Why do owners sell?

[madduck]

I 100% agree about the non smoking room.I dont understand why a room that was requested and granted 7 mos. ago would not be there. I dont care what time you arrive even if you are a day late. Its your room so it can sit empty until you get there because you paid for it.

 

[graygables]

This clean towel daily issue fascinates me as a European. For years now many of the hotels I've stayed in (all over western Europe) have notices about doing your bit for the environment, the amount of water, energy and detergents used etc. and asking you to consider whether you really *do* require clean towels daily. If you do, you are simply required not to hang them up and then they are replaced.

There are placards in the WDW resorts (we were just in CBR and AKL) that said the same thing, x million gallons of water are wasted washing towels, please hang yours on the shower rod if you'd like to re-use it, etc. I know growing up/travelling in Europe, we always left towels in the bathtub if they needed changing, otherwise we simply hung them up.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had 4 contracts (452 points) and sold 3 out of the 4 because we bought an RV, plus husband recently retired. We can do alot more in the RV and still not give up disney. In fact, our disney vacations will extend to 2-3 weeks (luckily, he loves it as much as me, lol) starting next summer. I kept enough points to pay for 2 weeks and then Ft. Wilderness is pretty reasonable (expensive as camp sites go, but cheap as disney goes, lol). This will give us alot more vacations, more time at disney, can take our dog, and a drastic reduction in dues and all the while still keeping our dvc perks.
I never DREAMED we'd sell any of those points EVER but i have always wanted an RV, even since i was little) so this is the best of both worlds for us.

This sounds like one of my versions of "heaven on earth!" I love everything about Ft. Wilderness! Happy traveling!

Bobbi

 

[dumbo71]

Interesting perspective, crisi. I think DVC has helped us avoid WDW burnout by providing a great place to relax, eliminating any tendencies towards commando touring (we'll be back next year!) and letting us think about other things that WDW and the area have to offer. We still enjoy the parks, but they don't drive our daily itinerary like they probably would if we didn't go so often, or if we didn't have AP's.

But I can see for some how it could happen. Hopefully your sister will recover someday and join you on a trip!

I agree. We find that becoming DVC owners has let us enjoy WDW at a much more relaxed pace. We no longer feel guilty for enjoying those resort days. We'll be back and soon!!! No need to go commando.

 

[crisi]

Interesting perspective, crisi. I think DVC has helped us avoid WDW burnout by providing a great place to relax, eliminating any tendencies towards commando touring (we'll be back next year!) and letting us think about other things that WDW and the area have to offer. We still enjoy the parks, but they don't drive our daily itinerary like they probably would if we didn't go so often, or if we didn't have AP's.

But I can see for some how it could happen. Hopefully your sister will recover someday and join you on a trip!

She now has a two year old and a six month old - and they'll be joining us in about eighteen months. I think kids will re-inspire them.

On the plus side, without spending all their money and time on Disney, they went to Hawaii, Alaska, Europe (twice), took a number of cruises, spent Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a weekend in NYC, etc.....With kids - especially young ones, that sort of travel is much more difficult - but Disney becomes easy again.

 

[Donna]

This sounds like one of my versions of "heaven on earth!" I love everything about Ft. Wilderness! Happy traveling!

Bobbi

Bobbi,
It really is my little slice of heaven on earth! When i'm in the RV, i'm happy no matter where i'm at so i can't imagine how happy i will be when i'm at ft. wilderness for 2 weeks or so! Even when we stayed at OKW, we used to drive by Ft. wilderness and say "some day, that will be us". I used to be so envious of all the RVers getting to stay there. We tried the cabins and just fell in love with the place.

 

[crisi]

I 100% agree about the non smoking room.I dont understand why a room that was requested and granted 7 mos. ago would not be there. I dont care what time you arrive even if you are a day late. Its your room so it can sit empty until you get there because you paid for it.

Because it wasn't granted seven months ago. Smoking at DVC is currently simply a request not a guarentee or a reserved room type. They don't count the number of requests - if there are 100 non- smoking rooms out of 110 they can take 110 requests for non-smoking. And with room assignment spotty (used to be a room assigner would assign rooms in order of initial reservation date - the earlier you reserved, the more of your requests would be met - now its often 'room ready' or "whatever the desk clerk sticks you in when you arrive") its luck of the draw on if you get what asked for.

 

[PamOKW]

Well, they have said they'l be adding DVDs to all the studios.....maybe an all non-smoking WDW will be next. But I guess that's another topic.

 

[dznymom1]

Well, they have said they'l be adding DVDs to all the studios.....maybe an all non-smoking WDW will be next. But I guess that's another topic.

Ahh, but rather it is quite on topic, as that is the reason that my Mom sold 2 of her 3 contracts this fall As a smoker, she often can't get a smoking room and over the years has been encouraged by CMs to just smoke in the room which she does not do. Plus as a BWV owner, she was very upset when they eliminated all the BW view smoking rooms and put the small number of smoking rooms in a less desirable area. She has the attitude that Disney pulled a Bait and Switch. I don't share her feeling, but I can understand it. Personally I would be thrilled if DVC went totally non-smoking.

Just wanted to toss that in there as another reason (although not likely a common one) for selling.

 

[tor]

As a former smoker quit for 3 yrs and still missing it, I can not understand peoples desire to smoke inside never did it. Even as a smoker I did not enjoy the stale smoke smell inside. On the other side of the coin I have never understood nonsmokers desire to harass people for smoking outside such as on a balcony. When you see that I think you should think that the person is being considerate by smoking outside.

 

[wilderness01]

We sold for many reasons. The biggest is I don't like the cleanliness of the units. I do not want to risk what they will be like in another 20 or so years. I know that is not a popular response, but that is how we feel. We will continue to go, just not as much. We are going again in March but splitting our time between WDW and Universal. We have had a much better experience at the Portifino in regards to cleanliness. Am I saying there can't ever be problems at another resort? No, of course not. But I just don't like what I am seeing and it has been occuring more and more over the last few years. I have stayed in SW Florida and never ever at the resorts we have stayed at was there the degree of mold, dirt, etc. that I have been finding over the last several years at WDW. Is it because they have cut back so on the housekeeping staff? I don't know, but I just don't like it. We are now using the $$ to buy a place in Florida. I will keep my own place clean and won't have to worry about the condition of our accomodations, if we will get a non smoking unit, etc. Again, I know my response is not popular and many choose to look the other way or say it is because of finances, etc. but in our case it isn't the reason we decided to sell. We have enjoyed our time in WDW and will go occasionally but I really believe, again not a popular or shared response, that when you are a cash paying customer they will be much more responsive if you are staying in a dirty unkept room.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Bobbi,
It really is my little slice of heaven on earth! When i'm in the RV, i'm happy no matter where i'm at so i can't imagine how happy i will be when i'm at ft. wilderness for 2 weeks or so! Even when we stayed at OKW, we used to drive by Ft. wilderness and say "some day, that will be us". I used to be so envious of all the RVers getting to stay there. We tried the cabins and just fell in love with the place.

We try to find time to rent bikes at WL every December to ride the wonderful road to FW and ride around to see how the campers have decorated their sites. I hope you enjoy this new phase of your DVC ownership!

I also, very much appreciate your statement earlier about being able to take your dog.

This won't be our answer, DH isn't the RVcamper/FW lover that I am, but we both are very happy with VWL , and that's more than "good enough" for me.

Bobbi

 

[dumbo71]

As a former smoker quit for 3 yrs and still missing it, I can not understand peoples desire to smoke inside never did it. Even as a smoker I did not enjoy the stale smoke smell inside. On the other side of the coin I have never understood nonsmokers desire to harass people for smoking outside such as on a balcony. When you see that I think you should think that the person is being considerate by smoking outside.

Yes, that is so considerate. Now when I'm sitting out trying to enjoy a glass of wine and the scenerey I have smoke blowing into our face.

There is no such thing as a considerate smoker. Anyone who smokes in this day and age knowing what it does to them and others around them really needs some help. The old timers who started smoking before they publicized what it does to you....... they get a free pass. Anyone else who smokes anywhere near my family is going to deal directly with me. I start by asking nicely for them to put it out. If that doesn't work..... well then I'll take it to the next level if need be.

Your right to smoke does not out weigh my families right to smoke free air.

 

[dumbo71]

We sold for many reasons. The biggest is I don't like the cleanliness of the units. I do not want to risk what they will be like in another 20 or so years. I know that is not a popular response, but that is how we feel. We will continue to go, just not as much. We are going again in March but splitting our time between WDW and Universal. We have had a much better experience at the Portifino in regards to cleanliness. Am I saying there can't ever be problems at another resort? No, of course not. But I just don't like what I am seeing and it has been occuring more and more over the last few years. I have stayed in SW Florida and never ever at the resorts we have stayed at was there the degree of mold, dirt, etc. that I have been finding over the last several years at WDW. Is it because they have cut back so on the housekeeping staff? I don't know, but I just don't like it. We are now using the $$ to buy a place in Florida. I will keep my own place clean and won't have to worry about the condition of our accomodations, if we will get a non smoking unit, etc. Again, I know my response is not popular and many choose to look the other way or say it is because of finances, etc. but in our case it isn't the reason we decided to sell. We have enjoyed our time in WDW and will go occasionally but I really believe, again not a popular or shared response, that when you are a cash paying customer they will be much more responsive if you are staying in a dirty unkept room.

Don't apologize. I sold for similiar reasons combined with other changes. I also don't want to find out what WDW and DVC will be like in 10 years or so. I also didn't want to wait until my points were worthless.

Thanks for having the guts to post the truth.

 

[Boston5602]

Internet access.

What I have done-

I have a wireless access built into my handheld system, but you could get a wireless card to add . I have seen them on sale in the $49.00 and up range at the Verizon store.

Verizon has unlimited wireless access for $42.95 a month.

Thats to much money for me after paying $45.00 a month to cable for broadband. BUT I do call up and order wireless access a few days before I go to WDW ( I have a cell phone account through them and attach the bill to that) and when I get home I change it to pay as I go plan. I don't use much at home I usually find a free hot spot or in home network.

it cost less then $40.00 most times less than $20.00 and I have use of it most anywhere including the airports.

I'm sure all / most cell phone carriers would have some type of data access plan .


PLEASE SEE SuzanneSLO 's post directly below mine, she clears this up THANKS Suzanne

 

[SuzanneSLO]

Internet access.

What I have done-

I have a wireless access built into my handheld system, but you could get a wireless card to add . I have seen them on sale in the $49.00 and up range at the Verizon store.

Verizon has unlimited wireless access for $42.95 a month.

Thats to much money for me after paying $45.00 a month to cable for broadband. BUT I do call up and order wireless access a few days before I go to WDW ( I have a cell phone account through them and attach the bill to that) and when I get home I change it to pay as I go plan. I don't use much at home I usually find a free hot spot or in home network.

it cost less then $40.00 most times less than $20.00 and I have use of it most anywhere including the airports.

I'm sure all / most cell phone carriers would have some type of data access plan .

I am not doubting what Boston5602 said, but you should be aware that a similar offer may not be available to you.

In the last few years, many of the wireless providers have realized that they need 2 tiers of pricing: one for using the internet on your phone and one for using your phone to access the internet on your computer. The pricing difference results from the vast difference in likely usage depending on whether you are surfing your phone or a laptop. Newer contracts for unlimited internet access on your phone usually specifically prohibit you from using your phone access as a modem (PAM) for your laptop.

For example, if you go to the verizonwireless website, the cheapest monthly service that allows you to use your phone as a modem for your laptop is $79.95. If you need to buy the modem card online (as cheap as $50), it requires a 2 year minimum committment (that's $1,918.80 over those 24 months). I know my boss paid more for the card at the local Verizon store, but only had to get a 1 year contract for the PAM service. After that, he can buy the service as needed.

In case you are interested, we used his Verizon card at BWV last Fall and found the speed to be adequate: faster than dial-up but not as fast as the high speed service offered by the hotel for $9.95/day. Verizon was faster than the T-mobile PAM connection we used the prior year when the HSIA at BWV kept crashing.

I personally don't mind paying for HSIA. I recognize that not everyone uses it, but it makes it possible for me to go on vacation.

I also recognize that DVC is not for everyone. Sometimes it is not apparent that it is not the right fit for someone until after they have experienced the whole process, from making reservations to checking out.

Best of luck -- Suzanne

 

[Andrew Bichard]

I was just wondering why DVC owners sell?
Any thoughts?

Thanks -

Ellen and Brian

My wife and I live in the UK. We don't have medical insurance because that is provided free of charge to all citizens and funded from taxes. We therefore have to buy heath insurance whenever we visit WDW. As we get older, our insurance premiums get higher and higher. I predict that within five years we may not be able to afford vacations outside of Europe.

There is a lot of talk here about global warming warming and the fact that we should all try to be 'carbon neutral' and cut down on the number of miles we fly. If governments decide that aviation fuel be taxed we might be priced out of our annual flight to Florida.

We don't come to WDW exclusively for the parks. What attracts us as much as anything is the quality of the accomodation and the restaurants. Unfortunately we perceive a gradual slide in the quality of the restaurants. (we don't think we are imagining this) It's not enough to put us off.......YET. But if the slide continues ......

Andrew

 

[tor]

Yes, that is so considerate. Now when I'm sitting out trying to enjoy a glass of wine and the scenerey I have smoke blowing into our face.

There is no such thing as a considerate smoker. Anyone who smokes in this day and age knowing what it does to them and others around them really needs some help. The old timers who started smoking before they publicized what it does to you....... they get a free pass. Anyone else who smokes anywhere near my family is going to deal directly with me. I start by asking nicely for them to put it out. If that doesn't work..... well then I'll take it to the next level if need be.

Your right to smoke does not out weigh my families right to smoke free air.

I don't get this an old person can smoke next to you with the free pass?
Is there smoke not deadly? What exactly is the next level fire hoses or execution?

 

[Donna]

Yes, that is so considerate. Now when I'm sitting out trying to enjoy a glass of wine and the scenerey I have smoke blowing into our face.

There is no such thing as a considerate smoker. Anyone who smokes in this day and age knowing what it does to them and others around them really needs some help. The old timers who started smoking before they publicized what it does to you....... they get a free pass. Anyone else who smokes anywhere near my family is going to deal directly with me. I start by asking nicely for them to put it out. If that doesn't work..... well then I'll take it to the next level if need be.

Your right to smoke does not out weigh my families right to smoke free air.

Thank you!

 

[dumbo71]

I don't get this an old person can smoke next to you with the free pass?
Is there smoke not deadly? What exactly is the next level fire hoses or execution?

I don't like the old person smoking next to me either but I have a certain level of sympathy for them. They started smoking before it was known that it kills. I also figure they'll be dead soon enough anyway.

It isn't nice to confront old people.