What don't you like about the DVC?

[Disney Doll]

I'd like to see more DVC merchandise.

I'd like to get a Florida resident rate for passes.

Other than that, I am pretty happy.

 

[DebbieB]

The only thing I don't like with DVC is what Colleen said, the 30 day cancellation. If I'm taking my mom, who has health problems, there always seems to be a test result or something we are waiting for right around the 30 day cancellation and I worry should I cancel or not. At least with CRO it's only 6 days. I understand why DVC does this, they can't have people cancelling at the last minute with no penalty.

 

[pmcpmc]

that its 3000 miles away.How lucky you all are to be able to make frequent short trips.

 

[JimC]

Should have bought much sooner. We find nothing seriously wrong with the program. We get great one bedroom units for the price of moderate rooms. The deal is better than AP codes. There are a few assorted discounts that accompany that. The members are a great group of WDW fans.

There are improvements that we would like to see:

1. discounts on APs

2. a simplified WDW wide discount program for all purchases

3. less of a premium for Friday and Saturday nights (but there may be a need for this to ensure that locals don't book all of the those nights leaving those of us that travel from afar with only Sunday thru Thursday nights

4. better point schedules for Disney collection trades


But those are wants, not needs, and do not detract from the program's major benefit.

Buying resale saves even more money, but is a bit less flexible if you need to finance or are very particular about use year and number of points.

 

[maminnie]

One negative for us is the points for the cruise are really getting way too high. No wonder everyone is renting points now to pay for the cruise. One of these days I'm going to have to ask all of you renting experts the best way to handle renting points because we would really like to cruise again in a few years.

The other day I priced a week for Nov. 19, 2005 (7 night) in cash and then in points combined with cash and it was quite a bit cheaper to pay the total cash through DCL (please bear in mind that I was pricing a week beyond the eleven month booking window). What really annoyed me is that when I added up the cash figures DVC gave me for the 2 adults and 2 kids, it added up to about $1700 more than if I paid all cash through DCL. The adult fare DVC gave me was the highest fare (probably because it was Thanksgiving) in the adult price range on the DCL web site. So much for negotiations between DVC and DCL. Also there are very view value weeks next year too. Most weeks fall in regular which is so high.

Having been on the 4 night and 7 night over the past two years, it seemed like there were a lot of DVC members on board. I wish DVC could do a better job these days negotiating points for us since it seems so many of us do cruise. It was also a key part of their sales pitch when we purchased in 2000.

All in all we are glad we purchased our DVC points - so far so good. It has accomplished what we set out to do so far and we hope things continue to go as planned.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by maminnie
One negative for us is the points for the cruise are really getting way too high. No wonder everyone is renting points now to pay for the cruise.

I agree 100% with the above. This year there was a 16% increase in points across the board for cruisng.

For the time we are cruising next Feb, DVC wanted 450 pts. We deicided to rent 300 pts and pay cash for the cruise through Dreams Unlimited. So we saved 150 pts, no $75 booking fee, can cancel up to 30 days out with 100% refund,etc.

I can only imagine what it will cost in points to cruise 5-10 years from now.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by BWVDee
I can honestly say the only thing I do not like about DVC and would change if I could is the 11/7 month booking window. I wish the booking window was much longer for your home resort with only a maximum of a 4 month window to book at a non "home" DVC resort. The out of DVC system exchanges I would leave the same booking window, but for your DVC "home" resort, I would definitely like to see members given a much longer exclusive booking window at their home resort than the 11/7 window.

The way I reads the POS, the longest window is 11 vs 7 months and the shortest is 11/10 with only a 1 month priority. Though I'd personally prefer a 11/4 window.

You may want to consider that I take a real world timeshare view when looking at DVC. Here are some issues I'd prefer to see.

• For DVC to be more agressive in getting us discounts and going after more reasonably priced exchanges including the DC and DCL.
• For DVC to give an absolute priority to home resort owners for room assignments regardless of when they booked.
• For DVC to become a regular member of II rather than a corporate only member with the positives and negatives that would come from that move.
• ANd/or for DVC to gear up their own exchange company, BVTC, and move past II.
• For DVC to allow one to book at 11 months out but book the entire stay at one time subject to points availability, 11 months plus the length of stay priority as Marriott does.
• For DVC to allow at least a 1 month priority for booking 7 days at a time. Then let those who want to book less to book later.
• For DVC to institute cancellation, banking and borrowing fees with a corresponding reduction in yearly resort fees.
• To book smoking preference direclty rather than making it a request.
• And the last one I can think of right now, to require a 3 day minimum stay.

I know, I can already hear the boos. "That's not the DVC I bought into", "I would not have bought DVC is...." and the like. And yes, I know that some of these are not doeable within the rules though the rules can be changed. But IMO, DVC would be far better in the long run with most if not all of the changes I'd suggest.

 

[sratay]

This is an easy one -

Lack of creative DVC merchandise

Lack of quality DVC merchandise

This has been IMHO the only weak spot with the DVC and it has been weak since day one. In the beginning, I could have understood it, but now there are tens of thousands of us DVC'ers wanting to give the Mouse some more of our money, but not for the same old rehashed junk!

Steve in Iowa

 

[RLevy29]

The only thing that I would like to change is for DVC members to get a discount on an annual pass. Other than that, I can't find anything I don't like. I love the flexibility, all of the resorts are beautiful, and the exchanges offer some great choices.

 

[BWVDee]

The way I reads the POS, the longest window is 11 vs 7 months and the shortest is 11/10 with only a 1 month priority. Though I'd personally prefer a 11/4 window.

ITA. I would love if the window was changed to 11/4.

 

[spiceycat]

I sold my VB - it was not a good fit for my family - we like the Panhandle not the Ocean - and I had brought another timeshare on the Gulf - besides my brother needed the money - and no the ownership is complete mind - but I share with him -

I wish some of the old stuff was still there - the books that explain everything, the free tickets (okay I know that won't happen again), the advance check-in, Disney dinning, the food and recreation plan you could buy.

DVC will try lots of things - some they kept others they don't. they are very flexibility.

As far as the Disney resorts being to expensive using points - hey for years and years this plan was not changed - everyone then was telling me I was crazy to stay at the Polyn using points - the points then were 22 points per night - I think the lagoon view rented for $275.....

if you want to do something with your points - go for it - they are your points.....

I don't mind studios - so I save in the studios alot!!!! Now don't expect to save money if you are staying in one hotel room and suddenly start saving in a 2-bedroom - this is not going to happen.

their you will save 70% after the first 5 to 8 years is based on a studio stay.....which I think compares very well to the hotel rooms on Disney property. Not the 1, 2 or 3 bedroom - unless of course your family was large enough that you had to have 2 hotels rooms - then the 2-bedroom is probably a better choice - of course I am cheap I would probably go with 2 studios (if possible - if you childrens are little this is not possible - there must a 18 year in each room).

the disadvantegous to SSR are about the same as OKW - not within walking/boating distance of any of the parks. OKW and SSR are both within boating/walking/bus of DD.

do you like to party at PI? if yes - then I would think SSR is made for you. If no - I would go with OKW - or if you want to be close to a park - BWV, BCV or VWL - depending upon your favorite park - kept in mind this could change.

I own mostly at OKW (it was DVC when I joined) have small amount of points at VWL and BWV - for the first two weeks of Christmas - if you don't own at WDW don't expect to be able to go at this time.

lately on the resort boards - there is a larger than normal demand for the Epcot resorts for the food/wine festavial. This is the first year that I have heard that just about everything is already sold out for that time.

you know all your points don't have to be at one DVC resort.

we went to HH - kept in mind that Disney's HH is NOT on the ocean - it is on an island - you can drive, walk, bike or take their van over to the beach house. I don't particular like to golf or do tennis - now don't be insulted - but those are what most of the people who visit HH are into big time. I am not!!!!

I would think you would be better off buying a Marriott at HH - there are at least 2 on the ocean/beach - and my stay there was great. It depends upon what you want.

I love WDW so DVC was great for me.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Originally posted by Dean
The way I reads the POS, the longest window is 11 vs 7 months and the shortest is 11/10 with only a 1 month priority. Though I'd personally prefer a 11/4 window.

You may want to consider that I take a real world timeshare view when looking at DVC. Here are some issues I'd prefer to see.

• For DVC to be more agressive in getting us discounts and going after more reasonably priced exchanges including the DC and DCL.
• For DVC to give an absolute priority to home resort owners for room assignments regardless of when they booked.
• For DVC to become a regular member of II rather than a corporate only member with the positives and negatives that would come from that move.
• ANd/or for DVC to gear up their own exchange company, BVTC, and move past II.
• For DVC to allow one to book at 11 months out but book the entire stay at one time subject to points availability, 11 months plus the length of stay priority as Marriott does.
• For DVC to allow at least a 1 month priority for booking 7 days at a time. Then let those who want to book less to book later.
• For DVC to institute cancellation, banking and borrowing fees with a corresponding reduction in yearly resort fees.
• To book smoking preference direclty rather than making it a request.
• And the last one I can think of right now, to require a 3 day minimum stay.

I know, I can already hear the boos. "That's not the DVC I bought into", "I would not have bought DVC is...." and the like. And yes, I know that some of these are not doeable within the rules though the rules can be changed. But IMO, DVC would be far better in the long run with most if not all of the changes I'd suggest.

You know Dean my first response was this isn't so bad...then I thought booooooo!!!

Giving absolute priority to owners seems a logistical nightmare unless there is some type of cut off in the time frame. However I do agree home owners should get a shot at priority sign ups.

Full membership in II? Wouldn't that add to my dues? On the upside it would probably trade quite well despite being in Orlando thus negating the need for Disney to do so much negotiating for the concierge collection.

Three day minimum stay!!! That's the reason I bought DVC was for the flexibility in stays. And what's this about treating people who want to stay fewer than 7 days as second class citizens???

The fee thing is an interesting notion. Trouble is once the fees start corporations have a hard time stopping them. Just say no to more fees.

Anyway...I'd like to see the concierge collection shuffled a bit. Maybe link it to the RitzCarlton instead so there are more sweeping options on a national scale.

 

[Dean]

Giving absolute priority to owners seems a logistical nightmare unless there is some type of cut off in the time frame. However I do agree home owners should get a shot at priority sign ups.

They've done a priority for years, it's only the recent couple where they've back off that. True, any restrictions on a day by day system can add to the confusion. I can't think of another floating unit timeshare where owners at THAT resort don't get priority.

Full membership in II? Wouldn't that add to my dues? On the upside it would probably trade quite well despite being in Orlando thus negating the need for Disney to do so much negotiating for the concierge collection.

For most people it would likely reduce the dues. For those that chose to join II, it would add to their costs somewhat but give them far more options and opportunities.

Three day minimum stay!!! That's the reason I bought DVC was for the flexibility in stays. And what's this about treating people who want to stay fewer than 7 days as second class citizens???

No second class citizens and it's within the legal paperwork already. How many people stay less than 3 days, not that many. It would make unit assignments somewhat easier and would likely reduce fees further.

The fee thing is an interesting notion. Trouble is once the fees start corporations have a hard time stopping them. Just say no to more fees.

I know and I see it's a two edged sword. It could reduce fees further and shift certain expenses to those that use the service.

DVC could likely reduce fees by 30% or more with some minor (IMO, LOL) changes that would affect few people in the long run. 350 points, enough for a 2 BR for a week, has dues in the range of $1400, a full twice as much as many other high end comparable timeshares in the US. And it's likely to get nothing but worse over the years.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I don't think I would change a thing. My wife and I are totally happy with our DVC as it stands right now.
Just to add, we knew when we bought DVC it didn't include the right to discounted park passes, or any other similar benefits.

As far as those 'new rules' previously posted, I would not like them at all. As said earlier, that is not the DVC I purchased.

Good luck...

MG

 

[MDonley]

Other than the lack of an AP discount and the lack of DVC merchandise, the one negative I have is that you almost feel obligated to take a vacation. Because of this, we've curtailed vacations "in state" or to "educational" locations because II can be somewhat hard to get requested dates ... making planning difficult. Nothing bad about going to WDW, but the USA has some fantastic National Parks.
Not sure if I've expressed myself well, but I tried.

 

[dianeschlicht]

We love DVC, and the only thing I would change is better park pass discounts for members. We love how the resorts are maintained, and the value of the parks being nearby. Even if WDW was to go under, I would still consider my OKW a great vacation destination! NO, I am not starting any rumors or worried at all that will happen! Obviously, we purchased to go to Disney more often and for a better Disney vacation value. We feel it has more than met that desire.

 

[goofyguy1958]

Well, thanks again everyone for your replies. However, another disturbing question has come up. In reviewing the Vacation Club booklet we were given by the sales rep my wife and I noted that there is an asterisk associated with the vacation points per night chart for all of the 7 DVC sites. The small print states, "This Vacation Points chart is effective from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005." Does this mean there could be a points per night increase after December 31, 2005? When we filled in the paperwork and reviewed the contract, we were under the impression that our points per night would not increase until "May of 2054." The answer to this will most likely be the determining in our actually signing the contract. Please help!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Originally posted by goofyguy1958
"This Vacation Points chart is effective from January 1, 2004 through December 31, 2005." Does this mean there could be a points per night increase after December 31, 2005?

Yes and no. The total points for the resort can never increase, but points can be reallocated. In other words, if the points required for a stay increase in one area, there must be an equal decrease in another area(s) that will keep the total the same. This has only happened once or twice in the history of DVC. It is simply a way to balance demand.
Also, from year to year certain holidays such as Easter and Thanksgiving change dates. This would put certain parts of the month in higher seasons, but again, other dates would be moved to lower seasons to balance the equation.

Of course, this only holds true for the actual DVC resorts. The Disney Collection can increase at will.

Good luck...

 

[goofyguy1958]

Thanks everyone for all the information. You have all been really helpful, but I am afraid our decision has been made for us. We jsut discovered that we need to replace our heater/airconditioner to the tune of $8,000 to $10,000. So the money we would have used for the DVC is now going to keep us warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Oh well, we can always explore the DVC next year when we visit WDW in June (this is the one good thing coming out of our HVAC breakdown). Again, thanks everyone and have a magical day!!!

 

[goofyguy1958]

Hey, you know I always try and see a silver lining to every cloud and I found at least three to my current cloud:
1. We are going to go to WDW next June for at least 10 days (depends on how big my bonus and tax return will be).
2. In May of 2006 we will be back on board the Disney Magic for an eastern cruise. Saving starts today for both!!!
3. The possibility of becoming a future DVCer is not a dead issue just one that has to wait a little while longer.

Now that we have had a weeks worth of magic on board the Magic, how do I remove the countdown clock from any future posts? Anyone? Thanks in advance for the help.