DVC Vacation Evolution

[sleepydog25]

I've been a DVC owner for over 20 years, and when I first bought, it was to take DD to all the magical rides and spots in the parks, which her mom and I enjoyed, too. For the first 10 years, that was great, and even as a young teen, DD still enjoyed going to the parks, and so did I. Five years after that, the parks were consistently crowded, the value of park tickets (including APs) were skyrocketing way beyond the inflation rate, menu costs were climbing as food quality declined, and the perks of DVC had mostly disappeared. As much as I loved going to parks, the fun was forced, at best--mostly based on fond memories of times past: "Oh, look at the squirting camel! Remember when DD didn't know what was going on?" That sort of thing.

And now? All the expense and time it takes to visit a park? All the time spent on the Disney app? No, thank you. We go, sans DD who is in grad school, and stay in a resort just to relax. NO park time. Few ADRs. Pool time, animal viewing time (at AKL), drinks on the balcony. And the occasional trip to Universal which hasn't quite nickeled and dimed patrons to the point of exhaustion. We also enjoy going to DHHIR because the CMs still are the best there, the vacation is low country vibe time, and there are no parks or ADRs to worry over.

It's been over three years since my last trip to the World and over five since I've been to DL. Will we ever go back to a park? Hmmm. Maybe one more trip out west to see the original park. Beyond that, I simply don't have the energy to fight crowds and spend big money to "enjoy" rides that once were free. So, for now, we'll continue to own DVC but only to enjoy the resorts.

 

[eandt]

I've been a DVC owner for over 20 years, and when I first bought, it was to take DD to all the magical rides and spots in the parks, which her mom and I enjoyed, too. For the first 10 years, that was great, and even as a young teen, DD still enjoyed going to the parks, and so did I. Five years after that, the parks were consistently crowded, the value of park tickets (including APs) were skyrocketing way beyond the inflation rate, menu costs were climbing as food quality declined, and the perks of DVC had mostly disappeared. As much as I loved going to parks, the fun was forced, at best--mostly based on fond memories of times past: "Oh, look at the squirting camel! Remember when DD didn't know what was going on?" That sort of thing.

And now? All the expense and time it takes to visit a park? All the time spent on the Disney app? No, thank you. We go, sans DD who is in grad school, and stay in a resort just to relax. NO park time. Few ADRs. Pool time, animal viewing time (at AKL), drinks on the balcony. And the occasional trip to Universal which hasn't quite nickeled and dimed patrons to the point of exhaustion. We also enjoy going to DHHIR because the CMs still are the best there, the vacation is low country vibe time, and there are no parks or ADRs to worry over.

It's been over three years since my last trip to the World and over five since I've been to DL. Will we ever go back to a park? Hmmm. Maybe one more trip out west to see the original park. Beyond that, I simply don't have the energy to fight crowds and spend big money to "enjoy" rides that once were free. So, for now, we'll continue to own DVC but only to enjoy the resorts.

We just came back from a 8 day cash stay and I don’t think we went on 10 rides the whole time and I know at least 3 of those were within about a 45 minute span the day we rope dropped studios … we ate we drank and we relaxed … We are AP for now so it makes it a little easier on the mind to not feel obligated to join the rat race of LL and ADRs……now our next trip will be with our new granddaughter so things are about to change but that is the reason we purchased DVC later in life so we are up for that! We will still surely take trips on our own to enjoy our membership as adults though!

 

[Girlstar30]

I've been a DVC owner for over 20 years, and when I first bought, it was to take DD to all the magical rides and spots in the parks, which her mom and I enjoyed, too. For the first 10 years, that was great, and even as a young teen, DD still enjoyed going to the parks, and so did I. Five years after that, the parks were consistently crowded, the value of park tickets (including APs) were skyrocketing way beyond the inflation rate, menu costs were climbing as food quality declined, and the perks of DVC had mostly disappeared. As much as I loved going to parks, the fun was forced, at best--mostly based on fond memories of times past: "Oh, look at the squirting camel! Remember when DD didn't know what was going on?" That sort of thing.

And now? All the expense and time it takes to visit a park? All the time spent on the Disney app? No, thank you. We go, sans DD who is in grad school, and stay in a resort just to relax. NO park time. Few ADRs. Pool time, animal viewing time (at AKL), drinks on the balcony. And the occasional trip to Universal which hasn't quite nickeled and dimed patrons to the point of exhaustion. We also enjoy going to DHHIR because the CMs still are the best there, the vacation is low country vibe time, and there are no parks or ADRs to worry over.

It's been over three years since my last trip to the World and over five since I've been to DL. Will we ever go back to a park? Hmmm. Maybe one more trip out west to see the original park. Beyond that, I simply don't have the energy to fight crowds and spend big money to "enjoy" rides that once were free. So, for now, we'll continue to own DVC but only to enjoy the resorts.

I feel this, this is what happened to me at Disneyland. It just stopped being fun and forced. This is the first year I can remember that we did not renew our annual/magic key passes.

If you look at the magic chart you will see weekends completely blocked for the pass that costs around $1800 for the next 1-2 months. Those are the only days we can go so I'm not paying that much to not be able to go.

The whole virtual queue things annoys me to no end especially when tiana bayou ride came out here. It was impossible to get at 7 am because everyone, even people not in the park could get it. Disney was requiring it to go on the ride. Then we go to the park and have to plan around standing somewhere with good wifi to get this freaking ride and it's impossible and we don't get it. That was the sole purpose of our trip and that was it. Couldn't ride unless we shelled out $$ for LL which was sold out that day

Same thing happened to us at epcot with guardians albeit guest services being way kinder than Disney and giving us a time, but having to go there, stand in line with the kids all sad like it's ridiculous.

I feel lucky that I have so many good memories at Disneyland. That in my 20s my friends and I all had annual passes and we all got to go together whenever we wanted without a care in the world. I look fondly back at all the dance parties and mad tea party at California adventure, the limited time magic for annual passholders where they did really cool things for us for free like show movies in the great moments with Mr Lincoln theatre such as wind in the willows during Halloween and a (nice gift) such as a commerative pin after for free.

I got to join paid special events that were actually worth it and reasonably priced that they had such as disneyland having breakfast with tables set up inside the actual jungle cruise attraction rhino scene during sunrise and halloween dinners at blue bayou that came with rare characters from the haunted mansion and villains, entertainment and unique swag. Those were definitely the golden years for me that I feel sadly will never return.

 

[sleepydog25]

I feel this, this is what happened to me at Disneyland. It just stopped being fun and forced. This is the first year I can remember that we did not renew our annual/magic key passes.

If you look at the magic chart you will see weekends completely blocked for the pass that costs around $1800 for the next 1-2 months. Those are the only days we can go so I'm not paying that much to not be able to go.

The whole virtual queue things annoys me to no end especially when tiana bayou ride came out here. It was impossible to get at 7 am because everyone, even people not in the park could get it. Disney was requiring it to go on the ride. Then we go to the park and have to plan around standing somewhere with good wifi to get this freaking ride and it's impossible and we don't get it. That was the sole purpose of our trip and that was it. Couldn't ride unless we shelled out $$ for LL which was sold out that day

Same thing happened to us at epcot with guardians albeit guest services being way kinder than Disney and giving us a time, but having to go there, stand in line with the kids all sad like it's ridiculous.

I feel lucky that I have so many good memories at Disneyland. That in my 20s my friends and I all had annual passes and we all got to go together whenever we wanted without a care in the world. I look fondly back at all the dance parties and mad tea party at California adventure, the limited time magic for annual passholders where they did really cool things for us for free like show movies in the great moments with Mr Lincoln theatre such as wind in the willows during Halloween and a (nice gift) such as a commerative pin after for free.

I got to join paid special events that were actually worth it and reasonably priced that they had such as disneyland having breakfast with tables set up inside the actual jungle cruise attraction rhino scene during sunrise and halloween dinners at blue bayou that came with rare characters from the haunted mansion and villains, entertainment and unique swag. Those were definitely the golden years for me that I feel sadly will never return.

Exactly. Disney has been expensive for years; now, it's expensive AND torturous AND crowded. Who'd have thought 10 years ago that people would not only buy pricey park tickets but then also would pay through the nose for LL. . .and the parks are even more crowded and rides even more difficult to get on? While most feel that Disney started the "pay extra for not waiting in lines" system to reduce overcrowding (while also pulling in more $$), my sense of the matter tells me they didn't really care about overcrowding, just the money. One thing is certain about the traditional consumer: if you think you can get an edge by spending more, you will. That's just what Disney has created, and now that so many are plunking down the dollars to get an advantage on rides, the advantage has, in many cases, been watered down or left people still waiting an inordinate amount of time for any given attraction. Anecdotally certainly, but it seems that with the old FP system, there was a lot of action to get said FPs, but not nearly the same level of crowding. Dispersement was simply better, and someone on a once in five years vacation with a limited budget had an equal chance with the semi-annual trip takers of getting the FPs they wanted.

I don't mean to bash Disney as I had a decade and a half of marvelous memories. Heck, I even worked for them for two years and loved it. Still, I no longer see the value in visiting parks anymore. I go on vacation to leave the rat race, not join it. Our last trip to DHHIR last year? We kayaked, biked, drank beverages on our balcony overlooking the inlet, played yard games on site, sat by the pool, and sunned on beach. And then we'd go out to eat at a place we knew we could get in without making reservations, eat great food, and pay half the cost of a Disney meal. Now, that's a vacation to me.

 

[Brian Noble]

"It's too expensive" and "It's too crowded" can't both be true---at least, not in general.

 

[Girlstar30]

Exactly. Disney has been expensive for years; now, it's expensive AND torturous AND crowded. Who'd have thought 10 years ago that people would not only buy pricey park tickets but then also would pay through the nose for LL. . .and the parks are even more crowded and rides even more difficult to get on? While most feel that Disney started the "pay extra for not waiting in lines" system to reduce overcrowding (while also pulling in more $$), my sense of the matter tells me they didn't really care about overcrowding, just the money. One thing is certain about the traditional consumer: if you think you can get an edge by spending more, you will. That's just what Disney has created, and now that so many are plunking down the dollars to get an advantage on rides, the advantage has, in many cases, been watered down or left people still waiting an inordinate amount of time for any given attraction. Anecdotally certainly, but it seems that with the old FP system, there was a lot of action to get said FPs, but not nearly the same level of crowding. Dispersement was simply better, and someone on a once in five years vacation with a limited budget had an equal chance with the semi-annual trip takers of getting the FPs they wanted.

I don't mean to bash Disney as I had a decade and a half of marvelous memories. Heck, I even worked for them for two years and loved it. Still, I no longer see the value in visiting parks anymore. I go on vacation to leave the rat race, not join it. Our last trip to DHHIR last year? We kayaked, biked, drank beverages on our balcony overlooking the inlet, played yard games on site, sat by the pool, and sunned on beach. And then we'd go out to eat at a place we knew we could get in without making reservations, eat great food, and pay half the cost of a Disney meal. Now, that's a vacation to me.

You nailed it completely on the head with this one. It was totally for the $$. They kicked out a lot of people that needed DAS to force people to pay. Granted this program was being widely abused and there needed to be a crackdown, but when I see people on social media who are on a feeding tube or clearly severely disabled that you can tell just by looking at them be rejected, come on Disney, let them on the damn ride over some extra money on lightning lane, that seriously breaks my heart.

Disney's are masters are creating FOMO and urgency. I feel like their thinking is just like yeah it sucks now, but who cares, more people are coming than ever and LL will be the "new normal" for the next generation. Same with DVC restrictions unfortunately. I plan to ride the wheels off this thing will the 2042 resorts are still at my disposal By then if it totally sucks ill have more than made the money i spent worth it and wont mind selling.

After covid, this downhill fall of people accepting mediocracy because what other choice do they have but to not go has ruined things. My solution, if you're not getting treated the way you should be, go somewhere else or make it known. I never, ever, ever settle for less. I haven't been to DVC hotels or Disney world enough yet for them to totally piss me off, but if they do I'll take my money elsewhere. Hell, buying Disney direct after becoming a resale member right now has so many hoops and bs that I gave up and told my guide NO THANK YOU I will stick with my resale and all the reasons why im out! I'm sweet as pie, but once I'm done then I'm done.

Hilton head sounds lovely, I am looking forward to that, Vero Beach and Aulani! I too worked as a cast member at Disneyland and loved it sans all the drama it was the most fun job I ever had. That was during the Michael Eisner times, which I thought were great. Not a fan of Iger as I feel that's where the extreme greed and other brand acquisitions (im a disney purist, don't get me started on that ) began

 

[cruisehopeful]

Hell, buying Disney direct after becoming a resale member right now has so many hoops and bs that I gave up and told my guide NO THANK YOU I will stick with my resale and all the reasons why im out! I'm sweet as pie, but once I'm done then I'm done.

I'm curious about this and it probably needs a different thread, but what in the world happened that made buying direct hard?

 

[Girlstar30]

I'm curious about this and it probably needs a different thread, but what in the world happened that made buying direct hard?

I'll make it quick, but basically I was willing to throw down the money to buy direct Riv right now, but they wouldn't give me the current member discount, even though deed has been closed and info sent to them, they said i would have to wait 3-4 weeks to buy it if i wanted this discount because i have to wait for activation code and id.

This was ridiculous to me as I am not just asking to be moved to the top of the list for nothing in return, I'm committing to spend over $30k. On top of that, them not budging to let us book a Welcome home stay at Polynesian Island tower or disneyland hotel, despite the fact there is vdh inventory being sold for cash online so it is possible for them to do if if they wanted to do it.

I am not one to back down and settle for mediocracy. I told them to kick rocks and I'm not buying direct anymore yesterday with them not doing literally anything to incentivize me to do so when im going to be loaded with 600 plus points at my disposal in three weeks. Lo and behold activation email and club id came today and guide is working on our welcome home stay, where we want to stay, before I commit to purchasing direct.

 

[sleepydog25]

"It's too expensive" and "It's too crowded" can't both be true---at least, not in general.

That's just it--it's both. If the goal of LL and other such add-on costs was to thin the parks, it seemingly hasn't worked. At the very least, the overall park experience--simply in terms of their primary experiences, rides & attractions--is a push from a crowd standpoint. Overall gate numbers in parks may be down (frankly, I don't follow Disney that closely anymore), but not the rides nor the attractions. Again, admittedly, this is somewhat anecdotal "evidence." I'm sure there are many who have gone and experienced a much better visit than, say, 10 years ago.

We just got back from an all-inclusive trip to a warm, sandy beach in Jamaica. The "rides and attractions" were the beach, the pool, a few activities (e.g., snorkeling), and each other. The food and drink were plentiful and generally very good. We priced out what a trip to the World would be: between the park tickets with LL, as well as the food and drink costs of equivalent depth and level to the all-inclusive, the beach vacation cost less. It was not crowded and the level of service was exemplary.

I'm not knocking those who still find the Disney magic in abundance or even find enough to make it worthwhile. In some ways, I'm envious they do. I simply can't muster those old feelings I once had, and a lot of that has to do with me. If I'm going to undergo the increasingly vigorous, time-consuming, and expensive Disney experience, the cost-to-enjoyment ratio simply has to work--for us, it doesn't. As Girlstar30 says, we'll keep the DVC for now as it's paid for itself and visiting Kidani or VWL from time to time is relaxing. We're just not planning any park visits around those stays.

You nailed it completely on the head with this one. It was totally for the $$. They kicked out a lot of people that needed DAS to force people to pay. Granted this program was being widely abused and there needed to be a crackdown, but when I see people on social media who are on a feeding tube or clearly severely disabled that you can tell just by looking at them be rejected, come on Disney, let them on the damn ride over some extra money on lightning lane, that seriously breaks my heart.

Disney's are masters are creating FOMO and urgency. I feel like their thinking is just like yeah it sucks now, but who cares, more people are coming than ever and LL will be the "new normal" for the next generation. Same with DVC restrictions unfortunately. I plan to ride the wheels off this thing will the 2042 resorts are still at my disposal By then if it totally sucks ill have more than made the money i spent worth it and wont mind selling.

After covid, this downhill fall of people accepting mediocracy because what other choice do they have but to not go has ruined things. My solution, if you're not getting treated the way you should be, go somewhere else or make it known. I never, ever, ever settle for less. I haven't been to DVC hotels or Disney world enough yet for them to totally piss me off, but if they do I'll take my money elsewhere. Hell, buying Disney direct after becoming a resale member right now has so many hoops and bs that I gave up and told my guide NO THANK YOU I will stick with my resale and all the reasons why im out! I'm sweet as pie, but once I'm done then I'm done.

Hilton head sounds lovely, I am looking forward to that, Vero Beach and Aulani! I too worked as a cast member at Disneyland and loved it sans all the drama it was the most fun job I ever had. That was during the Michael Eisner times, which I thought were great. Not a fan of Iger as I feel that's where the extreme greed and other brand acquisitions (im a disney purist, don't get me started on that ) began

You'll love HHI! I worked there for a couple of years, and it is a shining example of the level of service Disney used to give. The food around the island (there is no table service at the resort, though it has two good QS) ranges from good to sublime, and much of it significantly less expensive than Disney. It's a totally relaxing experiment. I found it a much more enjoyable experience than Vero, though the draw of Vero is being on the beach while HHI is not, though they do have a Beach House steps from the ocean.

Coincidentally enough, we started planning a trip to Aulani, and after crunching the numbers, it was also more expensive than a trip to the all-inclusive I mentioned above. Airfare was a big part of that, granted. But, after seeing the cost for a trip to the World (or Land) and then to Aulani, we switched to Jamaica.

 

[Girlstar30]

That's just it--it's both. If the goal of LL and other such add-on costs was to thin the parks, it seemingly hasn't worked. At the very least, the overall park experience--simply in terms of their primary experiences, rides & attractions--is a push from a crowd standpoint. Overall gate numbers in parks may be down (frankly, I don't follow Disney that closely anymore), but not the rides nor the attractions. Again, admittedly, this is somewhat anecdotal "evidence." I'm sure there are many who have gone and experienced a much better visit than, say, 10 years ago.

We just got back from an all-inclusive trip to a warm, sandy beach in Jamaica. The "rides and attractions" were the beach, the pool, a few activities (e.g., snorkeling), and each other. The food and drink were plentiful and generally very good. We priced out what a trip to the World would be: between the park tickets with LL, as well as the food and drink costs of equivalent depth and level to the all-inclusive, the beach vacation cost less. It was not crowded and the level of service was exemplary.

I'm not knocking those who still find the Disney magic in abundance or even find enough to make it worthwhile. In some ways, I'm envious they do. I simply can't muster those old feelings I once had, and a lot of that has to do with me. If I'm going to undergo the increasingly vigorous, time-consuming, and expensive Disney experience, the cost-to-enjoyment ratio simply has to work--for us, it doesn't. As Girlstar30 says, we'll keep the DVC for now as it's paid for itself and visiting Kidani or VWL from time to time is relaxing. We're just not planning any park visits around those stays.


You'll love HHI! I worked there for a couple of years, and it is a shining example of the level of service Disney used to give. The food around the island (there is no table service at the resort, though it has two good QS) ranges from good to sublime, and much of it significantly less expensive than Disney. It's a totally relaxing experiment. I found it a much more enjoyable experience than Vero, though the draw of Vero is being on the beach while HHI is not, though they do have a Beach House steps from the ocean.

Coincidentally enough, we started planning a trip to Aulani, and after crunching the numbers, it was also more expensive than a trip to the all-inclusive I mentioned above. Airfare was a big part of that, granted. But, after seeing the cost for a trip to the World (or Land) and then to Aulani, we switched to Jamaica.

I follow a bunch of dvc groups on FB and someone going to HHI posted a letter they mailed them, a handwritten welcome letter. I can already tell by that the service will be phenomenal!

I feel exactly as you do, not trying to knock Disney obviously I'm still buying DVC and loving the hotels and food, but us "old timers" have been way spoiled and know what disney was like before and capable of!

A beach vacation sounds fantastic right now and yes Aulani is very expensive, I did some number crunching as well because I thought staying at aulani and renting a car once we are members could be equivalent to staying at the Hilton on the big island, but no it is significantly more when adding annual dues and points
, so we will be going to aulani probably for 5 days and then switching on over to Hilton after! I am just so excited for a beach vacation, your Jamaica trip sounds so lovely, I am jealous

 

[kes601]

We've only been going to Disney since October 2018 (5 year anniversary trip) and bought into DVC in February of 2021, but have been many, many times since that first 2018 trip. In the beginning we were all about the parks and rides. We did actually stay at Boardwalk Inn for our first trip but basically were never in the room. After that we transitioned to Pop Century for the most part.

Our first long trip was supposed to be a Yacht (3) / Caribbean (12) split but there was a comedy of errors at CBR. The bus service was atrocious (it was during the RIV construction). When they yelled at a group of us who were told to go to the normal bus stop at MK after an After Hours event I decided to complain. I didn't want anything, I was just fed up. Anyway, this began our journey to DVC as they moved us to Jambo in a refurbished savanna room. After that it was mostly deluxes with the occasional French Quarter mixed in.

Since buying into DVC in Feb of 2021 we've stayed at all WDW DVC resorts except for OKW. We've also added on at VDH and stayed there last summer. This summer we are staying at VGC for 8 nights (don't ask how I got that at 7 months). During this time it is less and less about the rides and more about just enjoying ourselves in the bubble that is Disney. It's where we go to escape every day life and just relax. I also hate lines, with a passion. So we always pay for Lightning Lanes. This Christmas we are considering just going for early entry (and a couple of hours beyond that) and extended evening and hanging out at the resort and Disney Springs (if we opt for SSR).

So, DVC has really changed the way we experience Disney. Don't get me wrong, we still love the rides, the shows, and the parks, but I don't mind just relaxing in our room for a large part of the day to avoid the crowds.

 

[Brian Noble]

That's just it--it's both

So, it might be both too expensive and too crowded for you. But if enough people are willing to pay the current prices---to the point that the parks are crowded---prices are not too high in general.

Lightning lane is, IMO, a red herring. Presumably, fewer people are using that than used the free version of Fastpass+, and that was around for several years in more or less the same form (pre-booking three, tiers, single park, etc.) as the current paid version.

 

[Girlstar30]

So, it might be both too expensive and too crowded for you. But if enough people are willing to pay the current prices---to the point that the parks are crowded---prices are not too high in general.

Lightning lane is, IMO, a red herring. Presumably, fewer people are using that than used the free version of Fastpass+, and that was around for several years in more or less the same form (pre-booking three, tiers, single park, etc.) as the current paid version.

Disneyland does have some good specials now that can be worked out as cheaper than buying the annual pass depending on how often you go. I think that's the problem, magic key holders coupled with cheap 3 day so cal tickets and now 70th anniversary ticket deals for after that one ends on top of spring break yikes

 

[DVCSunDevil]

On the first trip after my youngest turned 21 she wanted to go to the Polynesian and get the drink in the pineapple - don't remember what it was called. I ordered something different, but envied her that pineapple drink after I tasted it! Still haven't gone back to get one for me....

The Lapu Lapu! My wife and I each got one on two separate trips. My soon-to-be 21 year old daughter wants one when we are there in December. Here’s a tip for you: next time you are there, get a Lapu Lapu right before sunset and get pictures on the boat dock with the sunset behind you. Your friends will swear you are in Hawaii!

 

[sleepydog25]

So, it might be both too expensive and too crowded for you.

Correct.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

I follow a bunch of dvc groups on FB and someone going to HHI posted a letter they mailed them, a handwritten welcome letter. I can already tell by that the service will be phenomenal!

I feel exactly as you do, not trying to knock Disney obviously I'm still buying DVC and loving the hotels and food, but us "old timers" have been way spoiled and know what disney was like before and capable of!

A beach vacation sounds fantastic right now and yes Aulani is very expensive, I did some number crunching as well because I thought staying at aulani and renting a car once we are members could be equivalent to staying at the Hilton on the big island, but no it is significantly more when adding annual dues and points
, so we will be going to aulani probably for 5 days and then switching on over to Hilton after! I am just so excited for a beach vacation, your Jamaica trip sounds so lovely, I am jealous

I would HIGHLY recommend Aulani. I think the issue people are making is comparing the cost of Aulani to some non-Disney vacation. Of course Aulani will price out higher in that situation…it is Hawaii!! I think the better comparison is Aulani to other similar Hawaiian resorts.

My oldest daughter’s dream was to visit Hawaii. When we bought into DVC, it didn’t even dawn on us that we could use those points in Hawaii. For her senior graduation trip, we were looking into doing a 10 day Hawaiian vacation. Then my wife said “wait, we are DVC members…we can go to Aulani!”. We ended up staying at Aulani for a week and a full Hilton resort for 4 days. Aulani was absolutely gorgeous and made it so we could actually afford the Hawaiian trip. Having $0 for room fees on the bill at check out was pretty sweet. So, yes, going to Hawaii is expensive…but using your DVC points at Aulani makes it a LOT less expensive! IMO, that’s the comparison to consider.

 

[sleepydog25]

I follow a bunch of dvc groups on FB and someone going to HHI posted a letter they mailed them, a handwritten welcome letter. I can already tell by that the service will be phenomenal!

I feel exactly as you do, not trying to knock Disney obviously I'm still buying DVC and loving the hotels and food, but us "old timers" have been way spoiled and know what disney was like before and capable of!

A beach vacation sounds fantastic right now and yes Aulani is very expensive, I did some number crunching as well because I thought staying at aulani and renting a car once we are members could be equivalent to staying at the Hilton on the big island, but no it is significantly more when adding annual dues and points
, so we will be going to aulani probably for 5 days and then switching on over to Hilton after! I am just so excited for a beach vacation, your Jamaica trip sounds so lovely, I am jealous

To be fair, not everyone gets a letter from HHI. I do wonder if they had something special going on. Still, it's a small resort, and their aim is to make your vacation memorable. You'll see many of the same CMs each day. Numerous CMs have been working at the resort for years, especially the housekeeping staff. Some of those wonderful women were there on opening day back in '96. And many over the years have worked up through the ranks within that same resort which adds a remarkable continuity. Pride in ownership of your position there is strong, too. You get just the right amount of Disney without all the added kerfuffle of the parks.

Yes, we loved the trip to Jamaica so much, we're headed back next year! Same resort, too. It reminded me a little of DHHIR in that it's small, thus you feel more like an appreciated guest than a number. I realize that's what resorts like that do to continue pulling in the bucks, but so many of them make you seem insignificant. Heck, you could price a trip out and rent out some of you DVC points to pay for it.

 

[Girlstar30]

The Lapu Lapu! My wife and I each got one on two separate trips. My soon-to-be 21 year old daughter wants one when we are there in December. Here’s a tip for you: next time you are there, get a Lapu Lapu right before sunset and get pictures on the boat dock with the sunset behind you. Your friends will swear you are in Hawaii!

I need to put this drink on my list!

 

[Girlstar30]

I would HIGHLY recommend Aulani. I think the issue people are making is comparing the cost of Aulani to some non-Disney vacation. Of course Aulani will price out higher in that situation…it is Hawaii!! I think the better comparison is Aulani to other similar Hawaiian resorts.

My oldest daughter’s dream was to visit Hawaii. When we bought into DVC, it didn’t even dawn on us that we could use those points in Hawaii. For her senior graduation trip, we were looking into doing a 10 day Hawaiian vacation. Then my wife said “wait, we are DVC members…we can go to Aulani!”. We ended up staying at Aulani for a week and a full Hilton resort for 4 days. Aulani was absolutely gorgeous and made it so we could actually afford the Hawaiian trip. Having $0 for room fees on the bill at check out was pretty sweet. So, yes, going to Hawaii is expensive…but using your DVC points at Aulani makes it a LOT less expensive! IMO, that’s the comparison to consider.

I have heard it's so gorgeous and people that actually go to another hotel, wish they would have stayed at aulani i am definetely saving up some points for an ocean view, after going thru this resale process, I need a vacation!

 

[Girlstar30]

To be fair, not everyone gets a letter from HHI. I do wonder if they had something special going on. Still, it's a small resort, and their aim is to make your vacation memorable. You'll see many of the same CMs each day. Numerous CMs have been working at the resort for years, especially the housekeeping staff. Some of those wonderful women were there on opening day back in '96. And many over the years have worked up through the ranks within that same resort which adds a remarkable continuity. Pride in ownership of your position there is strong, too. You get just the right amount of Disney without all the added kerfuffle of the parks.

Yes, we loved the trip to Jamaica so much, we're headed back next year! Same resort, too. It reminded me a little of DHHIR in that it's small, thus you feel more like an appreciated guest than a number. I realize that's what resorts like that do to continue pulling in the bucks, but so many of them make you seem insignificant. Heck, you could price a trip out and rent out some of you DVC points to pay for it.

Yep I felt like that at the Grand floridian, like I was just a number that did not matter when we went in January, it was also the resort we paid the most to stay at and got the least amount of service. If people at HHI have been their since '96 that means their happy and in turn will make the customers happy

I want to go to a sandals resort one day, I know the have one in Jamaica I think dvc rental store even does point swaps for that