DVC backlash!?? tell me what's good about disney!

[bumbershoot]

My first thought is...the friend who forwarded the blog to you might not be that great a friend, either. Why would that person want you to feel so bad about something you would otherwise be blissfully ignorant of?


My second thought is...although I don't think I was ever overly vocal about it, I was a person who agreed with the other family. From the time I went to college until about a year after my mom died, I was anti-Disney. Didn't help that there was a Disney-started housing development in Miami that blew down to the ground during Hurricane Andrew, and they found that the developer used finish nails on things like the roof and walls and other important things like that, and that my parents had lived there until the year before, and in the righteous lawsuits that followed, Disney kept their names out of it entirely (the homeowners won b/c the developer/builder was a sneak, but with a small developer they didn't get much more than their insurance payouts). And so on and so forth. I had many reasons, LOL.

So I get their viewpoint, I really do. But I've also seen the other side as an adult, and it started with my mom's death and the realization of just WHY most Disney stories start with a parent's death. And just b/c there are a million plastic toys made from something it doesn't mean the *something* is so awful, it just means that people want to share a piece of that *something*. (during the big revelation in my head I realized that all mega-corporations generally start with one person's dream of doing something, and it was the day I realized that that all my small liberal college thoughts disappeared, LOL)

And sure there are people who become consumed with consuming...but take those people away from Disney or whatever, and they'll just...buy the most expensive environmental car, the bigger better composter, the most expensive worms for the compost, the most organic clothing, and so on. A *consumer* is a consumer, even if they aren't buying Disney stuff.

I watch my son put on elaborate shows involving old fashioned Tinker Toys (which have caused him more injuries than any other toy!) and his light up pirate sword and imaginary friends...and I know that just b/c we're now into Disney it hasn't turned him into a materialistic jerk.


So anyway, I can see both sides of it and FEEL both sides of it.

I feel bad for you...I know what it's like to be talked about online, I know what it's like for friends to completely misunderstand you. Alas, in my friendship situations IRL they "took" the other friends away, and you're not in that situation, which is really nice. You still do have friends, and they can be a buffer.


If you do have any choice, I'd steer clear from the other family. Sounds like they are pretty aggressive.

 

[JLS]

Sounds like these people take themselves WAY too seriously. They need to lighten up. Just because you like going to Disney doesn't dictate the way you have to live your entire lives. I feel sorry for the children of people like that, not because they don't get to go to Disney, but just imagine what their lives are like!

My advice would be do what seems right for your family, don't worry about what others think, and try to limit your association with people like this who are going to judge you and bring negative energy into your life.

Good luck, and enjoy your DVC!

 

[Dean]

I suspect this is essentially a religious issue for them or rather they approach it like one. They likely don't do Halloween and may not do Christmas or if so, approach it much differently than most others you know. These type of people do tend to migrate to homeschooling.

 

[Crystal_27]

Our friends all think that we're crazy about Disney as well. However, instead of being mean and spiteful like your "friends" are, our friends just kinda of feign disgust and roll their eyes at us (as we do when they tell us they are spending another $12,000 this year for competitive cheerleading for their daughters).

Friends are supposed to be supportive and kind to each other and it's unfortunate that these "friends" are acting this way towards you. However, I find it so heartbreaking that the children of these "friends" of yours will never experience Disney. I think, if anything, that's the true tragedy here.

 

[nunzia]

<<<Awww... thanks again everyone! This is so great to get all of your support! I do have an update. I got several emails tonight, apparently I'm not the only one upset by this. Anyway, they really aren't friends, you were right! I didn't realize it, but I guess they went on about how we are ignorant people, causing our children all this harm, etc, etc. It was at that point, I realized I had to respond. So I sent them both a pointed email to let my feelings be known on the matter. Not that I want this to drag out further, but they have to understand they have crossed some major lines at this point. I'm dreading what happens from here, but hey, atleast I've got real friends that are behind me, and all of you crazy disney people just like me on our side >>>

Wow..those people are, as my dad used to say, pieces of work (whatever that means, but it certainly applies here) These not friends seem to fall into that ever widening circle of people who think that if you don't think like them there is something wrong with you..and they are the worst for being intolerant and unaccepting.
You are certainly in a difficult situation. I understand that you had to respond, but with people like that you are pretty much spitting in the wind. They HAVE no logic or empathy so they can GIVE none to a situation. You and your real friends, however, do have the right and responsibility to protect yourselves from their rantings. So, you said what you needed to and I would now put them in the 'smile and nod' category when you meet.
What miserable, judgmental, hateful people they must be to try and control others thoughts and actions. I feel sorry for the child in this. Maybe he'll rebel as he gets older and join that wicked Disney cult, wearing mouse ears and handing out D23 stickers in airports...
Btw..Welcome Home and enjoy all the moments with those beautiful children that you can.. They really do grow way too fast, but remember, grandkids come along

 

[henri + katie's mum]

I think you description of them being "insecure" is accurate.

There is good and bad in everything and everyone.

You probably will never be able to change the opinions of these people and like you said, they do not want to "agree to disagree". That just makes it harder on you.

Except for our DVC membership, every other area of our life is pretty low key. (We don't have cable. We don't eat at Mc Donalds. We own a canoe and camp. My children and I don't eat meat. Except for our house, we have no debt such as car loans.) It's just that Disney offers something, well Magical, that you can't get anywhere else. I don't always agree with all the materialism associated with Disney, but I like to think I can set an example for my children and hope they follow.

Maybe the children of these people will rebel and go work at Disney when they grow up!

By the way, it's great that you can home school! There are extremist everywhere, what can you do?

 

[hopare]

Who needs friends like that anyway! Just hang out hear with the rest of us crazy Disney lovers! Read a few more of these posts and you will start thinking about adding on!!

 

[logan115]

Add me to the list of people that have had the joy of others rolling their eyes when I told them we're going to WDW again ("Wait, didn't you just go last year ? It really couldn't have changed that much, why are you *wasting* so much money.........blah, blah, blah........"). We actually just closed on our first DVC contract and should be in the system any day now, but I still haven't told many people (outside of fellow DISers) as I know what kind of response I'll get, and to be honest I don't really care

It had been over 10 years since I had been to WDW when I planned a trip for me and my then girlfriend. My folks offered to let us use their week at Vistana, and we had an absolute blast together. A year or so later, I planned a surprise trip back, woke her up at about 4:30 in the morning (she wasn't too happy as I picked her up at the airport at around 11pm as she had just visited her folks in AZ) and told her we had a flight to catch to WDW.

That woke her up Had bought her some new clothes (nothing too fancy, just some shorts and t-shirts), and had a bag packed for her and everything. Flew down there and checked into the BC. Strolled over to Epcot and proposed - she accepted (not sure if it was from being tired, a few glasses of wine in France, the excitement of being at WDW, or if she just loves me - but I didn't ask twice ). Fast forward a few years to 2007 and we were now a family of 3 taking our first family trip, did it again in 2008, bought DVC in 2009 and will be taking my folks in 2010 and hers in 2011 on our points.

The fact is that we love it down there, complete escape from reality and the stress of the *real* world, and although it ain't cheap it is good clean fun and we really love it down there.

My advice - let it be, we need more people like your *friends* so that the lines stay short and there's plenty of availability at the 7 mo window

Chris

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

This is too funny- you know when I started the thread, I thought, I wonder if anyone will even respond to this craziness- well, thank you all again for all of your support and opinions! It is really helpful!!!

I haven't even checked my email yet. I'm dreading it. I've decided I've said my peace, and I told them I would like to agree to disagree and be able to be civil in our group for the children's sake, and leave it at that. I needed to say something, because some major boundaries were crossed, and I realized from this what I DO NOT want to be, myself, or to have in my life. They really aren't my friends. And the thing is, I don't think now I'm so angry anymore. Like some have said, I just feel sorry for them. My husband said they are in their own 'self imposed prison', and I do think this is stemming from insecurity or jealousy, and I don't need to take any of this personally. So I'll just feel bad they have to live that way, and try to steer clear of them as much as I can!

Maybe it's time for the home school group to teach a unit to the kids on "tolerance", "manners", and "cyber-bullying".

I am so *not kidding* about this. If what you post is accurate (I don't know the other peoples' side of the story), certain kids in the group are just SCREAMING for an education on tolerance, manners, and cyber-bullying ...and maybe some of the parents could learn something as well.

And one last snarky comment...rabid and maniacal devotion to "anti-consumerism" is *itself* a 'religion', especially when you try to intimidate and ostracize the "heretics'.

WOW- Do you know how many times my husband has said about them- what is going to happen to their child, I feel so bad for him. And I told him, I think he's actually beginning to pick up on this stuff, and already trying to be 'better than' every other kid in the group. This is a good point, though! I'm going to let the dust settle, but see if anyone is interested in a unit on friendship, LOL!
And your other comment- SO RIGHT ON!

And sure there are people who become consumed with consuming...but take those people away from Disney or whatever, and they'll just...buy the most expensive environmental car, the bigger better composter, the most expensive worms for the compost, the most organic clothing, and so on. A *consumer* is a consumer, even if they aren't buying Disney stuff.

You are cracking me up!! The most organic composting!! LOL! You are so right about this type of person!!

Except for our DVC membership, every other area of our life is pretty low key. (We don't have cable. We don't eat at Mc Donalds. We own a canoe and camp. My children and I don't eat meat. Except for our house, we have no debt such as car loans.) It's just that Disney offers something, well Magical, that you can't get anywhere else. I don't always agree with all the materialism associated with Disney, but I like to think I can set an example for my children and hope they follow.
By the way, it's great that you can home school! There are extremist everywhere, what can you do?

That's kinda how we are too... thank you for the homeschool support! Of all the people in our group- I really do feel these are the only 'nutters', I don't want to give it a bad rap, because there are some really awesome families doing great stuff...



Thanks again everyone!!

 

[thumpermom]

Maybe it's time for the home school group to teach a unit to the kids on "tolerance", "manners", and "cyber-bullying".

I am so *not kidding* about this. If what you post is accurate (I don't know the other peoples' side of the story), certain kids in the group are just SCREAMING for an education on tolerance, manners, and cyber-bullying ...and maybe some of the parents could learn something as well.

And one last snarky comment...rabid and maniacal devotion to "anti-consumerism" is *itself* a 'religion', especially when you try to intimidate and ostracize the "heretics'.

Well said!!

I worry about the kids! What are they teaching their kids?

 

[logan115]

By the way - I don't expect that my friends or family will agree with me on everything, nor do I expect everyone in the world (no pun intended) to hold the same opinions/likes/dislikes as me - and it's always a good thing to be open-minded and consider both sides to the story. HOWEVER I would have some serious questions for my friends/family if they started blogging about me behind my back. I find it incredibly cowardly to do that - and if all things Disney are so bad, what lesson are these people teaching their kids by doing this - that if you don't agree with someone that you should insult them ?

Sorry that you're in the situation your in - but think you've found a pretty good support group here on DIS.

Chris

 

[christa112]

WOW!!! Well, I am not sure what to say. I guess I would no longer consider them friends. That is pretty low for them to do that to you. Honestly, I wouldn't waste one more minute thinking about them.

I hope you guys enjoy your DVC and the next trip down send them a post card!!!

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

Tink&PirateMama
My only advice would be to do one simple thing - sign them up to receive the DVC marketing kit (dvd and literature) and all possible Disney marketting materials available and give them something to blog about.

Between disney and their business partners they would probably receive 8-10 pieces of mail per day for the next 6 months.

 

[SamSam]

Tink&PirateMama
My only advice would be to do one simple thing - sign them up to receive the DVC marketing kit (dvd and literature) and all possible Disney marketting materials available and give them something to blog about.

Between disney and their business partners they would probably receive 8-10 pieces of mail per day for the next 6 months.

Perfect

Seriously, people like them are unhappy people. Too bad that they will never know the pleasure and wonderful escape that a trip to Disney is.
Dh and I get the usual eye rolls and the 'you're going again', but nothing terribly rude or vicious. It's gotten to the point where we tell as few people as possible about our Disney trips and when we talk about going to Disney we usually say 'we're going to Florida', instead of 'we're going to Disney. For whatever reason, that gets fewer eye-rolls.

 

[GuySmiley]

My suggestion is to invite them to these forums and we could all discuss the issues. Or post a link to the blog and we could comment. Just kidding.

Disney supports some things I against, and some things I'm strongly against. But if you look into companies, especially large companies, they all do. Are you going to boycott everything? If you feel like you ought to boycott something then fine. But I don't think there is a moral obligation to do so. All in all, Disney does wonderful things. People like your friends seem to pick out and focus entirely on the negative. And Disney is iconic enough to be a big target for the holier-than-thou. But if they were consistent in there belief, they couldn't function in society.

I love Disney (duh!). And listening to a few podcasts or reading these boards, you will hear a few stories about nice things Disney does for people that they didnt have to, and aren't getting publicity for.

 

[PoohBear543]

All of our friends think we're crazy for taking our kids to disney at such a young age. DD was 6 months on first trip!! It is so neat how each trip is a totally unique experience as they get older. What they enjoy changes each time. Those people who want to wait until they remember it miss out on the best experiences, when everything is magical and they truly believe it's all real!! I still laugh at how my son reacted the first time he saw tigger. He actually shook with excitement. We just bought DVC and couldn't be happier (I call it my second home). I like to say now I get to go to Disney 1-2 times a year for the next 50 years. I also like to say we're creating "Disney Snobs" and our kids will be the ones who will hear someone is going to disney and say "oh I've been there 10 times."

Don't pay attention to those people though. They and especially their children are the ones missing out on all the magic and truly wonderful family memories!!

 

[Rose&Mike]

Tink&PirateMom--so sorry you have to deal with this. I agree with the earlier post that we should feel sad for someone who is to close minded to be able to experience the magic with their family. They are really missing out. You have to be pretty unhappy to verbally attack someone who has found something that brings their family joy. WDW gives us a few days every year to not worry about things, and regroup, while enjoying quality family time. You definitely do not need to apoligize for wanting that for your family.

Hang in there.

 

[disneynutz]

As we grow older, we grow thicker skin and could care less about what other people think.

You pick and choose who you want to associate with because life is too short to be around people who don't make you happy.

Ignorance and jealousy will always be around us, don't get caught up in it, you can't be friends with everyone.

Focus on your family and loved ones and enjoy the wonders of Disney.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

I've experienced judment at my DVC purchase from friends and co-workers. If my family had judgements, I never heard it from them, most probably because they've come and enjoyed the benefits of my DVC.

Co-workers will often say, "You're going to Disney again!" or "You live in Florida and bought a Disney timeshare, why?"

I don't justify how I spend my money, where I spend my money or how I choose to vacation, or where I choose to vacation to anyone. By the same token I don't have "friends" and I use the term lightly, that would start a blog against Disney and all that they hate about it which directly mentions and refers to me and my family. That, is a deal breaker for me, they are not friends, nor should they be treated like friends. You can't choose your family but you can choose your friends, and some people just aren't good for you and if they aren't good to you and for you, then the answer is simple, cut them loose.

 

[ChickieToo]

Commercialism is everywhere--even in the most surprising places. Have you ever been to Stratford-Upon-Avon in England? That is where you can visit the home of Shakespeare. You know, arguably the most aclaimed playwright/author since the dawn of time ... you can't get out of the place without going through the GIFT SHOP, where they have lots of plastic Shakespeare tzatchkis. Same thing for Stonehendge in England ... you know, one of the great unsolved engineering mysteries of the world. You can't leave there without going through the gift shop. The tower of London has a McDonalds at it's door ...

I have been all over the world as a function of a great job I once had and I can tell you, commercialism is everywhere, even in the most unlikely places because when people like things, and they are touched or changed by them, they want something to remember it by. Heck, every museum I've ever been in has a gift shop with it's logo on the stuff.

When we went on our honeymoon to the BVI almost 17 years ago, I said to my husband that since he had never been to WDW we should stop there on our way home because I can't imagine ever going back there for a week ... I had been a lot of great places, don't forget ... well, we had a blast and continued our trips.

Well, we became DVC members in 2001 and have brought friends and family. Not everyone gets it, and you know what? That's okay. But it has really becaome our family "happy place". As someone who has had the good fortune to have travelled to some great places, I am still entertained and fascinated by Disney. The technology, the engineering, the fantasy making ... there is a lot of education going on at Disney from Innovations to the World Showcase, from Hall of Presidents to Carousel of Progress...

Don't let some ignorant people who can't find joy in simple childhood fantasy ruin your happiness. Clearly they can't see the big picture, don't let them bum you out about something they know nothing about.

Joanne