**Fantasy Becomes Reality** Group--5/19/2012 (INDEX/ROLE CALL, PAGE 1--ENTRY 1)

[Sir William]

OK, all of you DVC members in our group....I'm really entertaining the idea of jumping on the bandwagon. I just don't know enough about it, even after going to the seminar (which we will do on the Fantasy) last time we were on the Magic.

We have done a Disney trip every other year that we have been married (22 years in May) save for one ill-advised detour to Universal instead

So any regrets?
Has the program changed in any way since you signed up?
Do you continue to pursue new points?
Do you have enough points to be worthwhile, or do you have to supplement with cash for your reservations?

The more information you can share the better.

CONVINCE ME that I should consider this!

It sounds like you might visit Disney enough to make DVC a worthwhile investment.

We just joined last July (and were the newest DVC members on our January cruise) so I doubt we can tell you much except so far no regrets. My only complaint is that when going on a cruise you have to work through DVC on everything, and if you make any changes there is a fee (even if you upgrade a cabin). When I called DCL to arrange transportation they referred me back to DVC, and then DVC put me on hold while they arranged it with DCL.

We usually go down about every 2-3 years so purchased just over the minimum level of points, figuring to bank a year and then use it the following year along with that year's points.

We used our points from joining to go on the cruise in January. However, for our next two cruises (including this one) we'll be paying cash and using the points to stay at WDW prior to sailing.

We belong to another vacation club and we prefer Disney, both in policies and what they have to offer. The point system is superior, we believe, to the exchanging of one timeshare week for another week system used by most.

You might want to pose your questions on the DVC forum as well.

 

[Dizneyholic]

Hi all!
We're just back from 7 days on the Wonder. Have to say, we like the Magic better but we still had a great time and are looking forward to focusing on this one now!

OK, all of you DVC members in our group....I'm really entertaining the idea of jumping on the bandwagon. I just don't know enough about it, even after going to the seminar (which we will do on the Fantasy) last time we were on the Magic.

We have done a Disney trip every other year that we have been married (22 years in May) save for one ill-advised detour to Universal instead

So any regrets?
Has the program changed in any way since you signed up?
Do you continue to pursue new points?
Do you have enough points to be worthwhile, or do you have to supplement with cash for your reservations?

The more information you can share the better.

CONVINCE ME that I should consider this!

So any regrets?
The only regret we have is not buying sooner!!!

Has the program changed in any way since you signed up?
A few things have changed here and there...
You used to be able to transfer points from/to other member accounts as much as you wanted but now you can only do it once per use year. I guess they were getting to many abusing this.
When we started they had Interval International and now it's RCI for exchanges outside the Disney resorts.
We used to get free valet at the Deluxe resorts but they did away with that.
The points used to be cheaper from Sun-Thurs but they have shifted them around a bit to balance it out since everyone would avoid staying at DVC over the weekend.
And now the biggest change that I've seen is that when you buy a new contract and need to resale it at a later time, whoever buys it will not be able to use those points thru the exchange program. I think they can only use them at Disney. I'm not totally clear on this one yet since it really won't affect us.

Do you continue to pursue new points?
We started with 160 points in 2005 and added on 100 in 2009. With only 2 of us at the moment, 260 is a good amount for us right now. Sometimes, we can't use them all and we just rent them out here on the Dis or book for friends.

Do you have enough points to be worthwhile, or do you have to supplement with cash for your reservations?
We have enough to do what we want at the moment. We rarely have to bank and borrow to get what we need but it's there if you need it and has worked out well in the past. We did use our points to cruise last year but it was a really good deal and worked out for us since we got a bunch of extra points as a bonus with our add on in 2009. However, a lot of people would rather rent their points out at about $10 per point and then use that money to come out ahead on their cruise!

We love our DVC and consider it one of the best purchases we have made!
They have great incentives on the cruises if you can hold out! Also, not sure if anyone refered you to DVC but if they did and you list them, they will get a referal bonus and after you become a member it's something you'll be entitled to as well! However, for some reason, some states aren't allowed to participate and those memebers can't receive the bonus.

Anyway, hope this helps. Feel free to ask anything else you might want to know!

Chasity

 

[dznyacct]

OK, all of you DVC members in our group....I'm really entertaining the idea of jumping on the bandwagon. I just don't know enough about it, even after going to the seminar (which we will do on the Fantasy) last time we were on the Magic.

We have done a Disney trip every other year that we have been married (22 years in May) save for one ill-advised detour to Universal instead

So any regrets?
Has the program changed in any way since you signed up?
Do you continue to pursue new points?
Do you have enough points to be worthwhile, or do you have to supplement with cash for your reservations?

The more information you can share the better.

CONVINCE ME that I should consider this!

OK, DVC, what can I say about my one and only regret.................Oh, I know WHY DIDN'T WE DO IT EARLIER !! We toured DVC twice at WDW in 1997 and 1998 before joining in 1999 (VWL is our home resort). The analytical Accountant in me just "had" to do a thorough financial analysis before we joined . We absolutely LOVE DVC and all the flexibility that it offers . We have stayed in studios, one bedroom and 2 bedroom units (hoping for a Grand Villa with all my sisters one day ). The accomodations are always great (LOVE how huge the rooms at OKW are; I think the 2 bedroom unit was bigger than our first house ) and in wonderful shape. Of course the price/point has gone up quite a bit since we joined. I think we paid $72/point and it's now ~ $112/point. I love being able to share my love of WDW with friends and family, taking care of everyone's lodging. I like that new resorts are added, giving us new places to try (crossing my fingers for Hawaii someday ). We bought 200 points, which works well for our small family. I usually always have points to bank to the next year. For our last cruise (and the upcoming Fantasy cruise ) I will rent out our points to help towards the cost of the cruise. I have rented to DISers in the past and have never had a problem. Those DISers are good people . If we are going for an extended period of time, we have done a split stay, usually spending the first part of our trip at Pop Century. Don't get me wrong, I love POP, but coming from a value resort to a DVC resort is a really nice change . Please feel free to ask any and all questions regarding DVC.

 

[texfinn]

Wow! all this talk about DVC got me all excited but after looking at the analysis online, it doesn't make sense for us....BUT, now I may look into renting points for our next trip!

 

[dznyacct]

Wow! all this talk about DVC got me all excited but after looking at the analysis online, it doesn't make sense for us....BUT, now I may look into renting points for our next trip!

Hey Mati ~ In case you are interested, I know a VERY reputable DVCer who will have points available for use after 8/1/11 in case you're interested .

 

[sues14]

Thanks, Sues! No problem about the late condolences; it's nice to know people I'm just now getting to know care!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Yesterday was my sister's birthday and also "Gotcha Day" - this is the day my sister traveled to Guatemala to bring home my niece. My mom and I went with her; it was an incredible experience!

Keep sharing, I love it! I so love the idea of gotcha day, I got me a niece and two nephews through adoption, plus a lot more the other way!

Hello Everyone,
We are excited to be joining everyone on this cruise. We were originally booked on the Western the week before but had to jump ship due to our dd's school schedules. This will be our 3rd Disney cruise. Our cast of characters includes:
myself Shana (41)* ages at time of cruise
Dh Everton (42)
dd Tyrah (13)
dd Jaya (12)
and our surprise little princess Nya who will be approx 9 months when we cruise, she is due in August!!!

hi! Welcome to our group, some of us are still Mia since the move from the other thread but I'm sure they will show up soon! Ps the other cruises loss is our gain, again welcome!

okay - I have to admit I forgot also to subscribe to the new thread. I'm caught up now and hopefully can stay up with everything. I've been busy at work but I do try to check my email at home
every couple of evenings. Have a good week everyone!

Hi barb glad you made it back!

Wow! all this talk about DVC got me all excited but after looking at the analysis online, it doesn't make sense for us....BUT, now I may look into renting points for our next trip!

.
I know that Tony wants to do this and I am the holdout, it's sounds great, will see!

 

[wdwgoose]

GOOD MORNIN ALL

returned last night from a few days in florida yeap 92 and I come back to 31 and freezing rain, the snow we had yesterday morning was all melted by last night !!!!

so coffee and then get some work done here. aready ready had a friend stop and tell me I had 2 of my horses out walking around my hay field. so took care of that and all before my coffee !!!!!!!
what a way to start my day off


garRy

 

[texfinn]

Good Morning!!!

Kathy - will definitely keep that in mind - we are thinking next year for before/after the cruise. It might be nice to have a 2 bedroom with the kids. I am trying to convince Joni to join us for the "after" visit to WDW but we'll see.

So, my darling 9 year old got her back brace on Friday. I will try to post a picture here later this week. She was very very good about it. Very brave. It wasn't as near as bad as they used to be. The brace is very lightweight and doesn't bother her at all except for the heat - which yes, here in Texas, it will be a problem. It kind of looks like a corset and gives my little girl this very grown up hour glass shape . She is wearing it to school today for the first time and we are hopeful that it goes well. For now, she will be wearing it 23 hours a day. I am hoping she will correct enough to come out of it by the cruise next year and we are also looking at non-invasive surgical options. I am trying to keep positive thoughts about the whole thing so figured, I better post pictures or you guys will miss it!

It has gotten hot here quickly - already in the 90s yesterday. Very scare that this summer will be steaming. At least we will spend the summer in Finland and hopefully it won't be too bad there.

I am very behind at work so better get off of the board - hope you are all doing well!!!
Mati

 

[reimero]

Hi everyone!

I know we're latecomers, but this is going to be the first cruise for my wife and me. Our stateroom hasn't been assigned yet (we're a GNTY), but we couldn't be more excited!
Oh, and we're celebrating our anniversary.

 

[DizDaddy]

Hi everyone!

I know we're latecomers, but this is going to be the first cruise for my wife and me. Our stateroom hasn't been assigned yet (we're a GNTY), but we couldn't be more excited!
Oh, and we're celebrating our anniversary.

Welcome! If you've not yet had the chance, take a look at page 1----it's more or less a directory or main page to our dismeet group. Supply your information (with a picture, if possible) and I will get you added to the meet group!

We are still unnamed, but looking for suggestions on what to name our group.

 

[reimero]

Thanks! Let's see if I get this right...

DisName: reimero
Names/Ages: Joe (40), Chris (Not 40)
From: Indiana
Stateroom: TBA
Celebration: Anniversary
Dining: I'm not really sure
Showtime: 7pm?
Participate in FE: ?

 

[DizDaddy]

Thanks! Let's see if I get this right...

DisName: reimero
Names/Ages: Joe (40), Chris (Not 40)
From: Indiana
Stateroom: TBA
Celebration: Anniversary
Dining: I'm not really sure
Showtime: 7pm?
Participate in FE: ?

Added!

 

[sues14]

Thanks! Let's see if I get this right...

DisName: reimero
Names/Ages: Joe (40), Chris (Not 40)
From: Indiana
Stateroom: TBA
Celebration: Anniversary
Dining: I'm not really sure
Showtime: 7pm?
Participate in FE: ?

Well hi there! Welcome, new cruisers or just new to dcl? We loved our first cruise but enjoyed our second because we knew what to expect, the best thing to do is be informed but enjoy! How many years for you and Chris ?Looking forward to getting to know you both!

 

[sues14]

And happy Friday! 393 days to go!

 

[wdwgoose]

GOOD MORNIN ALL

nice day starting out was 40 at 3 A M

51 at 7 A M

warmer now going to low 70s

then rain again on monday for 4 days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


would someone send me there boat ??????????

my boots are just not doing it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

garRy

 

[Sir William]

GOOD MORNIN ALL

nice day starting out was 40 at 3 A M

51 at 7 A M

warmer now going to low 70s

then rain again on monday for 4 days !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


would someone send me there boat ??????????

my boots are just not doing it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

garRy

Sounds like the weather forecast for Northern Virginia! We have thunderstorms the next three days, get a break on Tuesday, and then more T-storms the next few days.

Can't send you a boat - I'm going to need it for myself!!!!

 

[DizDaddy]

We live in the St. Louis area, and approx. 14 miles away from the Lambert airport that was hit by the tornado. We were at Dave & Busters at the time, just 6.6 miles away from the airport. It was ugly. Lots of pics and footage at www.kmov.com, www.ksdk.com, www.kdnl.com, etc.

 

[JRandAJsMom]

Wow-- Wheeling is in a bubble... We have had lots and LOTS of rain, but all of the really bad stuff literally breaks up before it gets here and then builds back up on the other side of the Northern Panhandle. We've been lucky It's supposed to rain again all week though. I would like SOME storms-- I'm a "sit there and listen to the thunder" kind of girl

Excited to see all of the DVC talk! I know this is late, but we LOVE our DVC We initially bought the 160 at AKV then added on 100 more at BLT. DH was in the Disney spirit on the last cruise, so he was easily persuaded to add on We use a handful of points for resorts every couple of years, but our biggest benefit has been the cruises as we always get a low, inside room (DH and older DS get queasy easily!) so the point use averages out. Plus, if you use even a few points within a DCL ressie, it gives you a big discount for the rest of your party...

Time to go dye eggs! Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!!!

 

[Sir William]

We live in the St. Louis area, and approx. 14 miles away from the Lambert airport that was hit by the tornado. We were at Dave & Busters at the time, just 6.6 miles away from the airport. It was ugly. Lots of pics and footage at www.kmov.com, www.ksdk.com, www.kdnl.com, etc.

Glad to hear you came through the storm OK. I used to live in SW Missouri and went through a few tornados at one time or another. Not fun.

 

[DizDaddy]

happy easter