Ayone else get comments for being DVC members??

[rowbear]

On a more serious note. I don't care. I really don't. People will be jealous and form opinions and as far as I am concerned they can think whatever they want. I am not going to apologize for the choices I have made in life that have given me the ability to own DVC property and the ability to take multiple vacations every year.

I think it is sort of funny that some of you think being called rich is an insult. Oh the horror!

The only thing I do is try not to make those that really can't afford to go to disney no matter how good of a deal they run feel bad by talking about it.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

As with any group, 99.98% of the group are fabulous. My DVC friends are exceptional people. Most of the time you never know if you are standing next to a DVC guest.....they are just another Disney fan.

What can be troubling are the .02% of the group.

As an example, on one trip last year were witnessed....

Boardwalk Bakery one morning....long line. "I want my purchase delivered to my room"......"I'm sorry, we do not offer delivery service to your hotel room"......now very loud......"Is this the service $40,000 gets now? I am an OWNER AND I WANT MY ORDER DELIVERED TO MY ROOM".

Well you get the idea. It actually didn't stop until my husband stepped out of line, walked up to them and said in his "forceful" New York style......"If I give you $40,000 will you SHUT UP?'


again on the same trip in line for the bus at Boardwalk.....

"I can't believe they allow common people (yes, that's what he said) to ride the bus with owners. We OWN this place". We decided our car was a far better option.


and finally.........at LeCellier.....in his DVC polo shirt, DVC jacket and DVC baseball cap......


"I can't believe the people they are allowing to stay at Boardwalk now. It was so much better when it was just DVC people. This place is going downhill now that they just anybody to force their way in".


Ok, I admit this particular trip we obviously were in the wrong place at the wrong time -- three times.

That .02% were tough to ignor and certainly left an impression on those around them.....DVC and we....common people.

I enjoy these boards because I learn about the DVC accommodations now that we take advantage of available DVC points. I wish I had thought to ask about BWI before we stayed there....we could have avoided a shabby room.

There is so much useful information found here and we can't wait for our trip to the Grand Cali Villas.

Having said that....sometimes the .02% leave a far bigger impression than the 99.98% of fabulouse DVC owners.

 

[HGD24]

We usually only get positive comments for owning DVC. We do get the "You're going again?" question alot though. I just got it yesterday from a co-worker when I said we're going to Disney in Nov. She said, "Didn't you just go last year? Is this going to become an every year thing now that you have a child?" I told her "Yes, we went last Fall and we're going back this Fall. Not sure if it's going to be every year, but this is our 10th trip in 12 years so we've kind of already set the precedence, even before we had a child." She just shook her head and continued on her way.

 

[rowbear]

Is it really that uncommon to go every year? I realize it might be uncommon to go multiple times a year but every year?

The first time we went to disney as a couple we stayed at the contemporary for 5 days. We got a travel deal that included 2 meals, airfare, lodging, and park passes for 1500. We upgraded to stay in the main concourse for another couple of hundred.


So if you waited for a good deal and stayed at a moderate isn't it entirely possible to get in and out if you save between 125 and 150 dollars a month? I realize for some people that is still completely out of reach but most people I know waste at least that much every month. I know of a couple who complained that they have never been able to take their kids but they eat out 4-5 times a week and not just cheap food either. If they cut their eating out budget by $30 a week they'd could go. It wouldn't be the fanciest of trips but it could be done.

 

[keishashadow]

The really funny thing is many rich people would laugh at you because they consider Disney to be so common that it is beneath them. Some of my friends that do quite well in life refer to Disney as a trailer trash vacation.

true, i've heard it too...they just don't know the 'secret'

i tend to hear more of the "...you're going on vacation - again!" sort of comment, thanks to cost savings of DVC allowing for multiple trips either utililzing DVC or the value thereof every year. Our points have morphed into enjoying many different sorts of trips

While I enjoyed our trip to DL & recent alaskan cruise & have another cruise booked for Dec., i confess considering cancelling our usual couple days @ the beach/Cedar Point we typically take the end of July & sneaking down to Orlando, i miss it so...never gets old for me.

 

[ToddyLu]

Dh and I just joined DVC last month. It was really funny to watch how fast my MIL was willing to change from Pop to AKV studio with SV. My parents don't really understand so I would love to have them stay with us at WLV one day (Daddy's fav resort).

 

[DeeCee735]

I don't usually tell people right out that we are members. I have a member jacket that I wear a lot and people usually ask me. DS's allergist asked and told us how he was and we ended up having a 30 minute long conversation about where he should stay on his next visit. Then I was at a different school in May and one of the teachers also asked and told me how he was a member, and how they were going in July for their anniversary, staying at SSR, etc....

Other people that we know realize that we visit WDW 3-4 times a year and wonder how we can do it, and I tell them that we are DVC members, and shake my hand like it is no big deal, and tell them we don't have to pay for our accomodations.

PS--What is DFH? I can think of lots of things it could stand for: Dear Fat Head, Dear Favorite Hubby, Dear Fat Hubby! I'm not familiar with that one-DFH

Darling Friends Husband

 

[DeeCee735]

The really funny thing is many rich people would laugh at you because they consider Disney to be so common that it is beneath them. Some of my friends that do quite well in life refer to Disney as a trailer trash vacation.

I have a co worker, co worker mind you, so she can't be rich either, if we're working in the same place for the same $$$, who acts like its ridiculous to want to go there more than once and as if it is "sub standard" to all their cruise vacationing. To each his own, I say.
We aren't interested in constant cruise vacations, and she has no desire for Disney.....what ever floats your boat!
(no pun intended?)

 

[DeeCee735]

I've had mixed reactions from people...

First, we had a really, really negative reaction (and blog post) which I brought up here awhile back. Basicly they hated all things disney and thought I was jumping on to the 'american religion of consumerism' and bringing down the world,ruining my children's life, etc. Needless to say, that relationship did not last!

Next, I did get a 'must be nice, i could never afford that' reaction. What's funny, is that just this past week I talked to that same person about this, and they were thinking of going (have never been) and when they priced out a room at AKV, they realized that if they bought DVC how much they'd save in just a few trips. So I don't think I'll hear that again! If she thought she'd go multiple times she was feeling ready to buy herself, LOL!

And then I've gotten a few reactions from family who think we are nuts, because we won't want to go in a few years once our kids are older. It was then I tried to explain we could go to other places, and also that it's fun for us, not just our kids But I don't think they got it! And I've just dropped it.

It's interesting, because we own a cabin north of here we purchased about five years ago, and never once did I get anything negative on that in all that time. And we have owned DVC for a few months, and I've heard it all! I'm not sure what that's about!

But I also have had a few friends that were really great about it. We had a little party with the kids and lots of goodies, to celebrate our purchase, and they were all excited and happy for us Two friends in particular will listen to my endless decisions on where to stay with our points, etc, and haven't complained yet (true friends!).

No matter what anyone thinks though, what matters is our family, and WE are very happy and excited!

This gets me every time! We go MORE now that our kids are older. It's easier to work trips into the schedule of 2 people instead of 4 (and less expensive on the flights). My kids are in college, and started using DVC with their friends this past spring, so now we can go separately and get even more use out of it....win win situation!

 

[thelionqueen]

I have been blessed enough to go to a Disney park every year I've been on this earth. I've been blessed enough to be able to do this for my children.

I am not rich, not even close. I can say, without any doubt whatsoever at all, that DVC is one of the purest sources of joy in my life! I LOVE it, and am PROUD to be a DVC owner.

To afford our trips, we cut back in almost every other area. We only eat out once a month, I buy clothes for my boys at the thrift store (surprising the quality and name brands at the thrift store, but that's for another time). I sell any extra items on ebay or craigslist. We have a garage sale annually, and I could go on and on.

We've made conscious decisions to give up in other areas to pay for our DVC, and it's the BEST thing we could have done. A lot of "if you can't pay cash you should not buy DVC" people would disagree with our logic, but it makes perfect sense in every way for us.

My favorite story to describe our Disney addiction is this.... My boss is so used to me using my vacation time (have 7+ weeks per year) and going to Disney, she say's this:
"you must be going on vacation soon, right?" I say "why yes I am." She immediately follows this question with "Land or World?"

 

[nunzia]

I have been blessed enough to go to a Disney park every year I've been on this earth. I've been blessed enough to be able to do this for my children.

I am not rich, not even close. I can say, without any doubt whatsoever at all, that DVC is one of the purest sources of joy in my life! I LOVE it, and am PROUD to be a DVC owner.

To afford our trips, we cut back in almost every other area. We only eat out once a month, I buy clothes for my boys at the thrift store (surprising the quality and name brands at the thrift store, but that's for another time). I sell any extra items on ebay or craigslist. We have a garage sale annually, and I could go on and on.

We've made conscious decisions to give up in other areas to pay for our DVC, and it's the BEST thing we could have done. A lot of "if you can't pay cash you should not buy DVC" people would disagree with our logic, but it makes perfect sense in every way for us.

My favorite story to describe our Disney addiction is this.... My boss is so used to me using my vacation time (have 7+ weeks per year) and going to Disney, she say's this:
"you must be going on vacation soon, right?" I say "why yes I am." She immediately follows this question with "Land or World?"

We're in the same boat (Mark Twain or Columbia? ) Anyway...Disney and DVC are our only real splurge also. Well, staying at the Grand Californian used to be, but when I found out there'd be a DVC there it was a no brainer. So I have my little second job, I shop thrift stores and keep stuff until it literally drops dead (yes, I'd love a big screen TV but that has to wait until that darn great running old set we have dies), I do alot of ebay and if I had time I'd do Etsy. Our house and cars are modest, and if we go out to eat it's fast food or with gift cards. People really do wonder how we can vacation so well..it's becasue we live small and frugal and I'm really lucky to have a DH who goes along so happily

 

[ransom]

DVC is just another on my list of things not worth mentioning to most people, because it takes too long to explain and dispel the myths and misconceptions...and most people just don't care enough to listen if you did bother to explain it.

Same goes for most of my private life. DW and I (both solidly middle-aged) enjoy playing video games, especially the cooperative ones that let us both play on the same side. Some weeks in the winter, we'll spend 20 or 30 hours playing them. We also collect classic gaming systems, from the Atari 2600 on up, and have hundreds of games for them. Most people don't understand that passion, either.

And then there's the Disney movie collection: we have almost everything made during Walt's lifetime (shorts, animated features, and live action features, plus many of the TV show episodes). Every Saturday night for the last three years, we've watched a classic Disney TV episode or several classic Disney animated short subjects. And every Sunday we've watched a classic Disney movie (animated or live action). Hard to find much connection with most people on that passion, too.

And then there's theme parks. We go to the local Six Flags once a weekend during the operating season (April through the first week of November). We like thrill rides, and it's a nice place to walk around and take a break from life...and dream about our next visit to WDW. Again, most people wouldn't understand.

So we mostly stay mum about our private lives. I suppose I should just say, "We have Peter Pan syndrome" and leave it at that.

 

[ScubaD]

My turn to weigh in on this subject.

We joined a few years ago and I have estimated what the vacations (10 visits so far) would have cost without DVC points and we have saved a few thousand dollars over having to pay "FULL PRICE" for our accomodations. Just wait until we have the loan paid off and visit WDW, Disnyland, Hawaii, etc.

Our DD and DS are both getting married this year and we were able to provide a nice honeymoon through Interval International and RCI.

We enjoy what Disney has to offer for relaxation (walking through the parks is relaxing??) for both the young and the not so young. As I "mature" I am enjoying EPCOT more and more. Will never catch up to the Magic Kingdom though.

We purchased DVC as a way to keep our family together in the future years, as they start their own family and may move throughout the country. By having the DVC we can be the fulcrum of coming together for vacations. We cannot wait until we have grandkids and we get to take them to Mickey's home for the very first time.

If we need extra money and can't go on vacation then we can rent the points for cash. Have not had to do this yet as we have always "borrowed points" in order to fulfill our Disney fixes.

So we consider DVC a great value, not just a cost.

You know what we find fun, people come to us when they have Disney questions. We do get those "again?" comments, but those same people tend to know who to ask (sometimes in secret) when they want to visit Disney themselves.

 

[Chellymouse]

It's very true that only other DVC members understand. Our family thought we were crazy "You're going to Disney again" and "well must be nice to be able to afford that" but boy are the tables turned when they want to go to Disney or the beach. Most DVC members buy in because we share a true love of Disney that only we know and understand and I say that going to Disney every year is no different than going to the beach every year. Furthermore, as us owners know, it is quite a bit less expensive (over time) to be a member than to continue to book through CRO and stay at hotels. I don't know about anyone else, but I was getting pretty tired of being cramped up in a hotel for 8-10 days.

 

[zorro77]

We bought into DVC club in 92/93 and just booked our 42 trip to vacation club resorts. Our home is OKW and this is where we mainly stay. We bought when prices were good and did some add-on thru the Timeshare comp.
We've heard as most of you have said that you must be rich to go so often or why not go some place else.
We've been going to Disney since 86 and have never grown tired of it. Once we started to stay at OKW we could never seem to get enough of it. Many family members and friends have travel through out the years with us and had wonderful times.
The investment is for yours to enjoy like going to cabin,trailer or other means of enjoyment. You can spend a lot or travel very carefully.
We like the fact that we no longer rush to do stuff we just enjoy the time and the place. For us haven a special needs family member has also made it more fun and relaxing for the family .
We will make our trips to Disney World as long as we are able and hope that will be for another 20 to 30 years.
We've been traveling with family members that are know 80 and hope they can continue for many more years.
We look at going as something we are always planning 6 months out. So all year long we have a trip we are looking forward to. Watching for best deals on flights or car rental.
Where else can you go and have fun at any age. Enjoy the weather, shows, eat all kinds of food, drink if you want, play sports, bike or do just about anything you can think of . Or, just stay home like you would if really at home. Enjoy

 

[arthur06]

One friend told me "Don't go too much" (we just got back in April and are going again in Oct.) We want to go in 4 years when the baby is older.

That's fine and great and your choice, but what about your 6 year old who will be 10! You have hosed her of any sort of family outings for many years.

I get asked why I take my kids before they can remember going! Wanna know why? Because DW and myself, remember them going! These are my memories too! I know in Oct, when DS2 sees MM for the first time he will light up (or meltdown), reguardless, I will remember that long after he does!

 

[DenLo]

I have a co worker, co worker mind you, so she can't be rich either, if we're working in the same place for the same $$$, who acts like its ridiculous to want to go there more than once and as if it is "sub standard" to all their cruise vacationing. To each his own, I say.
We aren't interested in constant cruise vacations, and she has no desire for Disney.....what ever floats your boat!
(no pun intended?)

It always amazes me how differently people think. We just bought at BLT because our last two trips to WDW were fabulous. However, we also love to cruise. We prefer longer cruises of 14 days or more so have to schedule them way out so we can pay for them by time we cruise. We have countdowns for WDW trips and up coming cruises. It's getting a little complicated on our computer but hey the planning is part of the fun to us.

 

[DenLo]

Regarding the original question. We have had reactions where people can't figure out what could possibly interest us at WDW, to WOW is the family invited? Can we buy more points and add them to your points? That way we could be co-owners of the additional points. And we (the in-laws) could all go sometimes. When talking to my brother, I told him I like to arrange a family reunion with his kids and children and our sister (about 20 people) using our points (banked, use and borrow--3 years worth). But was worried we wouldn't have enough points. My brother responded, wow we have another timeshare that has a property located on Bonner Creek, some of us could stay there!

I know I won't even mention it to some friends as they were surprised that we were even going to WDW without kids.

 

[rowbear]

Regarding the original question. We have had reactions where people can't figure out what could possibly interest us at WDW, to WOW is the family invited? Can we buy more points and add them to your points? That way we could be co-owners of the additional points. And we (the in-laws) could all go sometimes. When talking to my brother, I told him I like to arrange a family reunion with his kids and children and our sister (about 20 people) using our points (banked, use and borrow--3 years worth). But was worried we wouldn't have enough points. My brother responded, wow we have another timeshare that has a property located on Bonner Creek, some of us could stay there!

I know I won't even mention it to some friends as they were surprised that we were even going to WDW without kids.

When the time comes for the family reunion you could also consider renting points from another member so you could all stay together.

We don't have kids and we go all the time.

 

[cocoaguy]

I am thinking about getting a DVC tatoo!!!

No more Sea Isle City for me....lol lol DVC all the way!