Getting cold feet..

[krishouse]

Hi,
This post is going to sound slightly neurotic, considering at the beginning of the week I couldn't wait for the paperwork to come and even though I have wanted to join for a few years, I am starting to question my decision to join.
I am about to sign all the paperwork, Disney has my deposit but I am reading posts about how DVCers are treated differently(not positively) by CAST MEMBERS, and I keep thinking about staying at non DVC resorts such as AKL or the Poly and wondering if I will miss staying there which I know is an option with points but in my view is a waste.
Please forgive me for rambling but could anyone give an opinion?

thanks so much
Kristin

 

[kathyseb]

It is a major purchase and we wondered at the time of signing if we were doing the right thing. That was in 2003. We have no regrets. It was, as you said, cold feet.

 

[house_of_princesses]

I have gone to WDW as a DVC member only twice (I'm a relative newbie! ). My 4 dd's and I were always treated with smiles and kindness. A bad day could be had by anyone. To assume one is mis-treated because of their membership is not in line w/ policy thought, I'm sure.

Actually, I see DVC MS coming along nicely w/ new and better perks for us repeat attenders.

Put some socks on, those cold feet will go away in no time!

 

[DiznEeyore]

I am starting to question my decision to join.
I am about to sign all the paperwork, Disney has my deposit but I am reading posts about how DVCers are treated differently(not positively) by CAST MEMBERS, and I keep thinking about staying at non DVC resorts such as AKL or the Poly and wondering if I will miss staying there which I know is an option with points but in my view is a waste.
Please forgive me for rambling but could anyone give an opinion?

thanks so much
Kristin

Well, we've never felt that we were treated poorly (or even "less" nicely) by CMs because we're DVC members. In fact (and maybe this is all in our heads, LOL), we always feel that there's a certain exclusivity to being DVCers rather than "typical" resort patrons.

And of course you can view the extra points you'd spend to stay at non-DVC resorts as a "waste", or you can just view it as a special "splurge" and something different to do. Dh and I will be using points for concierge at the Grand Floridian next year, something we'd never do if we didn't own DVC.

 

[BillM]

We bought in 1998 and have not had any regrets. Don't worry about any of that stuff you read about tretment of DVC members. Never had a minute trouble. We primarily stay at OKW (our home resort) but have stayed at BCV and BWV and HH. Most members who post here and very pleased with DVC. WE have done four add-ons and due to changing family needs we will be selling some of the add-ons. That doesn't mean we don't like DVC. We just can't use all our points since our circumstnces have changed.

 

[DrBond007]

I can tell you this, we feel differently. We feel like there is no need to rush, and that we own a part of the place. It's a nice feeling.

 

[lodgelady]

It is a big step-but I think it is one of the smartest things we have ever done for our family! I agree with the previous poster. I have been to WDW or the cruise line as a DVC member every year for the past 5. We have loved every minute of it. Was every cast member super-friendly? YES! We have not had one rude CM in any of our DVC resorts. Just be pleasant and respectful to the CM's and I'm sure you will not be disappointed. If one is rude anyway, it is not because you are a DVC member, it is because they are having a bad day! Good luck!

 

[TammyAlphabet]

I too had cold feet in January when the paperwork came, I sent it all in and then called and cancelled. I discovered the reason for my cold feet was that I really wanted to join but didn't relish the SSR for my home resort. It was a little cheaper so I thought that was the way to go. I wanted the BWV or BCV. So, I got on the waiting list for BWV and in a few weeks, the points became available, and this time, I signed on the mickey ears without any reservation.

This feeling could be cold feet or maybe you have some real reservation. Make sure before you finalize anything.

JMHO......

 

[DeeCee735]

It took my DH a few years before he decided he wanted to go with a DVC purchase (I was ready from the first day I heard about it in 96). We finally bought in 2000. We will never regret it. It's one of the best family decisions we've made. We have been able to take amazing vacations with our kids at least once a year, and now that they are teens, they enjoy taking a friend along. We get a chance to relax and enjoy Disney each time, making a different vacation, no longer are the parks the highlight and no longer do we feel like we have to rush to get it all in. Our kids have grown up with Disney vacations and love it too, they look forward to the next one even as we are checking out. We can continue to enjoy these family vacations (as well as sharing them with friends) until the end of our lives! My kids will be into their 50's and the grandchildren we hope to have one day will also be able to enjoy Disney trips as they grow up! The fun we have and the memories we take away are really priceless, especially since it's already paid for itself!

As far as DVC members not being treated well, I have NEVER had an such experience. Just the opposite as a matter of fact. We have always encountered great cast members, who are always friendly and willing to help.

Good luck with your decision. I don't think you'll regret buying - I wish I had more points and more time to spend there!

 

[sweetinmaine]

Hi,
This post is going to sound slightly neurotic, considering at the beginning of the week I couldn't wait for the paperwork to come and even though I have wanted to join for a few years, I am starting to question my decision to join.
I am about to sign all the paperwork, Disney has my deposit but I am reading posts about how DVCers are treated differently(not positively) by CAST MEMBERS, and I keep thinking about staying at non DVC resorts such as AKL or the Poly and wondering if I will miss staying there which I know is an option with points but in my view is a waste.
Please forgive me for rambling but could anyone give an opinion?

thanks so much
Kristin

Hi Kristin

I was having the same feelings as you. It is a big step. Through all of my research (and one can research this to death) I found the best advice was to consider this purchase a way to budget out your vacation. Kind of prepay it. I'm going to go on vacation for the most part, no matter what. At least by joining the DVC, I'll be paying for it in installments instead of all at once. As for someone saying that a DVC member gets treated differently, keep in mind that we wouldn't be wearing big signs that say: DVC MEMBER I'm going to call my Guide on Monday and get the ball rolling. It is a big step, one that I'm willing to take. It isn't going to get any less expensive and I absolutely the service that I get at Disney. I'm sure that both you and I will enjoy our ownership for years to come!

 

[ILuvDVC2]

I've NEVER had a negative experience with CMs at the DVC resorts. If anything, they've become like my second family! I stay at OKW, and I've become close to the staff at Olivia's, so close that I have exchanged email addresses and spent non-Disney time with some of them. I've met some of their family members, had dinner at other resorts with them, and include them in my plans each visit.

I wish you good luck in making your decision!

 

[Tramp68]

Anytime you deal with any service oriented business you run the risk of getting a bad egg! The key is doing business with the companies that have the least number of rotten eggs.

Disney has a great reputation for Customer service. We could all tell a million stories about how we were treated awesomely at one time or another. Was it because we were OR weren't DVC members? I think that fact would balance itself out over all the people. What we have to realize is that the number of bad experiences are far outweighed by the number of incredible ones.

I know when I think back to the times that I was treated poorly by any company, I usually find that I went to customer service with an attitude and it is only human nature to respond to an attitude with an attitude. Are CS representives supposed to turn the other cheek? Yes. Most do. Some don't. That is where I think most of the problems lie.

Bottom line is to make the decision that is right for you. Go with your instincts. Look at all of the positive feedback. Look at all the negative. I think you will find that DVC is an awesome experience 99% of the time. If this is the only thing that is holding you back from signing, grab your pen! you won't be dissapointed.

P.S. - Remember to always treat a Customer service person the way you would want to be treated. Noone wants to be yelled at. They didn't cause your problem. They are there to fix it. Noone is perfect and things do go wrong sometimes. Take it in stride, you will enjoy life more, have lower blood pressure, and probably find you will get much better service to boot!
(No, I am not a customer service representative )

 

[OneMoreTry]

Treatment at DVC resorts is the same as at other Disney resorts. I've never had a problem. I think people feel a little more free to gripe here about every little detail and that's what has given you that impression of inferior service.

The worst room quality-wise I stayed at in WDW was at the Poly. The DVC rooms have always been excellent in my experience.

 

[MELSMICE]

It took my DH a few years before he decided he wanted to go with a DVC purchase (I was ready from the first day I heard about it in 96). We finally bought in 2000. We will never regret it. It's one of the best family decisions we've made. We have been able to take amazing vacations with our kids

I could have written this - except we didn't join until 2002 .

My DH is also the one that had reservations about the purchase because it wasn't a great "financial" investment. Well, about 10 days ago while him & I were walking through OKW he looked at me & said, "I am so glad we bought this. It was probably one of the best decisions we ever made. We can spend time with the girls, we get to spend time with your family (my mom, dad & brother's family were with us) & we are just making such great memories. When we get home make sure you book a November trip!!!"

We have also never had a bad experience with any CM's. They are all very pleasant everywhere & they know we belong to DVC because I have a hooded sweatshirt that says "Disney Vacation Club" on the back of it & "Members are Magical" on the front, so I know everyone is well aware that we belong to DVC. ( I don't brag about much but I love to brag about being a member while we're in WDW, hence the sweatshirt!! )

 

[sweetinmaine]

They are all very pleasant everywhere & they know we belong to DVC because I have a hooded sweatshirt that says "Disney Vacation Club" on the back of it & "Members are Magical" on the front, so I know everyone is well aware that we belong to DVC.

OMG I didn't know they made these! I guess we CAN wear shirts with big letters on them that state: DVC MEMBER ! I for one will be sure to purchase one and wear it proudly!

 

[justjudy]

I always get cold feet when I spend money. Of course, that doesn't stop me from doing it ! In fact, just this morning we Express Mailed the $$ for our OKW add-on. This is our second DVC purchase -- we purchased a VWL resale in 2002 -- and the only thing we regret is that we were not in a financial position to do this when our daughter was little (she'll be 21 in November). We absolutely LOVE DVC -- the resorts are wonderful and we have always been treated fabulously by the CM's. Speaking for DH and myself, we are delighted that we took the plunge. I hope you will be as well. And, oh yeah, I have one of those sweatshirts too -- and luggage tags, a refrigerator magnet and a coffee mug!

 

[house_of_princesses]

I've already replied once, but there's something else I want to add. I'm sure it's adressed in the link provided by one of the earlier posters. Anyway, about CM's treating members differently. It's my opinion that there are times when members think they are MEMBERS. In other words, they think they should be treated like VVIPs instead of the VIPs all other guests are treated as. Membership provides us w/ great resort stays, some discounts, and great memories. Anything more than that is gravy!! If you keep in mind that you are investing in future vacations, and not over-the-top service (which you get, anyway), you're making a wise move. JMHumbleO

 

[castleri]

If you re-read some of the posts you are talking about it seems that some people have very specific and rigid requests that they expect to have met and if they don't get them they think they are being treated badly because they are DVC members. They would probably be treated the same way if they weren't. Maybe I will hang my blue membership card on a lanyard around my neck next time I go and see if I am treated any worse or for that matter any better - actually better would be hard for them to do. I do use the back pack at times while there and am considring one of those sweatshirts next time we go. Good luck with your decision - It is a large purchase and can be a little scary-okay a lot scary! I am the type who rethinks every major purchase and many minor ones to decide if I did the right thing -I have NEVER had any doubts about my DVC purchases. I just wish I had purchased in 1992 instead of waiting until 1997 - I now have 3 separate contracts at OKW, BCV and SSR -- That's how badly I feel I've been treated each time I go.

 

[DVCLiz]

Kristin - After reading all of these posts about the negative treatment of DVC members, I went up to the checkin desk at BCV suspiciously, watching for any sign of mistreatment. Well, sorry, but I think a lot of people are blowing things out of proportion, or just hit someone on a bad day, because I was NEVER treated any differently - and I stayed one night at BCV on cash, two nights at Wilderness Lodge on cash, and four nights at BCV on points. At all times, CMs were pleasant and treated me well - and Art the greeter was fabulous both times I checked into the Beach Club.

As far as missing your other favorite resorts, you don't have to!!!! Simply add a night or two at the beginning or end of your trip and stay with a cash reservation. This is a more economical use of your points than using them to pay for a Friday or Saturday night stay. But, you might also find that this is not as much of an issue when you've had the experience of staying at a DVC resort.

I say warm up those feet and head to WDW!!!

 

[DebbieB]

When I bought at BWV in 1999 I was a little nervous. This board was full of stories about bad treatment, bad room conditions, long walks...... In 12 DVC stays since (5 OKW, 6 BWV, 1 VWL), I can't say that I've had a negative experience that made me regret my decision. Sure, little things happen but nothing major.