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

[spiceycat]

I just don't understand being angry because some one got a great gift.

because they didn't get it.

don't worry. have a great time!!! come back and tell us what a great trip you had.

I love OKW and will be more than happy to share it. I am sure some SSR owners feel the same.

if you got a 1-bedroom there is either a VCR or DVD in the livingroom.

 

[3DisneyKids]

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.

I can't imagine that you would be snubbed in any way! There are always many non-owners staying at the DVC resorts. And really--no one can tell by looking at you whether or not you are a member, so I truly wouldn't worry.

You are going to love it and I wish you a truly magical vacation!

 

[dreamn_Disney]

Thank you all and I will enjoy this vacation it is truly a once in a life time kind of thing for us. The only reason I am going again so soon is my mom paid for a big chunk as a birthday gift. Any other time I went I took on a second job and a huge yard sale to get there. So when you see me smile I do truly know how lucky I am.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

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.

That is exactly the point.

 

[ldo]

I got the upgrade, too--and will be using it. But, put yourself in DVC members places--they paid $20K+ to "own" their Disney week, plus they pay $900+ in annual fees.
Some of them even "saved" or "rationed" their points by just getting a studio, instead of a 1 BR. Now, they have $79 a night rooms coming over, many into 1 BR. They are hurt and mad---wouldn't you be just a bit.
And, I do think to some extent the socio-economic mix of people at $79 a night vs. $370 a night (rack rate for 1 BR), or $250-500 a night (DVC points rate at $10 a point) is going to be different--but I have stayed at some pretty fancy places with ill-mannered kids. Manners don't come from money.
With that said, Disney made the offer and people took it. Don't worry about others, but I would also not "brag" by the pool about your good fortune---b/c if you had buoght DVC and had shelled that the $$--you might be a bit miffed, as well.

This happens at other places, as well. Some paid $25K for a timeshare and went on their week only to learn that others were staying for the week for $299 from an internet last minute special.

 

[spiceycat]

"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.

Hey I happen to LoVE POP Century!!!

feel for me I had to take the All Star Sports and it is getting some horrible reviews.

because Pop appeals to such a wide variety of people - that is probably why DVC choose it. not one of the All stars.

hope you have a great trip.

as to why DVC is doing what it is doing. they might have put aside some 1-bedroom and studios - but not 2-bedrooms. remember this is not DVC doing it but CRO - who knowledge of DVC is very limited.

there is a chance when they arrive at the resort - if they would have rather have a 2-bedroom, then a 1-bedroom and studio - that can be changed then.

 

[lisaviolet]

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

Don't feel a moment of guilt. That's so wonderful. Have a fantastic time.

Lisa

 

[nbodyhome]

I like the Pop too, I am staying there in September. It is a fun resort - I'd have had to think whether or not to upgrade (especially to only a studio), because I like the food court, music, etc. at the Pop. Had I been offered an upgrade and it was to a 1 bedroom - that would be different, I'd have a full kitchen and a food court would be unnecessary at that point.

If DVC owners had booked all the rooms, then there wouldn't be any rooms for DRC to use. They didn't offer any of the BW villas, or WLV - they offered ones that are left. Nobody should feel bad for taking one - just as if you were offered concierge as an upgrade from standard. You didn't pay for it, but it's a nice offer and someone will take it if you don't.

 

[robinb]

Don't feel a moment of guilt. That's so wonderful. Have a fantastic time.

As much as I am annoyed by it, I wouldn't turn it down if it were offered to me . I remember when they over-sold POP on the last round of free dining and they were taking people in the resort's vans to their new resort. We had to wait for a CM to come back from one of those runs to drive us to the Grand Floridian for dinner (long story). I said to her on the ride over that those guests were pretty lucky and said "Don't throw me in that briar patch!".

Have a great time and don't feel guilty.

 

[spiceycat]

the people I will feel sorry for - are the WDW guests who paid the full price or even discounted price for OKW or SSR.

only to arrive and find someone bragging about their upgrade from value to DVC.

think how they will feel.

 

[nbodyhome]

the people I will feel sorry for - are the WDW guests who paid the full price or even discounted price for OKW or SSR.

only to arrive and find someone bragging about their upgrade from value to DVC.

think how they will feel.

Probably best not to brag about it, anyway. I've stayed at places very inexpensively through Priceline in the past (back when it was really great!) - $35 for a room where other people were paying $150.

But lets say you had a $179 Florida Res rat at the Yacht Club, then were upgraded to concierge (while other people might be spending $400 or $500 per night). Maybe it's best not to be too loud about that either.

Some people got the free dining (I did), but other families are going to spend $160 per night for 2 adults, 2 juniors. Not everyone pays equally.

 

[Chuck S]

Hey I happen to LoVE POP Century!!!

feel for me I had to take the All Star Sports and it is getting some horrible reviews.

We often stay at POP at the beginning or end of our trip for one or two nights, after we get the car packed up at OKW, we get a good nights sleep at POP and get an early start on the drive home.

But, on our trip last week, POP was full and we were booked into All Star Sports. Really, I'd just as soon stay offsite as stay there again. Not because the bussed-in groups stay there, but because overall IMO, the resort just isn't as nice as POP. There was trash in the landscaping, we had two bags transferred over from OKW (we needed space in the car, I had to take people to the airport), after calling for Sports bell services and waiting an hour, I finally walked up and got them myself They were in the back behind all the DME stuff they were delivering first. And the food court isn't nearly as nice as POP.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

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.

Thank you, spicey!

MG

 

[Treacle44]

It annoys me, what happens to people that have DVC contracts but can't into a DVC room because the free dining people have taken them. Or am I missing something?

Also we're staying in a studio because we're happy with that and that's all our points will allow, there's no chance of us being upgraded to a 1BR though.

 

[Chuck S]

Again, they are not taking a reservation FROM a DVC member...they are using developer points, trades, finished buildings not yet declared DVC inventory, and Disney retained ownership.

 

[nbodyhome]

But, on our trip last week, POP was full and we were booked into All Star Sports. Really, I'd just as soon stay offsite as stay there again. Not because the bussed-in groups stay there, but because overall IMO, the resort just isn't as nice as POP.

I wasn't so happy with Sports in December. They were hosting the Pop Warner group, but there was graffiti in the stairwells for days - and the place where you buy little milks in the food court - the tray underneat the milk was all crusted over. Yuck. I walked over to the Music, the food court was much better.

 

[spiceycat]

But, on our trip last week, POP was full and we were booked into All Star Sports. Really, I'd just as soon stay offsite as stay there again. Not because the bussed-in groups stay there, but because overall IMO, the resort just isn't as nice as POP. There was trash in the landscaping, we had two bags transferred over from OKW (we needed space in the car, I had to take people to the airport), after calling for Sports bell services and waiting an hour, I finally walked up and got them myself They were in the back behind all the DME stuff they were delivering first. And the food court isn't nearly as nice as POP.

Boy that is worst than offsite.

I can always make my niece or nephew stay here and I go stay at AKV.....

 

[Lady V]

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.

that was the one that really set me off as well! it's like...oh, I'm sorry you just got an amazing upgrade for squat and now you are not happy with it? oh, excuse us while we upgrade your 82$ a night paying self!!! PLEASE!!!

 

[MinnieGirl33]

that was the one that really set me off as well!

Aside from the people that seemed so picky about the upgrade, I think what really frosted my cookies was the fact that the people who origianlly booked prefered/value actually got a refund for the difference between a standard & preferred.

Could you slap my face on this side too?!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

If the values are so over booked, why doesn't Disney actually finish building Pop? There are large overgrown sections rotting in the sun...

http://jimhillmedia.com/blogs/jeff_lange/archive/2006/04/13/1813.aspx
http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17623412&postcount=1

MG