A note concerning DVC admission discounts/benefits

[goofy4wdw59]

First of all, let me say that I have no regrets purchasing DVC. If people are reading this board for info before buying, a few concerns/complaints should not stop you from purchasing! Please consider all thoughts, and, you will be a better informed DVC member!

I just wanted to post that I talked to my Guide yesterday and mentioned that I would be very interested in a better discount for admission passes for DVC members. I told her that I had already e-mailed a note to "members@disneyvacationclub.com" and asked what else she thought I/she could do? She said that she and many "Guides" have brought this up at their meetings--a better admission discount/benefit for DVC members. Per my Guide, they/the Guides are told by their management that DVC members are "happy" with the way things are--there are no concerns or reasons to change anything.
Now, IMHO, that just ain't so. I want to express my concern about this without appearing to be anti-DVC! I'm happy to be a member! But, I'm not happy about the DVC admission--and, being quiet about it isn't a good idea--especially when the feedback is that the "powers-that-be" think everything is Oakey Doakey!!
Doc posted something about ...until Disney feels the financial change of DVC members spending less on admission, no real change may take place. I'm putting my money where my mouth is and will NOT be purchasing admission passes as frequently as I MIGHT have. I don't know if my efforts will make any difference, but, I've tried!
I love WDW and I'm looking forward to many years of DVC family vacations. I feel strongly that Disney can, and will, do better for us!! (Well, at the least, I'm "wishful")

 

[Minnietta]

It would even be nice if they would give us 2 hr passes or something similar so we could go to Epcot, MGM or MK to have a meal (which we would be paying for) What's the loss, they get our money. I can see us in the future going more off site for various reasons.

 

[fkj2]

There would be no way of telling who had a two hour pass for a meal and who was a paying guest to the theme park and once inside, why would anyone limit themselves by not enjoying al the amenities of the park?

 

[Minnietta]

fkj2,
Just within the last few days I read on one of the other boards (maybe Disney tips) that if you wanted to go into the parks for 1-2 hrs to pick up an item from a store you forgot, that they would let you buy a day's pass and when you returned within that time slot they would refund your money! Seems to me it could be set up the same way. I'm sure there would always be someone who would take advantage of it. It would be nice tho...I can dream!!

 

[Laurajean1014]

A previous post suggested that we could purchase a day ticket, get an item (purchase) and return the tix within a slotted time to receive money back!

It sounds good, but I'm afraid that it may be an allowance or policy that not every CM is aware of. Therefore, afraid that if you do it and a different CM is their when you want to refund your tix, you will be out of luck!

What next? A by (buy) the hour pass?????

 

[Dean]

They will generally let you have an hour to shop for something. If you're not back within that hour, you've just paid for an entire day. I'm not sure exactly how they secure the potential payment. I suspect they take credit card info then charge you if need be. I would doubt they actually issue a ticket then refund it if not "needed". BTW, Universal will allow this also.

 

[Dreamfinder2]

I did a little research, and according to Deb's boards, this is a for-real perk. You go to guest services at the park, they take a credit card imprint, and you go into the park for shopping) or whatever. If you're back within an hour, they don't charge your card; otherwise, you've just bought a one-day ticket. I'd love to hear from someone who's actually done this; I don't want to be contributing to something that might better deserve "urban legend" status!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think the original poster here was making the suggestion that all members who wish to have better pass discounts should LET DVC KNOW that we are not happy with the current situation. That is a no brainer type of solution. SO, let's all get out there and email and call so they know we are NOT satisfied, and that it DOES curtail our use of the parks when we don't get good discounts on addmission media.

LET'S BE PRO-ACTIVE INSTEAD OF RE-ACTIVE!!

 

[SnowWitch]

Ditto!!!!!!!!!! I would love to go every few monthes but AP's were not in the budget this year!! Between going back to school and finishing our home, taking multiple trips to Disney just isn't a priority. If they would offer a better discount it would be a easier temptation to give into but with admission prices as high as they are its just not an option for multiple trips for us. Its a shame Disney doesn't realize giving us better admission prices would mean more visits more visits would mean more money for the MOUSE!!!

 

[Doctor P]

I think part of the problem is that DVCers are a very diverse lot and it would be hard to design a pass discount system that would be of benefit to every one (look at the new DVC pass as an example of something that does indeed benefit a particular group of DVC members, but many others take trips that will not allow them to fully benefit from the new pass system). I know that for us, an AP discount would likely be worthless. I do like the idea of a late day pass to just go to the parks to eat or for the fireworks shows.

I was just thinking of a way to make a "dining pass" work. Dining passes would only be good for eating at a sit down restaurant with a PS. When you make a PS, they take a credit card number to guarantee the PS. If you are a no show for the PS (24 hour cancellation), you get charged $10 PLUS the cost of a one day park pass. If you do show for the PS and do not leave the park within say two hours of the PS/entering the park, you also get charged for a one day ticket.

 

[vernon]

Given that you don't have a reservation just a "first available table" I don't think limiting the time to 2 hours is reasonable ( or worthwhile to Disney) it would make people too rushed IMHO.

Given that to walk from the entrance of Epcot to say Japan is going to take 15 minutes, the same back, and a possible delay of 10-15 minutes for a table you have to finish your meal in a little over an hour. While that isn't impossibhle it does rely on the waiting staff to be efficient in bringing your food, drink and bills. It also requires people to "check out on their way out " something that occassionally people will forget to do. IMHO it would create pressure on the waiting staff. I'd be getting VERY jumpy if I had a group of 8 waiting for a bill on which there was an error/dely, knowing I was going to be hit for a bill of close on $400 for "late exit" when it wasn't my fault. The excuse of "slow staff" would be used by every person who tried to sneak a quick ride/show/shop before exiting the park, pressurising the staff dealing with exit stamps etc. Obviously for this to be cost effective Disney is going to want minimum staff on the exits which in turn raises the problem of a number of groups having to wait to get exit stamps (again getting agitated)

IMHO a "blanket" Dining ticket that allows entry say after 7.00 would be a better option. This would allow the diner a more relaxed meal ( maybe a couple of after dinner drinks netting the restaurant more money) and also allow them the opportunity of doing a little shopping on the way home as opposed to having to check their watch/sprint to the exit.

Anything that involves "fines " for no shows just isn't going to get taken up by the public IMHO.

 

[Doctor P]

OK, two hours was a first suggestion. Sorry, Vernon, but I must disagree that the public won't accept a fine for no shows--Disney already charges such a fine for no shows for holiday PS's so it is not a real drastic move or change in policy. The "fine" for being late is just the same as the current policy for the "one hour shopping pass." IMHO, if these are the kinds of rules I would need to abide by in order to get such a pass (rather than not having one at all), I would surely accept them and it would be a major improvement over the present system. An alternative to the fine for a "no show" would be to allow DVCers on the pass to actually make reservations at the restaurants rather than a PS and charge a $20 reservation fee that is credited against your restaurant bill when you show up.

 

[mistermouse]

This was posted previously, but I wanted to say how much we agree with goofy; let's remain vocal when appropriate but always remind new readers that this topic/concern has little impact on our satisfaction with DVC. We love our WDW home....

"Motivated by value" is at the heart of this discussion. While all consumers are motivated by value to one degree or another, DVC'ers I believe to be much more value driven than the typical WDW vacation consumer. As such, the DVC family represents a specialty market segment (and a fast growing one at that).

Our satisfaction with DVC ownership really has little to do with the demand for value priced park admissions. Like most, my wife and I are very satisfied with our investment in DVC. That does not mean we are satisfied with Disney's park admission media and the prices we pay for it. We are part of a large and growing frequent users group; judging by feedback on this board many feel the same way. Because of this, some are opting to spend less time in the parks and less $$$ on site. While LOS does fit the DVC "lifestyle," the value we receive relative to the cost is significantly less than the value provided to a less frequent WDW vacationer. We want casual access to the parks and we want it at a reasonable price. We are not commando riding all the E-ticket rides and staying open to close, we should be billed accordingly. AP's are a better fit, but as a different market segment we expect a better value than the typical AP consumer.

This is why FL discounts are so often referenced in this thread. Discounted tickets, dining programs, after 4 Epcot admissions, etc are much more aligned with the type of access we are demanding. With park attendance down and growing competition Disney will eventually move to satisfy our willingness to spend more time in the parks; but it is at least partially up to us to communicate to Disney that these types of programs are what we expect from the company. So talk to your guides and resort staff, write letters, etc. Explain you want to spend more time on property, but also explain that the same value equation used to purchase DVC accomodations is what keeps you from doing so. In the interim enjoy some of what Orlando has to offer off property.

None of these points should be seen as any kind of revolt against WDW. In fact, we will still spend the majority of our time at the place we love, just more time away than we would normally want(casual dinners, slow days, etc).

Corporations regularly reward frequent/repeat customers. Airlines (SkyMiles, OnePass, etc), carwash (every 6th wash free), frequent diners clubs, etc. recognize the value in bringing customers back on a regular basis. While Disney does have it's own types of rewards (DisneyClub, APs, etc), a significant part of these programs are room discounts which we do not need. We want casual access at reasonable costs. The FL discount programs fit the bill and that is what we should be leveraging our stength to attain; it may be the easiest to lobby for and administer since it already exists. To recognize FL DVC owners, the black-out date restrictions should be removed for DVC. Many other previous suggestions might also be satisfactory.

I'm with most of you and feel such a change would be a win/win for Disney. We get the greater value we expect and Disney keeps us at home where we belong.

upcoming trips
HHI in Oct - first Time!!!
OKW in Jan - (no park visits this time, waiting til next visit)

 

[OKW91]

We have been members for several years and I have to agree with all your comments. I feel that as a DVC members we should be able to receive some type of pass discount. We still visit WDW several times each year, but I find that we spend less time in the parks!
I know that we can e-mail our comments to "members@disneyvacationclub.com", but do these get passed on to the people who make decisions, or are they filed in the circular file? It has been years since I have spoken to our vacation guide, I don't even know if she is still around. Does anyone know who we could write to that might take action on our requests

 

[jeanneg]

I agree with most of what's been said before. In my situation Disney is definitely losing money by having such high admission prices.
My husband, who has just about seen and done it all after 30 yrs. of WDW, very seldomly sets foot inside the parks. Since we are a large family and enjoy having our meals together, we typically will eat off-property. It seems senseless to use an entire day's admission just to eat at a themepark restaurant....which is usually pricey to begin with! Now if Disney had a twilight rate with, let's say, reduced admission after 7pm (E night excluded), I'm sure my husband would come to parks more often and spend some time and money there! We would definitely eat there more often since we could all be together. As a consumer, I can't afford to use a full day's admission just for dinner; as a stockholder, I regret the loss of revenue to Disney.

 

[dlr25]

You're right. Here's my story. Our first trip to WDW in April 2000: we stayed at the Wilderness Lodge, went to all four parks (with a park hopper pass purchased and paid for at a local Disney store) and ate out every meal including two character breakfasts and two character dinners. We never left WDW and we spent a ton of money - including our DVC purchase on our last day!

Since then we've been back twice (BWV and OKW) for the same length of time as our first trip (5 nights) but we have not been back to the parks. We have done the pirate cruise, boat rentals, pool hopping, etc. We typically eat out once a day but the other two meals are at "home". We still enjoy character meals but we're obviously limited to restaurants outside the parks. We have had wonderful vacations and really haven't missed the parks. (Although we're considering a day at Seaworld during our next trip.)

Of course, a discount would coax us back into the parks!!! As someone already stated, DVC buyers obviously like a deal - that's why we bought to begin with. When Disney really starts to feel the competition or a significant drop in attendance, I'm sure we'll get our discounts. Until then, try miniature golf or any of the other wonderful (and less expensive) things in the world.

 

[Dean]

We usually only go to the parks for 1 or 2 days per trip. In order for DVC to reduce the price enough for us to go more, it'd likely take 40-50% discount. Of course something where we could just pop in for dinner or one or 2 events would be helpful as well. Say an after 4 pass at about 30-40% of the AP rate. I doubt WDW will ever do anything like this since they will want to be as consistent as possible with all guests but it would get my attention. The $99 for four days with other discounts and benefits added in is the only pass in the last 2 years that has had any affect on our habits.

 

[stephcm]

Hi Guys,
During this past trip in August, a stone came out of my Mickey Ring, and I had to return it to Epcot. It was the day before we left, and we had no plans to go to any of the parks, so I went up to Guest Relations at the entrance of Epcot, and explained that I just needed to drop off my ring for repair. I gave the CM my Room Key, and my Amex card, expecting that he was going to charge me for the one day, as discussed here, and then, if I was back in time, not charge the card. Well, after a few minutes of him taking all my information (but no credit card info), he handed me a complimentary one day pass, and told me I did not have to return to Guest Relations.
The pass was good for the whole day!!!!!
What was with that? (not that I'm complaining...)

 

[ralloyd]

I hope no one minds if I stick my .02 in here, but this is a very interesting topic. Let me begin by saying that I am a very happy camper with our membership and can't imagine life before DVC Two weeks ago I had a business meeting at the Boardwalk and my assistant (who co-ordinated the event) was sent a list of group prices for tickets. We had about 45 attendees and when they checked in they were given the option of purchasing tickets at the group rate. I can't remember the exact prices, but I do know that they were really cheap. You also had the option of purchasing half day tickets. They were good for one park and you had a choice of 2PM to closing, 3PM to closing and 4PM to closing (I think it was 4). Anyway, I purchased a 2PM one for $30. I got it so I could take my assistant (who's never been to WDW poor thing) to dinner and FANTASMIC. To my knowledge these have never been offered to the general public and I think it would be wonderful perk to offer them to DVCers. Maybe they could extend group rates to all members.... Just a thought......

Ruth Ann
HH DVC member '98

 

[msdis]

I know someone who will be visiting WDW as a result of a sport related event they will be participating in. They have been offered 4 day park hopper passes for a little over $100. Yes, Disney DOES offer special passes ALL the time to "special" groups. I too am VERY happy with my DVC decision but my needs too, do not warrant full day passes and AP's are getting too expensive for the amount of use we get out of them. We will be there later this week and next and will not be attending any parks, WDW or other. Not boycotting or protesting, it's just as lots of others have said, it just doesn't justify an hour or 2 mainly to get something to eat or shop in a store. I don't think Disney "owes" DVC members anything, but Disney does "owe" it's shareholders something, and if this seems to be a trend, then we will be a market that Disney "needs" to attract. I hope they figure it out soon.