Three years ago, I sat down and wrote my first DVC Fan article the day before Thanksgiving 2019. It had the same title as this one. I didn’t know what was in store for us and our DVC community at the time. This was pre-pandemic, pre-Chapek becoming CEO (and then not becoming CEO), pre- a lot of changes to our lives in general. Despite any challenges we have faced throughout the past few years, I can’t help but think about how lucky we still are. By we, I mean myself along with all of us fortunate enough to call ourselves Disney Vacation Club members.
Through meeting more and more members on the DVC Fan Facebook Page, I realize we’ve been brought together by a common bond- an unequivocal love of Disney and the way owning a piece of the magic brings happiness to our lives. While there are lots of people who love Disney without ever getting the chance to step foot into the most magical place on earth, I sit here a little astonished that we get to enjoy such a special place year after year.
When Paul and I fell in love with Disney as a newly married couple, we often fantasized about hitting the lottery, visiting more often, and staying at dream resorts like the Grand Floridian or Animal Kingdom Lodge. We had deemed these fantasies unattainable without striking it rich not only since we were at the beginning of our careers, but because we could not justify paying the nightly rates of these deluxe hotels. Fast forward to after we found Disney Vacation Club, and the rest is history. Five contracts, four home resorts, and multiple DVC stays later, and I still can’t shake the surreal feeling I get every time I check into a DVC resort and think to myself, I’m staying here.
Sure, I could spend time dissecting Disney and the changes that have been made in the past few years. At the end of the day, I can’t help but be filled with hope for what’s to come and appreciation for being a member. I’m thankful for the frequency in which we get to vacation at a place we love. I’m thankful that because of DVC, it’s easier to share our love of Disney with family and friends. I’m thankful to stay at so many beautiful resorts, to spend so much time in the parks, experience great shows, and to have time to slow down and take it all in.
I’m thankful for this community, the friendships we have found, and wonderful memories we’ve been able to make. For being a Disney Vacation Club member isn’t about owning direct or resale, which resort you buy into, or how many points you have. It’s about the ability to continually experience something that brings you so much enjoyment and to share that joy with those you love. As the wise Donald Duck once said, “Happiness is the richest thing we will ever own.”
Happy Thanksgiving DVC community, and may you always have a reason to be thankful to own a piece of the magic!
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So true…..
You must own at least one non resale to get all the benefit,s or do you buy annual passes and just use those discounts