someone says they are part of DVC, what impressions/stereotypes are affiliated with this designation?

The DW and I bought into DVC this February after returning from cruise. We haven't vacationed with it yet, but already have trips scheduled in Sept. and Jan. 07. I can give you my perceptions, however, since I was an outsider until just three months ago.
I only saw it as exclusionary in that you had to pay a fee(buy your membership). I didn't consider it unusual since I have to pay a fee if I want gas in my car, or groceries to eat. The only place it would be out of the ordinary is in a communist society where the government tells you what you can or can't have.
Everyone we talked to about it loved it. They were either members and thought it was great, or they weren't and were planning to join. I never considered members to be odd, they were just people like us who loved vacationing at disney and were willing to pay a little more up front so they could have an even better experience and save money in the long run.