What cool member perks could DVC realistically offer?

[MJ6987]

So, following on from my "Some DVC Members are Deluded" (the ones demanding Free Dining) post...

What realistic member perks would you like to see DVC offer?

I think you have to think creatively as they need to be either inexpensive for them to offer (but still be of tangible "value" to members) OR be of value to Disney beyond what it costs them to offer the perk

Maybe Disney / DVC are reading this thread!!

 

[ldo]

I would like discounted multi-day tickets similar to Fla residents, or the one day per park for 4 days for $199 again. Also, free PH added onto base ticket. Ability to buy the Epcot after 4pm annual pass.

 

[SuperRob]

Like Ido, I think prices the same as a state resident get would be just fine for tickets. I just don't know how DVC would manage to negotiate to get that discount. If I'm in Parks, I'd just tell DVC, "Look, they're coming anyway. That's the entire point of your program. So why are we discounting this for them at all? Discounts should be for the people we have a hard time getting back here, not for the easiest ones!"

I think we need some outside the box thinking on this one. What if DVC partnered with outside companies, like maybe Von's or Garden Grocer, to offer discounted groceries, or maybe $50 off an order with each stay? I think they'd have an easier time negotiating those kinds of discounts because they aren't "fighting" against their own company.

And if DVC does it right, and those external "perks" end up being a threat somehow (cannibalizing dining, for example), then maybe that would give them leverage to negotiate better in-park discounts for us. But honestly, I don't know how much of this is wishful thinking.

 

[MJ6987]

I think that the Member Lounge in Epcot is a good benefit. I would like to see one in the Magic Kingdom as well though as that is the park with the longest hours. I actually think that this could indirectly pay back for Disney as well - DVC owners are probably more likely to visit parks for short amounts of time - a member lounge may mean that they go there to recharge (themselves and their phones!) and then carry on in the parks - more opportunities for Disney to sell food, merch, etc

 

[Sammie]

I honestly don't know it is a sticky wicket. I don't think many members realize that discounts given to DVC from other division such as tickets have to be paid for by DVC or negotiated for. DVC just can't call up tickets and say give us a discount. It is a lengthy process and honestly the other division probably see no gain in it to them.

As Rob said the division they are negotiating with be it tickets, or dining, or park operations have to agree and see some benefit to them.

They can't pay for any of these perks with member dues, yet again many members wrongly think they do, so the cost of the perks have to come from DVC operating budget. If they do many perks they would have to make cuts somewhere else, in Members Services or something similar.

You have to think of each division within Disney, parks, food, tickets, transportation, DVC, as their own business with their own budget and their own goals. Just because it says Disney does not mean they are directly connected. The competition between divisions is great.

 

[Sammie]

I think that the Member Lounge in Epcot is a good benefit. I would like to see one in the Magic Kingdom as well though as that is the park with the longest hours. I actually think that this could indirectly pay back for Disney as well - DVC owners are probably more likely to visit parks for short amounts of time - a member lounge may mean that they go there to recharge (themselves and their phones!) and then carry on in the parks - more opportunities for Disney to sell food, merch, etc

But again, that money food, merchandise, DVC gets none of that. So DVC out of their budget puts in a lounge and the profit goes to someone else. Why would DVC want to do that?

 

[BillPA]

I could go for discounted passes for my family that don't live with us. Like my kids, their spouses and our grand kids. Not necessarily APs but 4-5...day passes. And why do they charge extra to park hop? We can only be in one at a time. The 'almost Annual' Gold Pass discount, though not what is use to be is okay, although a bit too expensive. Maybe a few 'extra' fast passes each day wouldn't hurt either. I also think $150 for the TIW that use to be $50 for 2 cards could be reduced. They may find they will make more money if they just gave all of us that card. Now we leave the property for many meals, it just cost too much to feed 8-10 people at the parks.

 

[MJ6987]

But again, that money food, merchandise, DVC gets none of that. So DVC out of their budget puts in a lounge and the profit goes to someone else. Why would DVC want to do that?

I meant for DVC to get Disney to fund it, or fund most of it, using this business case

 

[MJ6987]

I think another good one, that wouldn't necessarily cost anything, would be a DVC exclusive design for Magic Bands - maybe just a colour that no one else can get with some wording embossed on it - something like that.

 

[lovin'fl]

I too would like to be able to get all the APs that FL residents get. Or...I wish they'd offer a DVC bundle that includes park tix and DP.

 

[wdwfan1]

I like these ideas but I don't think they will happen.

 

[rwcmath]

I would like to see bracelets for Illuminations viewing, or reserved line for concerts.

Still we will be attend some after hour events. I like the lounge idea, I have a very soft spot for Figment, and I often go on the ride. Many times I have lamented at how deserted that area of EPCOT has been. With Pixar shorts, which I really liked, Figment and now the lounge, I won't be alone in the area so much!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I think another good one, that wouldn't necessarily cost anything, would be a DVC exclusive design for Magic Bands - maybe just a colour that no one else can get with some wording embossed on it - something like that.

If they gave DVC the purple bands they might even have a sales tool based on how many seem to want that color! That would have been a fun 25th Anniversary accessory vs the buttons they want to hand out.

 

[Sammie]

I think another good one, that wouldn't necessarily cost anything, would be a DVC exclusive design for Magic Bands - maybe just a colour that no one else can get with some wording embossed on it - something like that.

Everything cost something. I love this idea, but DVC would to convince the division that oversees the magic band production that it would be advantageous to them to make it.

 

[keishashadow]

I would like to see the 'middle' tier AP pass with summer black out dates offered for purchase

also, would be nice if they would offer members the ability to purchase a ticket for an exclusive, after hour entry evening at the MK (akin to the old eticket one) a few times a year. One proviso - announce it 11 months ahead of time so all members have a chance of enjoying it, unlike the current 'free' offer they have for two nights.

 

[DisBuckMan]

I also think $150 for the TIW that use to be $50 for 2 cards could be reduced. They may find they will make more money if they just gave all of us that card.

They wouldn't even have to give us a TIW card. Just make the DVC discount at restaurants equivalent to TIW.

Also, as others have stated, getting the Florida resident discount on day tickets would be nice. Regular price for a 4 day ticket for Florida residents is $209.

 

[disneynutz]

DVC likes to give perks when it benefits Disney in some way, every perk is used in their sales talk with prospective buyers. I am sure that ticket discounts and the exclusive lounge at Epcot will be bragged about. As far as cost, dues pay for member mingles, the Christmas parties, the association meeting, the membership magic events are mostly self funded by charging a fee to the user.

DVC doesn't have to keep us happy, once a contract is sold, they have a owner for the life of the contract.

Bill

 

[lovin'fl]

But they do need to sell those way overpriced points at Poly and Aulani. I think sales aren't so peachy right now.

 

[hakepb]

Park benches.

After Disney finishes in
removing all park benches from the parks, each DVC kiosk could have a group of benches that can only be used by members or guests that already attended a presentation within the last week.

 

[PACVII]

How many points needed for the royal suite in Cinderella castle? Now that's a perk!