Vacation Guide

[Winnie23]

Hello all, we're new DVC members, and I was just wondering how much you really deal with your vacation guide (is that what they are called?). I'm not real crazy about ours-he seems real arrogant and pushy. Kind of surprised, not typical Disney characteristics. Anyway, just wondering, if we don't have to deal directly with him much, who cares, but if we do, maybe we should get someone else, if thats possible. Appreciate the input. And thank you all for all your great info. It really helped a lot in our research of DVC.

 

[BOBinMI]

The only time that we dealt with our guide is when we first bought in and when we did an add on. Most of the time you will deal with Member Services (MS) to make reservations, banking borrowing points.

 

[JCPollyanna]

A really fun and knowledgeable guide can make your experience wonderful, as it should be! We have had questions and added on points throughout the last couple of years, and our guide has always been there for us with the right answers and has NEVER been pushy! Her name is Michelle MacAlister and you can call and ask for her, and she will be happy to help you in any way!

 

[Granny]

We haven't talked to our guide since we purchased 5 years ago.

In a parallel development, we haven't talked to our real estate agent since we bought our house. I guess what I'm saying is if you've already purchased, I wouldn't bother with switching guides. You will never need to talk to him again unless you're adding on points in the future through Disney. If that's the case, and he hasn't changed, then I'd think about switching.

 

[4mcbjCtr]

I agree with Granny. We don't communicate at all with our guide now that we are in. When you decide to add-on (which you will ), just ask for a new guide.

 

[Austin75]

Hmmm, we must have had the same guide. We walked away from the tour with a bad taste because of him and weren't going to buy, but were still interested in the DVC concept.

We started searching on the net, found out about resales, etc., and were able to start asking intelligent questions. He called several times over the next month and every time I asked him questions (e.g. resales, waiting list for other resorts, comparison to other timeshare programs, etc.), he got more pushy and condescending. I would expect some push from a sales person, but it was way over the edge. So, we decided if we were going to buy, we weren't going to deal with him.

We later saw the F&F promotion, called MS, and asked them to assign a new guide before we purchase. I briefly explained my disappointment and said if he is remains our guide or receives recognition for the purchase, then we will not purchase. They obliged and provided a new guide, who was pleasant and respectful (albeit he entered under a different circumstance).

Since the purchase, we have been contacted once by our guide once to give us a heads up on activities. So, I don't foresee much interaction in the future unless we want to add points.

I wouldn't worry about it now, but if you want to add on in the future, don't hesitate to request someone else who you will feel comfortable with.

 

[Disney Pappy]

We have a wonderful guide, Judy Kauffman. We've been dealing with her for quite some time-our friends bought OKW in the very beginning. However we had to wiat until 2004 to finally buy in. Kids in college, weddings etc. When we finally made the plunge Judy was always there with the answers to all my questions and never once pushed for the sale. We bought 200 SSr and then did 2-50 point add-ons in 2005. since joining we've made 5 extended trips "Home" and every time we've received a "Welcome Home" message from her, telling us to call her if we need anything. It's gotten to the point where we actually look forward to her call. It's just a nice touch on her part.