Can a points renter get any type of discount on UPH tickets?

[KandK'smom]

I tried posting this question earlier as a reply, but haven't heard from anyone yet, so I thought I would pose it on its own. My problem/question is...We will be renting from a DVCer at the BCV this spring. I think I have narrowed down the choice of tickets to be UPHs for our family of four ( 3 adults, one child). We will be able to go to the parks 8 days/7nights as our flights bring us into Orlando early and take us home late. I understand that you cannot get UPH passes in advance online if you are renting, so I assume that you have to do it upon arrival at the resort. Can you get any type of discount at that point? AAA? anything? It seems a shame that you can't get the reduction by purchasing the tickets in advance (as other property guests can do). Does anyone have any experience with this and can share the ins and outs of purchasing tickets? Your advice and help will be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

 

[PamOKW]

I'm not sure whether you could somehow arrange to get the on-line discount. You might try contacting Disney to inquire.

As a renter, you are not entitled to the DVC discount on UPH. The UPH discount is only available when the actual member is staying at the resort and can then also "share" with their guests. A renter or a guest of a member who is there without the member can't get the discount.

 

[RobDoc]

DVC member's cannot get advance purchase UPH at a discount, since we are entitiled to the DVC discount on those passes.

As Pam mentioned, technically, renters are not entitled to any member benefits. In practice, your room ID will likely identify you as "DVC Member" and you will likely be able to purchase the UPH's using the discount. Many have reported doing just that. Unfortunately, you cannot do this in advance and it will be at the discretion of the CM at the time.

Because UPH are linked to the specific stay at the time, they must be obtained at the resort and are encoded on the room ID- they are not a separate ticket. There is no AAA discount unless you book thru AAA and no Disney Club discount unless booked in advance and attached to an existing reservation- but DVC doesn't offer the DC discount. Catch 22! It sure can't hurt to ask at check-in.

Good Luck!

 

[DisneyKidds]

While I have no actual experience with DVC UPH passes, I agree with what Doc said. Even as a renter, when you check in you will get room keys that say "Member". While guests/renters of DVC owners may not be technically entitled to DVC discounts, having the room card with the "Member" designation is usually enough for guests/renters to be able to take advantage of most DVC discounts when vacationing on those points. Soooo, I would imagine that you would probably get the DVC discount on UPH if you purchase them when you check in - but that is not guaranteed. You would not be able to buy these discounted passes in advance.

 

[PamOKW]

That's good to know about the pass discount. Last year when I asked about relatives who were headed down, others on the boards indicated that they wouldn't get the discount. It didn't really matter, since they go every year or two and have caught on to buying park hoppers instead. I know people can do the pool hopping, restaurant discounts, etc. but I thought purchasing passes required more than just the room key.

On the con side, I would think this leniency would be another mark against DVC members getting any additional discount on park passes. Disney wouldn't want to open up the program to everyone...especially to people who are already undercutting their resorts. Kind of a moot point since I think the likelihood of the discount is zero to nothing anyway.

 

[Jimbo]

You will almost certainly be able to get the DVC discount. I've let family members use my points, and they've gotten the discount. Others have reported the same, and I haven't heard anyone say that they <i>didn't</i> get the discount.

And, in case you're not aware of it, the DVC discount is 10%, pretty generous by Disney standards. I didn't see that mentioned anywhere else in the thread, so I thought I'd do it.

 

[KandK'smom]

Thank you everyone for filling me in on this- now I have another question. If we get to the resort at 10-10:30, will we be able to check in, get a room key and be able to get the UPH passes to use at that time? I know that check-in time is usually in the afternoon, but it would be nice if we could drop our bags off and head to the parks even if our room is not ready. Can you get your passes and/or room key to get the passes added on if the room is not ready yet? I would hate to have to pay for a day separately if we wanted to go early. Has anyone any experience with this scenario? Thanks again for all of your help!

 

[Jimbo]

The answer to all your questions is the same. Yes!

 

[Sarangel]

the DVC discount is 10%

Did this change? I thought the discount was 20%? I'm taking my family in Nov & we're actually looking into the UPH passes since it's very unlikely that we'll make it back in a year (as we usually do, and consequently buy APs).

Anyone who can tell me if I'm losing my mind?

Thanks,

Sarangel

 

[RobDoc]

Originally posted by Sarangel
Did this change? I thought the discount was 20%?

The DVC discount on UPH passes has always been 10%. There are some DVC discounts at Swan/Dolphin restaurants that are 20% though.

Enjoy!