I was nine years old when I first visited WDW in 1975. Vacations don't get much better, as I can still vividly recall the two-week stay at the Polynesian Village. As a family, we were hooked from the first day, and our Spring Break holidays became exclusively WDW from that point onward. At first, as a practical matter, my parents told us (my sister and I) that we could only make the trip every two years, but I can remember several exceptions to that rule, where we unexpectedly went in an "off year". I even remember one year when we decided to make the trip (24-hour drive) at the last minute, and without any reservations (everything was booked), and we seemed to spend every night in a different hotel (first night Golf Resort, second night Fort Wilderness trailer etc., etc.). Of course, that trip was every bit as enjoyable as the others.
By the time I graduated from university, I had made at least a dozen trips to WDW, always staying on site. I believe that it was in the late 70's when we discovered the villas at Lake Buena Vista, and we just loved the "on site", "home away from home" combination. It was not until I introduced my wife to the Polynesian Village on our honeymoon that I stayed again in a standard hotel room.
We now have children of our own (4 year-old daughter, 2 year-old son, second son expected in two weeks), and we have (naturally) spent our last two holidays in WDW, spending a week in a two-bedroom unit at VWL (renting). As I was making arrangements for another "rental" holiday at BCV next year (third March in a row at WDW), I finally was able to see the light, and break through all of my misgivings about "time shares" (I know, I know ... DVC is not a typical time share!!!).
Earlier this week, I took the plunge on 350 BCV points. As I finalized the purchase, I had absolutely no reservations, as I truly felt like this purchase was 28 years in the making. Unbeknownst to my DW, I have now been able to make next year's reservations as a true member (she still thinks we're renting). If I can keep the secret, I hope to surprise her with this at Christmas.
I have very much appreciated the input that I have received from this site, and from all of your comments. Thank you all!
By the time I graduated from university, I had made at least a dozen trips to WDW, always staying on site. I believe that it was in the late 70's when we discovered the villas at Lake Buena Vista, and we just loved the "on site", "home away from home" combination. It was not until I introduced my wife to the Polynesian Village on our honeymoon that I stayed again in a standard hotel room.
We now have children of our own (4 year-old daughter, 2 year-old son, second son expected in two weeks), and we have (naturally) spent our last two holidays in WDW, spending a week in a two-bedroom unit at VWL (renting). As I was making arrangements for another "rental" holiday at BCV next year (third March in a row at WDW), I finally was able to see the light, and break through all of my misgivings about "time shares" (I know, I know ... DVC is not a typical time share!!!).
Earlier this week, I took the plunge on 350 BCV points. As I finalized the purchase, I had absolutely no reservations, as I truly felt like this purchase was 28 years in the making. Unbeknownst to my DW, I have now been able to make next year's reservations as a true member (she still thinks we're renting). If I can keep the secret, I hope to surprise her with this at Christmas.
I have very much appreciated the input that I have received from this site, and from all of your comments. Thank you all!
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Thanks for the Awesome post. 
