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

[robinb]

It is more than just the noise issue.
The construction is on floors 5 and 6 but now AKL is also closing the 4th floor and apparently guests were booked on the 4th floor so now AKL has to move all the guests who would normally stay on the 4th floor.

Honestly, I have no problem with Disney moving guests from AKL to other resorts (including SSR) as a way to deal with the closure of part of a resort and guest satisfaction. That is one of the ways that Disney takes care of it's guests! The Pop move is a different animal, IMO. It was not done to make room for displaced guests or those who would be bothered by construction. I was a way for Disney to shuffle it's rooms around to maximize profit.

AKL->SSR move = "Increased Guest Satisfaction"
POP->SSR move = "Increased Profits"

 

[minnie61650]

Sorry, some DVC'ers are under a misconception that you are an owner of the DVC resorts. That is not really the case.

Unlike traditional timeshares, Disney Vacation Club membership ends on January 31, 2042. Membership at the new Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa will end on January 31, 2054. Although you are buying a "real-estate interest" and your purchase is actually deeded, your ownership ceases to exist after these dates.

It's very important to realize that you while you are purchasing a deeded and transferable interest, it is not a real estate investment, but rather a prepaid vacation plan.

You have paid for a certain amount of points to be used for your prepaid vacations.

Disney has a contract and retains a certain number of rooms at each resort. Those rooms can be used by Disney for rentals or upgrades as Disney sees fit.

ChuckS has tried to explain this many times in this thread.
Here is a quote from post 280 of this thread:

Since they are NOT DVC rooms, then DVC Dues are not impacted. Disney's loss (if there is one), does not translate into a DVC loss, as those rooms are NOT DVC rooms. The dining plan payment comes from Disney Travel, NOT DVC...so no DVC loss there, in fact, even the DVC version of the dining plan is operated by Disney Travel, that is why DVC has to negotiate to be eligible for it.

The other dues used by Developers Points are offset by a dues subsidy, as I said, both OKW and SSR got a subsidy this year...so there must be a sizable surplus of Developers Points. Again, no loss to DVC members.




DVC Rooms can not normally be upgraded, it would illegally throw the point system out of balance, in effect Disney would have oversold the resort. The cash room, once again, are NOT part of DVC member inventory, as they are UNSOLD point inventory, or rooms not yet declared as part of the DVC.

Just my 2 cents

 

[Disney lovin' senior]

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

Since we're seniors, and no longer bring the children or grandchildren, we decided to treat ourselves, and rented a one bedroom last NOv. at SSR. Needless to say, we loved it. What's not to love? We especially appreciate the serenity after coming back from a hectic but fun-filled day at the park. We always purchase the dining plan, and use the kitchen for coffee, light breakfast, or late evening glass of wine..We have again reserved a one bedroom for this Nov., and always appreciate the fact we may be a 'guest' in someone's home. We pay over $450 a day, and don't mind a bit. Seeing the free dining plan made me gulp a bit, but there's too much to enjoy at WDW, and I refuse to ruin a minute of it wondering about someone else's stay. You're all fortunate to own one, and I know you enjoy it as much as we do, being your guest.

 

[waltfan1957]

2) I think people have forgotten that OKW and SSR are large resorts that do not guarantee room locations. That means that on check-in day everyone from advance booking owner to last minute cash guest gets to evenly compete for rooms. The early birds tend to get the best choices.


5) SSR has unsold property, in the newer sections of the resort (Grandstand and Carousel). So if those are the only rooms being used as overflow then members wishing to stay in Congress Park, Springs and Paddocks shouldn't be fretting over anything.

so which is it really confused by these contrasting statements??

 

[waltfan1957]

Any housekeeping and services needed by unsold inventory should be picked up Disney or the Developer Remember there is a dues subsidy that should cover that, OKW also received a dues subsidy this year.

I see you said should and that is the main problem does anyone really know

 

[BroganMc]

I have read this whole thread and I still don't understand why DVC'ers are so upset about the upgrades.

Suffice to say this is a program that's causing a rift between (primarily) SSR owners and Disney management.

I expect it probably won't be as bad as feared in practicality. But if it does cause increased member disastisfaction (due to overcrowding, poor room locations, etc.), then Disney will have a nightmare on their hands in future member meetings. Already people have reported Member Services is getting a lot of questions and complaints from members.

Now unlike the other Disney-owned CRO resorts, the DVCs are subject to change because owners want that. (And yes, owners get a portion of points in X Unit for a lease term of max 50 years. It's only difference to other timeshares like Marriott is the lease -- something inherited from DisneyWorld land contracts with the state. Both are still deeded property that can be willed.) What may happen here is that DVC changes its rules with regard to booking neighborhoods for SSR. Then in future any upgraded or transferred guests really will be assured of getting only the least favorable locations (Carousel).

In the long run, since SSR is expected to sell out by the end of this year or beginning next, I doubt Disney will have as many rooms to offer upgraders next year. Not if my math is anywhere near close. Next big opportunity won't come until AKV's newest section is built in '09.

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

I'm not annoyed. Good grief. I might be EXTREMELY jealous if I was staying at POP and wasn't offered the upgrade during the same time as fellow "Poppers", but as a DVC member I am not annoyed with the upgrades.

 

[tasha99]

--Deleted Post

 

[starbox]

I was offered a free upgrade to SSR two years ago if I would move my trip from June to the hurricane, heat and humity season aka "free dining". This year, we saw AP rates released for summer at BWV/BCV/SSR and OKW but not at other deluxes. Now, there's an AP rate at OKW that makes it cheaper than a mod. SSR is being offered to accomodate displaced AKL guests. I'm sure that the larger the resort, the greater percentage of people choosing to use their points for trades/cruises/etc. The completed AKV will likely have lots of flexible CRO inventory too.

I think the very nature of DVC means that the CRO units availble are flexible. I know there's a small set percentage, but when you're talking about exchanges or unused points, that inventory is going to be a variable. I think it's much harder to book those rooms at rack rate, so I am not at all suprised to see CRO use some of their variable DVC inventory for discounts and upgrades. I know that I had an AP this year and was looking forward to all the fabled AP discounts because I thought I could add a few days at some of the deluxes I have not tried to some of my trips. There was not a single AP discount offered at a non-DVC deluxe at any time I could travel all year long!

I think conventional wisdom for people asking if they should buy in is that if they are happy staying in values or hunting for discounts and discount codes, DVC is probably not right for them. Discounts and upgrades into DVC units will continue to happen to small groups of people. Perhaps we should edit the conventional wisdom to also read that if you love to travel at the very start of the school year and during the 4-6 peak weeks of hurricane season, DVC is not going to give you all the bang for your buck that Disney CRO will.

 

[cocoswife]

I am extremely annoyed, only because I am staying at POP from Aug 30 to Sep 5 and I was not offered the upgrade. We originally were staying at SSR, but, when free dining came out, we switched to POP, but,we are moving to SSR/AKV from Sep 5-13. I chose to stay at POP, because, I could not bring myself to pay for the dining plan for the four of us when others were paying $89 and were getting it for free. Now, they are not only paying $89, but, they are also getting to use my DVC. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be staying at POP, love the theming there, but, I can't understand is why we weren't upgraded

This only makes me think that Disney is using this as a marketing tool, to sell out SSR

 

[TenThousandVolts]

This only makes me think that Disney is using this as a marketing tool, to sell out SSR

And if that is the case- I would bet my sweet bippy these guests will NOT be staying in the Carousel.

 

[Olaf]

This only makes me think that Disney is using this as a marketing tool, to sell out SSR

Nope. This is a heads in beds issue pure and simple. I'd be surprised if the values were truly overbooked as well. I think the values were booked solid, perhaps a little "overbooked" a month before the end of the dining promotion. Disney looked at that situation, saw all the empty rooms at SSR and OKW for September and made a very rational decision. Yes, these people are getting a good deal, but having those empty rooms occupied, even with the free dining plan thrown in the mix, is better overall for Disney. These people will be buying tickets and tons of stuff.

If a few of them end up buying into DVC, that's just icing on the cake. It's not the primary motivating factor here.

 

[fishermouse]

I have made several responses to this post and they seem t disapear. Is it because I am not outraged by the upgrades or just a fluke? Seems I one of the few that has no problem with Disney giving upgrades if fact it makes good busines sense. I also stated in one of my missing posts that I agree that tyhere is a problem with the room ready assignments but it has nothing to do with upgraded rooms. Wonder if this post will vanish, I never had that happen before maybe there's something wrong with the board. Any one else have this happen?

 

[minnie61650]

I have made several responses to this post and they seem t disapear. Is it because I am not outraged by the upgrades or just a fluke? Seems I one of the few that has no problem with Disney giving upgrades if fact it makes good busines sense. I also stated in one of my missing posts that I agree that tyhere is a problem with the room ready assignments but it has nothing to do with upgraded rooms. Wonder if this post will vanish, I never had that happen before maybe there's something wrong with the board. Any one else have this happen?

I don't think it happened to me.
I did notice one post ( someone who only had a few posts --not you) dissapear today but that post did not follow DIS guidelines.
In essence poster called another poster a name.

Hope your post stays.
I am going to reread the thread.
Thanks for the heads up.

Have fun at Disney everyone!

 

[tasha99]

Hm . . . I deleted one of my own posts because I felt it picked on a particular poster. I'm not a fan of the "but someone else got too much pixie dust" argument, but I realized everyone is entitled to an opinion. I didn't call any names and deleted it almost immediately, but maybe someone else got similarly over-passionate.

 

[minnie61650]

I have made several responses to this post and they seem t disapear. Is it because I am not outraged by the upgrades or just a fluke? Seems I one of the few that has no problem with Disney giving upgrades if fact it makes good busines sense. I also stated in one of my missing posts that I agree that tyhere is a problem with the room ready assignments but it has nothing to do with upgraded rooms. Wonder if this post will vanish, I never had that happen before maybe there's something wrong with the board. Any one else have this happen?

I just skimmed through this thread and I did find 3 of your other posts.
Post #153 on page 11.
Posts 292 & 294 on page 20.
Let's see if those posts stay.

 

[RobDoc]

I have made several responses to this post and they seem t disapear. Is it because I am not outraged by the upgrades or just a fluke? Seems I one of the few that has no problem with Disney giving upgrades if fact it makes good busines sense. I also stated in one of my missing posts that I agree that tyhere is a problem with the room ready assignments but it has nothing to do with upgraded rooms. Wonder if this post will vanish, I never had that happen before maybe there's something wrong with the board. Any one else have this happen?

It appears that you have 3 posts besides the one quoted above - were there others that have not appeared?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19307773#post19307773

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19306131#post19306131

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19187964#post19187964

Unless you have posted something in violation of the site guidelines which would have been removed (and you would have received an infraction), all of your posts are still here.

 

[fishermouse]

It appears that you have 3 posts besides the one quoted above - were there others that have not appeared?

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19307773#post19307773

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19306131#post19306131

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=19187964#post19187964

Unless you have posted something in violation of the site guidelines which would have been removed (and you would have received an infraction), all of your posts are still here.

Not blamming you guys just don't know. Concensus around home is I click to fast on the line to return to the thread instead of waiting for site to return on it's own. Besides you guys usually tell us if our posts are out of line or being removed...Just curious if any one else runs into posts not shopwing up. Could be a glitch somewhere or something we're doing.Should have said not show up instead of disapear. Which would make it pretty hard for anyone to remove since it never got there. Guess I could have worded things better.

 

[mariamard1]

It is more than just the noise issue.
The construction is on floors 5 and 6 but now AKL is also closing the 4th floor and apparently guests were booked on the 4th floor so now AKL has to move all the guests who would normally stay on the 4th floor.

I have read this whole thread and I still don't understand why DVC'ers are so upset about the upgrades. It makes no sense to me and no I was not upgraded. Nor do I want to be upgraded.

I am just happy for the guests who got a little extra pixie dust!

Thanks for being positive..................
I actually was the dis member who started that thread you are quoting. I can understand the frustration that most DVC owners are feeling about the POP and other value resort guest who have the free dining being sent over .Talk about "movin' on up" But, in my defense, I paid for a deluxe room at AKL with the pool view upgrade to be told just 12 days before we leave that we needed to be moved to SSR. Disney made it right. I was dissapointed that the girls wouldnt be able to experience AKL.The price we paid for that room was alot of $$. WAY more than the values that are being walked over to SSR and OKW. My guess is that w/ free dining , the values went first. Someone earlier in the thread compared it to DCL bumping up cat. 11-12 while the people who paid for the higher cat. paid nearly 2-3 times what the upgraded party paid. My parents on the last DC we were cat. 11-12 and were bumped up to a 6 balcony(what me,DH and kids paid for) for no charge. I was pretty ticked!!!Jealous, should be the word I use.But, I was happy that they were able to experience the Disney Magic the way we were blessed to............We have been on the fence for 2 years about becoming DVC owners. I fought DH tooth and nail on this. But, let me tell you something. I'm 99% positive after staying in a SSR 1 bedroom unit, we will be proud owners of the DVC. Im sure Disney Marketing thought of this .

 

[robinb]

We have been on the fence for 2 years about becoming DVC owners. I fought DH tooth and nail on this. But, let me tell you something. I'm 99% positive after staying in a SSR 1 bedroom unit, we will be proud owners of the DVC. Im sure Disney Marketing thought of this .

I can't wait to say those two little words ... "Welcome Home!"