2 Year Lookback at Decision

[zmanandshan]

Still happy with the purchase after 4 years. Use the points for DVC locations only so far and have never had any trouble worth mentioning. for the most part the experience has been fantastic.

The airfare from MA is the biggest killer of enjoyment. If I lived closer I'd probably double my points and visit more often.

Hate getting the dues bill!!!

Jim

Hey Jim, Yes, the airfare can be a killer. I usually jump jet blue when they announce their extended schedules, but it requires planning further in advance. Yes, and the annual dues are in Jan just in time for the Christmas charges and our property tax bills to hit.

 

[evenrude]

I agree with post excellent summary, I'm on my 11th year of ownership, and I fell I have definitely gotten my money's worth. Being a long term owner It's been sad but I have dealt with the elimination of virtually all perks, but to me the value and the magic is almost completely gone because of housekeeping and maintenance deterioration, the quality and cleanliness of rooms have gone from four seasons level immaculate to little better than a best western off the interstate. They have let the resorts go to far down the worn list for too long compared to Marriott or Hyatt Vaction clubs, DVC room quality and cleanliness is a joke, if I were buying DVC today I would insist on seeing a typical room not a display model...

 

[sandieb]

I agree with post excellent summary, I'm on my 11th year of ownership, and I fell I have definitely gotten my money's worth. Being a long term owner It's been sad but I have dealt with the elimination of virtually all perks, but to me the value and the magic is almost completely gone because of housekeeping and maintenance deterioration, the quality and cleanliness of rooms have gone from four seasons level immaculate to little better than a best western off the interstate. They have let the resorts go to far down the worn list for too long compared to Marriott or Hyatt Vaction clubs, DVC room quality and cleanliness is a joke, if I were buying DVC today I would insist on seeing a typical room not a display model...

I don't care at all about the perks. However, a clean and well furnished room is very important, and it's an issue that needs immediate resolution if the room is not up to par. I won't say it has ruined my affection for DVC, but I won't accept a less than clean and well kept villa. Actually, none of the Disney CMs have been anything less than responsive. Not to say that we don't find something that may need repair from time to time, but it has always been addressed right away.

 

[disfanforlife]

I appreciate your comments and have similar feelings. We have owned for 4 years now and do not regret it. We have been to WDW six years in a row and without DVC I don't think we would have gone as often. For us, also living far away once a year is often enough, but without DVC we would not have gone as much. The money spent purchasing was paid up front so for us it doesn't seem that bad. We plan ahead too and for the first time haven't booked our next trip yet. Our oldest will be in college next year and we are trying to decide if we should go in November like we usually do ( without her) or go in January when she is on break from school. Tough decision.

 

[chainkid]

I have owned since 1999 and in all that time and many many visits with multiple rooms, I have only once experienced a really bad problem. Five years ago , We had 8 rooms booked at the BWV and all were great and clean but one family was placed in a one bedroom BWView on the fouth floor right near the elevators. They had no hot water from the moment they arrived to the time they left. Maintenance came up and told them to run the water a half hour before using but it only got luke warm at best and not enough to shower or wash dishes with. I finally got the manager and tried to get them moved but since this was right during Thanksgiving weekend they said they could not move them period. They offered them a free dinner and gave them 3 nights vouchers to return at a later date which they gave to me because i paid for the room. This worked for me but my friends will not go with me anymore and stay at that third world hotel as they like to call it. I know this doesn't happen usually or I would have sold my DVC by now but it was totally embarassing to me to have them have such a rotten experience. Most of my trips have been pure pleasure though so I guess I've been relatively lucky listening to all the other issues.

 

[Safari Queen]

We bought in 2004 and only regret not doing it sooner. It's changed the way we vacation at WDW, transforming it from a mad dash into a truly relaxing, rejuvenating time in a beloved place. Going with friends and family was one of our goals and we've enjoyed it very much. The only disappointment was that some family weren't interested in a free vacation!

I'm delighted with the DVC discount on my AP and various discounts, whatever they are. I don't begrudge people their free dining @ rack rate when I'm relaxing in my spacious villa, with a kitchen/kitchenette, laundry, free dvds, etc.

The only negative associated with DVC is that I can't take advantage of the very low resale prices now to buy more points.

 

[get_us_to_WDW]

Good summary. Glad that you're happy overall with DVC! I am also.

 

[SusieBea]

We purchased in 1993, have made over 35 DVC trips at multiple resorts, and have added on 5 times. We have never had a major problem; and every time we've reported a minor problem, it has been corrected. I think having reasonable expectations is everything. It would surprise me greatly if we don't hold our 6 contracts until they expire in 2042 ( when my kids will have to be pushing me around the parks! ). One of the best purchases we've ever made.

 

[MinnieVanMom]

I looked even at the exchanges, and nothing much where I frequent (Munich Germany and Southern Zurich Switzerland area). I wanted to take the fam over and extend a business trip, but not much in the way of options.

Oh, And I can't stress enough about being able to check out our brain. It's so relieving. Being near NYC, our trains pretty much run north and south. If a train arrives, you just get on and wait till you get to the last stop in Grand Central. I bought tickets in Frankfurt to get to Mannheim and the guy at the ticket booth told me if I hurry to Track XYZ, I can catch the train, if not, another one would be buy in 45 min. So I rushed over, walked down the steps, train showed up and I got on without looking - Bad mistake, ended up heading toward Russia. Never do that again... Seing you travel there, you can prob. relate...

Do get me wrong, I love being in control of my destiny while in Europe which is why I don't do tours. I go where I please and when. But as I found out early on, as you did, it is time to read everything, check the signs, think about where you need to go.

Disney makes me feel, well brainless. Get on the bus that says magic kingdom, easy. Sometimes I just need the escape and the DVC does make it a little easier for trips to WDW.

The selling point of 500 worldwide locations is not exactly true. Yes, if you go when they say, stay the required nights, pay the fees and travel to locations only serviced by RCI.

 

[disney1474]

Hey John

We've been members since 2007 and love it! We want to stay at BCV next time. I see your family stayed there. Did you enjoy the resort?

 

[disfanforlife]

Hey John

We've been members since 2007 and love it! We want to stay at BCV next time. I see your family stayed there. Did you enjoy the resort?

We stayed there in 2010 and it was my hubby favorite. He loved being able to walk to epcot. Our son loved the pool. It was his favorite pool. We will definately go back!

 

[zmanandshan]

Hey John

We've been members since 2007 and love it! We want to stay at BCV next time. I see your family stayed there. Did you enjoy the resort?

Welcome fellow-Nutmegger. Where abouts in CT are you guys from? I'm just north of New Haven...

We LOVED the resort. The pool is great. All that it is hyped up to be. We are going back in May, even though we told ourselves we would try each DVC resort before going back to the same one again. We like the "feel" of the resort too. Plus cant beat the location, esp. if you are an Epcot-lover.