!!! PLEASE READ!!! Important News Regarding Swaps & Shares!!!

[Metsfan520]

I have nothing in this, I never have participated in a swap, nor do I plan to. Just making an observation.

If it is technically just about money changing hands, would this apply?:

"Join me in supporting AllEars.net's Deb Wills Walk for Breast Cancer.
Click here for details!"

I don't think raising money for a charity is the same as money changing hands for an item.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

If people are so concerned about the extra money to have to buy a cheap umbrella stroller or bring their own in these hard economic times, maybe you should be rethinking spending the money to go in the first place.

Strap it to the roof... problem solved .

What if, what if, what if....

Bottom line, if people are not in a financial situation to spend the extra money to buy a stroller or bring one, then they need to rethink spending the money on their vacation. Bring what you need, rent it down there or buy it down there.

You really don't need to be nasty to people. Some people save and save and save to give thier family a vaction like this. For some it is a once in a lifetime thing, others like me that get to go every year may need to pinch a few extra pennies this year to make it happen but that doesn't mean that I don't have the right to go. I am looking at my DH leaving on a 4th deployment in January and my family is GOING to disney this year whether it is the "right" thing to do or not. Every other trip, I have brought my own stroller but this year, by finding the swap, I am able to save a good deal of money because the airline that we are booked on charges for strollers as checked luggage.

As for the roof comment---some people don't have roof racks (like me on m y SUV) and don't want to spend a couple hundred on one that will not get used again.

I am sure you will have something to say back but really you need to think before you judge people.

Well, I have no horse in this race myself since I never used a swap...

But, as someone who routinely rents a scooter from companies off-site, I wonder whether anyone has explored this as an alternative? I did a quick search on Google for stroller rentals in Orlando and came up with several...
for example, http://www.orlandostrollerrentals.com/ has a nice double stroller that is $85 for a week. As with scooters, the company will deliver to your resort and pickup.

I realize it's not as cheap as a swap, but as a scooter renter, I have always gotten great service and been very pleased with the quality of the equipment. And as is true for scooters, as well, the price certainly beats Disney!

This is a good suggestion, I may look into for future trips but $85 is even high I think when you can buy a fairly nice one for that. The problem is who wants to buy a stroller for 1 week. I am hoping that the dis powers that be will see the need and start something for the swaps or that something is started off board because it really does help a tremendous amount of people. It is pixiedust at it's finest---people helping people in these hard times.

 

[surfergirl602]

Wow, I'm surprised the photopass shares were ever allowed then. I totally understand the disboards making their decision.
It will certainly unclutter the first page of the budget board!

So... if photopass shares weren't allowed to begin with, but were allowed to continue, why in heck are they all of a sudden being stomped on now?? It's totally out of the blue and completely not fair to those that depended on those in order to get a little more out of their vacation. What a board breaker.

 

[bearlyanne]

The worst part about these swaps ending is that the Disboards are losing something that helped to build community on their site. Swaps and Photoshares brought us closer togethor. It added to the excitement . Once I invested some money and time into finding a group to which I belonged, the site seemed friendlier. Freindships were formed. Magic was made.

 

[DisneyTigers]

that the people who are "against" the swaps or questionning their validity are those who have never used one and, therefore, really have no room to talk, since they really have no vested interest one way or another.

The swaps are a fabulous convenience for those of us who choose to participate. Our choosing to do so is one way we maximize our vacation dollars. We could afford to rent a stroller from Disney, sure, but their strollers are overpriced and have no storage. I choose to spend my $300 elsewhere (and believe me, Disney still gets it!).

If Disney was adamantly opposed to the swaps, they wouldn't let us store strollers and fridges. And, to address a pp who was so concerned about those inconvenienced CM's, the swap I participated in didn't even involve CM's!

And in addition, to address a previous statement regarding my specific WANTS: no one NEEDS a Disney vacation, but we all WANT one, which is why both you and I are on the DIS. I WANT to take my chances and pay $15to use a great stroller, and the swaps provide this for many many many people with absolutely no problems at all. That fact has nothing to do with the DIS or anyone who chooses not to participate.

 

[Minnie Lor]

So I'm assuming (haven't gone and checked yet) that the DVC point rental is gone as well. Too bad since people on other forums and podcasts mention the Dis DVC rental.

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

I have nothing in this, I never have participated in a swap, nor do I plan to. Just making an observation.

If it is technically just about money changing hands, would this apply?:

"Join me in supporting AllEars.net's Deb Wills Walk for Breast Cancer.
Click here for details!"

Totally off-topic but that would be a charity link that has been approved by the webmasters and supported by Pete Werner. The money goes directly to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and never passes through the hands of any DISers.

 

[maroo]

Ok...

So which websites DO allow swaps?

I have seen someone post that TGM (Tour Guide Mike) does? Is that right? Someone else said BB does...What is BB?

Are there any other sites that would allow swap/share messages to be posted?

Is it ok for me to ask this? It might help those of us looking for alternatives?

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

So I'm assuming (haven't gone and checked yet) that the DVC point rental is gone as well. Too bad since people on other forums and podcasts mention the Dis DVC rental.

No. It's still there and still running. No plans to remove that board AFAIK.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Personally I am relieved to see this and thank the mods (though I do think the new rule should be worded more apporpirately to limit certain actions without being confusing about things like DVC points). I was stunned the first time I saw photopass shares on this board. It struck me as illegal right away and it always made me feel a bit guilty that I am part of an organization (the DIS) that condoned and facillitated such behaviour. I am also surprised (as otehr pps have said) that Disney did not have lawyers contact the DIS very soon after these started to have it stopped. Good for the DIS for putting a stop to it on its own before lawyers get involved
I am not sure that swaps would be quite illegal but I also do not think it is right or fair to ask Disney to store something for the sake of swapping it (free or for pay really). When I first saw swasps I thought the people in them would meet each other in person at the resorts to make the swap--I was amazed when I realized they were having Disney store and retrieve these items. Right now if someone is visiting WDW then taking the cruise and then returning to WDW or some other such similar disjointed trip the resorts are very kind and will store luggae you do not need for the mid section for you. I was thrilled when this was first offered to us and I did feel it was legitimate to take advantage of the offer (not my request and certainly not a demand) as I was still staying on some form of Disney property the entire time. Every time I come to this board and see a page nearly full of swaps I realize the days of WDW storing anything for guests will be over so soon and I do think it is putting an undue burden on WDW and the CMs at bell service.
I love to save money and find a bargain but I am happy to know the DIS will not help people do so illegally or in a way that greatly inconveinces CMs and other guets.

 

[debster812]

that the people who are "against" the swaps or questionning their validity are those who have never used one and, therefore, really have no room to talk, since they really have no vested interest one way or another.

The swaps are a fabulous convenience for those of us who choose to participate. Our choosing to do so is one way we maximize our vacation dollars. We could afford to rent a stroller from Disney, sure, but their strollers are overpriced and have no storage. I choose to spend my $300 elsewhere (and believe me, Disney still gets it!).

If Disney was adamantly opposed to the swaps, they wouldn't let us store strollers and fridges. And, to address a pp who was so concerned about those inconvenienced CM's, the swap I participated in didn't even involve CM's!

And in addition, to address a previous statement regarding my specific WANTS: no one NEEDS a Disney vacation, but we all WANT one, which is why both you and I are on the DIS. I WANT to take my chances and pay $15to use a great stroller, and the swaps provide this for many many many people with absolutely no problems at all. That fact has nothing to do with the DIS or anyone who chooses not to participate.

Bolding in the 1st paragraph mine.

I have never participated in a swap or a share, but OF COURSE I have room to talk. I am also a Disboards member who enjoys reading budgeting tips on the budget board, not sifting through 10 or more swap or share threads. Swappers and sharers are not the only ones who read the budget board, it's just lately they've been drowning out lots of other folks.

 

[Debbie Jean]

This is a good suggestion, I may look into for future trips but $85 is even high I think when you can buy a fairly nice one for that. The problem is who wants to buy a stroller for 1 week. I am hoping that the dis powers that be will see the need and start something for the swaps or that something is started off board because it really does help a tremendous amount of people. It is pixiedust at it's finest---people helping people in these hard times.

The one I mentioned was only an example, actually. I found another
http://www.orlandoscooterrentals.us/stroller-rentals.htm that charges only $50 a week and includes delivery and pick up! I'm sure that with a little exploring, people could create a list of companies with prices. As I said, I don't think it will be as cheap as a swap, but a whole lot less that Disney and much more convenient than dragging your own.

And as a complete aside, please tell your DH how grateful I am for his service to our country and how blessed I feel to have families like yours who are making so many sacrifices for the freedoms we all enjoy. Hope your trip is filled with lots of magical moments!

 

[mookie]

There are other places that are running swaps. I'm sure if you look hard enough you can find them, and participate there. The DIS isn't preventing you from going elsewhere to find a swap.

But for now, the DIS folks have decided they now longer want to allow it on THEIR space.

While I can understand why the swaps were closed...I'm sure the DIS doesn't want the liability...and even if something DIDN'T happen, my guess is the DIS saw how large these swaps have become and doesn't want to be slapped with a liability in the future.

I would think that the DIS is allowing the DVC rental points board to stay up because Disney approves the rental of points...however, using a stroller swap, fridge swap, photopass, etc...in Disney's eyes, is a way of cheating the system.

For what it's worth, if you are desperate for a swap, msmayor is right....Google can be your very best friend.

 

[joannem]

Since it's "Earth Week", I thought I'd share my thoughts on stroller swaps. I felt that the stroller swaps are a green alternative to buying a throw away stroller at Wal-Mart just for the week. Landfills don't need cheap strollers that were just used for a week at Disney. I'm also in the camp that doesn't really need a stroller at home, but a long day of walking is going to be tough on a 3 year old! So, I'm very unlikely to pay an airline to ship a cheap stroller home that I won't need.

I'll also add that when I first came to the DIS (a few months ago) I was surprised that the swaps didn't have their own forum. They were hard to find and keep up with and the stickies at the top of the forum were never up to date. So, SHOULD anything be re-instated, let me suggest that a new sub-forum get created!

BUT, the thing that really bothers me about this decision is the apparent hypocrisy when it comes to the DVC Point rental.

Keep in mind that the swaps only have to end if they are not free to all participants. The issue is the money changing hands between DISers and not the swaps themselves.

If that TRULY is the reason for the decision, then DVC Point Rentals should not be arranged on the DIS either. I don't care if there is a "legally binding contract". We could set up a contract for a stroller swap too. Money is still changing hands between two DIS members. If the point is no money should change hands, then that rule should apply to everyone. Period.

 

[disneylovinfamily]

Why would you know or care about DVC? There is a difference between a $100 stroller (at best) and buying into DVC
Do you own DVC??? No!
If you did you would have it Proudly displayed in your signature like the owners do. You would also know that we are ALLOWED to do this according to OUR contracts.
We worked hard, saved and invested in a promise that was Disney. You have not. You don't have that sort of investment do you??
There is no need for rule police! As a whole, we DVC owners police ourselves. We know when, where, how to work with our points. This being said...
We also allow Non-owners to rent a nice villa that they would not be able to unless they put down the CASH UP Front to OWN. We pay taxes, and maintenance EVERY YEAR even if we don't go to Disney that year---do you??? I have donated/given my points away for good causes, gifted to friends or family. Can you say you've given away trips to Disney?Made Magic for others??

Just because you can't get your stroller or fridge-cheap you should not comment on what you have NO CLUE about or are not a part of: which is the DVC program.

Sorry guys-this got me steamed!!!! You can't put a LEGAL activity with what has been considered by the DIS as questionable in the same category.

This got me steamed! What is with people looking down at people on a budget? I would love to own a DVC but NO I can't afford one on a military income period! There is nothing questionable about a stroller swap! It is not against Disney rules! People pointed to that board because money is changing hands and that is why they said that we swaps can not continue (if money changes hands) The DIS will still allow people to swap just not swaps that has money involved so they are not saying it is "questionable!" Also the people that start the swaps pay for the strollers outright (much like you bought into DVC but for much less money) it is the SAME thing---money that changes hands goes toward maintenence and extras for the strollers. It is unbelieveabe to me that some people are really that nasty!

 

[disneybridetobe]

So, what happens to the swaps that haven't been completed, but payments have already been sent?

 

[irishbosoxfan]

I have nothing in this, I never have participated in a swap, nor do I plan to. Just making an observation.

If it is technically just about money changing hands, would this apply?:

"Join me in supporting AllEars.net's Deb Wills Walk for Breast Cancer.
Click here for details!"

No. That's a charity for people who truly need help and aren't trying to get something for nothing.

that the people who are "against" the swaps or questionning their validity are those who have never used one and, therefore, really have no room to talk, since they really have no vested interest one way or another.

The swaps are a fabulous convenience for those of us who choose to participate. Our choosing to do so is one way we maximize our vacation dollars. We could afford to rent a stroller from Disney, sure, but their strollers are overpriced and have no storage. I choose to spend my $300 elsewhere (and believe me, Disney still gets it!).

If Disney was adamantly opposed to the swaps, they wouldn't let us store strollers and fridges. And, to address a pp who was so concerned about those inconvenienced CM's, the swap I participated in didn't even involve CM's!

And in addition, to address a previous statement regarding my specific WANTS: no one NEEDS a Disney vacation, but we all WANT one, which is why both you and I are on the DIS. I WANT to take my chances and pay $15to use a great stroller, and the swaps provide this for many many many people with absolutely no problems at all. That fact has nothing to do with the DIS or anyone who chooses not to participate.

Actually my interest comes in when people scam Disney out of money and then I'm forced to pay more because of it.

There are many ways to maximize your vacation dollars--going to Disney for a shorter period of time,skipping the dining plan or going somewhere local.

As for the one swap where you didn't use CMs--what about the bulk of the swaps that do? Is it fair to the CMs to be required to haul a fridge all over the resort or to take their time searching thru storage to find one box with Winnie the Pooh stickers stuck all over it?

Your right about a Disney vacation being a want and not a need. And your wanting to continue participating in swaps just means that now you'll have to find some place else to do it or take the information posted previously about renting a stroller that will be more accomodating once you get to Orlando.

 

[lfwhipp]

BUT, the thing that really bothers me about this decision is the apparent hypocrisy when it comes to the DVC Point rental.

If that TRULY is the reason for the decision, then DVC Point Rentals should not be arranged on the DIS either. I don't care if there is a "legally binding contract". We could set up a contract for a stroller swap too. Money is still changing hands between two DIS members. If the point is no money should change hands, then that rule should apply to everyone. Period.

I have to agree 100%

 

[disneylovinfamily]

The one I mentioned was only an example, actually. I found another
http://www.orlandoscooterrentals.us/stroller-rentals.htm that charges only $50 a week and includes delivery and pick up! I'm sure that with a little exploring, people could create a list of companies with prices. As I said, I don't think it will be as cheap as a swap, but a whole lot less that Disney and much more convenient than dragging your own.

And as a complete aside, please tell your DH how grateful I am for his service to our country and how blessed I feel to have families like yours who are making so many sacrifices for the freedoms we all enjoy. Hope your trip is filled with lots of magical moments!

Thanks so much! YOu really suggested a real alternative and were not nasty about it. I have bookmarked taht site for refernec in my disney folder for future trips. THANKS AGAIN!

See people, you don't need to be nasty!

 

[onemaybaby]

Just wondering...but our stroller is close to becoming Free. Once it is free, I understand that we would be allowed to post our thread once more. Would it be against the rules to ask that people who wanted donate an item to our swap in order to join, since it requires no money changes hands. This way we could get our cup holder, organizer etc. that we wanted and were planning on purchasing from our stroller fund once it became free.

Hope that made sense