Is anyone out there still happy with their DVC membership?

[WolfpackFan]

It seems like most of the threads on this Message Board as well as the Planning board are people complaining about DVC and saying things like they are going to sell their membership, etc. If it's not the new points charts, it's the wait list policy. If not wait list, it's walking reservations. And we always have the random post about how the person would never stay in xyz resort again because their room was filthy or they ran across a rude CM. I'll admit, I've done my share of complaining also. But in spite of that, I'm still very happy with our DVC membership and looking forward to all our future trips. It's funny, I was talking to a friend of mine on Saturday, who is also a DVC member and he had no idea that all this controversy was going on. In fact, he said he likes the new points charts. I'm just wondering if there is anyone else out there that is still very happy with their membership in spite of all the changes that people seem to be complaining about? It sure would be nice to have some positive posts for a change.

[iluveeyore]

We love our DVC - if I'm not planning my next vacation, I'm on the DIS getting my daily fix. Sure, we've had some issues on past trips, but nothing that would ever make me sell my DVC! I actually wish we could afford to add on - we just booked a getaway for March and had to rent points because DH won't stay anywhere but DVC resorts! We already have our August/Sept. vacation booked with another family who love our DVC membership. I'm sure they'll buy into someday too, but can only get away every few years right now. Let's focus on the positive people - do you know how lucky all you DVC members are to own a piece of the magic??:cloud9:

[mgroshans]

we have no complaints. our guide is excellent-when we email her or leave her a voice mail, she responds within an hour, member services- no complaints, website- no complaints, loan- no complaints. we have nothing but good things to say.

[cogero]

we are still relatively new members and haven't taken our first trip yet which is in April but we are very happy. Even though the points went up that doesn't effect us.

Our guide calls us back with in a few hours any time we call and Member services is very nice.

[moethorne]

Count us in as still happy as well. We've always tended to go for whole weeks so the whole point thing did not bother us. We've never had an issue with service or upkeep when we have gone. And I've only need the waitlist once and got it so that was never an issue either.
No complaints today!

[BEASLYBOO]

Some of the changes bother me more than others. I don't like having to pay $95 if I want to stay at the POL etc. and the point chart changes are not advantagous to us, typical Sun-Thu travelers. With all that said I bought a certain amount of points to enjoy Disney the way that I like and that hasn't changed. DVC still holds the same charm for me that it held when I made the decision to buy into it.

The hard part is to accept that nothing ever stays the same, but no matter what my vacation memories at Disney w/ my family and friends will continue, even if the new point chart forces me to fortfit a day!

[bub]

We have complaints, but we are still addicted to our DVC, and what it represents to our family: a great place to be together for a vacation. Our best days on our last trip were not even spent in the parks (due to overwhelming crowds, the parks were fun but exhausting). We love the resorts, the pools, the shopping, just about everything but the food (we love DVC as we can make our own) and the costumed characters (if you can believe it, my 15 year-old is afraid of them).

Disney is one of the only places our family goes that we all enjoy together - our kids are teens now, and they still end up spending most of their time with my DH and I while there - maybe too much time:laughing: .

Some of these recent changes, and they way in which they were communicated, have been hugely frustrating, but Disney is a tradition for our family, so we'll make the best of it.

[nunzia]

:goodvibes
I am! How lucky we all are to be able to even HAVE DVC...we are fortunate indeed.:thumbsup2

[westjones]

I love the resorts but I am unhappy about the change in points chart. I understand it, but I am unhappy because I can't afford to buy more points and now we either have to use studios or skip a year.

I am not planning to sell. I will keep my 150 points, but I won't be talking it up and making it sound as good as I used to when I talked about it to other people. For a time, I bet people thought I sounded like a sales person for DVC (I loved it that much). Now.....I wouldn't try to talk anyone into it. I don't feel the same about it as I did.....but I already own my points and I will make the best of it.

DJ

[bobbiwoz]

I have a "wish list" for DVC too, but mostly, my wish is to be at WDW, using my DVC instead of just thinking about my next vacation while being here.

Bobbi:goodvibes

[kerickson]

Head on over to the VGC Owners Group thread and you'll find a bunch of happy DVCers who just added on and can't wait to start booking June 1!

[Golden Rose]

We're fairly new members, and we've only made one trip. We're still extremely pleased with our purchase, and with DVC. We were probably ideal purchasers - we had been going to WDW twice a year, we always stayed in Deluxe resorts, and we went with 3 generations most than of the time, so we would get either two rooms or a suite. I'd read enough here on the boards before I purchased that I knew to buy where I wanted to stay. We bought AKV for the Savannah Views and the chance at Concierge, and we bought BWV for the location.

The changes we've seen in our less than a year as members are the new reservation policy, the shift to RCI, the waitlist policy and the point reallocation. That's a lot of changes in a year!

I like the new reservation policy. I don't want to call every day for a week, just hoping to get the room type I want every day so I won't have to move. And so far, we haven't had trouble getting exactly what we wanted when we've called. I'm sure we won't always, but we're flexible about when we travel and don't mind planning way out.

As far as the shift to RCI goes, I don't feel like I have enough information yet to know if it will be good or bad for us. There were places we would have enjoyed trading out to in II; there are places we would like to trade out to in RCI. But we didn't buy DVC to trade, we bought it to go to WDW every year. I don't know if we'll ever even trade or not, so I'm certainly not going to be upset about the switch.

We're also not too concerned about the new waitlist policy; we haven't waitlisted yet, and I don't think we'll need more than two at a time. The one thing I do think is bad about it is if someone ends up desperate to go at a certain time, one can't just waitlist for "any studio or one bedroom at WDW." I would consider that one request, but under the new system, it would be more like 20 requests... :scared1:

The point reallocation _is_ annoying. I don't think it is a disaster, but our favorite times and ways to vacation will cost us at least 10 more points a trip. On the other hand, if it makes it easier to get my first choice of dates at my first choice of locations by shifting demand a bit, I won't begrudge them those 10 points at all.

Anyway, I wasn't around for "the good old days", but these days still look pretty good to me. We'd have spent a minimum of $3000 on rooms on the trip we took using our developer points (+ 20 of our regular points), and we've got another trip planned for this year we'd have spent as much or more on. We're so happy with DVC we're considering adding on at BLT or GCV at some point, and we're almost certainly going to buy in Hawaii if it happens.

[Laurabearz]

We still love our DVC and can't wait for our next trip.

The point chart change was a bump in the road, we are over it, and have moved on. :woohoo:

[Deb & Bill]

We like using our points, but are unhappy with the trend in DVC. It used to be a lot more member oriented. We've sold off two contracts and have a third for sale. We've had fun, but...

Like my husband was just telling me, how long before DVC implements a change that really does affect us? Most of the changes so far didn't affect us negatively too much, but my luck can't hold out forever.

I hate to see the cost of points going up, up, up. We paid about $50 a point for our first 175 points and a bit more for the rest. The contracts we sold, we made back what we spent, even after the realtor's fees. I really don't know how some people are affording it anymore.

I really don't see us hanging on to our points much longer than five or ten more years. Then we'll call it quits.

[Sheribo]

The point reallocation _is_ annoying. I don't think it is a disaster, but our favorite times and ways to vacation will cost us at least 10 more points a trip. On the other hand, if it makes it easier to get my first choice of dates at my first choice of locations by shifting demand a bit, I won't begrudge them those 10 points at all.

Exactly! We are still happy with our DVC. We are NOT happy that our vacation will cost us 15 more points each year. We'll accept it and hope that they don't change the point charts again next year.

32 days till we return home!

[CarolAnnC]

We are very happy with our DVC! It has not only met my expectations, but far exceeded them. When I purchased my initial points back in 1997, I had no idea that DVC would afford me the opportunity to sail the Mediterranean visiting ports such as Spain, France and Italy. We will be visiting the Baltic countries in 2010 the same way.

Our love of Disney combined with the excellent accommodations of our DVC ownership has provided us with memories that will last a lifetime. :)

[Tigger031266]

We are very very happy! Just wish the economy would improve

[nordkin]

We are still very happy with our DVC purchase and are glad we took the advice on this board and bought where we want to stay. We just recently added on and see more add on's in our future.

I understand why some people are upset with the recent changes, but none of them affect us, so we are not upset. We fully understood they could reallocate points and were not bothered by it because we knew it could happen.

We still think this was the best investment we made for our family and our now grown kids know they will each be inheriting future vacations for their families when we pass on. They are thrilled as are we to be able to give this gift to our family.

[jpeka65844]

So far, we've been uber happy with our membership. We've only waitlisted once, with eventual success, we never "walk" reservations and have gotten everything we've wanted out of it (so far).

We live in a seemingly "affluent" community but as we look around us, very few people have the disposable income to do what we do. Instead, they drive flashier cars and live in bigger houses than we do. We count ourselves as super fortunate that we have this luxury and wouldn't trade it for all the McMansions in our county! :laughing:

We didn't buy DVC to trade for DCL, ABD, RCI, or other non-DVC properties. We bought it for what (I feel) it is intended: stays in a DVC accommodation and so far, after four DVC trips, it's fulfilled its purpose BEAUTIFULLY!!!

Here's to 48 more years of wonderful vacations! I'm glad to be able to relax and enjoy my membership!

[jekjones1558]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

[december14disney]

My soon to be hubby and I are still very happy (I hopre so we have owned for a month!) We travel in studios so the 160 points we could afford get us a ton! I KNOW this isnt the case...but since we drive, have AP's and have DVC it feels like we go for "free". :thumbsup2 I love planning our vacations and have up to 2011 planned! Plus our DPs are giving us two vacations this year. About a week in April and a whole week in Sept!

As far as the point changes-yes annoying. But...We are lucky to not be one of those people who bought points based on a week in a certain season. We just have to be more flexible and right now we can be.
Waitlists- huh...I dont think I'll encounter this too much. Im the type of person that always has a back up plan so I doubt Ill waitlist a ton very much.
New reservation policy--I like. I dont want to call everyday. I have to work! :rotfl2:
Walking ressies--I dont know too much about this to comment.
RCI--I dont know too much again. After I try to trade out Ill let everyone know. This is a perk to us that we would only use once awhile.

I love our membership. I wouldnt change buying it. And Ill be the first to say that when Hawaii opens Ill buy enough points to get me there like every 3rd year!

[njmeisje]

We're happy with our membership.

1) We own where we want to stay -> BCV and HHI
2) We usually stay 1 week, so the point re-allocation did not alter much for us. Luckily we own a bit more than we needed, so we have the few points extra needed for our stays.
3) I kinda like the new reservation policy (as I duck from flying tomatoes) - making one call from check-in works pretty well for us.

[disyady]

We have only been members since August 07 and it was a dream come true. We were, are and look forward to always being, delighted and grateful. Embracing change is the key to happiness - it just gives me more reason to think about my membership in order to make it work for us. :lovestruc

[MinnieFan4ever]

Oh yes:thumbsup2 We are very happy with our DVC membership. We have been members since 2002 and I am so happy we joined. We have added on once, and now have 400 points all at BCV. We have toyed with buying to BLT or adding on more at BCV. I don't know what to do.

[homedad]

very happy...coming up to our second trip home this sept, hoping to try BCV this time...looking forward to the BLT in the future and Hawaii.....

[jodifla]

We've owned since 1996 and are still really enjoying our membership. It would now be hard to stay at WDW any other way than in a DVC unit.

The pros by far outweigh the cons for us. I don't like the $95 booking fee for WDW hotels, and I HATE the new 4 month rule, but overall, buying DVC has been one of the best things we've ever done with our money.

We just got back from a spectacular 8 night vacation at WDW in a 2 bedroom at OKW. We had 6 different friends stay with us over the course of 8 nights.

[5forDiz]

For our family pros still outweigh cons & we feel very blessed to have

experienced what we have so far & look forward to more making more

memories in the years to come, for us that's what makes DVC

priceless :goodvibes

ps: jekjones1558 sending positive thoughts your way &
hope you & yours will be on your next DVC adventure real soon :flower3:

~ Laura, Joe & kids

[Disney Princess]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

I hope that things improve soon for you all! I am cheering you on to good health. :cheer2:

We are still very happy DVC members. We are still new, but we couldn't be happier to be blessed with the ability to stay at Deluxe accommodations for the next 30+ years. :cloud9:

[jekjones1558]

ps: jekjones1558 sending positive thoughts your way &
hope you & yours will be on your next DVC adventure real soon

Thanks for the kind wishes, Laura. I'm sure that better days are ahead! Maybe I will get to do a last minute trip someday, and that would be a new experience I would enjoy!

Keep storing up those happy memories, everyone!

[Laurabearz]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

(((Jean)))

Good thoughts headed your way.

[Disneypirate85]

Put us in the Still luv'n DVC group! Sure like anything else we have had small problems nothing that was not resolved with an email or phone call. But as others have said, if we are not at a DVC Resort we are planning on being at one always seem to be planning...pirate:

[DisFlan]

We're still happy that we own DVC, but not as thrilled with it as we were. We were happiER before we found out that half of our usual trips will cost an additional 25 points. The other half will cost us 5 more points. We're still glad we have DVC, but for us, its value has dropped.

DisFlan

[AnnaS]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

I hope the health issues are temporary and you will be in WDW in no time.

[rkwier]

We are relatively new members, but so far we are more than happy with our purchase. It is all that we expected and then some. Since we became members late last year, some of the changes had already occurred. Making one call to make an entire reservation just makes sense to me. I do not have time to be calling every day. The point change actually works out in our favor since we usually include Fri/Sat stays to maximize vacation time. Our recent SSR stay would have actually cost us less points. Do not really have enough info regarding RCI to form an opinion, and never used II so I would not have a comparison anyways. I just feel grateful and blessed to have my DVC!

[AnnaS]

I would like to add another happy camper here.

Most of the changes have not affected our membership or shall I say not yet - whatever they might be (wait list, walking ressie, point change, banking/borrowing change, etc.).

[Hopefully]

We are also relatively new members. We are long time WDW devotees, but we spent several years debating our purchase of DVC.
We are still happy.
1) We purchased where we want to stay (BCV)
2) We purchased more than enough points to stay in a 2 bedroom villa during Choice Season for the Food & Wine festival. We can use more or less points as needed.
3) We are a 7 night weekly stay family and the reallocation of points will actually cost us 3 less points for a week.
4) Booking 7 nights in one call works for me.
5) I have not needed to use the waitlist.
6) I understand the difference between DVC inventory and CRO inventory
7 ) I do not foresee us using RCI much if at all. We did not buy to trade out.

We spent a lot of time learning about DVC and determining our needs. I read every word of every document before we signed on the dotted line. I understood that points could be reallocated. I knew that using points to trade out is not the best use of DVC points. I understood policies could change.

I am now heavily into planning our first trip home as owners (we have stayed in DVC Villas 5 times through CRO) and I am excited and very happy with DVC.

[Lexxiefern]

I am still very happy with my membership. The adjustments of the point charts actually seem to benefit me, since we take alot of weekend trips. I don't waitlist very often and the new booking system has worked great for me booking both boardwalk view and standard view.

[Lexxiefern]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

Oh Jean :hug: so sorry to hear that. I hope you and DH are feeling better soon and that you are able to book a trip.

[dairyqueenmom]

We have been owners since Oct. 2007, and we are still very happy. I think the point reallocation only hurt our two 3day trips we take a year and they will cost 3pts more each trip. We will make it work. It didn't affect our week long trip at all. I don't see much difference in the new reservation system, I have been able to get my trips just like before. I doubt I will ever have to "walk" a reservation, we don't travel during the times that people seem to think they need to "walk" a reservation for. So count me as a happy owner!:cool1:

[tomandrobin]

No DVC hating going on at my house!

We are still digging our membership and still loving staying at SSR! :cloud9:

[Donna M]

We're happy with DVC too. We have enough points so the change won't effect us.

I think there are some people who forget that they are dealing with 'people' when they interact with CM. The CM could be having a bad day and need a little slack. Also, when expectations are too high that leads to disappointment. Yes, the place is 'magical' but it's still only a resort. We go with the flow.

[eliza61]

It seems like most of the threads on this Message Board as well as the Planning board are people complaining about DVC and saying things like they are going to sell their membership, etc. If it's not the new points charts, it's the wait list policy. If not wait list, it's walking reservations. And we always have the random post about how the person would never stay in xyz resort again because their room was filthy or they ran across a rude CM. I'll admit, I've done my share of complaining also. But in spite of that, I'm still very happy with our DVC membership and looking forward to all our future trips. It's funny, I was talking to a friend of mine on Saturday, who is also a DVC member and he had no idea that all this controversy was going on. In fact, he said he likes the new points charts. I'm just wondering if there is anyone else out there that is still very happy with their membership in spite of all the changes that people seem to be complaining about? It sure would be nice to have some positive posts for a change.


I have a few very unscientific theories out there.

1) I think for the most part the dvc'ers are very happy with their memberships but you're bound to get complaints with any changes that in effect cost you more. ;) Hey wander over to the trip planning board any time ticket prices go up.

2) I know in my life I probably put a lot of expectation into my vacations. RL some times seems to get a little harder. So when you have some systems that may now make your vacation a bit harder (say not getting a waitlist) it's only natural to vent.

3) I find DVC'ers are a lot more flexible group than most. We know this may not be the best situation but I find we tend to move on and continue to make more memories. Sure I think the new point system sucks but I'll continue to make 10 day, weekend reservations and have great vacations.

4) Remember these boards are a really tiny fraction of all the dvc'ers. I got 2 family member to join and they rarely read the mailings that I look forward to. They simply book their trips so I'm not surprise your friend didn't even realize there were changes.

We are estatically pleased with our purchase. We are looking forward to tons of new vacations.

[disneynutz]

I wouldn't say that we dislike the DVC, but we dislike the policy changes that have occurred during the last year and we wonder if it will stop. As long as we continue to save money by being members, we will keep our memberships.

We are also concerned by the continued changes at Disney Parks. Less product and higher prices.

New members shouldn't answer the question because the honeymoon isn't over yet. Wait a couple of years and see if you loose some of the magic.

We hope and pray that Disney will adopt a different business model before it's to late.

[robandkelly13]

We still love our 370 points DVC AKV heaven! Granted we've only been members 4 months, but we'd buy again in a heartbeat. We're so glad that we bought in before the price increase too - even though the cruise would be nice!

[bobbiwoz]

For the first time in memory I am not able to have a trip in our plans. Too many health issues for the foreseeable future. For those who are bummed about all the changes, be glad if you can still plan a trip. Someday we will be planning again, too, no matter what the new policies are. Love our DVC.

:grouphug: I pray that soon you'll be happily planning!
Bobbi

[Chellymouse]

I wouldn't say that we dislike the DVC, but we dislike the policy changes that have occurred during the last year and we wonder if it will stop. As long as we continue to save money by being members, we will keep our memberships.

We are also concerned by the continued changes at Disney Parks. Less product and higher prices.

New members shouldn't answer the question because the honeymoon isn't over yet. Wait a couple of years and see if you loose some of the magic.

We hope and pray that Disney will adopt a different business model before it's to late.


We have been members for a little over a year, but we've been travelling to WDW for the past 10. I know...flames all around for not buying in sooner!
We noticed some very significant changes at the Disney Parks on our 12/08 trip. Mostly little things....service not quite up to par, transportation worse than usual, not quite the meals we've come to know and love...I know the economy is bad and I'm sure Disney is feeling the pinch, but cutting back on the customer service they are known for isn't going to help them. But all of those little things added up to a less than par trip for us.

[Jacky]

I love my DVC!! I just added on some BVC and some BLT!! Everything changes. The initial DVC purchasers got free passes for years too-- an even better deal. I think the longer you have DVC the more you save (the move you spend too= more trips, more APs more visits hahaha) I have owned since 2004 and just wish I bought in earlier.

Now is actually a great to buy if you can, I think I got an all time low price that passed ROFR for BCV at 82 per pt for 110 points.

I LOVE my DVC. Its not perfect, but its soooo great.

Jacky

[Anal Annie]

While I am glad in these hard times that we have our DVC membership and I feel fortunate for even having it, my addonitis has been cured for now with all of these recent changes and I am no longer drinking the koolaid. I am in addonitis recovery and koolaid anonymous and am expected to remain there at least until our next trip in August.:rolleyes1

Right now I mostly am not a fan of how DVC handled the announcement about the chart changes, or should I say LACK of announcments (if it weren't for the DIS I still wouldn't know about the changes to the 2010 charts). :headache: Their IT Dept. is screwed up and I don't get their emails even tho I've complained directly to them. They just say it looks like I should get them...well, hello? I don't. I think this should've been handled with a special mailing via Pony Express to all members. I also don't understand why some members have received personal phone calls in response to their complaints when I have not. I just don't get how they operate. We pay our dues just like everyone else so I think I deserve the same treatment & response.

The switch to RCI leaves no good choices for Maui (sort of a regular destination for us that we HAD intended to trade for once every 5 years). With the price increases, the minimum add-on increases and the higher point charts I feel we also not be buying an add-on at Ko'Olina. In fact, if the points charts are as high as I am afraid they will be it will be cheaper to book a cash room somewhere on our own. Costco has some terrific prices to Hawaii. Had also hoped to go back to Aruba sometime (we went on our honeymoon) but now there are NO choices for Aruba.

Not pissed to the point of selling yet but I will no longer be recommending DVC to family & friends or passing along their marketing material. I'm actually too embarrased about the recent changes to even TELL anyone about it. I will just quietly go about our business and if someone asks where we're going on vacation I'll just say Florida. No plugs from me for the "best kept secret". Just figures the first time we attempt to plan 3 trips as far ahead as 2010 they'd go messing it up for us for the 2nd two.

I'm sorry. Do I sound bitter? Hummm...must be the aftertaste from the koolaid.

[TiszBear]

Been a member since Feb 1999 and still loving it!!! :woohoo: Yes we all have complaints at times, but nothing will make me sell my DVC. Hey I have added on twice since 1999.

Loving DVC and all the vacations I can get with it!!! :thumbsup2 :woohoo:


I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them, there are those that like to complain on these boards and others to just see what people say and how they react, and there are those who really don't "get it" even thou they own DVC. So there will always be those that complain about DVC and the such, to them I say "bring it on with your negativity. I love Disney and my DVC and if you don't like it then sell your points and be done it. I don't have to listen to you." :rolleyes: Ok I am off my soapbox adn getting back to work. ;)

[JimMIA]

We are not dissatisfied with DVC, but we're certainly not as enthusiastic as we once were. We no longer recommend DVC purchases to our friends, and we are leery of recent and future changes which might dilute the value of ownership. The DVC we own today is quite different from what we bought five years ago.

Basically, our position is that DVC still meets our needs, so we'll keep it. That general satisfaction is mostly because we bought DVC for the bare basics of staying at DVC resorts at WDW, but we also bought it for the long term and we don't know what the long term will look like.

We have enough points, so we certainly will not be adding on.

With the current economy (which I believe will persist for 3-4 more years regardless of what the government does or does not do) we may actually have too many points. We're banking 3/4 of our current UY points, and if that underuse continues, we'll probably sell at least our smaller contract and possibly our larger one instead. If we do sell, however, it would be economy-related, not DVC dissatisfaction related. No sense in paying dues for something we're not using.

Even if we did sell, we'd probably rent for a couple of years and wait for all the panic selling and foreclosures to work their way out of the resale marketplace.

So, are we still happy with DVC? Naw, not really...but we're not UNhappy yet either.

[JimC]

We just added in California and added-on at BCV so that says something. But I agree with JimMIA that DVC has changed, is likely to change more in the future and that all of those changes are not increasing the value of the membership. However, it still is the best game in town unless you are willing to rent instead of own.

[madyhamilton]

We've been very happy with our DVC membership. We bought back in '06 and have been going every year - myself, DH, DS9 and DS7. Although my boys are still thrilled every time we go, I'm worried that the magic will wear out for them in a few years. I guess there are other DVC (non-WDW) options out there that we can explore, but at this time our summers aren't complete without WDW.

Our home resort is SSR, and we love it. Our next trip is in August, staying at AK Kidani, so it will be different this year.

Bottom line, no regrets for this family.

[BEASLYBOO]

I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them, there are those that like to complain on these boards ;)

Rather harsh judgement, wouldn't you say? :confused:

[janni518]

Love our DVC! It is the only reason we are able to go on vacation this year. We are even talking about adding on asap.

I don't really have a problem with complaining when it's actually constructive criticism. Some here to seem to take it to extremes though.

[WolfpackFan]

Wow, I can't believe the response to my little question here. Since some folks have posted how the changes did or did not affect their satisfaction with DVC, I thought I'd do the same.

1) Booking policy - I really liked that change. I like calling on day 1 for the entire week and since we don't go at peak times, walking is not a problem for us. Plus we love our two main WDW home resorts - VWL and AKV and plan to just make ressies there at 11 months from now on, so wait listing shouldn't be a problem either.

2) Change in points - In the past we had been in the Sun-Thur crowd usually going more than once a year. Well this change actually helps us out. It kind of forces us to only go once a year to WDW (not including HHI), but staying an entire 7 days (if not longer). In the long runs this will save us money, with fewer actual trips, but longer stays. It does hurt us at HHI, but what I'll have to do is just step back to a Studio in some cases rather than a 1BR. Since it's just two of us, this is not a huge deal.

Anyway, like I said in the first post, we are still very happy with our membership and don't regret it at all.

[photobob]

I am still very happy to be a DVC owner. Like others I am not very happy with the way things have transpired of late.

A previous poster said that:

"I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them, there are those that like to complain on these boards ."

which is an awfully broad generalization. I am unhappy with the changes but that doesn't change the fact the I am still happy I own DVC. Having your points not go nearly as far as before could make those with even the rosiest of colored glasses to look through unhappy. I don't believe being upset that your vacation last year is going 25 points higher next year makes you someone who looks for things to be unhappy about! and I am a glass half full kind of guy!

[Mom B]

We still love our DVC and never get home from a trip without starting to plan the next one! The only thing I really DON"T like is never having enough points!!:rotfl:

[disneybass]

We have been members since 10/06 so we have seen continous change since we have joined. Really, none of them affected us until the reallocation of points. Being Sun to Thurs travelers we are faced with adding on points or cutting days off of our trips. I dont think we will be adding on just yet. Might be time to sit back and see what else they plan on changing.

[Dean]

DVC still serves it's place for me that it always has as a specialty part of my timeshare portfolio.

[DisneyWalker44]

I'm not only "still happy," I'm happier than ever. Look at the changes we've gotten. If I'd gone back and time and posted that we were getting

- a monorail DVC
- 3BR treehouse units for the cost of a 2BR
- a resort at DLR
- free internet
- MS hours on weekends

people would be ecstatic. I am ecstatic. Add a check-in-day reservation policy that seems to be working great for 99% of people and - best of all - they are finally fixing the weekend/weekday point imbalance. Most of my trips are now cheaper.

I know the changes - especially that last one - haven't been good for everyone. And I sincerely offer my sympathy for those negatively affected. But if its all about me, darn tootin I'm happy.

[Sheribo]

I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them.

Definitely harsh.

[mybabesuz]

:yay: Very Happy... Planning two trips this year...:woohoo:
Couldn't have done it without DVC.:wizard:

[Anal Annie]

I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them, there are those that like to complain on these boards and others to just see what people say and how they react, and there are those who really don't "get it" even thou they own DVC. So there will always be those that complain about DVC and the such, to them I say "bring it on with your negativity. I love Disney and my DVC and if you don't like it then sell your points and be done it. I don't have to listen to you." :rolleyes: Ok I am off my soapbox adn getting back to work. ;)

So anybody who complains is not happy. Interesting theory. I did not know that I was a miserably unhappy person. Thank you for clueing me in. I suppose that's why I've been driving all around DC with that big 'ole DVC Member window decal on the back of my truck...and the entire "mouse family" including decals for my cats on the opposite side of my truck window. Not sure what the Mickey Fuzzy Dice may mean that hang off my rearview mirror. I am really confused about my state of mind now. Whatever does it all mean that I love that we have an affordable means to vacation but I am disappointed in the manner of how DVC has handled "things" lately??:confused3

[zorro77]

My family is happy with DVC. I guess if life and everything was perfect then it may be good enough for everyone. Have we every not perfect room or something wrong with our res. , yes that has happened. But we have been at disney resorts since 87 and cannot say that we are going to sell because of a issue that can always be fixed. Call house keeping or who ever and get it taken care of. Most problems occur when something is wrong with a room and a guest that leaves does not tell the resort. Being clean or not can be anything. People leave way past the 11am time and the cleaning team needs to rush to get ready for next guests. Not making up reason but this stuff happens everyday. We love DVC and visiting 2-3 weeks a year is a great joy to our families.

[backyardponder]

We are very happy. Since I like to go on weekends, I think I'm one of the few happy with the recent changes.

[fishermouse]

HAPPY AS CAN BE!!!! :banana:

[JimMIA]

I have found that those who complain are just unhappy people and there is nothing that will please them, there are those that like to complain on these boards Rather harsh judgement, wouldn't you say? :confused:Well, yes I'd say it was harsh (or silly) if applied as a global statement about all of the people who offer any criticism of anything Disney. (I don't know if that's how the author intended her comment, although it seemed to be.)

OTOH, there are a few people here who do nothing but complain, and this comment probably does apply aptly to them.

There are also a few hysterics who freak out over every trivial disappointment and start angry threads.

("I asked for Ranch Dressing and the @%&88! brought Italian!!!!! :scared1: Where does Disney find these MORONS??? My entire vacation was RUINED!!!")

And there are the occasional lurkers with 2 posts to their names who post provacative stuff just to get a rise out of other readers.

So TiszBear is not completely wrong with her comments. We have both unreasonable complainers and rose-colored glasses folks here -- far more of the latter, I suspect, just because we wouldn't be here in the first place if we weren't fans.

[dsneygirl]

Very happy. The only recent change I can see is the points allocation but we'll adjust. We already have 2 trips on deck and are already thinking about 2010.

[LSchrow]

("I asked for Ranch Dressing and the @%&88! brought Italian!!!!! :scared1: Where does Disney find these MORONS??? My entire vacation was RUINED!!!")


:lmao:
even funnier b/c it's so true!

no rose colored glasses, nor highly critical, we just enjoy our DVC for what it is:
a great way for our family to have a fabulous vacation at an affordable price. we expect there will be some changes, just as our family dynamics have changed (our kids have grown up, DH was laid off, etc). whereas we used to get a one bedroom for 4 once a year in august (btw, initially it was every other year:scared1: ), last year i went with DD in may (studio), my brother & parents in august (2 bdrm), & DH in october (studio) ~ the flexibility of DVC works for us:thumbsup2
we consider the changes to DVC over the years simple "tweaking" of a system, rather than dramatic events that affect our vacations (btw, the one change that really affected us, making BW view a seperate booking catagory, made us even more happy about our purchase).

of all the (many) purchases we've made in the past 9 years, none have given us as much happiness & freedom as DVC has (plus, it is the only that has had such a notable appreciation). :thumbsup2

[dianeschlicht]

After 12 plus years of membership, we are still VERY happy with our purchase and membership, and while there are changes that are a bit annoying, we haven't had any issues at all yet.

[tgropp]

Big Complaint. Why did'nt I join sooner? I would have saved a fortune over the years. I love my DVC

[DiznyDi]

:cool1: We're Happy!!:cool1:

I love :love: my DVC and what it does for my family! We had a grand gathering last year and are sending our daughter on her honeymoon this year. All possible because of DVC.

1) We generally stay 8-10 days at a time, so the re-allocation has not had a negative impact on us.
2) I actually like the new booking policy. I hated calling day-by-day.
3) The waitlist, well I've already gotten my request for our May trip this year. Last year I was unsuccessful using the waitlist... so in my limited experience, for us, this is another good thing.

:hug: to Jean. Hope you're planning your next trip soon!
Di

[DeeCee735]

:cool1: :thumbsup2 :rotfl2: :banana: :lovestruc :goodvibes :cloud9: :woohoo: :yay: :dance3: :love: :beach: party: :jumping1:

[Chester's Mum]

I'm still happy with my membership, even though next years trip will cost me more points. I must say, though, I'm getting a little nervous about the rate at which these changes are happening, and the lack of notice given to members about them. I am an owner of only 100 points, and I think the tone of the changes is leaning towards squeezing out people like me. It's not a nice feeling.

The point allocation change is technically a year away, but people are booking those trips right now and that's not much notice if you have to change your plans because of it.

Still I think DVC is good value for the money, and I enjoy my trips to WDW much more since I joined (Sept 07), I'm not considering selling out just yet.

[TDC Nala]

I do not have any reason to be unhappy with it, with or without the point reallocation.

[PutnamDS]

I really love my DVC. :yay: :yay: :yay: None of the recent changes were negative for me. I really love being able to call and book a whole week, as opposed to the day-by-day process I used last year. That was not my idea of a good time. Both systems had the same end result for me, so I like the new process better.

The points charts...I have done a few few of the Sunday through Thursday trips and liked the point savings......however, I think it is smarter for me to stay longer and the point changes were all I needed to move in that direction. My future stays are all at least a full week....I think I'll like that!

I've never encountered any big problems during my stays. I had some items stolen from my luggage, but I don't think it happened at WDW. Even so, they gave me a small room credit and that was really above and beyond what was necessary.

I'm a happy owner at BLT, as well as SSR and AKV. I love the new treehouse villas and can't wait to see the MK view at BLT. All in all, I enjoy every resort I've tried.

Maybe I am one of those rose-colored glasses people....

Deb

[palhockeymomof2]

:yay: count us in as another happy dvc family :woohoo:

[DVC Mike]

We love our DVC membership and are happy DVC members. There have been more positive changes than negative changes, as far as we're concerned. We like the new booking policy they implemented last year, definitely love the 7-days-a-week MS hours, and especially love the free Internet access.

[ScubaD]

My bride (disneymom8589) and I are still thrilled with our purchase in DVC. We have had no problems with making reservations, organizing Magical Express, or our accomodations. In fact we are in the early stages of adding onto our points base. We have secured a reservation for our daughter in Cabo for her honeymoon this July, and our son and his girlfriend are looking into Hawaii for their honeymoon.

And we just reserved a two-bedroom at Kidani Village at the AKV for the marathon next January.

Every contact we have had, sales people, kiosk people, front desk, reservations, etc, have been very helpful and courteous. The only time we have been a little disappointed is when we used developer points and waited for the reservation e-mail to confirm our stay, but we had the room waiting for us when we arrived in WDW.

Dave

[cheezNE1]

My DW is more of the Disney lover than I, yet i'm the one that's always on this forum and planning our dvc trip. She just lays back and enjoy the vacation when it comes. I'm the one that have to crunch the #s and all- figuring out which resort to buy or book. Lots of work for me, but i enjoy it. :thumbsup2

[Castillo Mom]

I love my DVC and haven't even used it yet.:goodvibes

Seriously though, I for one am thankful that my circumstances allow me to even be an owner. I try to put things in perspective and realize that there are people out there with far more serious things to worry about like keeping a roof over their head as opposed to things like the lack of a counter service option at Kidani, etc. We all need to count our blessings.:)

[Inkmahm]

Seriously though, I for one am thankful that my circumstances allow me to even be an owner. I try to put things in perspective and realize that there are people out there with far more serious things to worry about like keeping a roof over their head as opposed to things like the lack of a counter service option at Kidani, etc. We all need to count our blessings.:)

Exactly.

[BroganMc]

Am I happy?

Well I still love WDW and my home resort of SSR. I'm looking forward to my future trips this year. But honestly, my enthusiasm has been shaken in the last few months. Seems just when I adjust and get excited about the program there's another change. My joy over my BLT add-on completely unraveled with the point reallocation.

But then, I'm far more discontented over our stock funds right now. I'm just hoping DVC doesn't become something I look at solely as yet another financial burden. And in this day and age, it's those financial burdens we look at first with fear and loathing.

Regardless, I haven't become so discouraged that I want to abandon my DVC. I just don't want to see it continue heading down this path.

[marvali]

Still fairly new to DVC, but still loving it. We can't wait for our first trip home to AKV-Kidani over July 4th week. I'm in the "planning fast and furious" mode right now. We've stayed at SSR, HHIR multiple times, OKW, and AKV Jambo House so far and haven't had a bad experience yet.

I hate hearing about the bad experiences some on here have had (for the people involved) but I like this thread because many times it is only the bad that we hear about. All of our dealings with CMs at the different resorts have made for a lot of very memorable experiences in our short time as members.

It's a tough job dealing with the public all of the time, with their different wants, needs, and idiosyncrasies. I try to be respectful, patient and understanding of what they go through with other guests, and typically am met with a smile and overwillingness to help. Just one more of the great things about being at WDW!

[akghutton]

Hakuna Matata here. We've been members for 10 years and still love our DVC!:love:

[nunzia]

I love my DVC and haven't even used it yet.:goodvibes

Seriously though, I for one am thankful that my circumstances allow me to even be an owner. I try to put things in perspective and realize that there are people out there with far more serious things to worry about like keeping a roof over their head as opposed to things like the lack of a counter service option at Kidani, etc. We all need to count our blessings.:)
Amen..I kinda said the same thing way back on page 1.
We are not of the income level to take lightly an investment like this. I researched a great deal before committing and knew that things could and would change.
I like the new reservation system..much more reasonable and cost effective. (of course there are the walkers who have to do their angle thing..but whatever makes them happy)
The points allocation doesn't bother me. OK..so weekdays are a little more but weekends are a little less. My vacation went down a few points, but next time may go up a few.
It's how it is..if these kinds of things upset people they can always sell..we aren't forced to keep DVC. And yes..things like poor maintainence and housekeeping need to be addressed and fixed to maintain the Disney standard. To me those are valid complaints.
But how lucky are we to be able to have this splurge in our lives? No frantic waiting for codes or hunting for discounts on lodging. We have something special we can use with family and friends for years and years. Nothing is perfect, but outlook certainly helps.
:flower3:

[jarestel]

Most of the changes are defendable from a systemic point of view, so I don't take them personally. As membership grows, one thing is certain... we can expect more and more "enhancements" that some members will no doubt view as limiting personal flexibility but which nonetheless are necessary for the functioning of the DVC system as a whole.

Quite honestly, I'm more concerned with clean and well maintained rooms than I am any of the recent changes. At the moment I am still quite satisfied with DVC, but if anything were to push me towards the "let me outta here" POV, it would probably be room issues rather than systemic changes.

[grannychamp]

I enjoy my DVC and at this time I'm not planning to sell......... But it seems that most changes are taking away from the DVC Members. When the economy is bad and they are practically giving away rooms and are giving free meal plans with a $59.00 room, why not pass something on to the base, the DVC Members. Just take care of us, not take advantage of us.

[JimMIA]

When the economy is bad and they are practically giving away rooms and are giving free meal plans with a $59.00 room, why not pass something on to the base, the DVC Members.We hear this argument all the time, and the answer is quite simple. As DVC members, we have exactly the same access to special promotions as anyone else...and we are also required to meet the same stipulations for the promotion as everyone else.

If we want to book a $59 room with free dining or one of the other promotions, we are welcome to do that. In fact, many DVCers take advantage of free dining and numerous other promotions every year.

If you are asking why we don't get free dining with a DVC points stay, you need to understand that free dining is essentially designed to fill empty hotel rooms during slow periods. It's not a perk, it's a marketing strategy to sell hotel roomnights.

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

DVC has exceeded our expectations, having enabled us to visit our fav place more often. Very happy DVC members here!! :yay: :yay: :yay:

[disneyaggies]

I'm happy! I've never had a bad experience talking with anyone at DVC! They have always been professional, fun, upbeat, and seem happy to book our trips. We've been able to book what we want-when we want it at the 11 month and 7 month window. I feel like I've been sprinkled with pixie dust!:tinker:

[KiminChicago]

We're still happy too! Of course, we've only owned for a couple of years, but we've been able to vacation at HHI last year and this year we're taking my sister, her husband and my two nieces to WDW for their very first visit. As a lot of people have pointed out, the point reallocation actually helped us and, since I always try to be flexible in my vacation planning, I've never yet been wait-listed. Well, ok, last year's trip to HHI would originally have been waitlisted, but then we moved our dates to Labor Day weekend and had no trouble getting exactly what we wanted -- and we were there in between hurricanes/tropical storms, so we feel we were very lucky! And I called at 10 months out and was able to get a dedicated 2br at Kidani for the exact dates I wanted so it's all good.

And as far as walking a reservation -- ugh! I don't really want to have to think that hard, so I'm glad I can make one call and book our whole vacation once.

[wildernessDad]

Still happy here!

[gkrykewy]

I have no complaints with our membership. Working out exactly as we'd hoped.

[Disneyhappy]

We're still happy, but not nearly as happy as we were in the beginning. For us, every change DVC announced impacted us negatively except for free internet. We keep waiting for the next bomb to drop.

[Tiger926]

We have had some awesome memories as DVC members and look forward to many more. Despite this, we are a bit disappointed in the point allocation, as it's going to cost us, but it will work out better for some members, and so we understand that DVC has to do what is best for members on a whole.

Tiger :)

[piglet75]

I'm a brand new member, but I'm very happy! I believe that, as with anything else, there are going to be pros and cons, ups and downs, and nothing is ever going to be perfect for everyone. I'm just so thankful to have been able to buy in to a piece of the magic and guarantee myself a lifetime of vacations at my favorite place on the planet!:goodvibes

[Hollymom1229]

We are still happy, and the point allocation actually saves us points in the end. Also, by bumping up the minimum point add-on they've stopped my add-on-itis.

[Cyndibear]

We love our DVC!! Sometimes I get a little bummed about the negativity of these boards too so I try to look past that. As other posters said, we are all very lucky to have the oportunity to vacation as much as we do with our DVC ownership.

Sure we have had a not too friendly cast member, and our room could have been a little bit cleaner but we are at Walt Disney World and for us, that makes everything okay!!

Cyndi

[byoung]

Still very positive about my 200 BWV points.

[Markeymouses]

We are very happy:) but we are at the begining of our 50 years .....staying for the 1st "official DVC stay" at AKV kidani in June. I would like to say one thing though....I look forward to our trips every year and just knowing I'll be able to plan all the time :) makes me VERY HAPPY! I am noticing that they like to keep you on your toes HUH!;) Loving everything Disney even my dues:laughing:

[SLM]

Still happy-the resorts at Vero Beach and Hilton Head far exceeded our expectations-we've had great trips as DVC members to WDW and looking forward to our first stay at AKV this summer with our daughter and her husband. One day we hope to take grandchildren! We"re able to travel different times of the year, different size villas-we love the flexibility. And it forces my work-a-holic husband to block out a week every year! :)

[bobbiwoz]

Still very positive about my 200 BWV points.

Great! Haven't "seen" you around here lately, and I seem to remember that you do like studios!:banana:

Bobbi:goodvibes

[byoung]

Great! Haven't "seen" you around here lately, and I seem to remember that you do like studios!:banana:

Bobbi:goodvibes

Been pretty busy, but glad to be back. Yes I still favor studios.

[iloveokw]

Bought in 1996 and are still happy we did it. We bought enough points to stay when we want and in one bedrooms or larger. We bought points after OKW at Vero and HH because we loved them also. We do always plan 11months out (only one or two exceptions). We have been happy to share with friends and family - but mostly just the three of us.

There have been some changes, but none have negatively affected us so far.

This "investment" not that we think of it as one has performed better than any other we have made except maybe College Illinois for our daughter.

The only negative is that we are spoiled and think that staying in a regular hotel room, no matter how nice, is slumming.

Unfortunately many people think Disney and anything attached to it should be perfect, but we don't live in a perfect world.

:banana:

[Lesli54]

We are still happy with our DVC. In fact, every few days someone is saying "I wish we were in Disney".

The point change won't affect us much since we usually spend an entire week or more. We may have to change our travel week by a few weeks to get the best point advantage, but we are flexible.

We will probably consider buying more soon. Our DVC has more than paid for itself so all future trips are basically the cost of dues which will be much cheaper than the cost to book without DVC. ::MickeyMo::MickeyMo

[Sammie]

Overall, we are still happy. When we are not, we will sell.

However, as long as I am paying dues then I will continue to hold DVC to a standard that was set when I bought in. I don't think DVC should be allowed to slack off when Disney resorts are not.

Maybe some DVC members stay only DVC and therefore do not have the comparsion but the upkeep lately on DVC is getting to borderline ridiculous. Hopefully that problem will soon be taken care of.

Many changes that have happened recently will not impact everyone and therefore I think if that is the case it would be hard to be sure if it would bother you or not. As someone else stated, we hate the change to the banking because it does very much affect us, due to our use year and planning summer trips. Also some members were lucky to have guides that were very helpful and truthful but others were not.

I don't think being concerned about an investment is any reason to think that members are ungrateful for what they have, just a wise business decision to look out for that investment.

[edk35]

Very happy DVC members. :cool1:

[edk35]

So anybody who complains is not happy. Interesting theory. I did not know that I was a miserably unhappy person. Thank you for clueing me in. I suppose that's why I've been driving all around DC with that big 'ole DVC Member window decal on the back of my truck...and the entire "mouse family" including decals for my cats on the opposite side of my truck window. Not sure what the Mickey Fuzzy Dice may mean that hang off my rearview mirror. I am really confused about my state of mind now. Whatever does it all mean that I love that we have an affordable means to vacation but I am disappointed in the manner of how DVC has handled "things" lately??:confused3


Well I must be just as unhappy because I have the "mouse family" decals including a decal for our dog. :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

[vicki_c]

Well I must be just as unhappy because I have the "mouse family" decals including a decal for our dog. :thumbsup2 :rotfl2:

Well if you're driving around AA County and see a mini-van with the MouseEar family of 4 (and dog), a big DVC member magnet and a Buffalo Bills magnet -- make sure you honk and wave!

We love our DVC membership - we've had 3 trips so far and many more to come!

I will reserve judgment on the "2 waitlist" rule, but I think I don't like that, but nothing else so far has bothered me.

[PooooohBear]

We are extremely happy.

We're relatively new, having taken 5 trips (short & long to both HHI & AKV) on our points since September '07. I honestly can't think of one thing we've had to complain about. (knock on wood)

[lsutigger2]

Me Me Me!!:cool1: :cool1: :cool1:

:thumbsup2 :thumbsup2 :thumbsup2