Long Time DVC Owners - Still Enjoying It?

[3 Hobbits 2 Disney]

What is IP?

Intellectual Property — Frozen, Ratatouille, Guardians

 

[bakerworld]

We started visiting WDW in the mid-70's when we were still in the dating phase. We took an enforced hiatus during the 80's because life was life and there were job changes, house purchases, cars and babies which led to larger vehicles. Finally, life settled down and we started going back to Disney. Our families thought we were nuts: the planning, the expense, 3 kids = they felt it was too much; but every other year we managed a trip. Yes, it was chaotic, but it was a true break from the 'every day'. Then the kids became adults and were off on their own. We found ourselves hopping off to enjoy long weekends and our preferred destination was WDW. It was so easy. We bought air, park tickets, booked a hotel and we were golden. We didn't plan. We stood in line and talked with line peers while we progressed into attractions. There was no complaining, or sitting on the ground, or requests to return to the pool, or boredom induced hunger issues.

Then, in '08, I pulled DH into the walk thru DVC at Boardwalk, and we signed up for a presentation. At the end of the presentation DH said joining DVC for us was a given. Our vacations became even more relaxing. Early on we'd enjoy other activities in Florida and skip the parks. We learned the resorts and all the amenities and people were always saying, "Oh, your DVC well you get this discount."

So, of course we're older now so hanging in the parks all day isn't our preferred vacation activity. DH learns from the internet, and I read the forums. We learn what's new. We try the 'new' things. The discounts have changed, our favorite parks have changed, how we spend most of the day has changed but we're still enjoying WDW and being DVC has always made the enjoyment easier. I know people talk about all the planning, but I think those must travel in large groups because we only plan stuff when travelling with family. As a couple, we rarely plan anything. DH's brother loves to plan, he loves to have ADR's for every day - sometimes twice a day. The first time we visited WDW with them they called us from the bus stop at 7am and we told 'em we were still in our PJ's. When we vacation with family, we all go our own way and visit with them in the Villa when everyone returns.

We joined DVC for us, after the kids were grown. We think this is why we continue to enjoy DVC.

 

[Kingkonig]

We joined DVC for us, after the kids were grown. We think this is why we continue to enjoy DVC.

We just recently joined, but this is why I think we will continue to see the value of DVC as we get older. We bought because we like WDW and the resort hotels - bringing our kids is of course a bonus, but it is as much (if not more) for us than it is for them. Sure the way we vacation at Disney World will likely change through the years, but I would be surprised if we don't still love the club in 40 years as the Riviera starts to wind down and our contract nears expiration.

 

[DeeCee735]

We own for almost 25 years now. I can't believe I just "said" that! Now we have 3 grandbabes, with another on the way. We have gone every year (or more than once a year) since we purchased in 2000. Last trip was this past March, and with much going on, we are skipping our fall visit.

We are going again in February with the kids and grandkids. It's still amazing, even more with the kids because we get to see it through their eyes, as we did when our children were little, and I love that.

That said, I have lost a bit of interest in the parks....too crowded and too expensive. They should offer a good senior discount....fixed income and all. I don't know if I will continue my 2 or 3 trips (besides the every other year with our grandchildren trip), as often as I was. Now that I am retired, I want to do some other vacations outside of WDW with my friends and cousins. Although, when I revisit the boards here, it does make me want to book a trip!

All in all, we do still love it and I can say with absolute certainty, this is the best money we ever spent.

Dee

So...update...I just couldn't resist. We have friends (also DVC members) that have some dates in December booked for months now. I have been looking for the dates on the dvc site every now and then and nothing was coming up. Yesterday, with a little pixie dust apparently, up come the dates! I couldn't help myself! I booked four nights and may add a fifth! We will meet our friends (we are doing two nights in Riveria and two in SSR) there and I can't believe how excited I am! LOL! Still doing a fall trip up to the Berkshires this month, and yay...we're going to Disney in December!!! No parks in that trip, at least not that I think, although I am going to do some looking into Jollywood Nights...

Dee

 

[DeeCee735]

We just recently joined, but this is why I think we will continue to see the value of DVC as we get older. We bought because we like WDW and the resort hotels - bringing our kids is of course a bonus, but it is as much (if not more) for us than it is for them. Sure the way we vacation at Disney World will likely change through the years, but I would be surprised if we don't still love the club in 40 years as the Riviera starts to wind down and our contract nears expiration.

Welcome Home! Some of my very best trips were all adult trips! A DVC trip can be soooo much more than a Disney trip for the kids!

Dee

 

[LennyMaine]

10 years strong and love every trip!

 

[BaybeeYoda]

We are planning so many non Disney trips in 2025, when our annual trip was only Disney from 2013-2023.

In 2024, we did 2 weeks Disney in June plus a huge US trip (Manhattan beach/salt lake city/park city/denver) from the east coast.

We plan on the following in 2025:
March: Salt Lake City/snowbord/park city /denver
June/july: Taiwan
August: Japan (Tokyo and Tokyo Disney)
December/xmas: 1 week Disney

So we are considerably expanding our horizons and yes, losing interest in Disney. Kids are 14 and 11 now. But they insisted on Tokyo Disney which is another level of planning. It’s insane. Makes me miss Orlando Disney planning…..