Buyers regret anyone?

[TangaroaTiki]

Nope, never any regrets ~ only wish we bought in sooner

 

[alldiz]

The minute you step into your new home and enjoy all it has to offer.....you will forget you had any regrets

After your 1st trip....you'll have this relief about how you can now vacation in WDW like never before. The relaxed pace....due to the knowledge of many trips....really does put a new perspective on the whole experience.

Congrats and Welcome Home

I'm leaving in 11 days and I'm so excited to finally go to my "HOME" resort.
I've been playing the field
Kerri

 

[bobbiwoz]

We've stayed at Poly and didn't have a balcony. That's not a problem for even DVC studios. There's only one, at VWL, that doesn't have a balcony or patio.

I say, DVC is not equal to the moderate resorts, it is superior by far.

Yes, I think that many large purchases make me second guess myself, however, our DVC purchase passed that "test." There are things about DVC administration that I don't like, it's not perfect, but it's a valued asset in my portfolio of life's experiences.

Bobbi

 

[Goofy's apprentice]

It's not unusual to second guess such a large decision. We did when we first purchased and each of the many times we added on! It has forced us to take two and sometimes three vacations a year...we have enjoyed taking friends and family along....there is never a day in the year where we don't already have our next vacation already planned.

Maybe I'm like a battered wife who hopes her husband will stop beating the crud out of her and become the loving man she knows deep down is in there. I just think DVC has such potential and I'm unwilling to give up ... yet!

I don't usually make specific comments to posters....this one is harsh and extremely insensitive to many women who struggle in difficult situations and try desperately to sort out painful lives. Give it up. Disney is a money making business, not out to do DVCr's any favours. We buy in and stay in only if it is still the right fit for our family. If you are losing sleep over Disney disappointing you then this is probably not for you any longer. Equating your disppointment to the situation of a battered woman is just ridiculous!

 

[eliza61]

What does this mean? As a Deluxe Resort only WDW visitor, my hope was that DVC offered that type of accomodations at a slightly reduced cost for those who forfeited the investment use of our funds. This is not to say that I thought it was an investment, but I knew I was trading my ability to invest those funds for reduced cost accomodations. My hope was that they would be of the deluxe variety and they are not. They could be deluxe, but they are not. DVC Resorts are roomy moderates with kitchenettes; some might even say that the moderate resorts have better services. For cost reasons, people always say if you are okay with Value Resorts, then DVC may not be for you. I say that if you want Deluxe, DVC may not be for you. But what upsets me most is that DVC Resorts could be so much better and I expected better from Disney, and so begins my hate (or at least disappointment) of the actuality that is DVC.

Besides the accomodation issues, there have been other disappointments along the way. Changes in terms and policies (the one transfer per year and "new" reservation and waitlist system come to mind!), lack of any real perks (Annual Passholders get better perks in my opinion!), and less than Disney-magic treatment from DVC Member Services and DVC Resort Cast Members. Overall it has been a very unmagical experience on many levels.


Blahnde

Wait, I'm sort of confuse. Before you purchase, had you not stayed in the deluxes? I mean you had to have thought that the deluxes were not as deluxe as other places. Lots of people feel that way so it's no problem but I'm just wondering why, if you thought the deluxes were only moderates at best did you think the villas would be different?

Yes, Disney deluxes are not the 4 seasons but I can't walk from the 4 seasons to epcot. One thing I do love is that I think dvcers are very upfront, if you perfer off site than dvc is not for you.

You do get the reduce cost on the rooms especially as time goes on.

 

[LauraLap]

Thanks for all the thoughts everyone! DH and I went to visit AKL during our first year of marriage 6 years ago, and when I walked into the lobby I remember feeling an emotional tie to it. I couldn't explain it, but I just felt emotional there. We walked around, watched the animals and I said to DH "I hope one day we'll be able to afford to stay here"......fast forward 6 years and many raises later........we will be staying here for 50 years! I guess I'm just a big panicked about the money.

(And is it bad that I'm tempted to get 35 points at BLT, LOL??)

 

[Blahnde]

I respectfully disagree with much of this, but mainly that it's a glorified moderate.
We get
-- Valet Parking
-- Deluxe Fitness Rooms
-- Deluxe Restaurants
-- Room Service
-- Deluxe Theming
-- Every other amenity the associated deluxe hotel receives.

MG

We do NOT get valet parking, room service, daily housekeeping, or many of the other amenities that I associate with deluxe accomodations at all DVC resorts. Most of the restaurants at DVC resorts are not what I would consider deluxe (The Yachtclub Steakhouse is the only one that comes close!), the theming at the values is much more deluxe (extreme?) than some of the DVC resorts, and with all the walking I do during a WFW vacation, the fitness rooms are not a meaningful "deluxe" feature although I am aware that they exist.

And what about amenities like concierge service (which is "standard" at truly deluxe hotels), turn down service, free wireless internet (without having to bring your own router or hassle with the front desk!), high end toiletries, etc. Having stayed in some truly luxurious, deluxe hotels (Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, Hotel Ritz in Paris, even the Hyatt in Maui), I am not confused about the differences. The Grand Floridian is the closest Disney has to offer and since that is where we stayed exclusively before buying DVC, that was what I expected; it is not what I got.

I like the space and the kitchenettes in DVC villas, but do not confuse DVC Resorts with truly luxurious accomodations. Just because Disney calls them DVC Deluxe Villas does not make it so!

Blahnde

 

[ssrmouse]

My only regret is that I didn't split my points among two contracts for the sake of willing them to my children.

 

[Sammie]

At the beginning of our purchase, none at all and we have had 8 wonderful years of DVC vacations.

Recently within the last year, yes, and to the point of considering for the first time ever selling some of our contracts.

At this point I am still in the watch and see mode in hopes it DVC makes a come back to a member first atttitude instead of sales and expansion.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

I think my buyer's regret lasted about a week. With that said, I'm still apprehensive to tell some people that I own a timeshare.

My only real regret at the time, was that we were so head over heels in love with BWV that we never really gave any of the other resorts a real shot.

The point charts and accommodations for Old Key West are VERY tempting especially for the Grand Villas.

In the end, we realized that the choice of standard vs. boardwalk points and staying at the resort of our dreams was probably the best choice afterall.

 

[Blahnde]

Give it up. Disney is a money making business, not out to do DVCr's any favours. We buy in and stay in only if it is still the right fit for our family. If you are losing sleep over Disney disappointing you then this is probably not for you any longer.

As a Disney stockholder I am well aware that they are a profit driven business, and I do not expect them to do me any favors. I expect them to provide a deluxe product (since that is what they advertise, i.e. "DVC Deluxe Villas" through CRO) at a reduced cost since I am a buyer/member, not a renter.

I never said I was losing sleep over it, and I have no intention of losing sleep over it. But the opening poster asked for feedback and I gave mine. That you do not like my analogy is not my problem; I will say again that I hope that DVC lives up to their potential. When (and if) I'm satisfied that they won't, I'll sell. But until then, I will not continue with only "Disney pixie-dust praise" of a product with which I am disappointed.

Blahnde

 

[BWV Dreamin]

I sure hope this thread doesn't turn into another resort bashing thread.

 

[AKV707]

Buyer's remorse is very normal when large purchases are made. But the only regret that I have is that I didn't join sooner! I think that you will love AKV. It is a beautiful and very unique resort. We have added on there twice already.

Welcome home, AKV neighbor!

 

[Blahnde]

Wait, I'm sort of confuse. Before you purchase, had you not stayed in the deluxes? I mean you had to have thought that the deluxes were not as deluxe as other places. Lots of people feel that way so it's no problem but I'm just wondering why, if you thought the deluxes were only moderates at best did you think the villas would be different?

Yes, Disney deluxes are not the 4 seasons but I can't walk from the 4 seasons to epcot. One thing I do love is that I think dvcers are very upfront, if you perfer off site than dvc is not for you.

I stayed at The Grand Floridian and The Grand Californian before buying DVC. Little did I know that those were the tippy top of the deluxe scale for Disney. But even at that, it isn't that I expect more than that level; I would be happy with that level, but that is not DVC level. There is NO comparison between The Grand Floridian and Old Key West -or- The Polynesian and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Disney has its' own version of deluxe (GF, Poly, YC) and I expected DVC to resemble that, but it does not. I do not expect the Four Seasons and I do not want to stay offsite. I want the "DVC Deluxe Villas" that they promote on CRO, and that is not what I got.

Blahnde

 

[kim_d]

I stayed at The Grand Floridian and The Grand Californian before buying DVC. Little did I know that those were the tippy top of the deluxe scale for Disney. But even at that, it isn't that I expect more than that level; I would be happy with that level, but that is not DVC level. There is NO comparison between The Grand Floridian and Old Key West -or- The Polynesian and Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa. Disney has its' own version of deluxe (GF, Poly, YC) and I expected DVC to resemble that, but it does not. I do not expect the Four Seasons and I do not want to stay offsite. I want the "DVC Deluxe Villas" that they promote on CRO, and that is not what I got.

Blahnde

However, I do think there is a valid comparision to the BC/BCV, AK/AKV, WL/VWL, etc. The stand alone DVC resorts (OKW and SSR) definitely have a different feel than the other deluxes, but I think that is part of their appeal to some folks. I do think the villas that are in previously existing deluxe resorts are comparable.

Having stayed at both the Beach Club and Beach Club Villas. I prefer the villas- even the studio over the standard room.

 

[disneynutz]

Until you are members for a while, experienced MS the the DVC inner workings, and stayed at the different resorts, being a new owner is a best guess proposition.

Is DVC a good value?

Yes if you vacation regularly at the DVC resorts and are happy with the accommodations and guest services.

We are dismayed that DVD is spending so much effort building additional properties and adding on additional members. We would like them to take better care of the existing resorts and members first, then grow when you can accommodate the increased business.

 

[Blahnde]

However, I do think there is a valid comparision to the BC/BCV, AK/AKV, WL/VWL, etc. The stand alone DVC resorts (OKW and SSR) definitely have a different feel than the other deluxes, but I think that is part of their appeal to some folks. I do think the villas that are in previously existing deluxe resorts are comparable.

Having stayed at both the Beach Club and Beach Club Villas. I prefer the villas- even the studio over the standard room.

I want to be really clear that this is not a "bash the condo-style resorts" post, at least not from my end.

I do think that some of the resorts have more deluxe elements than others, but I wanted to be honest that not all of the DVC Resorts have these elements. I agree to some extent with "kim d" about the BC/BCV, AKL/AKV, WL/VWL, BW/BWV, and (hopefully) BLT/CR, however I still think some of those DVC sections have a sort of "red headed step child" feel, too. I think this will be clearer when Kidani is finished. Those in Jambo House will have a more deluxe experience than those staying in Kidani Village. Look at WL v. VWL: the main lodge is beautiful and has some fabulous views, while we (DVC) get long, dark hallways with rooms that look over the parking lots, bus stop, and at best the woods. BC has great service and water views, while the best you can get at BCV is the woods, again. And many of the DVC buildings can be a trek from the main resort buildings.

I just felt it was important to be honest and not tow the traditional party line! If anyone doubts how much DISBoard members love their DVC, this thread confirms that alternative opinions are not appreciated. Point taken!

Blahnde

 

[jerseygal]

We also just closed AKV recently!

We're very excited! Hope our family will get many years of exciting DVC vacations! As our children have grown, we have "outgrown" even a Deluxe Room...We look forward to having more space in our DVC resort and one day enjoying these vacations with our grandchildren!

You wouldn't be human if you didn't have a slight bit of buyer remorse...During our 10 day buyer remorse period, I crunched the numbers and then crunched the numbers so more!

In the end, we feel we made an "educated buying decision"...I researched, researched and researched some more!

The Best of Luck at AKV Kidani! I think it will be awesome, don't you?

Can't wait!

 

[bethy]

I for one very much appreciate alternate opinions! I just bought into AKV with the intention of buying into VGC. I am 2 days away from my cancellation window and I am watching the financial markets with dread. I am barely hanging on. Yes we can afford it (and also the add on at VGC.) We just stayed last week at the GCH and I was surprised at how un-deluxe it was. Especially with the lack of duvets and a few other things. I just wonder if for the money having an even less deluxe experience makes DVC worth it to me. I think it will be worth it in a way that paying $405/night rack rate is not. But I've got cold feet right at this moment. I'll almost be glad once Tues passes and there will be no going back!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

We do NOT get valet parking, room service, daily housekeeping, or many of the other amenities that I associate with deluxe accomodations at all DVC resorts. Most of the restaurants at DVC resorts are not what I would consider deluxe (The Yachtclub Steakhouse is the only one that comes close!), the theming at the values is much more deluxe (extreme?) than some of the DVC resorts, and with all the walking I do during a WFW vacation, the fitness rooms are not a meaningful "deluxe" feature although I am aware that they exist.

And what about amenities like concierge service (which is "standard" at truly deluxe hotels), turn down service, free wireless internet (without having to bring your own router or hassle with the front desk!), high end toiletries, etc. Having stayed in some truly luxurious, deluxe hotels (Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong, Hotel Ritz in Paris, even the Hyatt in Maui), I am not confused about the differences. The Grand Floridian is the closest Disney has to offer and since that is where we stayed exclusively before buying DVC, that was what I expected; it is not what I got.

I like the space and the kitchenettes in DVC villas, but do not confuse DVC Resorts with truly luxurious accomodations. Just because Disney calls them DVC Deluxe Villas does not make it so!

Blahnde

-- The only two on site DVC resorts that don't have valet parking are OKW and SSR. That's because you park right in front of your door at those resorts.

-- You do have the option to get daily housekeeping. You may choose to decline it and save the money.

-- Restaurants??... Some of the best on property are Artist Point, Yachtsman Steakhouse, California Grill, Flying Fish, and Jiko. All are at the DVC host resorts.

-- The two highest themed resorts are WL/VWL, and AKL/AKV. BC/BCV and BWI/BWV are still have at least the theming of any moderate, except the materials are not as cheap.

-- Just because an amenity does not interest you (fitness rooms), does not mean it's not valuable to others. I don't use the pool, but that is obviously a nice amenity.

-- I doubt there is many here that spend more of their life in hotels than I do. That said, I stay at mostly Hiltons, Crown Plazas, and the like.
Concierge lounges are not free to anyone at a normal hotel. Perhaps you always stay at the Ritz?? Turn down service is not the norm at the majority of hotels. Free wireless varies from place to place.
Many of those services are "free" if you have a certain frequent guest status with the hotel brand.

MG