Are DVC Members "Second Class" Citizens

[MJS]

We are new to the DVC, and we are really excited about our first trip home. On other Disney vacations, we have stayed in a variety of WDW resorts, including concierge. In concierge, we were able to easily arrange hard to get PS (ie. Cindy's) , events, etc. through the concierge CMs. As a DVC members, we will be spending thousands of dollars over time at WDW. Why don't the perks include a priority for members in making PS's, etc?

 

[Pa@okw95]

Many before you have said the same thing about many different things, that is" we will be spending thousands of dollars over the years at WDW" ;therefore, etc. I don't have an answer for you but I can say that you will not be viewed as a "concierge" customer as a DVC member. I really can not say why but one thing is for sure, when I was a non member I spent around $7 to $ 8, 000 on vacations at WdW now that has fallen down to about $1000 to $1500. We no longer dish out the big bucks for the rooms. Most members have learned ways not to spend money here and there. DVC members are very savy travelers when it comes to WDW. We may all be first class citizens but I don't beleive we are considered first class customers, far from it.

 

[kem330]

I think most of us are used to planning ahead and arrange our ps before we leave. Hey, half the fun for me is the planning and anticipation! We have the same services as all resort guests except the few who pay the extra $100/night or so for concierge level. The savings and room size more than make up for that service

 

[jcodespoti]

I understand your point, however we bought DVC for the resorts themselves and not for any perks. For us I thinks that the trade off is better resorts (i.e. more choices at much lower prices) than more perks and much higher prices. I aslo agree that we spend "thousands", however what we get in return (IMHO) is worth every penny.


Joe in CT

 

[Desperado]

We may all be first class citizens but I don't beleive we are considered first class customers, far from it.

Interesting perspective. Maybe the strategy is that since we are already bought in for the long term, why offer too many additional perks or discounts.

We end up calling PS in advance to make our plans. I've not stayed at "concierge" to know how it compares. I guess I could as a DVC member using points and have both worlds.

Too many concierges would seem to limit thier ability to get the special had too get stuff, wouldn't it?

 

[Zimbubba]

Why did you buy if you feel you will be second class? I feel we are all family and that is better than superficial perks.

 

[JudithM]

Personally I do not feel like a second class guest at WDW. As for PS, I usually just call from our DVC unit. Many times it is the same day - sometimes it is hard to know ahead of time where we will be on any given day. We bought for the DVC resorts, not necessarily any perks/benfits we get. Anything "exta" is nice benefit. I have met the DVC CM in charge of Member Benefits & I know she works hard to get us what we do have.

 

[Chuck S]

Truthfully, I've never felt "second class" as a DVC members, but Cindy's has never been a priority for me. We seldom "overplan" our trips. I just returned last night from 10 nights at OKW, the only PS arrangements we made before leaving home was the CP dinner pkg and MVMCP. Everything else we either booked AFTER entering the park, or called that same day from the room. We had no trouble getting a PS within 30 minutes of our desired seating time. It was our first trip to WDW during the holiday season - we had alwyas gone before in January, but we're already planning for next December!

 

[MJS]

Thanks for all of the responses. I think the DVC is great, and we did not buy into it for the perks. We view it as a prepaid vacation for the next 40 years at our favorite vacation spot. The rooms are great and the resorts are terrific. I do not think that DVC members are "second class," I was asking for your perspective.

IMHO, Disney does not do a great job at the concierge level. We have stayed at several concierge resorts on the property, and other than the ability to get a challenging PS, we did not think that it was worth it to our family. That said, we do enjoy going to things like Cindy's breakfast, and it can be quite difficult to impossible, even with the best advanced planning, to get into it. I just wish that we DVCers had an edge to get those tough PS's

Thanks again for responding!

 

[imgoingtodisney]

I have definately felt like a "second class citizen" since DCL cancelled our 11/30 Magic cruise. Some of those people "paying" with cash also received park admission and food while at WDW last week. While those "paying" with points didnt. Points & cash people did receive our refunds from this cruise and 1/2 off a cruise within the next 2 yrs.

 

[Desperado]

Some of those people "paying" with cash also received park admission and food while at WDW last week. While those "paying" with points didnt.

Maybe they feel as a DVC member your more likely to return for a cruise, but those paying with cash need additional incentive and Disney service to convince them.

Regardless of the differences between how cash vs. points guests were treated, I'm glad to hear you'll be getting 1/2 off on your next cruise. Hope it works out that you can take advantage of it.

 

[JudithM]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
I have definately felt like a "second class citizen" since DCL cancelled our 11/30 Magic cruise. Some of those people "paying" with cash also received park admission and food while at WDW last week. While those "paying" with points didnt.

I wonder if it had anything to do with how the agreement is stated between DVC & DCL.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
I have definately felt like a "second class citizen" since DCL cancelled our 11/30 Magic cruise. Some of those people "paying" with cash also received park admission and food while at WDW last week. While those "paying" with points didnt. Points & cash people did receive our refunds from this cruise and 1/2 off a cruise within the next 2 yrs.

As Judith said, it may have to do with your TRADING out of DVC. Are you saying that DVC members got more from DVC then you did? Or are you saying that a DCL cash paying customer who's money DCL had and gained interest on got more then you. So was it DVC or DCL that put the screws to you?

Are you looking to sell your points?

 

[Eeyore2U]

DVC has never made us feel anything but welcome. They have worked with us on a post 9/11 trip. The service we get from MS is excellent. We paid for a place to stay, not for someone to hold our hand.

 

[CarolAnnC]

It is my understanding that those cancelled passengers who received "food and park admission" were those who chose to rebook and go on the Wonder as a Land and Sea package in place of the cancelled 7 day cruise. Therefore, they were given an all inclusive vacation as that is what they paid for.

Others chose to cancel completely, receive all their points back in the original use year, the ability to use those points at any of the DVC Resorts too although they would normally be "reservation points" any time in 2003, and to receive 50% off a cruise whether using points or cash. I think they more than took care of the DVC guests and I would not have any complaints with that special treatment.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

maybe on the 11/30 cruise thread you need to read nedleycan's outcome - it seems like not only did she receive the 50% off future cruise and her complete refund but food & park admission while in WDW last week -- she and tchristo

 

[Eeyore2U]

I'm sorry you feel screwed and a second class citizen. The way your trip and what DVC did for you, as Carol Ann stated, some don't see that.

Did the others go on the 3 or 4 day cruise?

Since DVC has left such a bad taste are you selling?

 

[imgoingtodisney]

no we're not selling - we're still in it for the long haul - just not as excited about it anymore - maybe after we finally get on the cruise and get to stay at our "home" VWL (which now will take at least 35mos)
We had a really excellent vacation at the WL Oct 01 and I was hoping to be able to duplicate that by joining the DVC.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Do you ever see the positive? You are going on a cruise albeit later then you thought. You just stayed at WDW. You know you'll be going back. Is DVC/DCL the culprit? Would you have preferred to have the ship sail and you all get sick?

I know I ask for others. What are we missing?

 

[RobDoc]

As CarolAnnK already stated, those who chose to replace the 7 day cruise with a land/sea package received park tickets and food- as in the post you referenced by nedleycan.

Those who opted NOT to accept the land/sea still got a full refund and a 50% discount on the future cruise- just as you did.

It would appear that you, as a DVC member, received the same options and reimbursement offered to all whose cruise was cancelled.

I hope you next cruise or DVC stay goes better for your family.