Wondering if we've made a mistake...

[LisaZ1113]

Ok, so I wish I had known about this board BEFORE we hopped on board and joined DVC. As I read all of these posts it seems as if there are a LOT of unhappy members, and I'm confused.

Please reassure me, happy members/

 

[chalee94]

i still love my DVC. it's not all pixie dust, though.

if DVC was a good deal for you for trips to wdw (and/or DL/hilton head/VB), it's still a good deal.

if you were counting on perks like free valet parking, maybe not so much.

most of us are still happy, but maybe not as happy as we were a couple of years ago...

 

[NCDisneyFans]

We have only been DVC members for a year and we have no regrets. Our family loves Disney and this is the best way for us to be able to enjoy it more than once a year and in world class resorts.

Hopefully you will enjoy being a member as much as we do.

 

[DenLo]

People are unhappy with having some (especially one) perks taken away from their DVC. However, after the current storm passes, people will admit that the reason they purchased DVC was to save money on deluxe villas in the future. Everyone is still happy with that scenario. We just bought into the DVC this year and we know that within 5 to 7 stays will have recouped our initial investment. Just knowing that we'll have another 45 years of reservations that will only cost us the yearly MF is so incredible.

Before buying into the DVC we were very limited on the number of days we could afford to stay at WDW nor could we go to there more than once every few years. We like staying at the moderate or deluxe resorts. Now with the DVC we have a guaranteed ourselves a much longer yearly vacation in a deluxe villa. Or if we choose we can double our stay and go only every other year. Or stay in larger accommodation, or bring family ... but you get the picture.

The perks were and are just cream in our coffee. But the real treasure will always be there for us, the right to stay at a DVC villa using our points.

Welcome Home! And enjoy your stays at WDW!

 

[LisaZ1113]

Thanks everyone.
I guess some people are just never happy. Hopefully, I won't become like that!

 

[DebbieB]

I think people like to come on here to "vent" but really aren't that unhappy. I am not happy about the valet parking change and how it was communicated but I would not say I'm a "unhappy member". I love my DVC! You just have to remember that all you are guaranteed is what is in the contract, which is basically the room itself and the resort ammenities like the pool. "Perks" are not guaranteed.

 

[Dizny Dad]

I'm not sure how long ago you "hopped on board" DVC, but it is very normal for a person to experience a period of cognitive dissonance after a major purchase or life changing decision. Go with it. I always write down on a piece of paper the plus and minus points, look at them, review them, etc.

We joined DVC and never looked back. Sure we all can complain. Some can complain that the lottery they won wasn't big enough!

Enjoy the DVC experience, the inclusion, the planning, the magic; it is all there for you to experience.

 

[toniosmom]

I have been a member for the past year and a half. I have added on 3 times and have never regretted my membership. I think I put myself into debt that I probably didn't need (MFs), but it's a risk I find worth taking. I am so excited that I can now provide my son with a wonderful experience each year at WDW. He is only 4, so we have many many years to come of creating special memories that will last a lifetime.

You will always find unhappy people on a board, whether it be this one or another. That's the beauty of forums like this. The unhappy people keep you grounded and the happy people brighten your day.

Nope, no regrets here! Enjoy!!!

 

[DVCowner2009]

One of the things I've noticed over the years about message boards is that they're great to understand the polar extremes of a product, topic, etc. (i.e. those who are either extremely happy or extremely dissatisfied). Although this is simply my unsophisticated-wild-guess, I'd bet that the vast majority (probably 90%) of DVC owners aren't registered on any boards or discussion groups, and they are perfectly content with their membership. Oftentimes it's hard to remember that we probably really only see a small percentage of DVC owners on here, all of whom are much more passionate than the general ownership pool.

 

[DenLo]

Thanks everyone.
I guess some people are just never happy. Hopefully, I won't become like that!

Some look a glass and see it half full and others see it half empty.

 

[Crystal_27]

I'm one very happy DVC member here! We bought into BLT because we see the savings potential in having DVC, and, although the loss of some perks does sting a little bit, that doesn't affect our incredible savings in accommodations by being DVC members. It's not all roses, sure, but it certainly beats having to shell out thousands of dollars every trip for Deluxe accommodations (or, having to shell out close to a thousand dollars to stay at a Value). No matter how much of a "Disney" spin is associated with DVC, it's still just a timeshare with a goal to make as much profit as possible. I believe, however, that Disney does make an effort to make its members happy, all while striking the balance of staying profitable. Sometimes we (members) win; sometimes we don't.

 

[Doug7856]

We've been members since 2003 and love DVC. I have some complaints, but all in all I love our membership. Disboards is a great place to come and complain, but I highly doubt very many people would sell their membership because of dissatisfaction.

If you love going to Walt Disney World or Disneyland, you haven't made a mistake!!

 

[WolfpackFan]

Sigh, you haven't made a mistake. It's just a lot of people like to complain about things. Keep in mind you're not joining a club or anything. You are buying a timeshare and that is what you're getting. You're not buying valet parking. You're not buying annual pass discounts, etc. We value our DVC ownership now every bit as much as we did 6 years ago when we made our initial purchase and we look forward to every trip we make down to WDW. Just ignore the complainers. I think people get worked up way too easily over some of this stuff and they love to vent their dissatisfaction.

 

[cpbjgc]

We started as happy members and continue to be happy. We knew when we bought we were only getting accomodations of a size and style we wanted to enjoy while vacationing. We did not buy for valet parking, discounted APs, discounts at Disney Florist, etc.- all the perks are gravy.

We have used our points for 3 trips to WDW, a weekend at Keystone Resort in Colorado, and 2 nights at Hong Kong Disneyland (where you get park tickets for a stay booked on points - a definite bargain!).

Perks wise, we've used DVC discounts at resataurants at WDW, and that's about it.

Unlike what some may suggest, you don't need rose coloured glasses to be happy. I can assure you, we don't have them.

The happy members are out there. When looking at these boards, remember two things: first, the members of this board are a small (but thoughtful and vocal) percentage of the total DVC membership. Second, people are more likely to post about the bad experiences than the good.

So just remember why YOU decided to buy, and don't worry so much.

Welcome Home!

 

[whitfamily]

As many have said people often grip on this board, but we all love Disney and DVC. I am one of those who was a little peeved with the valet issue, more that I would have had no clue had I not checked the DIS board.

Despite that I am eagerly counting down the time until we leave for our long DVC weekend (14 days by the way!).

 

[wildernessDad]

People more often post when they are unhappy about something.

 

[DVCGeek]

Nice to see so many happy members! I've stayed at the Grand Cal. Hotel on dev. points but my first stay in a DVC villas isn't until next week- 3 nights in a studio @ VWL! I can't wait; we love to visit the hotel & DW hasn't stayed there before. Every so often reading horror stories I've had doubts creep up, but all in all I've EXTREMELY happy to be a DVC member and am looking forward to MANY years of great vacations that I'm paying at or below the somewhat discounted moderate rates I likely would have (DW said she's had enough of the values) and be staying someplace larger / better.

 

[Coach81]

I love, love, love my DVC!!!

 

[dis-happy]

We have really enjoyed our points at BCV and BWV for over 5 years now, and have enjoyed lots of trips to WDW (3-5 per year) as a result.

Like any relationship, communication is key. DVC has not been doing a good job in that department lately, most notably the way the 2010 points charts were revised (placed on the website, removed, all the while mixed messages being given to the membership), and most recently the parking. Personally I never use the valet parking at DVC, so it doesn't bother me as a perk, but once again no notice was given.

As they continue to grow and add members, expect the experience to be less special. Someone has posted that the Merry Mixers won't take place this year but I'm not sure if that is confirmed.

OTOH, I had to call MS yesterday to bank points and had an absolutely terrific CM helping me. Had a huge DVC smile on my face when all was said and done!

 

[DeeCee735]

We originally bought in 2000 at BWV. We've added on 4 times. Was it money we couldn't do something else (better - like invest) with? Nope. But it was our decision to invest in a lifetime of vacationing at our favorite place. Is DVC perfect? Nope. Question is, is it perfect for us? Yup!

Like everywhere else prices go up, like the food or the park tickets, etc. Perks are given and taken away. These are little things in comparison to the fact that we've been there 20 x in the last 12 years, and plan to go back again and again, and still have it for our grandchildren. Being able to stay at our two home resorts, BW & AKV, as well as OKW & HH (haven't tried the others yet), and have awesome accommodations in unique places is second to none, IOHO.

Then, there's the week long once a year family trip with the kids & their friends, and the two long weekends a year with myself and my friends or family

Add the trip to HH with my parents to celebrate their 50th and the upcoming HH trip in March with our best friends.....wow.....no way we're not happy!

Enjoy your membership!