The moment you knew .

[SusanWasHere]

due to my extreme giddiness about my 2nd trip to BCV in august, I thought I would post this. what is the moment you knew you made the right decision in buying DVC? I am a single girl and had major “buyers indecision” and then even a bit of “buyers remorse” wondering if I was making a huge mistake in such a long-term commitment – esp since I bought totally sight unseen. just saw the websites and the books. I arrived for my first trip home in the early fall at the BCV and when I walked into the lobby and the man at the counter gave me my first “welcome home” at the desk, I literally almost started jumping up and down. then when I walked out the back doors towards the beach area and saw the view of BW, YC, and the rest of BC it sincerely took my breath away. I can vividly remember walking towards Epcot and totally feeling a happiness come over me and knew it was the best decision I had made. then to add to it, my mom and dad arrived a little while later. we didn’t have money growing up so never went out of state for vacations, never went to Disney, never stayed anywhere “fancy”, mostly campgrounds (which was still awesome). but walking with my mom and dad (who had both survived major sicknesses – strokes and cancer) from Epcot to BC and my dad stopped, looked up and said “I can’t believe WE are staying HERE”. it just sealed it even more! so I’m just curious if anyone else had those moments that erased any doubts they may have had! thanks for listening!! I must be PMSing to have this emotional sappy moment. LOLOL!

 

[bobbiwoz]

You have a wonderful story! I'm glad your parents have enjoyed your purchase. I don't really have a defining DVC moment. I do get giddy when I look at my DVC photo albums. DMom's 85th birthday was the impetus that caused us to look into DVC we bought in '03 for her birthday celebration in '04 and we are so happy that we did.

Bobbi

 

[lisaviolet]

Simply when we had the money. That's it. Because I knew DVC was for us the first time I knew it existed. No indecisiveness on that part of the equation. Just saw the premise of DVC as pure joy, prepaid vacationing, not whether it made sense on a spreadsheet. I would have bought on the spot if I thought I could afford it.

So just having the money....financial ability.

But would love to hear stories of those who always had the money and a "moment" made them say "yep". Great post.

 

[bzzelady]

I think that it was my first soak in the whirlpool tub last year at VWL. It was after a long day in the parks and that relaxation felt so wonderful

 

[Mokat76]

Like you, I'm single and questioned my sanity at making a huge financial commitment at a "family" place. I bought SSR a year ago and until my first visit home in October, still had a niggling little doubt about it. My first stay changed all that. When I opened the patio doors and looked across the lake to Downtown Disney, I was hooked. That was my "Aha" moment. I took my sister and her girls on that trip. Then I took a friend in December. Later this month I'm taking two old friends for a mini-reunion. We haven't all gotten together in almost 20 years so what better place to meet up than my home at SSR? Any doubts I had are long gone.

 

[BCV2002]

My parents had bought in 2000, and in 2002, my DH (boyfriend at the time) and I decided to look into buying BCV points before it was even built. We were both a little nervous since it was a lot of money, but my dad said to us, "The best investment you can make is into something that you love." Well, my DH and I LOVE Disney and that just sealed the deal for us. Now because of it we get to go to Disney all of the time and have been all around the world. It's amazing!

 

[Caskbill]

We purchased in 1993, while at WDW. We literally, took the tour, review the program, and signed the papers that day, and then just 10 minutes later, we were checked into a 1-B/R villa at OKW (then named Disney Vacation Club). (Back then the resort wasn't sold out yet, and there were plenty of empty villas that were available)

When I sat down in the huge OKW Living Room, realized we were actually on WDW property (we had been in a hotel off site), I knew it was the right decision.

(And immediately took advantage of going to the parks with our free park passes. As many of you know, those who purchased early got free park passes into the theme parks up till 01/01/2000)

 

[BroganMc]

I have to say the moment for DVC came in the weirdest of ways. My dad and I (co-owners) had invited a friend to join us for a week in Orlando. Our first day there we were running around town picking up our friend from the airport, going to Walmart for supplies, and trucking it all back to our offsite Marriott resort. We had a great vacation (albeit commando for my never-been-anywhere friend) but then we moved into SSR. We went out to Raglan for dinner and a night at DTD.

Next morning we got up, I slipped on my fuzzy pink slippers and we walked our friend over to the Carriage House. The Magical Express bus came by, picked him up on his return journey to the airport and my dad and I looked at each other and said "Our work is done for the day, boy that was easy".

First time I was glad we bought any timeshare to get us to Orlando every year? The day we had my entire my entire 17 person family at Crystal Palace and celebrated by dad's (72) birthday. I still remember my dad dancing around the place with Pooh & Piglet, my mom videotaping it all and her shedding tears that he could be a kid here. We lost Mom 3 years ago but we know she's up there laughing and reveling in all my youthful dad's exploits in Disney.

 

[lisaviolet]

Ok. I've reread your post. I think I misunderstood. I always knew that DVC would be wonderful. But a moment changed that to ...DVC can be even beyond my dreams/hopes. Certainly not is this a good choice. It went to thank goodness we made the choice.

I already shared one of these stories here at DIS but what the heck. We all still look at the pics, laugh and smile at some memories and cherish the chance we had to be together.

Waiting for all 13 family members from both sides of our family arrive group by group in May. My partner and I had five deaths, two very tragic, within a year before and after we bought DVC in 2005. Deaths are hard for everyone of course but life became overwhelming at times. Thank goodness for our purchase. This trip came right after one of those deaths. Was booked because of that. Spend most times hanging out at SSR CP pool and our OKW suite. To look at everyone and think, "I can't believe it....look at all of us here at WDW and at DVC". And there is no way in heck that without our DVC purchase that we could have made a virtual last minute trip for 13 people with cash. In five different rooms. No possibility. And to hear my dad say, "oh this is beautiful, oh this is beautiful" to his suite. In fact, more than one trip we were able to take those who needed to "escape" and have had so many trips in the last year and a half. So thank you DVC, thank you Southwest, thank you American settlers for choosing Buffalo's proximity to our border. And making my flights so cheap.

Second is when we walked into our first one bedroom. I brought it up with my partner after reading this thread. "Remember that first one bedroom at BW?" We could hardly sit down for the first ten minutes. It was overwhelming in a wonderful way.

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

Our story has some things that are similar to Susan's!

We first toured DVC when it was OKW only and BWV was being built. We decieded it was more money than we wanted to spend at that time so we passed. Then in 2000 I got a job that doubled my salary and the first thing I did was save up for a DVC purchase at BWV. We took my parents on our first trip in a two BR and got a BWV VIEW! My Dad had been a VERY big vocal opponet to our DVC purchase and when we walked into that room that day, he was grinning from ear to ear and told me how wonderful it was! I was also jumping up and down on our balcony with the AWSOME view!

I will never forget that day as long as I live!

I love to say this to people:
the three best decisions I ever made in my life are the following:

My Husband
My choice of career's (because it gives me the money to afford DVC)
and my DVC membership

 

[SusanWasHere]

oh WOW!! i have loved reading all of your stories, really thank you for sharing! i was talking over the weekend to some friends about my upcoming trip in august and they were both like "what is it about that place? can you explain what the big draw is?" and it's just something you can't put in words, that feeling of being there, walking around the parks, being on property, being in the villas, hearing the welcome homes, sharing it with family, being "home" - that it's more than a timeshare, etc. i'm so glad other people feel the same way bc some of my friends look at me like i am nuts, LOL! i know i did the DVC for myself, to make myself sit back/relax/enjoy and treat myself to something for once. but just the memories with my parents, and to hear them so excited to go again will last a life time. again, thanks for sharing your stories too - i have LOVED reading them

 

[NYMomof4]

I think that the moment came when I realized just how much DVC had taught me about living for the moment. I had to stretch a little to make this happen for my crew of 4 kids, but I did it! That was the moment, on our first trip when I looked around at where we were at and realized that my kids would have a lifetime of memories at DVC.

There are only repeat moments to speak of-each trip I feel the same thing when we go. In December I spent 5 days running around with my 2 sons, pin trading, swimming, and just having a good time. Last year I took my pregnant (at the time) sister and my youngest 2 and watched them swim, go on the Pirate cruise, etc... I always think to myself how people spend money on so many different things-it all gets spent somewhere. DVC cost me about what I was paying on my car payment per month for 4 years but will last much longer

 

[abeyst]

due to my extreme giddiness about my 2nd trip to BCV in august, I thought I would post this. what is the moment you knew you made the right decision in buying DVC? I am a single girl and had major “buyers indecision” and then even a bit of “buyers remorse” wondering if I was making a huge mistake in such a long-term commitment – esp since I bought totally sight unseen. just saw the websites and the books. I arrived for my first trip home in the early fall at the BCV and when I walked into the lobby and the man at the counter gave me my first “welcome home” at the desk, I literally almost started jumping up and down. then when I walked out the back doors towards the beach area and saw the view of BW, YC, and the rest of BC it sincerely took my breath away. I can vividly remember walking towards Epcot and totally feeling a happiness come over me and knew it was the best decision I had made. then to add to it, my mom and dad arrived a little while later. we didn’t have money growing up so never went out of state for vacations, never went to Disney, never stayed anywhere “fancy”, mostly campgrounds (which was still awesome). but walking with my mom and dad (who had both survived major sicknesses – strokes and cancer) from Epcot to BC and my dad stopped, looked up and said “I can’t believe WE are staying HERE”. it just sealed it even more! so I’m just curious if anyone else had those moments that erased any doubts they may have had! thanks for listening!! I must be PMSing to have this emotional sappy moment. LOLOL!

I bought the first time with ex-DH back in 2000. I remember the tears in my eyes the first stay we had at OKW and I got the "Welcome Home". Man, what a great feeling!

Unfortunately I lost that contract in 2004 to the ex. It's been a rough 2 years without it, and it seemed like a day didn't go by that I wished I had that. I told myself every time that one day I would have it again. And 2 weeks ago, I did. Finally made the plunge and bought it. And I feel so much better.

It was a bit of a sacrafice, but I knew it was what I wanted without any doubts so I said I've waited long enough (watching these point prices keep climbing!). I had 2 years without it, and I appreciate this purchase so much more than the other one.

I, too, am taking my first vacation on MY ownership in December and I'm taking my kids, my parents and my grand parents. Most don't quite understand why I bought it, thought I should do other things with my money, and don't "get" Disney (I hope only because they've never been). I hope they have a better understanding of it all after our trip, just like your parents did with you.

Congratulations on your decision, I'm so glad to hear you understood what you did for yourself was a good thing-the right thing. While I've had an OK welcome home already, I hope that this next one in December will reach way beyond my first!!

 

[Mrs Potato Head]

We toured DVC 3 times before our tour last January and our purchase in early February of last year. From the first DVC resort (based on the free picture of us it had to be 94/95), to the tours of Boardwalk Villas (twice) to finally getting my DH to SSR last January. Everytime we toured, he had a *GOOD* financial excuse not to buy. I argued the feelings...but in the end, his parents had a timeshare in Orlando we could use for FREE whenever we wanted, so he didn't see the need for this. (And didn't want to hurt his parent's feelings).

So we stayed in the BWV's twice for cash, then in his parent's offsite timeshare twice...traded out to other Orlando timeshares twice. It was ok, but the magic wasn't the same being off property. I kept reminding him of the Boardwalk trips and how easy it was...how pretty the resort. But he stood his ground.

The "tour" we went on in January was perfect - I already knew the details, but got the guide to just give me the newer specifics and a tour of the rooms. DH was "in"...until he talked himself out of it AGAIN!

Finally, on the last day there, he said..."let's go for it". He decided I wouldn't be happy unless I was on property and I LOVED WDW like no other place I'd ever been. So we called and signed the papers on the way to the airport. I'm not sure exactly what changed his mind, but I'm so happy he did!

First trip home last May - just DH and I. 4 more trips last year and already 1 for this year, with three more planned. I can't tell you in words how this makes me feel....but I'm so in love with this program, I TELL EVERYONE. Even my DH now tells everyone. He sees the light now....and will sit anyone down and go toe to toe with them on the financials....and in the end, tell them it's a decision of the heart, not the investment account. Because this "investment" keeps paying him back ALL YEAR LONG. One very happy wife!

And DH discovered Disney golf. He plays all day and I play all in the parks. Then he tells me of the other DVC'ers he meets playing and how long they've owned for, etc, etc, etc. He even talks of bringing our grandkids there now.

My moment was 10+ years before we bought...but I knew the moment I saw that first resort, we'd be there....someday.

 

[RSoxFan]

We wanted to buy at first awhile ago, when there was just OKW and the Disney Institute. But we didn't have the money, and my mom wasn't crazy about the "timeshare" aspect of it. Plus, we loved the Beach Club and didn't want to give that up. THEN, we went on vacation one year and saw them building the BCV and we all looked at each other and knew we had to buy in. We walked into the model center at the Boardwalk the next morning, and bought at the still being builf BCV.
We were really lucky in that we just kinda fell into DVC.

 

[SusanWasHere]

I bought the first time with ex-DH back in 2000. I remember the tears in my eyes the first stay we had at OKW and I got the "Welcome Home". Man, what a great feeling!

Unfortunately I lost that contract in 2004 to the ex. It's been a rough 2 years without it, and it seemed like a day didn't go by that I wished I had that. I told myself every time that one day I would have it again. And 2 weeks ago, I did. Finally made the plunge and bought it. And I feel so much better.

It was a bit of a sacrafice, but I knew it was what I wanted without any doubts so I said I've waited long enough (watching these point prices keep climbing!). I had 2 years without it, and I appreciate this purchase so much more than the other one.

I, too, am taking my first vacation on MY ownership in December and I'm taking my kids, my parents and my grand parents. Most don't quite understand why I bought it, thought I should do other things with my money, and don't "get" Disney (I hope only because they've never been). I hope they have a better understanding of it all after our trip, just like your parents did with you.

Congratulations on your decision, I'm so glad to hear you understood what you did for yourself was a good thing-the right thing. While I've had an OK welcome home already, I hope that this next one in December will reach way beyond my first!!

such a great story!! sorry you had such a rough time - but glad you were able to buy in again on your own! it is such a great feeling. hope your first trip back is great!!

 

[3DisneyKids]

We have 3 young kids who are just as crazy about WDW as their Mom (that would be me)! And DH and I both knew that we would be going to Disney for our vacations for many years to come. Based on all of this, I knew that DVC was the right decision for our family. BUT...I knew that DH would stress out about the initial buy-in even though we can afford it.

So...I do a lot of contract-type work. And I happened to pick up a contract that just *coincidentally* happened to be for the same amount that our SSR contract cost. So, I took the work, cashed the check, and bought SSR without DH knowing so that I could surprise him!

Talk about keeping the secret! lol I had to make sure that I got the mail every day (there always seems to be DVC mail coming!) and so on so that he would not find out. I felt like I was having an affair with my guide...she could only call my cell phone, etc.!

We had an adults-only trip planned for F&W and his bday, and my plan was to give him DVC as a present while waiting to board the plane. So there we are driving to the airport, and he starts a conversation like this...

"Hey, you know my friend Matt from work? Well he and his wife own this Disney timeshare thing...they have points or something...they own where we stayed last year at the horse resort and everyone said 'welcome home'...and it lets them go down whenever they want..."

I burst into hysterics! Here HE was trying to explain DVC to ME and tell me that it was a good idea for us! Meanwhile, I had spent the past year on these boards and knew DVC inside and out!

So I just said, "Stop. You need to stop right now...." He looked totally confused. So I reached into the back seat (where I had his Bday present) and took the DVC baseball hat out, put it on his head and said "Welcome Home!"

He was DELIRIOUSLY happy that we owned DVC...and it really felt like it was "free" because I had used contract-work money to pay for it and the money didn't have to come out of savings our household account or anything.

This was the moment that I knew I had made the right decision. I was nervous that he might say "Well, you should have told me about that extra money...we could have used it for something else..." (I know my DH very well, so I was pretty sure he would be thrilled, but still, it was a risk.....)

But we both agree that it was the best decision we made!


Fun stories, everyone!

 

[lisaviolet]

We have 3 young kids who are just as crazy about WDW as their Mom (that would be me)! And DH and I both knew that we would be going to Disney for our vacations for many years to come. Based on all of this, I knew that DVC was the right decision for our family. BUT...I knew that DH would stress out about the initial buy-in even though we can afford it.

So...I do a lot of contract-type work. And I happened to pick up a contract that just *coincidentally* happened to be for the same amount that our SSR contract cost. So, I took the work, cashed the check, and bought SSR without DH knowing so that I could surprise him!

Talk about keeping the secret! lol I had to make sure that I got the mail every day (there always seems to be DVC mail coming!) and so on so that he would not find out. I felt like I was having an affair with my guide...she could only call my cell phone, etc.!

We had an adults-only trip planned for F&W and his bday, and my plan was to give him DVC as a present while waiting to board the plane. So there we are driving to the airport, and he starts a conversation like this...

"Hey, you know my friend Matt from work? Well he and his wife own this Disney timeshare thing...they have points or something...they own where we stayed last year at the horse resort and everyone said 'welcome home'...and it lets them go down whenever they want..."

I burst into hysterics! Here HE was trying to explain DVC to ME and tell me that it was a good idea for us! Meanwhile, I had spent the past year on these boards and knew DVC inside and out!

So I just said, "Stop. You need to stop right now...." He looked totally confused. So I reached into the back seat (where I had his Bday present) and took the DVC baseball hat out, put it on his head and said "Welcome Home!"

He was DELIRIOUSLY happy that we owned DVC...and it really felt like it was "free" because I had used contract-work money to pay for it and the money didn't have to come out of savings our household account or anything.

This was the moment that I knew I had made the right decision. I was nervous that he might say "Well, you should have told me about that extra money...we could have used it for something else..." (I know my DH very well, so I was pretty sure he would be thrilled, but still, it was a risk.....)

But we both agree that it was the best decision we made!


Fun stories, everyone!

That's a lovely, lovely story. Good work!!! Good sneaky, loving work!!!

 

[solgent]

We bought SSR without ever seeing it. We had never even stayed on Disney property. We hadn't been to WDW in 6 years. But I thought it would be great for our family. We're a family of 5 that wants to stay on property with a kitchen and suite-style room, and my research revealed that those preferences spelled DVC.

DH loves Disney maybe even more that I do, but he was worried about the $ because we knew our income was going to dip for a little bit. He thinks we agreed to put it off until after that. I think we agreed that if I thought we could manage it, we'd do it. (Our plan was to finance for 1 year.) So I told the guide yes, and he was mad! He thought I'd ignored our agreement. But I honestly don't remember that was our final decision. (Financially it worked out just fine. We finished paying several months ago.)

So as our first trip approached I was a little apprehensive. Would it be as good as I hoped? Were we crazy to take the plunge?

We arrived on ME, checked in, ate lunch at AP, went back to the room to find our luggage waiting, and made a beeline for the pool. When we were all enjoying the pool, I felt fantastic-- Yes, this is why we bought and it was the best money we ever spent!

 

[mamaprincess]

This thread is a pleasure to read.

We had never even been to Disney World but knew it would fit the way we like to vacation. Nice resorts, plenty of dining options and plenty of entertainment so we bought DVC site unseen. There are so many things that I loved about that first trip that made me know that DVC and Disney would be part of our lives for a very long time. MCO airport was so magical to me and still is. Driving through the WDW entrance sign made me lightheaded and giddy with joy. The wonderful ride advertisements on the way to our "Home" made us all so excited. Passing by one gorgeous resort after another on our way "home" was just so wonderful. Driving through the gates and being welcomed home, the gorgeous carriage house, our beautiful 1br villa with the gorgeous decor., the fabulous pool and on and on. The view of DTD!!! We knew we would make the best memories of our lives there and we have. DVC was the happiest purchase we ever made and to us is priceless.