Question from new member (almost new)

[thelionqueen]

Hi all, just a question. I signed my papers a couple of weeks ago, then my guide was out of town for over a week. When he got back, we decided that we wanted more than the initial 150 (wanted 176 instead), he said no problem and re-did all the paperwork. We signed the paperwork again, returned it again, all was ok. Our guide said that we had to get approved through financing but didn't see a problem with it.

OK, now the issues. After reading a lot on these boards it sounds like the upkeep at the resorts is an issue, MS is an issue, the desk staff is rude and basically that some members are treated in a way much less than a "paying" customer is.

That said, I have tried to get in touch with our guide for over a week. My parents were in WDW and went on the tour with him. He told me he'd call me back after their tour, never did. He didn't give my parents ANYTHING at all after the tour (fast passes, dinner vouchers, nada), they had to wait over an hour for him even though I spoke to him 5 minutes before they got there.

They love SSR and the whole concept of the DVC but felt like they were not treated very well.

OK, now, I call my guide today (after switching from another guide who didn't call me back either BTW) and find out he will be out of the office for 3 more days...UUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!

I am still within my rights and time frame to cancel this contract..which I am seriously considering, but cannot get in touch with my guide.

What do I do if I choose to cancel the contract and my guide is unavailable, and also what can you all tell me that may sway me one way or the other?

I am considering looking for a small contract (what I was doing before the incentive) and "testing the waters"

Help me almighty DVC owning Diser's...I'm so confused and frustrated
thanks!!!

 

[Dean]

I think many people buy DVC for the wrong reason and I fear you may fit into that group. You buy DVC to stay at a TIMESHARE because the positives outweigh the negatives. The positives include space, kitchen, some control over cost, and the like. Negatives are that some of the choices and assumptions you made initially will likely not work out. What if you are a smoker and DVC (or Disney in general) goes all none smoking. You would likely have assumed it would always be an option up front and now realize that it might change. There have been hundreds of stories over the years of people that made assumptions or believed information from the guides (or even from this BBS) that was not 100% accurate as it applied to their situation.

YOU have to decide if the guarantees of DVC are worth it, if the guarantee of a unit, as they system is set up, is not enough to absolutely be worth while for you, don't buy in. Do not add in the other options like pass discounts, other trade options or the like, to you decision.

 

[RobDoc]

If you are certain you wish to cancel, call DVC (1-800-800-9100 is one of the sales numbers) and ask them to direct you to whomever you'd need to talk to. If your deadline is getting close to cancel- I'd send a certified letter- return receipt requested - and give them your official notice.

As for the negative reports found on the internet, please realize that these are a small (verrry small) representation of actual experiences by members. I would certainly NOT base any purchase decision on those reports alone if you find them troubling. (There are actually many more positive experiences reported here than the negatives.) Rent from a member and see for yourself.

It's also too bad that some have the impression that DVC offers giveaways for every tour. True, some have gotten a fastpass or meal voucher, but the vast majority got nothing (except possibly a pin or ice cream). I wouldn't base any decisions on rumored expectations that were not met.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[Judique]

What do I do if I choose to cancel the contract and my guide is unavailable, and also what can you all tell me that may sway me one way or the other?

I am considering looking for a small contract (what I was doing before the incentive) and "testing the waters"

Help me almighty DVC owning Diser's...I'm so confused and frustrated
thanks!!!

Hmmm...so, you've taken advantage of the incentive, when initially you were considering just a small contract? And you are wondering if you've jumped in further then you really want to? Plus the guide thing......

My case - had to be sure before I bought. So, I thought about it for 3 or 4 years. Yes, let all those free passes go down the drain....I waited until the passes were gone and the price went up. I waited til I was sure it was what I wanted.

Guess what? I love it and I'm very happy with every little point! I'm not always completely happy with every room, with every staff member and my guide never calls me. But, in regular resorts sometimes you don't always get the best rooms or the sweetest castmembers either. I think it balances out. I know I've had many years of great vacations and that I have many more to come at a reasonable cost in a great location. I've made the right decision for me. Maybe you need a few more years to think it over.....and for us owners, rising prices aren't that bad an option.

 

[cavecricket]

Hmmm...so, you've taken advantage of the incentive, when initially you were considering just a small contract? And you are wondering if you've jumped in further then you really want to? Plus the guide thing......

My case - had to be sure before I bought. So, I thought about it for 3 or 4 years. Yes, let all those free passes go down the drain....I waited until the passes were gone and the price went up. I waited til I was sure it was what I wanted.

Guess what? I love it and I'm very happy with every little point! I'm not always completely happy with every room, with every staff member and my guide never calls me. But, in regular resorts sometimes you don't always get the best rooms or the sweetest castmembers either. I think it balances out. I know I've had many years of great vacations and that I have many more to come at a reasonable cost in a great location. I've made the right decision for me. Maybe you need a few more years to think it over.....and for us owners, rising prices aren't that bad an option.

very well put! I had an awful experience at AKL this past october.....so bad that Disney actually put us up at the Poly for 4 nights and they picked up the $800+ difference!

My point- I have had good and bad experiences at both deluxe and value resorts at Disney World, so why should the DVC be any different?! All I know is that even with the bad I still continue to enjoy the Magic of Disney every year and now thanks to the DVC ...until 2054!!!

 

[thelionqueen]

really. Maybe I am just having cold feet eh? I've been thinking about joining since early May, so I don't think the decision was made hastily.

And I am 100% positive I want in DVC, and want in as soon as possible.

Doc..good point, I don't know why I put so much weight into other people's experiences, I should know better.

OK, I am going to call DVC tomorrow, straighten some things out and get myself straight too.

Thanks all, you've helped me out immensely. Will see what happens tomorrow, will keep you posted in anyone is interested.

 

[Sarnia]

OK, now the issues. After reading a lot on these boards it sounds like the upkeep at the resorts is an issue, MS is an issue, the desk staff is rude and basically that some members are treated in a way much less than a "paying" customer is.

He didn't give my parents ANYTHING at all after the tour (fast passes, dinner vouchers, nada), they had to wait over an hour for him even though I spoke to him 5 minutes before they got there.

We haven't had any of the issues above, we have always been treated excellently. Don't pay too much attention to issues that a few have had. No matter where you go, sometimes things will go wrong. Humans make mistakes, always have, always will. Bear in mind also that some people treat staff badly, causing the problems themselves, and some people just like to complain.

As far as gifts go, like Doc said, it's not standard, we didn't get anything we we had our tour either.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Doc is right, the problems are definitely in the minority, it's just that people like to come to internet sites to complain, so you see more complaints than compliments on internet sites.

 

[AFMom]

Many more people will take the time to complain than will take the time to post what a nice, normal experience they had - so you'll always see more negative postings here.
Also - are you on the Do Not Call registry? I believe that guides cannot call you back even if you request them to if you are on the registry.... my guide (even though we are already members) could only call me on my cell phone number! Some guides may follow that more than others - not sure of the exact guidelines there..... And yes - guide have - usually - odd work weeks. Mine seems to have 4 on 3 off - but works very long shifts while she is there.
It can be frustrating - but if you really want to speak to someone right away - you can call the regular MS number and just tell them you absolutely cannot wait and would like to - only temporarily - speak to another guide just to get info. We've done this before and it worked out fine.
We bought OKW sight unseen and absolutely loved it there - then bought a SSR add on after touring - and can't wait - loved the service we recieved at OKW, and haven't regretted it for a minute. But I'm sure we will someday have a bad experience with CM's, maintenance, etc - going as often as DVC-ers do - it's almost inevitable. But we have a "Plan of Attack" for when It happens, and I'm just not all that concerned.
Good luck with your decision - and don't feel pressured to rush!