Just listed our last two contracts...

[dwdeb]

Decided to sell our BWV points (sold 3 contracts 2 years ago).We have been members since 97 and still love WDW, DL, DLP, and all the resorts, but have been vacationing differently.

More time at spent at Indian Rocks Beach or Sanibel over Feb and April vacations and summer trips to England or France.

I do still believe no other resort has the quality and theming of a Disney resort, however, imho, the parks are too crowded and the dining plan has ruined what used to be good restaurants.

Will still vacation at Disney once in a while... will never give that up; will have to do it the old fashioned way, book a room through CRO!!

Definitely made good use of our points and would say got more than our money's worth..

So.. farewell DVC, but not farewell WDW, DL, DLP..
Deb:wave2:

[littlestar]

Time does change things, that's for sure. We don't own as many DVC points as we used to.

Good luck. :)

[funatdisney]

That is the nice thing about owning DVC. You can sell your contracts easier than other timeshare properties. One of the considerations I made when deciding to buy into DVC. 50 years or so is a longtime, and vacationing habits will change.

Glad to know that you still love to visit the Mouse.

[Deb & Bill]

We sold two of our five and made money on both. Still debating whether or not to sell another. Maybe after our son heads to college.

We've also vacationed in other places, Marco Island (we like it better than Sanibel) and the national parks.

[justloveit]

I understand, we have been doing the same thing. We just sold 2 small VWL contracts and are considering selling more, but don't want to sell too many too fast. But our vacationing has definitely changed and the parks have changed. The parks have been very crowded for the past couple years, even when it is low season, and the dining has been ruined. This has affected how we feel about the parks. We have owned since 2002, and have definitely gotten our moneys worth out of DVC, and I think we will keep some points just to be able to vacation there occasionally, or to give our children the opportunity to continue to enjoy WDW the way DVC enables us to do.

[TLSnell1981]

OT...a little.

I wish Disney would wake up concerning the decreasing quaility of WDW dining. At this point, we aren't selling our DVC, but we don't dine in the parks like we did in the past.

[Sammie]

OT...a little.

I wish Disney would wake up concerning the decreasing quaility of WDW dining. At this point, we aren't selling our DVC, but we don't dine in the parks like we did in the past.

As long as they can keep they restaurants busy they don't care who is in them. They have so many first time guests that do not realize how much it has changed.

PS: if anyone is booking ADRs at your 90 day mark; just an FYI, the booking system is letting you book at 3am eastern lately rather than the official 6am, not sure how long the "glitch" will last.

[SamSam]

OT...a little.

I wish Disney would wake up concerning the decreasing quaility of WDW dining. At this point, we aren't selling our DVC, but we don't dine in the parks like we did in the past.

I agree, we are foodies and the dining in WDW has been a large part of our Disney Experience............no longer, the quality of the food, even the dining experience itself has deteriated with the dining plans and the free dining offers. We're not ready to sell yet, but are definitely dining more offsite.

[Maistre Gracey]

And they need to bring back the Adventurers Club, or better yet all of Pleasure Island. I was close to selling some DVC when the AC closed.

MG

[toniosmom]

I agree with you regarding the dining. We did the DDP in 2008 and the food quality was so disappointing. Since we now own DVC and have a kitchen in room, I'd much rather eat there and have more time to swim or go to the parks.

[Tink6]

We also started having our meals in our villa. We bought easy meals to fix and found it saved us a lot of time. A lot more convienient and easier on the children.

[ToddyLu]

:) We still enjoy Disney Dinning---we don't have as much available to us yet in Katrina Land...so we are not picky. I must say the only really bad meal I have ever had there was the first and last time I ate at the Rose and Crown. We are doing DDP this year so my MIL and BIL can try it out. It was also beneficial for my parents last year...to "prepay for nice meals" helped them have a more relaxing trip. Us too since we didn't hear my Dad complain about the prices. We are new to DVC and just bought in June....we have always done value up til this trip. We will continue to go to Disney every year...my DH is addicted, too. Luckily our families really enjoy our time there so we see it helping with our vacations for years to come.

[disneydreamingdebby]

I was so sad to read your post; we will officially become DVC in the next week or two. We travelled to WDW in 08 and 09 and enjoyed the dining, but wasn't "wowed" by it. I wish we had been, but I guess would have been disappointed if we recognized the slip in standards like so many of you.

Happy vacationing out of the "world:wave:"

[kaelarad]

many of the reason listed is why we chose not to add. Our next trip is December and not a Disney table service in the plan. Also the benefits of ownership have changed.

[robinb]

Sorry to hear that Deb. I hope that you get a good price for your contracts! We sold our OKW contract right before the bottom fell out at a profit.

[dwdeb]

Thanks, we probably won't get top dollar, but aren't looking to make a killing... will definitely net more than we paid.

If contracts don't sell within a certain amount of time we will hang on to them and try again at a later date.

Deb

[Mickey'sApprentice]

Thanks for posting Deb.

Your post confirms that it is totally ok for us to just have the one small contract!

[tvwalsh]

I think, under the influence of addonitis, many DVC members, like myself, added on more points than they needed. I was up to 550 points and have sold off enough points that I am now down to 340.

That number still is enough, especially considering the fact that DVC has gutted the Concierge Collection (we used to go to the Grand Hotel, the American Club, and the Plaza Hotel).

I think many members do not know how easy it is to sell excess points, and hang on to more than they actually need.

The reduction in member dues has truly been a delight. :banana::banana:

[BEASLYBOO]

Things change and you are doing what works best for your family and that's wonderful! From your post, DVC has served you well but it's time to move on!

I bought 210 points and have constantly fought the urges to add on for the simple fact that we do love to vacation elsewhere. It's a big world and there's a lot to see!

Good Luck!

[Checkers]

:)We are in the process of adding another contract and that will make 3 -- one for each grandchild eventually. Our family thoroughly enjoys WDW and I don't see that decreasing in the future. We do agree on the dining, however. It is not what it used to be. Since my DH & I traveled extensively before we purchased DVC we are just content to relax and enjoy the resorts more as we get older;).

[dwdeb]

Relaxing at the resorts is what we like best, too!
Even our 14 yo daughter prefers hanging out at the pool with a book, to going into the crowded parks.

If our points don't sell right away, that will us at the pool everyday with noses in our books!

[dianeschlicht]

OT...a little.

I wish Disney would wake up concerning the decreasing quaility of WDW dining. At this point, we aren't selling our DVC, but we don't dine in the parks like we did in the past.

That's us too! I have voiced my concern to MS everytime I can, and I also have mentioned it each time I call for dining ressies. Of course, now we do that online, so none can hear our rants! :confused:

[dianeschlicht]

I think, under the influence of addonitis, many DVC members, like myself, added on more points than they needed. I was up to 550 points and have sold off enough points that I am now down to 340.


I think you are SO right about that. We started with 230 and added 150 within the first year. The 380 was really perfect for us, but I HAD to have at least some points at AKV, since I would have bought there right away if that had been an option back in '97. Now we have 449, and I'd like to still have the 380 maintenance fees. However, I love the CL at AKV, so I'll still be doing that at least every 3rd year. I have thought about eliminating the 150 point contract, but OKW unextended means I wouldn't fare too well, so we'll hang onto it and hope the DS eventually wants to take it over.

I thought we were very smart with our original DVC purchases, and that's why we haven't really had the need to sell any yet.

[TLSnell1981]

That's us too! I have voiced my concern to MS everytime I can, and I also have mentioned it each time I call for dining ressies. Of course, now we do that online, so none can hear our rants! :confused:

They way I look at it? Why waste the calories and cash on mediocre cuisine?

[tjkraz]

As long as they can keep they restaurants busy they don't care who is in them. They have so many first time guests that do not realize how much it has changed.

Aside from the newbies, there are also a lot of people on the DDP--particularly "free dining"--who don't even care about the quality. All they know is that they are "getting a deal" on the food or even dining for free.

Hopefully with the higher prices and even tiered pricing for 2010, the numbers using DDP will decline to the point of Disney taking notice.

[jodifla]

Decided to sell our BWV points (sold 3 contracts 2 years ago).We have been members since 97 and still love WDW, DL, DLP, and all the resorts, but have been vacationing differently.

More time at spent at Indian Rocks Beach or Sanibel over Feb and April vacations and summer trips to England or France.

I do still believe no other resort has the quality and theming of a Disney resort, however, imho, the parks are too crowded and the dining plan has ruined what used to be good restaurants.

Will still vacation at Disney once in a while... will never give that up; will have to do it the old fashioned way, book a room through CRO!!

Definitely made good use of our points and would say got more than our money's worth..

So.. farewell DVC, but not farewell WDW, DL, DLP..
Deb:wave2:

One note: the parks were definitely NOT crowded the week right before Labor Day.

We'd been in January for a week, during the middle of the month, and were astonished by the crowds this past January. Normally, we walk on everything then!

But Aug. 30 in the MK, no line was more than 20 minutes in the middle of the day.

[permavac]

... I do still believe no other resort has the quality and theming of a Disney resort, however, imho, the parks are too crowded and the dining plan has ruined what used to be good restaurants...
Deb:wave2:

We started going to the World in 2005 and have noticed that the crowds have steadily gotten worse every year - in the supposed "off" season. Fortunately, we didn't really believe that the DDP had done all that much to food quality so we were spared the double whammy of disappointment - until this last trip :sad2: Just got back on Sunday and I finally understand the complaints about the dining. The fish at Yorkshire County Fish Shop has shrunk dramatically and the crispy batter exterior is now some sort of limp, wet multigrain nightmare. The nice (decently portioned) scrambled egg on the Gravlox and Egg sandwich at Kringla in Norway is gone - replaced by 2 microscopic slivers of hard boiled egg. The black forest roulade has been removed from the menu at Biergarten :sad: You can still buy a slice at Sommerfest (the black forest "cake" version is gone) but you only get the same amount of cherries you would have gotten in the tiny slices that used to be available in the buffet. The ice cream at the counter service at Caribbean Beach used to be really good - now it's some sort of ice milk. We still have some favorites that remain unchanged, but this past visit was an eye-opening one and we now understand what all the fuss is about as it has finally affected us. Sorry to say that I understand where you're coming from...

Terri

[littlestar]

Through the years we've owned 550 total DVC points when I count all the contracts. Now we're down to 155 at SSR. That gives us enough to stay once a year for five nights in a 2 bedroom or 6 nights in a 1 bedroom.

We come to Orlando usually about 3 times a year and enjoy staying at other resorts in Orlando. We're trying Bonnet Creek in May 2010 - found an RCI rental for around $500 for a two bedroom. :yay:

[zalansky]

Can more of you elaborate (thanks premavac) on why you think Disney Dining has gone down the tubes? We used to get the DDP on every vacation when the price was lower and it included the appetizer and the tip. Now its not as good a value so we usually pass on it. I would love to see additional opinions specifically on whats going wrong.

As for points, we'll probably be in the same boat as the OP one day. Right now our kids are 4 and 6 and we live very close to the world. So it works well for us. As the kids get older though we do want to branch out and see more than Disney World. So maybe we'll sell an add-on in the future. Only time will tell.

[dwdeb]

We're baack....!
took the points off the market... 3 weeks is too long to sit without a bite..

So, guess we will take advantage of all the beaufiful resorts, hang by the pool, limit the the food intake, and enjoy.

In all fairness, there ARE a few restaurants we still love for atmosphere, and family tradition; Rose and Crown, Olivia's, Whispering Canyon, and Kona Cafe.
:)
Deb

[Deb & Bill]

We're baack....!
took the points off the market... 3 weeks is too long to sit without a bite..

So, guess we will take advantage of all the beaufiful resorts, hang by the pool, limit the the food intake, and enjoy.

In all fairness, there ARE a few restaurants we still love for atmosphere, and family tradition; Rose and Crown, Olivia's, Whispering Canyon, and Kona Cafe.
:)
Deb

We did start with four contracts for sale, wound up selling two very quickly and then decided to take the other two off the market. Then put one smaller one back on the market. Got two bites, no sales and are back to using them. Wait until the market is better.

[dwdeb]

..Just booked BC studio for Dec 23-30, this Xmas(will be our 10th xmas in wdw), and SSR studio for Feb vacation. YAY.
Will enjoy the resorts, visit the parks, visit other resorts(our favorite thing to do-just visit no pool-hopping;]).
so... it is ok to not sell, life is good!

[zalansky]

Glad you kept the points. We almost put one of our 100 pt contracts for sale this past January after the dues statement came. I had TTS fax us everything, filled it out and thought I faxed it back but it didn't go through. Decided to not sell once I calmed down about the dues and I am so happy we kept the points now.

Great on booking those vacations OP!

[dwdeb]

Thanks!
Yes we were very lucky to get the BC studio Xmas res...
Love love love the epcot resorts/international gateway area.
Was able to get dining res. for our dates too, so we get to hit our favorites..
Guess the points didn't sell for a reason; we are still meant to enjoy WDW!!;)

[manning]

Thank god Shula's Steak House is not being run by Disney!!!

[dwdeb]

..not familiar with that restaurant, Manning. It is in the Dolphin, isn't it?
We never seem to go to those two
hotels to eat... walk through and explore, yes.

[manning]

..not familiar with that restaurant, Manning. It is in the Dolphin, isn't it?
We never seem to go to those two
hotels to eat... walk through and explore, yes.

Yes, it is in the Dolphin thus not part of the Disney operation.

[Val]

We put our two contracts up 2 weeks ago and now one is sale-pending......hate to do it, but with 2 kids in college, the change in points, some decline in the "presentation" at WDW and kids who would rather go to the national parks and white water raft- well, the writing was on the proverbial wall. I am very, very sad, but I know it is the right thing. Hopefully our second contract will sell quickly so it will just be OVER!

Someday, when I am old and gray, I may buy myself a little contract for a few small trips. At least we have 12 years of DVC memories!

[edk35]

We put our two contracts up 2 weeks ago and now one is sale-pending......hate to do it, but with 2 kids in college, the change in points, some decline in the "presentation" at WDW and kids who would rather go to the national parks and white water raft- well, the writing was on the proverbial wall. I am very, very sad, but I know it is the right thing. Hopefully our second contract will sell quickly so it will just be OVER!

Someday, when I am old and gray, I may buy myself a little contract for a few small trips. At least we have 12 years of DVC memories!


:grouphug:

[laura-k]

however, imho, the parks are too crowded and the dining plan has ruined what used to be good restaurants.:

We purchased dvc last year ,but won't stay until March ,but we have visited every year for the last 10 years or so and over that time I think one of the things that gets worse each visit is the restaurants , reservation situation and It used to seam that Disney had allot of very cool cm's that really liked there jobs and went out of the way to tell you a cool disney fact , point out a new pin or just be very polite ,many times now it just seams like they just do there job ! (So it's all fine just a little less "special" sometimes )

PS I have had some truly great things happen too ,so thank's to you amazing cms out there !

[ELKHUNTER]

..not familiar with that restaurant, Manning. It is in the Dolphin, isn't it?
We never seem to go to those two
hotels to eat... walk through and explore, yes.

That's the last time i thought the food was descent was at the Dolphin and that was in 1992! We really havent enjoyed the food at WDW since, especially for what you have to pay for it. Have dined off property since.

[manning]

That's the last time i thought the food was descent was at the Dolphin and that was in 1992! We really havent enjoyed the food at WDW since, especially for what you have to pay for it. Have dined off property since.

We are down to counter service when in the parks and maybe one or two restaurants that and that is only for convenience.

We now go to Disney in Jan for three weeks and perhaps eat at a Disney restaurant 2-3 times if that.

Come to think of it we don't even go into the parks that much.