Disney Vacation Club Introduces Membership Magic

[Rumors Rocks]

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/blog/2014/01/disney-vacation-club-introduces-members

If you’re noticing an extra spring in the step of Disney Vacation Club Members, it could be because today marks the launch of Membership Magic, a diverse array of Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special perks. (Either that or members just happen to be wearing really springy shoes.)
“With Membership Magic, we are giving families even more to love about Disney Vacation Club,” said Ken Potrock, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Disney Vacation Club. “It’s our special way of thanking our members for being such a valued part of the Disney Vacation Club family.”

The first wave of Membership Magic offerings (for those who have purchased a vacation ownership in Disney Vacation Club) includes new opportunities to see the world, new Walt Disney World Resort experiences created with Members in mind, new discounts to help stretch vacation dollars, a new online home for exclusive merchandise and more. The lineup also includes the annual Member Cruise voyage’s first summer sailing (August 24-28, 2014 aboard the Disney Dream ship), and two Membership-exclusive Adventures by Disney itineraries (New York City, and San Francisco & Napa).

Complete details about Membership Magic offerings, including availability and continuing access, are available now at DVCMember.com, and with more magic on the horizon (including offerings in California, Hawai`i and even at sea), look for Members’ collective step to get even springier.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I'm skeptical but intrigued...


"New perks to stretch vacation dollars"...
Surely ye jest?

Is it a longterm price for tickets that represent good value and encourage more spending in the "profit centers"?

Nah...that would make too much sense

 

[pilferk]

I'm skeptical but intrigued...


"New perks to stretch vacation dollars"...
Surely ye jest?

Is it a longterm price for tickets that represent good value and encourage more spending in the "profit centers"?

Nah...that would make too much sense

I've seen the stuff available "at launch".

It's mostly a repackaging of stuff we already have (AP discount, few dining discounts) and some additional targeted marketing (with minimal, if any, discounts...like the spa treatment) wrapped up as "exclusive experiences".

The only thing that looks remotely "exclusive" is the party at Splitsville.

 

[lockedoutlogic]

I've seen the stuff available "at launch".

It's mostly a repackaging of stuff we already have (AP discount, few dining discounts) and some additional targeted marketing (with minimal, if any, discounts...like the spa treatment) wrapped up as "exclusive experiences".

The only thing that looks remotely "exclusive" is the party at Splitsville.

So the standard unfettered cut throat greed?

Business as usual...
These aren't the droids we're looking for...you go about your business... Move along

 

[wiigirl]

So the standard unfettered cut throat greed?

Business as usual...
These aren't the droids we're looking for...you go about your business... Move along

 

[abner1776]

and we always wondered what all those marketing people at Disney really did all day long....give 'em something they already have but don't know it, repackaged in such a way they think we are giving them something new...and then charge them for it when they think they are getting it for free.

 

[Bob Roberts]

I don't know to either laugh or throw up at this.

Either way its ridiculous.

 

[pilferk]

and we always wondered what all those marketing people at Disney really did all day long....give 'em something they already have but don't know it, repackaged in such a way they think we are giving them something new...and then charge them for it when they think they are getting it for free.

The one thing I'll point out:

It doesn't look like they're charging anything "extra" for it.

It's just the new banner that the DVC discounts have been rolled out under. I just don't see anything really new in the package, other than the targeted marketing offerings. Here's a summary of what's being offered, as far as I can tell:

‘Taste’ful travels
For millions of travelers, mealtime is no longer a vacation pit stop. It’s a vacation highlight.

That’s why Disney Vacation Club is so excited to collaborate with renowned Walt Disney World chefs to create special dining experiences for Members and their Guests at some of the top restaurants in the vacation kingdom.

Available on select nights, each of these carefully crafted, fixed-price dinners allow Members to enjoy exquisite dishes paired with expertly chosen wines or beers, all served with live introductions or presentations from a culinary expert. To make the experience as intimate as possible, seating is limited and reservations are required in advance.

Enjoy more vacation options than ever
“More.” This seemed to be a popular theme during discussions around ways to enhance the exchange options available to Members.

As a result, Members will soon have “more” vacation options around the world and “more” rooms available in the most popular places.

Members will soon have access to thousands of RCI options that allow Members to dream bigger than ever before and, of course, to make those vacation dreams come true. Details around the enhanced Member Getaways program will be announced this Spring with re-imagined collections featuring increased inventory at Members’ favorite exchange destinations (many of which will require fewer vacation points). In addition, you will be able to enjoy a refreshed Disney Collection with new resort options.

What are some of the exciting locations around the globe you're planning to visit?

(Memberships not purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc. on or after March 21, 2011 will not have access to the full portfolio of vacation destinations.)

New Annual Pass discounts available through April 30, 2014
Theme Park ticket discounts are the most-requested of all Member perks, and Disney Vacation Club is thrilled to deliver on that request with three Annual Pass discounts available for purchase starting February 6 through April 30, 2014.

Eligible passes include the Walt Disney World Premium Annual Pass (unlimited Park hopping at all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks, two Water Parks, parking and no blockout dates), the Disneyland Resort Deluxe Annual Passport (315-day Park hopping at the two Disneyland Resort Theme Parks) and the Disney Premier Annual Passport (unlimited Park hopping at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Theme Parks with parking, no blockout dates and more).

FYI: The discount doesn't look any different, to me, than the one we've always gotten....unless I'm missing something. $484 for the Premium Annual Pass at WDW.

Member Vacations: Adventures by Disney San Francisco and Napa
Explore the beautiful San Francisco Bay Area on a 4-day, 3-night Adventures by Disney vacation—a new trip that's exclusive to Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests. See the Golden Gate Bridge, explore the Redwoods Forest, savor wine in Napa Valley and delight in the enchantment of Northern California!

Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes

We created this special Member event at a premiere bowling alley to give you more fun playing this classic game. After all, bowling in an exclusive setting can contribute to having a better game—and maybe even a higher score!

And last but not least:

Spa Nights
Enjoy special Member access to Senses – A Disney Spa during select hours on Tuesday nights.

Now available at 2 Senses locations at Walt Disney World Resort—Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort—Members can indulge in even more special offers beyond the usual 15% spa treatment discount, including:

A glass of wine upon arrival
Complimentary service-enhancement upgrades—a $25 value—on any 50 or 80 minute massage and/or facial (based on availability)
A spa-product parting gift


Each of these unique experiences takes place from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, and rotates weekly between the 2 Senses locations.

Also an array of the same dining discounts we've had for awhile....

 

[DisneyDiana]

Actually, $484 is good for the Premium Pass. I believe it is normally around $620 with the DVC discount. I don't see much that is too exciting.

 

[pilferk]

Actually, $484 is good for the Premium Pass. I believe it is normally around $620 with the DVC discount. I don't see much that is too exciting.

Maybe I've just seen it before? Meaning they've done this promo in the past? I don't check pap prices that much, and it swear the last time I did, it was right around the same price via DVC discount....

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Actually, $484 is good for the Premium Pass. I believe it is normally around $620 with the DVC discount. I don't see much that is too exciting.

If that's true...doesn't sound too bad.

My problem with this is and has always been that they have given a flat number discount on the passes...while increasing the prices annually or biannually. I haven't looked at it in a while but I think it was about $95 off. Which wasn't bad when it was $450...but is pathetic as they continue to jack it up.

Really...they gotta start getting some flak about this...or come up with a ticket program that allows us to buy on a permanent basis (like I did with your room) and not be bled to death as part of the public pool.

Just my take.

 

[sndral]

Maybe I've just seen it before? Meaning they've done this promo in the past? I don't check pap prices that much, and it swear the last time I did, it was right around the same price via DVC discount....

Actually when they offered it winter/fall 2012 (covering 2013) it was only $399 - which was a sweet deal.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2991539&highlight=pap+offer

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Actually when they offered it winter/fall 2012 (covering 2013) it was only $399 - which was a sweet deal.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2991539&highlight=pap+offer

We're still on that deal...I wouldn't call it "Sweet"... I would call it "reasonable"

What has not been reasonable is the rate of increase of ticket prices...nothing close to "inflation"...it's margin squeezing...which I have diminishing tolerance for...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Good god...

A pass is $725 dollars?

2004 - $499
2011 - $629

And that "act now" DVC pass price is a big $10 whole dollars off the standard DVC renewal price.

Or 2/3 of a cup of cup of cheddar cheese soup at le cellier.

I'm going to forget I saw any of these numbers and shut my brain down for a recharge now...

 

[pilferk]

Actually when they offered it winter/fall 2012 (covering 2013) it was only $399 - which was a sweet deal.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2991539&highlight=pap+offer

That's the one, I think!

Point being, this isn't new to this program. They've done this before...

It's a premium annal pass...so you get no blackouts and you get unlimited to the watermarks, too. But still....this doesn't seem like a great deal, or anything different than they've offered before.

 

[vandy]

Members website and Portable Perks did not list or mention the discount for the regular annual pass anymore, only the Premium and Premier. Anyone know if there is still a discount for the regular pass or has that gone away? What about renewals?

 

[HookdonWDW]

Old discounts and renewals are still available. They just keep the new deals from looking like a huge bargain, so they're not listed on the Member Site right now...

 

[lockedoutlogic]

Old discounts and renewals are still available. They just keep the new deals from looking like a huge bargain, so they're not listed on the Member Site right now...

Ah yes... The "direct" approach

 

[sndral]

That's the one, I think!

Point being, this isn't new to this program. They've done this before...

It's a premium annal pass...so you get no blackouts and you get unlimited to the watermarks, too. But still....this doesn't seem like a great deal, or anything different than they've offered before.

$484 up from $399 = 18% increase, wonder how much they'll raise ticket prices going forward.