Anyone backing out?

[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.

I hope you are right , but you must agree something is changing and it is hitting resale. Personally I would not buy used, because in resale most contracts have lost 10 yrs or more, you get lower price but also less years and now less benefits. But each to his own.

 

[southerngirl528]

I hope you are right , but you must agree something is changing and it is hitting resale. Personally I would not buy used, because in resale most contracts have lost 10 yrs or more, you get lower price but also less years and now less benefits. But each to his own.

I am absolutely sure about the digital download for new resales members. You are certainly correct that the older resorts like my original home resort, OKW, have shorter membership terms which should be taken into consideration when purchasing. I haven't done the math with today's prices, but for me, DVC has been an awesome purchase even if I had never received the tiniest discount or perk.

 

[LAMickey14]

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.

I do not live close , but I or my family go just about anytime we want. The magic band knows everything about you while there, so I see no problem In the future it being connected to DVC memberships . Today's technology is amazing.

 

[LAMickey14]

I am absolutely sure about the digital download for new resales members. You are certainly correct that the older resorts like my original home resort, OKW, have shorter membership terms which should be taken into consideration when purchasing. I haven't done the math with today's prices, but for me, DVC has been an awesome purchase even if I had never received the tiniest discount or perk.

Def agree, it's been a fun investment, never really though about it being a profitable investment, but we knew from the beginning it was a timeshare close to the parks.

 

[Lisa P.]

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

This is sticky. Here is the full sentence from the bold type paragraph regarding Membership Extras: "Disney and Concierge Collections options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from DVD will not have access to Membership Extras."

Initially, this sentence just appears to reiterate that resale points have not been eligible for making Disney and Concierge Collections reservations since March 21, 2011. But then it adds that a new policy change took effect on April 4th (adding more restrictions regarding resale purchased points). It states that as of April 4th, the change which went into effect is that "Members who have not purchased an ownership directly from DVC will not have access to Membership Extras." It does NOT actually say that only NEW members after April 4th do not have access, but that MEMBERS who own no points purchased directly WILL NOT have access, and this went into effect on April 4th.

I see no reference in this document to any date on which resale purchases were made making ANY difference. There is no mention of grandfathering in existing Members who have owned only resale points for a long time. If someone does see written evidence, please share. Remember, no matter what anyone says, only the written documents can define how this will play out.

First positive: If this document tells the whole story, then a small add-on of points purchased directly from DVD would provide the Member with access to Membership Extras. That would be similar to how several other timeshare companies have handled this. It encourages existing Members who have not added to their holdings in a long time to step up and buy. Other companies have followed the removal of benefits from resale owners with a subsequent increase in the minimum number of points allowed for an add-on purchase. So if DVC currently permits as few as 25 points for an add-on developer purchase, they may raise that in the future. Just a heads-up.

Second positive: Someone posted a question about whether resale Members would pay dues which would subsidize the Membership Extras for others to enjoy. In the paragraph following the bold type paragraph, it says, "No costs of acquisition, operation, maintenance or repair of the Program or any Benefit are passed on to Purchasers as common expenses of a DVC Resort or the Club." This suggests to me that your annual dues do not contribute to these extras. With most timeshare companies, the cost of developer perks and benefits is covered by the sales department. They negotiate a low cost and the benefits are used to boost sales so it may be taken as a business expense.

Unfortunately, if this document is the whole deal... it does not look good for anyone who only owns resale contracts.

 

[djohn06]

Other than that extremely small % of people who would be reasonably buying for the perks, it shouldn't have any real affect on others. I can't imagine it being a deal breaker, of if it is, one likely shouldn't have been buying to start with. It does make me wonder if they'll actually follow through on a VIP program at some point.

I agree with wondering if they follow through with the VIP program. The reason perks exist is to entice a captive audience that frequently visits WDW to spend money by providing a discount. I am sure many DVC members dine out less at WDW than many park goers staying onsite and visit the parks less too. The perks are there to get us to spend money. Without the perks, frequent visitors will rent more cars and eat off site which is definitely NOT what Disney wants. Off site dining is definitely a lot better and less expensive too. When the suits notice visitors going off the grid, they will focus on getting DVC members to stay onsite ala a new set of perks.

This is just a solution that DVC feels will save money in the short term. I don't think it's been well thought out. Sure they get a couple more direct buyers afraid of losing "perks" (that ironically they will lose in degrees anyway), but they lose resale buyers who may spend more offsite with few enticements.

 

[djohn06]

This is sticky. Here is the full sentence from the bold type paragraph regarding Membership Extras: "Disney and Concierge Collections options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from DVD will not have access to Membership Extras."

Initially, this sentence just appears to reiterate that resale points have not been eligible for making Disney and Concierge Collections reservations since March 21, 2011. But then it adds that a new policy change took effect on April 4th (adding more restrictions regarding resale purchased points). It states that as of April 4th, the change which went into effect is that "Members who have not purchased an ownership directly from DVC will not have access to Membership Extras." It does NOT actually say that only NEW members after April 4th do not have access, but that MEMBERS who own no points purchased directly WILL NOT have access, and this went into effect on April 4th.

I see no reference in this document to any date on which resale purchases were made making ANY difference. There is no mention of grandfathering in existing Members who have owned only resale points for a long time. If someone does see written evidence, please share.

First positive: If this document tells the whole story, then a small add-on of points purchased directly from DVD would provide the Member with access to Membership Extras. That would be similar to how several other timeshare companies have handled this. It encourages existing Members who have not added to their holdings in a long time to step up and buy.

Second positive: Someone posted a question about whether resale Members would pay dues which would subsidize the Membership Extras for others to enjoy. In the paragraph following the bold type paragraph, it says, "No costs of acquisition, operation, maintenance or repair of the Program or any Benefit are passed on to Purchasers as common expenses of a DVC Resort or the Club." This suggests to me that your annual dues do not contribute to these extras. With most timeshare companies, the cost of developer perks and benefits is covered by the sales department. They negotiate a low cost and the benefits are used to boost sales so it may be taken as a business expense.

Unfortunately, if this document is the whole deal... it does not look good for anyone who only owns resale contracts.

The only way for DVC to enforce not getting a "perk" is to deny resale buyers a member card. Resale buyers before 4/4 will all have member cards. I have my new cards already as a resale buyer.

Post 4/4 there will be no member cards issued for those buying resale. This is what castmembers have stated.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

This is sticky. Here is the full sentence from the bold type paragraph regarding Membership Extras: "Disney and Concierge Collections options are not available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. after March 21, 2011, and, effective April 4, 2016, Members who have not purchased an ownership interest directly from DVD will not have access to Membership Extras."

Initially, this sentence just appears to reiterate that resale points have not been eligible for making Disney and Concierge Collections reservations since March 21, 2011. But then it adds that a new policy change took effect on April 4th (adding more restrictions regarding resale purchased points). It states that as of April 4th, the change which went into effect is that "Members who have not purchased an ownership directly from DVC will not have access to Membership Extras." It does NOT actually say that only NEW members after April 4th do not have access, but that MEMBERS who own no points purchased directly WILL NOT have access, and this went into effect on April 4th.

I see no reference in this document to any date on which resale purchases were made making ANY difference. There is no mention of grandfathering in existing Members who have owned only resale points for a long time. If someone does see written evidence, please share. Remember, no matter what anyone says, only the written documents can define how this will play out.

First positive: If this document tells the whole story, then a small add-on of points purchased directly from DVD would provide the Member with access to Membership Extras. That would be similar to how several other timeshare companies have handled this. It encourages existing Members who have not added to their holdings in a long time to step up and buy. Other companies have followed the removal of benefits from resale owners with a subsequent increase in the minimum number of points allowed for an add-on purchase. So if DVC currently permits as few as 25 points for an add-on developer purchase, they may raise that in the future. Just a heads-up.

Second positive: Someone posted a question about whether resale Members would pay dues which would subsidize the Membership Extras for others to enjoy. In the paragraph following the bold type paragraph, it says, "No costs of acquisition, operation, maintenance or repair of the Program or any Benefit are passed on to Purchasers as common expenses of a DVC Resort or the Club." This suggests to me that your annual dues do not contribute to these extras. With most timeshare companies, the cost of developer perks and benefits is covered by the sales department. They negotiate a low cost and the benefits are used to boost sales so it may be taken as a business expense.

Unfortunately, if this document is the whole deal... it does not look good for anyone who only owns resale contracts.

For all the legal that likely reviewed the document it has issues. The letter does a better job at explaining what it all means, especially this section:

"As previously communicated (effective March 21, 2011), Getaways included within the Disney Collection (e.g., Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney) and the Concierge Collection, which are now part of Membership Extras, have not been available for ownership interests not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Club. Now, effective April 4, 2016, Members who do not purchase their ownership interest directly from Disney Vacation Club will not have access to other Membership Extras, such as exclusive Member experiences and discounts. Please know that as a current Disney Vacation Club Member (regardless of when or where you bought your membership), your access to Disney Differences and these additional Membership Extras will not be affected by this policy change"

 

[Lisa P.]

The only way for DVC to enforce not getting a "perk" is to deny resale buyers a member card. Resale buyers before 4/4 will all have member cards. I have my new cards already as a resale buyer.

It would not be difficult to key in a code to your member account identifying the account in the system as either containing directly purchased points or not. Then, when processing your request to purchase annual passes at a discount, it would be very easy to do a quick look-up. I'm not saying they WILL do this, only that it is not that complicated to do so, if they desire.

 

[Lisa P.]

The letter does a better job at explaining what it all means, especially this section:
"...Please know that as a current Disney Vacation Club Member (regardless of when or where you bought your membership), your access to Disney Differences and these additional Membership Extras will not be affected by this policy change"

Thanks for posting that, Kathy! It sure seems like it would have been an important piece to include in the document!!! Hold on to those letters, folks!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Thanks for posting that, Kathy! It sure seems like it would have been an important piece to include in the document!!! Hold on to those letters, folks!

Mine is printed. Wish I had a laminator.

 

[npmadsen]

I'm thinking a lot
I don't t like the way this was handled. I understand they can change the rules however the consumer should be notified of changes to make an educated offer on a price point
I may decide to loose my deposit
I have lost the Disney Magic feeling

 

[Dean]

It is a deal breaker...I have no intention of being paying for DVC to be discriminated against....

It shouldn't be. If you understood what you were buying, you should realize these changes could happen. Plus resale buyers were already treated differently. So you were buying in "being discriminated against" where you either knew or should have known this was the case.

You do realize you are typing to someone that signed before they realized this change? Doesn't really qualify as exactly what they bought. Hopefully you will never need a "resale buyer" to take that contract for you.

This is the nature of timeshares, one has to understand that to play in the sandbox. They only way to avoid it is not to play. DVC is really just another good timeshare, nothing more. Deposit on a resale is a small price to learn that lesson but it's knowledge one should have known up front.

You clearly have this perception that perks and benefits shouldn't be a factor at all and that we should all just be happy with what we bought. The rules changed the other day for people that were in the middle of a transaction, so they aren't getting what they thought they bought. Now maybe they should still proceed and that is the right decision for them, but that is their decision alone to make. So to make comments like you did in this thread is not fair in my opinion. A DVC AP could save a family $800 a year in ticket costs.....that isn't insignificant. Could it disappear next year as a perk to everyone, sure.....but prior to this change it was part of the equation.

They shouldn't be a factor. They may be an added bonus but if DVC isn't great for a given person without any of the perks, they shouldn't be buying in. The perks are just that, perks, extras.

 

[boxer11]

I'm not backing out but I believe this will lower resale prices because these perks do add value. I just love how these people that are already members are saying "It's not that big of a deal". All the current members would be rioting if Disney decided to take these perks from ALL resale buyers. It's a big deal when you have to pay a few hundred dollars more for season passes. It's a big deal when you pay the same dues as all owners but will be treated as a second class owner. The way I see it Disney will pull the plug on all members in the next few years and offer to sell them a members perk card.

 

[Dean]

They can, and likely will, make other changes. One positive from this is they grandfathered current resale members, they didn't have to. There are also a lot of other things they could do and many of those will affect current members as well even retail buyers.

 

[Minniesgal]

I'm not backing out but I believe this will lower resale prices because these perks do add value. I just love how these people that are already members are saying "It's not that big of a deal". All the current members would be rioting if Disney decided to take these perks from ALL resale buyers. It's a big deal when you have to pay a few hundred dollars more for season passes. It's a big deal when you pay the same dues as all owners but will be treated as a second class owner. The way I see it Disney will pull the plug on all members in the next few years and offer to sell them a members perk card.

That's just it I'm not sure you are right here. As a long term member I'm not sure the perks amount to a hill of beans for everyone. Once we used our membership a few times our trips changed. We spend much more time at resorts much less at parks so annual passes are no interest to us. Dining discounts, discounts on merchandise don't add up to that much more and more places don't offer discounts or exclude items. I think in the last 16 nights we have saved maybe $20 on merchandise discounts. Special events are so few and far between

And it isn't a club, it isn't a family, it is a timeshare. I don't feel like a Member when I'm here I feel like a resort guest who doesn't get a bill at the end of they stay. There is no feeling of belonging to a club there never has been so nothing lost there

 

[Dean]

I'm not backing out but I believe this will lower resale prices because these perks do add value. I just love how these people that are already members are saying "It's not that big of a deal". All the current members would be rioting if Disney decided to take these perks from ALL resale buyers. It's a big deal when you have to pay a few hundred dollars more for season passes. It's a big deal when you pay the same dues as all owners but will be treated as a second class owner. The way I see it Disney will pull the plug on all members in the next few years and offer to sell them a members perk card.

Whether it's a big deal to a given buyer is not particularly relevant. It shouldn't make buying a bad deal if DVC made sense otherwise but it could be a loss.

 

[CMNJ]

I'm not backing out but I believe this will lower resale prices because these perks do add value. I just love how these people that are already members are saying "It's not that big of a deal". All the current members would be rioting if Disney decided to take these perks from ALL resale buyers. It's a big deal when you have to pay a few hundred dollars more for season passes. It's a big deal when you pay the same dues as all owners but will be treated as a second class owner. The way I see it Disney will pull the plug on all members in the next few years and offer to sell them a members perk card.

I think a lot of current members aren't saying it isn't a big deal or we wouldn't be disappointed if the benefits were removed for us all tomorrow. What (I think) at least most of us are saying is that we bought because the terms of the actual contract made sense to us financially. We did not rely on any promise of additional benefits to make our decisions as we knew they could disappear or change at a moments notice. They certainly sweetened the deal but we ran the numbers and made sure the contract (which only stipulates access to a timeshare room) would save us money in the long run before committing. Since they aren't part of the contract we aren't "entitled" to them regardless of where we purchased from. Obviously I hope that Disney continues to offer them to entice new owners but I recognize that they are marketing tools and could disappear in an instant. I truly am sorry for those in the midst of a sale who did not realize those benefits could evaporate overnight. Hopefully this will help those currently looking into purchasing DVC to understand that all any of us truly "own" is access to a room at our home resort. Disney could change anything else.
ETA-everybody was speculating about why DVC sent out new member cards this year with a 5 year expiration date and that it must be to prevent those that sell their DVC contract from continuing to reap DVC discounts-however in light of this recent change it seems like it could be so they can choose who is eligible to receive them again in 5 years.

 

[NoodlesMom]

OP here. After sleeping on it, we've decided to go through with our purchase. I was just really upset that we were told one thing and it changed over night. Oh well. I'm one of those people that don't mind staying at a value resort but given the current prices and the fact that they are sure to rise at an alarming rate, DVC just makes since for us. Even if this change causes current resale prices to decrease, were comfortable with what we're paying and don't plan on selling. It is what it is.

 

[djohn06]

It would not be difficult to key in a code to your member account identifying the account in the system as either containing directly purchased points or not. Then, when processing your request to purchase annual passes at a discount, it would be very easy to do a quick look-up. I'm not saying they WILL do this, only that it is not that complicated to do so, if they desire.

This only solved one perk not all others.

There is certainly an expense to perform this and manage on an ongoing basis. Do youthink they want to make this any more expensive than what it really needs to be? Experience with Disney has shown there are very unlikely to do this. This is why is so much easier to grandfather and capture a point in time (i.e. Date).

Disney has already solved this issue by issuing cards to those pre 4/4.

Also, if you decide to code, how do you ID those with DVC discounts pre 4/4? It's not mandatory to stay on site to use your discount, so it will not be integrated with your magic band.

The problem is a simple one..... No coding required. Just ship cards. No ongoing maintanence. Easy Peezy.