Wondering if we've made a mistake...

[chalee94]

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.

this is true. communication really, really needs to improve.

-chalee (is not looking forward to the day when dozens of DISers post that they got to orlando and tried to buy APs only to find out that DVC had ended the discount that morning. )

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

wow...that's exactly.....the way....i been seeing it too. & really
concern...we have made a terrible mistake. [ we are new buyers]

...[ i've read..alot "questions threads"...with negative responses/warnings,

...then they end it with..."welcome home",

by the way...i wonder...where did it come from, " welcome home"?

..& what does it means? [ hoping it isn't jus a selling point...,
we first visited in 02...& i don't recall ever hearing it.

anyhoo..we didn't based our decision..on the perks. we didn't buy it
for..a $ investment. [ from reading here, reslaes...are people making
$, off other people..not disney. - the "losses"....are sad, in my opinion]
nor did we based it on association...as we know noon that are dvcers'.
however, one major factor..for us, we were in wdw this july, & by
chance..met our tablemate....from the p.c. cruise......& she gave
us alot good advice...that allowed us to make this choice.

..we did decide..based on the "how's " we want to used our wdw vacations.
* today & in the future.

sometimes....i think a "negative thread"...can produced positive results.
referring to the selling of points rip-off. while there were some very
"cold-shoulder"- responses..... it made me realized....the dangers, so we
will only "rent"..to our extended family....& close friends...per their
requests. and we always... done community-support activities, and we
hope...there will be times...we can help others- in our community,
to experienced wdw..that normally would..not have the opportunity.


our first trip ..won't be until....christmas 2110, for 2x weeks @ blt.
..even after reading here, we really don't know what to expect.
[ in general..wondering if the group we will encounter...friendly, indifferent,
aggressive, intrusive, or seeking to take advantage.] time will tell.

 

[rentayenta]

The value of DVC, for us, is not based on what others' think/feel. DVC is perfect for my family. If you did your research and were solid with your purchase then the current complaints should have little impact.

 

[tammymacb]

Silly, but it did. I am very tired of feeling like "Disney's got my money, so they could care less if I'm happy, or not."

As mentioned, point chart changes- very poorly communicated and executed. I work a weekend contract in my profession. I NEVER spend a weekend at WDW. So, along with the surprise of the changes, I was hurt ( pointwise ) by the change.

Booking changes +7 days. We used to all book day by day. It could be a PIA but we were on the same playing field when NYE came along. Now, that a week can be booked at once, I am always at a disadvantage. As mentioned above. I never stay over a weekend. My max stay is usually 4 nights. So, for very busy times, I'm at a disadvantage and could be shut out of my room choice by people who booked before I was able to.

Valet ( the proverbial straw ) I live in SC and drive to WDW every time. Since I stay at BWV, I often, pull up, unload and give the valet my keys. No worries about trying to find a parking spot. Again, found out about the changes on the Dis.

Put my BWV contracts up for sale the same day. I've already signed a contract on one of them.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Silly, but it did. I am very tired of feeling like "Disney's got my money, so they could care less if I'm happy, or not."

Well, I think it all has to do with your specific situation. None of the three items mentioned in the above post matter to me at all.

Point Chart Changes - It just changed our travel plans. Instead of going more often, we go less often but stay longer. Saves us money in the long run.

7 Day Reservation - We actually liked that change. It's nice to call once and not have to call each morning.

Valet Parking - Could care less. Never used it and never would.

 

[crisi]

If you bought for what you are contractually entitled to - and understood what that was and what that wasn't (i.e. a timeshare is not a Deluxe hotel, you need to plan ahead to get what you want, etc.), you'll find that DVC is very likely a good value for you.

If you bought dazzled by "magic" or to feel a sense of "ownership" or "membership" or because you think that buying DVC might entitle you to "special treatment" - you are very likely going to be disappointed with the reality of DVC as a business. They are NOT organized - particularly regarding recent communications, they aren't terribly interested in delighting their existing members, and they aren't going to treat you like royalty for having dropped $15k on a contract. Perks come and go. Some of the operations changes over time. Points can be reallocated.

For a lot of owners, DVC is an emotional investment as much as a way to prepay vacations. For those folks, who bought into the Disney brand because they have faith in the Disney brand, something like the lack of communication in valet changes (or the changes themselves) cause them to loose faith. I think that is often more disappointing than the change itself.

 

[tammymacb]

Well, I'm sure Disney is glad you're happy, Wolfpack!
They let you know right away what was going on right!

I guess that's why you're keeping your points, and I'm selling mine. And don't feel bad about it at all.

Just wondering, do you own at SSR or OKW? Or do you fly in and use ME? Cause I'm wondering what budget ME comes from and do ( soon to be *did*) I pay for your ME in *my* MFs? Doesn't seem that I should pay for you to get in and out, and have no easy place to leave my car, now, does it?

 

[ToddyLu]

Well, I'm sure Disney is glad you're happy, Wolfpack!
They let you know right away what was going on right!

I guess that's why you're keeping your points, and I'm selling mine. And don't feel bad about it at all.

Just wondering, do you own at SSR or OKW? Or do you fly in and use ME? Cause I'm wondering what budget ME comes from and do ( soon to be *did*) I pay for your ME in *my* MFs? Doesn't seem that I should pay for you to get in and out, and have no easy place to leave my car, now, does it?

I have been away from the boards for two days and come back to read pointed attacks at people. Love DVC. but wonder about the Dissers sometimes. OP don't sweat it you will love your purchase. Come here for the knowlege and things you can learn about DVC and ignore the pettiness. hmmm...am I the one who is petty now?

 

[tammymacb]

I have been away from the boards for two days and come back to read pointed attacks at people. Love DVC. but wonder about the Dissers sometimes. OP don't sweat it you will love your purchase. Come here for the knowlege and things you can learn about DVC and ignore the pettiness. hmmm...am I the one who is petty now?

You're kidding, right?

This was a request for opinions and I gave mine. Of course, since mine was negative, it was also wrong.

Well, IMO, I'm entitled to be angry that these changes are made with no warning and no communication and there is no one on these boards who can say that isn't true.

Pointed attacks....you can say all you want that valet was unneeded, *by you* however, ME is unneeded by me, as is the gym, housekeeping as I never stay long enough for a full clean...I pay for this don't I?

I'm sorry I disturbed your rose colored glasses, but I'm just as entitled to my opinion as you are.

( And, I've put my money where my mouth is )

 

[vicki_c]

You're kidding, right?

This was a request for opinions and I gave mine. Of course, since mine was negative, it was also wrong.

Well, IMO, I'm entitled to be angry that these changes are made with no warning and no communication and there is no one on these boards who can say that isn't true.

Pointed attacks....you can say all you want that valet was unneeded, *by you* however, ME is unneeded by me, as is the gym, housekeeping as I never stay long enough for a full clean...I pay for this don't I?

I'm sorry I disturbed your rose colored glasses, but I'm just as entitled to my opinion as you are.

( And, I've put my money where my mouth is )

I believe you are being WAY too sensitive! WolfPack didn't say you were wrong or anything like that. Just pointed out that the 3 things you are concerned about didn't bother him/her. In fact, said "it all has to do with your specific situation" - clearly making the point that it's different for different people. And you came back with such a nasty sarcastic response about resorts and ME and maintenance fees? I agree that your response totally was uncalled for.

You're unhappy and you've chosen how to deal with it which will satisfy you - great. Others are not unhappy - so great for them.

 

[DVC Mike]

I love, love, love my DVC!!!

Same here!

 

[RNtheRN]

I'm not sure about the ins and outs of the program. My wife is the brains of this operation.What I do know is that we had to wait and save for about two years to stay at ASMo in '05. While we were there we stopped by one of the DVC kiosks and listened. We plunked down a bit and financed the rest. As of this year we're paid in full(other than the yearly fee). We've been back four times since and have stayed at SSR twice and OKW, CSR once, and we will be at AKL next year. All I know is we wouldn't be able to go so many times and stay at so many nice places without DVC.
And it is nice to know when the wife and I are dust, my kids and grandkids will have many years to live the magic of Disney.

 

[MCazer]

Hey, listen it isn't all a bed of roses. I have owned for 12 years at OKW. I originally had free park passes until 2000. That was a great perk that I am sad went away.

You used to be able to hop to any pool, but can't do that either.

I always rent a car, hardly ever use Valet, except at Boardwalk. Which now, since I have a ressie for January, I am kind of bummed about. We also used to use it when it was raining or when my kids were little and in a stroller.

I have no problems parking at OKW, as there is lots of parking. Not so much at Boardwalk, so we will try to use their transportation if we see the lots are full.

However, I absolutely love DVC. I love being able to bring family and friends down with us.

I love being able to stay all over the "world". I love giving my parents an Anniversary present of a week in a studio. So, I don't mind the point realocation. I used to avoid weekends like the plague and stay offsite, but now, with my kids older and in middle school, and not being able to take them out for a trip, it becomes more important for me to be able to use my points on the weekends for less points.

I did not choose to reup for the additional years to extend my OKW contract past 2042. I figured if I wanted to stay in DVC past the age of 78, I would just either buy someone's resale, or buy a small add on closer to the end of my contract. Who knows, they may have a new extension promo by then.

Anyway, I definately got more from DVC than I put in years ago (bought at $54 a point). I really would love it if they offered us discounts on passes, not just AP's as we don't always get there every year. I sometimes rent my points to use for other vacations (mainly cruising).

I did use our points in 2001 for a 7 days cruise, but the points have skyrocketed and I don't feel that using 3 years of points for a cruise is a smart use of my points. The 2 Disney cruises we took after that were purchase with cash from renting our points.

We don't cruise Disney anymore, a 13 year old and an 11 year old don't want the Disney ship anymore, they want rock climbing and flowriders, and mom and dad want a casino.

Anyway... to each his own... a great deal for some is not for others. Your loss is someone elses gain, since I am sure that they are getting a better deal than through Disney.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well, I'm a lot less happy than I used to be eight or nine years ago. I started seeing the downhill slide of DVC about three years ago (about the time Jim Lewis took over). We sold two of our five contracts at that time because we just got tired of sending DVC so much money every year in member fees. We will probably sell off the others in the future, but we do still like to go to WDW.

I can see where Tammy is coming from, but some of you newer members haven't been around long enough to see what it used to be like. DVC was friendlier, we got a whole lot more communication and it actually DID seem more like a club than a financial dealing.

I've lost the rose colored glasses, I don't drink the Kool-aid anymore, I don't recommend DVC to friends anymore and I won't buy any more points - the price is ridiculous now. I just go once a year for a nice little vacation that I tack onto a beach vacation in South Florida.

 

[WolfpackFan]

Just wondering, do you own at SSR or OKW? Or do you fly in and use ME? Cause I'm wondering what budget ME comes from and do ( soon to be *did*) I pay for your ME in *my* MFs? Doesn't seem that I should pay for you to get in and out, and have no easy place to leave my car, now, does it?

Actually we own at VWL, AKV and HHI. We never fly. We always drive. Sorry to spoil your argument.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Well, I'm a lot less happy than I used to be eight or nine years ago. I started seeing the downhill slide of DVC about three years ago (about the time Jim Lewis took over). We sold two of our five contracts at that time because we just got tired of sending DVC so much money every year in member fees. We will probably sell off the others in the future, but we do still like to go to WDW.

I can see where Tammy is coming from, but some of you newer members haven't been around long enough to see what it used to be like. DVC was friendlier, we got a whole lot more communication and it actually DID seem more like a club than a financial dealing.

I've lost the rose colored glasses, I don't drink the Kool-aid anymore, I don't recommend DVC to friends anymore and I won't buy any more points - the price is ridiculous now. I just go once a year for a nice little vacation that I tack onto a beach vacation in South Florida.

Well said, I totally agree.

 

[DVCPAT]

Silly, but it did. I am very tired of feeling like "Disney's got my money, so they could care less if I'm happy, or not."

As mentioned, point chart changes- very poorly communicated and executed. I work a weekend contract in my profession. I NEVER spend a weekend at WDW. So, along with the surprise of the changes, I was hurt ( pointwise ) by the change.

Booking changes +7 days. We used to all book day by day. It could be a PIA but we were on the same playing field when NYE came along. Now, that a week can be booked at once, I am always at a disadvantage. As mentioned above. I never stay over a weekend. My max stay is usually 4 nights. So, for very busy times, I'm at a disadvantage and could be shut out of my room choice by people who booked before I was able to.

Valet ( the proverbial straw ) I live in SC and drive to WDW every time. Since I stay at BWV, I often, pull up, unload and give the valet my keys. No worries about trying to find a parking spot. Again, found out about the changes on the Dis.

Put my BWV contracts up for sale the same day. I've already signed a contract on one of them.

We’ve been members since 98 and I think its time to sell one of our BWV contracts. I’m also upset about the DVC member changes, but I’m more upset about the overall decline in WDW. Disney doesn’t poll repeat visitors because they really don’t care about repeat customers anymore.

I see Disney cutting all perks for DVC members. DVC members are the last demographic they need to entice. The new Disney will attach popular attractions to 2TS credit dinners, create parties and add expensive fees, cut quality from menus and products while raising prices and reduce staff for maintaining cleanliness.

DVC value really depends on the quality of WDW. Why buy the cow when you can dine for free? When you reduce the quality and cheapen the name brand…how do you reestablish a reputation that took decades to build?

 

[Lil' Grumpy]

maybe, "this" is ......disney's best kept secret?


.....&/or maybe instead of welcome home, ...a lil'george benson's

..."everything must change"?




when i re-read....i felt a lil'panic, then i thought about the similar things

...on dcl. it seem like the repeaters....are more & more disappointed
with every passing cruise. but then i started reading all the first~timers'
reports..and they had all the same excitment...we experienced in '99.

...then i thought about all our cruises..[ 6 ], all were different with
both highs & lows...and we felt..all were worth....every penny disney
charged us. and after every cruise, we spent time @ wdw/ or
disneyland.

still...it seem liked a warning.....when so many are "welcoming newcomers",
then blasting away their disappointments about a club they no longer
believe in. it's so confusing.



i happened to feel, that the "disney experience", is all about the encounters
..we create for ourselves....positive & negative. i also think, it is the last
of the "dick & jane" era...by one personal selections. there will always
be costs reagarding our disney vacations....so like i promised my wife,
will try my best, to be on my best behaviors. but i have my limitations,
especially toward bullys & manipulators...near my family.

our july..wdw trip..included some nasty encounters with the brazil-
heathens....girls. actually blocking the walkway,to our room.
excused me..as i made a path for my family. then one morning, my
daughter had to see..an unused tampon placed outside their door.
[ nasty]...& of course..i think they knew "i" called security on them....to
make a lane without having to bulldozed, because..as soon as their
escort left...one of the lil'heathens thought she could "bounced" me off
the walkway. instead she did the bouncing. they also threw their trash
on the grounds..or worst on the props. we were also there, @ fanstamic
when the young man worked himself into a frenzied...that came close
to hitting others. [ one father stood up..& it was cleared...we were
getting near riot behaviors.] i informed..one cm nearby, if he accidentally
hits..my daughter....he was going in the lake.

but i also been attacked by a "gold digger"..on a dcl cruise....who had no
respect of others or understanding.....what is "common grounds".

this..is why...we came to dvc.."to escape" ...& hope , for old~fashioned
accommodations, where i take my family..safe & sound, for appreciating
all the things..i believe wdw is...& enriching our family values.

what this site..is , has been repeated many times....so maybe we are
wrong. worst, we wasted alot of monies....for something "that" don't
exist. [ it sorta given..mt the feeling of a fly caught in the venus flytrap]
* i have pounded our guide with these very concerns, but he has
dismissed them. however, there seem to be alot "feelings" behind the
"observations"...here.


wonder if ebay~~~has any disney's security blankets?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Your guide is just a salesperson. Nothing more, nothing less. Their goal is to sell you more points.

 

[CarolAnnC]

Since this thread has veered off to the "valet" topic and that subject has its own thread now on Mouse, this thread is being closed. Thanks all...