DVC Board Kills the Magic

[OneMoreTry]

I should first say I really like this board. I enjoy the banter and controversy and countdown clocks and single digit dances and WooHoos and excitement of new members. And I don't plan on giving up the habit. It's cheaper than smoking and alcohol.

But I must also say that I think the truism "familiarity breeds comtempt" applies to DVC as well as anything else. Especially for a compulsive planner like me. I don't need my habit fueled and that's what this board does.

I really think I would enjoy DVC as much or more if I were basically ignorant except for what I read in my newsletters.

This place is like the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil."

Anyone else feel this way? And willing to admit it?



BTW: I'm almost down to double digits which deserves a "double banana."

 

[spiceycat]

No - I have learned so much from this website.

thanks to everyone - Doc, Dean, Carol, Sue and all the others who have helped me over the years....

I also like this new board - it is a great place to see DVC trip reports - or heard comments about rooms.

Or just family....

 

[CarolAnnC]

Thank you spiceycat!!

 

[CarolA]

In order not to "kill the magic" I avoid opening certain threads.

Anything on room occupancy, anything on "I hated XYZ" etc. (Anything on the CR being a DVC resort just because it seems to bring some people the brink of hysteria...LOL) Just by reading the topics I usually know if I don't want to go there.

 

[LYNSUE]

I totally agree with you. I seldom open a thread that appears negative in the title. Or if I get into it and the negativness really starts oozing, I just click out. There is no subject matter I can think of that is worth becoming vicious over. If you don't agree with the poster... just don't continue reading. I come to these boards for the positive stuff and the knowledge. I know there are things to be learned from a negative experience. However, its how you tell about the experience that makes the difference.

 

[DeeCee735]

The second I feel that way - if ever (I doubt it - I love the boards!) I'd stop reading them! Have a nice day

 

[crisi]

I like the negative threads. For me it sets expectations - "this will not be perfect." It also provides comparision "hey, the view might not be perfect, but at least I don't have ants in the bed." And I find it amusing what people choose to get their panties in a bunch over.

 

[Granny]

Great question and comments! I can't say that this board kills the magic for me, because even though I've been an avid reader for over three years I still pick up plenty of helpful tips each month.

I will say that sometimes, certain people seem to have an axe to grind and they can take away some of the "magic". I've found the "Ignore" feature on this board to be extremely helpful in that regard.

I like the good reports and bad reports. I like the friendly banter and debates. And the excellent wit of so many of the posters.

Nah...can't say it kills the magic for me.

 

[tjkraz]

I couldn't even begin to count the number of things about WDW that I learned from the forums. Many of those items have had a direct impact on our family's ability to create "magic".

At the top of that list would have to be the mere existence of DVC. If not for these boards, I never would have had the slightest inclination to stop at one of the DVC booths and listen to someone ramble on about a timeshare...

 

[jimmytammy]

The negative can sometimes bring you down. But I, like many others here tend to avoid those kinds of threads. Life isnt rosey all the time as we all know. Coming to these boards and getting to read others trip reports, especially the ones that have had a really good trip helps to get me through til our next trip. And I have had so many trivial questions answered it is unreal. But they always get answered. A wealth of info. abounds here on the DVC forums between the great moderators and so many in the know DVCers.

IMO you may want to give yourself some space from the DVC forum for a little while. Not to run you off because I value all opinions and comments on here, good, bad, or indifferent. Absence makes the heart grow fonder though, as the ol saying goes. Maybe check whats going on at some of the other forms here on the DIS. That way you arent isolating yourself from the DIS, just seeing whats going on at other places.

I enjoy the restaurant forum. Its cool to see what someone thinks of a first time visit to Bomas. Or to read about someone being apprehensive about trying Ohanas only to read how much they enjoyed it later.

 

[lisareniff]

I hope not!! Although I was starting to wonder similar thoughts. We will be going on only our second trip to WDW and I now know way more about WDW then I should thanks to everyone on these boards and my unquenchable desire for endless detail. Will this make the trip less enjoyable? Will there be less hidden suprises? We will see...

 

[Beca]

I disagree. I have been lucky enough to have been going to WDW off-and-on (in recent years, mostly "off) since 1980. But, this last trip (our first trip home as members) was the most MAGICAL of them all!! Partially because my dd was big enough to really enjoy it, and partially because I felt like I "knew" so much!!

We went armed with "vouchers" and knew just where to use them, split meals, and STILL have food left over!! I got "discounted" prices on my character bfasts because I had the vouchers. I knew how to actually "get" ressies at Cinderella's Royal Table, and the Princess Storybook Breakfast...which dd completely enjoyed!! I knew EXACTLY what day I could book the Candlelight Processional (even though we did book later...I could've booked earlier if I wanted, and actually GOT Le Cellier).

I learned all about how to joing National's Emerald Aisle club for free, what disounts to use to get a really good rental rate, and some nice person on this site even posted a link to a $20 off coupon (I printed MANY of those).

And, I knew to arrive on a Fri., stay in a studio for 2 nights, and then move to a 1bdrm on Sun. I knew that Bell Services would keep my groceries for me during the "room switch". And, I knew that I could print my boarding passes at the hotel before my departure.

I am a PRO (at least in all of my friends' and family's eyes...I get ALL the WDW phone call questions now) thanks to the knowledge and helpfulness of people on these boards!!! I purchased DVC via resale...if it were not for this board...I would no VERY little about DVC (although, admittedly if it were not for this board...I would be an SSR owner now, even though my heart lies elsewhere).

Sometimes people get a little "down" on these boards, and sometimes their issues are more than legitimate considering the cost involved to become a DVC member. Some people on here complain a LOT, and some people think you shouldn't complain at all about DVC. I enjoy reading ALL posts!!! But, at the end of a long day (which for me usually ends at 10:30PM), I love to come and "cut up" with my friends!!! Thinking of WDW, and planning trips, and being amidst the "excitement" and "energy" of those planning trips makes me so happy!!!

I am sorry you don't feel this all the time...I wouldn't give up these boards for anything!! Now, I just need to get that "sponsor check" in!!!



Beca

 

[DrTomorrow]

Not for me it doesn't! Of course, my philosophies tend more towards "knowledge is power" (and "knowledge is good" - HBC!) and not "ignorance is bliss". I can see how a newbie - or someone who hasn't made a lot of DVC trips - might get a bit nervous. But once you actually visit - not just read about - DVC Resorts, a lot of the DIS comments take a back seat to experience.

And as many others have said, there's just so much useful information to be gained here. From the little things like which resors have dedicated and/or lock-offs to the quiet wonder of Caskbill's DVC Planner, I think that the DIS has added a significant amount to the value and enjoyment of our DVC purchase.

Finally, there's a heck of a lot of good people that I've met here, always ready to lend a hand, answer a question, venture forth an opinion (in greenban's case, ask for my opinion) or put a smile on my face.

DIS DVC Boards killing the magic? Au contrere, mon frere - they make the magic just a bit more sparkly!

IMHO - YMMV

PS DW and I are heading to Las Vegas next week, and I've got a few questions that I wish I had a LVIS to ask them on - so don't take the DIS for granted!

 

[Rash]

it's all greeban's fault. him and his polls. he's ruining the neighborhood.

 

[Pluto4Pres]

You definitely have a point OneMoreTry. Sometimes ignorance is bliss. Before coming to these boards I never gave much thought about the difference in weekend point costs. I never traded for a cruise, but in my own little world I thought that one day I might try it. Now I know too much and would never waste my points that way. But I have to say that the good outweighs the bad by a long shot. You can learn so much from these boards. And I read the controversial posts, it's great entertainment.

Hey.. post another message quick... you're at 999!!

 

[iluv_2travel]

PS DW and I are heading to Las Vegas next week, and I've got a few questions that I wish I had a LVIS to ask them on - so don't take the DIS for granted!

Here you go Dr Tomorrow............

http://www.lasvegastalk.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewforum&f=1

 

[mckryan]

Oh my gosh, without this board, my DH and I might have made a big purchasing mistake. They were really pushing Vero at the time we bought, and while the deal was tempting, one night on this board changed my mind. Thank goodness I had my computer with me on our vacation, and thank goodness this site came up when I did my search! I learned that Vero had the highest maitenance fees, and I learned that you really, really want to buy where you want to stay, especially when it comes to HHI and VB.

Sure, there's some disappointing threads here, but I try to avoid them when I can. I look for threads that will help me be a more informed DVCer. The advice here, and on other DIS boards, has been invaluable to me. I've passed along this site to many people that are looking to plan a trip to WDW.

 

[kathyseb]

I also have to disagree. Before I joined the Boards, I thought dh and myself knew a great deal. I have learned so much through all of you. The most recent new knowledge was that we could enter MK earlier than the 7:00PM start to MVMCP. This was the third time we went and we did not know any better.
On these boards I learned that you could enter early. So by the time the party started at 7PM, we had already seen the two special shows in Tomorrowland. There is nothing wrong with a little extra knowledge and pixie dust!!

 

[colleen costello]

I love all the info here. I amaze friends and family with all my crazy Disney knowlege... Sometimes friends just stare at me with a look that says "Get a life!" It is obvious how much time I spend on the Boards. That said, the only thing that "upsets" me here is info about "bad rooms." I get myself into a literal panic when check-in comes. We are going to the Wilderness Lodge this March and I will probably have a heart attack right there in the lobby, worrying about getting a handicapped room with the dumpster view! I know this is insanity, but I can't help it. I wait so long for these trips, and somehow the dumpster view is not in my daydreams!

I take all the griping with a grain of salt. I have NEVER been disappointed in a trip so I think the natural high I am on helps me once I hit Orlando! Little things bug me -- like the parks closing too early or attractions being closed --but overall I have a ball.

 

[Divamomto3]

I agree with you colleen. All of the info here has made me a very savvy Disney traveller. What started out as a "once in a lifetime" trip back in 2003, has turned into a twice yearly obsession, complete with DVC ownership and AP's. However, the whole "perfect" room with the best view and just the right steps to the elevator unnerves me. I feel like I'm missing out when I get the less than perfect room. I'm learning to let that go a little bit so I won't be so disappointed.