Ready to sell DVC, not happy with it

[Maistre Gracey]

I'm not sure DVC is marketed as deluxe resorts but more as home away from home villas. IMO it wouldn't make any difference, they are not the same as deluxe resorts even for the ones that are attached to deluxe resorts.

Surprise.. I disagree.
What is the difference? Is room service and valet not available to the attached DVCs? What services are not available to DVC that are available to a regular deluxe hotel guest?
For that matter, why hasn't DVC latched onto any of the moderates??
Why? Because they are associated with the deluxe level, that's why. Of course, we all know WL is just a "tick" below the other deluxes. After all.. they don't have a convention center.

MG

 

[nunzia]

I'm not sure DVC is marketed as deluxe resorts but more as home away from home villas. IMO it wouldn't make any difference, they are not the same as deluxe resorts even for the ones that are attached to deluxe resorts. A certain amount of difference is reasonable, however, a minimal standard should exist and it really shouldn't be that minimal IMO. One of the issues is we really don't know why. Is it that DVCMC is trying to maximize their profits or that they're trying to protect our pockets (or both)? Or is it simply apathy and lack of good senior and middle management leadership while not weeding out poor performers. Likely a combo of many of these and other factors.

Well, on the WDW site when you are looking up accommodations, the DVC properties are under the category "Deluxe Villas". My main concern is that I just want a clean room.

 

[Dean]

Well, on the WDW site when you are looking up accomodations, the DVC properties are under the category "Deluxe Villas". My main concern is that I just want a clean room.

No argument with the clean room, hence my statement that it shouldn't matter. Even the value should be clean and in working order. I was also pointing out that DVC is different though the standards should be similar. I personally enjoy the benefits of space and a full kitchen and don't want daily maid service or the stuffiness that goes with some of the resorts.

 

[reedycreek]

I'm not sure DVC is marketed as deluxe resorts but more as home away from home villas. .

Disregard, just realized another post just made the same point I was going to make about Disney marketing Deluxe Villas, so I deleted it.

 

[going/again]

I'm not sure DVC is marketed as deluxe resorts but more as home away from home villas. IMO it wouldn't make any difference, they are not the same as deluxe resorts even for the ones that are attached to deluxe resorts. A certain amount of difference is reasonable, however, a minimal standard should exist and it really shouldn't be that minimal IMO. One of the issues is we really don't know why. Is it that DVCMC is trying to maximize their profits or that they're trying to protect our pockets (or both)? Or is it simply apathy and lack of good senior and middle management leadership while not weeding out poor performers. Likely a combo of many of these and other factors.

sorry but it is marketed as deluxe.

 

[Dean]

sorry but it is marketed as deluxe.

It may be listed as a deluxe in some places and deluxe may be implied but I think they're very careful how they market it on the sales side.

 

[Chuck S]

It may be listed as a deluxe in some places and deluxe may be implied but I think they're very careful how they market it on the sales side.

I really have to agree with Dean, also, it depends upon Disney's definition of "deluxe."

After all, most Disney deluxe accommodations include daily housekeeping, valet parking and room service...none of which applies to OKW and SSR, they may be "deluxe" by Disney timeshare standards, but certainly not by general hotel standards. DVC in room size, surpasses Disney Deluxe resorts, but falls short in others. I wouldn't read too much into a "Deluxe" designation from Disney. It is sort of like the difference between a bus, and as Disney used to "officially" call them, an "Air Conditioned Motor Coach." Most would consider a "Motor Coach" to at least have padded seats.

 

[Dean]

The Luxury Guide to Walt Disney World Resort, 2nd: How to Get the Most Out of the Best Disney Has to Offer by Cara Goldsbury (Paperback - Jan 1, 2008)

Has some good information that relates to this question as do many of the other WDW related travel books. There are many ways to evaluate the issue of Deluxe resort. A few factors include amenities (quality and availability), room size, restaurants, lounges, convention options, and price for the same local.

Disney themselves have grouped the deluxe resorts into 3 distint groups in the past and priced them accordingly. GF by itself, YC/BC, BWI, Cont tower and Poly, then AKL/WL and Cont wings

 

[reedycreek]

Took this straight from a Disney website, seems that they call every DVC resort a "DELUXE" villa:

Deluxe Villa

Relax in comfortable accommodations with all the conveniences of home.

The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Location: Magic Kingdom Area Category: Deluxe Villa
The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villas Resort Resort begin at $325 per night, plus tax.
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Disney's Beach Club Villas
Location: Disney's Boardwalk Area, Epcot Area, Disney's Hollywood Studios Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Beach Club Villas at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida make up a tranquil complex of elegant mid-Atlantic-style Studios and Villas. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villa Resort begin at $335 per night, plus tax.
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House
Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Area, Disney's Wide World of Sports Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Jambo House in Walt Disney World Resort is an African lodge-style hotel set amidst a 33-acre wildlife preserve, where more than 30 species of animals roam free. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villas Resort begin at $335 per night, plus tax.
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Disney's Old Key West Resort
Location: Downtown Disney Area, Epcot Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Old Key West Resort at Walt Disney World Resort is a 761-room hotel that conjures up the leisurely romance of the Florida Keys. Rates at this Disney Deluxe Villa Resort begin at $295 a night plus tax.
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Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Location: Epcot Area, Downtown Disney Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is a lakeside equestrian-themed hotel near the Downtown Disney Area. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villa begin at $295 per night, plus tax.
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Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
Location: Magic Kingdom Area Category: Deluxe Villa
The brand new Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort in Florida is a beautiful complement to the original Resort building. Bay Lake Tower, near Magic Kingdom theme park, promises to deliver some of the most dramatic views of Walt Disney World Resort. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villa Resort begin at $375 per night, plus tax.
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Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas — Kidani Village
Location: Disney's Animal Kingdom Area, Disney's Wide World of Sports Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas —Kidani Village in Walt Disney World Resort is an African lodge-style hotel set amidst a 46-acre wildlife preserve, where more than 30 species of animals roam free. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villas Resort begin at $335 per night, plus tax.
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Disney's BoardWalk Villas
Location: Disney's Hollywood Studios Area, Epcot Area, Disney's Boardwalk Area Category: Deluxe Villa
Disney's BoardWalk Villas at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida feature waterfront cottages fashioned after elegant buildings of 1940s Atlantic City. Rates for this Disney Deluxe Villa begin at $335 per night, plus tax.

 

[reedycreek]

Found this on a DVC website: (http://dvc.disney.go.com/dvc/guest/...id=ProspectsSaratogaSpringsAccommodationsPage)

In the tradition of Walt Disney himself, these truly unique tree houses offer a sense of adventure and a nostalgic nod to childhood memories-- in decidedly DELUXE accommodations that include:

 

[Deb & Bill]

Uh, oh, reedycreek, you are sounding like you are starting to defend DVC again. Hold off on selling for now.

 

[reedycreek]

Uh, oh, reedycreek, you are sounding like you are starting to defend DVC again. Hold off on selling for now.

LOL, you caught me. I'm still on the fence, the hardest part of selling is the memories of joy DVC used to bring.

 

[momx2]

LOL, you caught me. I'm still on the fence, the hardest part of selling is the memories of joy DVC used to bring.

Take a break and the joy will come back.

 

[Brian Noble]

I think the real quesiton is: are you coming back to Disney every year or two? If so, are you committed to staying in a Disney resort, in at least a Moderate?

If so, it probably makes financial sense to retain your ownership. If not---if you imagine that you won't be returning so often, or are starting to consider branching out beyond Disney---then maybe selling makes sense (though I'd still wait until the overall economy recovers some.)

There are pros and cons comparing a DVC stay and a Resort stay---but the resort stay is generally more expensive than the cost to stay as an owner, comparing equivalent categories/resorts. There will be some times when a Resort stay might be a pretty good deal, but there will also be times when the discounts on Resort stays are few and far between---it all depends on where the economy goes. In the long run, owning will still win.

I think you'd be well-served to separate your reaction to this most recent trip from the overall considerations---because the grass isn't really all that much greener once you get to the other side.

 

[Deb & Bill]

LOL, you caught me. I'm still on the fence, the hardest part of selling is the memories of joy DVC used to bring.

A few years ago we had 500 points (five contracts). We sold off two of our contracts about two years ago and now have 325 points. We plan on selling another contract as soon as the prices go back up. And we won't buy any more points.

We used to go two, three, even four times a year. Now we only go once a year and next year we won't go at all to save all our points to get a two bedroom villa at OKW for two weeks for our son's HS graduation in 2011. We'll go to the beach for two weeks next year (found some great two bedroom condos for $600-800 a week). I think it helps not going so often and not sending so much money to Disney.

 

[Entropy]

i believe the room number was 2530. First floor, villa side, make a right after the gift shop, about 10 rooms on the right.

Late addition:

I forgot to add something important about our experience this trip. Two nights in a row, we personally witnessed very un-disney like events on the actual boardwalk. Both times it was about 11pm, and a bunch of very intoxicated kids were doing breakdancing in front of the hotel asking guests for money. They were also soliciting women very loudly and offering to pay them money, etc. Like i said this happened two nights in a row! No disney security, no disney management to intervene. I asked the hotel manager about this and she apologized and said she knew about it. But nobody did anything about it as i watched the kids get into a cab after 10 minutes of this nonsense on their own. I know this doesn't have much to do with dvc, but i wonder if it is another sign of budget cutbacks and layoffs at wdw.

JUST SELL ALREADY! Unless this is all just a shakedown.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

JUST SELL ALREADY! Unless this is all just a shakedown.

 

[Dean]

LOL, you caught me. I'm still on the fence, the hardest part of selling is the memories of joy DVC used to bring.

DVC was my first timeshare purchase of many (actually made 2 this weekend). While I tend to look at these issues in terms of nuts and bolts, I must admit there is an emotional attachment that I have for DVC that I don't have for anything else including things that are a better value and I likely enjoy as much or more. Selling is a big decision if you already own, esp if you're selling while and because you are upset about a given trip. Buying in is likely a bigger decision still but you already own so that is not part of the equation, much like owning vs buying a stock. It sounds like you should give it some time, possibly make another trip and see how it goes. Let us know what you decide.

 

[rlduvall]

JUST SELL ALREADY! Unless this is all just a shakedown.

Some of you seem so intent on being rude to the OP. I feel she has made many valid points, both good and bad for DVC. Why the need to be so snarky?

 

[Alexander]

We have stayed at all of the WDW DVC resorts (oops, except BLT) and have never had any major problems. I will say however, that the one and only time we stayed at the BWV we felt like 2nd class citizens when dealing with the CMs. We have decided that is the last place on our list of places to stay in the future. I won't say we will NEVER stay there again because if it is the only place with a room available, and I want to go to WDW....But we have never been treated so rudely and indifferently at ANY WDW resort including the deluxe, moderate, and value resorts. How people are treated should have nothing to do with the level of resort you are staying.