Direct vs resale

[robinaldrich]

Good morning,

We have been stalking DVC since January but really didn't want to jump until Annual passes are back. I've researched alot but one thing I can't find the answer to is do you have to have Direct status to purchase DVC retail items? I know this sounds lame but I'm putting a list of pros and cons lol.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

Good morning,

We have been stalking DVC since January but really didn't want to jump until Annual passes are back. I've researched alot but one thing I can't find the answer to is do you have to have Direct status to purchase DVC retail items? I know this sounds lame but I'm putting a list of pros and cons lol.

Thanks in advance!

Supposedly. My wife has, as recently as last month, had zero issue getting DVC exclusives on ShopDisney with no membership at all.

 

[DonMacGregor]

There was a weird deal last year where one specific DVC-themed Magic Band+ on ShopDisney apparently was available to "Blue Card" members only, but that's the only thing I've ever seen. All merchandise in every retail location is available for purchase by any guest, regardless of DVC affiliation (or none at all).

 

[RoseGold]

I'm Blue Card, I've bought the merch online and in person.

 

[Sandisw]

Other than a few times when they offered something only to DVC, you can purchase, even if you don’t own DVC.

 

[take36]

Supposedly. My wife has, as recently as last month, had zero issue getting DVC exclusives on ShopDisney with no membership at all.

Not sure if you guys follow Disney the company/stock but they need to sell as much merchandise to as many people as possible!

 

[Ashlotte]

Not sure if you guys follow Disney the company/stock but they need to sell as much merchandise to as many people as possible!

If they really wanted to make money, they'd open up dining and shopping discounts for white card members. I'd spend WAY more if I have a discount.

 

[take36]

If they really wanted to make money, they'd open up dining and shopping discounts for white card members. I'd spend WAY more if I have a discount.

Lol so true. As a DVC member I see why they want the two tier memberships, have to protect the brand, make it worth it, allure of exclusivity and all that jazz. From financial and business sense it makes no sense to (gently) antagonize your timeshare owners (who already are taking a leap of faith as we all know the reputation of timeshares) and is already willing to spend money on Disney products. As a stock owner, Disney the company has bigger problems then the parks so I can see why it is not a high priority to stand for white card rights!

 

[VegasDisneyMom]

So I was able to purchase the Direct DVC magic band without being blue card. Previously, I couldn’t buy it as a sole resale member. I recently added on 60pts at VDH and I was able to buy the band on shopDisney. Not sure if this is a glitch or if you just need any amount of direct points.

 

[2Lunds]

You can for sure *buy* DVC merchandise with a resale membership - you're still members - you just won't get a discount.
Assuming the CM checks for the Y\N indicated on your digital membership to show if you're direct or not - which often they don't.

 

[VegasDisneyMom]

You can for sure *buy* DVC merchandise with a resale membership - you're still members - you just won't get a discount.
Assuming the CM checks for the Y\N indicated on your digital membership to show if you're direct or not - which often they don't.

I know I can buy merchandise as a resale member. I was explaining that I was unable to buy the magic band before because it was only for direct members. ShopDisney would automatically deny me because I didn’t meet direct member requirements. But now, I can all of a sudden purchase the band without any issues in shopDisney even though I do not qualify for membership extras. Hope this make more sense

 

[2Lunds]

I know I can buy merchandise as a resale member. I was explaining that I was unable to buy the magic band before because it was only for direct members. ShopDisney would automatically deny me because I didn’t meet direct member requirements. But now, I can all of a sudden purchase the band without any issues in shopDisney even though I do not qualify for membership extras. Hope this make more sense

I was replying to the OP.

 

[Genie+]

I think they’re generally more strict with Passholder specific merch than DVC merch.

 

[Ashlotte]

So I was able to purchase the Direct DVC magic band without being blue card. Previously, I couldn’t buy it as a sole resale member. I recently added on 60pts at VDH and I was able to buy the band on shopDisney. Not sure if this is a glitch or if you just need any amount of direct points.

I had the same experience, where I tried to add it to my cart when it first came out, and wouldn't let me, but now it will. I'm resale only.