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

[Tink&PirateMama]

Hi,

Well, this is something I wouldn't have predicted occuring when I was looking to buy DVC and first found these boards! I'm writing to vent and I don't know if any of you have experienced this or not. I've had some backlash from some aquaintences of ours in regards to our trips to disney, and our recent DVC purchase.

Just to give a little background, we tend to be pretty middle of the road people. We try to be good to the earth and the people on it, and live the best life we can. I do think we've sorta fallen in to being 'crazy disney people'... if I'm honest, LOL! I mean, I am posting here! So that probably says something about us too...

So, that being said, because we are generally pretty open/tolerant people, we meet people from all walks of life and ideals, and try to just let everyone live how they see fit for their life. We are totally not the type of people to tell our friends what they 'should' do. I do feel like, friendship is about being there, not about being better, if you know what I mean.

We have had some friends, in our homeschool group over the years. I honestly jokingly said to my DH not long ago, I feel like they have taught me more about the type of person I don't want to be over the years... it seems their life is all about being insecure and therefore trying to be the best at everything (or having their son do that in their place). I tend to think childhood, well life really, is about enjoying the moment, and loving those around you... not as much about achieving... but that's just me, to each their own- just don't shove it down my throat!

Anyway, they hate most everything modern or 'fun'... I mean, their five year old reads, I don't know plato every evening or something like that, no joke. They think disney is terrible, for it's materialism, for how it's 'ruined' all great literature, etc.. Saying this, it shouldn't come as the shock it does to me how they reacted, but it did. I guess I was so happy, I expected those around us to be happy. When they found out we were buying DVC, their reaction was REALLY negative in person. Basicly said we were crazy. I said, hey, you've never been, don't knock it til you've tried it, we all are really happy there, and thought it was a great decision for our family. So when we had our "DVC" party, they ofcourse declined. I felt obligated to invite them as it was after a typical homeschool meeting. I didn't think it would be that big of a deal. My DH asked to talk with them about it, as he didn't really understand the extent of the problem. So instead of doing so, they posted a blog about all the things they hate about disney, and I guess why we are such crazy people. I can't get myself to read it all, a friend of both of us sent it to me, and I just don't want to upset myself further. The words they literally told me when they wouldn't let their son attend the party, "Disney is the quasi religion of american consumerism and our family stays clear of all thing disney", blah blah, so we are materialistic jerks I guess for buying in to that. And they wouldn't let their son come to our party because we had disney goody bags. The thing is the logic is flawed on so many levels I won't go into here, but it seems to me to be more about their own insecurities than about reality. And ofcourse with that as the deeper issue, they will turn this into something that makes themselves feel superior (ie, taking great care to post arguments on a blog), instead of just dropping it and agreeing to disagree.

The thing is, I HAVE to see these people on a regular basis. I know I'll get through it, I will just ignore the issue as much as I can. I'm actually GLAD we're sick right now, because with it all being so fresh and this recent post, I'm thinking I wouldn't be able to hold my tongue at the group tomorrow.

But I wonder, has anyone else had a backlash from buying DVC? I can't imagine I'm the only one??

Thank you for listening and any advice! Maybe some of you could post the good things about disney?!! I know for us, it is a place of joy and love that feeds everyone in the family. It is also, a healthy decision- and I totally made this argument to DH when deciding to buy- it's helpful to have sunshine in winter (vitamin D prevents cancer!), and also to have a good break from the stress of life, along with something to look forward to. And now it's in a really good budget for us, which is also good for stress and our life in general. And it has such happy family memories already, with more to come I dont know, so many of Walt Disney's quotes I just love and relate too... and, I know, the parks can't be great on the environment, but disney does do some good things right?

Thanks again!

 

[Ducky4Disney]

What a crappy response! A REALLY crappy response? What ever happened to "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? Now, it's "if you don't have anything nice to say, put it in a blog" - !?!

Well, you've come to the right place to be a Disney freak. I totally agree with the live-and-let-live philosophy. I like to think of it as one more person that won't be at WDW while I'm there. I think they went a bit far with the blog though. I guess they have some time on their hands in order to do that. While they blog about their negativity, you can plan your ADR's for your "homecoming" trip!

I am so sorry they acted that way to you. I haven't had that happen exactly, but after having our first son we went to a wedding and met up with some good friends of ours - who don't have nor want kids. When I showed her a pic of our then 5 month old she says "You don't expect me to be jealous, do you?".... um, how about happy for me? Geez.

People who sit themselves up high and look down are usually the farthest from reality.

D4D

 

[gkrykewy]

If you'd had these conversations in the past, perhaps they thought that you having a DVC "party" was kinda shoving it back at them. As I'm sure you're aware, homeschooling attracts a higher than average percentage of... "out there"; sounds like your friends are a good example.

Too much drama all around. I would not worry about it. Who could look at the family photos in your sig and think that's a bad thing?

 

[disney0210]

Sorry about your situation. I was talking to a friend of mine sometime last week, and I told her that not only are we going back to Disney in October, we also managed to squeeze in a July trip to the same place. Expecting her to say I was crazy (not that I cared if she did say it, but I already got that from some friends, that and "We don't like to go to the same place twice"), she said "A vacation is all about you being happy and being relaxed, well enough so you can get back to the daily grind of life. If Disney makes you happy, then you go for it."

So I will give you the same words - Disney makes you happy, you don't have to make the people around you be equally as happy with your favorite place as you are. You don't owe anyone an explanation why you bought DVC and why you're giving Mickey your money. You love DVC and they don't. If they don't drop it and agree to disagree, then you drop it and agree to disagree.

 

[vicki_c]

Although you refer to them as "friends," I'd say with a reaction like that they are anything but that. I'd like to say don't worry about it, but I know that would really really bother me as well. If you can hold back from reading their blog, I would.

All that matters is that you do what makes you and your family happy! For you, it might be Disney, for your acquaintances, it might be making other people feel bad. Not a very nice way to go through life.

Sending some Disney hugs to you, anyway!

 

[Tara]

Wow, I would never use the word "friend" in the same breath used to talk about these people! I always figure people like that are terribly miserable, unhappy people -- if it makes you feel any better, just imagine the wonderful memories you'll be making with your family while those "friends" are hunched over their keyboards typing spiteful, judgmental blog entries.

 

[culli]

The only things that come to mind is WOW and you need some different friends. Not because they don't care for Disney....to each their own. But the obvious disrespect and how they vaule your relationship. I have zero tolerance for that type of behavior, good luck.

 

[ldo]

1st--Disney is great for many. We have had 10 years of great, multi-family and multi-generational trips. We enjoy the family environment, great pools, wonderful family times---I also LOVE the Disney channel--my kids sit together in the evenings and watch decent shows without bad words, or other bad stuff. We love our DVC, too.
BUT----some do not feel like that. you are best to direct your enthusiasm to those who will share it with you--aka others WDW nuts!
Now, they don't like DVC--big deal--but, I am concerned about the blog. Did they refer to your family by name? or by description that others in your circle would know it was you? If so, I would talk to the ASAP and say that you would like them to remove all references to your family--that THEY SHOULD KNOW that the internet is a dangerous place and you do not want personal info posted--and that they are free to voice their views, but to refrain from EVER posting about your family again.
If they did not refer to your family--then, it is a free county and they can post what they want--just don't talk about WDW with them---I have friends like this--I think they are a little weird---but we share common ground on other issues--good luck. Elaine

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

First, WOW- thank you so much!! This was so helpful I can't even say!! I was just so upset about it when I posted... but between this, and a friend (a real one this time!) sending me an email, I'm feeling a lot better about the situation. As she said, and some of you have suggested, as I am happy with my family at disney this winter, they can sit here and be miserable and judge people on their blog!

What a crappy response! A REALLY crappy response? What ever happened to "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all"? Now, it's "if you don't have anything nice to say, put it in a blog" - !?!
People who sit themselves up high and look down are usually the farthest from reality.

D4D

TOTALLY! I can not believe how people are about blogging! It can be so rude!!

Who could look at the family photos in your sig and think that's a bad thing?

Awww... thanks That's how I feel about it, it's such happiness for our family

Although you refer to them as "friends," I'd say with a reaction like that they are anything but that.

Sending some Disney hugs to you, anyway!

First thank you!! And... boy are you ever right! It's that we met them a few years back, and we don't actually have a 'friendship' at this point (mostly because we can't live up to their expectations!), more that we are in the same group that meets weekly... and I should probably begin to see it in that light.

Wow, I would never use the word "friend" in the same breath used to talk about these people! I always figure people like that are terribly miserable, unhappy people -- if it makes you feel any better, just imagine the wonderful memories you'll be making with your family while those "friends" are hunched over their keyboards typing spiteful, judgmental blog entries.

Actually, that does help- thank you!!

The only things that come to mind is WOW and you need some different friends.

Well, I don't want to lump them with the rest of our friends, but you are right about these people I think!!

Now, they don't like DVC--big deal--but, I am concerned about the blog. Did they refer to your family by name? or by description that others in your circle would know it was you? ...

WOW- good point. I REALLY don't want to read it and get myself more upset. But I think I'll ask my husband or friend if we are in it in that way, because that wouldn't be good.

 

[bonybroad]

My sisters were very negative.
Of course, now that I am taking them for free on my points, they hushed right up about it.

 

[Mamiamjo]

Hi,

I do think we've sorta fallen in to being 'crazy disney people'... if I'm honest, LOL! I mean, I am posting here! So that probably says something about us too...


"Disney is the quasi religion of american consumerism"

It's a cult of "Crazy Disney People"

I say try to forget about them and enjoy your DVC you crazy disneyphile you

 

[Maliki2]

I remember my best man/best friend...when I told him that we were going to Disney for our honeymoon. He went on and on and on about how Disney is a tourist trap etc etc. He and his wife went to Florida on their honeymoon and hung out on the beach for 2 weeks.

I'll take Disney over the beach anyday!

 

[Hazzard101]

I would not give these people a second thought. you are the bigger person and are doing the right thing by not reading it. I am not questioning your decision to home school. And not poking any fun of you by my next comment just making an observation about the typical homeschool parents.

Some home schoolers are really antisocial and lack as they say in The Water Boy, "The social skills". These parents are the reason home schooling can be very harmful to a child. I work in the education environment and these parents seem to be people who have not been socialized and are passing the trait their offspring.

IMHO, these people have no clue how to deal with people and situations dealing with people. That is why they are so afraid of Disney and what it stands for. I don't know these people and am only going by what you have posted here. But they sound like they are so afraid of socialization that they have to put down anything that makes them deal with other people.

The fact that they blog about it shows that they are lacking the Disney gene. I feel sorry for them I hope someone can do an intervention on behalf of the children who will go through life never knowing the excitement of walking into a place of make believe and having a chance to use their imagination to create a sense of enjoyment that you cold never get from a book.

Let me add a side note to this comment. I am not in any way saying all home schoolers are like this. I am basing my comments on the information you posted in the original post. You however do not seem to fit this category. There are many reasons people home school these people seem to fit the antisocial category.

And WELCOME HOME

 

[photobob]

Don't you just love when people think that the way they think is THE right way to think. We are all different. I hate that for you, I suppose the best way to handle is try not to discuss with them, or try the kill them with kindness approach.

I like Disney because of the closeness my family has experienced while there. When we are home we are all going in different directions, but at WDW we do absolutely everything together.

Many of us experience the "you are going to Disney AGAIN!!" comments, usually from people who go to the same place at the beach year after year. I don't say to them "you're going to Panama City AGAIN!!" This isn't nearly the extent of the situation you are in, but something along those lines.

 

[Sandisw]

I am so sorry to hear that people felt the need to "judge" your decisions instead of being happy for you and your family. And, everyone knows that developing childrens 'social and emotional" intelligence is just as important as their "cognitive" one and what better place to do that than in WDW!!!!!!!

I have been taking my kids to WDW since 1994 and they all love it. We just became DVC and there are some in my family who have never understood how we could spend all that money but for us, it makes us happy!!!

Those of us who are DVC know the excitement of it all so here is some extra special wishes to congratulate you!!!!arty:

And here is what I think about them!!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

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

It's a cult of "Crazy Disney People"

I say try to forget about them and enjoy your DVC you crazy disneyphile you

Thanks!!

Let me add a side note to this comment. I am not in any way saying all home schoolers are like this. I am basing my comments on the information you posted in the original post. You however do not seem to fit this category. There are many reasons people home school these people seem to fit the antisocial category.

And WELCOME HOME

Thank you- I totally know what you mean. No worries! When we decided to homeschool it was so that our kids would have time to do all the activities they wanted AND get and education AND have enough time for sleep, healthy lifestyle, diet, etc. It was basicly a decision for health, sorta like working from home. And it was a requirement on my part they had teachers that were not me for various activities, so they could get experience learning from other adults that weren't us. Plus we can take weeks off in the winter and travel to disney and study there

Don't you just love when people think that the way they think is THE right way to think.

Sigh... You know, if this problem was solved, I think we'd have world peace

And, everyone knows that developing childrens 'social and emotional" intelligence is just as important as their "cognitive" one and what better place to do that than in WDW!!!!!!!

LOVE IT! I totally wrote up our homeschooling notes on all we learned and experienced from our disney trip!! They even have homeschooler days and other events!

 

[Granny]

I can understand why some of my acquaintances don't really care for WDW or anything Disney at all. But I've never heard anything even remotely close to the self-righteous attitudes and [stuff] you have had to put up with.

I'm sorry you and your family have had to go through this, and wish you many, many wonderful and magical trips to WDW.


And rather than be angry, maybe you should just feel a little sorry for those "acquaintances". After all, it is obvious that they have absolutely no place for magic in their lives.

 

[wideeyedwonder]

Maybe some of you could post the good things about disney?!!

You know in your heart of hearts that this will not help. Can you imagine them saying "Oh, we did not know that information, I guess Disney *is* good after all!"



Not gonna happen!

I know it may be hard, but if you are happy with your purchase cloud9, it probably pays to just ignore their bad comments with a smile , and not even get involved when they start ranting about it. I've learned my experience that:

1. You can't "change" people that don't want to change, nor should you.

2. If you smile and gently ignore (not in a mean way) the rantings of closed-minded people, *they* are the ones that look like they are *crazy*!

Don't let their views effect you too much; after all, opinions are like rear orifices, in that everyone has one!


Now allow me to be just a tad snarkey:

their life is all about being insecure and therefore trying to be the best at everything (or having their son do that in their place)...They think disney is terrible, for it's materialism, for how it's 'ruined' all great literature, etc...their reaction was REALLY negative in person. Basicly said we were crazy...they posted a blog about all the things they hate about disney, and I guess why we are such crazy people.

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'.

 

[PinkTink63]

WOW! I mean WOW! That response was beyond mean! A blog...really!?

I'm going to say what I tell my son when his "friend" (and I use the term loosely!) is constantly saying mean and hurtful things to him..."There are miserable people in this world and to make themself feel better, they have to tear others down!" "Friends are supposed to lift each other up." Besides that, It sounds like maybe the green eyed monster may have reared it's ugly head just a bit!

We, along with many others on these boards, have experienced the Disney nay sayers. Some people just don't get and they never will! People will always say, "You're going to Disney again this year?" Yet, these are the same people that go to Cabo, Hawaii, or quad riding year after year! I especially love the ones who have never been there asking that question! In all fairness, I do have a couple of friends that don't go to Disney, but think it's great that we do, because it is "our thing", kind of like a family tradition!

Let's face it, Disney can be a bit commercialized. I admit it, but we love it there! It is our happy place and our escape from reality! We love the resorts and feel it does give us the biggist bang for our buck. They are always adding new things and we always see things we happened to miss the time before, which is another thing people who have never been there don't understand. They think once you have been there, you have seen everything that Disney has to offer. We always do something besides Disney when we are in Florida, but even if we didn't, who's business is it really?!

Try not to let them get to you and when they are sending out those negative vibes, just think of how much fun you are going to have at your new "home away from home!" You can always come here where there are like-minded people!

 

[disney4metoo]

My sisters were very negative.
Of course, now that I am taking them for free on my points, they hushed right up about it.

I have a friend who also was very negative about Disney. When she bought her new car I celebrated with her, making a big deal because I know how important it was to her!

When we bought DVC, she told me how Disney was all about materialism! People just want pleasure, pleasure, pleasure! She takes her son to DL every year for five days! But when she come back home she complains about Disney and it's materialism!

However, now that I have offered a few free nights at VGC, she has not complained at all! Funny how that works!