Am I the only one annoyed by the "free upgrade" happening?

[3DisneyKids]

I wonder why they upgrade the value reservations to SSR and OKW and not the moderates.

They are not upgrading in the hopes of selling DVC--this is not a promotional tactic. The Values are being upgraded b/c it is the values that are voer-crowded.

It is similar to what DCL does. They upgrade the Cat. 12 folks first (which is the least expensive category) up to a higher category. This gives them more of the cheaper inventory to sell. Why? It is easiest to sell the cheaper rooms.

To me, this makes sense as to why they are doing this in the resorts. They know that the Values are easy to fill b/c of the lower price tag. So, free up some room there, make a bunch of folks really happy, and end up with more people on property b/c now a higher percentage of the rooms are full. All boils down to more money.

I have been the recipient of upgrades in the past, so while I don't begrudge the idea and practice of upgrades, it is about cost and wear and tear on the resorts for me. I have no idea how the $$ works in this situation. All of the folks will be getting daily Mousekeeping, for example. And we know that mousekeeping is paid for by our MFs. So--how is all of this extra mousekeeping being paid for? Is it our MFs? Or does Disney somehow pay SSR? Sure, those who booked paid their $85-ish per night, but is that really ebough to cover overhead and extra mousekeeping? Our are our MFs going to be covering it? This is the main reason I am tweaked, I guess.

Also, and I am already wearing my flame suit so I am prepared....the few times that I have visited the All Stars (never stayed there, just wanted to check them out, etc.), I saw behavior that was appalling. Now, I agree that every resort has this kind of behavior to a degree. (For example, I have seen younger college-guy types at the quiet pool at SSR with a cooler full of beer who were totally rough-housing in the pool making it compeltely unsafe and unpleasant for young kids.) However, I think there is a higher degree of unpleasant behavior at the All Stars. Every time I am there, the first thing I notice is the noise level. It always seems SO LOUD to me in the common areas--by the main pools, etc. SSR is all about peace and tranquility and being removed from it all. Even when the SSR main pool is full, it has never seemed loud.

It is not my intent to be stereotying those who stay at values, truly. I certainly went through some years where I was a budget traveler all the way. I have stayed at my fair share of Motel 6's, etc. So I am not trying to be a DVC snob. These are just my impressions based on a variety of visits over the years.

 

[bumbershoot]

I find it interesting to read this thread. Why? Because I want to be a DVC owner but am not, I want to visit WDW but have not yet, and I was *this* close to changing our Disneyland plans to WDW plans when free dining was announced (would have been nearly the same cost WITH food AND 3 more days), but we decided to stick with DL instead. Doh!


Since one of the things about DVC is that you do pay a large amount, but then you get to go over and over only paying the dues, to me the amount you pay per night of vacation seems like it would be fairly low (I haven't done the math! don't hurt me!).

OK wait I did some VERY basic math. Saying you put down 16K and you bought when you'd get 40 years. Say 7 days a year. 280 days o' vacation. Into 16K - around 57 bucks per night. Yeah yeah, you've got the dues. Still, pretty good!


Then again, there's no access to free dining.


If we'd changed our plans (darn HS reunion in CA! flying from WA to CA then to FL would have been doable with a 3 year old, wouldn't it have been?), I could have had that offer! Augh at the mental pain this is causing me.

And guess what? We would have spent that time plotting how best to buy into DVC! So for us it completely would have (appeared to have) worked, b/c we would have been upgraded and then we would have purchased.

Will others? Maybe, maybe not.


Anyway, I get how emotionally one could feel a bit ripped off. But then, haven't I recently seen the explanation for all those rooms being that DVC members had already used those points elsewhere? So those rooms were never going to be available to a DVC member anyway, right? So...what Disney does with those rooms really doesn't change anything for a DVC member, right?

But still, to see right out there in black and white (or however your browser is set up to see the Dis) is a bit more than just knowing intellectually that you never really know how much the person next door is paying.

Do remember though, that all of you current owners will have spent LESS on your points and have had MORE time...than I will, when we buy DVC. There, doesn't that make you feel better?

 

[DMKEDM]

I'm not annoyed; I'm jealous.

Not a joke.

It is impossible--there, I've said it!--for me to be happy about Disney updgrading what appears to be hordes of people from $89/night accommodations into OKW and SSR--ESPECIALLY the one-bedrooms! An upgrade here or there, or a YOMD "prize"--that I could accept w/tranquility. BUt this just plain makes me jealous.

And I don't think Disney "should not" do this--whether because of overbooking or because of DVC marketing. I'm just jealous that this incredible "prize" is out there and I can't win it--I don't even have a shot at it. I already paid for it so there's no real point in winning it.

So, that makes me "small-minded" and "not so pretty' (character-wise). And therefore I'd never ever admit to feeling this way "in person" to anyone...but here on our anonymous internet message board? Yup, I'm flat-out jealous! A whole lot of people are getting something I value hugely (and paid a lot to get), for a cut-rate price and w/out even applying...color me green.

And I will be at OKW during the upgrade days. So I'll get to see it/experience it/and "hide it" (cuz I won't admit "in public" to what I consider "not-nice-person" feelings)...

Sigh.

Deep-down, I'm just a greedy, insufficiently-grateful-for-my-blessings sort of person I guess...

Anyway, envy-ridden tho I am, I still intend to have a magical time over Labor Day weekend...am taking my "almost-daughter" (son's former nanny) and her family (including her four-year old and two-year-old) on their very first ever trip to WDW...now THAT's magic!!! And DDP wouldn't work for a four-year-old and a two-year-old (at least not these two) anyway. So I might as well bury the "uglies" even deeper and just go about having the most incredible 5 days ever...

Pixie dust to all...

 

[TenThousandVolts]

Ie. if Disney did sell out of their own inventory in other ways (AP discounts, reg. cash rates) and it was crowded would you feel the same way? No sarcasm. Just curious.

You make a good point- it shouldn't really bother me anymore than regular guests who booked through CRO, point renters... Room location is one of my problems with my home resort SSR- I love certain locations and find others just lame. These upgrades just really stir up my feelings about the lack of much needed booking categories at SSR- I am certainly happy for those who get upgrades- and it doesn't affect me- I'm not going during free dining. I just hope DVC members don't get stuck with an 'undesirable' room while an upgraded guest enjoys a prime spot. A first come, first served system of booking locations at SSR would be a fair way to address room locations- and you are absolutley right- it shouldn't matter who it is getting the prime room- upgrades, owners on points, CRO gueasts paying rack rate or discounted rates, or those renting points- it is equally fair (or unfair) no matter who is getting the best room.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

The part that bugs me the most is that I pay 88.00 per day for the dining plan, I always stay in a studio because I go alot and need to conserve points. So for what I pay for the dining plan they get a room 1BR and dining... Did someone say something about members feeling special. Yes that makes me feel very special

 

[3DisneyKids]

I'm not annoyed; I'm jealous.

Not a joke.

It is impossible--there, I've said it!--for me to be happy about Disney updgrading what appears to be hordes of people from $89/night accommodations into OKW and SSR--ESPECIALLY the one-bedrooms! An upgrade here or there, or a YOMD "prize"--that I could accept w/tranquility. BUt this just plain makes me jealous.

I love your honsety, Dani!

My question is about numbers. You mention hordes....

Does anyone (calling Sammie!) out there have any idea as to how many upgrades we are talking about? I mean, is there a chance that a LARGE percentage of SSR or OKW is going to be those who have been upgraded? Or are these few and far between? Anyone have a clue?

 

[gkrykewy]

The part that bugs me the most is that I pay 88.00 per day for the dining plan, I always stay in a studio because I go alot and need to conserve points. So for what I pay for the dining plan they get a room 1BR and dining... Did someone say something about members feeling special. Yes that makes me feel very special

Well, when you put it like that! Here's hoping the free DDP promo goes the way of the dodo next year.

 

[Starr W.]

Sammie that is going to be a very trying time
If you are the least bit sensitive about your home, start thickening up the skin Wait till someone who was upgraded comes here and complains and compares your home to a Value (and will most likely prefer the Value! LOL!!) We are gonna have to shake that one off.
I think the best thing about SSR and OKW are they are dedicated DVC's and the majority of the people there "get it"

Oh and the comments about SSR being soooo spread out and they were upgraded from a resort with over 3K rooms!!: SSR is Big for a DVC resort but is dainty compared to the values.

You know were going to see those threads, LIFERBABE!

"Why no Food court at SSR or OKW" , "Why all the nice landscaping, we need more cement areas around the pool for more chairs".

"Why do you DvC'ers put up with bad bus service?"

 

[MinnieGirl33]

As far as overcrowding and room requests. Are people upset because they chose SSR at that exact time of the year to use their points because you thought the resort would be low occupancy? Therefore better chance of getting room requests and pool chairs. I'm trying to understand. Ie. if Disney did sell out of their own inventory in other ways (AP discounts, reg. cash rates) and it was crowded would you feel the same way? No sarcasm. Just curious.

No sarcasm taken.

For me, it's a combination of things.

1). Yes, I chose late Aug hoping it would be the "lesser evil" if I had to choose summer. We try to avoid busier times whenever possible. If we pick a busy park time we at least feel we can get some relaxation at the resort (& vice versa). Now I am guessing there will be no escape. I know there is no controlling this (have seen plenty of last minute promos over the years) but somehow it is much harder to swallow when the additional capacity (of this magnitude) will come from people who had absolutely no intention of staying there in the first place.

2). As a DVC member I get a 25% discount off rack rate. I am greatful for the discount (as well as the AP discount) & use it often. HOWEVER, when there is such a huge difference between what they are paying ($85-ish) & what I am paying ($300-ish + ddp) I get my horns twisted. I want to pay $85for my cash nights.

Maybe I am way off base but I believe DVC members should receive preference over non members at DVC resorts. We should receive the best rate available.

3). I would be able to swallow it much better if they upgraded everyone by one category... move the deluxe folks to DVC, the mods to deluxe & the values to mods. Yes, this would be a computer nightmare but Disney computers are always a nightmare so what's the dif?

4). How is it reasonable that my mf's are going to be paying to clean their rooms every day & not my own????

Oh, and someone posed a good point on the planning board... shouldn't the members be the ones being upgraded from a studio to a 1br & not the value people. (Yes, yes, yes, I know it's different inventory... I don't care)

 

[MinnieGirl33]

It’s OKW and SSR…. annual pass discounts were also offered. You can’t blame Disney for wanting to fill empty rooms. It also opens up room inventory at the moderates.

Yes, but the AP rate was about $165 for a studio which translates to about a 40% discount.

These folks are getting a 70% discount without having to plunk down their $16,000 +++++

 

[toesmom]

I think some of these upgrades will mean new membership for DVC. Who wants to go back to a small value resort room once you've stayed in a studio or 1 bdrm? I know that's why we bought into DVC once we saw the actual accommodations. Now imagine actually spending 8 or 9 nights in a studio. Who could go back to value resort next year knowing what else is out there?

We live in a society that has no qualms about being in debt. So even if some people have to go into debt to buy into DVC, I think there is a high likelihood that some of the people who have been upgraded will definitely consider buying.

If it were me, I'd be so excited to have the upgrade, but would I go back next year into a value? I doubt it. That's the best reason why we don't reserve 1 bedrooms, I know I would not want to stay in a studio again after spending a week with all the space of the 1 bdrm.

It is sort of annoying that the upgrade is from value to DVC accommodations and I would be pretty mad if I was at SSR using points while some guests were staying for less than $100 per night. But that is the fault of disney, not the guests.

 

[magicbride2b]

OK, I understand WDW owns a percentage of each resort, etc. & can do what they want with it however...

This is really getting under my skin for some reason.

I accept it when I can't get a ressie & there is availablity on disney.com.

I accept that DVC isn't entitled to free dining.

I accept that there are trade offs for the fabulous accommodations.

People receiving free dining AND a 1br villa while paying for a value???

I'd love to stay for a week in a villa with free food for under $1000 wouldn't you? Why should I own DVC if that deal is gonna float out there?? (I know why I own DVC, it's just the principle).

Not to mention all the extra people we will now have to compete with for pool chairs.... and room locations...

Anybody else not happy?

Thanks for letting me rant!

I agree with you. My sister and I are booked over labor day at SS in a studio and I even called Member Service to express by frustration with this. They said that I was not the only one to call and that I could email Disney; she agreed with my frustration but there was nothing they could do because it was their inventory. I understand that, but members do pay lots of money for this and it's not fair for us in a studio using our points when people are paying very little for free food and a 1 bedroom.

 

[momba#9]

Want to be really annoyed? Wait until those that have been upgraded for free come back and complain about SSR/OKW here on the Dis....................



That being said, it doesn't annoy me. Those rooms are Disney's rooms not DVC's so they can do with them what they wish. In all honesty, I'd rather see upgrades as opposed to conventions. I had a trip ruined by some obnoxious conventioners at Coronado Springs.

I can undrstand how it annoys some but I guess I'm just not that sensitive to that. I bought DVC for the certainty of it, not relying on upgrades/discounts.


Edit: I also don't belive they ae upgrading for sales tactics. I think they have more value guest than rooms. Moving folks to SSR/OKW opens up more value rooms that can be rented. So instead of getting $89 for the room at SSR, they are really getting $89 twice, once for the room booked and then again when that vacated room at values rents again. $178 puts it closer to reality plus it is more guests onsite spending money.


Mike

 

[cocowum]

I'm not annoyed; I'm jealous.

Not a joke.

It is impossible--there, I've said it!--for me to be happy about Disney updgrading what appears to be hordes of people from $89/night accommodations into OKW and SSR--ESPECIALLY the one-bedrooms! An upgrade here or there, or a YOMD "prize"--that I could accept w/tranquility. BUt this just plain makes me jealous.

And I don't think Disney "should not" do this--whether because of overbooking or because of DVC marketing. I'm just jealous that this incredible "prize" is out there and I can't win it--I don't even have a shot at it. I already paid for it so there's no real point in winning it.

So, that makes me "small-minded" and "not so pretty' (character-wise). And therefore I'd never ever admit to feeling this way "in person" to anyone...but here on our anonymous internet message board? Yup, I'm flat-out jealous! A whole lot of people are getting something I value hugely (and paid a lot to get), for a cut-rate price and w/out even applying...color me green.

And I will be at OKW during the upgrade days. So I'll get to see it/experience it/and "hide it" (cuz I won't admit "in public" to what I consider "not-nice-person" feelings)...

Sigh.

Deep-down, I'm just a greedy, insufficiently-grateful-for-my-blessings sort of person I guess...

Anyway, envy-ridden tho I am, I still intend to have a magical time over Labor Day weekend...am taking my "almost-daughter" (son's former nanny) and her family (including her four-year old and two-year-old) on their very first ever trip to WDW...now THAT's magic!!! And DDP wouldn't work for a four-year-old and a two-year-old (at least not these two) anyway. So I might as well bury the "uglies" even deeper and just go about having the most incredible 5 days ever...

Pixie dust to all...

I have to say BRAVO for your honesty!!! I'm sure you'll have another fantastic trip.

I've read this whole thread as a NON DVCer who paid 82 bucks a night @ POP for 10 nights and was given the free upgrade to a 1 BR at OKW. I have to say I was really surprise to see all the negativity about the upgrades. I don't know how I'd feel if I was in your shoes. I would hope that I'd just be happy that I was going to WDW.

 

[rlduvall]

I'm not annoyed; I'm jealous.

Not a joke.

It is impossible--there, I've said it!--for me to be happy about Disney updgrading what appears to be hordes of people from $89/night accommodations into OKW and SSR--ESPECIALLY the one-bedrooms! An upgrade here or there, or a YOMD "prize"--that I could accept w/tranquility. BUt this just plain makes me jealous.

I totally agree. I felt that way the first time I read that thread, but was too cowardly to post it.

 

[rlduvall]

Not to mention, if I can't get a chair by the pool my panties are definately going to be in a bunch.

Now that's a visual I didn't need.

 

[mwehttam]

I can undrstand how it annoys some but I guess I'm just not that sensitive to that. I bought DVC for the certainty of it, not relying on upgrades/discounts.

It's not the discounts or the upgrades that are bugging me. I think my annoyance with the upgrades stems before they started. My issue comes from the way DVC does the room booking. I am not a supported or Room Ready. To make the 11 month booking window more beneficial they need to block the room off when you book. This will give Members a leg up at their home resort. After the 7mo window, every Member for themselves. After that, give CRO and upgrades what is left.

Instead with the Room Ready policy, there is a good chance these upgrades will get a Members request and that Member will be placed somewhere else. Yes it will be still be at the Resort, etc. But Members should have some type or privilege at their Home Resort.

Besides the the room issue, I have zero issue with the whole upgrade program.

-Matt

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Now that's a visual I didn't need.

Sorry!

 

[Snookies]

I do think the upgrades have struck an emotional chord. I too understand what is happening, but I still get kind of chafed when the person that is upgraded refers to themselves as "cash paying" like points arent good enough! LOL!

I'd be cash paying too, if all I had to pay was $89!!

And I do understand the need to want to know everything about a resort especially when it is so new, but now some are worried about things they werent too worried about 2 weeks ago, like transportation, Im sorry, I've stayed at POP and stood at the "bus corral" in the heat and had 3 busses load before we got on. The beds, again at POP, those are the smallest beds ever, DH and I couldnt even sleep together in the same bed it was so small (or my butt is really big, well it is, but thats not the point ) but now worried about the comfort of the sleeper in their 1 Bedroom, and last but not least the best sections to stay in. Many of whom were refunded for their Value preferred upgrade, but now expect the choice locations at SSR.

As someone who will be spending almost 400 points and $400 dollars (1 weekend cash night) on our 1bedroom in a few days, and we wil probably end up in the Carousel, I'd rather not think of it.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss, and If I had a trip to SSR during this time, I would want to be completely ignorant of all of this, because as a member that may have several inconvenient consequences during this time, I may not be very rational or fair in my distribution of blame.

I am happy for those that were upgraded and I truly wish them all magical vacations, but as a member, I understand the feelings of being snubbed even if that is not the case or intention.

MEMBERSHIP IS MAGICAL

LIFERBABE, These are my sentiments too. DW would remind me that ignorance is always bliss. Is this an accurate list of topics that have been worried about to date: 1) Bus & Boat Transportation; 2) Sleeper Sofa Comfort; 3) Best Section? I wonder if they'll be subsequent threads on 1) is pool hopping allowed for non-members staying at DVC; 2) are refillable mugs available and convenient; 3) can room requests be faxed directly to Member Services?

No you are not the only one annoyed with the DVC upgrades out there, especially after I went to the resorts board and heard how excited the non members are about getting coffee, laundry detergent and as many towels as they want replenished each day with their daily housekeeping. Oh and don't forget they are paying barely anything a night AND getting free dining.

Sorry, I don't believe most people appreciate the value in what they are getting as I have seen free dining in action the past two Augusts and see the value people put on "nothing".

People, because of human nature, rarely value free.


JMO

MsA

I'd be surprised if anyone received as many linens as they want at a DVC unit simply by asking. There is actually a legitimate (and trivial) question that your post made of think of: If I were "cash paying" and requested extra towels, would I be charged the towel pack fee?

MsA, I agree that people rarely, if ever, value free. A corollary to that is if you offer a special every year (free dining or a free upgrade or whatever), people will form expectations that it will be offered every year, perhaps at the expense of truly valuing it as a very special deal.

 

[robinb]

I've read this whole thread as a NON DVCer who paid 82 bucks a night @ POP for 10 nights and was given the free upgrade to a 1 BR at OKW. I have to say I was really surprise to see all the negativity about the upgrades.

Really? You're surprised? You're surprised that we might be a teeny bit upset/honked off/jealous that you are paying $82 a night for a 1 bedroom with full housekeeping and free dining? While we pay thousands of dollars for smaller villas, no daily housekeeping and paying more for the DDP alone than you're paying for the whole kit and kaboodle? You're surprised? I don't mean to pick on you, but I would recommend that you let us vent here without rubbing our noses in your good fortune.

Back to the OP ....

You know what I surprised about? That it took someone like you MinnieGirl33 this long to voice what many of us feel and I am glad that you had the chutzpah to do so. Thank you! I have been struggling with the same unsettling and un-PC feelings as many others here have. I have been trying to answer some questions on the resorts board to try to make myself feel better about the upgrades. Maybe if I could share my excitement about OKW and SSR I could work though my negative feelings. But ... too many people not willing to do a bit of leg work themselves and too many picky questions started to wear on me. The one poster who was upgraded to a studio at OKW but wasn't happy with it finally did me in. She called and called and nagged and nagged CRO until she got a 1-bedroom at SSR for her $82. *sigh* Like Sammie, I am done with those threads.