DIS Dads DDC XVIII - Spring Fever!

[middlepat]

And you expect us to feel sympathetic because you have to work before taking a 14 day vacation in Maui?

Seriously, have a great time. We know it has been a slog with the CFP exam. Tell my girl I said hi and to have fun. Expect lots of pictures. Let me know when you are down here next. Maybe we catch a BB game at the new stadium. Or at least have dinner.

No sympathy expected, just explaining my lack of Dis time.

Nice to have the exam behind me and some R&R ahead. Making the week drag a bit though. I'll be sure to pass on your best to Meg.

I don't have a MIA trip on the books yet, but as soon as I do, I'll let you know.

 

[that's nice]

Unfortunately, I'm in the office today until 5:00.

Coincidentally, that's about the time we should be getting rained out of the fields, but I'm fine with that. We need it.

Over 80 degrees here today. The fire danger is high due to no foliage.

Actually, 3G is available even in the middle of a corn field. There's actually some use for it too. Over the last few years, the satellite mapping equpment and computers in tractors have become sophisticated enough, that right now we have programs where you take a card out of the tractor computer and put it in a laptop to download information. I can see this trend growing to where you'll just be able to put a wireless hot spot inside the cab of a tractor and do everything without even having to mess with removing a data card.

That's cool... except you won't be able to take a nap in the middle of the field anymore. Your employer will be watching.... always watching.

 

[afwdwfan]

That's cool... except you won't be able to take a nap in the middle of the field anymore. Your employer will be watching.... always watching.

Fine with me. When I'm working on the farm, I'm my own employer.

I'd kind of like to have the ability to keep an eye on my cousin when he's working though. Stuff tends to "break" when he operates it.

 

[thheaton]

Good morning Gents

it has been a roough week with wife starting her first week of work and trying to find time to get on the computer . because it is like get home at 1145 pm go to bed about 2 am wake up 4am with wife to say have a nice day . then back to sleep till i wake kids at 630am up till 930am sleep till 130pm then get cleaned up and off to work i go and you wounder why me and my CPAP machine don't get along
hope to have time to play catch up tommorow but if not i will have the weekend wife off !!!!!!!!!! I do not know if this is a good thing or bad thing

Hate to admit but I was beginning to worry about my nemesis.

 

[carlnix30]

Good question and hopefully a serious answer.

The DVC Management Company (whatever it is called) retains ownership of a percentage of points in each resort that are used for reservations on rack rate. They pay the same dues for their equivalent number of points that DVC members do. Rack rates are also added when DVC members trade out for use on non DVC resorts such as cruises, Adventures by Disney or the timeshare exchange company where they have a contract.

The audit of the use of member funds is done by an independent auditor. Each member receives a report stating where the dues money was spent. I throw them away or just glance at them. There are strict laws in Florida to protect "timeshare" owners from unscrupulous developers. I am confident that if DVC tried to pull anything, the outrage and publicity would be enormous. Many DVC members watch closely (and debate) how dues are spent.

Saying that, the problem with Aluani and the underestimating of prospective dues caused that uproar. Upper management was fired and the state of Hawaii stopped Disney from selling at the resort. People who already bought were grandfathered in at the dues DVC management estimated and the difference will be eaten by Disney, not the members. In that instance, the system worked.

If you look at things like how dues are spent and annual increases, Disney does a good job with the allocation and accountability issues.

Thank you fine sir for the un-smart hinny answer. I was expecting a rash of defensive attacks.

I could not imagine Disney "swindling" people like the "come get your free vacation for a little of your time" people in Florida.

I could not imagine working in the massive office's of DVC accounting!

 

[AirGoofy]

Well, CRUD!

Work has been a beverley this week and I'm too many pages behind to catch up.

On the plus side, I've only got about 57 hours until I'll be on the ground in Maui.

Just gotta get through the next day and a half of crazy then 2 weeks of relaxation!

I'll toast each of you while I'm there. (Let's see, 690 / 14 days.... hmmmm) well, maybe only half of you.

Have a great trip.

I do this as well.

I actually have an "electronics bag" which is just a backpack that contains a power strip, plug adaptors, cell phone cords, batteries and I throw into it cameras, ipods, nintendos, portable DVD player, laptop, and other electronic stuff we need for the trip. It is bascially the same every trip, and everyone in the family knows to check the electronics bag.

I make sure to get the chargers but am not that organized. Bravo.

Good morning Gents

it has been a roough week with wife starting her first week of work and trying to find time to get on the computer . because it is like get home at 1145 pm go to bed about 2 am wake up 4am with wife to say have a nice day . then back to sleep till i wake kids at 630am up till 930am sleep till 130pm then get cleaned up and off to work i go and you wounder why me and my CPAP machine don't get along
hope to have time to play catch up tommorow but if not i will have the weekend wife off !!!!!!!!!! I do not know if this is a good thing or bad thing

Hard on the sleep schedule. Good luck.

Good question and hopefully a serious answer.

The DVC Management Company (whatever it is called) retains ownership of a percentage of points in each resort that are used for reservations on rack rate. They pay the same dues for their equivalent number of points that DVC members do. Rack rates are also added when DVC members trade out for use on non DVC resorts such as cruises, Adventures by Disney or the timeshare exchange company where they have a contract.

The audit of the use of member funds is done by an independent auditor. Each member receives a report stating where the dues money was spent. I throw them away or just glance at them. There are strict laws in Florida to protect "timeshare" owners from unscrupulous developers. I am confident that if DVC tried to pull anything, the outrage and publicity would be enormous. Many DVC members watch closely (and debate) how dues are spent.

Saying that, the problem with Aluani and the underestimating of prospective dues caused that uproar. Upper management was fired and the state of Hawaii stopped Disney from selling at the resort. People who already bought were grandfathered in at the dues DVC management estimated and the difference will be eaten by Disney, not the members. In that instance, the system worked.

If you look at things like how dues are spent and annual increases, Disney does a good job with the allocation and accountability issues.

Great answer.

 

[thheaton]

so know I feel kind of dumb and I'm willing to share it. I was reading all this talk about PINs and was thinking what in the world is that and how do I get one. As I continued to read I then realized I got one in the mail a couple days ago. 30% off for stays during most of december. They even knew I had looked at rates for december.

 

[AirGoofy]

My PINinator worked!!!!

Terrific and congrats. When you going?

First Congrats on it going through. To your post I say yep, yep, yep. I would also add that if not for DVC, I would not have taken DD and her friends for her Sweet 16 BD to WDW and stay in a Grand Villa (that may not be a plus). I would also not be going to Hawaii this summer. Plus about 15 years of vacation memories.

Also agree that it isn't for everyone. It works for us. Won't tell you what we paid in 1996 but it was the best money I ever spent. But then again, I am a poster child for DVC.

I wish I had bought in sooner. I only get 30 years of BWV but get 50 for BLT. Yes, there will be a Hawaii trip in there some day. The earlier buyers see far greater savings than we do now as the buy ins were cheaper and point totals were lower. But, I'm going every year and I get to stay deluxe at what I would pay for value.

Question for those of you that have stayed in a BLT studio before...

I'm curious what the electrical outlet availability is near the bed and in the main living area in general.

I have to plug in the ol' CPAP machine right next to the bed and was wondering if there is an available outlet or if I should pack a small power strip.

Also, we'll have 3 cell phones and a camera battery or two to recharge each night.

I noticed there is an outlet in the kitchen area - just wasn't sure about the main living area. It's hard to tell from pictures.

Thanks!

There were 2 plugs between the bed and couch underneath the bedside table. There are 2 plugs by the sit down table. There were plugs in kitchen for coffee oot and toaster.

 

[AirGoofy]

I received an email the other day that offered an extra 20 points for every 100 you bought.

Not a bad offer. Resale may still be cheaper.

Here's our schedule for our week.

Sat. 31st - flight arrives around Noon - afternoon at DTD - Dinner for DW and I at Il Mulino
Sunday 1st - EPCOT - Lunch at Le Cellier
Monday 2nd - DHS - Dinner at O'Hana
Tuesday 3rd - MK - BBB at 11a - Lunch at CRT
Wednesday 4th - MK - Breakfast at Chef Mickey's
Thursday 5th - Split Day AK Morning/EPCOT Afternoon - Dinner at Teppan Edo
Friday 6th - MK - Dinner at 1900 Park Faire
Saturday 7th - Early Flight Home 7:30a.

Looking good. BBB then lunch at CRT. WE did that with dinner. Food not the best,but great experience.

I am contemplating a 2013 Disneyland, Aneheim trip.

Anyone else going?

If so, when?

You buying?

Morning all…
Ya’ went and got chatty again last night.

- It was nice to see Zerf drop in for a bit. I was getting concerned.

- Norm: Congrats on getting through the ROFR on you latest DCV acquisition.

-?

Thanks.

Congrats! I was surfing the resale boards yesterday evening as well. Great minds! (although DW nixed the idea)

Same way we do the math in our house, but I agree, it is not for everyone. At the time we bought in, I had no way of predicting that we'd be in the worst economic downturn in a century and Disney would run all these crazy deals to get people there. But I think that it still works out in the long haul. Especially if you have more than 2 kids, and plan on going about every year.
, !

Just unnix the idea!

Morning guys.
My eye Dr. is a DVC member, and he told me that somewhere around 10 years ago or so they ran a special where if you bought 50 add-on points, they gave you 50 more free. I wish they'd come out with that again!!!

Original buy ins were much better. There are still good deals now, but better in resale.

 

[AirGoofy]

Norm - Congrats on passing ROFR. Just remember if you ever need any help using those extra points, I'm always willing to help..

I'll keep you in mind if I need help.

Thanks for the info..

I was just telling DW about your purchase and she sounds interested.

I never could afford a huge buy in. But, thru resale, I have been able to buy and sale contracts, and now have 3 small contracts for many years of future vacations.

 

[carlnix30]

Why don't I have the red tag thingy announcing my proud membership of the DDC! Am I the black sheep!?

 

[twokids0204]

You buying?

For my Family... yes sir!

For you, maybe a beer if you show up.

 

[thheaton]

Why don't I have the red tag thingy announcing my proud membership of the DDC! Am I the black sheep!?

You have go to your profile, user cp and then click edit your details, then put it under custom user title. the tag fairy made mine red and the tag beneath it.

 

[Cinderella's Fella]

The postings a bit slow tonight, eh?

 

[scott2997]

There were 2 plugs between the bed and couch underneath the bedside table. There are 2 plugs by the sit down table. There were plugs in kitchen for coffee oot and toaster.

Thanks Norm - sounds like we'll have plenty to plug into.

Looking good. BBB then lunch at CRT. WE did that with dinner. Food not the best,but great experience.

Yeah - we did CRT for lunch last year too - but this will be the first year for BBB. I don't even know if DD4.5 knows that it's available. She's going to be blown away!

 

[carlnix30]

You have go to your profile, user cp and then click edit your details, then put it under custom user title. the tag fairy made mine red and the tag beneath it.

Baaa baaa I am the black sheep!! Thats not gonna work!

 

[theduck619]

Evening guys

 

[thheaton]

Baaa baaa I am the black sheep!! Thats not gonna work!

but your our black sheep.

Evening guys

evening

 

[carlnix30]

but your our black sheep.


evening

 

[RodBelding]

that's nice!

We stayed at the Grand Wailea on our honeymoon. It is a beautiful part of the island.

We stayed at the Grand Wailea too. Great place!