Intro and question about "Anti-DVCers"

[dreamernowdoer]

Hi everyone! My name is Amanda - I'm a 29-year-old SAHM to my DS (18 months) and I am coming out of semi-lurkdom to ask about perceptions about DVC. We aren't DVCers (yet!), but that's only because we're saving up to be able to pay in full for our membership (a lesson learned here.... along with "buy where you want to stay!" ;) Anyway, up until about 2 weeks ago, I'd only ever been to the DVC section here. Then, I went to the community board and read where someone wrote that they'd never again stay at any DVC resort (they were cash-room guests of the hotel, not the villas) and other posters agreed, like it was a common stance to take. I'm definitely not trying to stir the pot, if this is a heated subject I don't know about, I just can't seem for the life of me to figure out what anyone would have against DVC or its members, other than just being jealous of the perks offered (and hey, I'm guilty of points-envy myself!). So, I thought I'd ask you guys about the perception some non-DVCers have of DVC, since you're the ones who'd know best.

Love.
Amanda

p.s. - Thanks again for all the knowledge you all bring here to help us DVC-hopefuls make better informed decisions! :goodvibes

[bavaria]

every so often we do seem to get 'visits' from posters who seem to be hostile towards DVC members.

I think that there is a perception that some DVC owners think that they are 'above' non owners, but frankly I haven't really seen that in all the years that I have been reading and posting here.

DVC is not for everyone - I only became a member a few years ago, although I am a very frequent visitor to Disney parks. I don't consider myself 'better' than a non member. But with everything, there will be positive and negative impressions.

[Deb & Bill]

It could be a jealousy factor as well. When you can only afford to take your family once every four or five years, it must be hard reading about DVC members who go two or three times a year.

And then you have the "you're only in the room to sleep" crowd. ;)

[disney junky]

You don't have to go to the boards to get that attitude.
Some people are just anti-time share.
I never thought we'd buy, and yet suddenly it made perfect sense. I think the epiphany for me was while golfing with a member and he was asked how much he was paying to stay at BW. His reply. I don't know. We're DVC members.
Some like renting points rather than owning.
BTW, no one in my family understands either why I prepaid my vacations for the next 35 years, and though they aren't vocal about it, I suspect on an anonymous discussion board, they might have more to say.
Good luck in your saving and your decision.

[CarolMN]

I wouldn't worry about it - I've never encountered anyone in person who said or acted poorly towards us because we are DVC members.

[dannyh23]

Hi Amanda,

First, welcome to "unlurk" mode! We were the same way for months and months before deciding to join DVC. If you have any questions, just ask!

I think Deb & Bill hit it on the head -- the "room to sleep" crowd wouldn't spend $1,000 cash per night to stay in a 2BR if they are only in the room to sleep. Others in the same mindset agree. You see the same sort of thing in places like Vegas, on cruises, etc. Some people are happy in a tent, some like Motel 6, or Pop, or Polynesian, and others won't stay anywhere except the presidential suite.

[Starr W.]

Amanda,

People who don't even know what DVC is get jealous. Mentioned we joined after our first trip(cash stay at SSR) to some of the other preschool moms(they enquired about the trip since DS was very vocal about to it to his friends). About 3 moms said "Oh we're members too!" :eek: So I asked about home resorts, blank stares they thought I was talking about the Disney Visa card.

The one mom hasn't talked to me since then(right after Thanksgiving), luckily her son is in the other class and not friends with my DS.:sad2:

[rocketriter]

DVC rooms booked over-the-counter are wildly expensive and probably not worth the money. What non-members might not understand is how much lower our costs are through membership.

[JimMIA]

First of all, welcome!

Second, don't worry about anything you see on the community board. It's a unique place and people are likely to say just about anything there. You'll find a lot more braying there than intelligent discussion. Usually the less information they have about the subject matter, the louder they yell.

A more serious concern that you hear on this board is the reaction of family and close friends when they learn of a DVC purchase. DVC is obviously a luxury purchase, and people sometimes criticize that. Some here have actually refrained from telling relatives about their purchase because of fear of the feedback they'd get. One of the interesting side-issues is that some of the most vocal critics are among the first to invite themselves on our vacations! :rolleyes:

My advice is to research carefully and make as rational a decision as you can for your family. If it's right for you, do it. If it's not, don't. Whatever you decide, enjoy your vacations your way and don't worry about what anyone else says.

[starbox]

I also think there is a vocal sub-group of people that honestly feel like the monorail resorts are the only resorts that give "the true Disney experience". I also think some people feel like their resorts should be more exclusive since they spend 400+ dollars per night. YC/BC/WL/BWI and soon AKL will all share facilities with DVC owners, and most DVC owners frequent the non-DVC deluxes for dining. Think about it, imagine you are paying big bucks to stay at WL, and the DVC owners at VWL are getting everything you get (but daily bedmaking and towel changing) PLUS they get larger accomodations and are spending less money. The obvious thing to do would be to just join DVC - and if not, you'd have to convince yourself that it was not so great.

Plus, we can pool-hop - and many of the monorail resort people don't like that.

BTW - before we joined DVC, some of the nicest people we met on vacation were other DVC members. :goodvibes As a non-DVC member, it really made an impression on me.

[jbrowna]

My family and I just recently became DVC'ers, and I do want to add that the DVC community is not entirely blameless with the friction that sometimes goes on with non-DVC'ers. You'll -- even now -- sense the attitude that staying someplace like All Stars or Pop Century is "slumming"; what kind of message does that send to those who like to stay there? We used to sense that attitude over the years, and it put us off even looking at DVC.

Sure, everything said above is true -- there are elements of envy among non-DVC folks. But I know our feeling pre-DVC is that, even though we could have afforded to stay at a more expensive place -- like a moderate or deluxe resort -- on a regular basis, staying at a value meant we could stay longer and go more often. We weren't paupers, but we decided our priorities. Did that make us part of the "we're only in the room to sleep crowd"? Maybe. But as our kids have grown up our priorities (and our finances) have shifted somewhat, and we feel we can go for something more luxurious without giving up how often or how long we go. DVC allows us to do that in a very economical way.

Sure, DVC resorts are great. And as DVC'ers we have every right to feel good about that. But we need to be aware that sometimes our feelings come across to others as "airs". I'm not accusin', I'm just sayin'... :)

[bavaria]

Actually, you would be surprised to hear how many owners stay at a value on weekends to conserve points, or even offsite.

I think that starbox has a very good answer - there is a sense of 'we were here first' from some posters who normally stay on the monorail resorts. I have been trying to analyze why at least one comes to the DVC boards to bash owners, and starbox's comment definitely fits that example.

when DVC is added to an existing resort, the impression may be that DVC detracts rather than adds to the resort.... although by adding DVC, the resort usually adds additional infrastructure to handle the additional guest volume, thereby enhancing the resort.

[dannyh23]

And as DVC'ers we have every right to feel good about that. But we need to be aware that sometimes our feelings come across to others as "airs". I'm not accusin', I'm just sayin'... :)

Like starbox said, I assure you that *some* of those staying at Deluxe resorts feel the same way exact way about DVC members, as well as moderate and value, and Ft. Wilderness resort guests... That doesn't mean they all do, nor do all DVC members feel the same way about everyone else... but some probably do.

I'd venture to say that offsite guests may feel some degree of "airs" being put on by onsite guests -- getting package delivery, extra magic hours, etc.

I've heard people in the parks and resorts say "I've spent $5,000 to stay here and I... (insert your favorite entitlement here)".... but I've never stood up to them and told them I've spent more.....

[MagikMom]

There are many people who don't understand why we bought into DVC. We bought in because we truly love Disney and know we are going to be going there at least once a year. Because we go so often, we don't have to "rush" around to get everything in. We can sit back and relax and enjoy the resorts. Half the fun of DVC is experiencing all the different resorts! I know that some of our family members and friends think we "wasted" all our money on the DVC time share. We look at it this way, we could have a bigger house, nicer cars if we didn't go to Disney every year. We CHOOSE to spend our money on Disney vacations! For US, it's a way to get away from the world and spend time as a family in a place where we truly love to be. If people don't understand...it's their problem.

[jekjones1558]

Wouldn't life be ever so much nicer if everyone celebrated rather than judged
different choices? :idea:

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Plus, we can pool-hop - and many of the monorail resort people don't like that.As someone who always stays at the Monorail Resorts, I understand that DVC members are allowed to pool hop since they are allowed to. That is if the Resort they want to go to is not going to be busy that day with guests staying there wanting to use the pool, so they have to call ahead. I think the guests who stay at the Monorail Resorts don't like the guests who pool hop that are not DVC members since they are not allowed to pool hop, so that would be breaking rules and taking pool chairs away from guests staying at those Monorail Resorts. So that is the main difference which I am referring to.

[JimMIA]

Wouldn't life be ever so much nicer if everyone celebrated rather than judged
different choices? :idea:::yes:: ::yes:: ::yes::

[nbodyhome]

Then, I went to the community board and read where someone wrote that they'd never again stay at any DVC resort (they were cash-room guests of the hotel, not the villas) and other posters agreed, like it was a common stance to take. I'm definitely not trying to stir the pot, if this is a heated subject I don't know about

I've not heard of that. I've stayed in DVC units in the past, but I'm not DVC (couldn't make it work for myself financially, and I need a lot more flexibility when travelling). Sometimes Disney seems to cater more to the DVC owners, but others will say the same thing about passholders and Florida Residents - of which I am both. Many of the perks that DVC gets are the same ones I do, as a Florida Resident - and with as much as you guys pay for DVC, I have absolutely no problem with that. I had always though that DVC owners should get Florida Resident prices on passes and such - again, it's a lot of money to put into vacations, so you should get more back.

I actually like to be able to stay at DVC units occasionally, they are lovely. But I'll probably never be an owner, I'm too cheap (including when I travel overseas and such). Plus I'm local. The AK DVC looks like it will be amazing!

I do think whenever someone is a "member" of something, there is a sense of "them and us". Not necessarily jealousy, it's just different.

[drakethib]

Hi.

DVC isn't for anyone so some may disagree with it and how it works.

I have also seen people who have spent more on one vacation staying at the GF and could have almost paid off a 150 DVC contract.

To each their own but do what is right for you and your family.

[goofy4dvc]

After our last stay (2BR at BCV), I felt somewhat that our purchase into DVC had been a mistake. Two reasons:

1. Our 2BR unit was the worst DVC unit we've ever stayed in. The walls were missing chunks of drywall and were badly needing painting, stains on the carpet, and there were exposed nails in the carpet strip where the master bedroom carpet ended at the tile in the Master bathroom. After stepping on a carpet tack (for the second or third time, I threw a towel over the area to spare my feet). Yes, I did mention this to the front desk. But with what we paid for 350 points and the numbe of points we paid for a 2BR unit, DH and I were both tremendously disappointed. My brother and his wife were staying with us and it was their FIRST time to WDW. I really wanted to WOW them. THey were impressed, but only after seeing the models at SSR.

2. There are lots of houses in Orlando that can be rented that can sleep up to 10 or 12 people, with a pool, just a few miles away from WDW that are about the same cost per night as a stay in a moderate to deluxe room. After our last experience, DH said he would have rather saved the money we spent for DVC and rented one of these homes. As for me, I want to be "on property" to really feel the MAGIC!

I love being a DVC member and I love being able to share WDW with my family. However, I do believe that DVC rooms are not kept up to the same standards that other WDW resorts room are. And that's a real shame!! Because DVCers probably spend more money at WDW than non-DVCers. (I could be wrong about that statement, but I was figuring in the cost of the purchase of points, along with the fact that DVCers tend to go to WDW more often, thus spending more money on park tickets, food, souvenirs, etc.)

As I said, I love being a DVC member and going to WDW, but if we have many more experiences like our last stay...

[nbodyhome]

Hi.

DVC isn't for anyone so some may disagree with it and how it works.

I have also seen people who have spent more on one vacation staying at the GF and could have almost paid off a 150 DVC contract.

To each their own but do what is right for you and your family.

The one thing is, the DVC has dues every year - so maybe the following year they'd not be going to Disney (or the year after, or the year after). Plus, with the vacation, they probably had tickets and maybe the dining plan. Even with a full priced $400 room, that is $2800.00 plus tax for the room for a week (less than a DVC contract).

I do think DVC is good for someone who wants that type of accomodation on property and goes often. I'm pretty happy at the Pop Century, and I tend to travel very inexpensively (I paid $88 US in the London area for a Bed and Breakfast a couple of weeks ago for just myself, which included a VERY nice breakfast, bottled water, snacks, cereal bars, tea, etc.) I couldn't have stayed there on DVC points. But if one had a larger family, I think those type of accomodations (here and abroad) would be very welcome.

So DVC is for some, not for others. But again - I do like the accomodations (they have never been run down when I've been, though I have heard a few complaints recently about OKW).

[jimmytammy]

I have never experienced a rude or unkind DVCer since being a member. We stay at VWL a lot, and I wouldnt know the difference in an owner or renter, etc. I can see that being an owner might give off some kinda vibe that we are snoots or something like that.

Well here is our story...I am a lowly carpenter/builder who very much enjoys time spent with my family. WDW creates for a very expensive vacation, but one we all enjoy together. Together is the key word. We only live once, so we only get one chance to spend this life, together. I think it is great you are able to save enough to pay for DVC upfront. For us, we are still paying. But it is one bill I dont mind footing. Why? Because DVC helps to make those memories. I dont mind putting in a little extra time to foot that bill.

We are able to go twice, sometimes 3 times a year and stay in accomodations that otherwise we probably couldnt afford. With 1 teen and another soon there, both of opposite sex, sleeping together wasnt an option for very long. And though DS doesnt mind an air mattress right now, that aint gonna last long. And as another poster put it, staying at the All Stars is something we still dont mind if it means slipping in another night or two without using points.

So let the naysayers speak on. I, the lowly carpenter feel good to be in the company of such great folks as those I have met here on the DIS that happen to be DVCers. Some are dentists, attorneys, coaches, homemakers, among many other proffessions. We all have different status in the social order of things, but all the same in Gods eyes. One things for sure though, we all love WDW enough to give them our hard earned money so we can guarantee many visits to come.

Sorry for the rambling. I do hope that all works out in your hopes of becoming a member. We will welcome you with open arms!

[jarestel]

Well if you've read any of the DIS boards for any length of time I'm sure you know there are always folks who don't like something or other. Whether we're talking popular restaurants, resorts, or WDW rides, you are bound to hear from a few who seem unable to comprehend why anyone in their right mind stays at resort X, eats at restaurant Y, or bothers with theme park attraction Z.

Everyone has opinions and the beauty of such is they are only valid from the perspective of the person with the opinion. It's perfectly legitimate for someone to dislike DVC, Le Cellier, the Polynesian, or Mission:Space, but that has absolutely no bearing on whether the next person will or won't.

So I wouldn't put a whole lot of stock in what a few internet posters have to say (pro or con). I'd simply check it out for myself and see if it works for me!

Good luck!

[drakethib]

The one thing is, the DVC has dues every year - so maybe the following year they'd not be going to Disney (or the year after, or the year after). Plus, with the vacation, they probably had tickets and maybe the dining plan. Even with a full priced $400 room, that is $2800.00 plus tax for the room for a week (less than a DVC contract).

I

Hi Denise.

I guess I should have qualified a length of vacation and such.

And maybe I stretched by a little of a vacation being the same cost as a DVC contract but the stretch is not by much.

If you go to Disney's web page and select a GF room only - club level (which is very common to hear on this board) for the dates of 07-01 to 7-15 (people speak of two week vacations all of the time on this board) the room only comes out to $11,418.82 without park tickets, food or what not. The cost comes out to a little better then $6200 per week. 150 contract as SSR I think the price $90.00 per point but not sure comes out to about $13,500.

Of course you can find cheaper accommodation's then this, but what is listed above is not uncommon to hear or see.

The MF's we pay are true a cost over the initial price of DVC and should be considered.

Let me say that anyone who says DVC saves money 100% of the time is incorrect. Since we have bought DVC we spend more at Disney then ever before as we have been average several trips a year in lieu of the once in a while trips we used to take.

Again DVC is not for everyone. We went back and forth with this when we bought as Dixie Landings was out favorite resort and it was hard for me to justify the expense.

I bought my first contract with DVC and just added on again and have not regreted once vacation staying at a DVC resort. Well, we did say we won't stay in a studio again :)

P.S. I like your webpages :)

[WolfpackFan]

I think part of the problem also is related to pure ignorance about DVC. I think alot of people really look down on timeshares. They put the sales folks in the same category as slick used care salesmen. I know that's the way I used to feel. I remember being in vacation and at the Venetian and we were followed around and hounded by timeshares sales people. It really got old. I think some folks put DVC in the same category.

I do know that I feel like our DVC purchases have been some of the best purchases we've ever made. And if people look down on us for doing it, that's their problem not ours.

[JimC]

Welcome to our little community!!

Do your research and make the decision that is right for you. This progam is not for everyone and WDW offers such a variety of options that there is something for just about everyone.

[castleri]

Hi Then, I went to the community board and read where someone wrote that they'd never again stay at any DVC resort (they were cash-room guests of the hotel, not the villas) and other posters agreed, like it was a common stance to take.
Love.
Amanda

p.s. - Thanks again for all the knowledge you all bring here to help us DVC-hopefuls make better informed decisions! :goodvibes


Amanda - could you be a little more specific if they said any particular reasons for these feelings. It sounds as if they were at WL, BC/YC or BWI not the villas themselves so am wondering why they say they won't stay at any DVC resorts again. I tried to find something on the Community board about this but gave up after a number of pages. I'm just curious about what reasons if any they gave. It sounds as if they had a problem with the hotel section of the resort but are blaming it on DVC.

[Dean]

Hi everyone! My name is Amanda - I'm a 29-year-old SAHM to my DS (18 months) and I am coming out of semi-lurkdom to ask about perceptions about DVC. We aren't DVCers (yet!), but that's only because we're saving up to be able to pay in full for our membership (a lesson learned here.... along with "buy where you want to stay!" ;) Anyway, up until about 2 weeks ago, I'd only ever been to the DVC section here. Then, I went to the community board and read where someone wrote that they'd never again stay at any DVC resort (they were cash-room guests of the hotel, not the villas) and other posters agreed, like it was a common stance to take. I'm definitely not trying to stir the pot, if this is a heated subject I don't know about, I just can't seem for the life of me to figure out what anyone would have against DVC or its members, other than just being jealous of the perks offered (and hey, I'm guilty of points-envy myself!). So, I thought I'd ask you guys about the perception some non-DVCers have of DVC, since you're the ones who'd know best.

Love.
Amanda

p.s. - Thanks again for all the knowledge you all bring here to help us DVC-hopefuls make better informed decisions! :goodvibesAmanda, while I think DVC is great, it is not for everyone. First, it is indeed a timeshare, a very good one but still a timeshare. This comes with certain good and bad accompaniments. You give up daily maid service or else you have to pay extra above an beyond. You have certain commitments to usage to get value from it as well as risks and obligations over time. For the most part DVC doesn't save people money but it does give them more for their money in many cases.

IMO, DVC is good for those that can handle the above issues, have a history of Disney travel at least about every other year, can afford it, and who go light or neutral on weekends. Do realize there are other choices including off site timeshares which are better for many and can be much cheaper overall. With 3 people you can make out like a bandit if you do S-F stays (or similar) in a studio. The larger units are a bit of a splurge but many do feel they are worth it.

BTW, when would you normally travel to WDW? There may be cheaper options for you.

[dreamernowdoer]

Starbox - of all the replies, I definitely feel like yours captured the vibe I got from the CB posters. I guess since I've been DVC-daydreaming for the last 5 years, I can't imagine looking down on it, but I bet you're right and that's what he/she meant. p.s. - I wish I could live in the Swiss Family Treehouse, too! :)

castleri - I'm not sure where exactly it was, because it wasn't a thread that was even about DVC - the comment about DVC was just kinda thrown in in an offhand way. a few people agreed and 1 or 2 asked why, but most didn't even notice or respond to the remark. the poster who said it never responded again (at least not by when I finished reading the thread and I didn't subscribe, so I haven't been back since)

jimmytammy - we are by no means wealthy (like. at. all. lol!) - we just have a 1 year old son, so that gives us a few years to savesavesave before he's the "right" age (in our eyes) to start going. btw, ITA with everything else in your post!

I should mention that noone's opinion of DVC will ever sway me from joining (and I've done tons of research and numbercrunching, I should add)! I just couldn't see through my rose-colored glasses what anyone could possibly have against DVC and reading the posts just kinda felt like hearing a joke and not "getting" it, you know?

p.s. - WolfPackFan - I absolutely loved your WWII website and, as the proud granddaughter of 2 veterans of that war, want to thank you for creating it! I'll also ask my grandpas if they have anything they can contribute :)

Love.
Amanda

[dreamernowdoer]

With 3 people you can make out like a bandit if you do S-F stays (or similar) in a studio. The larger units are a bit of a splurge but many do feel they are worth it.

BTW, when would you normally travel to WDW? There may be cheaper options for you.


Hi Dean! I've been reading your posts for a long time - nice to finally "meet" you!

Yes, we will be going 2-3 times a year from Sun-Fri (weekends offsite or POP)and will be staying in studios almost exclusively, except for very occasional splurges. So, I feel like we can really benefit from joining and I can't wait to start our family's WDW traditions! :yay:

[Dean]

Hi Dean! I've been reading your posts for a long time - nice to finally "meet" you!

Yes, we will be going 2-3 times a year from Sun-Fri (weekends offsite or POP)and will be staying in studios almost exclusively, except for very occasional splurges. So, I feel like we can really benefit from joining and I can't wait to start our family's WDW traditions! :yay:Welcome home and enjoy.

[LarryKeith]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dean
With 3 people you can make out like a bandit if you do S-F stays (or similar) in a studio. The larger units are a bit of a splurge but many do feel they are worth it.

I totally agree. I originaly bought 200 points for a 1 bedroom. Then we stayed in a studio from default on a weekend and decided WOW we can stay twice as long. And now we do. 2 weeks at BCV every year June or July 204 pts and just added 100 pts at AKV. For us DVC has been great. I am totally a tight wade and find that I would never justify 300 a night for a room, any room. But now we get that room for $65 to $75 a night. I would agree that if your not a Disney lover it might not be the best thing for you. But who in there right mind isn't a Disney Lover.

[goofy4dvc]

I have never met anyone or talked to anyone who made me feel uncomfortable about being a DVCer. Oh, I get the usual, "You're going to Orlando AGAIN??" comments, but nobody has been negative about DVC. And those who own DVC are the friendliest and most helpful people around, as you are probably aware by now.

[DisneyMim]

I'm not on this board much, but wanted to add my 2 cents here. We've been menbers since DVC started in 1991 and we love it, BUT I have to agree it's not for everyone. We are very fortunate that we get to do numerous vacations each year, Disney and non-Disney. We even do non-DVC Disney vacations so I get to experience a lot of different ways of looking at things. Every once in a while I do run into a person who thinks DVC is not worth the money and start to go on and on about how they can stay off-site or they love staying on the monorail, yada, yada, and I have to agree with them because for THEM DVC wouldn't work. I have to be honest, we still love staying at the Poly, in fact I just made a quick trip last month to the Poly and had a wonderful time. The biggest thing I always tell people is to not put too much thought into what other people think. You need to do what is right for you and your family. There will always be someone saying to me "Are you going to WDW AGAIN!!", but I've learned to just ignore them. We know people who own a house on a lake or on the ocean and never go anywhere else. Now that wouldn't be me, but for a lot of people it works. Please just look at you own life and what you want in vacations and make the decision based on YOUR FAMILY and ignore the naysayers. I hardly hear them anymore anyway, I'm too busy packing for my next trip!!

Good Luck!!

[dianeschlicht]

I wouldn't worry about it - I've never encountered anyone in person who said or acted poorly towards us because we are DVC members.

Same here. I suspect it's jealousy too.

[Lesley]

I get snobbed against simply for going to WDW regularly. That's the risk when you hang with the crunchy granola crowd.

People who want to look down on you will find a reason to do it, whether its where you vacation, what you spend your money on, or what you eat for breakfast. It says a lot more about them than about you.

[wildernessDad]

I think that there are some at my work who look at me kind of funny when I talk about it. Okay, at every opportunity.

I think that they see me being excited about DVC and wonder about me. Maybe something is wrong with me for doing this, they probably think. That is the impression that I get anyway.

I am not a young chicken anymore, but I'm not ready for retirement either. I will be able to break even and then some if all goes well.

Do not let others discourage you. They most likely do not understand how it all works or they are not really interested in going to WDW. People who do not understand something tend to not like it.

[Madi100]

I have no idea why there is that attitude. I've always stayed at value resorts. DVC was a HUGE jump for us. We're the mentality that you're only in the room to sleep, although this time hoping to enjoy some more. I feel a bit intimidated by DVC owners a bit. When I was going to value resorts and even just visiting the parks, I'd encounter people who didn't have a clue, they'd never been to WDW before. They got up that morning and decided they'd go to Disney World that day, meaning Magic Kingdom. I've done my research, and around my community and around "regular" resorts, I'm pretty smart. At a DVC resort I feel like everybody knows more because these people have been coming for years.

But, I don't think that for the most part that DVC people act any differently. In a park you wouldn't have a clue. I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that DVC is only for "members". People who are staying at ASMo don't visit this board to see what's going on. It's only visited by people who are actually thinking of doing DVC or already own. So, maybe the exclusiveness makes it that way a bit. I don't know. It's silly, though.

[spiceycat]

Wouldn't life be ever so much nicer if everyone celebrated rather than judged
different choices? :idea:


well say.

but remember that DVCers bash other DVC all the time.

their resort is better than your resort - how many times on this board has that become an issue.

all the DVC resorts are great in their own way.

I stay at oKW in a studio Sun-thurs - then sometimes Pop on Fri or sat - sometimes come home - sometimes start the trip the week before staying sun to sun at another timeshares then go to DVC.

some people I have meet are definitely jealous. Others don't understand the conmitment. but once I explain it - they realize that it takes work to be a DVC member. that said if you love WDW and want to go back again and again - then DVC is definitely the way to go.

I don't have alot of money either. I financed my first purchase and my latest.

some people got into finance trouble with DVC. you know the type stayed only in value resorts. then got DVC and suddenly starting staying in 2-bedroom instead of the studio. they blame DVC because they claim you can't get your investment out of DVC. Now if they had stayed in studio and rented their excess until they were in better financial shape - then they would have loved it. but some people want to go immediately to first class. they don't want to work up to it.

well I got my investment out long, long ago - even financing it.

[eliza61]

And then I think there are just alot of folks who, if their vacation is not absolutely magically they will complain. If you lurk around the trip planning forum long enough-you'll start questioning why you even come to disney EVER!
Complaints run the gamut from "The DDP is causing to earth to fall off it's axis" to "The park is closing and I actually had to wait 5 minutes for a resort bus or I had to share a bus with a value resort"

[starbox]

I get snobbed against simply for going to WDW regularly. That's the risk when you hang with the crunchy granola crowd.


Hey, some of us crunchy granola people love Disney too. :hippie: We just wear birks not crocs. :rotfl:

[Dean]

I think that there are some at my work who look at me kind of funny when I talk about it. Okay, at every opportunity.

I think that they see me being excited about DVC and wonder about me. Maybe something is wrong with me for doing this, they probably think. That is the impression that I get anyway.

I am not a young chicken anymore, but I'm not ready for retirement either. I will be able to break even and them some if all goes well.

Do not let others discourage you. They most likely do not understand how it all works or they are not really interested in going to WDW. People who do not understand something tend to not like it.I've been involved in DVC and other timeshare long enough to see things make a full circle. I've seen people's eyes glaze over when I mentioned timeshare only to have them come to me repeatedly a couple of years later when they get some additional information. I've had a number of people come back years later and ask about timeshares that I thought had no interest, many of them ended up buying into some system or the other. The one's I find really entertaining are the ones that know nothing and have no interest then go to a timeshare presentation, buy a week and suddenly they are an expert. I see it in person and I see it on this board at times. For some reason that seems to happen with Marriott more than any other system, in my experience, or maybe I'm just more in tuned to DVC and Marriott like when you buy a car and then see the same type all over the road.

[Snookies]

...The biggest thing I always tell people is to not put too much thought into what other people think...

This is generally good advice and not just relative to DVC and WDW.

I've been involved in DVC and other timeshare long enough to see things make a full circle. I've seen people's eyes glaze over when I mentioned timeshare only to have them come to me repeatedly a couple of years later when they get some additional information. I've had a number of people come back years later and ask about timeshares that I thought had no interest, many of them ended up buying into some system or the other. The one's I find really entertaining are the ones that know nothing and have no interest then go to a timeshare presentation, buy a week and suddenly they are an expert. I see it in person and I see it on this board at times. For some reason that seems to happen with Marriott more than any other system, in my experience, or maybe I'm just more in tuned to DVC and Marriott like when you buy a car and then see the same type all over the road.

I never thought I would purchase any timeshare, including DVC. In my case , "a couple of years" took substantially longer, but this had more to do with establishing ourselves financially and educating myself about timeshares. I have also experienced the "Eureka" experts with the Hilton system. Do you think this has anything to do with the relative size of the DVC, Marriott, and Hilton systems? BTW, I've encountered "Eureka" effect about WDW in general with good friends who have taken one trip and are now the world's foremost authorities. Heck, what I learned in graduate school is how much I don't know.

[Dean]

I have also experienced the "Eureka" experts with the Hilton system. Do you think this has anything to do with the relative size of the DVC, Marriott, and Hilton systems? BTW, I've encountered "Eureka" effect about WDW in general with good friends who have taken one trip and are now the world's foremost authorities. Heck, what I learned in graduate school is how much I don't know.I do think that some of the more high profile main stream companies have more than their fair share of instant experts. Most are well meaning, decent people that truly think they know enough to help other people. While it often creates confusion while it's going on, it does help the person in question actually get to the place they could help other people. To be honest, my impression is that DVC members who end up buying a non DVC timeshare are more likely than most to fit into this category. Truth is it might have been myself at one point in time. I recall a member on the DVC UK board that was just convinced you could join and use II directly by means of owning DVC. Last I heard he was still out to lunch.

[3DisneyKids]

Hi Amanda--

First of all--good for you for doing your homework and researching before you buy! :goodvibes I think many people buy DVC as an emotional purchase while on a WDW vacation and then end up angry b/c they can't book at _____ (fill in the blank) for next month as it is already full. So consider yourself way ahead of the crowd already!

I have read some of the negative DVC remarks here and I attribute them to a few things:

1) As you said, these were cash-paying guests. Yes, I adore my DVC---BUT if I was paying 300 - 400 or more per night, I might be somewhat miffed. That is a ton of money. And although the resorts are lovely, I don't know that they are worth that.

2) Sticker shock. People think, "sure, I love Disney so I'll look into DVC..." and then they find out the price of the inital buy-in and freak! :scared1:

3) They may have encountered one of those DVCers who is at the front desk demanding something because "I paid $20,000 to be a DVC member and I DESERVE ______ and you better do it for me RIGHT NOW!"

I just had my first experience with #3 above and was embarassed to be a DVCer at that moment.

So, if I heard that comment before being an owner, that could possibly taint my perception of what DVC owners were like.

Those of us on these boards are just plum crazy about our ownership though! :love: :love:

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

. You'll -- even now -- sense the attitude that staying someplace like All Stars or Pop Century is "slumming";

Quite a few dvc'ers stay at the All Stars or Pop Century on the ridiculously expensive fri/sat nights, then switch to DVC for Sun/Thurs. We do :) I have just as much fun over at those hotels as I do at DVC, DVC's just more comfortable.

I don't judge people on where they stay; I've had a memorable experience with people at the Grand Floridian, who were, for lack of a better term, white trash, and they were determined to whoop it up at the GF because, and I'm paraphrasing them here, evidently they were going to live how the rich folks do!

Hey, hillbilly antics aside, they didn't care what other people thought about them, and had a great time (somewhat at everyone else's expense), so I wouldn't worry too much what other people think.

Enjoy yourself! Just remember to bathe regularly and leave the wifebeaters at home...

I have to add, the only ugliness we've ever encountered in person is our kids' phys ed teacher, who will ask them "are you going to disney again!" and then snorts derisively and shakes her head when the kids tell them exactly what date the next trip is planned for.

I don't get some people at all-how do they get through the day being that rotten?!