Perception of DVC members as losers

[dvcdudes]

There is another thread about DVC members being "snobs".
It got me thinking. I really don't get that I am a snob from people. When I tell people we're going to WDW to stay at our DVC resort again, I kind of get that look that people have when they are at the pet store looking in at the puppies in the cages. Like I'm some sort of pathetic loser trapped into going to the same place over and over again... That (I feel sorry for you) look.
When we first bought DVC, I got a few snobish reactions. But now that we're going on our 4th trip to WDW in just over a year, it has changed to pitty.
:p Pitty us all you want... We know where we want to be.
I have been to The Bahamas twice (two different islands) and Aruba and I never understood the atraction to "beach resorts" or "island resorts". Could it be that my skin tone is akin to mayonnaise? Maybe. But it just seems there is nothing to do there but lay on the beach. Oh I know you have parasailing, jet skis, shows, etc. but these are all things you could do at WDW too (jet skis at VB). I don't think people realize this. They just think "theme park".
Oh well... Feel SAD:( GLAD :) or MAD :mad: about me. I really don't care. I found a place that I REALLY REALLY REALLY want to be. It's just another added bonus that we (DVC members) call it "HOME".

OK NOW... Let's here your feelings. Anyone else get the "looser" look???

[bicker]

That's exactly the way I've cased it for my brother. "Didn't you go to Aruba every year? What's with that?" More power to folks who find their place-of-comfort. That's where we go to vacation, i.e., rest. Occasionally, (when we have the money,) we go "touring" which is something different than vacationing.

[Lisa F]

I think I get the "loser" look way more than I get the "snob" look also. Sometimes even from people AT wdw. I remember once standing around waiting for illuminations to start and striking up a conversation with the people next to us. They couldn't believe that we come to WDW as often as we do! The woman just about told me that I must be crazy and gave me the speech about how there are so many wonderful places to see in the world and listed a whole bunch of things she'd rather see and do than WDW all the time. She told me that my world must be very narrow because I spend so much time at WDW and don't I ever want to see the "real thing?" rather than the fakes all over WDW?

My only response was to give her my "the difference between a trip and a vacation" speech. The , 6 weeks I spent in Bourges, France and 4 weeks I spent in Italy doing archaeology stuff were "trips." I got to see some amazing stuff and I worked my butt off at the time. Nothing like going from 5am til midnight every day for a month! When I got home, boy did I need a vacation! I (politely as I could) explained to her that I was not "stupid" or "uncultured" because I chose WDW as my vacation destination, but that going to WDW WAS a choice based on the way that I relax.

We also get teased almost constantly at family gatherings because of how much we go to WDW but at least that is somewhat "good natured" teasing (at least they're not insulting our intelligence)... although since we brought my inlaws on a week long trip with us in a 2 br at the BW, they don't chime in nearly as much anymore! I doubt they will be buying into DVC anytime soon BUT they don't think we're nuts anymore. Baby steps I guess!

Lisa

[LauraS]

We definitely get the "loser" treatment more than the "snob" treatment from people we know. And we usually go "someplace else" besides Disney every now and then too. Doesn't matter, when we tell friends that we're heading back to Disney we get that, "again??" look. And we get the "look" more than the average Disney family gets it because we don't have kids yet. We get those questions like, "Is there anything for adults to do there?" and "Wow, haven't you been on all the rides there by now?". Now we just say, "yeah, there's plenty for adults to do, and sure we've ridden most of the rides, but it's a resort, like Grand Cayman or Aruba or the Bahamas". And GC, Aruba and the Bahamas don't even have any rides!! Heh.

It used to bother me awhile back, but then we got married at WDW and invited our families, well then they all finally *got* it. And so now we just get those looks from our friends. Honestly, we don't care anymore. We know what we like and where we want to be and have found zillions of people on-line just like us!! I agree with the people who say...."shhhhh....let's not tell them how great it is". The less people who find out, the better for the rest of us!!

Laura

[Towncrier]

I often get the loser treatment until I explain how DVC works. And how I took my entire family on a 7-day Caribbean cruise for $75. And how our annual trips to WDW will cost about the same until I'm too old to care. And how nice the DVC rooms are. And how we aren't fixed to any one time of year or any one location. That ususally has the effect of shutting them up.

[baileybrad]

I could really care less what label someone puts on me. I live and let live. My brother joined in 93. We never gave it a second thought in terms of whether he was a "snob or loser". It was his family's choice and money. We have way too much going on in our lives to care what, in most cases, some uninformed, jealous individuals care about what we choose to do with our vacation habits. It is no concern of theirs. And we could care less. Not being hateful, just don't let others chips affect us in the least.

[prncssjas]

Hey there! Are you making fun of my thread on snobs?! LOL!! ;) Gosh, when I first posted it, I was only wondering if anyone else experienced it! Never meant to stir up trouble.

But actually--this post touches a big point! I get the "loser" look from some people. They do think we are kinda silly going often but I don't really care. And for the record, I didn't care about being a "snob" either. :D It was just question...hope no one got their feathers ruffled. ;)

DVC is the BEST and we all think so--the opinions of others who don't care are just that--opinions.
;)

[SOBDOSNV]

Since most of the posts are from the East Coast, how about some from the West Coasts DVCer's. I have never been looked at funny or with pity. Most of our family and friends admire us for getting away to Florida every year. We usually go in Nov or Dec when it's snowing and cold out here, so we hear alot of "can you put us in your suitcase and take us with you". Anyway we take people with us any chance we get. And we don't have children with us, but we've taken nephews and nieces when their parents didn't want to go. So I think it's probally just plain old jealousy!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[invalid_char]

Definitley viewed more as losers than snobs. My stepson, who LOVES Disney, thinks it's crazy to go every year. Other members of my family think it's really foolish to cough up that kind of money when you can easily stay off park. And yet others think that there must be some unstated, deep psychological reason for an adult to really like Disney.

Then there are the REAL snobs who think that if you REALLY had money you'd buy a place outright, instead of doing a timeshare.

So, I don't view this as a prestige thing, you just do it if you like it and are comfortable with it yourself.

[AZKathy]

That is pretty true with the West Coast thing. Most people ask why we just don't do the California thing and what is so different with DL and WDW???

[Dennis the WDW Menace]

The only test that needs to be made is to take the person that questions your vacation plans with you to WDW and stay at a DVC resort. Thats what we do and it is amazing how the attitudes change. It will go from why do you always go there to how can I do the same. Weather you think of yourself as a snob or a loser you are enjoying WDW the best way and that is all that counts.
I just can't wait till our next trip in Jan., it seems so far away but it is worth the wait.:bounce: :jester:

[Gail Reale]

Some family and most friends think we are crazy to keep going back to WDW. Who cares? We had our honeymoon there in 1974 and have never missed a year since, sometimes going twice a year. That, of course, was pre-DVC! We bought OKW in 2/95 and in '99 we went 5 times (just couldn't "waste" those "free" passes!). Most back off after they make a trip with us and finally understand what's it all about. We are near (2 hours) the Jersey shore resorts, and I could never understand spending 1500-3000 for ONE week's rental and to do that over and over every year. Whatever floats your boat, and again, who cares what others think. Oh yeah- to top it off I also work in the Disney Store near home - you just can't get enough Disney is the way we feel!!:earsgirl: :wave:

[disneyokw]

Back in 1992 my friends and I were staying at the Treehouse. Back then (or at least on my trip) the buses picked up people both at the Treehouse and at Old Key West. I still vividly remember people standing on the balcony and watching someone play golf. As we left I saw the name Disney Vacation Club and thought oh that is for those rich snobs that could afford the good life. Just like the country clubs back home. Then in 1996 I get a call from my parents at WDW to let me know that they just bought into Old Key West. The name did not mean anything to me until they said it use to be called the Disney Vacation Club. I laughed and thought hey we are now one of those snobs. That was my perception of DVC at first. Now when friends and family give that old tired talk on how can we go to WDW again I tell them the benefits and kid co-workers who say they cannot afford to go on vacation this year. A perfect time to rub it in. ;) Another benefit of DVC is being able to communicate with other DVC members on these boards that feel the same way. Then you know you are not alone.:earsgirl: :bounce: :pinkbounc :earsgirl: :bounce: :pinkbounc :earsgirl:

[Richyams]

I have certainly seen this more often than looked at as snobs. It has actually decraesed greatly since moving to Florida and finding so many people that were already familisr with the program. In New York, it was just another rip off timeshare to most people.

[wahoo]

the "loser" sentiments may be partly directed to timeshares in general, and not just your ownership in DV. Timeshares have had some pretty bad press and it's only recently that they have taken on more respectability, as companies like Disney got involved.

[msdis]

We get NO sympathy or pity. A lot of weird looks and a lot of " you guys are really hooked on Disney, aren't you" maybe, but no pity. Any one we know who has been to Disney and had the "full experience" will say "good for you guys" or "you guys really know how to live". Most people respect and admire us for it, esp. when you explain the whole thing to them. The "snob" thing we get are from those who are jealous so we blow it off because we realize the sources. Hey, after all it's not our responsibility for the happiness of others. They gotta make their own kind of sunshine. Look around you. There's a lot of unhappy people. A lot of people who build their whole lives around not being able to keep up with Smith's and Jone's instead of finding their own happiness. Sad! We joined DVC for us and anyone around us who wants to be a part of it and will continue until it is no longer right for us. I'm sure no-one here is denying food, shelter, or other essentials from their family to have DVC. So, I see no crime for ANYONE to feel guilty about. :D

[CaptainMidnight]

People wonder how we can afford to go to such an expensive place all the time. Thanks DVC, wouldn't be able to afford it without you.

[Margie J]

I get the "loser", "stupid", "waste of money" and "immature" look from some people when they find out I'm going "back there again". Of course, they conveniently forget about my trips through ALL of the Caribbean, to Mexico, Canada, California, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Virginia, D.C., Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Hilton Head SC, New Orleans, Las Vegas, New Jersey and other parts of Florida.

Do I care? Not anymore. To each his own I say. :smooth:

[normr]

Just today as we were boating up government cut by the port of Miami, we passed 3 cruise ships that we're leaving port, my daughter had 2 of her friends with us and I asked them if they had ever been on a cruise, both said no, I then asked if they've ever been out of the country, again the answer was no, It then struck me that DVC has helped make our family pretty fortunate. My kids have been on 3 cruises and another one is scheduled towards the end of the year, they traveled to London & Paris and DLP with us on points plus they go to WDW twice a year, and a few of my kids friends have NEVER been to WDW, let alone some of the trips they've experienced.

Not trying to sound snobbish, but I think DVC has spoiled us.
We get looks from all our friends and family when they find out we're going on vacation again.

[Pat Marlton NJ]

We use to get the loser look from our friends and people that I worked with when I told them we were going on vacation. I would get the "going back to Disney World again!!!!" or "don't you get tired of going to Disney". Now several of our friends have taken are advise and gone and viewed the DVC and one couple has bought in, their only regret that they didn't listen to us and buy earlier! We have traveled around the world, seen alot of nice places, but for us a stay in the USA at WDW is the best!!

[Bill K]

If this is what you call being a loser, I never want to be a winner again!!!

[genealle]

I love the people that don't appreciate yearly trips to WDW. That's means more space for us and less crowds. Sadly, I "convert" one or two snobs a year, and have turned them into Friends of the Mouse. So I guess that's a little less space for us diehards.;)

C Ya in Nov. at BWV

[antnee]

When we announce we are goig to Disney again. people always ask dont you ever go anywhere else. And I say Yes Hilton Head or Vero Beach:p

[LindaDVC]

Last year a friend was being "taken" to WDW for a family reunion and she was miserable. I kept trying to think of something she would like to do---

finally I remembered she likes animals so suggested various attractions at AK and the seas at Epcot. For the first time she began to look forward to the trip. She ended up enjoying the trip and admits she would go back again. People think of Dumbo and Small world and forget all the other things you can do. Explore countries at Epcot, Movie related themes at MGM, etc

Once people have been they realize what it is all about!

[SimbaSue]

My DH and I have been getting the "you're going there again" and "what do you do there?" reactions since the second trip we took to WDW, which was just short of 12 months after our first trip ( in 1998). We are child free which just adds to the judgements. Three trips and thousands of Disney dollars later, we bought into DVC. We have told exactly 3 people, for this reason. We love it and will continue to go as long as we do, but we don't make a big deal about it because we don't want to hear it. So , I would definitely say we have gotten more of the loser than snob vibe. We know that we are very blessed to have found each other, WDW, and DVC!Sus:)

[Denine]

I would rather get the "loser" reaction and be going on vacation to a warm, sunny climate, than not be going anywhere at all.

[sumessefui]

I have noticed that the people who give us the snob/loser treatment: a) do not vacation; b)vacation only when it is really cheap; c) vacation at the same place each year ( a crime of which they accuse us); or d)vacation at different places that all have the same thing.

[Peggy Sue]

Ok, confession time...

I work with a woman who took annual vacations to WDW. Each year when she would tell us she was going again for 12 days at the end of August, I was among those who asked her why her family didn't consider other vacation alternatives and see "some of the world" out there. I'm sure she hated telling us yet again that she was heading back to WDW.

We had been to Disney twice during this time frame, and enjoyed each of our vacations (1985 and 1990) However, we didn't have the urge to return every year and loved traveling to other vacation destinations.

Than..1997..another trip to the world, and we were introduced to DVC. Life hasn't been the same since. Now, we travel to WDW several times a year. There is something about taking a vacation in a 1 bedroom or larger villa..and being able to RELAX..At WDW!! Something I never believed we could do..all our trips were always in commando mode, we saw a lot, but came home so tired. Now, we come home relaxed and refreshed! I must say, I've now confessed to my fellow co-worker that I now understand why her family keeps returning to WDW year after year. (Although, I've yet to convince her she could save a bundle by joining DVC!)

So..when people ask us why stopped traveling to other places and keep returning to WDW, we smile and say...it's not WDW that keeps us coming back, it's the resorts and what they have to offer that make our trips so enjoyable. I don't think anyone can understand until they've experienced it for themselves!

[StephenKay]

Tunisia 86
Sweden 87
Finland 87
Norway87
Germany 88
Corfu Greece 90 ( This were I met my wife )
Tunisia 91
Rhodes Greece 92
Tunisia 93
Year off wife pregnant 94
Sciliy Italy 95
Corfu Greece 95 with 5 month old daughter
As above
Falkland Islands 97
At last WDW in CBR 98
Rimini Italy 99
San Juan Puerto Rico 98
WDW ASMO 00
Signed for DVC Dec 00

As you can see I have travelled far and wide, and have seen many sights including the graffiti wall in "Life of Brian" and the Berber caves in Star Wars. But there is only one place in the world I want to be except home in the north of Scotland other than WDW. We love the world and thought of as losers by friends and family alike. We no longer care!!! until the unbeliever's touch down of the "hallowed" ground they do not understand.
We are not "well off", just a normal living couple who were deprived of the Magic Kingdom in the 70's.

Stevie KAY
Inverness
Scotland

[DisneyMim]

I guess my experience is different, but mostly I get the "Awed" look from people. Their next question is when are we going to move there. I tell them as soon as the Castle is on the market. For the occassional "loser" person I just point out that many people go to Cape Cod year after year or rent a cottage in New Hampshire or Maine. Disney is my "other home". This always shuts them up.

[GB]

I get the jealous look, and I LOVE IT!

Gina

[Goofy's Mum]

I certainly agree! The reactions we usually get are:

1) "Don't you get sick of going to WDW every year?"
(hardly!!!)

2) "Why do you want to have a time share there-
Disney never changes!" (huh???)

3) "Oh, so you can't go anywhere else, huh?"
(even if we couldn't go anywhere else, that would
be just fine with us!!!)

The impression seems to be that Disney is a dumb vacation - once you've gone, why go back? Little do they know the real truth about DVC! I do sense a lot of skepticism in people about DVC - not high class enough maybe, or we're really immature for loving it so much and having so much fun. If that's how they feel, I'd rather be a kid anyway! There's enough stress in life as adults...being a kid on a vacation is much more fun than stretching out on a beach and trying to act cool.

Never be ashamed to love DVC! Every DVC member I've met has been fantastic!!!



;)

[invalid_char]

Adults may state their opinions and who knows what their real motives are. But, why don't you look at their kids when you say you're going to WDW again? Tell me their kids aren't DYING to be in YOUR kids' shoes.

Whatever comment I get, I agree with it to a certain extent, and then say that I LOVE to see my kids' really happy (which is the truth). What parent could argue with that? And WDW is so clean and safe ... who can argue with that?

If I didn't have kids I'd argue that there's so much to do at WDW, the weather is great, and the service is impeccable. Who wants to be treated rudely on vacation?

Just my opinions.

[kamgen]

I think that those who view DVC members as "losers" should look in the mirror. I know it sounds harsh, but the comments get old really fast. I won't go through them again since others have said exactly the same things, but I do have to say that there are so many people who don't get it. As for WDW changing, I cannot keep up!! I love the new things and the old each time I go :)
Dh and I do not have kids yet, and joined DVC on our honeymoon. We look at it as a great investment. It allows us to take more/better vacations than we thought possible. :)

WDW is not just about theme parks. THere are so many other things to do, see, etc. than most people realize. When we tell people that, they think we are nuts.
We enjoy our time at WDW, VB, and on the cruise. We are heading to HH this year for the first time.

I think the people who fail to see WDW as a wonderful vacation destination, fail to see the point. WDW is a place where everyone, young and old, can escape to being a kid, without responsibilites, worries, or a care in the world. Now that sounds like the ultimate vacation to me!!! And DVC allows us that feeling wherever we choose to use our membership.

Me a loser??? I guess so! :jester:

[jcodespoti]

Some of my friends can't figure out why we bought at WDW since we have no kids. My father even was skeptical of DVC until he got the sales "pitch". He was more interested in VB bought once he stopped and listened he realized that DVC is a good deal


Joe in CT

[dianthus]

call us losers then....

We've been on 2 cruises with points, going to Europe next year with points, 5 trips to WDW, 3 golf trips to HH. Most of my kid's friends have never been to WDW once, let alone the Carribean or Europe....

I never knew losers could have so much fun! :D

[mattsdad]

We ARE losers!!!! Put your chin up and be PROUD!!!

[BelleBeast]

My Family doesn't even ask "how was your vacation" when we return - they don't even ask my opinions when they go - and then when they come back and
complain how lousy something was I finish the statement for them.

For example - My sister recently came back from WDW and they decided to go to the Brown Derby for steaks and chops - (this is what they thought this restarant was) They went for the fantasmic Dinner Package and Hated It - They said the only thing that appealed to them weas the Cobb Salad and that was horrible cause it was ffinely chopped lettuce.

Now - Come our time to go to DVC - I say I'm going home and don't bother calling me cause I;'m enjoying the Peace and Quiet of family time AT HOME!

BelleBeast:

[Goofy's Mum]

Isn't it sad that people have to only find the bad things about something like DVC?? They really don't know what they're missing, do they?

There have been quite a few people who wonder why we bought into DVC since we don't have children - my answer is very simple - we're still kids at heart!!!

Power to DVC!!!:wave:

[Scarlet]

Oh boy...do I get the "loser" comments.... I was a travel agent for 11 years and my husband and I travelled 'round the world. Once our daughter was born, we "sacrificed" one trip and went to WDW for the 1st time (BWV).....I was hooked!!! Bought BWV points immediately upon our return, and have never looked back. Changed careers, and am perfectly content to travel to WDW 2-3 times per year. Cheap flights to MCO, get there in 2 1/2 hours and feel like we are home
again... Everyone wonders how we could "settle" for
Disney year after year...........

[poopie]

No one really looks at us like either snobs/losers they look at us like we have lost our minds when we say we are going to WDW again. We didn't bother to tell anyone that we bought DVC, they just wouldn't understand.
We are going on DCL next so when people ask where we are going on vacation next I say we are going on a cruise and leave out that it's a Disney ship and that we are staying at WDW before and after.

Rachael

[Lynn-Marie]

I've noticed people changing their attitude now that we've welcomed the birth of our son. Instead of saying "wow, Disney again?" People are saying "your son is so lucky to have parents who love Disney!"

I love going often because it gives me a break from reality. In my line of work -- a grant writer for programs serving at-risk populations -- I see and hear about a lot of sadness. My vacations are a perfect time to get away from it all and play. I'm sure we'll turn our attention to other DVC offerings, but since we only signed up in November of 1999, we're not quite sick of it yet.

We're going with the whole family to the Grand Californian/California Adventure/DL for New Year's -- I can hardly wait to see my son's reaction! He so loves Mickey Mouse!
:bounce:

[Jhalkias]

We were losers when we went several years in a row. Now that we joined DVC and actually went on a trip to WDW and a Disney Cruise WITHOUT the kids - I can't even begin to imagine what they are calling us.

WHO CARES!

In three weeks we leave for the Outer Banks (another vacation we take every summer). Somehow noone ever seems to question that one.