Anyone else get the DVC survey re: DVC 'elite' club?

[lichevyguy]

i read all 12 pages , and im a 160 pt owner , all from disney, that being said, i love my DVC and i dont want anything to change, it works great the way it is ... leave it alone

 

[DenLo]

This concerns me. One of the things I really like about DVC is that they treat all members equally. It doesn't matter if you bought resale, it doesn't matter that you only own 25 points, every member gets the same perks, and the use of there membership. In many other timeshare points programs they have different levels of membership. If you only buy a few points, or buy resale, you become second class citizens, not entitled to the same benefits as the VIP owners.

I agree....sounds like they will be treating us according to our number of points. No longer will we all be part of the same club. I don't like it.

My first reaction was oh no! Another elite group I won't be eligible for.

We can't do referrals over here in Europe, so I vote for a club for the Non-US members

Ditto for us from Texas! So can Texas join you all?

Could they make "The Club" membership be based on the number of stays instead of the number of points owned? That would weed out the renters.

How will that work when the member makes the reservation? Even when renting points the member makes the reservation. Or like ourselves when we invite family we have more than one room. Does that mean we wouldn't get credit for those points because we were not staying in all three rooms?

IT SHOULD BE NAMED AFTER DVC MIKE!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes!

In reality Disney can do whatever they want regarding advertising and if they want to reward members (at no cost to DVC) then why not?

 

[tjkraz]

We can't do referrals over here in Europe, so I vote for a club for the Non-US members

Ditto for us from Texas! So can Texas join you all?

The fact that you are unable to receive cash rewards in return for sales referrals should have no bearing on something like this. This club wouldn't be a cash benefit.

Members living in states & countries which outlaw referral incentives almost certainly would be able to participate in a club of this sort. In that way, it would be a nice bonus for those who are otherwise ineligible for the referral bonuses.

 

[rocknspots]

Sounds to me like what they did to DCL's Castaway Club. Some will hate it, some will love it. But in the grand scheme of things it is our choice to remain Disney loyal or not.

 

[disneynutz]

Sounds to me like what they did to DCL's Castaway Club. Some will hate it, some will love it. But in the grand scheme of things it is our choice to remain Disney loyal or not.

I don't understand why some will hate it? As long as the cost or expense of running the club does not affect the DVC Members, why would anyone care.

Do we hate it when the "Welcome Home Wednesday" attendees are given gifts?

Do we hate Disney because VIP Guests are given assigned Cast Members, get driven around in private cars, and special access to rides and attractions?

Don't forget the special treatment given to Disney Chase Visa account holders. As a member of that club, I just got 20% off on a tour at WDW during our December vacation.

Disney may or may not establish a "Commodore Club" it all depends on what's in it for them. Would such a club cause some members to buy additional points to meet the club minimum?

 

[tjkraz]

I don't understand why some will hate it? As long as the cost or expense of running the club does not affect the DVC Members, why would anyone care.

Castaway Club may or may not be a great analogy. In that case, Platinum and Gold level members of the Castaway Club are getting a one week priority window to book cruises before Silver CC members and the general public. That's a pretty huge advantage.

But it seems doubtful that DVC could offer a similar booking privilege to members of its elite club. Assuming that's the case, I agree that such a club really shouldn't diminish ownership for folks not included.

 

[Dean]

I don't understand why some will hate it? As long as the cost or expense of running the club does not affect the DVC Members, why would anyone care.

Obviously it would depend on how they went about it. To assume some won't be put out because other's get benefit that don't hurt them does not reflect my experiences here on DIS or elsewhere. I've seen many instances here were members were upset that a non member got to stay at a DVC resort, got upgraded to a DVC resort or simply got a member perk that they were not technically entitled to, all likely without cost to DVC.

Castaway Club may or may not be a great analogy. In that case, Platinum and Gold level members of the Castaway Club are getting a one week priority window to book cruises before Silver CC members and the general public. That's a pretty huge advantage.

But it seems doubtful that DVC could offer a similar booking privilege to members of its elite club. Assuming that's the case, I agree that such a club really shouldn't diminish ownership for folks not included.

Whether DVC could offer such a priority for booking is doubtful but not totally impossible IMO. Also, for any new resorts, or new sales in some cases, they could easily institute such a limitation going forward. From a DVC/DVD standpoint there's not much in it for them unless they can offer something substantial, something that would affect the perceived value of the membership either way. Effectively some way that causes members to buy new points and/or directs new buyers to retail rather than resale. And while they haven't gone that way thus far and many see such moves as anti Disney, I see it as quintessential Disney. Disney likes control over everything and everyone, what could be more Disney than controlling where you buy, when you buy and if you buy more. I'm not saying it'll happen, just that there are MANY moves that Disney could make in such a realm that would force people to buy more points and to buy retail over resale and to me it seems very unDisney not to go that route.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

Disney may or may not establish a "Commodore Club" it all depends on what's in it for them. Would such a club cause some members to buy additional points to meet the club minimum?

I think it definitely would spur an increase in sales. This may be one reason Disney would institute this preferred club. Is it so bad? I don't think so. You want into the club, you pay for it. I predict many, many would.

 

[keishashadow]

my take, much ado about nothing...just a way to churn sales & make those with perhaps more points than they can justify (for whatever reason: change in lifestyle, vacation habits, etc.) feel better about being heavily invested in 'the club' and forestall possible selloffs as the maturity dates approach for the original resorts?

naturally, the distinction of being able to add the title to their siggies is paramount

seriously, as a small owner; i have no issue with the big boys being recognized, just hope it's not with an early booking window.

would be interesting to see where the cut-off would fall though, exactly how many points would consitute a mega-member? Could easily backfire though, alienating those members who think they're already elite by virtue of their DVC holdings.

 

[6mouselovers]

I did not get the survey and have 1050 points, so maybe the referral is the edge!!!!!!!! Whatever it is, i hope all can reserve!

 

[Marciern22]

I love my DVC! I want to be treated the same no matter how many points I have.
I'm so sick of being treated different out in the real world by how much I make/have or whether or not I'm a celebrity!
Let me keep my one happy place at Disney where I'm always treated like a princess!!!

 

[Sammie]

I think there would be a big backlash if this was handled in such a way as to diminish the membership or change it for those without the big points.

If they offered perks that would not change the status quo of the present situation, then I would think it would be better accepted.

However I don't see it happening, we have to remember Disney can't even seem to enforce the rules for occupancy, check out times, pool hopping, etc. for fear of upsetting someone.

 

[disneynutz]

I think there would be a big backlash if this was handled in such a way as to diminish the membership or change it for those without the big points.

If they offered perks that would not change the status quo of the present situation, then I would think it would be better accepted.

However I don't see it happening, we have to remember Disney can't even seem to enforce the rules for occupancy, check out times, pool hopping, etc. for fear of upsetting someone.

Maybe Disney is changing. Last month at Storm-A-Long Bay they were handing out wrist bands and turning people away every day. What about BLT with it's locked doors and TOTW restrictions. DVC in itself is an exclusive club and it's marketed that way, "You Belong".

Guess we will just have to wait and see if anything comes of this.

 

[dclfun]

I think having a special "Club" would be a great marketing ploy. Let's face it- if the perks were good enough, people would buy more points to be able to enjoy them. With the recent Castaway Club tiers, people I've spoken with have considered taking a few more cruises just to reach the next tier and some have already booked them. So yes, in terms of sales, this strategy does work. I think it would be fine for DVC to have such a program. I'd never be in it- we have only 450 points, but if managed properly then those who have chosen to spend more vacation dollars at Disney would be rewarded for doing so. Managed properly to me means that the benefits are for Members only or for immediate family of the Member ( same way they limit AP sales) to prevent commercial renters from taking advantage, that perks be additional ones, not something taken away from other Members, and that Members ALL feel special and that they "belong" whether or not they've reached the magic number. IMO it should be about the amount of points and/or vacations booked including a Member getting credit for all rooms booked on a particular trip as long as the Member is in one of the rooms- not about referrals, otherwise people will be handing out referrals willy nilly just to get "statused" and without regard to referring people they think might be interested in joining. Coding room keys for free snacks in the parks or resorts, fastpasses, or access to a special lounge in the parks or resorts would cost very little to Disney. A free pin or bag upon check in would cost very little and would be free advertising. As was mentioned, the opportunity to spend money to buy LE merchandise would actually be profitable. Even a free dinner somewhere wouldn't be that much of a cost considering what those Members are paying per year. There are other things that concern me much more, like the horrid RCI exchanges that are worthless to me vs. having a comparable trade to consider. Almost all major hotel/resort/cruiseline/airline businesses reward frequent guests which = the guest who spent the most money and time. Why not DVC? It's not hurting anyone at all, just helping the few who qualify.---Kathy

 

[Anal Annie]

I think having a special "Club" would be a great marketing ploy. Let's face it- if the perks were good enough, people would buy more points to be able to enjoy them. With the recent Castaway Club tiers, people I've spoken with have considered taking a few more cruises just to reach the next tier and some have already booked them. So yes, in terms of sales, this strategy does work. I think it would be fine for DVC to have such a program. I'd never be in it- we have only 450 points, but if managed properly then those who have chosen to spend more vacation dollars at Disney would be rewarded for doing so. Managed properly to me means that the benefits are for Members only or for immediate family of the Member ( same way they limit AP sales) to prevent commercial renters from taking advantage, that perks be additional ones, not something taken away from other Members, and that Members ALL feel special and that they "belong" whether or not they've reached the magic number. IMO it should be about the amount of points and/or vacations booked including a Member getting credit for all rooms booked on a particular trip as long as the Member is in one of the rooms- not about referrals, otherwise people will be handing out referrals willy nilly just to get "statused" and without regard to referring people they think might be interested in joining. Coding room keys for free snacks in the parks or resorts, fastpasses, or access to a special lounge in the parks or resorts would cost very little to Disney. A free pin or bag upon check in would cost very little and would be free advertising. As was mentioned, the opportunity to spend money to buy LE merchandise would actually be profitable. Even a free dinner somewhere wouldn't be that much of a cost considering what those Members are paying per year. There are other things that concern me much more, like the horrid RCI exchanges that are worthless to me vs. having a comparable trade to consider. Almost all major hotel/resort/cruiseline/airline businesses reward frequent guests which = the guest who spent the most money and time. Why not DVC? It's not hurting anyone at all, just helping the few who qualify.---Kathy

This is just the opposite of how I feel. Make DVC too elite and exclude me 'cuz I only have a lowly 250 points and I just might be the next one to strip my contracts and hit the resale market. (Well, maybe that's a bit harsh but I certainly wouldn't buy any more of their stoopid points.) And don't get me started on these new CC tiers - I am drafting a "let me tell you what I think" letter to DCL right now about that BS.

I do not like tiers, levels or clubs. I do not like some people being treated better or more special than anyone else just bcuz they're rich. That's discrimination of a different form. I like having everyone treated the same within DVC or within CC. The fact that we share owing DVC or having completed past cruises is enough IMO. In fact, I resent that people with more money and more vaca time to have been lucky enough to cruise 2x more than me have the advantage of booking these newly released DCL's at the tier 1 pricing while I have to wait another week and possibly lose a chance to book at the best pricing. Yes, I am IRKED and that is in all CAPS over it thank you very much.

Not that it will in any way make a difference, I DO plan on sharing my opinion about the new CC tiers with DCL Guest Communications. I will write just to make myself feel better. The more I stew over it the more I resent it so it's just something I have to do.

Of COURSE people with 2 bazillion points at 5 different resorts would want DVC tiers. Certainly they will. I'm sure they consider themselves special already. Doesn't mean they ARE. Just means they THINK they are. Even if I DID have all the points in the world I don't think I should have special treatment over the next guy who only owns a 100 pt resale. What kind of comradery is that?

Sorry, but that's just how I feel about tiers. Pffft.

 

[disneynutz]

I do not like tiers, levels or clubs. I do not like some people being treated better or more special than anyone else just bcuz they're rich. That's discrimination of a different form.

But DVC is a club and you are treated better than the general public at Disney because you have the money to buy your membership.

 

[Sammie]

But DVC is a club and you are treated better than the general public at Disney because you have the money to buy your membership.

Ok, how are we treated better, I must have missed that line and got in the wrong one.

 

[edk35]

But DVC is a club and you are treated better than the general public at Disney because you have the money to buy your membership.

I beg to differ on that one. I don't think because we own DVC points that we are treated any differently by WDW employees than people who just pay for their rooms/villas with cash. I think people of all walks of life whether they are DVC member or nonmembers have the same treatment. There are plenty of people who make CRO ressies to stay at DVC resorts and I am sure they are greeted and treated the same.

 

[Dean]

But DVC is a club and you are treated better than the general public at Disney because you have the money to buy your membership.

Many would say that DVC members are not treated nearly as well now days as cash guests are. I don't feel we should necessarily be treated better or worse, only that there are differences being a member that do not apply to non members or do not apply in the same way. There are at least 2, maybe 3 levels of issues for members, the contractual, the DVC related and the ancillary benefits. The contractual is the ability to stay at your home resort, the related would be the ability to stay at other DVC resorts (some might include this in contractual) and the ancillary would be discounts and exchange opportunities. Regardless, having so many broad and large discounts on the cash side does devalue a DVC membership to a degree.

 

[going/again]

I beg to differ on that one. I don't think because we own DVC points that we are treated any differently by WDW employees than people who just pay for their rooms/villas with cash. I think people of all walks of life whether they are DVC member or nonmembers have the same treatment. There are plenty of people who make CRO ressies to stay at DVC resorts and I am sure they are greeted and treated the same.

they can get upgrades, free dining, full mousekeeping, members cant unless they pay. yeah we all get treated the same