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

[spiceycat]

Is increased membership really in our best interest right now? While increased membership means new resorts it also means more competition for that space & less quality control (imo). Should the focus be on the making the existing product as fabulous as it can be & striving for a 100% guest satisfaction rate? Wouldn't that increase the value as much as additional locations would?

Disney is not going to stop selling. they make their profits in selling. so asking for them to stop this is not going to work.

what you can do is write to all the people you know who get an upgrade. asking them to use YOUR name if they decided to do the tour or even better buy.

if disney still has to pay you (providing you live in a state where they can) - they might stop this.

but I won't count on it.

they got too many people last time who did buy. as long as this continues, disney (DVC) will kept doing it.

sorry this is happening - but compared to Westgate who let villa go for $29 a night - while I am charged (I know my fault - still trying to get rid of it) $639 for a week stay. that is not fair.

 

[MsAmerica]

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.

Cash customers can call housekeeping and request as many towels as they want. They are not charged for the extra towel package. Plus with daily housekeeping, they get fresh ones every day.

Also, as members, I think it is important that we contact MS and let them know of our displeasure with this upgrade. I understand it is Disney's and they have the rights to do whatever they want with its inventory but on another message board, a member recently returned from a trip in which they were put in a formally smoking room despite requests for a non smoking room 11 months ago due to the new hotel policy regarding smoking.

I can see it now, members come back and report they were given formally smoked in rooms, their kids are having asthma attacks and Pop upgrades are smoking on the balcony's of their "gift" 1 bedroom villas.

Sorry but the more I think about these upgrades, esp with the daily housekeeping and free dining, the more I feel Disney is expressing its true appreciation of DVC members loyalty to the company. None!

JMO

MsA

 

[spiceycat]

I don't like the free upgrades either.
I just went to the Resort Board and didn't see these threads. Anyone have a link?

Thanx...

MG

there are several. I don't think anyone has asked for all.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477568

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477938

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477978

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1481391

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1477977

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1480489

and then there are where Disney may be shooting itself

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1481609

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1481034

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1482804

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1480218

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1480853

they also did not seem to include TA. So I was looking for that one.

 

[Sammie]

I don't think the numbers are that large and as Chuck has stated so well, it is truly Disney's inventory to do with as they please. I don't think our dues go to the support of the housekeeping for the portion that is not DVC.

Truly I do understand how everyone feels about this. I feel the same way when I see a member rent a DVC unit for the same amount of money and I "know" my dues are paying to keep up those rooms.

I do wonder though, at the outpouring of concern over this as I never see this response about renting, even commercial renting.

Is it easier to get upset about a stranger from a value resort; than a practice that some of our beloved members participate in?

Just as those that rent frequently say that the membership is theirs to do with as they please, hence renting, Disney is exercising the same option.

I guess it truly does not bother me as to what someone pays for cash reservations.

I know that at any given time at DVC, someone there is staying on a cash reservation, be it full rack rate, member discount, AAA, Annual Pass, Florida resident, or now this upgrade. A guest is a guest to me regardless of the amount they pay. Just as some members get bargains buying resale.

I will agree that some of the comments about the resorts are somewhat annoying but that is always the case. I just try to let it go and avoid the annoying ones.

I would say though, if this truly bothers anyone, let DVC know. I don't imagine it will change anything but I am beginning to think that they have taken the membership for granted and maybe every once in a while we need to rattle their cage.

 

[ldo]

Mousekeeping for "cash" rooms should be a separate charge booked by the hotel-vendor side of Disney, since you can book a room through Disney without being DVC.
Just as a "cash" rental of SSR rooms through Disney.com does not go into the DVC coffers to offset maintenance fees of DVC members, neither should the expenses specific to operating a room--such as housekeeping or even coffee packets.
OF course, other expenses are subsidized, like the pool water, pools towels, bus transporatation---but I am certain that Disney CPAs are properly expensing the daily cleaning.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Maybe I need to start a new thread, but wouldn't the same gripe be logical for me to whine about all the people who have toured or purchased DVC in the past five years who got $100 gift cards or free lunch coupons or fast passes? I got lemonade and cookies and I shelled out a bundle. Am I whining? Nope, I know I paid a whole bunch less than they did for my points. And I've got my DVC for a whole bunch longer than they did.

As long as the "Value" people take care of my home, I'm happy that they get to visit it. Like others said, this might be a once in a lifetime trip for them. Plus it is only for a couple of weeks. Maybe this will pump some more money into our resorts to apply to those flat screen tvs.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

I'll be honest...I am a multiple contract owner at OKW and will be benefiting from the free upgrade. We booked @ POP strictly to take advantage of free DDP. Our kids are young and love the theming. I knew the downsides to staying there and opted to book anyway as we spend very little time in the room and realized the money we saved by getting DDP free just about paid for our airfare -- and our room! When I saw the threads about free upgrades being offered, I was quite shocked as I just assumed there would be a domino effect...values upgraded to mods, mods upgraded to deluxes, etc. I never even thought for one minute they would upgrade values to DVC. I realize it would be easier for Disney to move one group vs. people at each resort category -- but that just didn't seem "fair".

Anyway, even though I am receiving the upgrade there are a few things that really have me upset, such as...why give 6 1bdrm villas to a large party traveling together instead of 3 1bdrms and 3 studios (or even put some of them in dedicated 2 bdrms, which is essentially the same thing), why give people refunds (several people reported getting the difference back between std/pref or not being charged for extra adults in the room), and why not include a statement when booking that room locations will be based on availability and no requests can be accepted unless they are for medical/mobility issues (this would prepare people for being placed in less popular locations and would allow more requests of DVC members and people actually paying the room category rate to be accomodated).

As someone stradling both sides of the fence I am very conflicted right now. I have the free upgrade and feel excited and guilty at the same time. I am a bit nervous about some of the really large parties commandeering public areas at the resorts. I'm sure there will be a few people that behave inappropriately, but for the most part the people eligible for the upgrades are absolutely elated and I think they understand the value of what they are receiving.

With that being said, I would ask members posting to this thread not to lump the people getting the upgrades into "the people that stay at values" as if they are less-than-desireable...because I am one of them (as well as many other DVC owners). Honestly, some people are insinuating OKW/SSR will be taken over by the Clampetts (of Beverly Hillbillies fame). Many of the people staying at value resorts could choose any resort category they want without it being a hardship. It's just a matter of what their particular vacation priorities are.

 

[LIFERBABE]

With that being said, I would ask members posting to this thread not to lump the people getting the upgrades into "the people that stay at values" as if they are less-than-desireable...because I am one of them (as well as many other DVC owners). Honestly, some people are insinuating OKW/SSR will be taken over by the Clampetts (of Beverly Hillbillies fame). Many of the people staying at value resorts could choose any resort category they want without it being a hardship. It's just a matter of what their particular vacation priorities are

I completely agree calypso, and hopefully as Minniegirl expressed earlier that this thread does not resort to a socio-economic argument.

 

[EEyorelover22]

Maybe I need to start a new thread, but wouldn't the same gripe be logical for me to whine about all the people who have toured or purchased DVC in the past five years who got $100 gift cards or free lunch coupons or fast passes? I got lemonade and cookies and I shelled out a bundle. Am I whining? Nope, I know I paid a whole bunch less than they did for my points. And I've got my DVC for a whole bunch longer than they did.

at the lemonade comment

 

[mwehttam]

With that being said, I would ask members posting to this thread not to lump the people getting the upgrades into "the people that stay at values" as if they are less-than-desireable...because I am one of them (as well as many other DVC owners). Honestly, some people are insinuating OKW/SSR will be taken over by the Clampetts (of Beverly Hillbillies fame). Many of the people staying at value resorts could choose any resort category they want without it being a hardship. It's just a matter of what their particular vacation priorities are.

I don't think anyone here is saying that the people that stay at value's are "less-than-desirerable." Many are upset at the benefits they are getting along with the upgrade that DVC members are unable to get. That doesn't bother me.

Where I take issue is that those getting upgrades, and any CRO booked room for that matter, can get views that a Member might request. There is a good chance then the Member will not get his/her request filled. I realize that this is a bigger issue then those getting upgrades, but the upgrade "opened my eyes" to the whole "Room Ready" idea and how much I personally dislike it.

-Matt

-Matt

 

[MinnieGirl33]

ROFRed points go back to developers inventory...the contracts are dissolved. They are then available for sale as "new" contracts. Until those points are sold, they are "developers" points, and can be used by CRO or as sales incentives, if needed. If they are used as a sales incentive, then they morph into DVC member inventory

Thanks for the education Chuck S!

Sammie, as for the renting issue, it really does bug me just as much but figured since it sounded like so many members were in favor of renting (based on previous posts/threads) that I just always kept my mouth shut on that one. I was actually very happy about the "crackdown on commercial renters", even though that remains to be seen.

If I am being perfectly honest, I don't know if I'd be quite as twisted if it was not happening during my planned week. I am not a person that believes I am owed anything by anybody at any time but sheesh! This just got me for some reason. I take back what I said before. I don't want my room for $85. I don't think anybody should have it for $85.

Obviously business is business & yes, they can do what they want, yadda, yadda, yadda... I do not disagree.

It is, quite simply, a morale issue. I wanted to see if I was being unreasonable or if there were, in fact, others that had the same opinion.

I do think there is a way to have your voice be heard without placing blame, calling names or being antagonistic. Now I just have to figure out how to do that to DVC & WDW without sounding like a squeaky wheel beggin' for grease.

 

[Sammie]

Honestly, some people are insinuating OKW/SSR will be taken over by the Clampetts (of Beverly Hillbillies fame). Many of the people staying at value resorts could choose any resort category they want without it being a hardship. It's just a matter of what their particular vacation priorities are.

hey the Clampetts were billionaires, not sure anyone here can snub them.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

hey the Clampetts were billionaires, not sure anyone here can snub them.

Well all I know is that I requested to be close to the cement pond -- wherever in tarnation that is!

 

[Snookies]

ot...(but can't resist)

Well all I know is that I requested to be close to the cement pond -- wherever in tarnation that is!

Well doggies! But if you're too far away, you may have to get Jethro to drive you, Ellie Mae, & the critters to the cement pond.

 

[dreamn_Disney]

I am sitting here just so upset now. I was given the upgrade. I was so excited and so wanted to learn all I could about this wonderful resort I was going to get to stay in. I did not realize that me and my two kids staying at this resort was causing others who belonged to not get the vacation they wanted. I thought I was just being offered by Disney a room that they owned and was willing to give me a good deal on. Honestly I could never afford a vacation like this in a million years and was so happy. Now I kinda feel like white trash moving in and lowering property values. Do I need to honestly worry about being snubbed while I am there? Should I not wear my DIS gear in fear that a DVC owner will recognize me and be mad that I am at their resort. I guess I felt the only one taking a loss here was Disney and that they really weren't since they were filling there empty rooms to fee up rooms at a value that they could now resell. Please understand this was truly going to be a dream come true for us and now I am not so sure. It seems I even read a post from some one here that stated we non DVC people need to go back to our own boards. I do not want to stay someplace I am not welcomed just because luck got me there nor do I want to feel segregated when I get there. I can understand being jealous, it was a few days before I found out I was eligible for this and boy was I jealous. I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

 

[robinb]

Anyway, even though I am receiving the upgrade there are a few things that really have me upset, such as...why give 6 1bdrm villas to a large party traveling together instead of 3 1bdrms and 3 studios (or even put some of them in dedicated 2 bdrms, which is essentially the same thing), why give people refunds (several people reported getting the difference back between std/pref or not being charged for extra adults in the room), and why not include a statement when booking that room locations will be based on availability and no requests can be accepted unless they are for medical/mobility issues (this would prepare people for being placed in less popular locations and would allow more requests of DVC members and people actually paying the room category rate to be accomodated).

All very good questions. I was shocked over one poster who had a large family Grand Gathering all get upgraded into individual one-bedrooms ! Why not upgrade families to 2-bedrooms instead? And refunds for not having a "preferred view" of a giant Yo-Yo? C'mon! And what about the people who whine that all the 1-bedrooms are gone and they have to "make do" with a studio?! That's just plain greedy. I think that kind of greed was one of the things that soured me the most on those upgrade threads. It had nothing to do with "Value People" as I am a "Value Person" myself and I *love* POP Century. I am also quite sure that the POP refugees will treat our resorts with respect.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

I am sitting here just so upset now. I was given the upgrade. I was so excited and so wanted to learn all I could about this wonderful resort I was going to get to stay in. I did not realize that me and my two kids staying at this resort was causing others who belonged to not get the vacation they wanted. I thought I was just being offered by Disney a room that they owned and was willing to give me a good deal on. Honestly I could never afford a vacation like this in a million years and was so happy. Now I kinda feel like white trash moving in and lowering property values. Do I need to honestly worry about being snubbed while I am there? Should I not wear my DIS gear in fear that a DVC owner will recognize me and be mad that I am at their resort. I guess I felt the only one taking a loss here was Disney and that they really weren't since they were filling there empty rooms to fee up rooms at a value that they could now resell. Please understand this was truly going to be a dream come true for us and now I am not so sure. It seems I even read a post from some one here that stated we non DVC people need to go back to our own boards. I do not want to stay someplace I am not welcomed just because luck got me there nor do I want to feel segregated when I get there. I can understand being jealous, it was a few days before I found out I was eligible for this and boy was I jealous. I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

Most of us (I think all of us) are not annoyed with the people getting the upgrade. We are annoyed that we paid a ton of $$$ and are not getting what others are getting for free. If I was you I would be thrilled and would not care about what others think. Have fun and do not worry.

 

[Snookies]

I am sitting here just so upset now. I was given the upgrade. I was so excited and so wanted to learn all I could about this wonderful resort I was going to get to stay in. I did not realize that me and my two kids staying at this resort was causing others who belonged to not get the vacation they wanted. I thought I was just being offered by Disney a room that they owned and was willing to give me a good deal on. Honestly I could never afford a vacation like this in a million years and was so happy. Now I kinda feel like white trash moving in and lowering property values. Do I need to honestly worry about being snubbed while I am there? Should I not wear my DIS gear in fear that a DVC owner will recognize me and be mad that I am at their resort. I guess I felt the only one taking a loss here was Disney and that they really weren't since they were filling there empty rooms to fee up rooms at a value that they could now resell. Please understand this was truly going to be a dream come true for us and now I am not so sure. It seems I even read a post from some one here that stated we non DVC people need to go back to our own boards. I do not want to stay someplace I am not welcomed just because luck got me there nor do I want to feel segregated when I get there. I can understand being jealous, it was a few days before I found out I was eligible for this and boy was I jealous. I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

dreamn_Disney, don't worry & be happy. You don't need to worry about being snubbed or anything like that, particularly when you're at Disney. In my opinion, I think a lot of what you're reading on this thread is the expression of frustration about the perception some have that DVC takes members for granted. Regardless, congratulations, go, do not worry about being snubbed, have a great trip, and enjoy.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I am sitting here just so upset now. I was given the upgrade. I was so excited and so wanted to learn all I could about this wonderful resort I was going to get to stay in. I did not realize that me and my two kids staying at this resort was causing others who belonged to not get the vacation they wanted. I thought I was just being offered by Disney a room that they owned and was willing to give me a good deal on. Honestly I could never afford a vacation like this in a million years and was so happy. Now I kinda feel like white trash moving in and lowering property values. Do I need to honestly worry about being snubbed while I am there? Should I not wear my DIS gear in fear that a DVC owner will recognize me and be mad that I am at their resort. I guess I felt the only one taking a loss here was Disney and that they really weren't since they were filling there empty rooms to fee up rooms at a value that they could now resell. Please understand this was truly going to be a dream come true for us and now I am not so sure. It seems I even read a post from some one here that stated we non DVC people need to go back to our own boards. I do not want to stay someplace I am not welcomed just because luck got me there nor do I want to feel segregated when I get there. I can understand being jealous, it was a few days before I found out I was eligible for this and boy was I jealous. I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

Enjoy your trip and enjoy your stay at a DVC resort. It was offered to you and you accepted. And if you want more information, feel free to come back here. You can PM me if you like. We've stayed at SSR twice and thought it was great. We own at OKW and love it (we'll be back there in Nov). Once you arrive at SSR or OKW, you won't look any different than all the other guests there.

Jealously is an ugly thing. This is a wonderful opportunity for some folks who wouldn't get a chance to enjoy our lovely resort.

Welcome Home!!

 

[mwehttam]

I am sitting here just so upset now. I was given the upgrade. I was so excited and so wanted to learn all I could about this wonderful resort I was going to get to stay in. I did not realize that me and my two kids staying at this resort was causing others who belonged to not get the vacation they wanted. I thought I was just being offered by Disney a room that they owned and was willing to give me a good deal on. Honestly I could never afford a vacation like this in a million years and was so happy. Now I kinda feel like white trash moving in and lowering property values. Do I need to honestly worry about being snubbed while I am there? Should I not wear my DIS gear in fear that a DVC owner will recognize me and be mad that I am at their resort. I guess I felt the only one taking a loss here was Disney and that they really weren't since they were filling there empty rooms to fee up rooms at a value that they could now resell. Please understand this was truly going to be a dream come true for us and now I am not so sure. It seems I even read a post from some one here that stated we non DVC people need to go back to our own boards. I do not want to stay someplace I am not welcomed just because luck got me there nor do I want to feel segregated when I get there. I can understand being jealous, it was a few days before I found out I was eligible for this and boy was I jealous. I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

dreamn_Disney we are not lashing out against you, your family, or anyone else that has gotten an upgrade. We are very happy for you and hope you enjoy the DVC resort. What most of us are upset about is the way Disney is going about this and we are just venting our feelings. Please do not think any of it is directed at someone in your position.

I personally hope you have a great vacation and enjoy my second Home.

-Matt