Ssr - Stop Me I Must Be Crazy

[disneymom2one]

I bought sight unseen ... but I had been to Disney 10+ times at that point and had stayed in values and moderates before. We had never been inside a DVC property though. But there is a GREAT difference between that and not ever having stepped foot in Florida.

I think you really have to determine if Disney vacations are your thing. I love them and Disney is my second home but they're not for everyone.

 

[gjw007]

Another vote for the purchase sight unseen but again, like other posters, I have been to WDW multiple times and I own other timeshares.

Another solution for the original poster might be to do an exchange with one of his current timeshares. If it is in the Interval system, he might be able to exchange into Disney. If not, at least he will be in the general area and can stop by to view the various resorts and talk with the DVC representatives. This might be the most cost-effective solution for him.

 

[Dancind]

Findbyme, you sound like me. I'm sure you've read everything pertinent on these boards, and you have a real strong feeling that WDW would be a terrific regular vacation spot for your family. From there, you went on to research resorts, and found the DVC board. Yes, it does make sense to spend the money on DVC and have a permanent vacation investment you can use when you come, rather than spending a large amount on a resort stay for your first trip. I wish we had done that, but we didn't buy until just before our second trip. We spent thousands on the first trip, would have been a chunk of a down payment!

But there is the very remote possibility that your family won't fall in love with WDW, and won't want to come back every year, or every other year. I have heard that this does happen. Are you a gambler? I think the odds are in your favor.

 

[SSRex]

Originally posted by Dancind
But there is the very remote possibility that your family won't fall in love with WDW, and won't want to come back every year, or every other year. I have heard that this does happen. Are you a gambler? I think the odds are in your favor.

Yes, it does happen. I took my second wife and her kids for their first WDW trip in 2002. My kids had been there several times prior to that. We just returned from our first DVC trip in July. We stayed at BCV and went only to Universal theme parks this time.

I have reservation to stay at our home resort, SSR, for June 2005.
None of them seemed too thrilled about having to go back to WDW so soon. I guess I am going to try to switch to HHI at the 7 month window, but if that is not available, we will be going back to WDW.

I think our kids are just spoiled. When I was growing up, my dad took us to Disneyland in 1972 and Disney World in 1976 and I felt lucky. We even camped at Ft. Wilderness. My kids just stayed in a 2 bedroom villa at BCV and got to swim at SAB and were bored.

If we end up at WDW again in 2005, I may consider going to Sea World or Busch Gardens as an alternate that they have not seen.
Has anyone done very exclusive, very expensive Discover Cove?

I bought DVC at SSR hoping my 2 kids would want to take their own kids after I am not around to take them, but I am wondering if I wil even be able to get my own kids to go with me now. We need to just plan a no-kids, couple only trip or skip a year. What the kids really want is a cruise, but that is not in the DVC budget.

I know that points can be and are used outside of WDW, but that is not why I bought and where I want to go is DVC @ WDW. Do I tell them that is where they are going or just go without them???

 

[AFMom]

That must be hard. My kids are still young, 6 and 7, so I don't think they'll get tired of Disney for a while. We went when I was little to Disneyland every 3 years - for 1 day and stayed the night in a KOA campground in my grandparent's RV! We felt very lucky every time! My kids don't have any idea how much they are benefiting from my Disney-itis, though....
As far as your kids, well, try taking them to the resort at WDW and then asking them what they want to do while you're there. There is so much in Orlando, I can't imagine they won't find something! Maybe compromise - 1 or 2 days at Disney for you, 1 or 2 days where they want to go. Maybe they'll surprise you. I couldn't tell how old your kids are, but I do know that kids from about 12 to 17 go through a definate non-Disney stage. They seem to become happy to be kids again after that, though!
Good luck - it'll work out!

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Well....I just read that our OP has made the plunge and purchased at SSR! So, no need for more opinions; she's one of us now

May I congratulate you and:

Welcome Home!!!!

Lisa

 

[gjw007]

SSRex

I have done the discovery cove swimming with Dolphins. A little expensive but I enjoyed it. It also included 7 days before or after your appointment to SeaWorld.

 

[findbyme]

O.K. WithDisneySpirit has found me out....I did purchase a 150 point contract at SSR with a (picked this myself....Dec UY...no maint fees for 2005) and took the 150 point vaca for February!!!

Almost afraid to tell you guys! I seriously considered all of the feedback that cautioned me....I read posts that had me thinking DVC was going to be sold off and managed by other than Disney....looked at all the ROFR reports....read posts about SSR vs OKW, etc... and just couldn't stop myself. Ran the costs calculations and even promised DH that I would liquidate ARUBA.

I think that those of you that cautioned me to come first, spend later make a sound and rational argument....perhaps I didn't tell you I am neither sound nor rational!!!

On my tombstone I want the following epitaph:

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up, totally worn out, loudly proclaiming - WOW! -
What a Ride!"

The last timeshare I bought, St. Martin, (got a free gold bracelet, I love that bracelet) was leveled by Hurricane Luis right after I bought it. Was rebuilt though....I'm sure WDW will fair better.


FOR SALE:

1 bed Ocean view/Eagle Beach Wk 38 at La Cabana Resort in ARUBA....bought on honeymoon in 1991...got free rental car....make offer....around $14250 if you would!!!!!

I know we will love it....last week DH and DS's went to Canobie Lake Park in New Hampshire, his sister's treat for his help in FLA after Charley....

DH got picked at the BOZO show to wear a duck head and walk across stage being aimed at by a water gun toting 6 year old, not even one of ours....I got pictures....we were made for fun!!!

THANKS TO EVERYONE. See you BWV Feb 24 to March 6...I'm playing there all week folks...

:

 

[MagikMom]

Congratulations findbyme! I will be going to your new "home" Oct. 8th. I have never stayed there before and we are taking my parents with us too! When I get back on the 18th I'll post my observations and experiences for you! I saw your for sale for La Cabana in Aruba. The funny thing is that my parents are on a plane right now on their way to a vacation in Aruba at La Cabana!!



Oct. 2004 (soon!)
Aug. 2003 BWV
Oct. 2002 All Star Sports/BCV
March 2001 All Star Sports

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Hey, Findbyme, not that there are any 'shoulds' at this wonderful forum, however, I know many other DISers would like to welcome you home

Why don't you make a new thread about your purchase

Lisa

 

[poohnpiglet3]

Oh no, I hope that isn't predictive of what's to come with Hurricane Frances!!!

The last timeshare I bought, St. Martin, (got a free gold bracelet, I love that bracelet) was leveled by Hurricane Luis right after I bought it.

Sherri
(Welcome Home!!!)