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

[franandaj]

I still feel like a newbie here (as I still have not been able to purchase my points, but my contract is still out there...) but this is our first Holiday season without two sides of the family. We have spent so many years rotating Thanksgiving and Christmas.

This year MY family spends Thanksgiving with my sister in Seattle and because traveling to such a cold climate for my DP is difficult we are alone for our first Thanksgiving since her Father passed away two days after Christmas last year. It is not a sad occasion, we had our "family" Thanksgiving yesterday with our friends in the band. My friend Jim and I made a huge "Thanksgiving style" feast for our all our band family yesterday at our Disney Rehearsal. We ate Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Yams, Stuffing, Gravy, Zucchini Casserole, Green Bean Casserole, Apple Cobbler, Spinach Salad, Green Salad, and I think there were a few more dishes, but I can't recall them all.

Today we lucked out that the weather came through at the last minute and the weather was perfect for our performance. Everything went great for our performance at DCA and there was wonderful sunny (but cool weather for our performance and it continued for the rest of the day), but when we woke up, the weather was very questionable.

The reason this is applicable to the forum is that we used our points to reserve at the DLH because even though be booked at the VGC 11 mos out, we booked for the weekend on the 13th-14th (1st performance choice) , but they put our performance on the 21st (2nd performance choice), so our reservations on the 13th needed to be canceled. We traded our our points for the DLH and even though it wasn't the Grand, it was certainly not a slap in the face!

We still had a good time staying overnight even if we weren't at our "home". We were in a refurbished room at the DLH and they have a really neat effect for those who haven't stayed there. Over the headboard, there is an engraved castle in wood, and in the nightstand lights you can turn on a light that turns on fireworks and music. I know this isn't about the VWL, but I think there are few VGC owners here who might end up and the DLH and just to let you know that it may not be as wonderful as our VGC, it's not bad.. They have some really cool fixtures that I will post some pics on the VGC thread, even though it isn't the VCG or VWL, I know you all love to see this stuff!

 

[eliza61]

I still feel like a newbie here (as I still have not been able to purchase my points, but my contract is still out there...) but this is our first Holiday season without two sides of the family. We have spent so many years rotating Thanksgiving and Christmas.

, even though it isn't the VCG or VWL, I know you all love to see this stuff!

Nope, not a newbie, once you hang out with us, you're pretty much "in". LOL thanks for the review, we love hearing vacation stories no matter where the trail may lead.

 

[Inkmahm]

Nope, not a newbie, once you hang out with us, you're pretty much "in". LOL thanks for the review, we love hearing vacation stories no matter where the trail may lead.

AND the review applies to me because I just booked a quick trip to DL at the end of January. I was able to use points for a studio at GCV the first 2 nights but then we are waitlisted for the next 3 nights. Instead, I have a room booked at DLH. We've never stayed there so I'm okay with moving to the hotel if our waitlist doesn't come through. I was happy getting even 2 nights with calling only about 2 months in advance!

 

[wildernessDad]

Drum roll, please!.....

14 days until I step into that wonderful Lodge!!!!

 

[wildernessDad]

Just call me Spider Man because I am climbing the walls.

 

[sleepydog25]

12 days and counting. . .and now the 15-day out weather forecast is visible on a daily basis. . .supposedly will be around 80 every day. . .until we get there then around 70 for a high. . .figures. lol

 

[eliza61]

Not to disparge a rival timeshare operator but I had the unique experience of sitting through a Wyndham vacation sales pitch on Saturday.....


The old guy loves classic cars and when I say love, I mean serious heart palpitations. I once saw him and the owner of a 66 red ford mustang try and negotiate a deal on the car that involved me herding llamas in Peru for 2 months. He swears I’m imagining things but him and the owner would whisper, then look up at me, then whisper some more, shake head, nod, then look back at me. Ever since then I go to all car shows just to make sure my next career isn’t as a Sherpa in Nepal or clam digger in Maine.

This weekend we were at Atlantic City and Wyndham timeshare had a contest to win a fully restored 58 ford thunderbird convertible, and other valuable prizes for simply taking a tour. Needless to say, we entered and soon found ourselves spending 3 hours in the happy care of “Sinyata” and “Joe”. Our customer care reps.

Some observations: When we purchased our dvc, we had rented points for 2 summers so we had pretty much decided this was what we were going to do. I don’t remember if there was sales pressure because we basically skipped the tour part and went right to the office.

If you decide to look at Wyndham, you will have a sales pitch. It is very friendly to be sure but they definitely don’t want you to go home empty handed.

DVC, I believe concentrates on saving you money on vacations over the years, these guys used a different tactic. Their whole pitch is designed to remind you that life is short and that the grim reaper is breathing on your neck. I mean we got the “Breast cancer survivor”, “the widower who’s wife and kids were killed in a car accident 2 weeks after returning from Bonnet Creek wdw” and the “grandmom who doesn’t have much time left to spend with the grandkids”.

Even telling them that we were DVC owners was not enough to deter these intrepid folks, they simply plastered on bigger smiles and ensured me that our life was incomplete and true nirvana could only be reached by joining. I mean Joe actually said: “didn’t the new resort at the Baltimore harbor make you cry” ?

If Joe & Sinyata fail to reel you in then they bring in Mario, who is quick to tell you that without Wyndam he would never been able to visit the relatives back on the “old sod” and Tia Dona would have passed on without ever realizing her dream of seeing the grandkids in the new world.

Lastly, if you some manage to escape Mario, they dejectedly walk you over to the prize patrol where in a last ditch effort, the prize patrol offers you a deal that requires “no money”. When you point out that eventually you will get a bill, the room gets deathly quite and you are corrected. You are not getting a bill, you are getting an investment in your memories…

Right about now that Sherpa position is sounding pretty good.

 

[twinklebug]

eliza. You need to write a book - I love your writing style so much. Sign me up for the first copy! Thank you for the laugh.

 

[Granny]

Eliza...way too funny!

DVC, I believe concentrates on saving you money on vacations over the years, these guys used a different tactic. Their whole pitch is designed to remind you that life is short and that the grim reaper is breathing on your neck. I mean we got the “Breast cancer survivor”, “the widower who’s wife and kids were killed in a car accident 2 weeks after returning from Bonnet Creek wdw” and the “grandmom who doesn’t have much time left to spend with the grandkids”.

Wow, that's quite a spiel! Of course, I might have been tempted to respond..."You know, you're right! I may not have much time left. Thanks for talking me out of a long term investment like a timeshare"!

Just call me Spider Man because I am climbing the walls.

Okay Spidey...just don't bring any of those spider webs to our immaculate VWL!!

 

[Dizny Dad]

Just walked into the office from a business trip to Pittsburgh. First thing, of course, check the "hot sheet" (it all started with a Moose). . . . .

. . .Thanks elisa61. I loved your Wyndham post! I'm now refreshed and ready to . . . . go home! (Only 10 sleeps)

 

[Muushka]

we just had to cancel our Christmas vacation. I hope it made someone's day though!

2 bedroom Dec 19th - 28th.

We're going to go in March instead.

I'm sorry Dec is canceled, but glad that March is on!

JT - glad everything turned out well. Soon you'll be at Disney!

I admit I've been avoiding our little thread because I'm green with envy for all of you heading down soon! How many more days until next Dec.???

But I do have some good news to share. DH has presented me with an early Christmas gift. He's sending me to the World for my b-day in March! It will be a very short trip (4 days) & unfortunately not at the Lodge but I'm really excited. I've invited my Dsis to join me, but she's a little non-committal at this point. No worries though as I have no problem going by myself. She may decide to join me as it gets closer.

So what is everyone doing for turkey day? I'm hosting this year. It's been a bit of a sad time around these parts as we're quickly approaching the 1 yr. anniversary of my sister's passing. It's hard not to think back to this time last year & think of what we were going through. We're having a memorial service in 2 wks. It's what my mom wants. It's turning into more of a production than my other sister & I would like but we really have no say in the matter. We'd prefer a quiet family only event, but that's not what we're getting. My mom has really been struggling & frankly getting progressively worse over the last year. We all feel she needs to seek some help at this point, but she refuses. Hopefully time will heal, but any prayers would be appreciated.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Remembering your sister. And and prayers for your mom.

Hey, let us Groupie Girls know if you want some company for your birthday!!

Eliza, you do have a way with words. That book idea is a good one. I could be your manager/promoter!!

 

[horselover]

Remembering your sister. And and prayers for your mom.

Hey, let us Groupie Girls know if you want some company for your birthday!!

Eliza, you do have a way with words. That book idea is a good one. I could be your manager/promoter!!

Thanks Barb & all are welcome to join me! March 26-29. I'll be the one by the pool with a pina colava in my hand!

Eliza - too funny!

Granny - love your response to Eliza's timeshare pitch. That's a classic!

 

[blossomz]

Oh Eliza..did I ever need a good giggle!

 

[Nicoal13]

Hello Groupies!

Finally got my laptop back, but have been so busy packing for our upcoming move and trying to figure out how the holidays are going to be around our moving. Going to be hectic for sure!

Just wanted to say I'm jealous of all heading to the world soon and can't wait to hear all about it and see the pictures.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

 

[stopher1]

Eliza! You had me cracking up!

Happy Tuesday Groupies!

Just to get everyone in the mood (not that you already aren't...)

...I can't wait to personally get some Christmas themed shots to add to my WL library. I'm sure many of you already have lots, but I don't yet. I'm so looking forward to being there again.

 

[Granny]

Christopher...thanks for those pix. Just what I needed this morning!

 

[Happydinks]

Hi Groupies -

We are still around, but been miserably absent from these boards for months - not even lurking to see what has been going on! Between a Mom with some severe health issues since August and our slightly nightmarish house renovation - not a glance at the thread has been had. All I know is that with cautious optimism I say - we'll see a bunch of you at the meet up next Friday! It's been a long hard road the last months - but we feel like we're crawling out of it finally.

Eliza - I saw your quote today and it made me smile - because of the major meltdown I had yesterday over contractors. I MUST remember the quote from now on.

Hope everyone has a very safe (if traveling) and Happy Thanksgiving!

Leslie and Bob

 

[Inkmahm]

Okay groupies, I need some ideas!

We had to put our dog down a month ago. She was 15 1/2 and had a good life, but we miss her. Our new puppy was just born on Saturday, 11/20! She is in Minneapolis now but will be coming back to WI in a few weeks. We should get her in early Feb, I think.

Anyway, she will be my husand's dog. He gets to name her and he wants it to be a Disney related name. First choice so far is Cinderella with calling her Cindy for short. She is a Schipperke, cream color. To me the schipperke looks a lot like an American Eskimo only a bit less hair and even a little smaller. This dog should only get to be 16 to 18 pounds when full grown.
Tinkerbell is second choice so far but I'm not sure what the short version would be- Tink? Belle?

Anyone have dog name ideas you'd like to share with me?

 

[Granny]

Dinks...great to see you back here! And looking forward to meeting you next week.

Anyway, she will be my husand's dog. He gets to name her and he wants it to be a Disney related name. First choice so far is Cinderella with calling her Cindy for short. She is a Schipperke, cream color. To me the schipperke looks a lot like an American Eskimo only a bit less hair and even a little smaller. This dog should only get to be 16 to 18 pounds when full grown.
Tinkerbell is second choice so far but I'm not sure what the short version would be- Tink? Belle?

Anyone have dog name ideas you'd like to share with me?

Well, I'm thinking that "Tink" sounds a little too much like "tinkle". And Belle...well that would be a whole different Disney character.

My first thought would be to go with a great name for a dog about that size...Stitch!

 

[franandaj]

OK, so I have to vent here, you folks have been so wonderful. I am on a number of yahoo group forums, one is sponsored by allears.net, and a lady there asked this question: For years my husbnd and I have planned to move to FL. Recently we have decided to move to another location. My question is: is DVC worth the investment? What are the "perks"? Or the downfalls of it? Is best to buy from WOW or an alt site? Thanks so much!

So there were a couple responses to this question and both were from non DVC owners, they basically told the poor woman that it wasn't worth it, there were "other games in town" and that basically it was overrated. I sent the following response:

So I'll be the voice of dissent amongst the previous posters. I will agree with Carol that you do need to evaluate how you travel to Disney. If you
are a person who stays in the value resorts, makes rope drop every day and hears those words, "The Magic Kingdom is now closed, but Main Street will remain open for an additional hour for your shopping convenience", basically someone who views the room as a place to sleep and nothing else, then DVC is not for you.

However, if you are someone who likes to relax, sit on your balcony with a glass of wine or a cup of coffee watching animals outside your room, or
people on the Boardwalk, or MK Fireworks, then DVC is something you might consider. If you enjoy -- gasp -cooking some of your own meals on your vacation, and not rushing around from attractions to restaurants to shows, swimming in the pool, or visiting the spa, DVC might be for you. You needn't even plan to visit Disney every year to make it work for you.

We bought into DVC three years ago, and it was one of the best decisions that we have made in our lives. Now we are disneyholics, you can't turn your head in our house without seeing something Disney. I'm not sure I could get dressed without wearing some article of clothing from Disney. I realize that most people are not in the same class of fanatics, but even people who mildly enjoy Disney travel to Disney often enough to make DVC worth it. If you own a small contract you can bank and borrow the points so that you can visit every three years. If you want to travel more often you can stay in studios instead of one and two bedroom units. Also each of the resorts has different point requirements, you could stay at OKW on much less points than a BLT MK view room or an AKL Concierge level room. You do not have to use your points to travel to WDW exclusively. There are resorts in Vero Beach, Hilton Head Island, one is opening on the island of Oahu, and there is also a resort out next to this little place out in California that a guy named Walt Disney built. <g>

There are some perks of being a DVC member, but that is not a reason to buy into DVC. The only reason you should really consider purchasing is that you will have 40-50 years of quality vacation accommodations. The rooms at the resorts are beautiful. While there is some wear and tear, the rooms are renovated periodically and appliances are upgraded. They are currently in the process of replacing all televisions in the older resorts with Flat screen TVs like the newer resorts already have. You do get a nice discount off of the purchase of an annual pass as a perk, and there are also some restaurant discounts available.

Whether to buy your points resale or direct from Disney is a decision you would have to weigh out for yourself. Buying from Disney you can use your Disney Rewards Visa to purchase the points and you get Disney Dollars for the contract. You can also buy older contracts through Disney, they have a limited number available, although they do not like to advertise this fact. The points also appear in your account immediately when you buy direct and you can begin to make reservations as soon as you have your membership card and number.

Buying resale you can save a lot of money, but you run the risk of not passing ROFR (which is how Disney has some older contracts available). You have to pay cash for the transaction and there are closing costs associated. Also you do not get to choose the number of points you want to purchase, you must take the contract as is. I have purchased both through resale and direct from Disney and would recommend both routes based on the factors in your decision. I am in fact waiting for two more contracts to come up on the resale market that meet my needs at resorts where I want to own.

Deciding where to purchase is also something that DVC members could debate about forever. OKW is the oldest resort, but it also has the largest rooms. Some people love being in the middle of the Boardwalk action and being able to walk to Epcot and DHS. Also in close proximity to those two parks is the Beach Club, and it has Stormalong Bay. SSR is close to DTD and has a wonderful spa. The Animal Kingdom Villas have critters that you can see from your balcony. The VWL is tucked away in a nice woodsy setting and is near the MK, but not as close as BLT where you can walk there in 10 minutes, and it is also is a monorail resort! Where you purchase your points is important especially if you travel at peak times of the year. At your home resort you can book 11 months in advance whereas you can only book 7 months in advance at the others. If you want to stay at Christmas or New Year's, you will probably only be able to book your home resort for these dates, and even that might be a challenge!

If you can't tell, I'm TOTALLY smitten with DVC! There is one downfall to being a DVC member, you get this disease that we call "add-on-itis". Once you get your first batch of points, you want MORE! While others mentioned that they go to other destinations besides Disney, that's what you can use your Hilton & American Express credit card kickback points for! Just because you own DVC doesn't mean it's the only place you have to travel to, it's just a nice option for some well appointed accommodations. If you know you will be traveling there regularly in the future, you can lock in the price now, because you can bet the room rates will continue to go up over the next 40-50 years. It's a decision for each family to make for themselves, but for my family it was the right decision.

****************

So this woman writes back that she can get all the same "perks" in her off-property time share, like laundry, a kitchen and some other stuff. I was just livid because I was trying to give this person asking about DVC a perspective of a happy owner and these other idiots are trying to tell me that views of fountains and pools from their timeshares are just as good as a MK Fireworks view or rocking in the rockers at SSR (I know there are many of you (us) who love both places). I slept on my response, and didn't send a searing email back last night, but I just wanted to vent and thank you all for being so passionate about our DVC resorts. In the last email, one of the non DVC posters suggested that I was a DVC Salesperson! Maybe we all should be! I tried to explain that we are all just passionate about our DVC, and I think that any of you would have responded just as vehemently as I did (if you had the leisure time online that I do) when these people suggested that their offsite timeshares were equivalent to our DVC resorts.

The bottom line is that these people "don't get it" and as I pointed out in a later post, that is good. If everyone loved the DVC resorts as much as we do then none of us would ever get in! Thank god there are people who want to stay off site. Thanks for letting me vent. I think of all the owner's groups that I'm in this is the most passionate. I can't wait to stay at the VWL, I've stayed at the lodge, but since we joined 3 years ago, I haven't gotten to the Villas...I have 4 days until I make my 11 mos reservations...for now it will be at SSR, but hopefully, I will become an owner at VWL before the 7 month mark and then also at 7 months I can make a reservation at BCV for the days we want to hit F&W!

I just love my DVC and all the flexibility it gives me! I will be so happy to stay at the lodge in 11 mos! Hopefully it will all work out the way I am planning!