Discounts & perks

[Samsma]

I am renting points from someone who said there are certain discounts and other perks for being a "guest" of a DVC member. Does anyone know what these are?

 

[Chuck S]

Just to be clear, since you are renting the points for compensation, you are not actually entitled to the DVC member discounts and perks. Perks are extended to non-compensated guests of members. But, it doesn't hurt to try

Chances are you will receive the perks anyway by simply showing your room key card that will state "DVC Member" because you are staying on points. You will most likely receive a list of perks upon check-in (again, because you are staying on points). But be aware that you may be asked to show a "real" DVC membership card. We have been asked when taking advantage of some of the restaurant discounts and valet parking to show our membership card.

The list of perks changes from time to time, it usually includes some restaurant discounts that will vary by time and location and free valet parking at DVC resorts that offer it (OKW does not have valet parking). It is NOT good for valet parking at a regular non-DVC Disney resort. Also, you may receive some discounts for admission to PI, DQ, water parks and mini-golf.

 

[Samsma]

Free valet parking would be a great perk. He also said I would be able to pool hop except at AKL and Stormalong Bay. Is this true? He said be sure and call the resort before trying to make sure this is still allowed.

 

[Chuck S]

Yes, but rumor and I stress rumor has it that pool hopping may be discontinued. I only mention that because your trip isn't until next July.

Pool hopping is NOT allowed to AKL or BCV pools, and blackout dates may also apply..which also may apply to your July travel dates.

You may also be asked to leave any pool because it reaches capacity and the guests at that resort should have access over hopping DVCers.

Also, don't forget to tip the car valets, even if there is no charge for the actual service.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Pool hopping is a perk for DVC Members staying at DVC resorts on points. You are not a member.

 

[Samsma]

Sorry - only repeating what I was told. New to renting and definitely don't want to be asked to leave somewhere after I'm already there.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Sorry, too, Samsma. Didn't want you to feel that renters are entitled to these perks. They really are for the members. But you may get them.

 

[crisi]

Pool Hopping in particular is a tough one. With the capacity issues and blackout dates, plus some pool CMs not understanding that DVC members may hop, there have been some issues. I wouldn't "count" on being able to hop, as you won't have a leg to stand on if you are asked to leave (as opposed to a DVC member, who could insist that the resort call the DVC offices - all the same, since the resort can say "no" that might not work for a member either).

Valet parking is the other tough one. A lot of members have been asked to show their membership card (not their room key) to take advantage of the free valet parking. Once again, difficult for you to argue. If you were going to use it anyway, if they don't charge you, great. But if you'd self park if it wasn't free, it may be expensive.

Same thing with restaurant discounts etc. If you are going to spend the money anyway, and they give you the discount, great. We've always had to ask for the discount - i.e. paying with a room key with DVC Member on it doesn't automatically apply the discount, we have to say "We are DVC members, I believe we get a discount here?" Since you aren't members, you may not be comfortable saying that. Course, you could probably think of a way to phrase that question without saying "I'm a DVC member"