differences over the years with DVC--changes?

[ldo]

I love Disney and love staying at DVC. I am now considering buying a small DVC contract resale, but I have read posts here where DVCers say "DVC has changed..."
So, before I jump into DVC---what are some of these changes and how has it affected your experience with DVC. And, for those who feel that these "changes" haven't altered your view, please chime in for some balance.

[wildernessDad]

I am fine with DVC personally. I am in it for the lower cost in accommodations, I love Disney and Walt Disney World. People get upset with this or that, but the fundamental benefit is still there, for me anyway.

[crisi]

Disney changes over time. Buy for what you are contracted for.

Our last trip we got the cleanest and best maintained room we've ever gotten in six years of ownership.

I think that booking small resorts that aren't your home will continue to get more and more difficult. Buy where you want to stay (or where youy won't be disappointed to end up).

What has changed? Most of what has changed is on the Disney end. I'm one who believes the food has gotten worse. I think its gotten a lot busier in what used to be the "off season." Disney isn't kept up as "perfectly" as it formerly was (light bulbs burned out on the Boardwalk sign). Cruising costs more (points) every year.

Other changes - a $95 booking fee for Disney resorts, the change to banking windows - those don't - to ME - change the fundamentals of the program. But they do illustrate that DVC has the power to change some stuff.

[dwelty]

Crisi is right. Your contract protects you. Only count on that. I was a Disney Cast Member in the 80's. Just like any company, policy ebbs and flows. When customers start really complaining, it gets better. Then they can get a little lazy again. Overall, I DVC is still better than 90% of the rest of the timeshare industry.

[DisDaydreamer]

I remember (as a kid of course) when gas was 25 cents a gallon and that meant someone put the gas in the car for you, and someone else cleaned your windows, checked and filled the oil if needed, checked and adjusted tire pressure, checked the exaust.

Things do change, but I think DVC has done a pretty good job of maintaing most of what makes DVC special. JMHO.

[Deb & Bill]

I think there has been an attitude change with DVC management. I think they look at it as a money machine. Before it was a prepaid vacation plan.

[La2kw]

I think there has been an attitude change with DVC management. I think they look at it as a money machine. Before it was a prepaid vacation plan.

I agree. Customer service is not what is used to be. Member Services is not what it used to be, and the waits on hold have gotten longer as well. Upkeep at OKW sure isn't what it used to be. As long as people still keep making excuses for DVC, it won't get any better.

[jimmytammy]

I remember (as a kid of course) when gas was 25 cents a gallon and that meant someone put the gas in the car for you, and someone else cleaned your windows, checked and filled the oil if needed, checked and adjusted tire pressure, checked the exaust.

Things do change, but I think DVC has done a pretty good job of maintaing most of what makes DVC special. JMHO.

What a great way to put it! And isnt that the way most things are, unfortunately.

DVC has been wonderful for us. I dont own any other timeshares, but what experience I have had with the ones I have rented or been fortunate enough to have been given trips, DVC far outweighs them. Im sure there are others that are comparable to DVC, but there cant be many.

[JimMIA]

I think there has been an attitude change with DVC management. I think they look at it as a money machine. Before it was a prepaid vacation plan.
I hate to say it, but I tend to agree with Deb on this. It's not just DVC, I think the money-money-money focus is across the board throughout Disney.

As far as DVC is concerned, the recent limitations on owner's transferring points (instead of upgrading their computers to manage isolated problems without punishing all owners needing to make legitimate transfers), the "streamlining" of banking and booking requirements to many owners' detriment (which really is simply a cost-cutting initiative), the new automatic waitlist system which sometimes cancels the base ressie when fulfilling the waitlist (another cost-cutting brainstorm), bouncing points guests out of confirmed ressies so they can rent to cash customers...there are lots of examples. I find myself increasingly waiting for the next shoe to drop.

Oh...and, you won't find any recent posts from me encouraging people to buy DVC.

I think anyone considering DVC today should take a really long, hard look at it. As fluid as things are, you really have to rely ONLY on those things guaranteed by the POS.

[pcparamedics01]

and booking requirements to many owners' detriment (which really is simply a cost-cutting initiative), the new automatic waitlist system which sometimes cancels the base ressie when fulfilling the waitlist (another cost-cutting brainstorm), bouncing points guests out of confirmed ressies so they can rent to cash customers...there are lots of examples. I find myself increasingly waiting for the next shoe to drop.




Hey Jim. My Brother in law had the computer generated waitlist. He did not loose his ressies but he called everyday to make sure his actuals were in place. He was not comfortable at all about the computer waitlist!!!! So yes, another cutting cost mechanism. We hate it!!! We would rather call everyday and get a live person......

[Dean]

DVC is still a very good timeshare option for the right family. However, IMO, it has changed over the years and mostly for the worse though usually in small ways. Same could be said for WDW in general, IMO. One should only buy in if they intend to use DVC resorts consistently and not do long weekends. Even then, it doesn't make sense for all. You own other timeshares, if any trade with II, you only need a 1 BR and don't normally go Xmas, Easter or mid summer; you may be better off trying to trade in at times or even use bonus weeks to do so.

[OKW Mom]

before we bought DVC. They are still in the Disney area, and I am sure they have some fans-the idea of going a specific week every year did not turn me on.

I always felt DVC dealt with us honestly.

I have never lost a reservation and usually get a room that is pleasent even if it is not my choice of location. Our family finds it hard to enjoy regular hotels now. Growing up with DVC, our kids are spoiled-they prefer apts. to hotel rooms.

Being a member since 1996 our family has been through a few cycles.

Our May 2007 trip was a disappointment on so many levels and communicating that and hearing nothing back from DVC was sad. That would have never happened in the earlier years.

I am vocal. I am professional with my petitions, yet as an Stockholder and DVC member I expect more.

The year we went to King's Island (Mason, OH) and stayed at the resort across the street it was like a carnival level theme park. Even on the 4th of July the park was nearly empty and their food and gift shops had mostly things we could buy at a K mart, not a theme park. The hotel was cramped, the pool just a wet hole in the ground. It was not a Disney experience!

I would hope DVC is smart enough to send people to read boards like this, however since I don't know if they are reading their direct email....I doubt they are reading these boards. Their exit polls at the resorts give limited answer options that are bound to skew our response in the direction they want to hear.

With a major investment, and now DVC is a considerable investment, there are pros and cons. It may not be for everyone.

With all the low and high spots, we are DVC members always seeking the dream.
:cloud9:

[disney-super-mom]

It's not just DVC, I think the money-money-money focus is across the board throughout Disney.

I think anyone considering DVC today should take a really long, hard look at it.

I agree with you about the money-money-money focus across the line, Jim. Although last year DH was on board with buying into DVC, this year his tune has changed big time, and even I'm a bit leary in the idea of investing into DVC now, and it all has to do with Disney's in-your-face-focus on their bottom line. If you're a consumer of their products/services/industry, it doesn't make you feel good knowing Disney is raking you for every bit they can.

Sometimes I feel like they're trying to find that glass ceiling.....how much can we get them to pay before they won't pay anymore. I feel like it's the mortgage industry wearing Disney ears as a disguise.

[Sammie]

I think the worst change has been the focus they have taken. For years the focus was on the current membership. Therefore the members did a very good job of selling DVC for Disney.

However recently I see a shift away from the current membership and more focus on sales and expansion.

I don't think the current $95 fee, the banking changes, the problems in housekeeping and maintenance reflect a management that is listening anymore to it's membership, I think they are listening to themselves.

As Jim, I can't at this time recommend DVC to anyone to purchase and we are to the point of considering selling some of ours, which 5 years ago, I would have sworn would never happen.

[Deb & Bill]

...As Jim, I can't at this time recommend DVC to anyone to purchase and we are to the point of considering selling some of ours, which 5 years ago, I would have sworn would never happen.

Ditto and we have already sold two of our contracts. I've got at least one more, maybe two to sell.

[Tamar]

We've been members since 2001, and we've yet to be negatively impacted by a DVC change (altho don't get me started on the dining plan....)

[tjkraz]

I can echo what others have said in that the most noticable change to me is the full-out marketing push. You can't go to a member meeting, special event, DVC Cruise, open your DVC mail or even turn on your resort TV without getting the sales pitch.

As for other changes, I think the changes perceived as negative will leave the most lasting impact in folks' minds. However there have been quite a few positive developments as well, thngs like:

* AP Discount
* Other member perks (special event tickets, attraction previews, etc.)
* Ability to book dining plan at cost
* More member events / cruises
* Improving website (yes, it still needs a LOT of work buy you newbies should have seen it 4 years ago)
* Banking window (an improvement for some)
* Reduced point requirements for DL
* Addition of foreign parks to the Disney Collection
* More diverse DVCs coming (DL, Hawaii)

Some changes have been good...others have been bad. Personally I think the scale is tipped toward the good side, even though the marketing stuff is a real hot-button with me.

[3DisneyKids]

I think there has been an attitude change with DVC management. I think they look at it as a money machine. Before it was a prepaid vacation plan.

I agree. Customer service is not what is used to be. Member Services is not what it used to be, and the waits on hold have gotten longer as well. Upkeep at OKW sure isn't what it used to be. As long as people still keep making excuses for DVC, it won't get any better.

I hate to say it, but I tend to agree with Deb on this. It's not just DVC, I think the money-money-money focus is across the board throughout Disney.

snip.

I am going to pose somewhat of an opposing view here. While I agree that there is a huge monetary focus...I don't think that has to do with DVC, per se, but rather as Jim said, this is Disney across the board.

The main issue for DVC, I think, is quite simple...size. It has grown exponentially over the past couple of years. And whenever there is unrestrained growth (which is what I consider this to be), other areas start to suffer. And we have seen this all over WDW--they now employ close to 60,000 people. When you have that many employees, they aren't all going to be good and filled with magic and ready to spread pixie dust...it just isn't possible. And I can accept that and thus don't get bent out of shape when I encounter a CM who is less than magical.

Moreover, those who have been with DVC prior to the "population explosion" truly had the feeling of being in a "special, sort of secret, club." With member numbers now in the hundreds of thousands, some state that there is no longer that "special feeling."

However, this is a business transaction. I don't know of anywhere else other than Disney where people expect a special, magical feeling to come from a business transaction. So when folks say that DVC isn't what is used to be, I think that can be said of all of WDW and I think it all relates to size...everything is bigger, there are more people, the CMs are stretched way to thin as there isn't enough staff and so on.

For me and my family, we dearly love DVC and seem not to be affected by the recent changes (granted, we've only been staying in DVC accommodations since 2004).

One of the big complaints here is that membership has gotten so big that you can't get in to any resort if you want to do a quick last-minute trip (or you can't get into the smaller resorts). We have booked several trips under the 3-month mark and always have had a choice of resort.

Another big complaint here is that room cleanliness has gone downhill. Ours have always been spotless. Some folks mention that CMs are nasty and negative...again, not to us. So we don't have a single complaint.

We haven't ever used our points at other Disney resorts, so the new $95 fee has yet to affect us (though I agree with others that this is absurd and plain ol' nickel and diming members to death...).

Rob put it well....would I love it if gas were still .25/gallon? Heck yeah. But I understand why it can't be.

All this being said....of course there is room for improvement with DVC. But I think it still offers a very attractive option to those who visit WDW regularly.

Good luck as you make your decision. :goodvibes

[John VN]

I remember (as a kid of course) when gas was 25 cents a gallon and that meant someone put the gas in the car for you, and someone else cleaned your windows, checked and filled the oil if needed, checked and adjusted tire pressure, checked the exaust.

Things do change, but I think DVC has done a pretty good job of maintaing most of what makes DVC special. JMHO.

I was one of those guys who pumped the gas back when it was 45 cents a gallon. By then the differences were that I also washed the windows, checked the oil, put air in the tires, asked about wipers and had to pump other cars at the same time. More work load on one person just like businesses have been doing for years. It is hard to keep certain levels up with fewer employees per customer.

Just made a reservation for Feb. and had the nicest MS person in the 10 years we have been members.

Still recommend---yes:thumbsup2, just not as enthusiastically.

Overall feeling seems a little less personal compared to the smaller DVC back 10 years ago. I wonder if some of the pre '97 owners might agree.

[cdmickey]

I'm still "good with it" (DVC). I think familiarity breeds a little nit picking by some and thus discontent; I however do not feel I'm getting any less than I signed up for. JMO

[JimC]

Many good thoughtful comments so far.

We still enjoy our DVC membership. Increased it with AKV after we moved to Orlando (formerly from PA). So that says something about our overall perspective. We still consider Disney brand to be top notch with WDW a place where we can relax and have fun.

However, as we age and WDW evolves we experience changes that we think well of (see Tjkraz post for an excellent list), but there are more fundamental changes that we do not think well of (see posts by Deb and Bill, JimMIA, Sammie and Dean).

Maybe this captures my feelings -- someone asked how I could be such a fan of Disney and I said, "I am a huge fan of the man (Walt) and all that he accomplished" and leave it at that.

[mikeandkarla]

I know all of us would love to go back in time when gas was 25 cents a gallon, however I would guess that we all made a fraction of the income then that we do now. As with DVC, all is relative to everyone's interests. :)

[eliza61]

I didn't own my dvc back in the "good ole' days" so I can't really comment much on how is was 10 years ago. I try not to do that anyway because of the simple fact just about every thing looks better in hindsight (don't even get me started on customer service at department stores or quality at restaurants)

Anyway, whenever I go to Disney or travel for that matter I try to ask myself is the quality there for my dollar. So far at Disney it's been a resounding "Yes" but I may be very lucky. All my rooms have been excellently maintained, clean and fully stocked and I've never had a problem getting the time I wanted at my home resort. Personally, I think the cm's at wdw are great. They have an ridiculously hard job for bad pay and the ones I've encountered have been friendly, professional and knowledgable and if we want to play the "back in the day" game, I'll fan the fires by saying the guest themselves have gone down hill. I have seen more guest exhibiting bad behaviour, and I mean seriously bad behaviour than should be allowed.

In a nutshell I'm a happy camper and I would and do recommend dvc to my friends.

[dianeschlicht]

I think there has been an attitude change with DVC management. I think they look at it as a money machine. Before it was a prepaid vacation plan.

You know, I think that is a very good point. It isn't particulars so much as the attitude....kind of has become less "Disney magical" than before.

[ldo]

I think we will rent points this year and see if we have the same magic again. I never thought I would be thinking of buying DVC, as we have other TS and can easily trade into Orlando (but not DVC). But, when we stayed at SSR this summer (cash reservation)--it was perfect.
For those who think DVC has lost some of special feel--I can tell you that it felt much more "special" even as a non-owner than I have felt at other high end timeshares. My kids loved it, and said they would want to go back even if it meant we wouldn't even go into the parks!!
(ps--I am an old Disney gal--lived locally and went 25 times by the time I was 25--gotta say it's bigger, but I think maybe better in a lot of ways (there was no such thing as character meals when I was a kid).
Thanks, everyone for the insight and balanced views.

[nunzia]

<<<<I'll fan the fires by saying the guest themselves have gone down hill. I have seen more guest exhibiting bad behaviour, and I mean seriously bad behaviour than should be allowed.>>>>

Wow, that is the case. And I will tell you that people on vacation act differently (sometimes worse) than they would at home for the simple fact that no one knows them and they will never see these people again. You would not believe the hateful people employess at tourist destinations run into. I really would love to see a Tourist Etiquette book come out, but then, those that needed it wouldn't read it.
Generally, service people will respond how they are dealt with. If they are attacked, their guard comes up. If they are treated nice they will respond in kind. I've been on both ends of the equation. So, I can see issues with DVC POLICY but as far as other issues, there are probably two sides. That being said, CMs who treat guests rudely really do need to be reported so that quality doesn't slowly slip away.

[BWV Dreamin]

<<<<I'll fan the fires by saying the guest themselves have gone down hill. I have seen more guest exhibiting bad behaviour, and I mean seriously bad behaviour than should be allowed.>>>>

Wow, that is the case. And I will tell you that people on vacation act differently (sometimes worse) than they would at home for the simple fact that no one knows them and they will never see these people again. You would not believe the hateful people employess at tourist destinations run into. I really would love to see a Tourist Etiquette book come out, but then, those that needed it wouldn't read it.
Generally, service people will respond how they are dealt with. If they are attacked, their guard comes up. If they are treated nice they will respond in kind. I've been on both ends of the equation. So, I can see issues with DVC POLICY but as far as other issues, there are probably two sides. That being said, CMs who treat guests rudely really do need to be reported so that quality doesn't slowly slip away.

And the number one thing that should be included in that Tourist Etiquette book is ** Discipline your children !! **

[DVC Grammy]

I agree with those who point out that the world has changed (small "W", not WDW :rotfl2: ). We've owned DVC @ 10 years and during that time, some trips have been better, some have been worse, but that's not necessarily due to DVC.:sad2:
DH and I are enjoying DVC even more now; our vacations are more frequent, we have more of a selection of location and type of villas available (:cheer2: for AKV with CL and savanna villas!), and we have found the CMs to be friendly enough to suit us.
I do agree that the parks are quite a bit more crowded during "off-season", but that's not only due to DVC; there are more people traveling now (look at any news program that discusses the upcoming holiday travel numbers! :eek:)
Another factor that we noticed on our recent trip (earlier this month), is that with the US dollar falling, WDW has become an absolute bargain vacation to folks from other countries, and since their schedules are different from ours, families from other countries are visiting during their school holidays, which may not coincide with ours. :goodvibes
Yes, there are changes, but IMHO, not due to DVC. :flower3:

[dianeschlicht]

I'll fan the fires by saying the guest themselves have gone down hill. I have seen more guest exhibiting bad behaviour, and I mean seriously bad behaviour than should be allowed.
How true, and you can see that attitude reflected here on the boards as well. People are much more into self entitlement. The only thing of importance is THEIR vacation.

Another part of that equation is Disney being less and less interested in enforcing their own rules. Things like no-smoking areas, no running or heelies, and just keeping things like ADRs and special events organized and fun. Heck, even the CMs are less friendly and "Disney helpful" than they used to be.

One of the things that first drew us to WDW was the attention to detail. It is what brought us back time and time again. Things like flower beds always looking perfect....Themes always done to the max...Over the top cleanliness in an industry not known for it...and CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! That last one is lacking big time these days, as is the cleanliness that we used to find.

[Donna]

I think the worst change has been the focus they have taken. For years the focus was on the current membership. Therefore the members did a very good job of selling DVC for Disney.

However recently I see a shift away from the current membership and more focus on sales and expansion.

I don't think the current $95 fee, the banking changes, the problems in housekeeping and maintenance reflect a management that is listening anymore to it's membership, I think they are listening to themselves.

As Jim, I can't at this time recommend DVC to anyone to purchase and we are to the point of considering selling some of ours, which 5 years ago, I would have sworn would never happen.

I could have written this post verbatim. It says exactly as i feel and I can see alot of others feel the same way. Thanks for wording it so perfectly! I would never recommend DVC at this point; I sold 5 contracts over the years via recommendations even tho my state doesn't allow me to receive any compensation. I felt that strongly about it at that time. I can and will not do it anymore. If people in the parks see my dvc bag (i use it cause it's so handy) and ask me about DVC, i always say read the DIS boards..check it out thoroughly, it ain't what it used to be!

There are people out there, even longtime owners, who wear their rose colored glasses that DVC handled out to them back then. Even though DVC continues to kick them where it hurts, they still insist they can see through those cracked glasses. Some of the changes made don't affect everyone now but there are changes coming that will and then i wonder if the glasses will finally come off.

[BroganMc]

One of the things that first drew us to WDW was the attention to detail. It is what brought us back time and time again. Things like flower beds always looking perfect....Themes always done to the max...Over the top cleanliness in an industry not known for it...and CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! That last one is lacking big time these days, as is the cleanliness that we used to find.

You really think it's lacking?

Gee, I keep hearing these horror stories that make me fear the end of the world, but then I go out and find nothing but nice people. Disney still maintains the best landscaped grounds of anywhere in the world. Maybe the only place that equaled Disney in a pleasant walk was St. James Park in London (one absolutely gorgeous and well manicured English garden.. even better than the Queen's IMHO).

The CMs at SSR have always been super nice to me. Even when I left Magic Kingdom three late nights in October the CMs waving those "See Ya Real Soon" signs chatted me up. (I got to hold the "real" sign twice and they cried when I said I was leaving for the last time.)

The CMs at Haunted Mansion went to all the trouble of getting me a manual chair so I could see the "stretching room".

I've been ushered into the FastPass lane when I forgot my guest assistance card. I was teased and carded by one very cute CM at F&W fest. The Canadians dishing out popcorn were so friendly I ended up spending an extra half hour just talking to them as I munched away.

I've had CMs make space for me in the parade viewing areas. I've had CMs search a resort for a handicapped room I'd prefer.

If I ask for the pool lift for the spa at SSR, the lifeguards ask me how long I'm staying so they can bring it out every day of the week.

I've even been remembered, stopped and complimented by janitors at MK on a busy day.

Now there have been a few grumpy pusses in my Disney history. But not nearly enough for me to say they aren't helpful as a whole.

I guess it just matters what you put into it. I always try to be pleasant to others, even if I'm in the sourest mood possible. The rare occasions when I've encountered an unpleasant CM have been when they were exceptionally busy.

[bblanch]

As someone who's been researching DVC and following this forum for the last couple of years and currently waiting on my first contract to pass ROFR... it's a bit discouraging to see some of the posters that I found the most helpful and informative over that time to be on the negative side in here and even selling off some contracts because of it. :sad1:

[dianeschlicht]

You really think it's lacking?

Gee, I keep hearing these horror stories that make me fear the end of the world, but then I go out and find nothing but nice people. Disney still maintains the best landscaped grounds of anywhere in the world. Maybe the only place that equaled Disney in a pleasant walk was St. James Park in London (one absolutely gorgeous and well manicured English garden.. even better than the Queen's IMHO).
I didn't say the landscaping was lacking... I said it was one of the details that drew us to WDW in the first place. I said, and CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! That last one is lacking big time these days, as is the cleanliness that we used to find.

[ead79]

As someone who's been researching DVC and following this forum for the last couple of years and currently waiting on my first contract to pass ROFR... it's a bit discouraging to see some of the posters that I found the most helpful and informative over that time to be on the negative side in here and even selling off some contracts because of it. :sad1:

I know what you mean. We just bought at AKV earlier this month, and it is a bit discouraging. But here are my thoughts--I did the math for our vacation habits, and DVC is a good deal for us. Also, we weren't members way back in the day, so we don't lament the loss of perks we never knew about. As far as dirty rooms or complaints like that go, that is just sometimes going to happen. I have stayed at many of the WDW resorts, and we've had little issues with some of our rooms from time to time. It's bound to happen at DVC resorts too no matter how hard Disney tries to keep them up. In some cases I think people are just looking for little nit picky things and letting them bother them, but of course some complaints are very legitimate. If I encounter a problem myself, then I'll let Disney know about it. Otherwise, I'll just take what I read with a grain of salt.

[ldo]

I think DVC is a great timeshare, and if I didn't already have other timeshares (at the beach), and my kids were a bit younger, I would be on the phone buying DVC---no issues here.

I stayed at SSR this summer, found it to be clean, every CM, including maintenance, to be very nice and thought is was one of the best vacations we had ever had---DD (11) said it was only 2nd to our family reunion in Hawaii.

I had the DVC "magic" bug so bad after that SSR stay that I was trying to talk DH into DVC this weekend---so just doing my due diligence, I ran across some of the "DVC has changed" posts and after our trip was wondering what they were talking about. I see nothing in these posts that would concern me about buying. I think it's still a great value (if you can do a weekday stay).
Elaine

[kimberh]

As someone who's been researching DVC and following this forum for the last couple of years and currently waiting on my first contract to pass ROFR... it's a bit discouraging to see some of the posters that I found the most helpful and informative over that time to be on the negative side in here and even selling off some contracts because of it. :sad1:

Please don't let others comments get you down. I own at four properties, but I am not from the "good ole days" so I really don't know what (they) are referring to. Each and every vacation that we have taken has been wonderful. We have had very clean rooms, I have not done the first thing to make it any cleaner. I am a person that will call the front desk, if this does not meet my standards. I read and read the dis before we bought, I know what you are saying. If a thread like this was on, I would have become worried too.
For us, it was a matter of being tired of paying high hotel prices. We really wanted to stay on Disney property and in deluxe accomodations. The rest has been icing on the cake. The CM's I have encountered have been wonderful. I had one at MS the other day, that I told her she was such a joy to deal with. I told her every time I get her, I know it is going to be a smooth transaction. She beamed with appreciation. She thanked me over and over.

I hope you stay happy with your purchase. We are taking a large family trip next month, everyone is so excited, especially since I became a DVC member. Now, they don't have a hotel bill.:laughing:

[DisDaydreamer]

I think it all is a matter of personal perspective and I suspect "early owners" are dissapointed because they can see changes happening while newer and new owner's just see what is.

For me.... I'm sort of a "mid" owner (1998). I have seen some changes including some I don't like, but I still see the DVC I bought into as being the best choice. We've stayed at Wyndham resorts many times in the last 5 to 10 years and they are experiencing problems way beyond the ones discussed here.

And don't let them know you are guest... they will hunt you down and promise you the moon to go see one of their 1 hour presentations that turns into 4 hours of torture. Getting away without buying is very painful. Thank goodness Disney doesn't market like this.

DVC is still a notch or two above the others. :)

[Disney MAINEiac]

I still love my DVC...I bought simply to be able to affort better room over a long time period...for that it works

[eliza61]

There are people out there, even longtime owners, who wear their rose colored glasses that DVC handled out to them back then. Even though DVC continues to kick them where it hurts, they still insist they can see through those cracked glasses. Some of the changes made don't affect everyone now but there are changes coming that will and then i wonder if the glasses will finally come off.


I don't think we were wearing rose colored glasses. I would totally agree that Disney as a whole has some problems, customer service being one of them. I continue to write and complain where I see issue. I simply believe that for the way I vacation, DVC has been a good deal and so far WDW is still delivering the quality for my dollar.

[dianeschlicht]

I don't think we were wearing rose colored glasses. I would totally agree that Disney as a whole has some problems, customer service being one of them. I continue to write and complain where I see issue. I simply believe that for the way I vacation, DVC has been a good deal and so far WDW is still delivering the quality for my dollar.

All in all, I agree with you completely. While I see the customer service and cleanliness of the parks waning from what it was 25 years ago, I also see it as still being much better than lots of other choices out there.

[DVC Grammy]

I don't think we were wearing rose colored glasses. I would totally agree that Disney as a whole has some problems, customer service being one of them. I continue to write and complain where I see issue. I simply believe that for the way I vacation, DVC has been a good deal and so far WDW is still delivering the quality for my dollar.

ITA, eliza61,
DVC has given us at least what we expected from owning it, and sometimes, much more. :goodvibes
There hasn't been a trip that we've taken in which there hasn't been at least one dose of pixiedust:, even if it's a small dose. :goodvibes

[abbysmema]

I am still a very happy DVC owner. Although we only own since 2004 we have had many very special vacations over these last few years. I don't think I could ever go back to a staying in a hotel room again, not even a deluxe. My family is growing now that my DH and I have become grandparents and we are able to offer everyone spacious accommodations where the family can always stay together. DVC makes this affordable for us to do. Our rooms have always been clean and the staff has always been responsive to our needs. Whenever my DGD has walked into the community room she has been greeted by staff who remember her from previous visits and she always feels right at home. WDW is still my family's favorite vacation destination and SSR is our favorite home away from home. I have no intention of selling any of my contracts (they will be for my children and grandchildren to use) and so far none of the recent changes have affected the way I use my ownership. Marie

[crisi]

All in all, I agree with you completely. While I see the customer service and cleanliness of the parks waning from what it was 25 years ago, I also see it as still being much better than lots of other choices out there.

And 25 years is a lot of perspective! That's part of it..... if you remember a Magic Kingdom were rude guest behavior wasn't tolerated, or where you almost never saw a burned out lightbulb or a wall in need of painting and where the trash seemed to magically disappear (did anyone litter?) - the Disney of today is far less perfect. But its still pretty darn clean and pretty darn well maintained.

It doesn't seem to change too much year over year. Sometimes there is a change that makes a really significant impact in the quality of the vacation, but usually, its a small change. More crowds each year. Standardized menus. Getting rid of the colored towels. More cast members - which means fewer and fewer fresh faced idealistic polite kids on the college program - and more CMs who are trying to raise a family in Central Florida on a Disney CM wage. (Remember when Kilamanjaro Safari's drivers were all from Africa? - it was a MUCH cooler experience with just that staffing difference).

DVC however, is for the long term - and those little changes do stack up over time. There have been some for the better - ERide nights being turned into free Extra Magic Hours. Resorts that are affordable to a wider cross section of people. More parks than 25 years ago - and some very nice attractions. Unfortunately, to me it seems like most of these changes have been grains of sand on the worse side of the scale.

[frogman]

I think the worst change has been the focus they have taken. For years the focus was on the current membership. Therefore the members did a very good job of selling DVC for Disney.

However recently I see a shift away from the current membership and more focus on sales and expansion.

I don't think the current $95 fee, the banking changes, the problems in housekeeping and maintenance reflect a management that is listening anymore to it's membership, I think they are listening to themselves.

As Jim, I can't at this time recommend DVC to anyone to purchase and we are to the point of considering selling some of ours, which 5 years ago, I would have sworn would never happen.

As is the norm, I agee with Sammie's observations.

With a possible/probable economic downturn around the corner, perhaps Disney and WDW will start to re-value thier current DVC Owners as sales of DVC and vacations decline.

However, unlike post September 11th, foreign travel, and more importantly foreign markets are doing well, make DVC very attractive to those guests. So we may see a bigger DVC focus on European sales, and even more neglect of 'US'.

But, I'm hoping for the return of DVC's 'respect' for its US owners over the next few years....

JMHO.

[Studios94]

I have been a DVC member since 2001 (home resort VWL). I am very happy with DVC. Yes, there have been changes but overall I'm even happier with DVC now than I was when I first joined. For example, DVC has added several wonderful new resort options (BCV, SSR, AKL, upcoming Hawaii resort) since I joined. The new DVC resorts have more luxurios finishes (e.g., granite countertops) than the older DVC resorts. I've never experienced cleanliness issues with our rooms. The main benefit is that I don't have to pay the ever-increasing cash room rates! :)

[RLCarmichael]

As someone who's been researching DVC and following this forum for the last couple of years and currently waiting on my first contract to pass ROFR... it's a bit discouraging to see some of the posters that I found the most helpful and informative over that time to be on the negative side in here and even selling off some contracts because of it. :sad1:

Don't sweat it. Yeah, we're not as happy about some changes but I can tell you that the most important thing with ANY timeshare is LOCATION. Disney has the location.

Buy it because it makes sense for you. Sell it when it doesn't.

Other timeshares sell on ebay for PENNIES on the dollar. (I have bought several weeks for ONE dollar.) You won't find DVC points at that kind of price!

[disney54us]

We purchased DVC (OKW) on our 2nd trip in 97. OKW was almost sold out and Sales were starting at the BW. At the time, both trips had been 'magical' and we were ready to take the plunge. I would have to say the first time we had less then a magical trip was in late November of 01. Tourism was down due to the tragedy of 9/11 and with that many CM's were laid off or full time help were working part time hrs. This was my DM's 2nd trip with us and my DD's first. Not that my DD did not enjoy himself but he didn't get how I would go on and on about how everything was so perfect at OKW. DM told him that her prior trip was perfect and not to judge this particular trip.
We went on as a family to have many wonderful trips, but through the years you can see a difference in attention to detail or should I say lack of attention. Some may say, these little things are no big deal and individually they may not be. As a whole they add up, it was all the little details that made Disney and DVC so special.

Check in was a breeze and you really did feel like you were being Welcomed Home. The CM's knew how to handle everything and could answer just about anything. They reviewed all the 'special happenings' that were going on during your stay. I have to say it's been a few trips since that's been done at check-in.
Rooms, were ready on time, if not before. They were in perfect condition.
Food at Olivia's always great, CM's happy, friendly and seemed to love their job! Ask for a recipe, and they went to the back and printed it out (still waiting to be emailed a recipe I asked for 2 years ago).
I remember when we bought, one thing that I thought would be great to do was order Thanksgiving Dinner and have it delivered to have at 'home'. We were told about that when we were touring OKW. We never have spent Thanksgiving there yet, but I don't think they do that anymore. Thanksgiving regulars would know.

This is not to say there are not great CM's working the front desk, or Olivia's or mousekeeping, or MS or in Disney, please keep this in mind. This is a answer to has it changed and yes it has.

Am I selling my contracts? No, we are not. Did we add 3 more contracts, since the initial 2 in 97? Yes. I guess for some of us we have come to expect what I call "The Disney Way" and when we see some things being done or not done, it is disconcerting. When, we travel outside of Disney (very rare), I do compare things to how Disney does it. One overpriced long weekend at a Chocolate factory with lodges and a park ( I think all can figure out where), was horrible and my DN was with us and considers me a Disney Nut. That trip showed her the difference of the "The Disney Way" to others for the same amount of cost. So, yes Disney still is great:cheer2: .
Does it mean you can never luck out and get a reservation at the last minute or a few months out? Yes, it still happens, for every reply about that or the great CM's or how clean the rooms are, they are all true. What some of us are saying is that this was always the norm all the time. We came to expect nothing less.
Things change, not always for the better as I feel some of the changes that have happened with DVC. There are many CM's who are DVC owners and will also agree this isn't the DVC we all bought and loved. The price of DVC has not gone down so I don't expect the service to.
Buying into DVC will still enable you to have the vacations you enjoy. Since you have been reading the boards you are aware of what the most common complaints are, with that knowledge you can make and intelligent choice. With the complaints you have read, I think you can see the same people are still here discussing up coming vacations and bringing back great trip reports etc. So, I think you received honest answers, we still love Disney and DVC, but many love the old one better:santa:

[UConnJack]

I'm sure I will get slammed for these gross generalizations, but.....

No offense to anyone, it seems to me the old timers (not in age, but in membership) that have been DVC members from the beginning (OKW and maybe you can count some early BWV) are the members who seem to be the most disgruntled with the new DVC changes. Not that I can blame them, what they had really was special, so much so that expecting the club to remain that exclusive, intimate, and member-centric really was unrealistic. Things that are too good to be true are just that. DVC and Disney are a business, and once DVC was a success, it was bound to change.

The middle aged members (again, in membership, not age), myself included (BWV 2000), don't really seem to have the same garden of Eden view of DVC that the old-timers do. They seem to recognize the bad changes, but overall see DVC as improving with expansion. They were sold on DVC often because of the potential for and knowledge of growth, and seem to be more tolerant of those growing pains. They never had the free annual passes, or the same extremely intimate family atmosphere between members and CMs alike that OKW had in the fist several years. What they were sold was a little more realistic than the utopia of early OKW.

The newbies, of course, are obviously just tickled pink that they are part of this club at all (why else would they be happy with SSR ;)). But seriously, seeing the remaining enthusiasm by newbies shows that DVC is still better than most other timeshares, and offers a lot that others don't. Even with the ramp up of (admittedly aggressive) marketing, it is still less in-your-face than most others. Plus DVC still holds it value like no other, which is a testament to something.

Not that I don't agree that many of these changes have been for the worse, they have, but some of them have been necessary due to the size of the program, and some may be considered positive by some and not to others. I for example like the banking deadline change, hated the X% by this date, Y% by that date mess. The one transfer rule change I despise, however, I can't blame DVC entirely for that, as the people who have learned to abuse the system (as all systems can) have forced that hand to some degree. My biggest compliant, which pertains to the transfer rule too, is that DVC's changes have often been knee-jerk, plugging holes rather than fixing the dam. When something’s this big and with a life of its own, this unfortunately happens and is not just isolated to DVC.

Disney is so big now that they seem to be losing sight of the details and minutia compared to what they once were. While it’s a valid complaint, I don't think the boat is sinking. Maybe I do have rose-colored glasses, but I think it all cyclic and will again see a stretch of time where the good changes outnumber the bad.

[tomandrobin]

We have been members for two years, so I guess we are the "new kids" that moved in down the street. I have read about the past perks and such things that the original members recieved. Yes alot of them have gone away, but new perks ans such have been implemented. Disney changes, tweaks everything, including DVC. It seems that the more successful something becomes, Disney will seize the oppurtunity to make more money off of it. Look at the Dining Plan, the free photo at MNSSHP & MVMCP, pin trading, etc. I think that DVC is moving in the right direction overall. They are adding new resorts in California and Hawaii. Have those two items been on the DVC wish list for years?

I read complaints about the quality of the CM's and cleaning staff. Disney is having a hard time fullfilling its employment needs the past couple of years. Plus, resort occupancy has been steadly climbing since the low of post 911.
but these are the same issues most large companies have been having around the country, its just not a Disney thing.

We own other timeshares and know what a difference Disney treats its members, compared to most other timeshares. DVC currently has 8 resorts with 2 more under development and a third rumored. That will bring DVC up to 11 resorts in a few years. As long as DVC is a cash cow to Disney, then they will continue to add resorts.

[DVC Grammy]

...................................... DVC currently has 8 resorts with 2 more under development and a third rumored. That will bring DVC up to 11 resorts in a few years. As long as DVC is a cash cow to Disney, then they will continue to add resorts.

This same growth that some blame for the (negative) changes they have perceived in DVC (definitely NOT directed at you, tomandrobin :flower3: ) is one of the reasons we still enjoy it so much. We have owned since the 90's, and having more DVC locations makes it even better for us.

With careful planning, we can make each of our WDW trips have a completely different vacation feel to it and yet still be in the same "world" (although lately, DH has been in a BW "frame of mind".....................but I'll bet that he changes his tune this January when he's at AKV Concierge! :lmao:).

The flexibility and variety of DVC makes it still one of the best decisions we have made. :thumbsup2

[tomandrobin]

With careful planning, we can make each of our WDW trips have a completely different vacation feel to it and yet still be in the same "world" (although lately, DH has been in a BW "frame of mind".....................but I'll bet that he changes his tune this January when he's at AKV Concierge! :lmao:).

The flexibility and variety of DVC makes it still one of the best decisions we have made. :thumbsup2

I forgot to mention the concierge level at AKV. That too is an upgrade that has been added due to the growth of DVC. When CRV is made official, that too will fullfill another long time DVC wish list item.

Every trip we have taken to Disney is similar, but none of them have ever been the same. Its amazing to us all of the possibilities that exist just going to WDW.

[DisDaydreamer]

I forgot to mention the concierge level at AKV. That too is an upgrade that has been added due to the growth of DVC. When CRV is made official, that too will fullfill another long time DVC wish list item.

Every trip we have taken to Disney is similar, but none of them have ever been the same. Its amazing to us all of the possibilities that exist just going to WDW.

You may be a newbie, but you get it....

[dvc-NE]

However recently I see a shift away from the current membership and more focus on sales and expansion.




I can see that. DVC & DCL are the two top money makers for Disney. Hence the sales push and the expansion.

[Debbie H]

I'm sure I will get slammed for these gross generalizations, but.....

No offense to anyone, it seems to me the old timers (not in age, but in membership) that have been DVC members from the beginning (OKW and maybe you can count some early BWV) are the members who seem to be the most disgruntled with the new DVC changes. Not that I can blame them, what they had really was special, so much so that expecting the club to remain that exclusive, intimate, and member-centric really was unrealistic. Things that are too good to be true are just that. DVC and Disney are a business, and once DVC was a success, it was bound to change.


No slamming.....We old timers were told that things would be a certain way. We were told it was going to be special. We were told that "it would be the only one on property". So we bought. It was wonderful for years. Then it changed and it changed drastically. Will we sell? Probably not. Still like going down there but will start trading out more and stay away from being there as much and hope it will get better. There were a few Summers I was there with the kids for the entire Summer and was only home 1 weekend. It really was special back then.

[disney54us]

No slamming.....We old timers were told that things would be a certain way. We were told it was going to be special. We were told that "it would be the only one on property". So we bought. It was wonderful for years. Then it changed and it changed drastically. Will we sell? Probably not. Still like going down there but will start trading out more and stay away from being there as much and hope it will get better. There were a few Summers I was there with the kids for the entire Summer and was only home 1 weekend. It really was special back then.

Wow, when we joined in '97' I heard there were some who could spend a couple of months at a time:yay:. I just realized that I said 'joined' not bought, I think that might be a difference too. Back then, we felt like we were joining something and did not refer to DVC as we bought into. Even though we did.

[groverdog]

I still love my DVC as much as I did the first day if not more. We just finished an add-on for more BW points and I'm keeping my fingers crossed for CRV so we can get more :cool1:
We are taking my elderly parents to SSR in December; they need a break due to family issues and I'm so thrilled we can provide this vacation for them.
The changes that have happened over the years just don't dull the magic for us. I'm so thankful that we have been fortunate enough to have this, I know thousands of families would give almost anything to be in our shoes.

[disney54us]

[QUOTE=UConnJack;21821162]I'm sure I will get slammed for these gross generalizations, but.....

I may not agree with everything you said, but I did not feel you were trying to say other views were wrong. You were stating yours without being combative.:goodvibes Thanks for that!

[ldo]

Well, thanks for all the info and "telling it like it is." After reading all of these, and having gone to WDW since it opened as a kids, I love it more now with my kids than when I was a kid! DVC (even as a cash paying guest) had the "magic" for us this summer--we're buying and will see you all next summer! Elaine

[Chuck S]

There have been changes since we purchased OKW in 1992.

I wouldn't call myself "disgruntled" about them. I understand that as numbers grow, the little "perks" simply can't be given to every member. Some little perks were discontinued because of logistics, some were changed because laws/security has changed. I miss some of the little perks, but it just isn't possible to offer them anymore.

For instance, in the first couple of years, we were able to call OKW before we arrived and check-in over the phone, giving them our credit card number, and simply stopping at an express desk to get our welcome packet and pre-prepared room keys. Can you imagine trying to do that at a fully sold out resort the size of OKW today? Let alone the newer federal privacy acts regarding credit card numbers. Remember when we DIDN'T receive privacy policy mailing from all your banks, doctor and credit card issuers every single year?

We used to often get small gifts from marketing when we arrived, like photo albums, key chains, etc. The cost today to supply those for all the members arriving at all the DVC resorts would certainly be prohibitive now.

They used to put packages delivered from the parks directly in our rooms. Now we have to sign for them, and have our receipt stamped, when we retrieve them from the resort gift shops. I'll bet they had a lot of folks claim they never received their packages.

There have been changes, not only on the part of resort operations, but in the mindset of the traveling public. Unfortunately, some changes are simply necessary because a few bad apples think It's all about ME!!! regardless of how it affects resort operations or other peoples vacations.

[tomandrobin]

I agree 100% with what you are saying Chuck. Its not so much DVC changing by choice, but as of condition of responding to current times. Some because of growth, some because of laws and regulations