Attitudes from family about your trips...

[Hollymom1229]

We bought last week and right now the only family members that know are my sister and BIL. I wouldn't have told BIL, but he was on the trip with us. His reaction was "it's your money, even if it is a waste of it." I nearly clobbered him, but he's as bad as my FIL who doesn't get why people vacation. My sister just asked, are you sure you can afford it right now, and when I told her yes, she was thrilled for us. I can't wait to tell my mother, but I want to do it in person.

 

[TinksDH]

DW and I have owned at VB since 2001, and my parents have poo-pooed it the whole time. Didn't understand what the allure of WDW was, and how nice the DVC properties were. They'd often kid us about us trying to get to WDW at least once a year, and sometimes more (we live in Kansas City).

Well, back in June of last year we decided to ask them if they wanted to vacation with us at WDW and VB. We have 3 kids, so we got a 2 bedroom at BCV & VWL, and a Beach Cottage at VB (I hope it's still there!)

For the next 11 months all my mom would say was "We'll still have fun at the resorts, but we'll 'tolerate' MK and EPCOT," and other snippy remarks. As the time got closer, my Mom & Dad DID admit that they were actually looking forward to it, but it was more about them seeing therr grandkids have fun and not them having fun.

Well, guess what? They loved BCV, were floored by VWL, and fell in love with the cottage at VB. They also had FUN at MK, EPCOT, AK, and MGM. By the 10th day (3 days into the 'decompression' at VB) they started asking things like, 'So, how much does this cost? How can we get into it? Could we vacation with you guys more often?'. Another added benefit is that DW is a GREAT WDW vacation planner, and had them seeing all the 'must see' things during their first trip back to WDW in 20+ years. By the end of the trip, they told us that this was their best vacation ever (and they've been to Bermuda twice, many other places many times).

To make a long story short, while we were still at VB, they decided that they wanted to buy, most likely a resale. A week and a half after we got home, they gave us cash and had us make an offer on 150 points at HHI (which we subsequently got). Since they got that resale (and DW and I added on at SSR ourselves), we've planned and booked 3 trips to DVC properties for 2005; OKW in March, VB and VWL in June, and HHI over Thanksgiving. Talk about a complete reversal in opinion!

As they say, the newest convert makes the best evangilest...

 

[CRSNDSNY]

Originally posted by lenshanem
OK... We always got a little attitude about how often we went to WDW, typically once or twice a year. This year is a big year for us, it is the first time we bought APs and we're still fairly new DVC owners in the scheme of things, having bought about a year and a half ago.

I know what you mean. We just bought DVC September 2003. Mom and I went in December 2003 on rented DVC points. Then hubby and went to BCV & SSR with friends and their kids in May 2004. Then I went to a conference at the Dolphin in July 2004. THEN, hubby and I went earlier this month and stayed at WL. THEN (LOL) I will be going with two friends in November this year.

Honestly, we've gone way more than I thought we would but if you have the points, you have the AP and you can find decent airfare (if you need it), then WHY NOT?

We get a lot of flack from family and friends, but seriously -- many of them have benefited already from our DVC membership. At work I get teased a lot for spending so much time in FL and in Disney. But we love it. We are never disappointed. And if we're still paying all of our bills then why the heck not? We really sucked our APs dry this year!

It kinda bugs me when people find out where we're going and tease me, but perhaps their just jealous. We found an affordable way to vacation in the happiest place on Earth. There's really nothing wrong with that.

At least we all have each other here on the boards...it's nice to know people that understand it all.

 

[bauernicomom]

I'm so excited we're staying in a 2 bdrm at VWL in Oct.!!! We are not owners but almost bought in 2 years ago. (Seems like we're going to DW every two years).

I can definately relate to "attitude" from friends and family. We
can travel anywhere in the world we want, and have done so
quite a bit.....but guess where we're going??? DW!!!! and I'm so,
so, excited!! (AND we're flying all the way from Germany).

You all can share this with your "travel snobs".

 

[wendydarling826]

I am learning that it is wise not to say much about our membership or vacation plans to those who don't "get it". We also bought AP's this year when we went for 9 days in August and are using them for two long weekends in October and January. With the low airfares I've been able to get, these mini-vacations are no more expensive than a weekend at the shore or the mountains. But while no one would bat an eye at our going to those places for a long weekend, I think some of my friends and family view the trips to WDW as extravagant. Or maybe they're just jealous!

 

[Cruelladeville]

When we first bought in 97, we heard all about how bad timeshares are, we are going to lose our investment, etc. We just let them all talk, meanwhile we continued to vacation at Disney 2-4 times a year. At this point, both sisters and brother, niece and daughter all own timeshares too, so I feel vindicated, and just a tiny bit smug about the whole issue!

 

[DisneyMim]

I guess I'm one of the lucky ones. When we bought in 1991 our families just nodded and laughed. We had been waiting for this forever, ever since I told my Mother when I was very young that someday I would live in DisneyWorld. I had watched Walt talk about EPCOT (yes I am THAT old!) in the days when it was supposed to be an "experimental city" and turned to my parents and said I would live there. When we finally told them we had bought into the Vacation Club, and keep in mind that nobody believed there was one way back then, I had to carry a map around and explain that "YES, it was going to be inside the park" everyone told us that they just knew we would be the first in line. I've always been a HUGE Disney fan. I have since converted my brother and our families have shared many wonderful memories. As for those people who think I'm crazy, well I know it's just jealousy. Many people are very envious that our kids still love to go with us. They think of it as their second home and my hubby and I are soooo happy they feel this way. I can't think of a better place to, hopefully, bring our grandchildren someday.

 

[CRSNDSNY]

That was such a nice post, DisneyMim!

 

[rwcmath]

I agree with you, CRSNDSNY, that was a good one!

I'm one of the people who alway said, "There's more to Florida than Disney!" And so, we would go to Tampa, Ft. Meyers, Miami, and more, but THEN we would go back to Disney again, whether or not we had our DSs with us. We bought it for US, but most of our family and friends must have an inkling that they'll be invited someday, we get no snide remarks or anything like that. We have very dear friends who have never, ever been! (They've been "penciled in" for Dec. '05, VWL, I've even sent them the dates, and I'm hoarding those points!)

As I said on another thread, we're waiting for our DGC to get old enough so their parents will be willing to join us. I'm not one who's willing to wish my life away, so DH and I are enjoying our frequent albeit shorter trips now.

rwc

 

[disneycrazed139]

I always get "so...when are you going to Disney again?" from my family. (Especially when there is a long silence and they can think of nothing else to say to me.) It's a little patronizing...as though I am really a senseless silly person.

But I don't mind!

As my husband says, I am a Disney "enthusiast."

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by disneycrazed139
I always get "so...when are you going to DISNEY AGAIN?

Along the same lines when my boss wants to know of any aspect of my job he always uses" How do I get this done?

You know so when you running around in the "mouse house" for 2 weeks things don't shut down.

Sort of make me feel a little bad but I just smile and gasp, " Now what on this earth would ever make you think I'd do a thing like that". Then under my breath say,

Do you want the dates now?

 

[charlottechris]

We too get the 'Disney again' attitude from some family and friends, but father-in-law thought that DVC was such a good deal after he sat through the SSR presentation I dragged everyone to, he bought a 220 pt contract!

 

[smjj]

We go to Disney,our other two sets of friends we hang around with have other plans. One uses AmbasidAir to go to as many away Pacer games as they can and the other friends go boating on the Ohio River where they rent a campsite. My wife's sister and her husband go to Hilton Head. The point being to each their own, each family is different and all of us take the vacation that pleases us the most. We don't get hassled and we don't hassle them, maybe that why we are still friends after 20+ years...smjj

 

[TW1]

I spent the first 18 summer vacations of my life in the same beach house during the same two weeks of August...and I loved it.

When it came tme to book my own family's summer vacations the cost of the Jersey shore was out of sight. So we bought into HHI.

Now I plan on spending the next 35 summer vacations building the wonderful family memories with my kids as my parents did with us. And the added bonus is we get to go to WDW every 18 months or so.

So, let them question our sanity and fiscal prudence. But don't let them question the joy we receive from this experience.

Three cheers for the DIS board

 

[MAC3]

Originally posted by TW1
So, let them question our sanity and fiscal prudence. But don't let them question the joy we receive from this experience.

Well said TW1!

 

[llp479]

My family doesn't criticize the "timeshare" aspect. My mom and dad own 3 Marriott Vaction Club properties and my sister owns at Grande Vista in Orlando, so they can't say much there.

What my parents don't understand is why we need to go more than twice a year! So, didn't tell them about the trip we just took in September while they were in Italy! As DH said on this last trip, "at some point it stopped being a vacation destination and truly became a second home." Couldn't have summed it up better! Knew there was a reason I married this man

 

[Beast fan]

My side of the family does the criticizing. They say the usual ("waste of money, too expensive, blah blah blah"). My MIL and FIL, after hearing we were probably going to buy 170 points, looked at our video and all the info we had and bought 200 points, SIGHT UNSEEN! (at VWL).
My in-laws really like it. They have taken 2 trips to VWL (one time they brought some friend's children with them), one trip to HHI (bringing BIL and his DW), and one 2-night stay at the Plaza Hotel in NYC.

I guess, either you "get" Disney, or you don't.

Dave

 

[Dancind]

DisneyMim, I remember listening to Walt talk about Epcot, and thinking the exact same thing! Didn't say it out loud, but sure thought it. Thanks for bringing that memory back. And I wish I had figured that out when you did!

Our families don't say much. I've invited my brother's family several times, but they only get a two week window every year, and they just have to go to Corpus Christi, in a camper. Not my idea of a great vacation, but to each his own. Still hoping we can take my niece someday soon. But next year, my stepson and his family have said they will go, complete with DH's 20 month old DGD. That should be fun!

 

[MarylandPirate]

I don't care what other people think! You can't ENJOY life by living it to please your Peers. My family and I enjoy going to Disney, that's why we bought into the SSR........and I still haven't gone to Universal

 

[Kick it up a notch!]

I have never had anyone say anything bad about the timeshare thing or DVC and never have I heard any of either my wife's family or mine say anything negative about the decision to purchase any of our three contracts. I am curious, why do all of you who have people judging them allow yourselves to be judged? I personally would not accept that type of behavior from anyone I know, and I would let them know it as soon as it came out of their mouths. Family, friends or not, you need to set the boundries and let people know what is acceptable behavior and what it not. If they are hell bent on stating their opinion in the negative, you should inform them they are being rude and ask them to keep those rude comments to themselves. People often do not understand they are being rude until they are told. Tell them! If you do not, you will be uncomfortable for a long, long time while you are taking crap from them. Then you will blow up at them, cause a fight and there will be more hard feelings than just telling them they are being rude when it is happening.