Anyone backing out?

[MaryM101]

We are new to all of this so maybe I don't know how the member card works exactly, like I said this is our very first purchase. I guess what I was trying to say is that it was not just about the savings although that is a huge part of it. We thought we were buying into more of a Disney experience, and I realize the incidentals and perks are not guaranteed, but this does changes how I will proceed with my contract, like dvcdream4fld said it is reduced benefits. We are HUGE into Disney and we were looking forward to feeling apart of the Disney DVC family, not sure this will be the same if we are excluded from any of the DVC family benefits. We are probably going to buy some points direct from Disney because of this.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

We are new to all of this so maybe I don't know how the member card works exactly, like I said this is our very first purchase. I guess what I was trying to say is that it was not just about the savings although that is a huge part of it. We thought we were buying into more of a Disney experience, and I realize the incidentals and perks are not guaranteed, but this does changes how I will proceed with my contract, like dvcdream4fld said it is reduced benefits. We are HUGE into Disney and we were looking forward to feeling apart of the Disney DVC family, not sure this will be the same if we are excluded from any of the DVC family benefits. We are probably going to buy some points direct from Disney because of this.

It's a fine line a business walks when they build upon "magic", "owning a part of the magic" and "club". I mentioned in the other thread about this - that it's about time they drop the "club" part. It's a timeshare, pure and simple, and that's what they are acting like even if they'll continue to market otherwise. It is difficult and disappointing because Disney has done many things very different in the past. Personally I don't think they have to head the direction of everyone else - that what has differentiated them is doing things differently. For whatever reason current management seems to think otherwise though.

 

[Meandnevaeh]

Just out if curiosity-when it comes to maintainable fees that owners are charged yearly, in the breakdowns of how those funds are used it lists a percentage for member activities-exactly what are the member activities that are paid for out of those funds? If those funds are to pay for some of these incidental benefits then can they legally take them away from a member that pays those dues. I may be off base here because I don't really know what member activities they are paying for out of those funds.

 

[MaryM101]

I just read the membership extras revised document and it says that now to receive any membership extras purchasers must present a valid DVC membership card along with a valid photo id.
https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...formembers/memberbenefitsguide/MEADSFinal.pdf

 

[LAMickey14]

The card only needed to be shown to get discounts and into special events. If you don't get them then you don't mention it. You don't need to show it to check in etc. and it seems like you'll have the digital version for pool hopping or TOTWL. The CM's really won't care.

I just got back , and we were asked for our DVC card in March when we went to TOWL. That was before we was allowed to get into elevator, so yes it does make a difference without a card. Also at all the places we ate at that gave the discounts, waiter took my card before ordering and went to the back.
So my opinion is they knew what was coming, but we did not. In like I said in my other threads Disney is looking to make Direct buying more appealing than resale with the old saying " you get what you pay for," And I really believe resale will come with a lot more restrictions in the future, Dusney is not friends with the resale market, they can always buy it back and sell it Direct. But a lot of these that own for awhile think they know better,. Fir one I been an owner for 14 yrs with no intention of ever selling, when I can not go any more will just pass it down to my children, in fact they are using it now.

 

[NoodlesMom]

Oh dear, so sorry you don't have access. If you are using a broker, they should have been sent all the details from Disney and they can share all the details with you. Here is a link to the revised Member Benefits document that is a part of all contracts:

https://disneyvacationclub.disney.g...formembers/memberbenefitsguide/MEADSFinal.pdf

I saw a document someone had that clearly stated that pool hopping and TOWL would definitely still be included. And I truly do not see them taking stuff like Magical Express away. That is something that is in place for anyone staying anywhere on WDW property.

After reading that document, I may be wrong but it seems like it affects all resale and not just newly purchased contracts.

 

[MaryM101]

It's a fine line a business walks when they build upon "magic", "owning a part of the magic" and "club". I mentioned in the other thread about this - that it's about time they drop the "club" part. It's a timeshare, pure and simple, and that's what they are acting like even if they'll continue to market otherwise. It is difficult and disappointing because Disney has done many things very different in the past. Personally I don't think they have to head the direction of everyone else - that what has differentiated them is doing things differently. For whatever reason current management seems to think otherwise though.

I do actually understand it from a business perspective, if someone purchases directly from Disney and then I (whoever) comes along and purchases resale at a much reduces rate why should the resale owner get the same perks, I actually do get that. However, as a timeshare owner I will still pay the same yearly fees. For us it is just very unfortunate that this happened to us literally in the middle of our very first purchase. Our broker just emailed me an hour ago and we will be revisiting our contract tomorrow. We will more than likely purchase at least 100 of our 300 we points that we want now from Disney directly. Luckily we will be able to re-negotiate.

 

[southerngirl528]

After reading that document, I may be wrong but it seems like it affects all resale and not just newly purchased contracts.

"and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from DVD will not have access to Membership Extras."

 

[southerngirl528]

I just got back , and we were asked for our DVC card in March when we went to TOWL. That was before we was allowed to get into elevator, so yes it does make a difference without a card. Also at all the places we ate at that gave the discounts, waiter took my card before ordering and went to the back.
So my opinion is they knew what was coming, but we did not. In like I said in my other threads Disney is looking to make Direct buying more appealing than resale with the old saying " you get what you pay for,"

There is going to be a digital download for resale members that buy from now forward. It will not look like a regular member I.D. but will include the member's number and info. This should provide proof.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I just got back , and we were asked for our DVC card in March when we went to TOWL. That was before we was allowed to get into elevator, so yes it does make a difference without a card. Also at all the places we ate at that gave the discounts, waiter took my card before ordering and went to the back.
So my opinion is they knew what was coming, but we did not. In like I said in my other threads Disney is looking to make Direct buying more appealing than resale with the old saying " you get what you pay for,"

I think you misread what I wrote. The card is required for things you qualify for, that is true. But it's not like every or even any CM is going to ask for the card or even care whether you have a fully qualified membership, partially qualified membership etc other than if you are asking for a discount or perk that you have the proof to show you qualify. I also said that some info was provided that resale purchasers now will have a digital version which may be what will be used for TOTWL. If you are staying onsite they've scanned MB's recently also to check that you are a member and then not required a card. Somehow it seemed like the thought was that not having a card will mark you, but it won't be that. It's not required for check in. It's not required for Bell service. It's not required for parking and that list goes on.

The card really isn't the issue although again, I don't see why DVC is not issuing them and just having something distinguishing that they don't qualify for such and such benefits. I still use the card for my member number when calling in which really was probably the main reason for it when I bought. There were little other benefits at the time. The issue is the removal of something that everyone who has signed a contract to purchase thought they were getting and then having DVC first say they still got it and then retract that decision. Since they aren't removing all perks they'll have to have some way to show that resale owners qualify for them. It may even end up being a card once they really think about the details which frankly DVC doesn't always do so well.

 

[LAMickey14]

There is going to be a digital download for resale members that buy from now forward. It will not look like a regular member I.D. but will include the member's number and info. This should provide proof.

Let's hope so , but not issuing a regular DVC card speaks volumes on future resale buyers Again this is Disney plan to turn buyers from resale to Direct

 

[gr8tdame]

I do actually understand it from a business perspective, if someone purchases directly from Disney and then I (whoever) comes along and purchases resale at a much reduces rate why should the resale owner get the same perks, I actually do get that. However, as a timeshare owner I will still pay the same yearly fees. For us it is just very unfortunate that this happened to us literally in the middle of our very first purchase. Our broker just emailed me an hour ago and we will be revisiting our contract tomorrow. We will more than likely purchase at least 100 of our 300 we points that we want now from Disney directly. Luckily we will be able to re-negotiate.

The contracts I signed were for resales of AKV and BWV and the price I paid per point were much higher than what the original owner paid for through Disney. The original owners have had decades of ownership and use.
The MF's have increased and the length of ownership has significantly decreased.
As a buyer Disney has just lowered the value of your shares .
Soon Disney will also make it more difficult to rent points.

 

[LAMickey14]

I think you misread what I wrote. The card is required for things you qualify for, that is true. But it's not like every or even any CM is going to ask for the card or even care whether you have a fully qualified membership, partially qualified membership etc other than if you are asking for a discount or perk that you have the proof to show you qualify. I also said that some info was provided that resale purchasers now will have a digital version which may be what will be used for TOTWL. If you are staying onsite they've scanned MB's recently also to check that you are a member and then not required a card. Somehow it seemed like the thought was that not having a card will mark you, but it won't be that. It's not required for check in. It's not required for Bell service. It's not required for parking and that list goes on.

The card really isn't the issue although again, I don't see why DVC is not issuing them and just having something distinguishing that they don't qualify for such and such benefits. I still use the card for my member number when calling in which really was probably the main reason for it when I bought. There were little other benefits at the time. The issue is the removal of something that everyone who has signed a contract to purchase thought they were getting and then having DVC first say they still got it and then retract that decision. Since they aren't removing all perks they'll have to have some way to show that resale owners qualify for them. It may even end up being a card once they really think about the details which frankly DVC doesn't always do so well.

I had the magic bands , not once did they scan it, I was asked for my DVC card to go to TOWL. Digital and a real card is different. Think On this teir tickets and now different cards ? There is a reason for this.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I had the magic bands , not once did they scan it, I was asked for my DVC card to go to TOWL. Digital and a real card is different. Think On this teir tickets and now different cards ? There is a reason for this.

The MB only was used at TOTWL. You also could use your DVC card and requirements varied with different CM's. All discounts required the card and ID.

It may be difficult for DVC to realize that not everyone uses smart phones and that the digital ID may not be enough.

 

[southerngirl528]

I had the magic bands , not once did they scan it, I was asked for my DVC card to go to TOWL. Digital and a real card is different. Think On this teir tickets and now different cards ? There is a reason for this.

At this time there is no connection of DVC Membership to the MagicBands. Members must have both photo ID and a member card. And just so you know, I live really close to WDW and am out there to dine or shop or whatever fairly often and can tell you that the digital member cards are now being accepted across property. So there should be zero issues producing the new resale version of a resale members I.D. which will show their member number and be proof of membership.

 

[gatorskin76]

Oh, it hurts for sure. I'm just trying to put it in perspective. If they took this away in 2 months I'm guessing you would probably be just as mad. And even though it doesn't directly affect me it affects the value of what I own, and even though I didn't count on the current perks I have, I certainly don't want them to go away.

I know you are not happy with this turn of events, but maybe it is a blessing in disguise. If the perks really are a deal breaker, you may have an opportunity to get out of it before it is too late.

I am not impacted. I am not mad. I bought several years ago. I was just annoyed that some feel the need to tell people why it shouldn't be a factor instead of having constructive dialogue.

 

[LAMickey14]

After reading that document, I may be wrong but it seems like it affects all resale and not just newly purchased contracts.

It's a fine line a business walks when they build upon "magic", "owning a part of the magic" and "club". I mentioned in the other thread about this - that it's about time they drop the "club" part. It's a timeshare, pure and simple, and that's what they are acting like even if they'll continue to market otherwise. It is difficult and disappointing because Disney has done many things very different in the past. Personally I don't think they have to head the direction of everyone else - that what has differentiated them is doing things differently. For whatever reason current management seems to think otherwise though.

it's very simple , it's all about money and big profits. This has always been a timeshare ....period. I knew that when I brought 14 years ago. It's a resort and it is coming the resort fees like all other places.

 

[LAMickey14]

I think you misread what I wrote. The card is required for things you qualify for, that is true. But it's not like every or even any CM is going to ask for the card or even care whether you have a fully qualified membership, partially qualified membership etc other than if you are asking for a discount or perk that you have the proof to show you qualify. I also said that some info was provided that resale purchasers now will have a digital version which may be what will be used for TOTWL. If you are staying onsite they've scanned MB's recently also to check that you are a member and then not required a card. Somehow it seemed like the thought was that not having a card will mark you, but it won't be that. It's not required for check in. It's not required for Bell service. It's not required for parking and that list goes on.

The card really isn't the issue although again, I don't see why DVC is not issuing them and just having something distinguishing that they don't qualify for such and such benefits. I still use the card for my member number when calling in which really was probably the main reason for it when I bought. There were little other benefits at the time. The issue is the removal of something that everyone who has signed a contract to purchase thought they were getting and then having DVC first say they still got it and then retract that decision. Since they aren't removing all perks they'll have to have some way to show that resale owners qualify for them. It may even end up being a card once they really think about the details which frankly DVC doesn't always do so well.

That new card coming could change a lot, but who knows , but a change is has already started.

 

[MaryM101]

It's not so much that you are expected to see the future. Just in understanding what is guaranteed and what is not. I think it wasn't clear to a lot of people and they are realizing exactly what they "own" right now. Bottom line is any buying decision (resale OR retail) should be based purely on the timeshare aspect of DVC and none of the "Membership Marketing Magic". I think if DVC made sense for people a week ago, it still makes sense for 99.99% of them.

I disagree it was part of the package and now it is not. I agree it is unfortunate for those of us in the middle of our contracts, it does change how many resale points I will buy and my decision is going to be different. I absolutely get that you don't think it's a big deal. But I do, I own 3 other timeshares outside of Disney and for me the reason I am buying Disney is exactly their own marketing technique... for the "Magic" we actually have the option of not continuing with our contract and we will be re-negotiating so we can still purchase directly through Disney, because for now they still get the incidentals and the perks.

 

[LAMickey14]

The contracts I signed were for resales of AKV and BWV and the price I paid per point were much higher than what the original owner paid for through Disney. The original owners have had decades of ownership and use.
The MF's have increased and the length of ownership has significantly decreased.
As a buyer Disney has just lowered the value of your shares .
Soon Disney will also make it more difficult to rent points.

Sadly, I do agree with you. Resale you save money but you could have lost 10 yrs off the contract.