GOODBYE DVC

[pinnocchiosdad]

I remember when I bought my first contract 10 years ago. I was so excited. I proudly placed my DVC decal in my Jeep.

But after 8 years the $500 month payment became a burden, plus our kids are grown so sadly we sold our points.

Our financial situation recently took an upswing and we want our points back. I have always preached to others the value in buying resale. So I started studying resale offerings looking for the perfect contracts.

But I just learned of the discontinuation of perks for those buying resale. I am done. Perks are part of the purchase value. If you don't think so watch what happens to the resale market. If you are an owner this is the equivalent of the price of Disney stock dropping. Of course this only effects you if you are selling.

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

I remember feeling slighted years ago when they discontinued free valet parking for DVC members. To me it was an added value that I lost when it was cancelled. Yes they had the right to cancel it, but I had the right to feel disappointed.

So sadly as stated. I am done with DVC. I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

Goodbye everyone.

 

[Dean]

I remember when I bought my first contract 10 years ago. I was so excited. I proudly placed my DVC decal in my Jeep.

But after 8 years the $500 month payment became a burden, plus our kids are grown so sadly we sold our points.

Our financial situation recently took an upswing and we want our points back. I have always preached to others the value in buying resale. So I started studying resale offerings looking for the perfect contracts.

But I just learned of the discontinuation of perks for those buying resale. I am done. Perks are part of the purchase value. If you don't think so watch what happens to the resale market. If you are an owner this is the equivalent of the price of Disney stock dropping. Of course this only effects you if you are selling.

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

I remember feeling slighted years ago when they discontinued free valet parking for DVC members. To me it was an added value that I lost when it was cancelled. Yes they had the right to cancel it, but I had the right to feel disappointed.

So sadly as stated. I am done with DVC. I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

Goodbye everyone.

I'm sorry it's worked out this way for you but I'm glad things are looking up otherwise. To discuss some of the points you made. I don't think anyone ever said perks didn't offer POTENTIAL value. The point generally is that one should understand what they are and are not getting including the fact that those perks are not guaranteed and could change or be removed. Even back when you bought, and before any differentiation between retail and resale, the subject was being discussed at times here. IMO one should only buy DVC if they understand that if DVC doesn't make sense without the perks, it doesn't make sense at all. I get the feel that your decision to buy was partly based on an assumption that DVC was "different" and that your decision not to buy in is based on the realization that they aren't which was always the case in reality, I apologize if I'm reading it incorrectly. The valet parking decision was the correct one but it was done poorly though it was still a loss to those of us that used it. From a business model this is the correct move IMO, I suspect there will be other changes. Once things settle down maybe you'll reconsider DVC or possibly another timeshare and exchange in for less.

 

[smjj]

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

Goodbye everyone.

If DVC discount was anywhere close to 50%, I might agree. However, I understand where you are coming from....smjj

 

[bwvBound]

Enjoy your visit at Bonnet Creek -- and know there is a wide and wonderful world for travel! I wish you great and happy adventures and hope you check in from time to time to share your stories!

 

[holden]

We have stayed at Hilton Bonnet Creek a few times. Loved it! Be sure to try out the lazy river. Enjoy!

 

[PetePanMan]

perhaps just consider renting when you want to go

 

[BraveLikeMerida]

I completely agree. We were caught up in the rollercoaster of this announcement-- we had signed a contract for AKL through the resale market, passed ROFR in March, and then found out that we didn't make the original cutoff since the deed had not been recorded yet. Thankfully they changed their minds and recognized this abrupt move as the PR nightmare it would have been, and we got plain lucky in putting in our offer at the right time and will be grandfathered in. For 24 hours we thought that we would not be receiving membership cards or the other incidental benefits you listed. Without member status we felt as though the price we had agreed upon in February was too high and we were planning to cancel the contract and potentially lose our deposit.

While we are thrilled things worked out for us, with this announcement we realize that resale in the future will be very difficult. We aren't too concerned about that now (we have two girls under 4 so we plan to be visiting Disney a lot for at least the next 12 years), but it definitely is a game changer.

 

[ohtarabell1]

I remember when I bought my first contract 10 years ago. I was so excited. I proudly placed my DVC decal in my Jeep.

But after 8 years the $500 month payment became a burden, plus our kids are grown so sadly we sold our points.

Our financial situation recently took an upswing and we want our points back. I have always preached to others the value in buying resale. So I started studying resale offerings looking for the perfect contracts.

But I just learned of the discontinuation of perks for those buying resale. I am done. Perks are part of the purchase value. If you don't think so watch what happens to the resale market. If you are an owner this is the equivalent of the price of Disney stock dropping. Of course this only effects you if you are selling.

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

I remember feeling slighted years ago when they discontinued free valet parking for DVC members. To me it was an added value that I lost when it was cancelled. Yes they had the right to cancel it, but I had the right to feel disappointed.

So sadly as stated. I am done with DVC. I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

Goodbye everyone.

Bonnet Creek is a nice place. It does not however have much of a park view.

 

[Shanti]

I remember when I bought my first contract 10 years ago. I was so excited. I proudly placed my DVC decal in my Jeep.

But after 8 years the $500 month payment became a burden, plus our kids are grown so sadly we sold our points.

Our financial situation recently took an upswing and we want our points back. I have always preached to others the value in buying resale. So I started studying resale offerings looking for the perfect contracts.

But I just learned of the discontinuation of perks for those buying resale. I am done. Perks are part of the purchase value. If you don't think so watch what happens to the resale market. If you are an owner this is the equivalent of the price of Disney stock dropping. Of course this only effects you if you are selling.

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

I remember feeling slighted years ago when they discontinued free valet parking for DVC members. To me it was an added value that I lost when it was cancelled. Yes they had the right to cancel it, but I had the right to feel disappointed.

So sadly as stated. I am done with DVC. I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

Goodbye everyone.

Sounds like a good, logical decision. A lot of people aren't logical about Disney, which is part of the reason they get away with what they do.

I've read that Bonnet Creek is great and you should enjoy staying there.

 

[JimMIA]

I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

We have not stayed at the Hilton, but we've stayed at Wyndham Bonnet Creek. The whole area is very nice, with the Hilton/Ritz Carleton being more upscale. You should know that the Hilton and Ritz Carleton share amenities, so if there is something at the Ritz you want to use (golf course, spa, etc), you have full access to it.

 

[freediverdude]

Don't say goodbye! When all this settles down, I bet you'll be back. The Bonnet Creek properties are nice, but it's not the same. If you want the same property or want to save money, who cares if you don't get a blue plastic card or a 10% discount. You still own a piece of a Disney property and get to come home for many years at a discount. We will be here to welcome you home!

 

[freediverdude]

Bonnet Creek is a nice place. It does not however have much of a park view.

Wow I didn't see that was your first post- welcome to the Disboards! Or should I say welcome home!

 

[freediverdude]

I completely agree. We were caught up in the rollercoaster of this announcement-- we had signed a contract for AKL through the resale market, passed ROFR in March, and then found out that we didn't make the original cutoff since the deed had not been recorded yet. Thankfully they changed their minds and recognized this abrupt move as the PR nightmare it would have been, and we got plain lucky in putting in our offer at the right time and will be grandfathered in. For 24 hours we thought that we would not be receiving membership cards or the other incidental benefits you listed. Without member status we felt as though the price we had agreed upon in February was too high and we were planning to cancel the contract and potentially lose our deposit.

While we are thrilled things worked out for us, with this announcement we realize that resale in the future will be very difficult. We aren't too concerned about that now (we have two girls under 4 so we plan to be visiting Disney a lot for at least the next 12 years), but it definitely is a game changer.

And you just joined on Friday too, I guess I should welcome you too if nobody has yet! This resale situation has brought a lot of newcomers or lurkers in I think.

 

[JimMIA]

I understand the emotions involved, and especially the special attachment we all have for WDW and DVC. I'm happy that this worked out for those who were in the middle of a purchase. I also understand that it is easier for those of us who are not involved in the current drama to say, "Stay calm and move on."

For those who didn't "make the cut," my suggestion is that you take a few days (or weeks) and then revisit the issue in a calmer time. Put aside the emotional responses of today, and then look at the new reality with clear eyes.

The fact is, the real import of this change is one thing: resale buyers will no longer get an Annual Pass discount. The discount currently is $106.50 per Platinum AP.

I'm not saying the emotional aspects of this are not important, but once the hurt of this botched mess fades away, you may feel differently about the real effect on your family. If DVC made sense for your family before this mess, it may still make sense after reflection. If not, fine; but I would suggest that you not make any decision under the emotional stress that many are legitimately feeling over this change.

 

[luckyman_apd]

The Annual Pass discount is huge. Losing that would have cost us this year. However, it's not the end all be all. We are pretty much done with TiW since that price increase so losing that perk would not be a big deal. 10% off merchandise doesn't kill me, but it's nice since my wife likes to shop there to my displeasure. But our habits would definitely change. This year is our 2nd time getting the AP and with the blackout dates....it hasn't affect us because those are times we can't/won't travel to WDW. I'm not downplaying the significance, as I am bothered by the changes. I know it's their right, and it makes tremendous business sense....but it still rubs me the wrong way. I would NEVER buy direct as the price is way out of whack for me for it to be worth it. Resale or bust with or without perks. The bottom line is, will you still go to disney? If yes, resale can still work for you. Albeit sucks that you won't get some of those perks, even without them we've definitely saved money and traveled to Disney far more that would have been possible without DVC.

I have always been of the opinion that a prepaid room is all I purchased and all I should expect, but the reality is over the history, Disney has propped it up like something exclusive and extra, but really used DVC members as a way to prop up their hotel business. Instead of appreciating the people who have made it the cash cow it is, they really lean on them unsuspectingly. I'm still happy with my purchase, and none of these changes have affected me negatively but I do understand the frustration. For the last 2 years I've been trying to convince my cousin and her husband (who are huge disney fans and worked their in the college program) to purchase resale, but this may completely change their minds.

 

[JWG]

Clearly need to look at the value of the discounts over the term of the contract versus the differnece in cost between resale and direct.
Will you purchase an AP every year and will that $100 discount a year overcome the additional money you paid to buy direct? We already know it's jsut better to rent your points and book another type of vacation with cash versus using points for a cruise or ABD, etc.

If you area family of 4 and you buy AP's every year of your membership assuming 40 years, that's roughly $17,000 (4 x 107 x 40) in savings. Assuming that beneift sticks around as is.

 

[Acerad]

What is the status of a contract that was purchased directly or one that was purchased before these changes if it is inherited by a family member or deeded over to a family member?

 

[DVCjj]

When staying at Hilton Bonnet Creek, do you have to sit through a Timeshare Sales Presentation?

 

[disneybass]

I remember when I bought my first contract 10 years ago. I was so excited. I proudly placed my DVC decal in my Jeep.

But after 8 years the $500 month payment became a burden, plus our kids are grown so sadly we sold our points.

Our financial situation recently took an upswing and we want our points back. I have always preached to others the value in buying resale. So I started studying resale offerings looking for the perfect contracts.

But I just learned of the discontinuation of perks for those buying resale. I am done. Perks are part of the purchase value. If you don't think so watch what happens to the resale market. If you are an owner this is the equivalent of the price of Disney stock dropping. Of course this only effects you if you are selling.

There are those that say that perks aren't part of the value of DVC. I have always disagreed. If you join a country club and are told new members get 50% off in the pro shop that is a value to you. One day they discontinue that perk, now you feel disappointed and short changed. Same thing.

I remember feeling slighted years ago when they discontinued free valet parking for DVC members. To me it was an added value that I lost when it was cancelled. Yes they had the right to cancel it, but I had the right to feel disappointed.

So sadly as stated. I am done with DVC. I am staying at the Bonnet Creek Hilton in October. $159 a night. Free park shuttles, daily maid service and a theme park view.

Goodbye everyone.

I understand completely. We sold half our points a couple of years ago and stopped our multiple yearly trips complete with AP. I would have sold all but we have a granddaughter that we will continue to take for a long weekend a year until she wants to move on to something else. Then we will join you and say good bye.

 

[rwcmath]

Best wishes. I am glad your financial situation has improved. I like on site, nearby is not the same or as good IMO.