How has DVC changed the way you live your life in the OUTER WORLD? LOL

[edk35]

Okay I asked earlier "How has DVC changed the way you vacation?" Now has DVC ownership changed the way you "live now" compared to how you lived before? The reason I ask is this: We have friends/family that think owning a timeshare must mean we are rich and have boat loads of moola. I tell you that is not the case. We live comfortably but we are by no means rolling in major bucks. We live modestly I guess you could say. However....becoming members (and this came into play when we were deciding to become members) made me realize just how much money we blow on dumb things.... how much we overspend in certain areas of our lives, how wasteful we are with all sorts of stuff. It made me realize that I would much rather cut back on certain things, being more mindful of spending and not just basically tossing money out of the window....... in order to make this DVC purchase happen. So I am just curious if anyone else feels they made changes in order to become members. :)

[bpmorley]

I don't know about living different, but being a DVC member has made me the resident WDW expert on the PFD. I get no fewer than 3 calls a tour asking about Disney in general. It also seems like I can't go to another station without someone asking for help with a disney vacation. Not that I mind talking about Disney, but sometimes I have the exact same conversation with different people in the same day. I might start holding classes so I can give the info to everyone at once.

[DVC Grammy]

DVC has changed our eating habits!:teeth:
With it, we manage 3-4 trips to WDW per year. Throw in the trips to our grown kids (2 in Austin and 1 in Atlanta), then add in occasional visits with friends, and we realized that we have to eat very sparingly when it's just the two of us! Otherwise, we'd be giving TweedleDee and TweedleDum very stiff competition!
There are too many "favorite" meals in WDW, and unfortunately, we don't know ANY people who don't love food, too!:rolleyes1

[diz8297]

I agree that people make assumptions that you have a lot of money. And yes, I do try to cut back on other areas to be a ble to enjoy our Disney trips. :wizard:

[SamSam]

Like you, we realized how much money we were 'wasting' in certain areas. In order to go do WDW more often and eat the way we please while we're there, we have cut back in certain areas at home. We eat out much less often, buy fewer decorating items for our house, drive our more fuel efficient car more often, many different things like that. It's amazing how much money we have saved just by eating at home more. In fact there are times when we will be looking at something to buy and we'll look at each other and say "I'd rather spend the money in Disney". :goodvibes

[edk35]

Like you, we realized how much money we were 'wasting' in certain areas. In order to go do WDW more often and eat the way we please while we're there, we have cut back in certain areas at home. We eat out much less often, buy fewer decorating items for our house, drive our more fuel efficient car more often, many different things like that. It's amazing how much money we have saved just by eating at home more. In fact there are times when we will be looking at something to buy and we'll look at each other and say "I'd rather spend the money in Disney". :goodvibes



:thumbsup2 Exactly. We have always eaten out a lot...the kids just came to expect it and to be perfecly honest I was still buying tons at the store. We always had a full freezer/pantry but were still eating out. So that we have worked on. Plus it really makes a meal out seem so much more special. Plus like others have said. When we are at WDW eating out all of those meals..I want that to look forward to and when you are eating out all the time at home....it sort of takes that away from Disney Dining.

[I'mNoPrince]

We just looked at what we were spending going to OC MD for a few weekends and a week during the Summer. Found it would be cheaper to do DVC and get 2 trips in a year.
We love our travel and are always looking to be somewhere now we just watch what we spend in doing so.

We will do a trip or 2 more on our AP years and a bit less on the years we skip.

[edk35]

We just looked at what we were spending going to OC MD for a few weekends and a week during the Summer. Found it would be cheaper to do DVC and get 2 trips in a year.
We love our travel and are always looking to be somewhere now we just watch what we spend in doing so.

We will do a trip or 2 more on our AP years and a bit less on the years we skip.

Yes Ocean City is so expensive. We went last June for a weekend. We were there for 48 hours for a Sand Soccer tournament and when all was said and done (including boarding our dog) we had spent almost 900 bucks. The hotel was not even that great...matter of fact we didn't like it. It was on the boardwalk...so it was easy to get to the tournament. Put it this way..we will not be going back this year. That money goes a LONG WAY at WDW.

[DisDaydreamer]

1. There is no outer world... just a different dimension. :3dglasses

2. moola.... I've never seen that word spelled out... moola... I like it. :rolleyes:

3. Without DVC... We probably would never have taken a cruise :sad2: . Certainly wouldn't be here on the disboards :grouphug: . Wouldn't spend so much time daydreaming :cloud9: about were we're going next (which is HHI) :cool1: and I would be 19 lbs heavier and look 7 years older. :eek:

For sure :thumbsup2

[I'mNoPrince]

Yes Ocean City is so expensive. We went last June for a weekend. We were there for 48 hours for a Sand Soccer tournament and when all was said and done (including boarding our dog) we had spent almost 900 bucks. The hotel was not even that great...matter of fact we didn't like it. It was on the boardwalk...so it was easy to get to the tournament. Put it this way..we will not be going back this year. That money goes a LONG WAY at WDW.


We have freinds down right now at a soccer Tourny we were goping to do the Sand one but DD got involved with a few other keuges and it never fit in.
She didn't go down this weekend as a new coach took over that team and she was not from that area. She has 2 different teams in 2 leagues with the one in the playoff so we wouldn't have been able to go anyhow.
We spent $500 or $600 for a St.Patricks day one last year.

We will go down but it will be at the end of the season for just a weekend or maybe a small quick Spring trip.Going to Vero in Aug for a few days and even with Airfair it's cheaper then OC as we are useing our points.

[LivinADream]

We just sent in our down payment on Friday and yes we also looked hard and deep at our spending habits and our $ we spend on vacation. By no means are we rich but like was posted some people percive that due to what you may have. People ask how can you afford all that my answer is I like a drink now and again but I'm not going to sit at a bar 6 nights every week @ $20 a night. $120.00 a week, 480 a month you know what I mean!! It all comes down to what you want and what are you going to do to make your dreams come true!!

[starbox]

I have a very high-stress job: dept. head at a very large, very inner-city high school. DVC has made it possible to have a vacation planned for every break. :beach: It is so wonderful always having something to look forward to. Pre-DVC, I actually stressed about where to go on vacation. Now, the mix of beach and WDW options works perfectly.

I also agree about spending money awareness - I am much more aware of not spending "stupid money" on stuff we don't need and, instead, saving for more fun "extras" on vacation & an add-on :cool1:

[Simba's Mom]

I have a very high-stress job: dept. head at a very large, very inner-city high school. DVC has made it possible to have a vacation planned for every break. :beach: It is so wonderful always having something to look forward to. Pre-DVC, I actually stressed about where to go on vacation. Now, the mix of beach and WDW options works perfectly.

I also agree about spending money awareness - I am much more aware of not spending "stupid money" on stuff we don't need and, instead, saving for more fun "extras" on vacation & an add-on :cool1:

At least you thought about vacation! Before DVC, DH didn't take vacation. He also has a high-stress job with lots of hours, but the joke (not-so-funny) around the end of the year was always "So-how many days are you giving back to the company this year?" (he can't carry over vacation-use it or lose it). Now everything seems so much happier and more relaxed, and I'll bet everyone says DH is a better worker and a better boss. He just keeps that DVC luggage tag on his laptop computer at work and he's a happy camper (most days). And we find it easier when we encounter the comments of "You're going to WDW AGAIN?!" If we say, "Well, we have a timeshare there, " people tend to nod with understanding-don't know what they're thinking, but at least they act like it's OK.

[MrsNick]

I spend much more time on the DIS than BD (before DVC).:p

[BroganMc]

Wow, a lot of Marylanders in this thread.

Funny that you mention OC. We have a condo down there, had it since the 70's so it's a major realestate investment now. But since we entered the world of timeshares (Marriott and DVC) we get there maybe a couple weekends a year. Mostly we've turned the place over to my siblings with their young kids (all swimmers and beach fanatics) and school vacation schedules.

Kinda comes full circle since my parents bought the OC condo for us as kids. Now the grandkids get to grow up there and have the memories.

But our timeshares have allowed us to have more adventurous vacations. We've used Marriott points to finance cross-country hotel stays, trips downtown for the 4th of the July, Miami, Caribbean cruises, etc. And we've used our weeks to do a month a year in Orlando, a week in Williamsburg, HiltonHead, etc.

It's gotten so that my dad lives for his trips inbetween semi-retirement and work. And we both have become the resident experts on travel. I keep saying I should quit my web job and become a travel agent instead.

I never was one to eat out a lot. We've been coupon/bargainhunter shoppers all my life. I'll splurge every couple weeks on something, but never more than $40 out. Consequently, we buy very little groceries on or trips and eat out instead. We're always bringing back leftovers anyway.

[Juliet25]

Sort of! :thumbsup2 I'd really like to replace my '99 Ford Escort with a more family friendly car, but I can't justify a car payment when we're still paying off the DVC loan. So I just figure that instead of a fancy car, I get a nice vacation.

It's a trade-off, depending on your priorities. I'd rather cruise around in my "sporty" two-door and go to Disney twice a year instead of buying the Volvo I'd much rather drive.:rotfl:

[mwmuntz]

I'm in the process of buying in to DVC right now, and I just had this same conversation with my wife - how are we going to afford this? One thing is to start bringing in lunch to work. I work in Midtown Manhattan, and I spend $8-10+/day in lunch. I figure that by just bringing in lunch, I will save at least $150 per month. Also, cut back on the Starbucks at $2 a pop. 1 less coffee a day will save $40/month. Instead of buying a bottle of water for $1.29 in the city, I'll buy a case of 35 bottles for $7 at BJs or Costco (so I can save up to pay $2.50 at Disney!). There are so many little things that we can cut down on that will save us big bucks in the long run.

[bwvBound]

Okay I asked earlier "How has DVC changed the way you vacation?" Now has DVC ownership changed the way you "live now" compared to how you lived before? I spend more time here on Disboards than before owning DVC.

[Starr W.]

I spend more time here on Disboards than before owning DVC.

Isn't that the truth.:rotfl: . Also spend a lot of time checking airline rates.

[MinnieGirl33]

Life is what happens between trips to WDW. :wave2:

[WelcomeHome]

I smile a lot more now!

[solgent]

This probably sounds crazy, but my dad is a huge tightwad and brought me up that way, so that I have what I call a "poverty mentality." Despite having a decent income, good savings, no debt beyond mortgage, I went around thinking we couldn't afford things and we should spend as close to zero as possible. I'm still thrifty and proud of it, but since buying into DVC (and paying it off within 1 year), I'm starting to grasp that spending money sometimes can be a good thing! So for example I'm more likely to take the kids for hot chocolate after we visit the library. I'm sure that doesn't sound like a big splurge but it is a new step for me!

[SamSam]

I'm in the process of buying in to DVC right now, and I just had this same conversation with my wife - how are we going to afford this? One thing is to start bringing in lunch to work. I work in Midtown Manhattan, and I spend $8-10+/day in lunch. I figure that by just bringing in lunch, I will save at least $150 per month. Also, cut back on the Starbucks at $2 a pop. 1 less coffee a day will save $40/month. Instead of buying a bottle of water for $1.29 in the city, I'll buy a case of 35 bottles for $7 at BJs or Costco (so I can save up to pay $2.50 at Disney!). There are so many little things that we can cut down on that will save us big bucks in the long run.


Exactly! It's really not that hard to do and the payoff of more trips to our DVC home makes it worth it. Congrats on becoming an owner. :) :)

[aprince&princess]

It's changed our lives for the fact that whenever we make a purchase, someone in the family always says "How many disney points would that buy?":rotfl2:

[MEM]

Like others have posted, I am more careful to view non-essential "real-world" purchases in Disney terms. For example, rather than pay $100 to have my hair cut and colored, DH did it for me - and did a great job BTW. We view that $100 as one of our monthly dues payment(s).

[Mr. Disney 652]

We spend more time thinking and planning our next getaway to WDW. It's great and keeps us going during the 20 degree days of late! We just added and think we're going to try a cruise next year, so that is something to really look forward to.

The "outsiders" think we're crazy, but in the end it brings us closer as a family and gives us fun times at a great warmer place each year!

[edk35]

Like others have posted, I am more careful to view non-essential "real-world" purchases in Disney terms. For example, rather than pay $100 to have my hair cut and colored, DH did it for me - and did a great job BTW. We view that $100 as one of our monthly dues payment(s).

That is great. I COULDN'T DO THAT. I just made my 100 appt. today for later this week. I shutter to think what would happen to me if DH was involved. :rotfl: My 100+ for hair appts. will never be cut out. LOL

[ont/ohana]

Like most of us posting here, we cut down on eating out, and I don't have as many trips to Walmart(:sad: ) But hey, As my DH says " our LR walls need painting but I would much rather be riding Dumbo with my kids". This was all the inspriation for us to buy DVC. Some of our friends can't figure out where we get the money to go twice a year, I just say we save. With an annual pass and bringing some breakie items with us and flying Southwest we can go to SSR or another of our homes for cheaper than reanting a summer cottage an hour away. Our kids never fight when we are in Disney. My honey and I fall into love agian each time we are there. At home things are so busy that somtimes we just don't make time to be together. We hold hands more while at our "home" and our kids don't make faces at us because they are too busy playing!! Those are just some of our thoughts!!:grouphug:

[KatiebugsMom]

To make our DVC purchase happen, we cancelled our family gym membership that we were not using at all and diverted the monthly fee to pay on something we would most definitely use......trips to Disney.

I now walk the mall (free) to get in shape for WDW trips and I would much rather work out by doing laps in my resort pool or power walking after rope drop at MGM to be the first on TOT!!!!:cool1:

But the best of all is having :coffee: on your balcony watching the sunrise and the early morning joggers run up and down the Boardwalk.:lmao:

[disneymom8589]

I smile a lot more now!

I like this one! :) DH and I "talk Disney" pretty much every day and are looking forward to our 1st trip to SSR this summer!! :cheer2:

[bpmorley]

I like this one! :) DH and I "talk Disney" pretty much every day and are looking forward to our 1st trip to SSR this summer!! :cheer2:

Wait til you start going 2/3/4 times a year. You'll be talking disney to everyone.

[disneymom8589]

Wait til you start going 2/3/4 times a year. You'll be talking disney to everyone.

I can only imagine!! We've already got a December stay booked, too! :cloud9:

[ScottOKW2K]

Wait til you start going 2/3/4 times a year. You'll be talking disney to everyone.

Why would I want to cut back on the number of trips we do to disney ?? On our last AP we did eight trips to the "World." Only going 2 to 4 times on a AP might be considered a hardship in this family ;)

To answer the OP's question I find that Disney and DVC have had several influences in my life in the "real world." I can deal with the stress better because I have the memories of trips past or the anticipation of trips to come. I find that my outlook is more positive, and that this is a direct effect of our Disney experiences. Our stays in our other "home" have taught me that part of how you live your life is how you choose to view what you experience. Do you let a bad experience ruin your day, or do you accept that what happened was one bad moment among many good ones ? I have chosen the latter view both for Disney and my life.

Our ownership of DVC has two specific aspects that are important to me and my family. My mom often lamented that my dad would rather be working than on vacation. With the "enforced vacation" aspect of owning dvc or any timeshare you are more likely to use your vacation time for family vacations. In addition, my wife had been a stay at home mom since our dvc contract was paid off. We would not have been able to take the number and quality of vacations that we have if we had not owned our membership. We are committed on-siters and dvc is a perfect fit for us. Both of these effects have had a very positive effect on the quality of our family life.

[DisneyMama27]

We have friends/family that think owning a timeshare must mean we are rich and have boat loads of moola. I tell you that is not the case. We live comfortably but we are by no means rolling in major bucks. We live modestly I guess you could say. However....becoming members (and this came into play when we were deciding to become members) made me realize just how much money we blow on dumb things.... how much we overspend in certain areas of our lives, how wasteful we are with all sorts of stuff. It made me realize that I would much rather cut back on certain things, being more mindful of spending and not just basically tossing money out of the window....... in order to make this DVC purchase happen.

I tried to post yesterday right after you started this - DH and I have had this EXACT conversation!! :rotfl: More than changing our lifestyle, it's changed our outlook! I think a little more about those little "splurges" (no more Happy Meal toys - "wouldn't you rather have one great Disney toy?" - for ex. I'm terrible about buying too much junk for my kids)

In spite of people's perceptions, they do come to us for advice on Disney. And I was so excited the 1st time someone asked me, "So when's your next trip to Disney?" (instead of "You're going again?")

[bpmorley]

I can only imagine!! We've already got a December stay booked, too! :cloud9:

Us too. We've already agreed that we're going to do the first week in Dec every year. That still leaves us with app 100 pts leftover.

[wilma-bride]

I gave up smoking as soon as we bought into DVC - the money I'm saving by not smoking is paying our finance payments :)

[mwmuntz]

I gave up smoking as soon as we bought into DVC - the money I'm saving by not smoking is paying our finance payments :)

Awesome! That is proabably the best way to save $$$ yet. Not only are you saving money, but this will also allow you to get more years out of your contract.

Congratulations!!!