A funny thing happened to me on the DVC tour...

[Wilt Dasney]

Let's get the terminology right here. Whether you agree with what the original poster did or not, you cannot, by definition, "steal" something that is free. If you're going to rag on the guy, don't just throw around words that don't fit the situation.

 

[DisneyPhD]

I don't mind him getting the meal. You sit through the presentation, you get the meal. Even if that is the only reason you do. Not a problem. No big deal.

The more people who understand DVC the better. It is the people who don't understand it, have wrong info an then say bad things about it that bother me.

I told my friends who are coming with us to do the tour for their free meal. That way they can better understand DVC. I don't think they should join, they have enough other things on their plate right now. They enjoy WDW when they have young kids, but they are not the fanatics we are and are not likely to be taking trips once their kids are grown like we will.

 

[Thelazer]

Geez, you'd think you were the DVC salesman who's time was "Wasted" by this guy or something.

I'm sure in the long list of things you could do at disney, going to a DVC tour for the free icecream has got to fall on the very end of the list.

 

[Not For Sale]

He went to the presentation knowing he was not going to purchase. He said he didn't have the money and he just wanted a "free meal". He was playing the system. The "free meals" are not set up for cheap people. They were designed to thank people for taking time out of their vacation who showed a true interest in the club . This guy just wanted a hand out. Think of all the cast members whos time was wasted on this person just so he could "dine free"

Are you saying that it's wrong to watch commercials if you know you can't afford what's being offered?

 

[Jaws Theme]

Let's get the terminology right here. Whether you agree with what the original poster did or not, you cannot, by definition, "steal" something that is free. If you're going to rag on the guy, don't just throw around words that don't fit the situation.

Yea, lets get it right. The meal isn't "free". The company pays for it. Its a thank-you for taking time out of your vacation to see the club, It was designed to thank people that have a genuine interst in a possible purchase. You have to admit Jerm was playing the system to get a free meal. I find it funny in his post he complains it took to long to acomplish his scam. That Disney took too much of his time. He didn't seem to mind taking up the salesman time.

Wilt do all of these words fit in the situation?

 

[Gail Hayden]

Yea, lets get it right. The meal isn't "free". The company pays for it. Its a thank-you for taking time out of your vacation to see the club, It was designed to thank people that have a genuine interst in a possible purchase. You have to admit Jerm was playing the system to get a free meal. I find it funny in his post he complains it took to long to acomplish his scam. That Disney took too much of his time. He didn't seem to mind taking up the salesman time.

Wilt do all of these words fit in the situation?

Yes, the company pays for it, it is part of the advertisment budget. I can see your points, but, what I don't get is why you care so much, you did not pay for the meal voucher, it does not come out of our dues, so, what is the big deal? There was no theft here.
What I was bothered by was his failure to realize that you can watch your child's first steps at DVC without being a member. I don't suppose it occured to him to ask "well,if you aren't a member, how could your child's first steps be there?" rather than assume the vacation guide was giving him a line of BS.

People that visit Disney go to many different time share presentations for tickets and a variety of other things and they have no intention of purchasing.

 

[Gail Hayden]

I don't mind him getting the meal. You sit through the presentation, you get the meal. Even if that is the only reason you do. Not a problem. No big deal.

The more people who understand DVC the better. It is the people who don't understand it, have wrong info an then say bad things about it that bother me.

I told my friends who are coming with us to do the tour for their free meal. That way they can better understand DVC. I don't think they should join, they have enough other things on their plate right now. They enjoy WDW when they have young kids, but they are not the fanatics we are and are not likely to be taking trips once their kids are grown like we will.

I agree, the more that understand the concept, the less misinformation and assumptions about how it works go around.

BTW, how do you get all the towels you want? PLEASE, don't tell me you are getting them from the pool, that is a "no -no" btw. I just wash mine and toss them in the dryer.

 

[Jaws Theme]

Yes, the company pays for it, it is part of the advertisment budget. I can see your points, but, what I don't get is why you care so much, you did not pay for the meal voucher, it does not come out of our dues, so, what is the big deal? There was no theft here.
What I was bothered by was his failure to realize that you can watch your child's first steps at DVC without being a member. I don't suppose it occured to him to ask "well,if you aren't a member, how could your child's first steps be there?" rather than assume the vacation guide was giving him a line of BS.

People that visit Disney go to many different time share presentations for tickets and a variety of other things and they have no intention of purchasing.

Lets just drop it. Its just my opinion.

I just didn't like how he bashed the DVC salesman. They work hard and are really nice people.

 

[DisneyPhD]

From the pool is one way, but they aren't the same towels. I don't mind. I have talked to cast members who say it is fine so I don't see how it is a no-no. The towels at the pool are for guests and members to use, if you use them at the pool, or take them back to the room (after all I am not walking back to the room wet and dripping.)

We have also grabed some off the carts in the hall way. I was also told his is ok. As long as you aren't taking them home with you it doesn't matter.

Infact my DVC guide suggested it both ideas.

Personally I just use the same towel and hang it up. That is what I do at home. While it seems like I am doing lundrey daily, I don't wash towels daily. Studios don't have a washer and dryer. While we do have access to it, it isn't as easy as having it in your room during say nap time or night.

When we were at OKW in a studio and BIL and SIL were staying a few days with us, they showed up while we were out. They called Mouse keeping for new towels and they brought them right over, no charge.

I don't see what the towel issue is about personally.

I do kind of miss the towel animals in the room mousekeeping makes, but that is hardely a good enough reason not to do DVC. :lol:

 

[Gail Hayden]

Lets just drop it. Its just my opinion.

I just didn't like how he bashed the DVC salesman. They work hard and are really nice people.

With that, ITA!!! They do work very hard and are very nice.

 

[Wilt Dasney]

Yea, lets get it right. The meal isn't "free". The company pays for it. Its a thank-you for taking time out of your vacation to see the club, It was designed to thank people that have a genuine interst in a possible purchase. You have to admit Jerm was playing the system to get a free meal. I find it funny in his post he complains it took to long to acomplish his scam. That Disney took too much of his time. He didn't seem to mind taking up the salesman time.

Wilt do all of these words fit in the situation?

Yes, those are points that can be legitimately argued. It just irked me to see all these people saying the guy had stolen something. There may be some ethical considerations here (which I don't really care to get into), but theft isn't one of them.

 

[Gail Hayden]

From the pool is one way, but they aren't the same towels. I don't mind. I have talked to cast members who say it is fine so I don't see how it is a no-no. The towels at the pool are for guests and members to use, if you use them at the pool, or take them back to the room (after all I am not walking back to the room wet and dripping.)

We have also grabed some off the carts in the hall way. I was also told his is ok. As long as you aren't taking them home with you it doesn't matter.

Infact my DVC guide suggested it both ideas.

Personally I just use the same towel and hang it up. That is what I do at home. While it seems like I am doing lundrey daily, I don't wash towels daily. Studios don't have a washer and dryer. While we do have access to it, it isn't as easy as having it in your room during say nap time or night.

When we were at OKW in a studio and BIL and SIL were staying a few days with us, they showed up while we were out. They called Mouse keeping for new towels and they brought them right over, no charge.

I don't see what the towel issue is about personally.

I do kind of miss the towel animals in the room mousekeeping makes, but that is hardely a good enough reason not to do DVC. :lol:

The way the pool towels were explained to me was: They have to have special washing because of the chemicals in the pool. Of course you can use them and take them back to your room. But, people do go there and grab handfulls of them when their's in the unit are wet.

We were also told that if we wanted more towels we needed to call housekeeping and would be charged. I have yet to see a laundry cart at OKW, so, the temptation has not been near.

The Vacation Guides are famous for misinformation and I think this is an example of it. They also tell you 5 in a unit for 4 is ok. I believe the signs at the pools at OKW pretty much state the policy. Which is towels for pool use only. The stated charge for extra towels pretty much tells me that it is not ok to zip them off the laundry carts.

You are correct, laundry for studio's is not the most convienant, but, it sure does beat bringing home dirty laundry.

 

[RebeccaQ]

It has been interesting to hear from some DVC members on here - apparently the people on the video aren't the only ones who feel this way (loving DVC)
It is nice to know that so many people really are enjoying it and feeling like they are getting their money's worth.

Personally, I have absolutely no interest in bothering with laundry or cooking while on vacation. That is a big reason I don't want a time share of any kind - not just DVC.

 

[Gail Hayden]

It has been interesting to hear from some DVC members on here - apparently the people on the video aren't the only ones who feel this way (loving DVC)
It is nice to know that so many people really are enjoying it and feeling like they are getting their money's worth.

Personally, I have absolutely no interest in bothering with laundry or cooking while on vacation. That is a big reason I don't want a time share of any kind - not just DVC.

If that works for you, then I am tickled pink.

 

[DisneyPhD]

It has been interesting to hear from some DVC members on here - apparently the people on the video aren't the only ones who feel this way (loving DVC)
It is nice to know that so many people really are enjoying it and feeling like they are getting their money's worth.

Personally, I have absolutely no interest in bothering with laundry or cooking while on vacation. That is a big reason I don't want a time share of any kind - not just DVC.

You are right, there are many DVC members who are passionate about it. (just like many WDW guests that are passionate about visiting WDW.)

It sounds like DVC might not be for you, but just so you know, many DVC members don't cook or do lundry. If you NEED daily maid service that is another thing. :lookaroun What many members like is the bigger rooms so the family can spread out. We tend to get studios lately because we are in a constant state of borrowing points. We really need more, but instead I got a new baby, new van and add on to the house (if we do indeed ever finish that!) Even with out cooking and lundry, if you go often DVC can be worth it.

 

[joviacdan]

I respectfully disagree. We are treated very much like vacationers and we are treated quite well.

We do get fresh linens if our stay is over 8 days OR if we pay for it.
When you buy in you are told that there is not daily housekeeping. For us it was no big deal. It is not included because it would cause dues to go through the roof. Not many times shares have daily maid service and the intent for DVC specifically is to be a home away from home. Do you have daily maid service at home (if you do, God bless you. , wish I did).
I do understand that not everyone has the up front money to join. It would be very nice if everyone did and did want to join.
I plan my vacations one at a time, not 50. I don't have to buy into a certain week and can plan whenever I want.

And for some, it's great. Some don't care about housekeeping. Personally, I do. Along with fresh linens. Here's the thing - Been to Disney about 10 times. I'm used to the great room service. A bit spoiled - Sure, I guess so. But hey, it's what I've got gotten used to. So, imagine my surprise and dissapointment to find that as members of the DVC, you have to PAY for housekeeping and fresh linens which you get FREE as a non DVC member. Not much of a selling point. As for staying more than 8 nights, so what? We had 4 people in our room and a total of 6 towels. How many times should you have to reuse the same towel???

As for having housekeeping at home, nope - I sure don't. That's my point - When I'm at Disney, I'm not at home, I'm on vacation- An EXPENSIVE one at that. You bet I want housekeeping. And you can sure bet I don't want to spend another 6 hours of my vacation next time washing towels.

See, here's my BIGGEST complaint about the DVC "marketing" point - Home Away From Home. Why would I go on vacation if I wanted it to be just like home? I go on vacation to get away from home and have some fun. Not to cook my own meals. Not to do my own laundry. Not to make my own bed.

And as far as hotel prices going up, as long as Disney continues to offer the same discounts on resort rooms with an annual pass that they currently offer, NO WAY will it at any point over the next 32 years, be cheaper to be a member of the DVC, than to not be and take the same amount of trips.

 

[Jaws Theme]

Yes, those are points that can be legitimately argued. It just irked me to see all these people saying the guy had stolen something. There may be some ethical considerations here (which I don't really care to get into), but theft isn't one of them.

Fine. Maybe "stealing" was a bit harsh. "Scaming" would have been better. It was that he complained how long it took and seem to bash the salesperson that I had a problem with. If you went to look into DVC with an open mind I would have no problem with his complaints but he just wanted the free meal. Anyway, I love DVC I'm sorry if I got too carried away. Just think of the salepeople next time you jump into the tour just for a free meal.:wave:

 

[Jaws Theme]

And as far as hotel prices going up, as long as Disney continues to offer the same discounts on resort rooms with an annual pass that they currently offer, NO WAY will it at any point over the next 32 years, be cheaper to be a member of the DVC, than to not be and take the same amount of trips.

Yes but look at where you stay, ALL STAR and Port O. DVC is not all about money saving. You are comparing apples to oranges. You can't compare a DVC resort to any of the ALL Star Resorts. Its like comparing a Days Inn room to a suite at a Hilton. Yes you will save money at the All Star over buying at DVC, but you will not have the same experience.

 

[Gail Hayden]

And for some, it's great. Some don't care about housekeeping. Personally, I do. Along with fresh linens. Here's the thing - Been to Disney about 10 times. I'm used to the great room service. A bit spoiled - Sure, I guess so. But hey, it's what I've got gotten used to. So, imagine my surprise and dissapointment to find that as members of the DVC, you have to PAY for housekeeping and fresh linens which you get FREE as a non DVC member. Not much of a selling point. As for staying more than 8 nights, so what? We had 4 people in our room and a total of 6 towels. How many times should you have to reuse the same towel???

As for having housekeeping at home, nope - I sure don't. That's my point - When I'm at Disney, I'm not at home, I'm on vacation- An EXPENSIVE one at that. You bet I want housekeeping. And you can sure bet I don't want to spend another 6 hours of my vacation next time washing towels.

See, here's my BIGGEST complaint about the DVC "marketing" point - Home Away From Home. Why would I go on vacation if I wanted it to be just like home? I go on vacation to get away from home and have some fun. Not to cook my own meals. Not to do my own laundry. Not to make my own bed.

And as far as hotel prices going up, as long as Disney continues to offer the same discounts on resort rooms with an annual pass that they currently offer, NO WAY will it at any point over the next 32 years, be cheaper to be a member of the DVC, than to not be and take the same amount of trips.

I respectfully disagree with your thoughts on the cost aspect. You cannot be guaranteed that you will receive annual pass discounts on resort rooms. And, frankly, any place I would like to stay, even with a discount, will be more expensive than what I pay yearly in dues.

As to your other comments, it is apparent that DVC is not for you, which is fine.

BUT, you pay for linens with any room at a non DVC resort, it is factored into your room rate. You pay for the housekeeping the same way.
I don't reuse any towel, anywhere, more than twice. I wash a lot of towels.
You do get fresh towels midway through a stay. It does not take me 6 hours on any vacation to do towels. Of course, it might if I was taking them to a stream and beating them on a rock, but, I use the washer and dryer in the unit for them. I put the towels in the washer in the am on our way out, take them out and put them in the dryer at lunch and they are ready for me when I return in the evening. No muss, no fuss. It takes two minutes to load a dishwasher and about one second to turn it on. They are done when I get back.
I do not like housekeeping in my room, I don't like my things touched by anyone and I am perfectly capable of taking approx. 4 mins. to make my bed, if I chose to make it (which I always do).

As to the Home away from Home aspect, well, it has worked for thousands of people, but, it cannot work for everyone.

For me, since I go at least twice a year, it takes no magic away and I still feel like I am on vacation and in a place I know. I feel totally disjointed in a hotel room. Different strokes for different folks. I respect your opinions and feelings, I would like to believe you do the same for me.

 

[Gail Hayden]

Yes but look at where you stay, ALL STAR and Port O. DVC is not all about money saving. You are comparing apples to oranges. You can't compare a DVC resort to any of the ALL Star Resorts. Its like comparing a Days Inn room to a suite at a Hilton. Yes you will save money at the All Star over buying at DVC, but you will not have the same experience.

Good points. I would love to see some comparisons with say a studio at DVC(any of them) with something on par, like the GF, Poly, or Contemp. with the ap discount.