Do you expect more or less from Disney as a member?

[diznyfanatic]

One of the recent topics here got me to wondering if DVC members, in general, should expect more, less or the same level of service as other Disney guests?

As members, do we tend to be harder on Disney and hold them to a higher standard, or do we tend to be easier and let Disney off the hook, where we otherwise wouldn't elsewhere?

So, should DVC members expect better, less, or about the same level of service as other Disney resort guests?

And, do you think there are there differences in how members should respond to issues from other Disney resort guests?

[bpmorley]

Sorry to say but I expect more. I guess it's the mentality that I put down a big wad of money and I expect perks that the average guests shouldn't get. And yes I do know that we do get some. DVC resorts in general are as nice as any Deluxe. We get discounts on merchandise, dining, AP's. I like the fact that we don't get mousekeeping every day. After all how much trash actually goes in the can everyday. Seems like a waste sometimes. Also I'm a big boy, I can make a bed. I don't need a fresh towel every day. It's hard to explain completely but I think as members we're going to spend more time and money there than a person that will only come once in their lifetime.

[BCV23]

I expect the same....no more, no less.

I'm sorry but I don't understand your last question. :confused3

[canwegosoon]

I expect to be treated at least as good as the "cash" paying visitor. So I expect the DVC properties to be maintained the same as non-DVC properties. It bugs me when I see leaves and other small items in a hallway for 12-24 hours, and mousekeeping does not maintain it. You know that would never happen at the GF.

Do I feel I am entilted to perks..no, but again if something is offered to others it should be offered to DVC(recently the DDP and ME were nice to have).

Do I love the discounts on items...yes, but honestly I don't use a lot of them. I used the AP discount the first year, but it might be a year or 2 before I do it again.

I am not the sort to complain and look for comped items...I try to have a great time.

[diznyfanatic]

I expect the same....no more, no less.

I'm sorry but I don't understand your last question. :confused3

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I'm only asking if members should be expected to follow a different procedure than regular resort guests, and what that procedure should be, if problems or issues arise. :)

[TroyandDabs]

As a DVC Member and former Cast Member, I expect the same level of service that everyone else is getting.

But, its easier to point out "what things are supposed to be like" when you travel to the 'world' at least once a year and have a better understanding of how things are handled normally.

For example:
If Jim and Sue save for two years to bring their family of four to WDW (they have never been before, and they wont return again unless the lottery fairy comes their way), they wouldnt know if they were receiving the best disney service or not because they have nothing to compare it to.

But the frequent travelers have an arsenal of information to use to their benefit.

[ryley26]

Have to agree with Troy and dabs I expect the same as everyone else but i have a much better reference point. The more trips the more info and past at your disposal.

[cdmickey]

I believe Disney holds "itself" to a higher standard and admit that personally I am genuinely content with the services they provide almost 100% of the time. I suppose, there is always room for improvement, but happy with the service provided for the cost of admission. So, to sum it up, DVC; no regrets. :thumbsup2

[crisi]

I expect to get what I paid for. I won't turn down perks, but I don't think I deserve them as a reward for my loyalty. I don't expect the resort to be kept up at the level of the Grand Floridian, because I'm not paying their prices and frankly am unwilling to pay the dues associated with that level of maintenance. I expect CMs to treat me the same, but don't expect that experience to always sparkle with pixie dust - most of the time its polite service, not every interaction will be magical - but I think I deserve (and get) my share of magic.

[AlaskaMOM]

That's why we bought DVC- To go More and to stay at home Less.

Sorry couldn't resist. :rolleyes1
I think Disney hold's itself to a pretty high standard to begin with, and anything extra would be nice, but not expected; and anything less is something that needs to be addressed, not just for DVC, but for any guest.

[debloco]

Same level of service as other guests; same procedures for any issues that arise.

[JimMIA]

As members, do we tend to be harder on Disney and hold them to a higher standard, or do we tend to be easier and let Disney off the hook, where we otherwise wouldn't elsewhere?As someone else noted, I don't think I hold them to a higher standard, but because we visit often I may have a clearer picture of what the service should be like.

So, should DVC members expect better, less, or about the same level of service as other Disney resort guests?I expect the same, but I think I get better.

And, do you think there are there differences in how members should respond to issues from other Disney resort guests?Yes, definitely...for two reasons.

First, we should know better. I have very limited patience for a DVC owner who says nothing at all onsite and then comes here and whines. We should know the ropes, and we should take the initiative to address issues in a courteous, reasonable way while we are there and someone can do something about our problem. If something is not serious enough to address onsite, it's not a real issue, IMHO.

Second, we have a vested financial interest in the quality of service at DVC resorts. We OWN the place. That doesn't just mean we are Lords of the Castle, it means we also share responsibility for things. I'm not talking about nit-picking, but if there is a real issue, we are not meeting our responsibilities as owners if we just ignore it. Regular guests don't have that responsibility; we do. If we ignore issues, the value of our ownership will decline over time.

[jimmytammy]

I expect the same treatment as other guests. It is nice that they offer us discounts but they seem to do that realizing we are returning guests. I have had only a couple occasions where I felt as if the CM preferred me to be omewhere other than his presence. He treated us the same on 2 different check-ins and on a time where we were needing special assistance. I think it was just him, his personality, but we got the feeling he didnt care much for DVCers. Just a feeling, odd that he is no longer there though.

[patsal]

Pretty much the same level as everyone else. I expect clean useable accomadations, CM's with a good attitude and ability to problem solve should anything come up--which I would hope would only be rarely at best. I don't believe I am entitled to anything more than my original contract spelled out--accomadations. I do enjoy the perks, but do not expect them. That said, I rarely am disappointed by anything I encounter on my DVC vacations. With a company that normally holds itself to a higher standard to begin with, we have really only been less than satisfied on one occasion--not bad for odds 1/18 spread out over six years!

[emma'smom]

I do expect the same level of treatment (if not better) from CM's and condition of facilities as all guests staying on WDW property. We sink more money into Disney (with our initial investment and with our frequent visits) than the typical guest. I do think we should be rewarded for our loyalty....that our business/loyalty shouldn't be taken for granted.

[tgj]

Here's a response from a slightly different perspective....

We just signed our papers and became members last week and haven't gone yet - our first trip as DVC members will be in May 07. Here's what we're expecting.

I'm looking for a sort of Port Orlean French Quarter experience as a minimum standard (minus the daily housekeeping of course). If we get an ocassional Deluxe resort type experience, that would be a bonus. Of course, our last experience at POFQ was so very enjoyable that it made our decision to return to WDW often very easy. In other words, a moderate resort experience at WDW is often what I have found at a high-end resort elsewhere.

What that experience translates into, for me, is quiet, clean rooms all in working order. Mostly nice, courteous and responsive staff. Well-maintained pools, structures, grounds, etc. A safe environment that seems worlds away from the ordinary. I don't need or expect personal, private concierge type service, attention and pampering every minute of my stay.

As a new member, I hope that those expectations are not unreasonable, because we don't want to find ourselves regretting our decision. I hope they are in line with what we've paid for.

Other, more experienced members: your comments would be welcome!

[Fitswimmer]

As a group, I think we tend to expect more of Disney because we have all made a significant financial investment. As individuals that may vary, but the group mentality as expressed on these boards seems to hold Disney to a higher standard. However, as was mentioned-we are there more often and know how things are supposed to go.
I would like to see more discounts offered to members though, like they used to have at World of Disney. Although I do get 10% with my AP, which I got at a discount for being a DVC member, so I guess it works out.
I'm glad to see them working on the website, when I first went into the Member area I was kind of disappointed. I have seen some improvements just since May, so I know they've heard people about that. I was surprised that the offical website did not have a member forum though, of course now that I've found this one I really don't need it.

[diznyfanatic]

Some very interesting points have been made here and I appreciate your comments and insight.

When I asked the question, I wasn't really thinking of receiving perks per se, at least under the general definition. Frankly, I think we receive a fair number of those and am happy with anything offered as I simply consider them a bonus to what we wanted, and paid for, with the membership. I certainly wouldn't turn any of them down however. ;)

I was actually thinking of some of the intangibles that relate to what I consider to be quality service.

I don't think I expect more from Disney because we're members, but I do think I expect more just because it's Disney. I felt like that before we became members, however. Happily, we are rarely disappointed.

And, as JimMIA said, I also believe as members we have a responsibility to report problems and issues above that as regular resort guests. I want DVC to continue to prosper and grow because I believe that benefits all of us. I also want to protect the money that we've spent to cover the next 36 years.

I also believe Disney shares equally in that responsibility and I do think there are some things that could be improved, such as what has been reported here regarding the assignment of HC rooms and the process in which that is handled, but it has never happened to us personally.

I look forward to hearing more comments. :)

[Madi100]

I wouldn't expect the same treatment, because we are different. This is not the whole, but I think the majority. The majority have stayed at WDW before, most numerous times. When they say, "Welcome Home" it should be because we are. It should feel like a familiar welcoming place. When we go to some restaurants, we are asked if we've been there before. If we say no, then we are giving a "tour" of the menu. If we say yes, then they welcome us back and skip the formalities. I think DVC should be the same. We are only new to the resort once.

Having just bought in Dec., I don't really know what we got ourselves into. But, the only thing that does worry me, and I hope is not a problem is when there are issues. In the other resorts, they want to win you over. They want you to come back. If there's a problem, they try to make it better. With DVC, they know that I'll be coming back.

I'm actually quite interested to see how the service is.

[bpmorley]

I do expect the same level of treatment (if not better) from CM's and condition of facilities as all guests staying on WDW property. We sink more money into Disney (with our initial investment and with our frequent visits) than the typical guest. I do think we should be rewarded for our loyalty....that our business/loyalty shouldn't be taken for granted.
That's the word I was thinking of when I wrote earlier. LOYALTY. We are different from non-DVC guests.

Now I'm not trying to start a big argument, but in a way some guest at value resorts get better perks than us. Just last month Disney upgraded value guest to 1bdr villas' at OKW & SSR. To me that's one hell of an upgrade.

[TroyandDabs]

Just last month Disney upgraded value guest to 1bdr villas' at OKW & SSR. To me that's one hell of an upgrade.

I agree that's an amazing upgrade, but do we know the situation around it? It was last month (May or June?) Summer time at WDW. The value resorts tend to overbook. Could there have been a convention that had 'taken over' and the placed was so crowded that OKW was one of the least expensive upgrades?

I'm happy that people get upgraded. I hope it happens to me on most of my trips. ;)

But, the magic that those who were upgraded experienced, was amazing.

I was upgraded on DCL once, and I took pictures of that room because I knew that I would probably never see it again. That cruise was magical for me. The room was three times the size of a normal stateroom and the balcony took up half the back of ship. I have cruised 7 times on that ship ... and I'm sorry to say that I havent seen that room again (except from the outside of the ship! lol)

However, I now know that I would gladly pay for that room if possible. So, some of those who were upgraded, just might have purchased, if they were shown the value.

Just a thought ... :)

[LIFERBABE]

I agree that's an amazing upgrade, but do we know the situation around it? It was last month (May or June?) Summer time at WDW. The value resorts tend to overbook. Could there have been a convention that had 'taken over' and the placed was so crowded that OKW was one of the least expensive upgrades?

There was a situation for this to occur. The All-Star Suites were not completed on time for the summer influx of guests. The contractor was severely punished by Disney, but they still had to accomodate their guests. SSR was operating at about 60% in early June (lots of new units were brought online) and since the 1 bedrooms have more availability and they were accomodating suite guests, some of those guests were upgraded. I believe OKW was at 75%.

Dont count on this to happen in the future. WDTC was not happy at all!

[HUFF590]

This may sound bad ,but before we where DVC members I would walk past a can or paper on the ground knowing a cm would get it. Now I pick it up , I dont know if I expect more from DVC but I do from myself , I hope that makes sence :rotfl2:

[prez65]

I think this is a Great Thread....and an Excellent Question!

Right now it is a difficult one for me to answer.......some may know why!

Thanks for starting this thread....It was needed.

[CapeCodFam]

Our vacations are truly as good as our attitudes. We have found that if we treat everyone with kindness, that's what we receive in return. Since people are generally happy to be at WDW, we encounter happy people.

I do believe our experience isn't any different. But, I do feel our loyalty is greatly rewarded by WDW by allowing us to buy into DVC at such a frugal price. After all, we are going to go WDW anyway. But, we bought in becuase it is a great discount.

[NYMomof4]

I view DVC as a partnership between myself & other DVC members and Disney. In that sense I expect that members and Disney will treat the resorts as our "second homes." It is a shared responsibility to keep the resorts nice and I know that there are thousands of us that truly appreciate our DVC ownership. I think that expectations do run high for DVC but I have based that on the service and friendliness that I have received from DIsney. I bought DVC because I was already very familiar with the standards that they had in general and I think that DVC is one of the best quality vacationing options available to families of all compositions.

[aclov]

I do expect a little more because of the loyalty and decision to buy into DVC. I chose to vacation at WDW more often, where if I didn't own DVC I would be taking vacations elsewhere and my dollars as well. I also am able to invite family and friends who are bringing along their spending money as well.

[Granny]

As someone else noted, I don't think I hold them to a higher standard, but because we visit often I may have a clearer picture of what the service should be like.

I expect the same, but I think I get better.

Yes, definitely...for two reasons.

First, we should know better. I have very limited patience for a DVC owner who says nothing at all onsite and then comes here and whines. We should know the ropes, and we should take the initiative to address issues in a courteous, reasonable way while we are there and someone can do something about our problem. If something is not serious enough to address onsite, it's not a real issue, IMHO.

Second, we have a vested financial interest in the quality of service at DVC resorts. We OWN the place. That doesn't just mean we are Lords of the Castle, it means we also share responsibility for things. I'm not talking about nit-picking, but if there is a real issue, we are not meeting our responsibilities as owners if we just ignore it. Regular guests don't have that responsibility; we do. If we ignore issues, the value of our ownership will decline over time.
I have the same perspective as Jim MIA, but probably wouldn't have expressed it so eloquently. :thumbsup2

[canwegosoon]

There was a situation for this to occur. The All-Star Suites were not completed on time for the summer influx of guests. The contractor was severely punished by Disney, but they still had to accomodate their guests. SSR was operating at about 60% in early June (lots of new units were brought online) and since the 1 bedrooms have more availability and they were accomodating suite guests, some of those guests were upgraded. I believe OKW was at 75%.

Dont count on this to happen in the future. WDTC was not happy at all!
Well that does seem like a reasonable solution to me. Afterall I think disney does hold rights to many rooms or should I say points(cash, and ROFO inventory etc). If I had a Suite ressie, and the suites weren't ready I would be hoping for some type of resolution...this sounded like an easy fix.

[byoung]

Buy joining I do expect more. After all we are owner's .