Rumor: DVC members receive VIP Fast Passes?

[a Really Bad Egg]

I heard recently that DVC members may soon (beginning Jan 2009?) be receiving VIP Fast Passes for each day of their stay?

The thought process was that DVC wanted members to have a more relaxed vacation experience allowing them to spend more time at their resorts. This in turn would result in members spending more money there as well.

It would also help with the question - "What perks do I get for spending all of this money?"

I can't remember if I heard this from the bus driver or boat captain :lmao: but was wondering if anyone else heard anything about it?

[starwood]

Not that I wouldn't love this perk but I wouldn't hold my breath. That sounds too good to be true.

[MomofKatie]

DSIL and DBIL got free "any attraction" FPs last January, but that was for going on the DVC tour. I wouldn't mind DVC owners getting this perk- 1 set per day for them wouldn't really have that big an effect on my vacation, I don't think.

[doconeill]

There has long been a "rumor" of added benefits based on Fastpass for on-site guests, and the higher the "class" of resort, the more benefit. But there hasn't been any indication as to when, if ever, such at thing would happen, or exactly how it would work.

DVC would certainly be included in it, likely at the "deluxe" category, but it would almost certainly not be exclusive to it.

Disney has a variety of patents regarding "features" of the Fastpass systems that have yet to actually happen.

[mrsR123]

Although this perk would make me personally very, very happy, I don't foresee Disney giving anything away to DVC members that they don't have to. They already got our money and are constantly looking for more ways to get some more-- they don't sit around wondering how they can make us happier.

[Horace Horsecollar]

I don't expect VIP Past Passes for DVC members either.

Every "special" Fast Pass means one fewer regular Fast Pass from a Fast Pass machine. Right now, Fast Pass distribution is fairly egalitarian. Except for a few VIP Fast Passes, promotional Fast Passes, and "Dream" Fast Passes, all other Fast Passes are distributed to any park guest according to consistent rules. It doesn't matter if someone has a one-park ticket or an annual pass, and it doesn't matter is someone is staying at a Disney deluxe resort or at a Days Inn off-site.

There's very little reason for Disney to give DVC Fast Passes to DVC members. There's far more of a business case to create expensive deluxe packages that include Fast Passes -- to the detriment of DVC members.

Disney has been granted patents for alternate means of Fast Pass distribution. Let's hope that Fast Passes don't eventually become rewards for buying Super-Duper-Deluxe Disney Platinum Plan packages -- at the expense of the rest of us.

[a Really Bad Egg]

There's very little reason for Disney to give DVC Fast Passes to DVC members.

Perhaps to get them out of the line so they can spend more time spending money.

Every minute they are stuck in a queue is another minute they aren't grazing.

I would highly discount the idea that Disney executives look at DVC members as old money.

Nope, they probably look at them as devoted fans with another pocketful of cash.

And of course, DVC is marketing like crazy for new members. Another perk would never hurt that effort.

Forward looking...there is always a new angle. You can't discount a good idea...it may be the next opportunity.

Because right when you do, some sharp marketeer sneaks another bill from your wallet and puts it in his.

:lmao:

[squirrlygirl]

I took a survey a few months ago that dealt with Disney World, and one of the questions asked about my feelings on a fastpass system that could be reserved in the morning in your room (through the tv somehow? I think that's what it said....)before you head to the parks--I think it was 4 attractions at one park could be reserved at the times you chose.

[TDC Nala]

Why do they care whether we spend money at the resorts or we spend money at the parks?

[deej696]

Great benefit, but I am not going to hold my breath. I am not so much in favor of the "fast passes based on how much you paid at your resort" thing anyway....

[Maribel]

I think this is a great marketing tool for both, DVC and deluxe hotels.
Bring it on Disney!!

[doctorhead]

i wouldn't complain.

[a Really Bad Egg]

Why do they care whether we spend money at the resorts or we spend money at the parks?


I think the point is they would rather have you spending money than standing in line.

[ClareH37]

Can't see it just being DVC (if at all) myself. Let's face it, we DVC'ers have already spent our money so they're not interested in us :rotfl:

They want more money off those who are spending $$$$$$ for a stay at the deluxes - i.e. they want them to keep spending money, keep coming back each year spending $$$$$$ at a time. Offer VIP fastpasses each time you stay at a deluxe and it's a good tool to get people back, spending more money.

[doconeill]

I posted this in the other thread in the DVC forum, but essentially a good reason to target DVC people even though we have "already spend our money"...with each trip, we are likely to have more disposable cash available since we are NOT paying for a room.

In theory, we are more likely to spend money a little more freely knowing that we don't also have to pay for the room at the end of the stay.

If I'm spending an hour in line at Splash Mountain, or 2 hours at Soarin', I'm not spending a dime (which applies to everyone, and is probably the ultimate motive for creating Fastpass in the first place). But if I've got a little time to kill waiting for my FP window, I'm more likely going to pop into a shop to get out of the heat, and have a look around while I'm there. If I'm not thinking that I have to pay $2k when I check out at the end of the week, I might just spend the $20 on a T-shirt or a hat.

[DisneyBaby!]

As a DVC member I am all for it. I just hope I would fall into a decent place in line based on what we spend. Working in the Casino industry (albeit in F & B) we do this every day, give people a shorter or no line based on the ammount they spend. Simple philosophy, keep the people that spend the most, or the most consistantly, happy and they will spend more and choose you over the competition. In my area, that means the best players get to bypass our "cash" guests. Sure they (the cash) guests complain, but they don't spend the money. Being new to this, I took me awile to reconcile this but it isn't about treating one person less, but treating those that pay the bills better. With the increased competition and technology that exists, I expect something like this to happen eventually

[ClareH37]

I'm sorry to sound negative but I still don't see it (I'm a DVC member as well, and it would be great).

When I did a MK tour last year I asked the question to our guide about if you're on a VIP tour (i.e. not a proper VIP, but a guest paying for one of the VIP tours) do you get to the front of the line. He said in no uncertain terms no, because "Disney is for everyone, all guests are equal and just because someone has money doesn't mean they get to jump the line".

I guess we'll all have to wait and see, will be interesting to see what Disney have in store for us :) ;)

[Modog814]

I don't know if I see it ever happening. But it does make sense to do it for DVC Members (yes I am one so I may be biased).

Yes, they've already gotten our "money". But don't think for one second that they don't want more of it, and they're not getting it from us sleeping in late, lounging around the pool all day and dare I say, traveling to other places outside of Disney while staying at the DVC resort.

Getting people inside the parks are where they're going to increase their ticket sales, and souvenier sales, and food sales. And what better people to target than:

a) The people who are there most often.
b) The people who have committed to going to Disney for many of the next 50 years.
c) The people who have shown they have the financial ability to pay for the next 50 years of vacations up front.
d) The people who are most like to go stay at a Disney Resort and NOT go to many (or any) parks in a specific vacation.


By offering something simple to DVC members (and/or Deluxe Hotel) you can get this person whose committed to Disney Vacations for many years to attend the parks more often than they might have had it not been for free fast passes, and along with this person comes their wallet/purse and credit cards.


Again, I don't think you'll see it, but to me it sure does make sense from a business point of view.

[paulh]

a) The people who are there most often.
b) The people who have committed to going to Disney for many of the next 50 years.
c) The people who have shown they have the financial ability to pay for the next 50 years of vacations up front.
d) The people who are most like to go stay at a Disney Resort and NOT go to many (or any) parks in a specific vacation.
.

were dvc going for three weeks in aug,plan on doing parks 2 days this might make us do 3 days
Paulh

[DisFlan]

Not gonna happen. Passes might be gifted to people doing the DVC tour, but that's about it. Not that I wouldn't love to get them, of course. I wouldn't turn them down!

DisFlan

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Passes might be gifted to people doing the DVC tour, but that's about it . . .

1) They already do this.
2) And have for several years.
3) If you see a presentation, you get a book with 3-FP's for the entire family.
4) If not given freely, just ask for them.

[Maribel]

I don't know if I see it ever happening. But it does make sense to do it for DVC Members (yes I am one so I may be biased).

Yes, they've already gotten our "money". But don't think for one second that they don't want more of it, and they're not getting it from us sleeping in late, lounging around the pool all day and dare I say, traveling to other places outside of Disney while staying at the DVC resort.

Getting people inside the parks are where they're going to increase their ticket sales, and souvenier sales, and food sales. And what better people to target than:

a) The people who are there most often.
b) The people who have committed to going to Disney for many of the next 50 years.
c) The people who have shown they have the financial ability to pay for the next 50 years of vacations up front.
d) The people who are most like to go stay at a Disney Resort and NOT go to many (or any) parks in a specific vacation.


By offering something simple to DVC members (and/or Deluxe Hotel) you can get this person whose committed to Disney Vacations for many years to attend the parks more often than they might have had it not been for free fast passes, and along with this person comes their wallet/purse and credit cards.


Again, I don't think you'll see it, but to me it sure does make sense from a business point of view.
I agree with you on the reasons why DVC are a good target for the VIP fastpasses.
I also think it is something that we may see in October, once the year o million dreams is over (if it is over this year, anyway).

[ClareH37]

I think 'if' and it's a big 'if', if something like this happens, it won't be just DVC owners who get it.

The more I'm thinking, the more I wouldn't be surprised if Disney were to do something like Universal - everyone who stays onsite (including DVC) gets front of line type access, and anyone who is off site is given the opportunity of purchasing fast passes, like the express pass booklet at Universal.

Of course we're all guessing, but it would be great if this happened (certainly for us DVC owners) :goodvibes

[Horace Horsecollar]

The more I'm thinking, the more I wouldn't be surprised if Disney were to do something like Universal - everyone who stays onsite (including DVC) gets front of line type access, and anyone who is off site is given the opportunity of purchasing fast passes, like the express pass booklet at Universal.
At Walt Disney World, way too many guest stay on-site for this to work. It would destroy the current Fast Pass systems, which is well-designed and has been refined over many years.

Effectively, Disney would be hanging out sign that says, "IF YOU'RE STAYING OFF-SITE, STAY AWAY. YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GET ON ANY POPULAR RIDES. WE DON'T WANT YOUR MONEY."

Fast Passes and front-of-line passes don't increase the overall capacity of popular attractions.

I think this whole thread is based on a misunderstanding of the Fast Passes that DVC Sales hands out to guests who listen to the DVC sales pitch -- not DVC members. I'm not blaming the OP. The OP reported what he or she heard from someone else.

[a Really Bad Egg]

I think this whole thread is based on a misunderstanding of the Fast Passes that DVC Sales hands out to guests who listen to the DVC sales pitch -- not DVC members.

Nope...not the case. Being the OP, I think this thread was based on the simple idea that maybe those with deep pockets should be out of the lines and back in the marketplace - for anything Disney is selling.

It makes sense - you have money, they want it. You are stuck in line - you aren't spending it. No need to get the microscope out - it's about the transition of cash from your pocket to theirs.

Believe me. Disney is investigating any way possible to make that trasnsition happen. Not realizing that fact would be the misunderstanding.

:lmao:

[skater]

As a DVC member I am all for it. I just hope I would fall into a decent place in line based on what we spend. Working in the Casino industry (albeit in F & B) we do this every day, give people a shorter or no line based on the ammount they spend. Simple philosophy, keep the people that spend the most, or the most consistantly, happy and they will spend more and choose you over the competition. In my area, that means the best players get to bypass our "cash" guests. Sure they (the cash) guests complain, but they don't spend the money. Being new to this, I took me awile to reconcile this but it isn't about treating one person less, but treating those that pay the bills better. With the increased competition and technology that exists, I expect something like this to happen eventually



This may make sense from a business perspective, and I do feel that the perks for DVC owners are not that great. Saying that, I think we would cut down on our trips dramatically IF we feel the pain from a policy like this. If I know about it, but don't FEEL it happening at the parks, it probably would not be a big deal to me. If its obvious to me while at the parks, that would stink and would definately take away from the magic for me.

The casino comparison is what made me choose your quote. This is of course one reason that casinos don't appeal to me, and I hope if Disney does decide to go down this path, they make it not so obvious to us poor folks :rotfl: .

[Horace Horsecollar]

Nope...not the case. Being the OP, I think this thread was based on the simple idea that maybe those with deep pockets should be out of the lines and back in the marketplace - for anything Disney is selling.
Well, we'll just have to see if Disney provides special VIP Fast Passes to DVC members, possibly "beginning Jan 2009" -- just because we entered into a multi-thousand dollar real estate transaction with Disney some time in past 16 or so years, and we now only pay an annual maintenance fee that covers actual resort expenses and a relatively modest property management fee (profit for Disney).

Just be careful what you wish for. If Disney changes the Fast Pass system from one that treats almost all guests equally to one that favors some guests due to business considerations, then Disney has far more reason to encourage guests to book $455-500 per night deluxe rooms than to "reward" DVC members for money we spent during the Bill Clinton years (or even during the George W. Bush years).

And since DVC members generally visit more often and stay longer than most cash guests, we're already spending less time standing in line and we're already in a position to spend more of our money with Disney.

Believe me, as a DVC member, I would love to see DVC members treated like royalty. But as someone who is realistic about business, I don't see any reason why Disney should favor DVC members over other guest when it comes to Fast Pass, despite some of the reasons given in this thread.

[a Really Bad Egg]

One opinion could be that those with more money spend more money and it may be a good idea to concentrate some business sense in that direction.

:lmao:

[DisFlan]

1) They already do this.
2) And have for several years.
3) If you see a presentation, you get a book with 3-FP's for the entire family.
4) If not given freely, just ask for them.

I know. I'm DVC, too. I just don't believe they'll be handed out to DVC members as regular perks. I wouldn't complain if they were, but I don't think they will be. Not all of us have pockets any deeper than most other guests. And there are a lot of DVCers now, with more coming. Epcot would have to add a "DVC FastPass" line at Soarin'.

DisFlan

[ThurlFan]

One opinion could be that those with more money spend more money and it may be a good idea to concentrate some business sense in that direction.



I think the fundamental flaw here is in thinking that DVC members inherently "spend more money".
:confused3

[a Really Bad Egg]

I think the fundamental flaw here is in thinking that DVC members inherently "spend more money".
:confused3

Yes, that may not be the right thought process. One would think - on the surface - that a DVC owner who plopped down a wad of cash for prepaid vacations would be financially well off and would continue that spending spree.

However, I wonder if there is a large percentage that mortgaged the future for vacation and nickel and dime it to be able to have lifetime of accomodation at Disney.

It would be interesting to know the demographics.

The right audience for special perks may be the cash customer staying at the Deluxe resorts.

:confused3

[DisFlan]

The income demographics of DVC folks may be a little higher than the average guest, but many of us bought DVC to save money on Disney vacations. For every DVCer who buys tons of WDW stuff and eats three table service meals a day, there's probably two more who cook many of their meals in their villa kitchens and bring pre-purchased Disney souvies from Target or Walmart.

There have been whole, long threads on the DVC boards that contained nothing but Crock-Pot recipes to use in DVC kitchens - and others about where to get the best price on groceries off site. So, no, most of us don't hit WDW and just blindly spend-spend-spend. We arrive with a Crock-Pot under one arm and pre-bought princess costumes under the other. I doubt that many DVCers are poor, but most of us are pretty darned thrifty. I don't know about others, but we don't have to "nickel and dime" anything. Watching our spending during our stays allows us to have two or more WDW trips a year in very nice accommodations. I'm sure that's more than the average guest gets to do.

DisFlan

[jade1]

I think adding VIP FP's is just one more step in building the value of membership (as does AP discount and DDP etc). It also is another step towards more relaxed vacations, not rushing to attractions or FP lines, couple that with ME (no car rentals/cabs, no bag pick up or check in) and they are building a high demand product that will protect investments, fewer resales, higher values and new memberships.

[ClareH37]

However, I wonder if there is a large percentage that mortgaged the future for vacation and nickel and dime it to be able to have lifetime of accomodation at Disney.


An awful lot of people I know who are DVC members are definitely 'mortgaged' for their DVC purchase, i.e. they've taken loans out for a good few years to pay off the points. Also, they don't spend money in the shops, and eat off site to save money. I'm not saying anything is wrong in that, but I think it is a misconception to think that DVC members have more money to spend.

Now, on the other hand, before I joined DVC at the BWV, when I look back at my trips over the last few years (deluxe club level resorts), it's frightening the money I was spending not only on hotel accomodation, but items in the Disney shops, tours, restaurants, etc. :scared1: If I were Disney I'd be targetting me as I used to be :rotfl:

[DisFlan]

Now, on the other hand, before I joined DVC at the BWV, when I look back at my trips over the last few years (deluxe club level resorts), it's frightening the money I was spending not only on hotel accomodation, but items in the Disney shops, tours, restaurants, etc. :scared1: If I were Disney I'd be targetting me as I used to be :rotfl:

That was us, too - deluxe concierge/buying toys and junk out the wazzu. Expensive meals. That's why we joined DVC. We paid cash for DVC - no mortgage, we didn't refinance anything (although I think quite a few members may have). It's amazing how much LESS stuff we now buy when we're on property. Not just because of money, but because we take more and more leisurely vacations - sometimes with no park days. And we already have a HUGE motley collection of Disney stuff. We don't need more.

I'd definitely be targeting us as we were, too. Those are the guys to go after.

Aha! - but maybe they're trying to get us BACK in the parks/shops more. If that's the case, then VIP passes are a GREAT idea - from our end. I'll ride more, but probably still not spend much more than we do now. I'll still bring the Crock-Pot.

DisFlan

[doconeill]

Aha! - but maybe they're trying to get us BACK in the parks/shops more. If that's the case, then VIP passes are a GREAT idea. I'll ride more, but probably still not spend much more than we do now.

DisFlan

Exactly! If we know we'd spend less time in lines, we might go over to the parks more, for partial days at least.

And I don't think that there is any plans to give DVC members (or anyone else) unlimited front of the line access like some seem to believe. I thinkthis may be a corruption of the long-rumored "X free fastpasses to deluxe", "Y free fastpasses for moderates", etc. or the "book fastpasses from your room" features that Disney has patents on but not implemented (yet).

[ClareH37]

That was us, too - deluxe concierge/buying toys and junk out the wazzu. Expensive meals. That's why we joined DVC. We paid cash for DVC - no mortgage, we didn't refinance anything. It's amazing how much LESS stuff we now buy when we're on property. Not just because of money, but because we take more and more leisurely vacations - sometimes with no park days. (And we already have a HUGE motley collection of Disney stuff. We don't need more.)

I'd definitely be targeting us as we were, too. Those are the guys to go after.

Aha! - but maybe they're trying to get us BACK in the parks/shops more. If that's the case, then VIP passes are a GREAT idea. I'll ride more, but probably still not spend much more than we do now.

DisFlan

I'm using my points first time next December (I've no finance either), and was thinking of spending more time just relaxing than parks, but, if I were given VIP passes I'd definitely spend more time in the parks, and therefore probably end up spending more more in the shops lol.

[paulh]

if they can get you intothe parks,and you dont spend any extra.there still making on ticket price,if you dont have an AP
Like outhers have said were planning 2 days in parks during our 3 week stay plus waterparks
Paulh

[DisFlan]

if they can get you intothe parks,and you dont spend any extra.there still making on ticket price,if you dont have an AP
Like outhers have said were planning 2 days in parks during our 3 week stay plus waterparks
Paulh


We have APs. And DDEs and Golf cards. We usually only spend partial days in the parks - maybe only 2 or 3 hours. The rest is spent on golf courses, chillin' at the resort or just strolling the Boardwalk. We tend to go to the parks just for certain things - like fireworks, parades, Illuminations, Fantasmic, etc, and maybe a couple of rides or a meal. LOL - there's certainly no "itinerary" involved. We don't go to shop, and if a ride line is longer than 15 minutes, we usually skip it. THAT'S where a VIP pass would come in handy.

DisFlan

[MissMet]

If Disney's philosophy is what some of you are saying (they don't care about us anymore, they already got our money) than we wouldn't have been suddenly blessed no more internet surcharges.

I don't put anything by disney.

If they "bribe" people to go on the dvc tour with extra fp than I really wouldn't put it past them to offer extra fp as a perk to dvc members.

I'm not saying they will, but I think it's more possible than not.

[4 mickey]

Hi
I would be more than happy :)
For any reason but I think they,re might be truth to this with a market down a bit ( economy ,morgages , gas ) that would be an extra appeal for someone thinking of buying into DVC when you know you have that extra perk .....and for those of us already in ( DVC ) well more time to shop , eat ......
Hope they're is truth to this :)