Annual Pass confusion

[gracelrm]

So, my last annual pass expired in September 2019. We were waiting to get a new Gold Annual Pass in May 2020, but we know that didn't happen. Took a trip earlier in February and were hoping they would be selling them by that trip so that we could get another, but no such luck. While on that trip, I was told by a DVC member that as long as I had a previous pass, I could still get one by calling DVC. I explained that mine had expired 6 months before COVID and park closings, but she told me I was still eligible to get a new Gold Pass through DVC and all I need to do was call them.

I'm pretty sure this info is incorrect, but I thought I should double check with the experts on here!

 

[princesscinderella]

So, my last annual pass expired in September 2019. We were waiting to get a new Gold Annual Pass in May 2020, but we know that didn't happen. Took a trip earlier in February and were hoping they would be selling them by that trip so that we could get another, but no such luck. While on that trip, I was told by a DVC member that as long as I had a previous pass, I could still get one by calling DVC. I explained that mine had expired 6 months before COVID and park closings, but she told me I was still eligible to get a new Gold Pass through DVC and all I need to do was call them.

I'm pretty sure this info is incorrect, but I thought I should double check with the experts on here!

It can’t hurt to try some people on the DiS have been successful in getting their passes. The worst they can say is no.

 

[Grumpy Mouse]

So, my last annual pass expired in September 2019. We were waiting to get a new Gold Annual Pass in May 2020, but we know that didn't happen. Took a trip earlier in February and were hoping they would be selling them by that trip so that we could get another, but no such luck. While on that trip, I was told by a DVC member that as long as I had a previous pass, I could still get one by calling DVC. I explained that mine had expired 6 months before COVID and park closings, but she told me I was still eligible to get a new Gold Pass through DVC and all I need to do was call them.

I'm pretty sure this info is incorrect, but I thought I should double check with the experts on here!

Please keep us informed on whether or not you get your passes.

If you do, we'll add it to the list of exceptions Disney is/has made for new pass sales - in the event the rest of us have to pursue legal remedy.

 

[RescueRanger]

Please keep us informed on whether or not you get your passes.

If you do, we'll add it to the list of exceptions Disney is/has made for new pass sales - in the event the rest of us have to pursue legal remedy.

Legal remedy? You people are something else. I just had to dole out an extra $500 for an extra ticket for my daughter even though I have another ticket already purchased for her. So, I spent $1200 for both tickets when I could have gotten an AP for $700. It is what it is. It’s not the end of the world. And I certainly don’t begrudge anyone who was able to get one and save some money. People want to sue for everything these days. Y’all need to get a grip. Disney is a private company and they make the rules. If you don’t like it, Universal is down the road.

 

[Sandisw]

So, my last annual pass expired in September 2019. We were waiting to get a new Gold Annual Pass in May 2020, but we know that didn't happen. Took a trip earlier in February and were hoping they would be selling them by that trip so that we could get another, but no such luck. While on that trip, I was told by a DVC member that as long as I had a previous pass, I could still get one by calling DVC. I explained that mine had expired 6 months before COVID and park closings, but she told me I was still eligible to get a new Gold Pass through DVC and all I need to do was call them.

I'm pretty sure this info is incorrect, but I thought I should double check with the experts on here!

Based on the information that is listed, you would not be eligible for the recovery offer as you were not a pass holder when the park closed and sales stopped.

As mentioned, it doesn’t hurt to call but it isn’t DVC. You would have to call the AP division as they are the ones handling this as it has nothing to do with being DVC. That only comes in to play for pricing purposes if you are eligible for it.

 

[Grumpy Mouse]

Legal remedy? You people are something else. I just had to dole out an extra $500 for an extra ticket for my daughter even though I have another ticket already purchased for her. So, I spent $1200 for both tickets when I could have gotten an AP for $700. It is what it is. It’s not the end of the world. And I certainly don’t begrudge anyone who was able to get one and save some money. People want to sue for everything these days. Y’all need to get a grip. Disney is a private company and they make the rules. If you don’t like it, Universal is down the road.

"Disney is a private company and they make the rules."

Uh - no. That's why DVC members, when buying direct from Disney, sign a legal document called a contract. Contracts typically spell out the rights of both parties, but if the language or application is vague, can be open to interpretation - which is why we have courts of law. Furthermore, saying things like "Disney makes the rules" is the equivalent of saying "Bullies make the rules". Not too interested in living in that world.

And finally, while I appreciate your ability to disregard an extra $500 expense, you have no idea of my or others financial situation, so you might consider treating the matter a little less trivially.

 

[NoTime42]

Please let us know where in the contract DVC owners are guaranteed the ability to purchase an annual pass.
From what I remember from my paperwork, we are guaranteed a part of a deeded real estate interest (a place to stay) and Disney is not even obligated to continue to operate a nearby theme park.

 

[Sandisw]

"Disney is a private company and they make the rules."

Uh - no. That's why DVC members, when buying direct from Disney, sign a legal document called a contract. Contracts typically spell out the rights of both parties, but if the language or application is vague, can be open to interpretation - which is why we have courts of law. Furthermore, saying things like "Disney makes the rules" is the equivalent of saying "Bullies make the rules". Not too interested in living in that world.

And finally, while I appreciate your ability to disregard an extra $500 expense, you have no idea of my or others financial situation, so you might consider treating the matter a little less trivially.

I agree that DVD or Disney can’t override terms in the contract, regardless of being in charge.

However, the documents of Membership perks are not vague IMO. It indicates they are incidental, can change at any time and are agreements with third parties. It even states APs are under a deal and control of DPEP.

 

[RescueRanger]

"Disney is a private company and they make the rules."

Uh - no. That's why DVC members, when buying direct from Disney, sign a legal document called a contract. Contracts typically spell out the rights of both parties, but if the language or application is vague, can be open to interpretation - which is why we have courts of law. Furthermore, saying things like "Disney makes the rules" is the equivalent of saying "Bullies make the rules". Not too interested in living in that world.

And finally, while I appreciate your ability to disregard an extra $500 expense, you have no idea of my or others financial situation, so you might consider treating the matter a little less trivially.

That contract you speak of actually says that Disney doesn’t even guarantee there will be parks to go to. They certainly don’t guarantee annual passes. Maybe you should read what you are signing. And sorry, if you can’t afford an extra $500 for passes, then don’t go. Either do a resort only stay or stay home. You’re right, I don’t know everyone’s financial situation, but I do know this much. If you can’t afford that, then maybe a luxury item like DVC is not for you. I stand by my statement, threatening to sue over annual passes is one of the dumbest things that I have read on these boards in my almost 20 years of reading them.

 

[jimaok]

My suggestion is to call the AP number and explain your situation. My DDs (3) and their families were able to renew or buy new DVC gold passes just last week. One DD had their passes expire after WDW opened back up and were able to purchase new ones. Another had their passes expire during the shutdown- they renewed them also. Just be forewarned- she was on hold for over 7 hours before getting a cast member. And if one cast member gives you a response you don’t like call back and talk to a different one. My daughters got multiple different answers. We will all be at WDW this weekend celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.

 

[Sandisw]

My suggestion is to call the AP number and explain your situation. My DDs (3) and their families were able to renew or buy new DVC gold passes just last week. One DD had their passes expire after WDW opened back up and were able to purchase new ones. Another had their passes expire during the shutdown- they renewed them also. Just be forewarned- she was on hold for over 7 hours before getting a cast member. And if one cast member gives you a response you don’t like call back and talk to a different one. My daughters got multiple different answers. We will all be at WDW this weekend celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary.

Both of those situations are considered applicable to the recovery offer out there. I am glad they were able to get the passes.

 

[I3lTEME]

If you do, we'll add it to the list of exceptions Disney is/has made for new pass sales

I’d like to know - is there a string somewhere on here with a list of exceptions? I too have heard of people just “asking nicely” and getting a new annual pass. I don’t think it’s fair for Disney to make exceptions for some people and not others.

 

[Sandisw]

I’d like to know - is there a string somewhere on here with a list of exceptions? I too have heard of people just “asking nicely” and getting a new annual pass. I don’t think it’s fair for Disney to make exceptions for some people and not others.

So far, at least on the DVC boards, there has been only one report where a member convinced them to sell the pass when they were not eligible per the recovery offer.

Most people who reported getting one were in fact eligible but just didn’t know.

 

[Chuck S]

Here's my experience, I sent an email, asking about my annual pass, and was told to call the special Pass Holder phone number. I did get through relatively quickly, compared to the wait times people are experiencing for Member Services.

I called Annual Passholder line, not DVC. My pass, which was set to expire last May was extended to October 2020 due to the closings. I explained I was going in November 2021, and would like a new pass that would activate then. The rep looked up my account and said I was eligible, but that they weren't selling new passes without going through some sort of AP recovery board. She took my info, and said I should receive a call back within a month, and to be sure to have my DVC Member Number handy for when they called back. The month is up on April 16, so I will let you know. If I don't hear anything, I will call them back.

 

[GeorgeM]

If you are going to claim you signed a "contract" one would think you would have read it.
Please, for all of us, read your contract before you refer to something that isn't in it.
It's pretty good reading material. It basically tells you you get 0.xxxxx% of a unit. That's it.
All the perks banking, borrowing, everything is at their discretion. It's a perk that can and will go away.
All those points that DVC so nicely extended, moved borrowed points back into the original use year, broke rules to help members, all done as a gesture during this pandemic. They did not have to do it. They could have said 'tough luck".
Let's give them some credit. They went way beyond their contract obligations.
I know this has nothing to do with the thread but it is applicable to one of the posts here.

 

[TiggerBouncy]

"Disney is a private company and they make the rules."

Uh - no. That's why DVC members, when buying direct from Disney, sign a legal document called a contract. Contracts typically spell out the rights of both parties, but if the language or application is vague, can be open to interpretation - which is why we have courts of law. Furthermore, saying things like "Disney makes the rules" is the equivalent of saying "Bullies make the rules". Not too interested in living in that world.

And finally, while I appreciate your ability to disregard an extra $500 expense, you have no idea of my or others financial situation, so you might consider treating the matter a little less trivially.

Vague? Open to interpretation? What in the heavens are you talking about? I just double checked.... the only MENTION of the parks is in one area - Part 1, Subsection 8. It reads in it's entirety: "In addition, there may be certain user fees associated with your visit at a particular DVC Resort for amenities that are not included in the Club including, for example, theme park/water park admission, restaurant bills, food and beverages, transportation, recreation expenses (e.g., bicycle or boat rental, golf fees, snorkeling, beach furniture rentals, etc.) event fees, spa fees, etc. "

There is nothing vague or open to interstation in that statement. Theme park/water park admission is "not included with your club". In fact, the "theme park" itself is not included with your club. It's just an example of things that MAY be nearby. There is no other mention of theme parks ANYWHERE else in the contract NONE.

Sorry, but it's clear as day. Theme parks are NOT included. Annual passes are NOT included. Disney can decide to charge any dollar amount they wish for admission to the parks regardless of any standing of DVC. They could decide tomorrow to cancel all AP's and charge $10,000 a day admission and DVC can't do anything about it. It would be a stupid decision. They would go out of business almost certainly. But DVC owners would not have any legal remedy.

If your financial situation is that bad, sell your contract. In any case, one should not be spending tens of thousands on a lawyer for a frivolous lawsuit. There is no legal remedy as Disney has not violated any terms of the contract. It's not vague. It's actually very, very explicit. Further, there is no repercussion for legal payments if you lose on a frivolous lawsuit.

So seriously - my advice is if you can not afford $500 on the ticket, save your money and don't pay a lawyer for a lawsuit that you cannot win.

[Edit] For the interested parties who don't want to bother to look it up, here is that section in it's entirety which lists what amenities are included with our membership.
A summary of the key services available to the consumer (e.g., electricity water, maintenance, refuse collection) and an indication of the amount to be paid by the consumer for such services:

Water, electricity, refuse, sewerage, natural gas, fire protection, cable and telephone services are/will be provided by the appropriate local agencies.

In addition, bus and monorail services are available to members staying at DVC Resorts located at the Walt Disney World Resort. The costs for these services will be included in the annual dues. Please refer to the Estimated Budgets for your Home Resort for more details.

A summary of the facilities available to the consumer (e.g. swimming pool or sauna):

The DVC Resorts offer a variety of amenities which differ from resort to resort, including pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, tot lots, and other recreational and support facilities. These amenities and facilities may be Common Elements or may be available for use via easements rights granted in the governing documents for the specific DVC Resort, requiring Members to pay their proportionate share of maintaining such facilities, the cost of which is included in Annual Dues for the specific DVC Resort. Please refer to Part 3 of this document and Section 5 of the Florida Component Site Public Offering Statement for each DVC Resort for more details.

Are these facilities included in the cost indicated above? If not, specify what is included and what has to be paid for:

Members are required to pay their proportionate share of maintaining certain facilities pursuant to and as set forth in governing documents for each DVC Resort. Such costs are included in the annual dues. The purchase price which you will pay for your Ownership Interest, as well as the payment of annual dues, are not inclusive of all aspects of your vacation-related expenses, and you should anticipate certain other expenses in connection with your vacation use of any Vacation Home at a DVC Resort (such as travel expenses).

 

[CraigInPA]

I was hoping for some pixie dust, but haven't gotten it. My situation was that my passes expired on 2-2-2020. I had until 3-4-2020 to renew them (30 days). Because the pandemic was starting, I didn't. WDW closed down 2 weeks later. Technically, I am ineligible for the recovery pass by 14 days.

I called and was told I'd get a call in a week, and that I might be permitted to get AP's because "It was only 14 days". I've waited 5 weeks, and no call back.

 

[Sandisw]

I was hoping for some pixie dust, but haven't gotten it. My situation was that my passes expired on 2-2-2020. I had until 3-4-2020 to renew them (30 days). Because the pandemic was starting, I didn't. WDW closed down 2 weeks later. Technically, I am ineligible for the recovery pass by 14 days.

I called and was told I'd get a call in a week, and that I might be permitted to get AP's because "It was only 14 days". I've waited 5 weeks, and no call back.

Call again and remind them you are still waiting, I have read some have taken a month or so.

 

[DVC92]

I called the VIP Passholder line today to inquire if I was eligible to buy new APs. Our passes expired after the pandemic started and I received a refund. I was told that I would be able to buy new APs with a member discount. I was also told that I would be receiving a call in about 3-4 weeks to discuss the purchase. The person I spoke to seemed rather assured that new APs could be purchased.

 

[Chuck S]

I called the VIP Passholder line today to inquire if I was eligible to buy new APs. Our passes expired after the pandemic started and I received a refund. I was told that I would be able to buy new APs with a member discount. I was also told that I would be receiving a call in about 3-4 weeks to discuss the purchase. The person I spoke to seemed rather assured that new APs could be purchased.

That was my experience, as well. I called on March 16, so hopefully they will be calling me next week.