What about us loyal Disney fans?

[trampslady]

Okay, I'm a little upset right now. Why is that Disney has so graciously decided to extend the offer of the Candlelight Processional Package to those on the dinner plan for no additional fee? Actually, it's better than just strolling into Le Cellier without the package as they are allowing folks to use just one dinner credit to take advantage of the Candlelight Processional Package. Meanwhile, those of us that aren't paying $35.00 per day for a counter service meal, a sit down dinner, and a snack are being asked to fork over $49.00 for the same package--that's if you can get a reservation. I even have the DDE card and consider it a great savings for our three to four extended visits per year, but I can't use that either for the package. Why are they alienated those of us who remain loyal regardless of the latest and greatest marketing offers?

Feel better now......of course, I shot off an email to Disney as well. We'll see what kind of response I get.

[Doctor P]

I wholeheartedly agree. Just one more way that they have chosen to screw DVC members who aren't even eligible to buy the dining package. The lowest cost CP dinner package is effectively as much as one full day on the dining package. If they made them use two dinner credits, it would be a whole different story.

[poohj80]

I'm with ya! Aren't some of the particpating restuarants normally two credit restuarants? If so, why have then been downgraded to one credit just because it's part of the CP package?

[calypso*a*go-go]

If this kind of stuff keeps us, there will probably be a lot more people renting out their points and booking through CRO instead. Especially those that normally stay in a studio.

[trampslady]

It breaks my heart to feel this away about a company and place that I dearly love, but I fear that the response that I get will be a generic form that closely relates to my subject but does not specifically address the issue at hand. I'm not giving up on this one. I'll probably take my concern to DVC next. I'm not a complainer, and I truly LUV Disney, but when I'm paying more and having a harder time giving them the darn money (lack of availability at restaurants) it becomes quite annoying.

I suspect that the DVC Guides will have a tougher time shining a positive light on forking over thousands of dollars for future Disney trips if the lucrative offers outside of DVC keep up. Seriously, I'm an airline employee and get 50 percent off rooms. I still joined DVC because I thought it was a great offer. That said, free transporation, 50 percent of deluxe accommodations AND attractively priced dining options are making my decision to invest in DVC much less intelligent on my part! :confused3

[mrsdon]

While I understand the frustration..
We are not owed anything,
Disney is giving us exactly what they promised..
A pre-paid hotel room.
I dont know of any other time-share that gives discounts on dinner packages or anything else to owners..
Just renters.
maybe someone else can enlighten me.
Dean perhaps?

[poohj80]

I never thought we were owed anything, but I will admit feeling a bit slighted when everyone else visiting WDW has access to special things that we don't whether it be dining plans or whatever. I understand not giving us the free dining plan but it would be nice if we had the option of purchasing it like everyone else.

[CharlesTD]

Personally we can't understand why people get so upset about this I mean we bought into DVC for the accomodations nothing more. We don't feel slighted in any way with the dining plan if we want it we will stay on cash but it isn't in any way taken personal.

[DVCLiz]

And to follow, it's because we are loyal and would come anyway, wouldn't we? These kinds of things aren't just because somebody got out of bed and thought, "Golly, I'll choose somebody to be extra nice to today - who should it be?" These are marketing techniques, and they are designed to bring the people who are thinking, "Now, where should we go on our vacation?", not the people who are saying, "Make your ADRs and book a BCV, it's time for WDW!"

It would be nice to get a perk, but look at where we get to stay!!!!

[Muushka]

Once again, I will voice my disappointment with my feet. If we get down there in Dec and restaurants are booked and/or crowded, we will simply make good use of our kitchen. No problem. I do know how to cook! And it is much healthier and less time consuming. When the APs at WDW got so high in price we went to USF/IOA. There are also some great restaurants off-site.

I agree with the OP. Yeah, I know we were only promised a room, but this dining plan will have an impact on everyone-whether you are able to use it or not.

[trampslady]

I don't think I said that I was entitled to anything other than a room in any of my posts. Please forgive me if I was interpreted that way. I paid for a timeshare, so to speak, and that's what I have. That said, I also have certain expectations of what my Disney experience will entail each visit. Nice dining experiences are part of the reason we invested in Disney and plan to make WDW a regular part of our yearly plans. However, when it becomes increasingly difficult to book our preferred dining locations as a result of creative marketing of which I am somewhat limited in taking advantage of (yeah, I can pay cash...uh, why when I already paid thousands and continue to pay thousands every year for dues) my Disney experience and the entire reason I purchased DVC to begin with becomes less pleasant, relaxing, and vacation-like.

I simply expect a pleasurable Disney experience and opportunity to enjoy the reasons I committed to DVC. And, while I don't expect bonus offers to DVC Members, I do feel as though the recent round of marketing campaigns have worked to "exclude" Members.

No argument, just my opinion.

[Maistre Gracey]

Yikes! I am usually the first one to say "we bought accommodations, and nothing else. They owe us nothing more."

However, in this case, it's a different arguement.
Because we bought and are staying at DVC, we are are not able to take advantage of promotional stuff that other guests are??? That makes no sense to me. :confused:

With all the above said, it makes absolutely zero difference to me. My wife and I enjoy the freedom of eating wherever, whenever, and whatever we want.
The DDE Card suits us to a tee. :goodvibes

I do understand why it would upset many loyal DVCers.

MG

[TCPluto]

Hi Trampslady! (HHI Christmas 2003...)

I think this likely amounts to Disney being so big and varied with their promotions and marketing people, the resort marketing folks have devised this plan for their area of responsibility, while DVC belongs to another person, group, etc.

I would think if this got to the right people (and who knows how to accomplish that), they would see the unfairness to all of us DVC owners.

Good luck!!

[Megangel31]

However, when it becomes increasingly difficult to book our preferred dining locations as a result of creative marketing of which I am somewhat limited in taking advantage of (yeah, I can pay cash...uh, why when I already paid thousands and continue to pay thousands every year for dues) my Disney experience and the entire reason I purchased DVC to begin with becomes less pleasant, relaxing, and vacation-like.

Amen to that! :wave2:

[trampslady]

Great to hear from you TCPluto!! I hope you and you family are doing well. You've got a great "big picture" outlook on this matter, and I welcome that thought process.

I think the folks at the top of DVC truly want Members to enjoy their investment, and I've been wowed by the more than generous offerings provided by DVC. While the dining plan appeals to some DVC owners, it really doesn't to us, because, as Maistre Gracey said, we really enjoy dining at our own will since we frequent Disney so often.

We LUV our DVC, and we LUV our DDE card--what a great deal! All in all, I guess my little mind compares this particular issue to a neighborhood restaurant that has been lovingly supported by the locals for years that starts sending out flyers for discounted food to folks that don't normally patronage the place--flyers that don't apply to the locals. Suddenly, it's impossible for the local "friends" of the restaurant to even get a reservation. It just feels funny that's all.

[rinkwide]

Remember those kids in school who had coupons for free hot lunches? I used to think they were lucky. I don't now.

[CharlesTD]

I equate this to the AP discount we recieve that the cash paying guest does not. Is it fair for them some of them partake in yearly pilgrimages to Disney and spend more in a 2 week span than many do on DVC alone. So why do we get this perk yet they do not it goes the same way with the dining privlage they are offered that we are not it just seems the shoe is on the other foot this time and many are crying about it. I know one family that routinely spends between 20 and 30 days at AKL or CR on teh concierge level they have no desire to buy into DVC they love those 2 resorts far to much.

[trampslady]

School lunches for the impoverished? That's just a very sad comparison to draw.

That said, CharlesTD has a very good point. Thanks for using the AP discount as a reminder of the super benefit that we have that others don't. Point very well taken and definitely food for thought!

[Maistre Gracey]

Is it fair for them some of them partake in yearly pilgrimages to Disney and spend more in a 2 week span than many do on DVC alone.
Holy Smokes! That must be some two week vacation; especially after 40 years of annual fees! :teeth:

MG

[CharlesTD]

Holy Smokes! That must be some two week vacation; especially after 40 years of annual fees! :teeth:

MG
Yep when you figure that a month in concierge at AKL or CR every year I am going to say it is more than I will spend on dues and cost of points in 40 years. Heck I know in 99 when we met them down at DW the trip that year was 28 days long and was in excess of 25K.

[keishashadow]

I never thought we were owed anything, but I will admit feeling a bit slighted when everyone else visiting WDW has access to special things that we don't whether it be dining plans or whatever. I understand not giving us the free dining plan but it would be nice if we had the option of purchasing it like everyone else.I've been bemoaning the fact that DVC owners on points could not purchase the MYW Dining Option, have even gotten a very nice email from MServices indicating that they're working on it - check back before your next trip. Now, after I just paid for my CP res, I read this post!

Yes, I am well aware of what is currently offered as percs.

No, I don't think we're entitled to anything just because we have a DVC timeshare.

Chalk it up to me being new & all, but I still think DVC members should be entitled to the same treatment/opportunities as cash guests.

Of course we could do something about it - express your opinion to DVC. However, don't call, EMAIL Member Services (I'm told they track only the written requests).

BTW, if you hop over to the Restaurants thread you'll find posts from numerous DVC'ers who have purchased AS accommodations during "free dining days" with absolutely no intent of ever setting foot in the rooms. They'll take their 1 day MYW tix, with dining option for the length of their stay, and high-tail it back to the rarified air of the Villas, secure in the knowledge that their dining is covered for their trip. Tales of phantom children, pooling credits; quite scary stuff...for less than $80 day/4 "pooled" adult credits. Pretty sweet deal! But, DVC members can't buy it legit for any price.

[Maistre Gracey]

Yep when you figure that a month in concierge at AKL or CR every year I am going to say it is more than I will spend on dues and cost of points in 40 years. Heck I know in 99 when we met them down at DW the trip that year was 28 days long and was in excess of 25K.
I could certainly spend 25K in a month, but that still doesn't doesn't hold a candle to 40 years of DVC.

That breaks down to about 40 years of fees on 150 points (at todays prices). That also doesn't include initial cost.

Scary, but have you ever figured out, with inflation on dues, what you will spend on DVC over 40 years? :scared:

MG

[SoCalKDG]

Nice dining experiences are part of the reason we invested in Disney and plan to make WDW a regular part of our yearly plans. However, when it becomes increasingly difficult to book our preferred dining locations as a result of creative marketing of which I am somewhat limited in taking advantage of (yeah, I can pay cash...uh, why when I already paid thousands and continue to pay thousands every year for dues) my Disney experience and the entire reason I purchased DVC to begin with becomes less pleasant, relaxing, and vacation-like. There is no reason you can't have a nice dining experience. People on the dining plan don't get guarenteed reservations. Even without this program WDW hotels are running at 90% capacity. I've seen many posts of non-dvc people complaining that they can't get ressies at the nice restuarants because they are calling at 45 days.

Just a reminder for all DVC members to make their ressies 90 days in advance, so they can get what they want. Later it will be the people on the food plan complaining that they can't get the most expensive restaurants.

[CharlesTD]

I could certainly spend 25K in a month, but that still doesn't doesn't hold a candle to 40 years of DVC.

That breaks down to about 40 years of fees on 150 points (at todays prices). That also doesn't include initial cost.

Scary, but have you ever figured out, with inflation on dues, what you will spend on DVC over 40 years? :scared:

MG

I know it is crazy what we pay and we have 400 points LOL. They spend atleast 20-30K a year on their Disney trips I wish I had a spare 30 K for a Disney trip every year mind you it would just go to more points LOL.

[SnowWitch]

I have pretty much quit going to the dining baord becasue I am so sick of the "Where can I get lobster on the free dining plan? or "My child couldn't order a $13 appetizer on the free dining plan." or "We were not allowed to order dessert off the menu at Ohana on the free dining plan."

I don't regret my DVC purchase one bit and we have been members for 6 years but I find it annoying this whole free dining promotion. All people want to do is whine and complain, for crying out loud they are staying at a value resort and eating at restrau. that most have admitted in multiple posts they could never afford and they still want to complain- HELLO Its FREE!!!!

And I'm sitting here thinking I would love to be able to have the dining plan as an option but I figure by the time the freebies get done ordering the most expensive items they can and everyone will book Le Cellier (What a deal) I anticipate Disney making some changes to their little dining program. If it ever does reach us it will have been tweaked beyond belief and not worth it!

[DisFlan]

I, for one, am very glad we'll be going after the free dining period ends in October. And I pray they don't extend it!

As for a DVC dining option, I couldn't care less. CP included. If we get one, fine. If we don't, fine. Disney can give away dining AND hotel rooms for all I care. I just wouldn't want to be there during that time.

When we bought DVC, we considered ourselves as "opting out" of the hotel merry-go-round side of Disney and all the arcane discount crapolla. If we need a room for an extra night here or there, we'll get one. It'll cost whatever it costs. The same goes for food. We eat, we pay. We get what we want - exactly what we want. And we'd prefer to do it in a restaurant that isn't overflowing with free-diners and overworked CMs.

What the hotels do with packages is their business. It's not DVC. We get quite a few nice perks. With an AP, we get a few more options. This is fine with me.

DisFlan

[keishashadow]

I have pretty much quit going to the dining baord becasue I am so sick of the "Where can I get lobster on the free dining plan? or "My child couldn't order a $13 appetizer on the free dining plan." or "We were not allowed to order dessert off the menu at Ohana on the free dining plan."

I don't regret my DVC purchase one bit and we have been members for 6 years but I find it annoying this whole free dining promotion. All people want to do is whine and complain, for crying out loud they are staying at a value resort and eating at restrau. that most have admitted in multiple posts they could never afford and they still want to complain- HELLO Its FREE!!!!

And I'm sitting here thinking I would love to be able to have the dining plan as an option but I figure by the time the freebies get done ordering the most expensive items they can and everyone will book Le Cellier (What a deal) I anticipate Disney making some changes to their little dining program. If it ever does reach us it will have been tweaked beyond belief and not worth it!Agree, we skipped LeCellier earlier this year (@ that time it was designated a TS - 2 credits) and ate @ the "supposedly better " Yaughtsman (also 2 credits) instead.

Already have made my CP @ LeCellier, which was tough to get on the morning of the 1st day they accepted res. Still troubled that the "free diners" are able to use 1 Credit for the CP - just isn't fair.

As for the excuse that the AP discount evens everything out, of course it doesn't. If you don't need or want it, what good does it do you? If DVC is going to offer a perc in the form of a "ticket discount", why not a % off MYW tix or taa daa!!!! let us buy the MYW Dining Option?

[Simba's Mom]

I agree with you completely! When we joined DVC, I didn't think an offer would be made to the general public (the dining plan) that DVC members wouldn't be able to take advantage of. Maybe others might disagree, but since just using the DDE saves 20%, I'm considering not getting the package, but going to CP, then dining at a resturaunt separately and using the DDE card. I'm just hoping that since I'm going solo, finding a seat for the CP viewing will be OK without the reserved seating.

[Dean]

While I understand the frustration..
We are not owed anything,
Disney is giving us exactly what they promised..
A pre-paid hotel room.
I dont know of any other time-share that gives discounts on dinner packages or anything else to owners..
Just renters.
maybe someone else can enlighten me.
Dean perhaps?Most timeshare that have restaurants offer discounts. The Marriott's on HH have a double sided list in 12 pt type of restaurants and other discounts that are available to all that check in. But WDW is certainly a different animal and hard to compare. I agree it would be nice but remember that only those that book rooms through WDW TA can get any of these options. Thus there are a lot of people left out. Remember they are simply trying to sell rooms. Thus one must decide if it's worth it to book full price for the room and save points or forego other discounts. No one should feel singled out IMO, but I do think it would be better all around if they offered the option TO PURCHASE to DVC members as well.

[snowbunny]

I have pretty much quit going to the dining baord becasue I am so sick of the "Where can I get lobster on the free dining plan? or "My child couldn't order a $13 appetizer on the free dining plan." or "We were not allowed to order dessert off the menu at Ohana on the free dining plan."

Right!...and I decided anyway after reading many these posts that the dining plan doesn't interest me -- I'd have mutinies from my group after a day or two of not being able to just go where we want and order what we want. It's supposed to be a vacation.

[kathleena]

I see this issue of using the meal plan for the CP very different than the overall issue of why isn't the meal plan/variation thereof offered to DVC members.

I don't see it as a DVC issue - but as a dining issue.

With the CP - which is already pricey and has very long lines at the gardens theatre - they don't allow the 20% dining discount for the Dining Card. Why do they allow the meal program vouchers and not the Dining Card. :confused3

And there is still the issue of folks with kids on the meal plan get to use those really cheap credits as adult meals. SO now, they not only get the $49 meal for a lot less, they get it for a lot-lot less.

I think the Disney policies are unfair in this regard - if they allow the vouchers, they should allow the dining card discount.

[rinkwide]

...go where we want and order what we want...Dining plan or not, that's going to be harder now with all the coupon-waving riff-raff clogging up your favorite restaurants.

[Simba's Mom]

I see this issue of using the meal plan for the CP very different than the overall issue of why isn't the meal plan/variation thereof offered to DVC members.

I don't see it as a DVC issue - but as a dining issue.

With the CP - which is already pricey and has very long lines at the gardens theatre - they don't allow the 20% dining discount for the Dining Card. Why do they allow the meal program vouchers and not the Dining Card. :confused3

And there is still the issue of folks with kids on the meal plan get to use those really cheap credits as adult meals. SO now, they not only get the $49 meal for a lot less, they get it for a lot-lot less.

I think the Disney policies are unfair in this regard - if they allow the vouchers, they should allow the dining card discount.

I agree completely! I wonder how many others would do the CP except that there's no 20% DDE discount. It only angers me more that the people on the meal program are getting a discount, but DDE holders can't. I just hope I still get a good seat!
BTW, Kathleena, your granddaughter does look very much like the picture-recognized her right away.

[Dean]

I see this issue of using the meal plan for the CP very different than the overall issue of why isn't the meal plan/variation thereof offered to DVC members.

I don't see it as a DVC issue - but as a dining issue.

With the CP - which is already pricey and has very long lines at the gardens theatre - they don't allow the 20% dining discount for the Dining Card. Why do they allow the meal program vouchers and not the Dining Card. :confused3

And there is still the issue of folks with kids on the meal plan get to use those really cheap credits as adult meals. SO now, they not only get the $49 meal for a lot less, they get it for a lot-lot less.

I think the Disney policies are unfair in this regard - if they allow the vouchers, they should allow the dining card discount.There are only a couple of places that don't overlap and there are places that allow the DDE discount that are not on the meal plan. Plus, the rules state the kids are limited to the kids menu. It may not be strictly enforced though. Remembering back to the FnF card, early on it did not restrict kids to the kids menu. My kids took full advantage with expensive meals, trail ride, fishing excursion, etc. I told my wife at the time that the program couldn't last as it was, sure enough it kept changing such that it had little or no value.

IMO, the meal plan is a specialty and convenience purchase. There are many situations where one would spend as much or more money with it than without. And it will drive your vacation. I certainly can come up with scenarios it would "save" money but the question is whether that's the way one would normally eat anyway. I kept up with the expenditures we had and would have had with the FnF on one trip. We spent about the same amount we would have anyway but got a lot more. However, at that time $50 roughly got you 2 sit down meals (including adult meals at kids price), trail rides, boats, fishing excursions, etc. On 3 nights (the minimum) we spend around $363 if I recall correctly for 4 and had we paid full price it would have cost about $970. We would not have made the same choices out of pocket. Even by the end of 3 days, even the kids were refusing desert and the like. When people study All Inclusive plans, they find that after about 3 days people's approaches change. That's why these type of programs tend to have a longer minimum number of days like 5-7.

[kathleena]

Plus, the rules state the kids are limited to the kids menu. It may not be strictly enforced though.

Dean - you may not be aware of this but it's well known on the dining board -once you purchase the meal plan - whether you have adult or child meals - they go into one account. At that point - you can't tell the difference between a child and an adult. So what people are doing is using the child one as an adult meal and having the kids eat cash off the menu.

So - using the child meal as an adult meal is what I was refering to.

[Dean]

Dean - you may not be aware of this but it's well known on the dining board -once you purchase the meal plan - whether you have adult or child meals - they go into one account. At that point - you can't tell the difference between a child and an adult. So what people are doing is using the child one as an adult meal and having the kids eat cash off the menu.

So - using the child meal as an adult meal is what I was refering to.I wasn't aware it was so transparent but am not surprised it happens. It does bring up questions about how to manipulate the system, unfortunately. Still, the rules say from the kids menu.