are non-members eligible for member benefits?

[pnotar]

such as restaurant discounts, 10% discounts on park passes, etc...?

 

[Chuck S]

Unpaid guests of members receive the same benefits, according to the rules. Renters (those staying for compensation) are not supposed to receive Member perks.

More and more places are asking for the blue "member" cards, rather than the room keys.

 

[rocketriter]

In fact, last week at the parks we were asked for the blue member cards in addition to our room keys.

 

[k_k_100]

How does Disney know if you are a "guest" or a "renter"? What about a "guest" who is a friend who is renting for a very nominal fee? Exchanging goods or services? Does DVC ask when you make the reservation?

 

[HookdonWDW]

I was actually very pleased when we were checking in at BCVs last week. The CM asked the couple next to us if they were members, or if they were staying on someone else's points. When they indicated that they weren't members, but were there with their cousins who were members, he grabbed a different "Welcome Home" Packet from underneath the counter. He told them that the difference between the two packets was that members get certain perks for being DVC owners. This is the first time I've seen CMs try to determine owners v. renters, and I was pretty impressed.

We were also asked to show our blue membership card when we received discounts during this stay. I don't think we'd ever been asked in the past. It looks like they may be starting to crack down on who is getting member discounts.

 

[HookdonWDW]

Originally posted by k_k_100
What about a "guest" who is a friend who is renting for a very nominal fee? Exchanging goods or services? Does DVC ask when you make the reservation

I believe that the discounts are supposed to be for members and their guests who are sharing the same accomodations. I haven't read the POS in the last few months though, so I might be slightly off...

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by k_k_100
How does Disney know if you are a "guest" or a "renter"? What about a "guest" who is a friend who is renting for a very nominal fee? Exchanging goods or services? Does DVC ask when you make the reservation?

I'm sure this is one reason they are becoming more restrictive in the perks, and are asking for the blue member cards. I'm thinking the rules will change to either "members only" or "Members and Their Guests" will be interpreted to mean "guests staying at the resort as the same time as the members". And I would bet that most (but not all) of the time members and their invited guests are at the resort at the same time. I know that has been the case for us, we have always been at WDW with our guests. But, if I were to give a reservation as a wedding gift or something, then my guests would not have a blue member card.

And, it really wouldn't bother me if perks were restricted to members only.

 

[Dean]

Technically, renters aren't entitled to the perks but guests are for most of them. I've never heard of a renter being denied the perks though. As for guests, there are only 3 perks I can think of that require the member to be present. The 10% UMP discount, the cash room discount and I'm blanking on the third (somebody help me out here). It would please me if DVC were getting more involved in enforcing the rules as written.

 

[EeyoreJMH]

This is an interesting and pretty timely thread. We leave on Sunday and have three rooms reserved at BWV on points-- one room for DH and me, one room for Mom, and one room for DH's parents. We're not charging anybody anything-- it's our treat. However, DH and I have feared some awkward moments if had a discount at dinner and the rest of our group did not.

 

[pnotar]

Thanks for all the input.

One specific item I was interested in finding out about is park access. Are non-members able to go to the parks 1 hour in advance of the opening or would they be denied this as well if they do not have a membership card?

 

[Chuck S]

Originally posted by pnotar
Thanks for all the input.

One specific item I was interested in finding out about is park access. Are non-members able to go to the parks 1 hour in advance of the opening or would they be denied this as well if they do not have a membership card?

Early entry days are a perk of staying on-site at Disney, not for being a DVC member. So yes, you can take advantage of early entry by showing your room key as proof of "on-site" accomodations. Other on-site "perks" are free parking at the theme parks, room charging most purchases anywhere on property, and free package delivery of purchased items to your resort gift shop for pick-up at your convenience the next day.

 

[Dean]

Originally posted by EeyoreJMH
This is an interesting and pretty timely thread. We leave on Sunday and have three rooms reserved at BWV on points-- one room for DH and me, one room for Mom, and one room for DH's parents. We're not charging anybody anything-- it's our treat. However, DH and I have feared some awkward moments if had a discount at dinner and the rest of our group did not.

Just let them know ahead of time the discount may not be offered. You could give them the chance to do one check and divide it up on your own. You could certainly ask up front and see what the wait person says.