Embarrased to tell friends/family that I'm buying a timeshare in Florida

[LisaS]

The reluctance to share the news about DVC ownership with family and friends (for whatever reason) is one of the reasons why the DVC boards are so popular. This is one place we can talk freely about DVC, share our joy at passing ROFR or adding on, share our excitement about upcoming trips and speculate endlessly about where and when the next DVC might be built and whether the new shampoo will be kinder to our hair than the old one was! So even if your current friends don't "get" why you would want to buy a timeshare at Disney, your new friends here on the DVC boards do get it and anxiously await hearing every detail of your first trip as members!

 

[lisaviolet]

We purchased at BWV through TTS. Just received word that Disney passed on ROFR. So, we did it! I'm so excited I want to tell everyone! But, I just don't think people will get it. I mean, really, does anyone think a timeshare is a good idea (other than all the DVC Owners that is)?

That's lovely Wendy. Congratulations to you!! I love the BWV.

You know it's the family and friends that do own other timeshares that are to be watched out for. I'm laughing. You're thinking about those who dislike timeshares. You've totally shut out the toughest crowd. Wait until a non-Disney timeshare owner falls into the conversation. It's like a "mine's great....yours is _________" It's a never ending "free for all" for life.

Hey!!! And there's a timeshare debate right there. "Yours ends in 2042!!! Mine is forever...yours isn't? That's a ripoff". You know the response for that eh Wendy...."Best of luck to your great grandchildren and their future payment plan to Westgate or Fairfield or whatever"

You are going to love it Wendy. Cheers to some fantastic vacations.

All the best,

Lisa

 

[WendyinNC]

Thanks everyone. I'm so glad I can share my excitement with you. This is definately the best thing for my family for a number of reasons. Now I'm looking forward to booking my first trip. I wish I could close sooner.

 

[dumbo71]

Okay. I've done the research. I'm convinced DVC is a good deal for my family. Even convinced DH. Now, how do I break the news to my friends and family? I never thought I would buy a timeshare. But, this is so different. How do you tell people you own a timeshare without them thinking you're an idiot or going through a 30 minute DVC sales presentation to explain to them why this is such a wonderful thing? Maybe I should just keep this a secret.

Owning a Timeshare, yes even Disney, can be seen as a bad move and embarassing and rightfully so.

Beauty is, you as an adult, have the right to do anything you want so long as it is legal. DVC is certainly legal so enjoy.

Tell your family and friends anything you want. You do not need to rationalize anything to them.

You know what I told my family? I bought a Timeshare at Disney. That is it. I never felt the need to explain further. Then, anyone who questioned me or my purchase simply has not beeen invited for free stays. Solves the problem rather quickly.

Good luck and enjoy the purchase.

 

[cdmickey]

The word, 'timeshare' does sometimes have a negative connotation, but Disney's Vacation Club only loosely resembles a timeshare 'proper'. When I explain the points, and I can go practically anywhere, anytime, most people get-it then.

 

[dumbo71]

Is it any of there business? Trust me if you tell them what they will see if "Free vacation" on you!

CarolA,

I'm quoting your post because I'm hoping and thinking you won't get offended by it. I've seen several responses echoing your statement so you are not alone.

Really, don't tell them? You don't feel the slightest bit dishonest doing that? I know I don't keep secrets from family. What happens if/when they find out?
Just wondering the thought process because that would make me uncomfortable.

I invite the family that is deserving. By deserving I mean the ones who don't EXPECT an invite. I've given 8 FREE trips along the way and it felt good. It wouldn't have felt so good if any of them expected me to do so.

 

[dumbo71]

We purchased at BWV through TTS. Just received word that Disney passed on ROFR. So, we did it! I'm so excited I want to tell everyone! But, I just don't think people will get it. I mean, really, does anyone think a timeshare is a good idea (other than all the DVC Owners that is)?

As a point of reference for evryone, what price per point did it clear at?

Thank you.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We're thrilled to own DVC and share our time there with family (often) and friends (much less often now). WDW has always been a favorite vacation destination of mine! I try not to go overboard with my enthusiasm of my tales of my "Florida" vacations when I talk to mere acquaintances.

Bobbi

 

[WendyinNC]

As a point of reference for evryone, what price per point did it clear at?

Thank you.

I'm paying $84/point for a Feb use year with all 175 points coming on 2/1/2007. The seller is paying closing costs. I feel like I got a good deal and it only took one week for it to pass ROFR. I went through TTS.

 

[WolfpackFan]

We purchased at BWV through TTS. Just received word that Disney passed on ROFR. So, we did it! I'm so excited I want to tell everyone! But, I just don't think people will get it. I mean, really, does anyone think a timeshare is a good idea (other than all the DVC Owners that is)?

Actually, I think you might have a skewed view of timeshares. I know quite a few folks that own timeshares - a few DVC but also others that are non-DVC. Sure some timeshares have bad reps. but overall if you stay with the big names DVC, Marriott, Hilton, et al; they are still every good ideas, especially if you buy thru resell. I know personnally, I'd love to have a Marriott (at Myrtle Beach) timeshare; but right now being retired I think we've done about all we're going to do. The thing about timeshares though is you should never look at them as an investment only as pre-paid vacations. That's the only way I ever try to justify our DVC membership.

Oh and by they way - WELCOME HOME

 

[DisDaydreamer]

CarolA,

I'm quoting your post because I'm hoping and thinking you won't get offended by it. I've seen several responses echoing your statement so you are not alone.

Really, don't tell them? You don't feel the slightest bit dishonest doing that? I know I don't keep secrets from family. What happens if/when they find out?
Just wondering the thought process because that would make me uncomfortable.

I invite the family that is deserving. By deserving I mean the ones who don't EXPECT an invite. I've given 8 FREE trips along the way and it felt good. It wouldn't have felt so good if any of them expected me to do so.

I don't. If I buy a new car I don't call around tell and everyone that good news either. I Don't feel dishonest about it at all. When/if they find out and if have questions I answer them. If they are intrigued I help understand even more. No biggy.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

The reluctance to share the news about DVC ownership with family and friends (for whatever reason) is one of the reasons why the DVC boards are so popular. This is one place we can talk freely about DVC, share our joy at passing ROFR or adding on, share our excitement about upcoming trips and speculate endlessly about where and when the next DVC might be built and whether the new shampoo will be kinder to our hair than the old one was! So even if your current friends don't "get" why you would want to buy a timeshare at Disney, your new friends here on the DVC boards do get it and anxiously await hearing every detail of your first trip as members!

Lisa, This has nothing to do with your response... and I have meant on other occasions to tell you this, but every time I read one of your posts I hear the voice of Lisa Simpson. Every time.

 

[unixadm]

It has been my experience that my co-workers do not understand why I travel to WDW so much. Why I own DVC. Why I travel to DL.

It's the office joke of people asking me when am I going back to WDW.

Just tell people, its the happiest place on earth, why wouldn't you want to live there!!

Yeah, I get a lot of jokes about being "Disney Boy" at the office...but 3 other people in my office are also DVC members, so at least I'm not the only one!

 

[kdonnel]

Yeah, I get a lot of jokes about being "Disney Boy" at the office...but 3 other people in my office are also DVC members, so at least I'm not the only one!

I'd be more concerned about telling people how many Tivo's you have.

 

[unixadm]

I'd be more concerned about telling people how many Tivo's you have.

It's funny.....if it is a TiVo, DirecTV or Disney Question, everyone knows to come to me!

 

[Disney MAINEiac]

If you tell them, its simple, just say what i said when the inevitable "why?" is asked. "because we were always dreaming about all the things we were gonna do with our kids, one day i realised how big they were getting and if i wanted to create any of those special memories for my old age it was time to get off the stick before i regretted not doing it." Also my wife suffered a serious back injury with some spinal cord damage. We realised then how short life was and sometimes someday never comes. Live for today stop dreaming about tomorrow. Live like today was your last one and if at the end of the day it is, you at least can say that was a good one.

 

[solgent]

Really, don't tell them? You don't feel the slightest bit dishonest doing that? I know I don't keep secrets from family. What happens if/when they find out?
Just wondering the thought process because that would make me uncomfortable.

Some people are closer to their families and share more with them. In my case, I'm not dishonest or telling anyone any lies. I'm just keeping certain things private, keeping the info within my own family of DH and DDs and a few others that I have particular reasons for wanting them to know, rather than announcing it or spelling it out to many people.

 

[dumbo71]

I'm paying $84/point for a Feb use year with all 175 points coming on 2/1/2007. The seller is paying closing costs. I feel like I got a good deal and it only took one week for it to pass ROFR. I went through TTS.

Thank you and I think you got one heck of a deal.

Welcome Home and enjoy all of your fututre trips.

 

[PSC]

Funny - I had the same problem with my younger brother. He kept going on an on about how he never thought I would ever fall for the timeshare trap. I explained the DVC advantages over a proper timeshare to him and hinted that it might be an even better deal for him. Whenever the subject of Disney or Florida comes up, he keeps telling me that DVC would never work for him, but to keep him in mind if I ever have cant use points so I will loose them.

Guess who is never going to get that call!

Personally I think he is jealous (that I'm mom's favorite and own DVC)

 

[dumbo71]

I don't. If I buy a new car I don't call around tell and everyone that good news either. I Don't feel dishonest about it at all. When/if they find out and if have questions I answer them. If they are intrigued I help understand even more. No biggy.

Fair enough. I'm not suggesting anyone shout it from the rafters. I'm also not suggesting that anyone who doesn't tell is wrong either. I can see the mentality behind that.

I just keep my family in the loop for the big things and yes I'd say DVC is a big thing. Never told anyone how many points I had, just that I owned DVC. Everyone has limits I guess.