Are DVC Members "Second Class" Citizens

[sueg]

I don't feel like a second class customer. But I don't feel like a special customer, either. When we first bought, years ago, I felt like we were special and thought we should be treated that way. But I'm over that feeling and we just enjoy DVC for ourselves.

 

[PamOKW]

Back to the original post...I have never felt second-class because of being a DVC member. In fact, on some occassions I have actually felt being a DVC member gave an advantage as to seating and availability. This may have dropped off some as the number of DVC members has increased but I do not in any way feel at a "disadvantage" by being a DVC member at WDW.

 

[ncligs]

We also have never felt like "second class", in fact 3 other members of my family( 2 brothers-1 sisters) are DVC members also.

 

[Desperado]

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.

Ahhh.... That seems like a pretty good trade off given the unforseen circumstances. 50% off a future cruise is a great deal. My recommendation for those folks is to jump on that and enjoy!!!

My advice is don't let the perception that some may have gotten a better deal than that sour your decision on DVC, you made a great decision. Even if others got a little something extra, (and that may not be true from some of the posts) you still made out pretty well and avoided an illness.
That certainly wouldn't have been a fun vacation. You get to take a cruise in the future at 50% off the points, That's a great deal. Treat yourself to future cruise reservations, I'll look forward to a great trip report about your upcoming cruise.

Nope, I don't feel like a second class citizen. It will be interesting when staying on a DVC villa that is attached to a resort to see if that comes across.

I don't feel like Disney is going out of its' way to offer us discounts like on park passes, but there were no promises of that when signing. I guess I know that's not what I bought, but I wouldn't mind being surprised and my expectations exceeded. The service is certainly better than in other hotels, it always feels like first class to me.

 

[I <3 Eeyore]

I've never felt like a second class citizen as a DVC member. If I did, I'd sell my points to the highest bidder and get outta Dodge.

 

[DebbieB]

I just returned from a week at BWV and didn't feel second class at all. It was my 6th trip as a member and I don't have any complaints, I love DVC more than ever. I think all the cm's treated us well, we always got good, curteous service from housekeeping, front desk, valets, bellman. I think it's more noticable at BWV because you have more contact with cm's than you do at OKW.

Sure I would like more perks, but don't expect them.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

I don't feel like second class citizens, but I do believe Disney takes DVCers and their vacations spending habits for granted. Disney views us as an endless revenue stream. DCL gouges DCVers for the points exchanges for the cruises. Also theres things like you can't get certain onboard credits (Disney Club) if you book with points vs cash. So clearly, Disney does view DVCers differently. Disney also fails to provide DVCers with any other pass option that fits a more relaxed vacation style. Something other than the AP would be nice. JMO.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

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)

Before I would believe what people said, I would have to see it in writing. You are taking a lot at face value and not realizing that they may not be being honest with you. And.....if they are, so what? Life is full of little bumps along the way. You were at Disney, you stated in your inumerable posts that you had a good time, in spite of your meltdown at PO. Don't you think it is time to see the joy in what you had rather than the dismay at what you missed? Girl friend, it is time to stop the whining at get on with life. Please!!!! Get off the cross, we need the wood.

Back OT, I don't feel like a second class citizen at DVC, actually, I feel quite bright at seeing a hedge against inflation and joining early.

 

[DisMNagain]

Gayle, that wasn't nice.


I'm sorry you feel the need to rag on someone who had invested a lot of heart into her trip........




I'm also pleased that she still plans to enjoy Disney for years to come! It is worth every penny to us to be able to spend time AT DW resorts instead of running back and forth to other Orlando hotels/motels.

Never felt like a second class citizen either...but I would NOT turn down a few perks here and there either.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

Just emailed the cruiser in question and yes I am correct here, guys. Not only did they receive the 50% off a next cruise, their full refund but yes they did get hoppers and food for the 2days they were at Disney. Even the person I was questioning thought it was a mistake. I had been in touch with this person for several months before our cruise was cancelled so yes I do honestly believe her.

 

[RoutemanDan]

Originally posted by imgoingtodisney
Just emailed the cruiser in question and yes I am correct here, guys. Not only did they receive the 50% off a next cruise, their full refund but yes they did get hoppers and food for the 2days they were at Disney. Even the person I was questioning thought it was a mistake. I had been in touch with this person for several months before our cruise was cancelled so yes I do honestly believe her.

So what!? She seems to be the exception.She got lucky.Most people did not receive this,and if they did ,so what?Time to move on.
Gail said it better....

Originally posted by Gail Hayden
And.....if they are, so what? Life is full of little bumps along the way. You were at Disney, you stated in your inumerable posts that you had a good time, in spite of your meltdown at PO. Don't you think it is time to see the joy in what you had rather than the dismay at what you missed?

Really now,Please move on.We can all understand your frustration in losing out on your cruise,but is come to a point of incessant whining.

 

[imgoingtodisney]

sorry but I dont recall you having a cancelled cruise? something i looked forward to for over 11 months!

 

[vbfamily]

I want to apologize to you for all the rude and insensitive posts that you have encountered on this thread (and others)

I thought these boards were for people to get help, suggestions, information of any sort about DVC and anything Disney.

I cannot believe some of these posts.

The question was "Are DVCer's Second Class Citizens?"-well some are certainly acting like second class citizens.

I am sick of reading rude and insensitive posts and I feel it makes DVC look really bad.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

I'm sorry you feel the need to rag on someone who had invested a lot of heart into her trip........

That was not a rag. I was the plain truth.

sorry but I dont recall you having a cancelled cruise? something i looked forward to for over 11 months!

I looked forward to taking my mother to Disney for a long time, had planned to have her come with us in Jan. 01. Unfortunately, she died the day after Thanksgiving in 00. We cannot reschedule. She so enjoyed her prior trip with us and we felt it would be equally as wonderful this time. In the road of life this was a BIG bump.

I will bet there are people who looked forward to their cruises also, but, to date you are the only one who has harped on the cancellation in one gazillion posts. Others have taken the lumps and gone on. We all wish you would too.

 

[RobDoc]

This thread is not the place to continue a discussion about the cancelled cruise. That should probably be discussed on the cruise board- if anyplace. Posts containing further off-topic comment will be removed from this thread.

Thanks.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Not a problem, Doc. Happy to comply.

 

[Desperado]

I don't feel like second class citizens, but I do believe Disney takes DVCers and their vacations spending habits for granted. Disney views us as an endless revenue stream. DCL gouges DCVers for the points exchanges for the cruises. Also theres things like you can't get certain onboard credits (Disney Club) if you book with points vs cash. So clearly, Disney does view DVCers differently. Disney also fails to provide DVCers with any other pass option that fits a more relaxed vacation style. Something other than the AP would be nice. JMO.

This is a great point, I agree with what you've said here. It's not that I feel like a second class citizen, and I know I'm not entitled to extra perks or better park pass deals, that wasn't part of the signed agreement, it was the first class accomodations. But I agree with the sentiment you expressed that DVC members are taken for granted. "Gouges" is a great word to describe the point requirements for cruises.

 

[Eeyore2U]

Originally posted by Desperado
"Gouges" is a great word to describe the point requirements for cruises.

I see no problem with how that works. DVC negotiates with DCL and does the best it can for it's members, I hope. As was stated, we signed for first class accomodations not first class trades. I look at where we can trade overall and see it as a plus.

 

[sgtdisney]

I personally do not feel like a second class citizen at all. We stayed in a Concierge room at the Polynesian years back for our honeymoon. Personally, I am more hands on when it comes to making my travel and vacation arrangements. I would prefer to make my own PS's.. Now, since we have been going to OKW for 10+ years now, I find I don't make very many PS's before I leave anymore.. I like the ability to just 'wing it' on my vacation with the full knowledge I will be back later that year or very soon thereafter.. I can tell you that the Concierge room and the 'lounge' at the Polynesian cannot ever compare, to me, with a 2 bedroom villa at a DVC resort. Give me the space and the luxury any day.

I will say, I wish Disney would offer more benefits to the DVC member. I am not expecting them, it wasn't what we paid for when we signed up. It would be nice if they offered some kind of pass discount plan like they do to the Florida Resident as an enticement to be in the parks more. I doubt that they will however as there are still plenty of DVC members that hit the parks daily. For us, after 10 years, we split our time (and money)on other things off property since we have the time and luxury to do so.

 

[Desperado]

DVC negotiates with DCL and does the best it can for it's members, I hope.

That's a good point too. I guess I would hope they are more successful with those negotiations in the future. I haven't been on a cruise yet, but we'll go sometime, and I am very grateful the option is available. There are several trading options we hope to take advantage of, even though they may not be the best value for the use of points. They have value to us for the alternatives that are available. We can't do WDW every year, although I know many do. Actually, now that I think about it, we'll be going twice this year......