So what do we all think about the Travel Channel Special??

[acejka]

I felt like I was watching an extended DVC DVD...

It did make me want to add on though! At our home AKL...

I don't like the BLT rooms anymore than I did before. They give me a retro/ikea-ish feel. I do want to stay there at least once though.

[threegoofys]

Made me want to pack my bags and head for home!!

[AnnaS]

I felt like I was in WDW in our villa watching their DVC channel.

I wish they had shown a bit more of all the DVC resorts.

They make it sound very easy to vacation around the world too.

I am starting to like the villas at BLT and really like the AKL villas.

I don't plan on buying any points(if I do, it will probably be an add-on again at BCV) but want to try all of the DVC resorts of course.

[LadyTrampScamp&Angel]

Like you I wish there had been less "selling", more substance, but I liked revisiting all the resorts anyway.

[Figment2]

Wonder how much Disney paid the Travel Channel to air it.

Did I miss it or was there no mention of the Grand Californian villas?

Cyn

[Mouse511]

We thought it was just ok - They should have spent more time on the WDW resorts and less time saying how easy it was to vacation Costa Rica......

I dont like the 'style' of the BLT rooms, but wouldn't mind staying there a night or two.

[simzac]

Wonder how much Disney paid the Travel Channel to air it.

Did I miss it or was there no mention of the Grand Californian villas?

Cyn

You didn't miss it, it wasn't mentioned. Shame on DVC.:sad2:

[Disney_Villain]

It did make me want to add on though! At our home AKL...I don't like the BLT rooms anymore than I did before. They give me a retro/ikea-ish feel. I do want to stay there at least once though.

Same here. We're happy we did an add-on this Spring at SSR and now we want to go back and apologize to DVC for not buying into AKV while we there. All the other resorts' rooms are beautiful. Hmm, maybe we can an AKV add-on the next time we go - and tell DVC what we think of BLT while we are there.

BLT rooms' furnishings look like what my grandparents had that we threw in the trash after they passed on. Some people think its funky, I have no appreciation for it. Call it a generational thing.

[liznboys]

I thought it was fine for what it was, basically a commercial. I loved seeing more of BLT! :)

[Laneychris]

Thought is was great though I don't really like BLT.

[becca-becca]

I loved the special because I soak up any new Disney show that is on! I wish more was spent on WDW vacations than on other parts of the world, but I guess in order to attract all types, they had to do that.

As for BLT, we probably won't ever buy there (mostly because of cost) and the whole CR theme and BLT theme is not my style at home. However, I think it is totally fine for my vacation. It goes with the theming of that resort and I can see why it turns many off, but Disney is always good at getting their theming right!

However, it just made me have Addonitis which I can't have at this time! Someday, I will add-on!!!

[becca-becca]

BTW, which DIS member was on the show? Does anyone know?

[PatMcDuck]

I was interested and then annoyed the way they portrayed a few things. The family with the 8 kids, for one. They made a BIG deal about them being BCV owners (like us). I was watching them swim in the BCV pool, SAB. Then I kept watching the interview, and I was asking myself, what ROOM are they in there? I was wondering , do they book 2 2-BRs or something?? They had grandparents, and the 8 kids and parents. But the table looked so huge. Then they said, let's go watch the fireworks, and it became obvious they were in a BWV Grand Villa?? The view was from BW, so I assumes that was a BWV room. Misleading, and very unnecessary.

While I personally like the BLT decor, for at least a visit, it really did not compare to the AK villas. They should have shown the BLT lounge with the fireworks view, and the BLT pool, which looks sweet.

It was a big commercial, and they really made it seem like DVC was only for the very wealthy. These families were not typical owners, IMHO. And no mention of the DL Grand Californian villas, but I guess they could not legally even mention them?

PS I had no idea the AK grand villa had a pool table.

[twinklebug]

You didn't miss it, it wasn't mentioned. Shame on DVC.:sad2:

All considered, when you think about who they're marketing to - maybe this show was just right. Travel channel = people who want to go places & not just Disney. They didn't include all the DVC locations as there are just too many and might cause information overload, as well as wanting to leave a few surprises for folk new to the idea to uncover and *wow* at. From a disboard DVC'ers persepective this show was just the same pamphlet presented in a new manner.

[mamaprincess]

BTW, which DIS member was on the show? Does anyone know?

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

[Longhairbear]

I was wondering why they never mentioned GCV, or even Disneyland.
I'm not a fan of the decor at BLT. I hated the arched table under the TV, too 1970's for me.

[PinkTink63]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

I was right! I did guess correctly!:thumbsup2 How fun was that for your family?:woohoo: How did you get picked to do that?

[DISNEY FIX]

I am dissapointed they they waited all the way to 4 minutes left in the program to talk about BLT. The could have done soooo much more with that. I wonder if mentioning the BCV and BWV is going to have a bunch of people looking to ask a guide to get them in there?????
Last point, are the Adventures by Disney that good a use of points?

[anbouk]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

that is SO exciting being on a show for DVC. How was the selection process? :goodvibes

[robandkelly13]

I would have liked to see more of the resorts. I was a bit disappointed.

[dis2cruise]

i thought they were pushing more to go away from disney to there "other"
places like costa rica. I actually lost interest in the show, just my opinion:rolleyes1

[moredisneyplease]

I agree that there really wasnt a lot of focus on DVC resorts!! :confused3 And yes, no mention of GCV :confused:

I want to hear more from the family who was on the show..........how did you get selected? So cool!

[moredisneyplease]

One more thing............why was EVERYONE wearing lime green?? :confused3

[mgilmer]

i thought they were pushing more to go away from disney to there "other"
places like costa rica. I actually lost interest in the show, just my opinion:rolleyes1

Same here. I also found parts of it very misleading, such as the big family in the Grand Villa who had BCV as their home resort - the show led you to believe that the GV they were in was at BCV when we know no such thing exists at BCV. There were other things they glossed over, too. I know I am probably the minority on this, but I found it almost insulting how they continuously said that the DVC was almost invented so people would not be stuck at WDW evey year like a regular timeshare. Heck, I WANT to be stuck at WDW every year ( or maybe even all year:rotfl2:).

[AnnaS]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:


Wow - Congratulations! Would love to hear all the details also - please, lol. Beginning to end. Sort of a trip report.

Need to watch it again - I did not notice/realize everyone was wearing lime green.

[bonnielynn]

:surfweb:

[keishashadow]

Like you I wish there had been less "selling", more substance, but I liked revisiting all the resorts anyway.
:thumbsup2

Wonder how much Disney paid the Travel Channel to air it.

Did I miss it or was there no mention of the Grand Californian villas?

Cyn

im thinking $0...they just continue to produce new Disney related programs & provide them w/no cost programming that probably gets high ratings:confused3

congrats to u mama princess....so, when r u headed to France;) ?

[granmanh603]

I didn't like it either....I thought it was boring, like and hour long infomercial but maybe that is because we already own it didn't make me feel all warm and fuzzy, it just reminded me of a regular timeshare pitch. I actually like the ones they show on the TV at Disney better. I hope they didn't pay to much to air it(maybe ABC/Disney owns the travel channel?) Would like to know what people who don't own or are thinking of buying thought of it.:goodvibes

[KPH500]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:


Lucky you! Your kids were SOOOOO cute at the spa at SSR. princess:

[keishashadow]

One more thing............why was EVERYONE wearing lime green?? :confused3

;) lime green, un-official color of the DISboard

[Brian Noble]

The Disney specials on the travel channel are always just extended advertisements, but this one was more blatant than most.

I am probably the minority on this, but I found it almost insulting how they continuously said that the DVC was almost invented so people would not be stuck at WDW evey year like a regular timeshare.
My guess: "We're not sure we want to come back to Disney most years" is the #1 reason people give for not buying. The push away from Disney was very interesting---and, as people here will tell you, not necessarily the wisest use of your points.

[Mickeysduck]

We thought it was way over the top. Catered to the upper class. Everyone appeared to have large bank accounts. One of them admitted he owned a paint company.

A family of 5 getting the royal treatment at the saratoga spa?? Then getting the couples treatment? This, after 5 plane tickets, meals, admission to parks.... Then a trip to France or Costa Rica?? No where did it say that most expenses, as shown, are not included in the price.

We love DVC for what it is. Great places to take vacations, especially Disney World, which was not covered as much as we would have liked. Could have said more about the great rooms, great locations, and on site perks. Annual pass discounts, discounts on activities, etc.

[Mickeysduck]

Wonder how much Disney paid the Travel Channel to air it.

Did I miss it or was there no mention of the Grand Californian villas?

Cyn

Disney owns the Travel Channel, as well as many others.

[DVC Mike]

I really didn't think it was that great.

[tedisney]

I thought it was okay. A bit sales pitch-y for me, but it's always fun to watch TV about WDW/DVC!

However, I have to take issue with the 40th birthday party. Balloons aren't allowed at AKL/AKV, yet they were all over the room (which looked great, as did the cake!). I think it's silly for Disney to decorate the room that way when we we aren't allowed to do the same thing. Oh well, minor gripe.

(very minor, as in I'm leaving tomorrow for a stay at AKV, LOL)

[Tink-n-Belle]

It was just an informercial!!! Very disappointed. If they wanted to showcase DVC than they should have showcased the rooms more, the perks, and the overall feel of the resort.

Very disappointed!

[lenshanem]

That is funny. It didn't occur to me until I read this thread that they didn't show or mention GCV... How odd.

I personally thought they should have at least gone through a rundown of the different DVC resorts. They could have named them off quickly with just a pic.

I wondered to myself if anyone was gonna catch the family of 10 that owned at BCV and wonder what size accommodation they stay in. And apparently some of you did. :lmao:

IMHO, if you have 8 kids you have my blessing to stay in a 2 bedroom and bring some aerobeds. Can you imagine what their park admission must cost?!? :scared1:

[Mickeysduck]

Sorry, deleted question, already asked.

[horselover]

I agree with most of the other comments. I thought the resorts looked lovely, but they were really pushing how "flexible" the program is to go other places. While technically that is true we all know that's not the best use of your points, that is unless you have oh say 1,000 pts! Also interesting that the accomodations they chose to show were grand villas. A little misleading I'd say.

[np4gp]

I have to agree with a couple people on here...as someone considering purchasing, they sure did make it look like ownership was more geared to those who have a substantial bank account - company owner, two attorneys, etc...

Also, one of the first things I noticed was all of the LIME GREEN...the family of 10 all had various shades of lime on during most of their segment. I immediately said to my husband, "they must be DISers". The only other reason I could think of was because they were a huge family and it is a good color to wear if you have to try and find someone in the parks...lol.

Anyway, I only enjoyed seeing the new resort and I love the "IKEAish" look. I will look forward to renting some points there in the future :rolleyes:

[keishashadow]

Disney owns the Travel Channel, as well as many others.

:confused: thought it was owned by Cox Communicationspopcorn::

[emlutz23]

I set it up to record b/c I wasn't home but it didn't work. After reading this thread and others, I don't feel so bad for missing it! :laughing:

[nunzia]

Same here. We're happy we did an add-on this Spring at SSR and now we want to go back and apologize to DVC for not buying into AKV while we there. All the other resorts' rooms are beautiful. Hmm, maybe we can an AKV add-on the next time we go - and tell DVC what we think of BLT while we are there.

BLT rooms' furnishings look like what my grandparents had that we threw in the trash after they passed on. Some people think its funky, I have no appreciation for it. Call it a generational thing.

I guess since I'm that certain age, I have to say I love the BLT look! I wasn't at all interested in it before...and if I wasn't such a west coaster and waiting for GCV I'd buy in.
As far as the show, I thought it was pretty lousy. WAAAY to much time showing stuff away from the parks, really no infromation on how to use DVC, which resorts were available, etc. Overemphasis on using points out of country or away from parks, and made it sound super easy, which I have heard it is not. Deceptive. Why blow a good chunk of time showing a family on an ABD (the very same segment I saw on a different show btw), or friends in San Francisco instead of meaty DVC information? Total fluff and mismashed to boot IMO.

[eliza61]

Come on, who could afford to have everyone in a family of 5 get the royal treatment at the saratoga spa?? Then getting the couples treatment? This, after 5 plane tickets, meals, admission to parks.... Then a trip to France or Costa Rica?? No where did it say that most expenses, as shown, are not included in the price.

Hey I just did this with my girlfriends, we're not rich? :confused3
I know not many of my "middle-class family" friends would be moved by it.


First,
Remember guys, this was not produced for people who already own, this was made for the people who don't own. It was made to get people to purchase. No travel show on tv is going to start throwing cost at you unless it's a budget travel program. If you ever purchased a house pre construction, they do the same thing. You go in, fall in love with the model, it's nicely decorated and has all the bells and whistles, then you find out every thing you saw was an upgrade. Cruises do the same.

Next,
Whats with all the "rich" people comments. I didn't get that feel. I think they were stressing the fact that you are not lock into going to disney every year. That's an important fact for many people purchasing timeshares. While I am firmly middle class, I do use my points for other places and plan on using them at "adventures by disney"

[nunzia]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

Your family looks great! I hope they gave you all the goodies for free :)

[Mickeysduck]

Next,
Whats with all the "rich" people comments. I didn't get that feel. I think they were stressing the fact that you are not lock into going to disney every year. That's an important fact for many people purchasing timeshares. While I am firmly middle class, I do use my points for other places and plan on using them at "adventures by disney"

Sorry you misunderstood. What I was saying is that, in my opinion, I would have liked to have seen more people like you and I mixed in, and the advantages to owning DVC. Newlywed couples, soon to retire couples, or singles. If it wasn't for DVC, we probably would be putting off going on a much needed vacation year after year.

[cpdwiz]

I felt like I was watching an extended DVC DVD...

It did make me want to add on though! At our home AKL...

I don't like the BLT rooms anymore than I did before. They give me a retro/ikea-ish feel. I do want to stay there at least once though.

It was good for our Disney Fix, and glad we only have 72 days until we are home, BUT, I thought it was too commercial with the far away trips...I think Disney should have kept it more "home"

[Dodie]

It was an infomercial and I actually felt a little uncomfortable while I was watching it - as if DVC and Disney were kind of overstepping the bounds somehow.

However, the thing that disappointed me most is, I guess, the thing that they must feel they need to do to "sell" people on the product: it was entirely focused on non-WDW/DL travel. Those of us who are DVC owners know that isn't often actually the best use of one's points and doesn't seem to be the best reason to buy DVC.

I had my parents watch it so they would better understand what my DH and I had bought. I was sorry afterward. Now I'm sure they think we'll be going to Costa Rica and San Francisco and still won't understand our yearly trips to see the mouse.

Edited to add: mamaprincess - your family was lovely! I'm sure it was a great experience. Please don't take our negative thoughts about the "sales pitch" aspect of the program as negative toward the families who participated. What a cool thing to have been able to do!

[mamaprincess]

I was right! I did guess correctly!:thumbsup2 How fun was that for your family?:woohoo: How did you get picked to do that?

I saw here on DVC Mousellaneous the post about The Travel Channel looking for families so I sent an email to the address in that post. I got a response the next day. I hit it off really well with the contact. We had to do kind of a video audition. We just took a video of our family in all our Disney craziness and sent it to the contact. The PTB's liked us. It was about a 4 day process.

Wow - Congratulations! Would love to hear all the details also - please, lol. Beginning to end. Sort of a trip report.

ARGGH! I wrote a trip report that I could never finish. Maybe I'll dredge it up. The day of the shoot was the part I didn't finish. It was hotter than Africa and I can say that because I've been. We were literally cooking out there, but it was fun and the crew was awesome!:wizard:

Lucky you! Your kids were SOOOOO cute at the spa at SSR. princess:

Thank you so much.:wizard: We think they're pretty great kids.:goodvibes

Your family looks great! I hope they gave you all the goodies for free :)

Thanks! We got some free stuff. We were not aware that we would be getting anything actually. I think part of the reason we were one of the families selected is because we already had a vacation scheduled during the time that they were shooting so no expense on their part to have us. We just adore the Disney specials. We tape them all and watch them as a family so we thought it would be so awesome to be a part of sharing our love of Disney in that way. It was a really neat experience.:wizard:

[Mickeysduck]

:confused: thought it was owned by Cox Communicationspopcorn::

I was wrong, you are right. I looked it up..

"Discovery sold Travel Channel to Cox Enterprises subsidiary Cox Communications as part of a larger multi-billion dollar transaction. However, Discovery Communications still distributes the channel under Discovery Networks"

[Terry S]

I thought it was kind of funny when they had a few "actual" DVC commercials mixed in with the 60 minute commercial.

Seriously, anytime I can see anything Disney and especially a glimpse of some DVC resorts I am happy. I do wish that they would have shown more DVC resorts as that is the best use of points.

[Brancaneve]

Watching the program made us very excited for our trip and grateful that we have already purchased into DVC. However, the focus on world travel didn't reveal the whole truth. The truth being that getting a room in let's say, a Cancun resort isn't a done deal in one phone call. If you go through II, you may have to wait months before you get a response! We didn't know that when we purchased and were disappointed by our long wait. We ended up canceling our search through II and just going back to WDW.

The BLT rooms were "different" and "sexy" as the imagineer mentioned(I hate it when they use that word during family programming). I would like to stay there sometime BUT it is not magical at all! It seems that every other room in every other resort has a little Dis magic that is completely missing from this one.

[disneymom8589]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

Congratulations!!! It was nice to put a face to the name of the starter of the "SSR Lovers" thread!! Your family was my favorite (and I'm not just saying that because I know it's you!! :) ) I loved watching your young ladies getting the spa treatment. :goodvibes

[mamaprincess]

Edited to add: mamaprincess - your family was lovely! I'm sure it was a great experience. Please don't take our negative thoughts about the "sales pitch" aspect of the program as negative toward the families who participated. What a cool thing to have been able to do!

Thanks It was a fun experience.:wizard: I definitely don't take the opinions on the show personally. Having watched the same show, I share many of those same opinions so carry on.:laughing: I even have to agree a little bit with the rich folks comment. My mom called me last night and insisted on us giving her some cash because clearly we are living very high on the hog.:rotfl: My husband and I were cracking up because we know the truth.:laughing:

[mamaprincess]

Congratulations!!! It was nice to put a face to the name of the starter of the "SSR Lovers" thread!! Your family was my favorite (and I'm not just saying that because I know it's you!! :) ) I loved watching your young ladies getting the spa treatment. :goodvibes

Thanks so much.:wizard: I think they created 3 little spa monsters.:laughing: They loved it! It's back to 5 dollar nail manicures at the local nail salon for them.:thumbsup2

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

We thought what they left out was as interesting as what they put in. ;)

It's not like being a DVC member means you can waltz out and hop on the Waynama safari. It's what? $160 per person to do that?

I also think the guide misstated the sizes of the pull-out sofa and chair at BLT. That chair is NOT a full size bed. It is a STANDARD twin, meaning it is not smaller than a twin, but it is not FULL size. And I don't think the sofa is a queen bed, but maybe I am wrong.

Maybe they are pushing the Adventures, cruises, etc. because those eat vast amounts of points. A 4 night cruise would take 3 years of points for the 3 of us, and we wouldn't even be in a very good room! We'll stick with WDW, thanks.

[DeblovesPoohbear]

Thanks so much.:wizard: I think they created 3 little spa monsters.:laughing: They loved it! It's back to 5 dollar nail manicures at the local nail salon for them.:thumbsup2

Your daughters are soooo cute! :goodvibes
I liked the special, we are planning on buying in, hopefully by next year :thumbsup2

[corky441]

We thought what they left out was as interesting as what they put in. ;)

It's not like being a DVC member means you can waltz out and hop on the Waynama safari. It's what? $160 per person to do that?


Maybe they are pushing the Adventures, cruises, etc. because those eat vast amounts of points. A 4 night cruise would take 3 years of points for the 3 of us, and we wouldn't even be in a very good room! We'll stick with WDW, thanks.

My sentiments exactly - felt like they were really pushing everything other than a true Disney World vacation. I was un-impressed with the overall message of the show. In saying that though - it was a nice Disney fix all the same

[ead79]

While I enjoy watching every show that the Travel Channel puts out about Disney, this one was a mixed bag for me. I felt that the Saratoga segment was by far the best one and the most realistic one. That segment showed a DVC family enjoying a relaxing, less hectic trip to the World, which I think is a great perk of DVC.

I felt that the other segments focused WAY too much on non-Disney vacations. In all honesty, if you primarily intend to trade out for international travel or do Adventures by Disney vacations, then DVC probably isn't the best choice for you. An occasional trade out is one thing, but if you only want to come to WDW every few years and go elsewhere the rest of the time, DVC is probably not your best bet.

I also wish they had showed some 1 or 2 BR villas, not just the grand villas. I agree that the show gave the impression that DVC is only for the very wealthy. Had they shown the SSR villa, I think it would've helped with that a lot.

mamaprincess, I loved your segment! I really liked your line about investing in joy. Plus, your girls were so cute at the spa. Great job!

[mamaprincess]

Your daughters are soooo cute! :goodvibes
I liked the special, we are planning on buying in, hopefully by next year :thumbsup2


Thanks. They are really great girls:goodvibes

Best of luck with your purchase next year.:wizard: We've personally never regretted our purchase. It's one of the things we own that really make us as happy as when we first got it. We are true Disney fiends.:thumbsup2

[mamaprincess]

mamaprincess, I loved your segment! I really liked your line about investing in joy. Plus, your girls were so cute at the spa. Great job!

Thanks!:) That is sincerely the way we feel about our DVC. It is purely about happiness and joy for us and making that a priority along with our duties. If you work hard and do what you need to do for your family etc., then you've earned the right to a life that also has it's joyful moments.

[snackyx]

Kids to parents after watching the program: "Gee, it would be great to become a member at DVC--those pool tables in the rooms are awesome!"

Follow up question from mom and dad to DVC guide: "You need HOW MANY points for a Grand Villa?"

Report back to family from parents: "No, kids--they don't have pool tables in all the rooms. Just those real big ones."

Kids to parents: "That stinks! We wanted a pool table!"

[La Bete]

I thought it was okay. A bit sales pitch-y for me, but it's always fun to watch TV about WDW/DVC!

However, I have to take issue with the 40th birthday party. Balloons aren't allowed at AKL/AKV, yet they were all over the room (which looked great, as did the cake!). I think it's silly for Disney to decorate the room that way when we we aren't allowed to do the same thing. Oh well, minor gripe.

(very minor, as in I'm leaving tomorrow for a stay at AKV, LOL)

DW noticed that the cake looked great too and wondered aloud where one could purchase such a cake. Anyone know?

[AKV707]

Anyone know when this will be on again?

[twinklebug]

DW noticed that the cake looked great too and wondered aloud where one could purchase such a cake. Anyone know?

My son was upset they cut into Mickey :rotfl:

There needs to be a Disclaimer such as: the DVC infomercial you just watched may or may cause dizzyness, drymouth, exhaustion, headaches, confusion, addonitis, emptipocketitis, envy and the oopsIdontHaveaPassport disease. If you experience any or all of these symptoms - ask you doctor about those grand villas at the beach club.

[Simba's Mom]

Anyone know when this will be on again?

I'd like to know that too, since I'm not lucky enough to have taped it.

Was anyone else disappointed that they didn't really show VWL or OKW at all? Yes, you have a home resort, but that show gave me the impression that you can only stay at your home resort when at WDW. It would have been nice to mention that you may be able to stay at other DVC resorts at WDW and show them. This OKW owner feels slighted by DVC in that show!

[AnnaS]

In writing on the lower left it mentioned you can stay at other resorts but you purchase a "home" resort. I think it showed a quick ariel view of OKW - 1/8th of a second. Really not that much info./pictures of DVC resorts.

[Terry S]

The OKW and VWL owners might be lucky that they didn't show thier home resort, those resorts that they did show might end up getting more requests to stay there.

[snackyx]

Was anyone else disappointed that they didn't really show VWL or OKW at all?

I think they were only interested in showing resorts that they were trying to sell (AKV, SSR) or resorts that have a more visible profile to the non-member (BWV, BCV). If you don't know about OKW you may never really know its there--which is fine with me!

[wildernessDad]

I thought it was misleading at times. It almost made it look like BCV had grand villas, given the fact that the family of 10 were interviewed in a grand villa and yet own at BCV.

[lockedoutlogic]

was it my imagination...

or was that on travel channel simply as a first run of a new looped film they will pipe into the hotels starting probably this morning?

i only caught a few minutes....but i'd recognize that propoganda anywhere....

[liznboys]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

You guys were great! I have to tell you that although the SSR spa has always intrigued me, and I always knew I want to try it out someday, after seeing you guys in there now I REALLY want to try it out! I don't know, just seeing your experience there made it look like something I want to do even more.

I'd love to read the rest of your trip report if you want to finish it. :wizard:

[toocherie]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:


The ones at the spa? If so, your daughters are ADORABLE!

[MJ6987]

Has anyone got a link where you can watch this show on the internet?
Thanks :happytv:

[Z'sDisneyMom]

Thanks!:) That is sincerely the way we feel about our DVC. It is purely about happiness and joy for us and making that a priority along with our duties. If you work hard and do what you need to do for your family etc., then you've earned the right to a life that also has it's joyful moments.

Our thoughts exactly!!!

On another note, we are going home for the first time this December staying at Saratoga Springs and after watching how much fun your DD's had at the spa, my 10 year old DD wants to know which day we are going! :rotfl: :rotfl:

[mamaprincess]

The ones at the spa? If so, your daughters are ADORABLE!

That was us! Thanks so much!:goodvibes

On another note, we are going home for the first time this December staying at Saratoga Springs and after watching how much fun your DD's had at the spa, my 10 year old DD wants to know which day we are going! :rotfl: :rotfl:

:sad2: :laughing: My kids would like to know when they are going back.:rotfl:

[kerickson]

I enjoyed the show just for the chance to see more of WDW/DVC (I've never been there yet and watch everything I can!) but had the same confusion/disappointment as others:

* each time they showed a new family I always found myself trying to calculate how many points/$ it was costing them to do all this (WDW this year, Adventures by Disney next year...= 1000+pts per year?)

* The Adventures by Disney segment was interesting, I saw the shots of the family on another Disney special, but it was neat to see it tied into their eventual purchase of DVC (we think)

* Loved seeing the BLT models! I think the decor is cool, but not really family friendly..

* Was very confused during the SF segment. They stated that they brought all there friends out for a day a the park, almost made it sound like they were putting them up in hotels too? They kept showing shots of WDW during the segment, so when the girls were at the SPA I kept trying to figure out which WDW resort it was, then realized it was SF! Same thing with the restaurant... once I realized it was SF again, then I kept trying to figure out where in SF (I lived there for 7yrs)

Needless to say, my mind kept wandering so I didn't really catch everything being said...

Lastly, my 4yr old watched it with me and liked it (kept saying-"will we be able to do this on our trip in Jan? Mom, remind me to bring my bathing suit when we go") But at the end she was sad and said, "Mom, I want to go nooww!!
So I guess Disney did a good job selling to their target market - kids!

[LIFERBABE]

Move over Bibbidi Bobbity Boutique!! Real princesses go to the Spa!princess:

Great job mamaprincess and family! Congratulations on being chosen and doing such a wonderful job.

I thought it was funny how they had the timeshare expert warning people about timeshare tactics in a timeshare propaganda show!:rotfl:

I thought the families did well, especially to be real families and not actors. Everyone had gorgeous kids:wizard:

I didnt make it til the end to see the BLT models.

The benadryl kicked in:rotfl:

[westjones]

I always enjoy seeing a new Disney special, but I thought they would highlight the DVC resorts more. They didn't seem to say which resorts were part of DVC. I was hoping to see more video of those.

I know it sounds nice to use points for all of those other things, but for us, it doesn't seem to be the best use of our points. I did use points once for the cruise (first year we bought because we bank all of the points that year), but staying at WDW usually uses up our points.

I loved seeing the BLT resort and I am HOPING to be able to get in at the 7 month window at least one time!

DJ

[ILuvMulan]

It was me.:thumbsup2 We were at Saratoga and France Epcot.:wizard:

You guys were great!! Congratulations:woohoo:

We enjoyed the special, but also were not all that impressed with BLT. Not our stlye although the MK view would be nice for 1 night. BTW... is it possible to have addonitis before you ever make your first DVC trip?:teeth:

[bonnielynn]

I am with everyone else.. I thought it was going to show more about the DVC resorts and room variation. I did figure ABD and the DC would show up, but seemed like it was more about doing other things than going to Disney.. and I was a bit disappointed on how easy the made it seem to go ABD/DC.. While the DC isn't as many points, ABD is quite a few more. Also, didn't it seem like it was nothing to rent at another resort other than your own? While its plausible, its not a guarantee.

all in all I guess I got what they were trying to do..

[ScottOKW2K]

I'm not surprised that they didn't show GCV. I do not believe that as of this date or the airing date of the special that GCV has been declared for occupancy and/or sale by California law. The same cannot be said about BLT - points charts , model rooms , and cost per point have all been stated. DVD's legal department might have considered having GCV presented on the special too close to advertising as available for purchase.

[PinkTink63]

I agree with most of the other comments. I thought the resorts looked lovely, but they were really pushing how "flexible" the program is to go other places. While technically that is true we all know that's not the best use of your points, that is unless you have oh say 1,000 pts! Also interesting that the accomodations they chose to show were grand villas. A little misleading I'd say.

Did they even show a studio?

[aurorafan]

Kids to parents after watching the program: "Gee, it would be great to become a member at DVC--those pool tables in the rooms are awesome!"

Follow up question from mom and dad to DVC guide: "You need HOW MANY points for a Grand Villa?"

Report back to family from parents: "No, kids--they don't have pool tables in all the rooms. Just those real big ones."

Kids to parents: "That stinks! We wanted a pool table!"

I haven't seen the whole thing yet, but I watched the first bit of it with my kids the other day, and both my boys said "Cool--I didn't know there are pool tables at AKV!" I had to explain to them those were the GV's and we don't have enough points to stay in one :laughing:

[yandbfan]

We enjoyed the special, but also were not all that impressed with BLT. Not our style.....


Agreed. Enjoyed the show and I bet the view from BLT is great but the contemporary theme of the rooms just didn't grab me. The rooms look like a lot of hotel rooms. Not Disney enough for me.

[DisneyDreams21]

The whole Costa Rica and San Francisco parts threw me off. I, like others who have commented, would have liked to see more at each of the DVC resorts. I think they did a nice job with AKV and SSR scenes (and mamaprincess and family were a favorite :)).

[twinklebug]

The whole Costa Rica and San Francisco parts threw me off. I, like others who have commented, would have liked to see more at each of the DVC resorts. I think they did a nice job with AKV and SSR scenes (and mamaprincess and family were a favorite :)).

Costa Rica I understood from reading about it before the show was a part of Disney Adventures. I thought it was a little odd they chose to add it to the show, but ok...

San Fransisco was introduced all wrong. I believe they started off with showing a couple picnicking with 2 other couples atop a hill. Then they proceeded to the spa (not Disney affiliated? but without a name it gave you the sense it was Disney) while the guys went off renting mini carts... (btw - they kept showing previews of these up to this segment & my son & I both wanted to know where in Disney those carts were located - LOL - turns out they had NOTHING to do with Disney :laughing: ) The idea was good, the images were great, but the script was bad and far too misleading/confusing as shown here ... even to folk who knew about DVC and Disney adventures.

[disneynutz]

Obviously Disney decided to use the show to spot light more than just the DVC. ABD has become another cash cow that can benefit from additional advertising.

[DisneyQueen1320]

I did enjoy the special, but I love Disney so much it's hard for me to say anything negative about them. :love:

I also loved mamaprincess and her family, seeing the cute girls made me want to have girls of my own. Right now I have two boys and I don't think they would enjoy the spa. I could see it now, trying to throw a ball around or asking a whole bunch of questions. :rolleyes:

I did wish they would have showed more about DVC resorts @ Disney or talked about studio, 1 and 2 bedrooms.

I was just thinking Disney might want to sell to the upper class becuz of the Hawaii resort. Not to say Hawaii is only for upper class people, but have you looked at plane tickets lately. :eek: It's so expensive to go there. Far as the BLT it really doesn't look family friendly to me. I wish it had more of the Disney feel. It would be a nice resorts for couples, older kids, but little kids I'm not to sure.
:lovestruc :lovestruc :lovestruc

[Threeh]

I am soo dense. I didn't realize until it was posted that the family 0f 8 said BCV was their home resort, and they were swimming in storm along bay but had a BW view and villa. I totally missed that!!

[mel&me]

It was good for our Disney Fix, and glad we only have 72 days until we are home, BUT, I thought it was too commercial with the far away trips...I think Disney should have kept it more "home"

Was not even good for a Disney fix for me. Turned off there infomercial after less than 10 minutes.

[JerJan]

Let me just say this....UGH! :headache:

[P&B's Mom]

As a new DVCer, I was very excited to see the special. It really didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, much like everyone else on the DISboards. I am sure many of us were hoping to see something "new" and that really didn't happen. I will watch it again on my DVR some rainy day to get me excited about my next trip home, but I will proably skip some of the segments.

Unfortunately, for most of us we saw the flaws in the show because we are experts at DVC. It is very much like when I watch a movie set in my hometown (Chicago) and see obvious mistakes such as someone who is supposed to be coming from the south of the city actually enter from another direction because the scenery is better for the movie. That is exactly what happened during some of the segments of the show. I, too, was confused with the family who owned at BCV, but were clearly staying at BWV. Also, what about the family staying at AKV in the GV. I don't think many people would use that many points with the size family they were traveling with, I think five? The SF shoot was probably the most confusing because they never mentioned the accomodations. They clearly didn't mention that it was from the Concierge Collection--more information was definitely needed. Also, I vaguely remember a similar Costa Rica segment on another Travel Channel special. Were they the same family?

It has been my experience, that when I tell people that we have bought into DVC, they get somewhat negative. The comments usually are, "Why would you buy Disney? I would much rather have a different type of timeshare so I could go lots of different places. Your kids will not be small forever and will get tired of Magic Kingdom." I think this is what the show was trying to combat--the idea that you can do more than Disney. We know, that people should want to spend most of their time at Disney to get a better bang for their buck, but Disney doesn't want to give the impression that you can only go to Florida. They mixed enough non-Disney accomodations with on-site locations to still sell to the "real" Disney fans.

Also, BLT doesn't get me excited at all. We could have still cancelled our AKV contract because we had just signed a couple of days before the announcement. My mom made the comment that it looked just like a hotel instead of a resort. I had to agree with her. I think my kids will be much more comfortable at AKV for many years to come. Also, where were the Treehouses during the special?

[Disney Spaz]

Does anyone know if/when it is going to be on again. I was at my fathers and he has no cable.

[aurorafan]

Unfortunately, for most of us we saw the flaws in the show because we are experts at DVC. It is very much like when I watch a movie set in my hometown (Chicago) and see obvious mistakes such as someone who is supposed to be coming from the south of the city actually enter from another direction because the scenery is better for the movie.


This made me chuckle because around here we do that with movies/tv shows filmed here in DC ;). They even put it in the Style section of the Post when a particularly egregious one comes up (or even just a small one ;)) :happytv:

[lowepg]

"Shocked it was like an infomercial"? :scared1:

You were expecting a hard hitting news story on the unfair point structure at BLT for MK views? :rotfl2:

I thought is was a bit too confusing with all the flashes to SF and Costa Rica...

But, regarding it hyping non-wdw vacations- consider their audience....

The WDW-lovers probably dont have to be convinced on the travel channel. You cant walk 1000 yards in wdw without being posed with the "Secret."

I suspect they are trying to capture folks whose perception is DVC is just for families with kids under 15.

[kid-at-heart]

The show was an embarassment and not worth the time to watch.

[Pixie_Dust]

You know the actors from the info channel in the DVC rooms, that tiny perky gal with the big head and the guy? When I went to the member event at Disneyland a couple of months ago, they were there in person, speaking! It was like seeing celebrities from TV! Lol! :wizard:

[Tink-n-Belle]

I am soo dense. I didn't realize until it was posted that the family 0f 8 said BCV was their home resort, and they were swimming in storm along bay but had a BW view and villa. I totally missed that!!

And pool hopping at the SAB isn't even allowed!!!!:confused3 No how did they get away with THAT? :laughing: :rotfl:

[PinkTink63]

And pool hopping at the SAB isn't even allowed!!!!:confused3 No how did they get away with THAT? :laughing: :rotfl:

I was thinking the same thing!:lmao:

[mello]

I felt like I was watching an extended DVC DVD...

It did make me want to add on though! At our home AKL...

I don't like the BLT rooms anymore than I did before. They give me a retro/ikea-ish feel. I do want to stay there at least once though.

We said the same thing ("This is like one of the videos they send out"). And we're of the same mind on BLT as well.

[pycees312]

Thanks!:) That is sincerely the way we feel about our DVC. It is purely about happiness and joy for us and making that a priority along with our duties. If you work hard and do what you need to do for your family etc., then you've earned the right to a life that also has it's joyful moments.

The girls were too cute. I will say my twins were jelous your twins got to go lol.
We were selected as the couple who went to San fFrancisco with our friends it was a fun filled day shooting. I thought the production team did a fantastic job... even with my umm well rewind lol.. hilarious..

[Liljam]

I didn't read through all of the replies, but here's a bit of what I liked and didn't like! I loved the spa treatments! The girls are adorable! I loved all of the lime green too - cool shout out to the DISers! I liked that they showed SSR at all - I wasn't sure it would be on there for some reason. As for the trips outside of Disney, it does make me want to travel someday. I'm petrified of flying so I've stayed in the US, but I want to go to London so bad! Maybe one day we will. We may or may not use points because I know the trade isn't great but, big deal....

I didn't like that they mentioned the family of 12 owns at BCV yet they were obviously at BWV (ETA but was never made clear) in a GV. I thought that the families appeared extremely wealthy. I don't mean that in a mean way at all and I apologize in advance if it comes off that way. I can appreciate and respect each family that was on the show, but I guess it seemed like I'd have been turned off if I wasn't already informed about DVC. I guess I would have looked at the show and thought "Gee, attorney, paint production company owner, sure, WE can afford THAT!?" I dunno. I looked at my DH and actually told him I hoped our friends weren't tuning in.

Otherwise, aside from those few things, I loved seeing Disney things as always, I loved seeing the smiles on all of the faces, you can't fake those! I missed the last few minutes so I have to still watch the BLT part. I'll probably just re-watch it all later because I'm really bored today!

ETA - I know how hard it can be to get a point across on here so I really want to stress I mean nothing bad by the wealth comment at all. I really just want to make that soooooo clear because it isn't bad to appear wealthy, but the show just made DVC look like it might be unattainable to those with smaller pockets. No one on the show ever looked snobby which I do believe has a different appearance than wealthy, but by wealthy maybe I see it as points and such..... who knows!

[disneyokw]

Does anyone know when it is suppose to be on again? I saw some of it on the Disney Wonder during the 2008 DVC member cruise. They had it playing by the family pool.

[DisDaydreamer]

I didn't read through all of the replies, but here's a bit of what I liked and didn't like! I loved the spa treatments! The girls are adorable! I loved all of the lime green too - cool shout out to the DISers! I liked that they showed SSR at all - I wasn't sure it would be on there for some reason. As for the trips outside of Disney, it does make me want to travel someday. I'm petrified of flying so I've stayed in the US, but I want to go to London so bad! Maybe one day we will. We may or may not use points because I know the trade isn't great but, big deal....

I didn't like that they mentioned the family of 12 owns at BCV yet they were obviously at BWV (ETA but was never made clear) in a GV. I thought that the families appeared extremely wealthy. I don't mean that in a mean way at all and I apologize in advance if it comes off that way. I can appreciate and respect each family that was on the show, but I guess it seemed like I'd have been turned off if I wasn't already informed about DVC. I guess I would have looked at the show and thought "Gee, attorney, paint production company owner, sure, WE can afford THAT!?" I dunno. I looked at my DH and actually told him I hoped our friends weren't tuning in.

Otherwise, aside from those few things, I loved seeing Disney things as always, I loved seeing the smiles on all of the faces, you can't fake those! I missed the last few minutes so I have to still watch the BLT part. I'll probably just re-watch it all later because I'm really bored today!

ETA - I know how hard it can be to get a point across on here so I really want to stress I mean nothing bad by the wealth comment at all. I really just want to make that soooooo clear because it isn't bad to appear wealthy, but the show just made DVC look like it might be unattainable to those with smaller pockets. No one on the show ever looked snobby which I do believe has a different appearance than wealthy, but by wealthy maybe I see it as points and such..... who knows!

Hey Neighbor.. (next state) You're ok... I can't imagine anyone thinking otherwise. I think you summed things up pretty well. Hope you stick around on the DVC boards and help with your objective posting.

[Liljam]

Hey Neighbor.. (next state) You're ok... I can't imagine anyone thinking otherwise. I think you summed things up pretty well. Hope you stick around on the DVC boards and help with your objective posting.

Hi hi neighbor and thanks!

As for the show - I never got to re-watch the show today. Maybe tomorrow...

Funny, about the BWV family using SAB... not their fault though :hippie: ! What's even more crazy is that I hadn't been on the Dis for a few days maybe even weeks because I'd been busy, but I was waiting to hear more news about BLT and I turned it off when the show had about 10 minutes left so I hadn't even heard the news about BLT. THEN the other day, I checked my mail and saw two emails from DVC plus some message board emails and I knew something special happened so I headed straight over here to find out! Should have watched the whole thing!

Another thing though - I must say that all the children on the show are well behaved and did a great job and should be very proud of how great they looked! All seemed extremely polite and well mannered!