VWL Lovers & Groupies thread: It all started with a Moose

[Granny]

Granny, now that it might just be the 2 of you traveling (and this ? is for any 2 adult groups), is TIW still worth the cost?

I agree, the DDP is not worth it.

Admittedly TIW saved us a lot more when we had the four of us on most trips. But even with just my wife and I, it pays for itself very quickly. As DiznyDi & Nutzy said, it works best if you have multiple trips just like an Annual Pass.

At 20% discount, TIW basically pays for the tips. Even so, it isn't hard to use it enough to get back the cost of the card in savings.

To me, the best DCV perk is the AP discount. And the best perk of the AP is the ability to purchase TIW. Honestly, if they discontinued either of those we'd have to look hard at keeping our DVC purchase.

 

[Muushka]

Morning Groupies

Thanks for all the TIW info. You know what I forgot? I forgot that we don't go 2 to 3 times a year any more. We have some AP vouchers that we are saving for when the year comes that the entire Mr Muush family goes to WDW. Then we will get the TIW card!

 

[Granny]

Muush...it is definitely worth it with a larger group. I forget how many people can get the discount with one card (6?) but even if you had to buy two for a larger group it is worth it.

It's funny but we now are going multiple times a year after several years of one annual trip. That's one of the up sides of empty nesting since we don't use as many points per trip (book a 1BR instead of the usual 2BR).

We got our DME stuff a couple of days ago too. Keep that countdown going, WDad!!

 

[eliza61]

humm, this isn't dvc specific but I thought of how it may affect (or is it effect? ) my membership.

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/the-daily-disney/os-disney-priceline-20101027,0,6830788.story

Walt Disney World is poised to sell hotel rooms on Priceline.com, after years of keeping its hotels off the popular site for bargain hunters.

The concerning parts of the article for me where

1) even with all the discounts Disney occupancy fell almost 9% last year. which makes me worried about what other cuts or cost saving moves (ddp) the parks might make to keep stockholders happy campers.

2) As of now they are not going to participate in the "name your own price" option but I can forsee them doing so. How happy will I be if some one can now bid on a 1 bedroom villas at deep discounted prices. I know it's not the same inventory but will it affect the value of my membership ?

 

[Granny]

Eliza...thanks for the link. It would seem that Disney is heading down a slippery slope with this move.

I think that the increases in price tickets, food, etc in the face of the economy has finally caught up with Disney. To make this more DVC related, I wonder if they have hit the ceiling for the time being in DVC new resort pricing.

Look at the price increases in DVC points from Disney the past few years. They have almost doubled since we joined in 2001, while hotel prices off site have gone down if you use Priceline.

They could cut back on some of the resort investments but that could hurt attendance even more. Like I said, a slippery slope.

As for your second comment, I've always been in the camp that if I'm happy with my deal I don't worry what someone else pays for the same thing. I don't worry if the person next to me on the plane paid half as much as me, or if they got an off-site hotel less expensively than I did. I would rather see Disney discounting rooms (including DVC inventory) than cutting back on amenities.

While big crowds at WDW have been an annoyance at times, I always take the approach that a financially healthy Disney World is good for my long term membership.

Like I said before, I think the arrogance of continuous price hikes in the middle of this economy has hurt Disney. If they couple that with a decreased WDW experience (many would say this has already happened) that is the worst of both worlds.

I'm also sure that the Harry Potter attractions at Universal have taken a jab at Disney. That was a huge coup for them.

 

[sleepydog25]

That is great news Jill! Fingers crossed that you are The One!!

Say, for all who are not too thrilled with WDW dining, do you still get the DDP?

I'll take the opposite view, though I get the DxDP. Most nights, I prefer to eat at signature restaurants, and after doing the math for the cost of an AP and TIW (I can't usually hit the World more than once in a calendar year) vice DxDP, the latter comes out ahead in terms of savings. If I don't do the DxDP, then I tend to mostly skip signatures and pay OOP for the meals I want. . .which is also a better deal than buying an AP/TIW.

 

[Granny]

I'll take the opposite view, though I get the DxDP. Most nights, I prefer to eat at signature restaurants, and after doing the math for the cost of an AP and TIW (I can't usually hit the World more than once in a calendar year) vice DxDP, the latter comes out ahead in terms of savings. If I don't do the DxDP, then I tend to mostly skip signatures and pay OOP for the meals I want. . .which is also a better deal than buying an AP/TIW.

Thanks for bringing in the other side of the story. Obviously the DDP and DxDP make sense for some people such as yourself.

I think there is also a large faction of DDP users who like to budget their trips closely and DDP allows that better than winging it once there.

I have no problem with the concept of the DDP, just with the affects on getting into restaurants without getting ADR's way in advance, and what some consider the "dumbing down" of the menus across the board.

We haven't seen the big impact on the menus, but then again maybe we tend to eat the mainstays more anyway?

Regardless, I would never tell anyone that the DDP is a bad idea for them. I would advise them to know what it includes and what it doesn't. Same advice I give for buying into DVC. (see how I worked that back on topic )

 

[Muushka]

Lets talk Christmas!

I am just talking about the Monday, Dec 6 meet. We are looking at 2 times. Late morning (11 AM) or early afternoon (1 PM).
Personally I like the late AM, but let me if know 1 PM is better.
We will have our favorite Ranger Stan as our guest star!!

Jimmy came up with a great icebreaker. Seeing as how we are total strangers in real life!

If you are interested in playing, here is the plan.

PM me with the answer to 3 questions.

1. Favorite type of music
2. Your hobby or interest
3. Favorite vacation spot other than The World

And a bonus answer: your favorite pet (cat, dog, bird, mouse....). We tend to talk about them a lot!

I will print them out and we will put these answers in a box. Each will draw one (give it back if you picked yourself!).
We will take turns reading the answers and you get 3 chances to guess who it is.
We will have name tags with our DIS names and real names on them. And when you PM me, let me know who all is coming in your family and your real name. I will make them a tag with their name and your screen name.

I am really looking forward to this!

PS I will also add this post to the bottom of Post #3 and update there.

 

[wildernessDad]

Lets talk Christmas!

I am just talking about the Monday, Dec 6 meet. We are looking at 2 times. Late morning (11 AM) or early afternoon (1 PM).
Personally I like the late AM, but let me if know 1 PM is better.
We will have our favorite Ranger Stan as our guest star!!

I won't be able to do 11 am as our flight is scheduled to arrive at MCO at 9:55 am.

 

[Muushka]

I won't be able to do 11 am as our flight is scheduled to arrive at MCO at 9:55 am.

Good enough reason for me! Is 1 PM all right for everyone??

 

[stopher1]

Good enough reason for me! Is 1 PM all right for everyone??

It works for me.

 

[twokats]

I am not sure if using the TIW card has saved us a bundle, but not feeling obligated to eat so much food has been a breath of fresh air! I always felt like I HAD to eat everything you were entitled to if using the DDP.

When the kids were little, the DDP was great, as both DD and DS ate more that DiznyDi or I; if you had it left over, you could position it on the table close to our son and it would disappear! And DD can still eat you out of house and home (DSIL's dilemma now! )

DD and DSIL are accompanying us on this December's adventure. DiznyDi has assured DD & DSIL that Dizny Dad will bring his moose hide wallet. I hope DiznyDi remembers the TIW card. . . . .

Admittedly TIW saved us a lot more when we had the four of us on most trips. But even with just my wife and I, it pays for itself very quickly. As DiznyDi & Nutzy said, it works best if you have multiple trips just like an Annual Pass.

At 20% discount, TIW basically pays for the tips. Even so, it isn't hard to use it enough to get back the cost of the card in savings.

To me, the best DCV perk is the AP discount. And the best perk of the AP is the ability to purchase TIW. Honestly, if they discontinued either of those we'd have to look hard at keeping our DVC purchase.

OK, maybe bundle was not quite the right word, but for us it totally pays for itself and saves us quite a bit more on top of that. We almost always have a 15 day trip when we come so that one vacation is worth the TIW card. Last year with DD and I also going in Dec gave us even more savings. I guess it is the accountant in me that looks at what I would have spent versus what I actually did spend, so I know how much it has saved me in the past which allowed DD to buy quite a few more souvenirs at Downtown Disney!!!

Good enough reason for me! Is 1 PM all right for everyone??

This really makes me so sad that DD and I could not work a trip for us again in Dec. I know we will enjoy the cruise, but I will be thinking of ya'll as you gather for the meet!!!

 

[cheer4bison]

Your words of encouragement overwhelm me! Groupies are the best! Thanks so much for the moose dust and good wishes for my Moms Panel 2011 application.

I spoke with a nice young woman from Disney today when she called to schedule my round 3 phone interview. I am on their schedule for next Wednesday!!!! Let's just say I don't anticipate sleeping very well between now and then...

Do any of you have any advice for effective phone interview techniques or any thoughts on what kind of questions they might ask?

Thanks for sharing the journey with me!

 

[Dizny Dad]

OK - that pushed me over the edge this morning!

Let's Talk Christmas!

Musska - Either time is good for DiznyDi & I, so let the games begin! DiznyDi will PM you with the info. Leave it to Jimmy & Tammy to come up with a great way to share time with each other!

twokats - And YES! We will miss you also! We are so glad to have met the "two Kats" last time! Enjoy the cruise!

Looking forward to seeing many of you again and to meeting those that we have yet to put a face on!

Somehow I now have to steer my thoughts back to work - lots to get done before the day is over, but the thoughts of the upcoming trip to The World and the spicing by the Groupie Meet will keep a lift in my step!

 

[jimmytammy]

LETS TALK CHRISTMAS

Sorry, not quite as creative as Muushka, but just as excited about the upcoming meets!!

So our other planned meet is for Fri. Dec. 3rd. After counting, it looks as if there are at least 7 groupies will be in the World at this time. I will send each one of you a PM just to see who thinks they can attend. And as Muushka said, we are hoping for attendance by our beloved Ranger Stan and his DW Carolyn.

My thoughts are like Muushkas for a time of 1PM. In the past, this seems to have worked well, to get the most in attendance. Please PM me if there are conflicts with this time. Stan has to drive back to Apopka, about a 45 min. drive, but can be hairy on Fri., so another reason to plan an early meet.

And like Muushka mentioned, we will play a little icebreaker game to put names and faces with each other, and no one will be harmed along the way

 

[jimmytammy]

Your words of encouragement overwhelm me! Groupies are the best! Thanks so much for the moose dust and good wishes for my Moms Panel 2011 application.

I spoke with a nice young woman from Disney today when she called to schedule my round 3 phone interview. I am on their schedule for next Wednesday!!!! Let's just say I don't anticipate sleeping very well between now and then...

Do any of you have any advice for effective phone interview techniques or any thoughts on what kind of questions they might ask?

Thanks for sharing the journey with me!

Hey Jill, just be yourself. This is what has gotten you to round 3, and they recognize your genuineness and passion. I have met you and would pick you, so take a deep breath when that phone rings and let yourself shine!

 

[Muushka]

Your words of encouragement overwhelm me! Groupies are the best! Thanks so much for the moose dust and good wishes for my Moms Panel 2011 application.

I spoke with a nice young woman from Disney today when she called to schedule my round 3 phone interview. I am on their schedule for next Wednesday!!!! Let's just say I don't anticipate sleeping very well between now and then...

Do any of you have any advice for effective phone interview techniques or any thoughts on what kind of questions they might ask?

Thanks for sharing the journey with me!

Oh, no tips, but just warm good luck wishes. Let us know how well it went!!

twokats, we will sure miss you. How is the cruise planning going?

LETS TALK CHRISTMAS

Sorry, not quite as creative as Muushka, but just as excited about the upcoming meets!!

So our other planned meet is for Fri. Dec. 3rd. After counting, it looks as if there are at least 7 groupies will be in the World at this time. I will send each one of you a PM just to see who thinks they can attend. And as Muushka said, we are hoping for attendance by our beloved Ranger Stan and his DW Carolyn.

My thoughts are like Muushkas for a time of 1PM. In the past, this seems to have worked well, to get the most in attendance. Please PM me if there are conflicts with this time. Stan has to drive back to Apopka, about a 45 min. drive, but can be hairy on Fri., so another reason to plan an early meet.

And like Muushka mentioned, we will play a little icebreaker game to put names and faces with each other, and no one will be harmed along the way

Jimmy's info will be on post #3 also. We will update that as needed.

 

[twokats]

Oh, no tips, but just warm good luck wishes. Let us know how well it went!!

twokats, we will sure miss you. How is the cruise planning going?



Jimmy's info will be on post #3 also. We will update that as needed.

DD, Mom and I have bought a lot of new clothes. Still have to get some for DH. We have Palo and a couple of excursions booked. Kennedy Space Center tickets have been obtained for a pre-cruise excursion (we are arriving 2 days early). We are resigned to having to use a wheelchair for Mom on this trip, so we are going to get her a new transport chair that will be smaller than the one we use now.
Now we just have to get her stronger and then we will be ready for anything.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Getting caught up after being a bit bogged down the last week or so....Thanks again to all for your sympathy and support. Groupies are the best!!

We're here! Not VWL but BWV for Food and Wine festival. Having a great time eating ourselves silly at Epcot. Love the fishermen's pie, cheese plate and choc lava cake at Ireland. Add the cheese soup from Canada right nextdoor and my meal is done. The cranberry slushie cosmo from France is to die for, especially in this heat! Sunny and high 80s every day.

We are still missing our Topaz very much but have started to talk about getting a puppy after the holidays. Anyone here own a Dachshund or know anything about them from experience?

Glad you're having a great time at F&W. I must say I loved the food at Ireland - went there twice! Funny though - when I mentioned to DH I wanted to go back 'cuz I loved the fishermen's pie he gave me an odd look. Turns out he only had one tiny piece of lobster in his pie while half of mine was made up of huge chunks!! We were eating at night in the dark so I hadn't realized. Poor guy.

Thought I'd chime in on the Dachshund question. I personally haven't had one and I'm thinking that the people's experiences I've know of must be an aberration b/c I know their popular pups. However when I think back everyone I've ever know who got one has chosen to rehome them. My childhood friends Doxie went to one of their cousin's on the farm so it could run and dig to it's hearts content. A co-worker gave their's up b/c the dog hated his roommate - immediately. It would attack him. And he's one of the sweetest men I've ever met. She went back to the breeder and thankfully their next dog loved him! Finally, my cousin got a mini that constantly ran away and was a big barker. I have owned a hound (Basenji) so I know of the stubborness etc, etc. Loved that dog and she also drove me crazy!! lol Hounds aren't for everyone but they can be great dogs too. You usually just have to be prepared for their strong hunting desire and independent thinking.

Good enough reason for me! Is 1 PM all right for everyone??

That should work for me!

I spoke with a nice young woman from Disney today when she called to schedule my round 3 phone interview. I am on their schedule for next Wednesday!!!! Let's just say I don't anticipate sleeping very well between now and then...

Wow - how exciting Jill!! Best of luck with the interview!!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

DD, Mom and I have bought a lot of new clothes. Still have to get some for DH. We have Palo and a couple of excursions booked. Kennedy Space Center tickets have been obtained for a pre-cruise excursion (we are arriving 2 days early). We are resigned to having to use a wheelchair for Mom on this trip, so we are going to get her a new transport chair that will be smaller than the one we use now.
Now we just have to get her stronger and then we will be ready for anything.

I'll be praying for your Mom to regain her strength quickly and for you all to have a great trip!