Top 2 DVC Memories of 2002

[NJParkhopper]

I'm gonna sneak a 3rd one in...

Watching the wonder on my little boy's face everytime our family experiences "Illuminations, Reflections of Earth". Just watching so many people come together all around the World Showcase, talking, meeting new people, kids playing with other kids they've never met... then that awesome display! It always leaves me feeling like I never want to leave WDW. And then just strolling the Boardwalk afterwards... what an awesome way to end the day!

Ohhhh, alright. If you want, blow off the "2 memory rule" and just jump right in... anyone else???

 

[JimC]

To NJParkhopper:

Agree regarding Saratoga Springs. We have stayed at the old Disney Institute three times (twice for their conferences) and having established infrastructure is a plus for turnaround and for the bottom line (DVC is a very profitable venture for Disney)

If you have not been to AKL, you should treat yourself. Make a PS for Jiko dinner and go over to the lodge on a day you visit the AK. There are plenty of viewing areas from the lodge and outside walking areas. There savannah is not part of the AK. It is their own private reserve!

Here is a memory that is hard to beat -- How about a private ride on Pirates? For some reason the night we did MVMCP this year the park was very quiet. We strolled onto the Jungle Cruise (three families, including us), then off to Pirates (sole riders) and on to the Country Bears and the Liberty Belle (less than 6 people on board and saw part of the first parade from a comfy seat on the Belle), on to Haunted Mansion (no wait, no crowds). The entire evening was like a private intimate party! No worry about where to watch the fireworks or the 2nd parade. Just pick your spot and enjoy!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

you know alot of these DVC memories are from the actual parks themselves (something anyone could have) not from the individual DVC resorts themselves.

If someone was to ask me right now if joining DVC 11months ago was worth it, I would definately have to say NO. It hasnt shown me any positives yet.

 

[NJParkhopper]

JimC... We'll DEFINITELY check out the AKL next trip end of April as well as a PS for Jiko dinner...

I must admit... your experience at MVMCP is a rare treat... you definitely got a taste of some extra "Magic" that night!

 

[NJParkhopper]

Sorry to hear that imgoingtodisney... we actually did enjoy the VWL (our home resort). We're looking forward to spending a lot more resort time next time. The mouse boats, bikes, Circle-D Ranch, pools, campfire stories at night, are awesome. We have plenty of resort memories but I guess the parks are catalysts for plenty of kid memories.

 

[Laurabearz]

1) Jan 2002 our first stay at a DVC property (OKW) led us to buy into the Dream......
2) Taking my BIL and family to OKW this past December (even though it rained 8 inches while we were there) The best part was..... when they asked us how much for the room....... we told them nothing........

 

[jimmytammy]

So many good memories to choose from...these 2 are what come to the forefront

(1) Pulling up to front of our home resort at VWL(we had only seen pictures) walking in to the lobby(DW had to check us in while I did the awe inspiring, jaw dropping look up in the lobby, could not take it all in lookaround). The sounds coming from WCC(all the people hoopin an hollerin an havin a good ol time) listening with a I CANT WIPE THE SMILE OFF MY FACE. Then checking out all the nooks and cranies of our studio with all the frills that All Stars dont have. This is a place I could spend a lot of time at without having to go to the parks, and I love going to the parks.

(2) Spending a full day with DD for her 10th bday. Started with breakfast at Chef M. Then Goofy called her back at room to wish her a H. Bday Goof style. Went to MGM with her Guest of Honor badge and her MK bday badge on. Amazing how many CMs spoke to her and called her by name. She got picked out of crowd near start of parade and asked 3 questions about Lilo & Stitch and won a DVD of the movie. Finished time at MGM having dinner at 50s PTC(her request). Moved on to MK for MVMCP, CMs exchanged tickets from 3 nights earlier when it rained out parades and fireworks. We went to see these 2 things and it was magical!! Cant wait to next years MVMCP. Finished night out with cake that Minnie baked at room, balloons and everything.

It was cold and torrential downpours 2 days out of 5, I was beggining to think maybe joining DVC was a mistake and I may lose all love of things Disney. But after getting back into everyday routine, we are already planning next trip home, been to Disney store 3 times(we were "home" just 2 weeks ago) and been on these forums numerous times.

Glad to say THE MAGIC IS STILL THERE!!

 

[JimC]

To Imgoingtodisney:

Quite right. I should have mentioned that the park/resort memories were all made possible because we joined DVC and could use points for the trips. We would not have visited AKL except for DVC, nor taken the December trip.

I am sorry that DVC has not worked for you thus far. Am I correct that you were scheduled on the cancelled DCL trip? I am sure that was a disappointment. Our first DCL cruise was for our 20th anniversary and it was cancelled because the Magic was late coming out of final fitting in Italy. We rescheduled for a year later as well. The wait was worth it as we had a fantastic time! I hope you enjoy your cruise next year!

 

[TDC Nala]

1) The realization that I could actually afford to buy into DVC.

2) Staying at my BCV home for the Food & Wine Festival - this will be a yearly thing now.

 

[Lora]

1) My older daughter turned 7 and celebrated her birthday at the BWV and Cinderella's Castle.

2) My younger daughter turned 5 and celebrated her birthday at the BWV and Cinderella's Castle.


(Being able to share our 2BR w/ my parents and getting a Studio for my Aunt and Uncle were big bonuses also.)

 

[#1Mouse]

1) Our purchase into DVC this past summer and the surprise of finding out the sellers never used or banked 2001 points (310) and Disney let them bank them for us. This year we had a total of 620 points to use. Now we have to try to figure out how to use only 310 for the following years - do I smell an add on?!?!?!

2) Our first trip home in December - That first "Welcome Home" at the gate was enough to add a whole week worth of sunshine, even though it rained most of the week we were there.

 

[llp479]

1)Buying our second DVC at OKW and enjoying 10 days in Aug in a 2 BDRM - 2nd trip for 2002!

2)Having BWV points that we used to surprise our 3 dds Christmas morning with a Jan 1, 2003 trip to OKW to spend a few more days with our beloved au pair and friends before they return to Australia.

 

[timC]

1) Watching the sun rise over Grizzly Mountain, at Disneyland's California Adventure. During our stay, on points, at the Grand Californian Resort, our room overlooked the park. What an amazing sight.

2) Finally getting to stay at VWL. We purchased our VWL add-on in 2001, but it wasn't until this Thanksgiving that we finally were able to fit this resort into our vacation plans. We love WL!

...can I go for 3? Cruising around in a pontoon boat, at VWL. Wow. I didn't realize they could be so much fun!

 

[vickyBaby]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
If someone was to ask me right now if joining DVC 11months ago was worth it, I would definately have to say NO. It hasnt shown me any positives yet.

This is off topic. This is a thread about top two memories.

Would you please stop it? Please sell your points since they are such a burden.

Back on topic:
I don't have top memories, but I hope to in the future.

 

[NJParkhopper]

All these answers are making me" Home"- Sick!!!

 

[Galahad]

GREAT 50th Aniversary/Family Reunion for DW's folks at OKW in June. Hosted 17 folks! OKW was great to us....putting us in 3 2BR units right on top of each other. This is the first time we've had a significant number of guests in the 7 years we've been DVCers and it was truely magical for all!

 

[POLLY ANN]

Oh, I love reading everyone's 2 top favorite memories of 2002! (How did you keep it to just 2?)

Sad for me, I don't have any favorite memories for this year just because we didn't go in 2002! {{{wahh, wahh!}}

But catch me for 2003 and I'm sure I won't be able to keep it to 2 favorite!

 

[carone0318]

My top 2 DVC memories were enjoy character caravan at BWVs before going to the park. I know not many enjoyed this feature, but we sure did. Our kiddos loved the personal time and we have such great pictures.

My 2nd memory was being able to ride Pooh's honey pots ride with Tigger. That was awesome for our entire family, even dh says it's the best part.

Something actually about DVC and the room would be being able to go back to room and pop a bag of popcorn or heat up Easy Mac for a cranky 5 yr who is "starving for death" as she would say.

 

[dznymom1]

wow, this is so hard! I love reading everyone's favorite memories!

1. Popping a bottle of champagne and smoking a Cuban cigar on Deck 4 with all my DVC friends (except one sleepy head ) while we enjoyed our own personal lightning show on our last night of a perfect Magic Cruise.

2. Sitting on my BWV boardwalk view balcony drinking my morning coffee watching the world go by, while waiting for the kids to wake up for another fabulous day in the world.

Okay, and another was the family chowing down on Jenny's Fried Chicken in our Villa at Wilderness Lodge while we waited for the Water Pageant. I remember thinking, "It just doesn't get any better than this!"

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

Being DVC members has allowed us to share our love for WDW with family members who would not otherwise have gone:

1. Celebrating my son's HS graduation this summer with his uncle and cousin as well as DH & I, sharing 2BR villas at both VB and OKW. Enjoying the photos over and over to relive the memories, such as the photo that the CM in the Boston Whaler took of all 5 of us lined up in Water Mice...

2. Sharing a new BCV villa with my 71 YO DM, who LOVED drinking around the world with us at Epcot's F&WF! How about that walk to Epcot from BCV? Can't beat that!

And as sappy as this may sound, it's true:

3. Learning how to apply that Disney Magic to the rest of my life so I can count my blessings more readily than I may have in the past. Knowing I'll be able to go back to WDW year after year is one of the best parts of DVC ownership, and it always gives us something to look forward to. Memories are really great, but even better when we know we can anticipate new ones in the future!

Happy New Year everyone!