cheaper tickets for dvc members

[belle3]

I am still not ready to give up on the pass discounts! We are new members at SSR and have booked two trips, one at a moderate resort (until SSR is ready) and one at a DVC resort. This is the first time that we have decided NOT to buy passes and do other things, like SeaWorld and Universal and not do Disney. We buy annual passes every other year and try and maximize the passes since they are so expensive, but buy on alternating years only. Now that we have ample points at DVC, we COULD buy annual passes every year, but won't unless we get something similar to the Fl resident pass. But even if we didn't own DVC, it would be the same as we are only an 8 hr drive away and would make many more trips for long weekends, etc. IF we have the Fl resident AP rate.
So, I'm sticking to my guns and will spread my vacation money around all of Orlando instead of giving it to Disney...I know some posts have said we who don't buy the passes for every trip are in the minority, but it's still lost revenue to the competition, no matter!
Count me in for any type of action we can do collectively to show Disney the "opportunities" they are passing up by not giving the DVC'ers the AP Fl resident discount...I'll be the first in line to buy the pass if it's ever offered to us as a Fl resident!! Then I would be happy to say "SeaWorld, Universal ....who are they??"

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I bet they probably feel by giving a discount on the Park hopers, they feel that is enough, and since they allow you to drop the first and possibly last days, its a pretty good deal. I personally like this option, allows you to come and go as you please during your stay. It works for me.

But, in November of 2002, we bought a 7 day PHP, I still have 1 day and 4 plusses, so my next trip, we will just do the water parks, and the MK, so I can see why you would want discounts on thoses tickets also!

Now after typing this, why don't they just do the Florida discount!!! It would probably benefit everyone!
(think I need another cup of coffee to wake up!!!)

 

[mzzbuzzlightyear]

We have been going to WDW since the early 70s...never went off the grounds.

Dec 2002, we went to US/IOA . $90+ for a 5 (or 6?) day pass. and, of course, to Seaworld! My 7 year old DGS said Let's not tell Papi that we love US/IOA better! LOL!
The only Disney thing that they did was to go to DisneyQuest.

Dec 2003, DH and I went but only visited the hotels to see the Christmas decorations which were beautiful. I would have liked to eat at the Epcot restaurants but felt it was not worth paying an extra $50 or so for each of us to enter the parks, in addition to our meal.

So, in the last 2 years, this diehard Disney fan found that there are lots of other things to do in Orlando....not that I don't miss WDW parks.

June

 

[MiaSRN62]

Currently I would estimate that for a 2 week stay on WDW I would buy a 5 day hopper plus. I'd use the ticket over 2 years and spend 2 or 3 days at the main theme parks and a trip at the water parks each year. The rest of the time I'd visit IOA, US or make a lot of use of the great deals SW/BG offer for their combined AP. With an AP I would pay more per year for ticketting and I would spend maybe 7-8 half days in the main Disney parks instead of 3 whole days and at least 3 half days at the waterparks. I would eat at least once ( probably sit down full service meals) on each day and buy a couple of drinks. I would probably use the World showcase restaurants (particularly if staying at BCV or BW) a couple of times, just entering Epcot for that reason.

I agree entirely with this. We used to buy the AP's (for years) before they changed the renewal policy. Since the clock starts ticking as soon as you "buy" your renewed AP, not from the first "use" is when we stopped buying them (this new policy is going on several years now). We don't like the UPH's either because we've had enough situations in the past where someone got sick and we couldn't even use the passes---money lost. So now we stick with the Hoppers for our family of 5. I know with a discounted AP, we'd spend more time and $ in WDW instead of IOA/Uni/Sea World/water parks etc. In fact, we're staying at HH the end of May instead of a WDW-based DVC because we're saving our Hoppers for our Nov WDW trip. There's not as much incentive (though we love our DVC) to play in the Disney parks anymore. Even one discounted AP per DVC family unit would be nice ? I have a feeling we'll never see it though.

Antnee - I couldn't help but notice your "Let it snow" quote. Be careful what you wish for! I too am a teacher, and last year I thought we were going to have to shorten our first trip home in June because of snow make-up days.

Ughhhh....and I'm an RN who has to make it into work despite snow/ice/hurricane etc. My hospital ID badge states on the back that I am allowed access during road closures and emergencies---even when the governor shuts down the roads. When my kids get a snow day I'm stuck scrambling for sitters because the hospital expects me in to work hell or high water ! I vote for 0% snow this year ! Makes my life hell ! LOL

 

[DrTomorrow]

As I read this thread (and others), I noticed one fact that I find interesting - particularly as a new DVC owner (SSR WooHoo!). That is the fact that quite a few DVCers say that their park visits decrease over time.

While I understand the argument that this is because there aren't "good" ticket discounts, I wonder if another reason is that DVCers simply go to WDW so many times. Up until now, WDW was a treat for us; a week or two every now and then. So when we were here, we wanted to do EVERYTHING, and never left WDW property. But now that we'll have 2 weeks a year until we're dead , I can easily imagine that hitting a park every day of every stay is not going to be part of our plans - and I don't know if a slight reduction in ticket prices would drastically change that.

$.021 (sorry, Doc :grin: )

 

[MiaSRN62]

I wonder if another reason is that DVCers simply go to WDW so many times. Up until now, WDW was a treat for us; a week or two every now and then. So when we were here, we wanted to do EVERYTHING, and never left WDW property. But now that we'll have 2 weeks a year until we're dead , I can easily imagine that hitting a park every day of every stay is not going to be part of our plans - and I don't know if a slight reduction in ticket prices would drastically change that.

I was actually going to mention this in my post. I agree that the "commando style" of park touring definitely diminishes over the years, but I can honestly say, even with our "rest" days built into our vacation, there are days we wander off-site to other parks and attractions simply because our Hoppers are used up and there is no real ticket discount incentive for Members. And, as you pointed out, DVC Members visit WDW more frequently, thus deserving of some sort of discount I feel. If we could get discounted AP's, then hitting the parks for short periods during our entire stay would definitely be more likely. But going into a park for 2-3 hours a day just doesn't constitute good use of a Hopper day. One could spend a decent amount of money in the parks/restaurants even by just spending a few hours there.

 

[Donny55]

I'm encouraged by all the posts of people like us who have helped to capitalize this resort and would simply appreciate a "we understand your specific needs" type response.

If we got the discounts we are seeking, Disney would clearly benefit in numerous increased spending ways. I'm not buying a length of stay pass just to eat at EPCOT, or see the fireworks, or grab a burger at the Plaza restaurant. We don't want to stay in the park from morning to night, but we do spend money in the few hours we do like to spend there.

So let's keep voicing our requests.

Its a very thick skin they have. Disney thinks they know what's best for us, and a simple thank you is the only answer to make.

They are very wrong.

 

[jkevinmcg]

The right thing for Disney to do here would be to extend come sort of discount to folks who are part of the "family" We are more a part of the Disney family than Florida residents! A business case would be hard to do here but some sort of survey quantifying park visitation during our trips "home" would be a start. I'm heading down next week for six nights and will not be going to the parks every day due to ticket price. I've seen where a lot of other members feel the same way. If we don't send them letters or some form of petition, they will never know our feelings about it. The squeaky wheel gets the grease! There is no incentive for them to do anything about it if no one complains! We need the board to take our case wherever it needs to go to be heard and voted upon!

The other thing I don't understand is members making the argument for Disney! Do you not want a ticket discount??

 

[crisi]

If we got the discounts we are seeking, Disney would clearly benefit in numerous increased spending ways. I'm not buying a length of stay pass just to eat at EPCOT, or see the fireworks, or grab a burger at the Plaza restaurant. We don't want to stay in the park from morning to night, but we do spend money in the few hours we do like to spend there.

So, how much do you spend when you just bop in to see fireworks? Maybe a snack. Last I checked, most Epcot sit down establishments were not exactly hurting for customers - so to a certain extent this comes down to "do they want someone eating at Le Cellier who paid full price for a ticket, or one who got a discount" because the restaurant is pretty booked to capacity (between PSs and walk ins) almost every night. There isn't any increased revenue there. Even somthing like counter service food - where they can feed as many people as they put through the lines - has a "cost" of putting more people through the lines....at busy times of year, it can take 20 minutes (and longer!) to get through the line at all - decreasing customer satisfaction for everyone.

The theory we are proposing is that if we are in the parks, we will spend more. But if we are in the parks, it also costs Disney more to do business. Drop in to do a quick turn on Test Track on an AP that's paid for itself, that ride isn't "free" for Disney. It costs them something in wear and tear, in staff, and in electricity. Granted not much more, but it isn't "free" to have an extra person in the park. Plus, it costs them something in crowd management - lines get longer, people are less satisfied if they spend more time in line.

Its even possible that they'd like to DISCOURAGE us from spending all our time and money in the parks. Maybe the theory is that we fill DTD restaurants and hotel restaurants, play minigolf and spend money at the pool bar - as we are less likely to be in the parks. They still get some of our money, but we don't impact the satisfaction (via longer lines, more crowds) of the customers where they need to build loyalty.

 

[crisi]

Kevin,

I'm heavily invested in Disney. I own a timeshare there and I want to make sure that the company continues to make money and that the timeshare retains its value - not financial - but value to my family and me. If the parks don't make money, if they aren't maintained well, I have something that is worth much less to me than it is now.

Moreover, I'm a Disney shareholder. As such, it is important that Disney make money. Money given to you in the form of a discount could be money taken out of my dividend check.

Third, I hate the entitlement mentality. "We are family, we deserve a discount." Blah. Corporations don't have family (ask Katzenberg). And I'm glad you aren't part of my family if you think that "family" means you should get to take advantage of me or if you think family is something you buy into. We deserve what we paid for - quality accomodations. I think I'm getting quite the deal to get a 2 bedroom unit in a deluxe hotel for a mere $242 a night at Disney (which is what my last vacation cost us - point cost per year plus maintenance). Frankly, it seems greedy to expect more.

Now, if Disney can give me a discount, maintain the value of the property, and keep revenues the same (or even increase them), I'll be happy to take it. But no one here has the data to say that that is the case (or for that matter, isn't the case).

 

[Donny55]

Crisi,

Most of us are not looking for entitlements, but rather an addressing of specific desires. Disney puts us DVC'ers in a cookie cutter that doesn't quite fit.

I agree, there is a cost in customer dissatisfaction at long lines. That not when most of us who go year after year, seaon after season would fill the Parks.

Fla discounts often work to the off-season, when Disney would love to get more people into the Parks. These days, a main reason why the Parks are so crowded is the reduced hours. Less time open=more people at any open time.

One more comment: $242 a night on average is not an insignificant sum when you have to make your own bed and throw out your own trash.

 

[DrTomorrow]

I'm going to tread very lightly here, as this is starting to remind me of the "Great AP Room Rate Discount War" of 2003.

I agree 100% with crisi. Disney won't stay in business offering discounts based solely on 'warm fuzzy feelings'. If there's a business case to be made that DVC ticket discounts = more DVC dollars spent in parks, and that the extra dollars spent > the cost of the discounts, then Disney will offer them. Otherwise, they're losing money; which they might accept as a marketing cost, but DVC doesn't seem to need any additional incentives.

With SSR so close to DTD, I know that we won't be going to parks to shop. And I know we're in a minority here, but DW and I find eating at WDW to be one of the least popular parts of our vacations. There are a lot of places that sound good in advance, but most of the time they don't sound good as we ask "where do you want to eat tonight?" And now that we're DVCers, I can easily envision us going off-site (or cooking in the room) for all dinners except for a few chosen places (Le Cellier and 'Ohana come to mind).

So, at least for us, ticket discounts would not be in Disney's best interest.

 

[crisi]

So, you are lobbying for discounts only in the off season? DVC members who travel during the higher traffic seasons wouldn't get discounts? Disney already encourages us to travel in the low season by making them low points (which is why many of us choose to travel then). Many people here want the Florida residents discount on the Annual Pass - which has no blackout days, not the Seasonal Pass, which does. Personally, if DVCers get discounts, I'd consider any discount which isn't applied fairly regardless of when you travel a slap in the face. As you said, we aren't all cookie cutter, and we do fill those rooms over Christmas and Easter and all summer long - just like we do in September and January. And plenty of us can only travel in the "on" season. Jobs as teachers, kids in school....

You put a much higher value on having someone make your bed or a much lower value on the room than I do. Even if I did take the trash down the hall every day (we did it once in a week), it still wouldn't be worth more than a few bucks to me. I can't imagine thinking where less than $250 a night for a 3 room unit in a Disney owned hotel 1/4 mile from Epcot - even if you have to make your own bed and don't get clean towels every day - is not a good deal.

 

[MiaSRN62]

And now that we're DVCers, I can easily envision us going off-site (or cooking in the room) for all dinners

This is exactly what we will (and have been) doing. Because it's not cheap to just walk into the parks to dine for a couple hours on a Hopper pass, we've been cooking more in the villa or driving off-site. I feel, for our family of 5 (often times we bring extended family members with us too), Disney is losing over time in not providing discounted AP's or something that would make us want to spend more time in their parks and establishments. But I most certainly won't cry or whine over this. I was just voicing an opinion, pure and simple. I just see it as Disney's loss---we've learned to be content in going off-site while staying at OKW or other DVC and envision possibly doing this even more in the future.

I agree 100% with crisi

I don't......particularily this statement :

Frankly, it seems greedy to expect more. And I'm glad you aren't part of my family if you think that "family" means you should get to take advantage of me or if you think family is something you buy into

She/he can think/say whatever they feel obviously, but Disney gives out ticket discounts to others so it's def possible and feasible in some instances for them to do this. I absolutely don't feel like my "greed" is talking here after all the time and money we've spent in the parks over the years. We've actually been quite generous with the money we spend while in WDW. I could open my own little WDW outlet store with the amount of souveniers alone. That's just ridiculous to me for crisi to make a blanket statement like that. But.....I have to respect the opinion.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

WOW!!...If I was a Disney stockholder I'd be pretty upset with the FT packages they recently sold. Book 7 nights for the price of 4. That will take a bite out of your dividend check. Seems Disney DOES see value in offering discounts to encourage people to come to the WDW hotels and parks for free.

They just dont see it for the DVCers as they just count on us to Mooooooooo all the way through the turnstyles.

 

[CarolMN]

Originally posted by Johnnie Fedora
...(snip)....They just dont see it for the DVCers as they just count on us to Mooooooooo all the way through the turnstyles.

I do not agree with this statement.

All consumers (me included) like discounts/lower prices. Businesses only offer them if they will get more revenue/profit as a result of with the discounts than without them.

It is very reasonable to believe that Disney/DVC already has lots of data on DVC members. They know what tickets we purchase at check in and they certainly know which of us purchase APs (and how often). Certainly they know/collect information on what we charge back to our rooms. I'm willing to bet that Disney has entire departments/divisions whose main function is collecting and analyzing data.

Would you ignore costly data in your business and take a big risk based on anecdotal evidence or the opinions of a few anonymous internet posters? I sure wouldn't! FWIW, I seriously doubt that those of us who post on this forum are typical of the overall DVC population, anyway.

It is my belief that Disney/DVC has not offered DVC members a discount on APs because the data indicates it is not in their best interests to do so. Good managers rely on data - they spend hard-earned money to get it and validate it.

I sum up this topic as follows:

*We all want a discount (besides the 10% on UPH tickets).
*Purchasing DVC does not entitle us to one.
*We have no valid data that would convince a competent business manager to institute one.

 

[Johnnie Fedora]

The fact that we purchased DVC lets Disney know that we enjoy the WDW vacation experience enough so that we will be back frequently. Since we'll be back, Disney number crunchers may be concentrating their data analysis efforts on the "one-timers" and how they can get them back to come back. Just because they have DVC data doesn't mean they are doing anything with it.

Moo...Moo...moo...moo..... for the four APs I just puchased last month before the DC expired.

 

[GraceDVC]

We are DVC members since 1995 and count ourselves as "lovers" of WDW in general since our first trip in 1980. We feel that a discount on AP tickets would be the benefit we would most appreciate for the following reasons:

We fly down from New York and don't rent a car. Yes, Disney could say we are a "captive" audience and that we spend our money either at the resorts or at the parks on every trip. But, we would definitely visit more often (and even consider driving down) if we had discounted AP passes. We might even add to our points if discounted AP passes, similar to those for Florida residents, were offered to owners of DVC.

For the first time, we will be looking into renting a compact car and visiting other parks and off-site restaurants to save money on our next trip with our children and grandchildren. This wouldn't come to mind if we had unlimited access to WDW because we love it so. Disney -- you need to keep your loyal fans on property and not make them seek alternatives to save money!

 

[MiaSRN62]

It is my belief that Disney/DVC has not offered DVC members a discount on APs because the data indicates it is not in their best interests to do so.

I don't know....this may or may not be entirely true. I can see both sides. But I can tell you from my perspective (and I'm certain ALOT of others), that if there were a 5-10% discount on AP's for DVC'ers it would make us more likely to buy, stay and SPEND in the parks. We'd most likely make extra trips to WDW if we had AP's. So I see it as Disney is losing money from families in my demographic.

*Purchasing DVC does not entitle us to one.

Personally, I never felt it did either. It was more that perhaps Disney would "recognize" the fact that DVC'ers spend alot more time patronizing the parks than alot of the other population sects they study. That's all.

Good managers rely on data - they spend hard-earned money to get it and validate it.

Of course they do......everyone who goes to WDW spends their hard-earned money to fill Disney's pockets a little more too. DVC'ers probably do this more than a large portion of the general population.
Like I said, I most certainly don't see myself as greedy or of an entitlement mindset. Life will go on with or without a pass discount (other than the UPH). My hard-earned money will be going to wherever there is the best deal or biggest draw. With parks closing earlier, less discounts, customer service lacking more than it ever has, cleanliness issues etc, lately, it's not been WDW. The past couple of years we don't freqent the parks nearly the way we used to---and it's not because we necessarily don't want to. We still love WDW, but the issues I just mentioned have pushed us to explore what is outside the Kingdom gates a little more. But that is our choice based on how we see it.

 

[LisaR]

I wanted to make a few points.

1. As a DVC member, I do not feel we are "entitled" to any type of discount. I do not hold this against DVC or Disney. Someone doesn't want to give us a discount on park tickets and that is fine by me. We knew that before purchasing our DVC and I can't and won't complain that we don't get a discount.

2. My family chooses not to go to the parks as often NOT because the park tickets are so expensive. However, we do factor the cost of something vs. the value it has to our family.

Let me use an example that doesn't concern DVC or discounted admission. We stopped doing character meals for many reasons. We see the characters at the park constantly, we don't think the meals are as good and they are pricey. My kids found places like Whispering Canyon and Ohana's to be just as much fun. Now, if they dropped the price of the character meals significantly, then we would go more often. The main reason we don't go isn't about the money. But in the end, if it isn't a good deal, we don't find it worth it. So, if the price was cheap enough, it would be worth a so-so meal for the trade off of seeing the characters.

Using this same example with the parks: We love the parks. But, we come often enough that it isn't worth spending all day, every day at the parks. We end up with unused days on 5 day park hoopers! It isn't just the price. However, we find just as much fun and value doing other things in and around Disney. If ticket prices dropped, that would add to our value and we would go to the parks more often, which means spending more on dining, gifts, etc.

So, I am not mad at DVC or Disney for not offering us discounts on tickets. I don't bad mouth them or convince others to go to Sea World instead. I don't write letters to Disney telling them I won't go to their parks as often. Our family simply found other things both on and off property that we really love to do when we come to WDW.

If DVC and/or Disney feels they have a captive audience in my family just because we are DVC members, then their marketing researchers aren't doing a very good job.

Lisa