Ready to sell DVC, not happy with it

[wulfekamp]

I agree DVC is not perfect. But all these negative post might prevent someone from joining and enjoying DVC and disney the way we do. There are far more great vacations with DVC than bad ones. We are whipping a dead horse here. You can put a saddle on it sit on it and whip it but your not getting anywhere. And yes there are many Anti DVC people on Dis. On some of the other boards they seem to get great pleasure running down DVC.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Actually the majority of the people on the DIS are pro Disney and DVC and repeatedly post that they can do no wrong.

A newbie trying to learn about the DVC is often given the impression that there aren't any problems with the DVC and I feel that is an injustice. Only after buying do they find the short comings of the program and to some it's quite a shock.

As important as it is to be happy, it's equally important to post the truth, good or bad.

Agree 100%

From all of these post, I don't get that people are expecting perfection, but what some have encountered with mousekeeping is not acceptable on any level. I love Disney and I love my DVC but at the end of the day, our dues, pay for housekeeping and we are entitled to clean accomodation and to have things in working order. By the same token, no one should be labeled a whinner or complainer just because they've chosen to share their opinion or experiences. Yes, personally I've had many more wonderful experiences than disapointing ones but for some that no longer seems to be the case and maybe it is time to sell or take a break.

People who are truly interested in DVC shouldn't be detered by the other DVC'rs sharing their experiences good or bad. Information is the only thing that helps you make a sound decision and in making that decision, if a potential customer gets the idea that each and every time they use DVC it will be just like the perfect model they visited, then they realistically need to know otherwise. Some people do alot of homework before purchasing, some purchase just on face value and even though timeshares have been around for ever, the "deluxe" stamp on DVC can be misleading, it is not deluxe hotel accomodations.

Another poster mentioned that people only report the bad on the Dis, I don't find that to be true, there are many trip reports that talk about wonderful trips and room conditions, those typically get viewed just as much but with little comment.

When I bought my DVC points, I wasn't wearing a pair of rose colored Mickey glasses. I used DVC several times before buying, I visited a new model and I read many of these posts, both good and bad and I then made my purchase and I made it with realistic expectations. So far DVC hasn't let me down, mousekeeping maybe once or twice but DVC not at all.

Disney dining, however, has gone right down the comode IMO, disapointing meals/service, but when you cater to the masses this is what you get. On this front, Disney loses with me, I don't reward mediocrity with my hard earned money.

 

[Sammie]

There is absolutely no reason for a member to sell because they are unhappy with DVC. DVC needs to fix what is wrong.

And I think what Movie77 is trying to say is that at seems at times that some DVC members are willing to accept a flawed DVC over no DVC at all. They have been convinced, wrong in my opinion, that improvement would raise dues.

I think that is the biggest copout DVC offers. If Disney resorts can keep their resorts clean and well maintained so can DVC. Members should be willing to accept nothing less.

 

[Modeltrf]

I think that is the biggest copout DVC offers. If Disney resorts can keep their resorts clean and well maintained so can DVC. Members should be willing to accept nothing less.

If you get a chance to look at earlier posts on this thread you will see issues with housekeeping and maintenance are not limited to DVC. Those issues happen at all Disney resorts and all others, including 5 star hotels.

That being said, the experience of the OP was unacceptable. But after just spending some time reading this thread from top to bottow I don't see the experience of the OP to be the experience of the majority.

 

[Dean]

There is absolutely no reason for a member to sell because they are unhappy with DVC. DVC needs to fix what is wrong.

And I think what Movie77 is trying to say is that at seems at times that some DVC members are willing to accept a flawed DVC over no DVC at all. They have been convinced, wrong in my opinion, that improvement would raise dues.

I think that is the biggest copout DVC offers. If Disney resorts can keep their resorts clean and well maintained so can DVC. Members should be willing to accept nothing less.

While I agree that DVC needs to step up, there are many reasons to consider selling if one is unhappy. It depends on why you're unhappy, how unhappy you are are how realistic it is for things to change. IMO, it's possible things will improve for the issues noted such as housekeeping, other procedural issues, not so much. But then one has to decide how willing you are to push and to wait it out as these type of issues can take several years to work through a cycle.

 

[Modeltrf]

Mea culpa . . . it's just you were so reasonable and rational; I could only assume you were a female.

ouch

With a trumpet blast I call all reasonable men to arms!

 

[toocherie]

In response to this, I would have to say that the condition that the OP was describing is unacceptable regardless of whether or not the room was slated for refurbishment. It should never have gotten to that level in the first place.

Ding ding ding ding ding!!!!!!! This was exactly my thought! The room(s) should have been taken out of service before it(they) got there. On another thread we were talking about the lack of a refurbishment schedule for DVC--while other timeshares do have a schedule. This is probably a good example why one is needed.

 

[Modeltrf]

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.

Dean,

As an avid, or is it rabid, reader of the DIS boards I have come to appreciate your remarkable understanding of things. You post often and with forethought. Your posts are reasonable and with depth of knowledge. You clearly have an opinion on matters but allow that opinion to be influenced by what you read from each person. Your words are chosen thoughtfully and strategically. It appears to me you have ample time to take in each post and ponder over its content. Then reply in the way we have come to expect from you. So I have a question for you that only you can answer.

Where do you work and are they hiring???? My profession allows me to get in a few posts but, wow! If you don’t want to give away your secret to all you can give me a PM. I promise to stay quiet.

In no way is this post meant to harm you in any way. The intent of this post is just the opposite. Keep on sharing Dean! There are many of us who enjoy your posts.

 

[Modeltrf]

LOL - and the Royal Pacific provided DH and I with one of our most noteable housekeeping issues ever. DH LOVES his coffee. Went to make some on our first morning in the little coffee maker in the room and found there was left over coffee w/ a nice bunch of mold growing in it! I've traveled a lot staying at both dives and 4-5 star hotels. I've seen issues at all of them. But Universal - we still talk about that!

It is absolutely not limited to DVC. This past January my family and I were also staying at the Royal Pacific when my 2 year old gave me a couple of blue 'candies' he found on the floor near the bed. It turned out the 'candies' were viagra pills. He told us he didn't eat any of them, but he's two. How could I know for certain? So after some time with emergency services we found out he probably didn't eat any. Universal compensated us nicely for their mistake in housekeeping and we had a grand time at Universal and IOA. We now have a great story to tell and a running joke about my son and his viagra addiction.

BTW there was a total of nine pills on the floor!

 

[Modeltrf]

Actually the majority of the people on the DIS are pro Disney and DVC and repeatedly post that they can do no wrong.

A newbie trying to learn about the DVC is often given the impression that there aren't any problems with the DVC and I feel that is an injustice. Only after buying do they find the short comings of the program and to some it's quite a shock.

As important as it is to be happy, it's equally important to post the truth, good or bad.

I second that post.


As a true blue Disney fan it hurts a little when Disney doesn't hold up to the standards I have come to expect. However my appreciation for Disney should never stand in the way of the truth. The truth is more important. Many people may have their version of ‘the truth’ based on their experience, values and expectations. But that shouldn’t prevent us from sharing our truth with each other, as our combined truth will highlight strengths and areas of need. It is only when these areas of need are identified by the collective group will we be able to facilitate real change. One should never hold back from sharing, as long as that sharing is done in a caring, upbuilding way.

 

[reedycreek]

Ok this is very simple. DVC love it or leave it. If you can't live with the few problems dvc has i'm sure the timeshare store would be glad to list your points for you. I love Dvc falts and all. Best money I ever spent. Life is to short to be unhappy. If your not happy SELL. I'm not sure everyone posting on this thread are DVC or just a few trying to start a bunch of trouble. How about we stop the DVC bashing tread. If you have a problem call the satisfaction team.

As the OP to this thread, I am shocked as to the amount of views and replies it has received. I thought I'd get a few (10?) responses with some advice one way or the other.

WULEKAMP, in NO WAY WHAT SO EVER, did I start this thread to start trouble. That is pure nonsense and a frankly a spiteful and unfounded statement. I started this thread because I had a bad experience with DVC 2 weeks ago, not to mention I have been thinking of selling over the past few months because I have seen the quality of the DVC product decline sharply. I posted to get some ideas and thoughts to see if I my thinking was flawed and to get the advice of other DVC/WDW experts on these boards.

You are more than incorrect as well about this being a simple decision. If you took the time to read earlier posts, you would have seen how many agreed this is an emotional decision on top of a financial one. I used to love DVC, I was proud of my membership, I enjoyed it, I promoted it friends and family, and looked forward to using it every year. Recent events (not only at DVC but also WDW) have made me think twice if the investment is still worth it. We take 2 vacations a year, sometimes both at Disney, and I want those 2 weeks out of my year to be enjoyable and happy, not riddled with poor service, questionable policies, and unkept villas.

Just so you know, I pretty much had my mind made up to sell before I posted the original post to this thread, and after reading the last 150+ replies, I am reconsidering my decision thanks to the keen insight and experience of many on this board. Furthermore, I hope that I have exposed some of the faulty facets of DVC to newcomers and/or 15 year veterans, in hopes that they too will keep their eyes open when using DVC and make Disney make things right. If we all just sit around and accept the faults of our investment, those shortcomings will either multiply or just become accepted by the membership when they shouldn't. And both outcomes are unfair to each of us who either own or use DVC.

 

[Deb & Bill]

As the OP to this thread, I am shocked as to the amount of views and replies it has received. I thought I'd get a few (10?) responses with some advice one way or the other.

WULEKAMP, in NO WAY WHAT SO EVER, did I start this thread to start trouble. That is pure nonsense and a frankly a spiteful and unfounded statement. I started this thread because I had a bad experience with DVC 2 weeks ago, not to mention I have been thinking of selling over the past few months because I have seen the quality of the DVC product decline sharply. I posted to get some ideas and thoughts to see if I my thinking was flawed and to get the advice of other DVC/WDW experts on these boards.

You are more than incorrect as well about this being a simple decision. If you took the time to read earlier posts, you would have seen how many agreed this is an emotional decision on top of a financial one. I used to love DVC, I was proud of my membership, I enjoyed it, I promoted it friends and family, and looked forward to using it every year. Recent events (not only at DVC but also WDW) have made me think twice if the investment is still worth it. We take 2 vacations a year, sometimes both at Disney, and I want those 2 weeks out of my year to be enjoyable and happy, not riddled with poor service, questionable policies, and unkept villas.

Just so you know, I pretty much had my mind made up to sell before I posted the original post to this thread, and after reading the last 150+ replies, I am reconsidering my decision thanks to the keen insight and experience of many on this board. Furthermore, I hope that I have exposed some of the faulty facets of DVC to newcomers and/or 15 year veterans, in hopes that they too will keep their eyes open when using DVC and make Disney make things right. If we all just sit around and accept the faults of our investment, those shortcomings will either multiply or just become accepted by the membership when they shouldn't. And both outcomes are unfair to each of us who either own or use DVC.

Excellent post, reedycreek. I could have easily written your original post a couple of years ago when I saw things starting to change so drastically for DVC. Enough for us to sell 175 of our 500 points. We had two other contracts on the market as well for another 150 points, but decided to hold on to them a while longer along with our original 175.

I think we will miss WDW by driving right on past the FL Turnpike next summer and heading further south on I-75 to south FL. But, the breaks away from WDW seem to make us enjoy our stays a bit more. If you can take longer trips, fewer trips, you don't spend as much on transportation to WDW and you also get more time to just hang out.

But stay away from the SSR Spa - you can spend a lot of money there and they make you feel soooooo good. The Gentleman's Facial is pretty relaxing - just ask my husband and son.

 

[d-r]

One thing that I find really concerning about the situation for the OP was that they had a room that wasn't acceptable, but the BWV told them that they couldn't change BECAUSE THEY BOOKED ON POINTS. That's just not OK.

 

[Dean]

Dean,

As an avid, or is it rabid, reader of the DIS boards I have come to appreciate your remarkable understanding of things. You post often and with forethought. Your posts are reasonable and with depth of knowledge. You clearly have an opinion on matters but allow that opinion to be influenced by what you read from each person. Your words are chosen thoughtfully and strategically. It appears to me you have ample time to take in each post and ponder over its content. Then reply in the way we have come to expect from you. So I have a question for you that only you can answer.

Where do you work and are they hiring???? My profession allows me to get in a few posts but, wow! If you don’t want to give away your secret to all you can give me a PM. I promise to stay quiet.

In no way is this post meant to harm you in any way. The intent of this post is just the opposite. Keep on sharing Dean! There are many of us who enjoy your posts.

I work about 60-70 hours a week but am able to check in off and on for about a third of that time. I don't think you want my schedule.

 

[DebbieB]

One thing that I find really concerning about the situation for the OP was that they had a room that wasn't acceptable, but the BWV told them that they couldn't change BECAUSE THEY BOOKED ON POINTS. That's just not OK.

I haven't read the whole thread, maybe the OP clarified. I took it that they could not move them to a non-DVC because they booked on points. If I was staying at BWV in a studio and they could not find a room there, my first suggestion would be to move me to Boardwalk Inn or the Beach Club.

 

[Sammie]

My comment was addressing housekeeping and maintenance issues and yes I am aware of some concerns with other Disney resorts but I still think they do a better job of keeping their resorts up to par and cleaner than DVC does lately. BWV is the best example, the Inn side of the resort would have never been alllowed to get to the state of disrepair the Villas side was in before they began to renovate.

As Dean addressed; some issues could be such that a person truly is unhappy with DVC and would want to sell.

However i would hate to see someone give in and sell over housekeeping and upkeep. I feel if enough members complain about that particular situation it will be addressed.

 

[reedycreek]

I haven't read the whole thread, maybe the OP clarified. I took it that they could not move them to a non-DVC because they booked on points. If I was staying at BWV in a studio and they could not find a room there, my first suggestion would be to move me to Boardwalk Inn or the Beach Club.

We were told we could not move to the Inn or Beach Club (or any other resort for that matter) because we were using points. As far as moving to another villa room, we were told they were sold out EVERYWHERE, which I kinda of found hard to believe.

We were told that we could use more points and get a 2 bedroom for 2 out of the remaining 3 nights of our stay, which was not an option nor was even a legitimate solution from Disney.

It was this reaction from the front desk supervisor that really was upsetting.

 

[Silly Little Pixie]

We were told we could not move to the Inn or Beach Club (or any other resort for that matter) because we were using points. As far as moving to another villa room, we were told they were sold out EVERYWHERE, which I kinda of found hard to believe.

We were told that we could use more points and get a 2 bedroom for 2 out of the remaining 3 nights of our stay, which was not an option nor was even a legitimate solution from Disney.

It was this reaction from the front desk supervisor that really was upsetting.

Absolutely that is unacceptable. WOW. If a room is in that bad of condition, it's appalling that they would not move you, if not at BWV at least to BCV or another DVC. There really weren't any rooms available at SSR? Really?

As a DVC newbie (awaiting my first trip), this thread is both somewhat frightening- and enlightening. I anticipate a wonderful trip, with helpful CMs and a clean, neat room. But if there is a problem- at least I have an idea how to deal with it. Has anyone ever had their issue be unresolved by the manager "on the scene", and asked for someone from DVC over at SSR to come down and talk to you? I wonder if talking to someone there, or calling MS from right there would get better results, when it is a situation like the OPs, where a new room assignment is clearly in order.

To those posters who have gotten tired of WDW or poor service... come on out and see us at Disneyland. It's cleaner, IMO, not humid in the summer, and World of Color is opening next spring (an Illuminations/Fantasmic type show). The new VGC should have amazing views from the rooms! Plus, walk directly into the park, and 5 minutes to park hop. NO busses required!

 

[gkrykewy]

To those posters who have gotten tired of WDW or poor service... come on out and see us at Disneyland. It's cleaner, IMO, not humid in the summer, and World of Color is opening next spring (an Illuminations/Fantasmic type show). The new VGC should have amazing views from the rooms! Plus, walk directly into the park, and 5 minutes to park hop. NO busses required!

I hope to get out to your cute boutique park in the next couple of years, but it ain't WDW

(plus flights are much more expensive from the east coast)

 

[nunzia]

I hope to get out to your cute boutique park in the next couple of years, but it ain't WDW

(plus flights are much more expensive from the east coast)

Boutique park?? wow...
I have only been to WDW once and the terms snow in Crestview, tornados and hurricane come to mind. None of us liked it much. SOOOOO sprawling and hard to get around and my kids were bummed there was no Matterhorn. We are trying it as a couple in January and will see if we get what the fuss is about.
I hope we love it this time..