I didn't understand the big woo-hoo about D23 when it was first announced and I still don't understand it. Looks like much a-do about nothing to me (just MHO).
I'm not much about all this "Throw'em a bone and they'll think it's a steak." mentality. Just leave me hungry if you're not going to feed me.
Seriously? Who cares about D23 and how does it benefit me in my DVC membership except to bait me to spend more money that doesn't even have anything to do with my DVC membership?
I guess I'm happy everybody's so excited but I just don't get it. Sorry.
I think the important take away is that while monetarily small, a complimentary membership in the Disney Fan Club indicates DVC management is trying. This, coupled with the $399 Annual Pass, the TIW card, additional member cruises, plus new merchandise indicates Claire is listening to groups of members and trying to fill a few requests and niches.
So if I don't jump in the praise parade, I'm in the wrong? I have long since stopped drinking the kool-aid. I love Disney and my DVC or I wouldn't be here right now, but there's no there, there, in this offering. No harm, no foul, I guess. I guess if I'm not a fanboy of everything, I get criticized. So be it.
They don't "give me" a place to sleep. I paid for it, but thank you.
I lowered my expectations years ago. When they throw out stuff like this that is basically meaningless, it insults me because it cost them nothing and I'm suppose to stand on my head thanking them for it when it's worthless anyway? Really? Increasing volume doesn't increase value.
I appreciate the AP additional discount. That has value and provides something tangible. This? Not so much. YMMV.
In contrast to others, the discounted AP does nothing for me, as I am able to take advantage of the Salute to the Military discounts on MYW tickets, which is a much better deal.
That said, I have been on the fence, as it were, on joining the D23. I really want to, but am unable to justify the price in our current budget. If we gain Silver status complimentary, then Gold status could be partially comped, and I can take advantage of that offer. As such for my needs, complimentary D23 membership holds more real and intrinsic value than a discounted AP.
In summary, I am glad Claire and DVC management are making efforts to add value to our membership. Regardless of whether it is to keep the body happy or for talking points during a sale, I am enjoying the attempt and the wide variety of options currently offered.
Wilson, I would postulate that the reason you gave up on the ancillary value of DVC is due to management's lackluster position toward their members. It is likely for this reason that the new management team is working to regain our trust by adding additional value to our membership. We have informed Claire that there was a problem, and it is through the small things that progress can be seen.
In the end, I hope you and other disenfranchised members are able to take a moment to look at the offers as a relationship builder and a movement toward rebuilding what was damaged, rather than a sinister effort to buy our good will with trinkets (which may be the case, however that line of thought insinuates malice, which I have yet to see from this administration).
Thanks for listening!