Disney Vacation Club adjusts 2010 Vacation Points charts

[Towncrier]

I don't believe I was really defending anything.

Personally I've used my points for exactly two weekend nights in 6 years of ownership. So I'm going to be "hurt" by this move as much as anyone else. My only opinion on the change is that it stinks for me personally.

Beyond that, my comments simply reflect the realities of a point-based timeshare system. Too many people--like you and me--were apparently using points exclusively for weekday stays. It appears DVC set the weekday rates too low to begin with. So if there's any silver lining to this, it's that we were able to enjoy XX years of the low weekday rates when they should have been raised years ago.

This is exactly our situation. Sounds like we're both "guilty" of getting the most vacation for our points by booking 12 night trips. It WAS good while it lasted. Your "silver lining" comment is apropos.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

That is what I was basically saying. They should be able to limit what the Florida residents do in respect to the points. The rest of the world should have unbiased points.

I'm trying to figure out if your joking or not with your posts...if your serious..that would be discrimination

 

[TECHJPM]

Florida residents get preferred treatment by all of the industry in Florida, as do California residents getting preferred treatment by the industry in California. Why should the Florida residents get preferential treatment if they did what I said with the points... They shouldn't...
And if we are going to get into the discrimination part...
Florida residents get bigger discounts on their Annual passes.

"Check your facts before ye speak."

Just because they live in Florida they get a better price... That is garbage, as I know several Floridians that go to Disney 2-3 times a year, but buy the Annuals... Well, I go 2-3 times a year, and get Annuals. Maybe I should also get the discount...

Point followed?

 

[tjkraz]

Florida residents get preferred treatment by all of the industry in Florida, as do California residents getting preferred treatment by the industry in California. Why should the Florida residents get preferential treatment if they did what I said with the points... They shouldn't...
And if we are going to get into the discrimination part...
Florida residents get bigger discounts on their Annual passes.

"Check your facts before ye speak."

Just because they live in Florida they get a better price... That is garbage, as I know several Floridians that go to Disney 2-3 times a year, but buy the Annuals... Well, I go 2-3 times a year, and get Annuals. Maybe I should also get the discount...

Point followed?

Disney has business reasons for offering extra perks to locals.

DVC is a timeshare and there are certain legal restrictions on what they can and cannot do to owners. 200 points is 200 points regardless of whether the owner is a FL resident or a NY resident or a UK resident. DVC cannot legally create a system in which one owner's 200 points go further than another owner's 200 points.

DVC could offer varying perks to members depending upon where/how/how much they purchased, but I think you would find that most are not in favor of such a tiered system--particularly those who would find themselves standing on the outside looking in. FL residents are very important to the economy of Walt Disney World, as are CA residents to Disneyland. If DVC were to consider adding perks based upon residency or other subjective criteria, I think you would find that the FL/CA residents would be treated more favorably, not less.

 

[Chuck S]

Florida residents get preferred treatment by all of the industry in Florida, as do California residents getting preferred treatment by the industry in California. Why should the Florida residents get preferential treatment if they did what I said with the points... They shouldn't...
And if we are going to get into the discrimination part...
Florida residents get bigger discounts on their Annual passes.

"Check your facts before ye speak."

Just because they live in Florida they get a better price... That is garbage, as I know several Floridians that go to Disney 2-3 times a year, but buy the Annuals... Well, I go 2-3 times a year, and get Annuals. Maybe I should also get the discount...

Point followed?

The FL resident AP is only $10 less than a DVC AP.

Since DVC is a real estate interest, I don't think DVC can legally limit the use of points by residency, as FL residents have has much legal right to real property they own as the resident of any other state.

As far as being a "True DVCer" I know several people that don't live in Florida that stay over weekends and are not "Sun to Friday owners." I hate to move once I'm settled in at OKW, always stay over one weekend, and I usually never arrive on a Sunday, it is usually a Wednesday to Thursday or Friday stay, of 8 to 12 nights, occasionally 14 nights.

 

[OneMoreTry]

The people that benefit THE MOST from this are those staying THIS NYE -- if staying over the weekend. I know this because I was pleasantly surprised to find we didn't need as many points as I had planned.

We get the cheaper weekday points for the last week of Dec 2009 and the cheaper weekend points for the first week of Jan 2010.

After that we definitely won't have the incentive to stay Sun-Thurs. Overall that's good, because it's always nice to stay over Sat night. However, it makes it harder to budget points by just staying weekdays. And it will be harder to get weekends.

I don't see this as a big, big deal. If I had voted, I would have voted in favor.

 

[DaveH]

I must not be a true DVC member since 2001. We have done all kinds of stays. We have done long weekends from VA. We have done Sun to Fri. We have done 7 to 10 day stays including weekends. We decided to use points on weekends for numerous reasons. When we joined we were told many times that the charts could change. I looked at ways that things could go a way we did not want. At first we did mostly Sun to Fri stays. Later we added on for more flexibility and stay weekend without changing rooms or resorts. I have mixed feelings on the changes. Looking at our past vacations we tend to break even. Some cost more and others less. I have a larger problem with the way DVC communicated the change than the change itself. Please leave name calling out of this. I have read here where many folks set up there purchases for Mon to Fri only at certain times and bought that many points only for many reasons. Some of those had there vacation points needs rise alot. I do feel for them and they have to adjust in one way or another.

 

[GazB]

Maybe it's not just me then, I live over here in the UK and stay in my home resort of SSR twice a year for 14 days at a time. Has anyone noticed that the October season has increased the highest here than in any of the other resorts?? I have 419 points and now find I need to buy another 12 to go during my vacation times. NOT HAPPY.
Oh and now it seems harder to actually book a fortnights vacation in one go than it did before.
I've phoned and emailed member services but it seems no-one wants to reply to me. Must be easier to ignore everyone now.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Florida residents get preferred treatment by all of the industry in Florida, as do California residents getting preferred treatment by the industry in California. Why should the Florida residents get preferential treatment if they did what I said with the points... They shouldn't...
And if we are going to get into the discrimination part...
Florida residents get bigger discounts on their Annual passes.

"Check your facts before ye speak."

Just because they live in Florida they get a better price... That is garbage, as I know several Floridians that go to Disney 2-3 times a year, but buy the Annuals... Well, I go 2-3 times a year, and get Annuals. Maybe I should also get the discount...

Point followed?

I understand that FL residents get different discounts etc...but there's a difference between offering discounts for tickets, rooms etc to various groups ie..FL/CA residents, DVC members, Annual Passholders....and doing what you said.... putting a limit how a certain group can use their points


DVC members do get a $100 discount on Annual Passes....which brings our price about the same as a FL resident...so if your a member you can take advantage of this ...and any other discounts DVC offers...and since you have an Annual Pass you can also take advantage of those discounts as well..... I guess those who aren't DVC members could complain about our discounts too

We're just trying to have a friendly, informative discussion...I found parts of your post in regard to check facts & point taken rather harsh

 

[Chuck S]

Maybe it's not just me then, I live over here in the UK and stay in my home resort of SSR twice a year for 14 days at a time. Has anyone noticed that the October season has increased the highest here than in any of the other resorts?? I have 419 points and now find I need to buy another 12 to go during my vacation times. NOT HAPPY.
Oh and now it seems harder to actually book a fortnights vacation in one go than it did before.
I've phoned and emailed member services but it seems no-one wants to reply to me. Must be easier to ignore everyone now.

If you've called and spoken to Member Services, what type of reply do you wish? Member services really is the reservation arm of DVC. To them, either your dates are available when you call, or they aren't avalable when you call and they offer to put you on a wait list.

If you need to discuss specific policies with DVC, or tell them something has impacted you negatively, you need to contact Member Satisfaction at: DVCMemberSatisfactionTeam@DisneyVacationClub.com or contact your guide.

 

[TECHJPM]

I love the DVC membership deal, but don't like the subtle changes that Disney throws at us whenever they feel like it. They have changed a lot of things in comparison to when I originally purchased.

I refered to checking facts to the discrimination idea that someone came up with... If they placed limits on when a Fl. resident could book, similar to how they limit a home resort owner can book, it could have helped everything with my contention of level the playing field, and make all days the same cost. The seasons could have changed slightly.

I am from NJ, and we usually fly out, but we have to drive now because the flight companies are getting a bit outrageous. Keeping that in mind... Disney is jacking up everything, and offering nothing drastic in discounts to the DVC. Yes, we get a discount on Annuals. Yes, we get a discount on CERTAIN shopping, and dining.

I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

In reality... I know it makes no difference, but what would Walt think of this greed? What can we do to change this? Nothing. We are prisoners.

We are all trying to voice our frustration, and maybe we all have said something that wouldn't make legal, or ethical sense. That is what a discussion forum is all about.

 

[GazB]

If you've called and spoken to Member Services, what type of reply do you wish? Member services really is the reservation arm of DVC. To them, either your dates are available when you call, or they aren't avalable when you call and they offer to put you on a wait list.

If you need to discuss specific policies with DVC, or tell them something has impacted you negatively, you need to contact Member Satisfaction at: QUOTE]

I sent a mail through the website asking why there had been such a large increase in points for SSR regarding October. I had a reply to my original email via a message on my telephone from a lady named Joy. Unfortunately I was on vacation at the time. Subsequently I rang back using the direct number she specified. 5 phone calls later, messages left, no reply.
I've even left messages on her mail box. Nothing. Tried to contact her through member services, again nothing. four emails, nothing! Ever get the feeling someones avoiding you!! All this from February 6th.

 

[Chuck S]

I love the DVC membership deal, but don't like the subtle changes that Disney throws at us whenever they feel like it. They have changed a lot of things in comparison to when I originally purchased.

I refered to checking facts to the discrimination idea that someone came up with... If they placed limits on when a Fl. resident could book, similar to how they limit a home resort owner can book, it could have helped everything with my contention of level the playing field, and make all days the same cost. The seasons could have changed slightly.

I am from NJ, and we usually fly out, but we have to drive now because the flight companies are getting a bit outrageous. Keeping that in mind... Disney is jacking up everything, and offering nothing drastic in discounts to the DVC. Yes, we get a discount on Annuals. Yes, we get a discount on CERTAIN shopping, and dining.

I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

In reality... I know it makes no difference, but what would Walt think of this greed? What can we do to change this? Nothing. We are prisoners.

We are all trying to voice our frustration, and maybe we all have said something that wouldn't make legal, or ethical sense. That is what a discussion forum is all about.

Everything put to a vote? Do you seriously think anything productive would come of that?

I mean, seriously, even with local government, we don't vote on the amount of taxes we pay, or who we hire, or whether to pass a local ordinance against jaywalking. They city council and mayor or city manager handle that.

In real life there are decisions made by government that negatively impact some people, and positively impact others.

It is the same with DVC. We have legally assigned our voting right to a board to make those decisions for us, if we weren't happy with that provision of our contracts, no one forced us to purchase. I really don't know of any timeshare that puts much of anything to a vote of the owners. And how would the votes be decided, one vote per member...or like stocks, the more you own, the greater your voting power? Would a member with 25 points have as much voice as a member with 1000 points? And what would benefit members with 25 points may not be of benefit members with 1000 points. DVC does seem to try to balance the needs of the overall membership pretty well, considering there is no "average member," we all have unique travel habits and needs.

 

[Chuck S]

I sent a mail through the website asking why there had been such a large increase in points for SSR regarding October. I had a reply to my original email via a message on my telephone from a lady named Joy. Unfortunately I was on vacation at the time. Subsequently I rang back using the direct number she specified. 5 phone calls later, messages left, no reply.
I've even left messages on her mail box. Nothing. Tried to contact her through member services, again nothing. four emails, nothing! Ever get the feeling someones avoiding you!! All this from February 6th.

I would try sending an email to the Member Satisfaction Team address, and specifically request a reply and listing your telephone number.

 

[White_Sox_Fan]

I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

If every issue where up to the whim of the people we would really have problems. Such a system, in order to work properly, would require every member to fully inform themselves on every issue. It would require a thoughtful process of what-if's and data analysis. Decisions like the reallocation require "big picture" thinking and most members would look only at their personal impact and use that as a guide to generate their opinion. IMO the only thing that would come out of that would be a convoluted, dysfunctional system.

 

[DisFlan]

Everything put to a vote? Do you seriously think anything productive would come of that?

lol! We wouldn't get past what the shower curtains should look like. I'll happily leave all the day-to-day operational stuff to DVC and just enjoy my vacation. If we have complaints, I'm all for voicing them, but other than that - well, that's what our MFs are for.

DisFlan

 

[RobDoc]

...
I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

In reality... I know it makes no difference, but what would Walt think of this greed? What can we do to change this? Nothing. We are prisoners.

...

Actually, it is like a government - in the same way our country's government is run where we elect representatives at all levels to make the laws and create operating budgets and taxes for our city, state and federal needs. In the case of DVC, we have contractually agreed to allow our condominium association representatives to make those same policy and budgetary decision for us. They are voted on at the Annual Meeting each December and members are invited to attend to watch.

As members we also have the right to replace DVC as the managing entity. If that were done by any resort however, that resort would become a stand-alone and would no longer have access to the DVC reservation system, DVC perks and the new managers would need to negotiate for any services wanted by the owners - whether with Disney or other service providers.

Be careful what you wish for!

 

[OneMoreTry]

.....
I refered to checking facts to the discrimination idea that someone came up with... If they placed limits on when a Fl. resident could book, similar to how they limit a home resort owner can book, it could have helped everything with my contention of level the playing field, and make all days the same cost. The seasons could have changed slightly.

I am from NJ, and we usually fly out, but we have to drive now because the flight companies are getting a bit outrageous. Keeping that in mind... Disney is jacking up everything, and offering nothing drastic in discounts to the DVC. Yes, we get a discount on Annuals. Yes, we get a discount on CERTAIN shopping, and dining.

I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

In reality... I know it makes no difference, but what would Walt think of this greed? What can we do to change this? Nothing. We are prisoners.

We are all trying to voice our frustration, and maybe we all have said something that wouldn't make legal, or ethical sense. That is what a discussion forum is all about.....

I expect DVC to monitor usage and adjust point charts accordingly. If weekend popularity or lack of popularity does not justify the point disparity, I expect them to adjust the point charts accordingly.

Evidently, so many people were AVOIDING weekends that point readjustment was needed to balance demand.

The reverse is that weekdays had become so popular that weekday points needed to be raised -- that way stays are appropriately distributed weekday/weekend and units are used evenly through the entire week.

I would expect them to do the same if seasonal demand changed. IF THE LOW seasons become more popular, point requirements for them will increase and point requirements for other times will decrease. That's just the way it is.

The "true DVCers" may not like it. But overall, benefit evens out among members.


REGARDING perks, the perk for buying DVC is OWNING DVC. That's it. If that isn't a good enough perk, just sell it. There are plenty of other great things to do in life.

 

[Dean]

How is everyone taking the changes that Disney has put in place for 2010? I personally don't like the change, which jacks up the weekday points, and lowers the weekend points. Most of us true DVC'rs always left our villas by Friday, and returned on Sunday. In all reality they should be the same value all the time, as they got their money from us in the beginning, and it would give everyone a chance to use the system a bit better.

Did you really say true DVC members are S-F? We have been (and we live in FL) but I'd definitely disagree with the idea that only true DVC members do this. A lot stay a week or more and don't move to save points. Also, did you really say that FL residents should be penalized to give others a chance to book over them?

I just personally believe that DVC membership should be like a government. Everything they do should have to be put to a vote. Kinda like a town council. Disney is out for themself at this point in time. Disney being one of the biggest names on this planet, they should realize that, and take care of the people that made Disney what it is today.

In reality... I know it makes no difference, but what would Walt think of this greed? What can we do to change this? Nothing. We are prisoners.

You are not a prisoner, you can get out fairly easily anytime. And they do put it to a vote, it's just that we have signed our voting rights over to a voting rep for most things with DVC. I'd generally like DVC to be run better than the government. In reading your post I'm reminded of a quote "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need".

 

[Dean]

I sent a mail through the website asking why there had been such a large increase in points for SSR regarding October. I had a reply to my original email via a message on my telephone from a lady named Joy. Unfortunately I was on vacation at the time. Subsequently I rang back using the direct number she specified. 5 phone calls later, messages left, no reply.
I've even left messages on her mail box. Nothing. Tried to contact her through member services, again nothing. four emails, nothing! Ever get the feeling someones avoiding you!! All this from February 6th.

I've always found them responsive but sometimes slow. What did you want to hear from them other than to complain about it. The reservation system is in place and it works the same for everyone. There are timeshares and other options where you can guarantee 14 nights, DVC isn't one of them. Obviously the option to make the changes has always been there, they did it 13 years ago as well. As for 12 points per year difference and given your circumstance, buying additional points would be a poor choice unless you had other plans for the points. 13 nights instead of 14 for a small part of the trips and/or a cash night or two for weekends once or twice would make it a non issue for the full length of your contract.