Sorry if I came across as complaining. I totally understand that perks are just that, an extra little something that sets DVC apart from "timeshares". I know I don't get any perks from either of the other two timeshares I own, but I guess I hold Disney to a different standard than the rest, and it is different. I know it will make a difference on whether or not I buy the DP or not. I have been battling the value of the DP now that the appetizer and gratuity are gone.
I see it a little differently. When considering the "perks", I don't compare DVC to other timeshares. Rather, I compare what "perks" Disney offers its other guests (often one-time or occasional visitors) vs. what it offers DVC members (very frequent visitors).
We DVC members paid to construct and maintain many of WDW's resorts. When Disney decides to build a new resort, they have to raise the funds from somewhere and recieve payback over a long period of time through rent. With DVC, it's paid for immediately by us, plus a TON of money left over in profit, AND a % of rooms Disney can rent for cash (income), AND we maintain it, whereas in a normal resort, maintenance and expenses come out of income. *(see below)
THAT'S why all the new construction lately is DVC. We are a HUGE benefit to Disney. IMHO, if Disney is going to give out perks, we should be first in line. If Disney is going to give away free dining to a family of 4 staying in a value resort for $99 a night who may never visit WDW again for 5-10 years (if ever), where's the perk for us? If Disney is going to upgrade people staying in a value for $99 a night (for their one and only trip to WDW) to a 1BR DVC unit, where's the perk for us?
Often, it seems like we have to FIGHT to get any recognition, and usually it's just for a perk already offered elsewhere (
DDP, for example).
To paraphrase Cuba Gooding, Jr., "Show me the magic!"
* I posted this a while ago... pretty interesting
<b>Saratoga Springs Resort</b>
At the time of the 2005 Dues Announcements:
307 Vacation Homes
Approx. 4,881,500 DVC Points
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Holy COW!!! This is the business guy inside me. Get this...
4,881,500 Points / 307 Vacation Homes = 15,900 points/home
Figure an average $90 a point sale price = over $1.4 MILLION PER ROOM!!!
I'd love to know the total construction cost of a resort broken down on a "per vacation home" cost. My guestimate would be about $300-350k.
Not a bad racket to be in!