Good opinions of DVC...please??

[sleepyone]

I am interested in DVC but, it seems that most of the posts I read from people who just return have experiences that weren't very *Disney*. When I check into a Disney resort and pay cash the CM's are extremely friendly go the extra mile. It seems that DVC resorts have CM's who aren't very friendly. When I get to a non-DVC resort the plumbing and everything works but, it seems to be hit-and-miss with DVC. I would rather pay more for the Disney attitude that we're used to than settle for (seemingly) over-worked, unhappy CM's at DVC. I am not trying to start a debate nor am I looking to get flamed. I am just wondering if this is the experience most of you have had with DVC or are more folks posting "bad" experiences more than good?

 

[Jhalkias]

We have stayed at BCV, VWL, and OKW. We have always had great experiences. I think sometimes we as DVC owners can be a bit more critical because we are "owners" and want everything to be more than perfect. This last trip we stayed at CR and OKW, and I can tell you for a fact, I felt there was MORE Disney "Magic" at OKW!

John

 

[JimMIA]

I liken this board to watching the news. You are much more likely to see something they have gory tape of - even if it happened a month ago - than really newsworthy stuff.

People, by nature, are much more likely to comment on things we don't care for. We're more likely to criticize than compliment.

I would weigh these boards the same way. If we are all so completely freaked out about all the HORRIBLE! things that happened to us...why are we still members? Take what you read here for what it is - extremely anecdotal information, much of it from people who were not pleased. Very few people take the time to post about the fabulous service they received, or how some thoughtful CM made their kid's day.

The other thing I look at is the gravity of the complaints. A wise man once told me, "You can tell a lot about the size of a man by the size of the thing that makes him mad." I see some legitimate complaints here about things that would certainly set me off, but I also see a lot of little specs of dust that I wouldn't even notice, much less complain about.

 

[joepoe]

You must take most of the griping and complaining you read on these boards with a grain of salt. Some people are never satisfied and think DVC owes them blood sweat and tears because they invested a little money in a timeshare. We have been members since 1998 and have no complaints whatsoever. Sure, sometimes things go awry, but that is the nature of any human endaeavor.

I am interested in DVC but, it seems that most of the posts I read from people who just return have experiences that weren't very *Disney*. When I check into a Disney resort and pay cash the CM's are extremely friendly go the extra mile. It seems that DVC resorts have CM's who aren't very friendly. When I get to a non-DVC resort the plumbing and everything works but, it seems to be hit-and-miss with DVC. I would rather pay more for the Disney attitude that we're used to than settle for (seemingly) over-worked, unhappy CM's at DVC. I am not trying to start a debate nor am I looking to get flamed. I am just wondering if this is the experience most of you have had with DVC or are more folks posting "bad" experiences more than good?

 

[kimszath]

I've owned points with DVC for about 18 months now, and we've stayed at both OKW and SSR a couple of times each. I can tell you that I've NEVER had anything but the best experience at both these resorts--the CMs couldn't be more cheerful and helpful, though I'd imagine if you're seeing alot of complaining, it's most likely because folks tend to complain about the bad alot more than they applaud the good. When I'm happy, I tell all my friends, but when I'm unhappy with service or treatment ANYwhere, I go looking for places to unload! We just returned from a week at OKW. While we were there, my 5-year-old lost one of his small Gameboy game cartridges--it managed to slide into the body of the cup-holder in the backseat of our rental car. I called Guest Services at 9:30 pm, just to ask if they had a Phillips-head screwdriver I could borrow. She asked me a couple of questions (mostly, "What do you need it for?"), and within 5 minutes, one of their maintenance guys (named Deroop--VERY nice and obviously a Disney KEEPER!) arrives in a little golfcart, askes me where the cartridge is at (he had all the miniscule details exactly right, as if I'd spoken to him on the phone!) I told him I'd take care of it if I could just borrow his screwdriver. He'd have none of that--he climbed into the back of the car and I had the cartridge in my hand in 2 minutes flat--WAY faster than I would have figured it out myself! We had also ended up with 6 people in our Studio after another timeshare company canceled my Mom's reservation AFTER SHE SHOWED UP. DVC usually charges you extra to get extra towels (they don't complain about exceeding the normal capacity, but they do charge for extra stuff!) The housekeeper overheard me cheering up my Mom, and asked if we needed anything. My Mom quickly jumped in and said, "No, we brought some beach towels--we'll be okay. Don't pay for extra towels." It wasn't even our day for service--when we got back form dinner, the room had been straightened up, extra clean towels were on the rack, and a couple of extra fresh fluffy pillows had landed on the beds. They really do go over and above the call of duty, in my opinion. I am SO happy we made the investment!

 

[goodcook5]

The last 6 months has brought many long weekend trips to Disney. We have gone to almost all the DVCs. We have not had a bad experience. However, we try not to "sweat the small stuff". After all, someone has to walk a ways to the pool and someone has to look at the dumpsters and someone has to wait until the room is ready to check in. If it is us, then so be it. It is only a small part of the trip.

There are cranky people in any job, and I am sure the CMs who work a lot with the public find it challenging at times. And I bet they are not making six figures . My husband brought the valets crispy cream donuts and our car always arrived promptly. We tipped the bag handlers, enjoyed the views, and most of all spent great family time together.

Did the fridge at ssr have ketchup spilled on the inside? Did the BWV shower have a bulged down ceiling where there had been some water mishap? Was there a worn carpet at OKW? yes. But non DVC hotels we have stayed in have been smaller, dirtier, less helpful and not much cheaper.

I have an easier trip commuting to work each day just knowing the next trip with DVC is in the planning. I am always sad to leave. Also, for the first time I feel we do not have to commando through the parks. We spend entire days just enjoying the resort and all it has to offer.

It is one of the best things we have ever done. Hands down.

 

[WDW LOVR]

I would agree with the other poster's. We have stayed at BWV, BCV and just returned from our first trip to OKW and I have nothing but good things to say. We've received all the smiles and "Welcome Homes" you can imagine.

We think DVC is so great we are going to add on in the next year so we can enjoy the magic more often!

 

[Disney Doll]

We have owned at OKW since 1997, and I can honestly say that I have never had what i would consider to be a major issue. I have said, and continue to say, that DVC is one of the best purchases we have ever made. We average 2 trips per year, and sometimes as many as four. We have stayed in all but VWL & SSR, and have had basically good experiences.

I do think that some DVC owners feel as if they are "owed" something extra because they ahve "invested" in Disney. I feel that the courteous service, lovely accomodations, and ability to vacation more frequently are gift enough for me. I have always received all three.

I have no complaints.

 

[offtheice]

I am interested in DVC but, it seems that most of the posts I read from people who just return have experiences that weren't very *Disney*. When I check into a Disney resort and pay cash the CM's are extremely friendly go the extra mile. It seems that DVC resorts have CM's who aren't very friendly. When I get to a non-DVC resort the plumbing and everything works but, it seems to be hit-and-miss with DVC. I would rather pay more for the Disney attitude that we're used to than settle for (seemingly) over-worked, unhappy CM's at DVC. I am not trying to start a debate nor am I looking to get flamed. I am just wondering if this is the experience most of you have had with DVC or are more folks posting "bad" experiences more than good?

I am still trying to figure out why one who has 194 post , is just posting this now? ARe we trying to start something.If you are really worried about what other people say, then dont buy.. More room for me.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We have been members since 1997 and have had more than 20 DVC stays. We have never had anything but stellar service and very friendly cast members at OKW. Even on the few times we HAVE had a slight problem (like the refridgerator leaking on one trip), it was fixed quickly and courteously.

 

[MarylandPirate]

On a side note, I think taking out the freebie DVC bag with us to the parks has helped us have even more magical vacations! It just seems that the Little Brown and Blue bag has given us extra special treatment.....don't know if Disney tells CM's to treat DVC members in any special way, just felt that way at the parks!

 

[shelly3girls]

I am still trying to figure out why one who has 194 post , is just posting this now? ARe we trying to start something.If you are really worried about what other people say, the dont buy.. More room for me.

It is very possible that although the poster has 194 posts he/she could be relatively new to the DVC board and just starting to look into purchasing. We bought into DVC in 2002 and have had many great trips to the BCV. When we first looked into purchasing we also read many complaints on the board but also read many great compliments to. By reading these boards you can get the pros and cons of ownership and make your own opinion. We have had minor issues in many hotels including many of the deluxe hotels of WDW.

 

[offtheice]

It is very possible that although the poster has 194 posts he/she could be relatively new to the DVC board and just starting to look into purchasing. We bought into DVC in 2002 and have had many great trips to the BCV. When we first looked into purchasing we also read many complaints on the board but also read many great compliments to. By reading these boards you can get the pros and cons of ownership and make your own opinion. We have had minor issues in many hotels including many of the deluxe hotels of WDW.

Fair enought. I just wonder if there is another agenda? Again personally I could care less what anyone offers on there thoughts about the staff and so on. Go to disney and make your opinion count.

 

[sleepyone]

I am still trying to figure out why one who has 194 post , is just posting this now? ARe we trying to start something.If you are really worried about what other people say, then dont buy.. More room for me.

As I wrote:

I am not trying to start a debate nor am I looking to get flamed.

So, no, I'm not trying to start something. I have been thinking about DVC and have posted at this site asking lots of questions (thus adding to my number of posts ). I am looking for opinions because I want to make sure DVC is a good choice for us. Just like using a Consumer Report magazine to make a big purchase; I want to make sure I make the right choice. I'm not aware of a magazine or other source of information out there about DVC. So, if I want questions answered I have been calling DVC or posting here.

 

[Alphatexana]

Sleepyone said:

So, no, I'm not trying to start something. I have been thinking about DVC and have posted at this site asking lots of questions (thus adding to my number of posts ). I am looking for opinions because I want to make sure DVC is a good choice for us. Just like using a Consumer Report magazine to make a big purchase; I want to make sure I make the right choice. I'm not aware of a magazine or other source of information out there about DVC. So, if I want questions answered I have been calling DVC or posting here.

You've been asking good questions, and I'd bet that most everyone hear would encourage you to fully investigate before you buy. Perhaps the best way to do that is to rent some points from an existing member, book a vacation through them, and try it yourself and see. While you are there, look at some of the existing properties. Determine whether you like SSR (which is currently for sale) or one of the other properties. Consumer Report, which you mention in your post, takes every car that the test out for multiple test drives. I imagine you do the same when you buy a car. If you are concerned (and I'm not necessarily saying there is anything to be concerned about--we loved our first DVC stay and are looking forward to our next one in June) about buying a "pig in a poke" then take DVC out for a "test drive" before you buy it.

 

[MarylandPirate]

As I wrote: So, no, I'm not trying to start something. I have been thinking about DVC and have posted at this site asking lots of questions (thus adding to my number of posts ). I am looking for opinions because I want to make sure DVC is a good choice for us. Just like using a Consumer Report magazine to make a big purchase; I want to make sure I make the right choice. I'm not aware of a magazine or other source of information out there about DVC. So, if I want questions answered I have been calling DVC or posting here.

I've read there are over 63,000 DVC members! They must be doing something right.


http://goflorida.about.com/cs/disneyworld/a/wdw_club.htm

I'm in big ticket sales.......10% of the people rave about you, 10% hate you and the remaining 80% run hot ot cold depending on the situation! This forum is a small microcosm! I made up my own mind to join! I've been to Disney pushing 20 times, and I'm in a postiton financially to start going more and more...so saw the value in DVC. There are some really nice people here, however none I trust to make financial decisions for me or my family!

 

[sleepyone]

Sleepyone said:



You've been asking good questions, and I'd bet that most everyone hear would encourage you to fully investigate before you buy. Perhaps the best way to do that is to rent some points from an existing member, book a vacation through them, and try it yourself and see. While you are there, look at some of the existing properties. Determine whether you like SSR (which is currently for sale) or one of the other properties. Consumer Report, which you mention in your post, takes every car that the test out for multiple test drives. I imagine you do the same when you buy a car. If you are concerned (and I'm not necessarily saying there is anything to be concerned about--we loved our first DVC stay and are looking forward to our next one in June) about buying a "pig in a poke" then take DVC out for a "test drive" before you buy it.

Thanks for the idea! I hadn't thought of renting points; only paying cash. Is it hard to rent points? Do you know the best/safest way to rent points?

 

[Alphatexana]

There is a board for renting points here on the Disboards.

Be sure to read the three posts at the very top of the Board by Doc. Many people rent points through these boards and it normally is a smooth process where everyone plays fair. The points typically "sell" for $9-11 a point. Read the posts there if you are interested.

Good luck

 

[JimC]

The group here tends to be blunt and we are possibly the harshest critics on DVC because we are so passionate about it. I am very happy that we bought into DVC and have just added more points. Having stayed over many years at nearly every resort on property and having attended several of their conferences -- I can tell you that Disney is not perfect, CMs are not perfect and guests are not perfect. But the overall experience of going to Disney is first rate and easily beats just about all other options.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Besides renting points, you might like to take a little self guided tour of the on-site DVC resorts when you go. We took a rather long time to make the decision, and our only regret is that we didn't do it when we first thought about it! We learned of DVC early in 1992. We first stayed there in 1995, but didn't buy until '97! If only we would have had those 8 years of free passes!!!!! I want to kick myself for not doing it earlier sometimes!