Why I Should Not Join??

[prplcrzy]

Well put Diana!!!

 

[leanne2255]

I bought in 1999 and don't remember a huge "sell" on flexibility for other resorts. My main reason for buying is that:

1) We go to WDW every year, anyway. DVC just made sense.

2) We LOVED the BWV location.

If you are looking for flexibility to stay at other WDW properties, or the Concierge collection, then maybe one should think twice before buying DVC.

 

[TnRobin]

Ladies and Gentlemen

I respectfully request you return to the original question of this topic. Any further discussions about what a person should do with thier DVC investment or your opinions of people who may not be happy with DVC; will be remove from this thread.

 

[raidermatt]

Why NOT purchase?

Its simple. If you are relying on any of the non-guaranteed perks/programs for your satisfaction, you should think twice.

What is guraranteed? The total point cost for the current resorts cannot be raised. Therefore, if you plan to use the majority of your points on DVC properties, DVC is probably a good decision. Especially if you want to stay on-site.

Things like the Disney Collection, Concierge Collection, etc are not likely to go away, but point costs are not guaranteed, as we were recently reminded of. Certainly demand will dictate the cost.

Focus on the 'meat' of the program (DVC resorts), and decide if it works for you. If it does, go for it. If not, you may still decide to join, but just be prepared for changes, as nothing stays the same...

 

[baileybrad]

I would never begin to tell someone what to do with their own money and vacation time. I would say that if choose to the DVC for it's ability to offer a timeshare program that is as flexible and well-run as just about any out there today....then go for it. But never consider a timeshare a good investment because it is not necessarily so.

 

[pluvc1993]

When we sat with our guide though she made it sound absolutely wonderful. I saw quite clearly that I was buying into a home resort instead of the other Disney locations. She clearly stated that the perks were Disney courtesy and can be taken away at their discretions. Another decision factor was their concierge collection and the great world class resorts that they offered.

Did I see it as a wise "investment"? Financially, no. It was a great way to commit to family vacation together every year in a wonderful place that makes you feel young every day. And I can quite frankly say that though I don't agree with the taking away of Disney perks ( you know , we are the "sure" thing) Disney is a great place and the best way to enjoy it is staying there.

Yes family time is a wise "investment."

 

[Pa@okw95]

Why I should not join was the question? The person that asked that question will never get too many negative answers to that question on this forum. Those who dare are usually "stoned" by others and usually told to sell their points if they are unhappy. I have been posting for years now here and I can say that if you get too negative about the almighty mouse you will hear from those who worship him.
The lady that asked the question must wonder herself about the way these types of questions are handled. At any rate I would say to her that you must consider if Disneyworld is a place where you want to go for the rest of your life. WDW has changed over the last 20 years. It is not the place it once was. I would consider the direction it is going in as well as any of the DVC situations first.
I have been a member of DVC since 95. We got free tickets for many years as one big perk. I would not join today even with the free tickets. WDW is not what it used to be.

 

[one_cat]

See - you do get both sides here

If your primary motivation is to use your points for cruising or to trade into the Disney Collection I would think very carefully about buying.

My understanding is that DVC trades very well into II however the dues are a bit expensive if you are planning to use DVC just to trade into II.

Don't buy if you can't see yourself 30 years from now still enjoying WDW and still getting excited about Coming Home.

Definitely do a lot of reading and research before you buy (something we didn't do) and understand exactly what you are buying and how the timeshare industry works.

That said if your finances are right and every time you leave WDW you start planning your next trip and think about it every minute of every day by all means buy. I truly believe it's one of the best things we ever did...

 

[trishy]

My hubby talked me into signing the papers last year (BWV). After our trip there in July I have to say the hype of what you read and hear from these boards is NOT what is reality. I found the attitude to be very much turned toward the "you're privileged to have bought this time-share" instead of "we're so happy you chose us". This isn't just limited to the lack of perks, but the service received at the villas (lifeguards, desk clerks, gym). Surprisingly, I found it to be not friendly. I certainly did not feel as though I were at the Happiest Place on Earth. We've been to Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim locations and found them to be very friendly, helpful and happy "WE chose them". Is this just a Florida thing? Anyway, the cruise price is a joke. We are suppose to be getting this great DVC rate(?) and then DCL tells us because we use points we can't take advantage of credits that are available to cash payers? Like I said, little or no perks. In this case even a penalty... However, the villas fit our family of 5 comfortably, I like the 2 bedroom, the pool at the Beach Club is AWESOME and the transportation was great. Feel free to delete this post if you feel it's too negative - I expect nothing more from Disney brainwashers. One final note, I DO love the Mouse.

 

[teri]

In this thread, a few people have crossed the line into argumentative and sarcastic remarks about other posters on this Board and our volunteer Moderators. That isn't appropriate here. Discussions and differences of opinion are quite acceptable, always have been, as long as they don't devolve into debates or fights. Please, folks, be nice to each other. That goes for all sides! Thank you!

DIS Posting Guidelines for your review

 

[ron7654]

Kudos to those of you who typed negative comments, most notably dvcdave. Having purchased OKW a year ago, i also fear an erosion of "perks". And while I have enjoyed my purchase, I do not want my options to dwindle. It does concern me that the AKL pool is "off limits" and i truly believe you will see Storm along Bay disappaer as well. Unless DVC'ers show a united front in resisting take backs, we will all suffer the consequences. Negative comments can only help to make this forum and our experiences better, not worse. By staying on top of things and keeping Disney in check we can all be sure to get our fair share of the mouse! Keep 'em comming and keep open minds.

 

[JonHM]

First of all, Disney does not run this board, and who knows if anyone at Disney even reads this board. So negative comments posted all over this board are not any sort of 'wake up call' to Disney. It IS important for complaints to be brought to Disney's attention, but that is best done by contacting Member Services.

I absolutely agree that negative comments CAN be as useful and informative (if not moreso) as positive comments, BUT the sentiment of 'keep an open mind' should be extended to the advocates of negative comments as well.

 

[JonHM]

WDW has changed over the last 20 years. It is not the place it once was. I would consider the direction it is going in as well as any of the DVC situations first.

You are absolutely correct, WDW is a *completely* different place than it was in 1981. NOW we have

Epcot
MGM Studios
The Boardwalk
Splash Mountain
Animal Kingdom
DVC
The Grand Floridian
OKW
VWL
Downtown Disney

It SURE is a different place than it was 20 years ago - for the better! I used to come to WDW in the '70s, and I think WDW today is a much richer experience than it *ever* was 20+ years ago. Oh well, that's what makes horseracing!

 

[KLR-wlv]

In DVCDave's defense - and this is relevant to the original post - as a new member - I am also concerned. Through the 90's - the majority of DVC's existence - the economy was great. Now that things are turning south, it's a bit disconcerting to see Disney's response to the bad economy. We bought VWL after staying there and loving it in 2000. When we returned in 2001 on points, we found the boat service had been combined with FW. This meant having to wait for 2 boats since 1 was full in the morning, and a HUGE wait after the MK parade one night. I didn't understand why, in ADDING rooms to WL, they decreased boat service - a major selling point of that resort IMO.

There have been numerous LITTLE things, which just don't make sense - other than a blanket move to save money. So, if you haven't bought, I would say - wait and see how things pan out. Let's see how Disney handles another year of a bad economy. (if that is what happens) More lay offs would mean perhaps more incidents of incompetent or poorly trained or disgruntled CM's (and the great CM's are the major reason that Disney is such a great place to visit). Less workers means a dirtier park, etc... As a new member, I haven't been around for the better times of the program - just the cutbacks. I really am a Disney freak by the way - which is why I'm probably MORE upset at seeing something that worked so well (the whole park in general) be jeopardized by some suits trying to please stockholders (who haven't been pleased for years by the way).

I think because most people on this board love Disney more than the average person, these moves are taken as personal attacks on them and their loyalty - myself included. And with the DVC, it isn't just your faith in Disney on the line - it's your money too - so people are going to be even more "touchy". I think it is good to be objective about this. Jefferson said something like "the price of freedom is eternal vigilance" and we could change that to the price of "flexibility" perhaps... I'm glad people get enraged when there are "changes" because I know DVC reads these boards. So don't fix what ain't broke!

KLR

 

[JonHM]

I still think it is very important for ANYONE who is upset about anything relating to DVC to not *just* post their complaints here, but to e-mail or call Member Services about it as well. I do not share your confidence that decision makers at DVC regularly read here. (Although I certainly HOPE that they do... )

Regarding the changes due to the downturn in the economy, I don't think that Disney is happy about those kind of changes (such as the boat service), and that as soon as the economy rebounds again, I am sure that they will start restoring service to the level it should be. Unfortunately, these kinds of cutbacks are happening all over the US right now. I am just glad that Disney is (seemingly) strong enough to ride it out. Quite a lot of very large and well established companies have taken quite a hit lately)

 

[Joeblack]

JohnHM:

Disney does not run these forums, but the DIS forums are BY FAR the largest and most active Disney forums in the web. I would bet anything that Disney does monitor these boards and are kicking themselves in the butt for not coming up with their own boards when they should have. Maybe they are waiting for webmaster Pete to quote his price (I really hope that doesn't happen).

I agree that members should email MS or whoever "the powers that be" are about things they are concerned about or feel affected by, but don't underestimate the power of the web these days. Many educated consumers of all ages go to the web for all kinds of advice before taking the plunge in a timeshare or any other big investment. I know I did, and I also believe that the DIS are responsible to a degree for the huge success of the DVC the last 2 years.

Having said that, I will just tell the original poster that he should consider all things, but do it quickly before DVC runs out of stock (pssst..I think your only regret will be not having bought sooner).

 

[pluvc1993]

Wow I just had to add how comical this is that one post was stopped but somehow it managed to be reincarnated in some other fashion. Again I like to commend those who have the determination to voice their opinions despite the negative feedback. I think we should have a chat night on this topic. I also think that we should have Doc as our moderator because he seems to be very informed as well as a asset to this board and would probably be a fair mediator. Maybe we should start a message board to name this chat night. lol
Doc please e-mail me if this is all possible. ( I think some people need some serious venting.) lol

 

[teri]

Disney CMs do read these boards... there are several Disney CMs who are regular posters and readers here. However, this is an unofficial site run by folks who like Disney travel and are interested in creating even better Disney vacations for their families and friends. Venting *at* other posters or at the moderators is pointless and unpleasant. Venting in chat is like throwing your ideas into the wind... If you are upset with DVC, you should be writing to DVC. yes they read this, but they are not responsible for doing anything about what they read here. They ARE responsible for doing something about letters directed to them.

There have been cutbacks. There have been layoffs of long-term employees who had given their all. The economy has gone south for the time being, sales are soft. If that means I lose a few perks or can't go on the cruise (which has absolutely no appeal to me anyway) or have to take my own shampoo, or salt and pepper -- big deal! The heart of the program is still there -- the DVC resorts themselves. They are just what many families want and need. If we have to ride out some lean times during this economic slowdown, at least we can do it onsite.

 

[Synonymous]

I understood the boat problem at WL to be the result of a construction error regarding some new docks, and that it would be temporary.

Whether that's correct or not (I remember it being thoroughly hashed out a few months ago) isn't this discussion (where it has drifted, rather than the initial topic) a little premature? All of the horrible things things that are supposedly limiting our flexibility and reducing our value are speculation, at this point. (I don't see the lack of pool-hopping at AKL as a reduction, since there WAS no AKL until this April.)

The fact that we all care so passionately about WDW and DVC, along with the lack of real information and the fact that many of us (glancing guiltily to the left at my own rather large number of posts) spend way too much time on this board leads rumours to grow way out of proportion. Someone dreams up some idea out of nowhere about what "is going to happen" and, after several threads and a couple of month's time, it's accepted as fact.

Look at "DVC II." There is no reason, beyond guesswork, to believe in such a thing. But it's pretty much accepted as canon around here because it gets talked about so much.

I'm discouraged by the number of times I hear people talk about "when pool-hopping is taken away" as a foregone conclusion or about how you can't possibly get reservations unless you call right at your 11-month window (perhaps because of people renting points on E-Bay). These things aren't true, but now we see people deciding not to buy into DVC because they are fed these rumours as facts.

I think that's sad.

Those of us who have been around this board for awhile know to take things in context, and perhaps with a grain of salt. But "newbies" contemplating a major purchase have no way to put these comments in perspective.

I certainly would not imply that negative comments shouldn't be posted (especially when they were specifically requested.) But could we talk about real experiences, rather than guesses and speculations?

 

[pluvc1993]

Teri you took our entry totally out of context! It was meant to be lighthearted and add a sense of humor and understanding. Venting whether you choose to believe it or not leads to greater understanding and less animosity. The way to changes and improvement are by showing all sides of the coin. It is obvious that there is a general upset factor on these boards. My general idea was only to bring a little humor and show its not so serious at all. I brought Doc up as a suggestion because he seems to be a fair well mannered moderator who remains neutral and from what I've seen seems to know his FACTS.

. Venting *at* other posters or at the moderators is pointless and unpleasant. Venting in chat is like throwing your ideas into the wind...

Contrar to this statement venting is a way to set aside misunderstandings, rumors and contrary beliefs and bring them to a forum to discuss. People tend to interpret some of these posts wrong. Throwing ideas in the wind is I think a great thing. I believe it would also clear up most of the animosity these boards have been creating lately
And if you still feel that you need to speak up with DVC itself you may come out of it better informed with facts to back your statement.