Are DVC Members "Second Class" Citizens

[MJS]

sgtdisney - I agree with your comment about concierge, especially the lounges/food service. Give me a kitchen in a DVC resort any day over concierge food!

I also prefer to make my own arrangements. As I said before, I am focusing on the difficult-to-book PS's/events. I can give it my best effort, but still not get into some things. I understand that concierge guests pay big bucks for the service, but I wish that there was something for DVC members to help us get into Cindys, etc. (can you tell I have a little Disney princess fan at home? )

Thanks for all of the comments!

 

[Eeyore2U]

I was wondering if any of you know the answer. Since MJS is looking for a specific PS and I undestand that.

If DVC was treated like Concierge how many rooms would that to the concierge mix?

Would it be feasible for WDW to treat us like that?

 

[DisMNagain]

It sounds to me that a lot of DVC members are seasoned Disney vets...and that we're independant and that we don't over plan our vacations.

(not that this was on topic one bit! sorry...LOL)


It also sound like most DVC members are realistically satisfied with their purchases too. I've never really thought about feeling like a second class citizen, and instead usually feel quite blessed that I'm able to stay on Disney property for such great rates.

 

[MJS]

Having stayed in concierge many times, I can assure you that as a DVC member you do not want to be treated like a concierge guest Some of the service has been really bad...but that is another topic.

Part of our decision in joining the DVC was we decided Disney did not do concierge/suites well, and we wanted a nice room with the ability to have meals in the room. (I don't know about you, but after a few days of rich restaurant food, it is nice to have a plain breakfast, etc.) I am not advocating that Disney provide all concierge services to DVC guests (clearly that would not work from a business perspective), I just want to be able to get into Cindy's breakfast every once in a while!

 

[Zimbubba]

There should be a better understanding about what people bought when they bought into DVC. It is prettly clear in the contract. Many people who post here have dreams or wishes that they construe into what they believe should be reality for DVC members. We bought basically accomodations. DVC throws in perks and advantages from time to time and we should all enjoy them if we wish.

 

[JudithM]

Zimbubba, you seem to have a clear appreciation of the situation. Well said, thank you!

 

[Desperado]

Many people who post here have dreams or wishes that they construe into what they believe should be reality for DVC members. We bought basically accomodations.

Well, I'm not sure this is what I'm reading in the posts. For myself, I realize and understand I bought accomodations, and I'm continually pleased with my purchase. As far as construing dreams into reality, there is a degree I feel DVC members are taken for granted in the lack of extras offerred to them. A couple of years ago, it was very interesting to see Universal Studios offer some nice discounts to DVC members. I haven't checked to see if those are still in effect, but it was interesting.

Please don't misunderstand, I know what I bought, I'm happy with what I bought, if I wasn't I'd sell. There is opportunity for Disney to do a little more, reasonably, without being outlandish in requests.

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.

I think this is a reasonable statement, and doesn't indicate a misunderstanding of the contract. I agree, it would be nice.

 

[Mario]

I read my contract, as did my attorney. I know what I purchased. That said, I think it is fair for members to wish for certain perks, such as early booking of high demand PS's.

I think the fact that MJS has used the symbol in posting implies humor. Suggesting that MJS and others have not read their contracts and asking when they are selling their points, etc. seems not in keeping with the friendly spirit of these boards.

 

[Dean]

None of us should expect perks from DVC because of our purchase. I do however feel that WDW should offer perks to members based on the perks they offer other groups (AAA, FL residents). Since I'm a FL resident and AAA member, it wouldn't help me a bit. I also feel that it would be in the best interest of WDW and DVC in the long run to do so.

 

[CarolMN]

The question about better park discounts (similar to those offered Florida residents) came up during the Q&A period at the BWV annual meeting. The answer (from the chairman) pretty much boiled down to the fact that DVC members go to the parks anyway, so they DVC would rather concentrate on discounts to entice us to other areas like DQ, the waterparks, mini-golf, PI, etc. They said that DVC members visit more often than non-DVC members and thus have the time and inclination to visit other WDW attractions. They realize that they will not get every vacation dollar spent by DVC members. In contrast, it is very difficult to attract Florida residents to the parks.

The chairman also said that Disney/DVC has lots and lots of data about visitors (including DVC members) and their spending habits. He said Disney is "king of the survey".

I would certainly love a good discount on annual passes. However, I do not expect to get one since Disney obviously has data that shows providing such a discount to DVC members will not increase their revenues. We can argue all we want, but the data is driving the decision and that is as it should be.

 

[CaptainMidnight]

CarolMN, great info, thanks for sharing.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I have not read all the posts thoroughly, so pardon me if I'm not in the swing of it here.

Do I feel like a second class citizen??? Just the opposite. I feel like I am being treated extra good when I have free valet parking, or when I receive my dinner discounts. I am very happy in this regard. I even feel goog getting my welcome kit at check-in. IMO, anything above our accommodations is a welcomed bonus.

 

[RWishbone]

In no way do I feel as if I am a second class citizen as a member of the DVC. On the contrary, we have had 3 seperate add-ons since we joined and we look forward to every trip. In my opinion, DVC members who feel as if Disney or the DVC owe them something extra are way off base. The fact that someone feels as though Disney would be better served to offer, for example, discounts on passes so to entice more park visits, does not mean that Disney is wrong or acting unfairly by not offering such discounts. We all knew exactly what we buying and I still think it is a great deal.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by RWishbone
In no way do I feel as if I am a second class citizen as a member of the DVC. ...snip... We all knew exactly what we buying and I still think it is a great deal.

I agree Wish. It is not fair to compare "perks" at something like concierge out of context. People pay pretty good bucks for those concierge rooms that don't even compare to our DVC studios. But they can get PS's and a heavy hors d'oeurves buffet in the lounge. So you have to look at the whole picture.

We are very happy with our homes at BWV and OKW.

 

[Mario]

"People pay pretty good bucks for those concierge rooms that don't even compare to our DVC studios. But they can get PS's and a heavy hors d'oeurves buffet in the lounge. So you have to look at the whole picture."

joepoe - Have you stayed in concierge lately? The heavy hors d'oeurves have evaporated faster than Disney's net income! The rooms at the DVC are superior, too!

The original poster is fairly clear in wishing for a priority for DVC members in making PS's. I think that poster was also clear in stating that he/she is not making the unreasonable request for all concierge "services." I think it is fine for a DVCer to wish for something.