Disney's Long Term DVC Strategy

[NVDISFamily]

You are pretty much reminded every time you go that you are resale in some form (no discount, lounges, dvc rep treatment etc) and it is annoying.

Just a thought, don't worry so much about the rules and what you are and are not and instead try and have some fun discussions with the various DVC CMs and you never know what you will get. Example, there is this DVC garage thing at HS that we got a family photo in front of for our last two trips to WDW and I was like, let's make this an every trip thing if we can. We saw a DVC rep there so I said hi, told him that we love DVC and we want to try and get a photo in front of it every trip and if he could help. We then chatted a bit about our resorts, how our trip was going and such, and he then asked if we wanted some free DVC stuff. Some of the things he gave us are the magnets they are supposed to limit and we had already gotten a few at the MK lounge. He didn't even look us up and gave us a few extras with some other stuff.

I've had similar luck all over WDW and at DLR, and I've also had some who very much play by the rules. You just never know.

The feeling also goes the same way when you are a direct owner with a good amount of direct points and the CMs are trying to give you only one thing when it's something that you know your whole family will want one. @MrsNVDISFamily thinks I'm very silly with how creative and persuasive I can negotiate to make sure I secure that swag

 

[Girlstar30]

Just a thought, don't worry so much about the rules and what you are and are not and instead try and have some fun discussions with the various DVC CMs and you never know what you will get. Example, there is this DVC garage thing at HS that we got a family photo in front of for our last two trips to WDW and I was like, let's make this an every trip thing if we can. We saw a DVC rep there so I said hi, told him that we love DVC and we want to try and get a photo in front of it every trip and if he could help. We then chatted a bit about our resorts, how our trip was going and such, and he then asked if we wanted some free DVC stuff. Some of the things he gave us are the magnets they are supposed to limit and we had already gotten a few at the MK lounge. He didn't even look us up and gave us a few extras with some other stuff.

I've had similar luck all over WDW and at DLR, and I've also had some who very much play by the rules. You just never know.

The feeling also goes the same way when you are a direct owner with a good amount of direct points and the CMs are trying to give you only one thing when it's something that you know your whole family will want one. @MrsNVDISFamily thinks I'm very silly with how creative and persuasive I can negotiate to make sure I secure that swag

Yes i supposed my approach of walking up to them and saying "im a member, Do you have any swag?" Is pretty unmotivating for them

 

[MerlinandtheMouse]

I wonder if they’d ever do an exchange fee to allow restricted resale points the ability to book where you want. Kind of like the TOT over at VDH and Aulani so you have an additional charge/pt to use resale. It’s just free money for them at that point and gives some flexibility back to owners but it’s expensive enough that direct is still the better option to not derail direct sales again. Don’t know if that’s even allowed tbh but could be an interesting option.

 

[eticketplease]

I wonder if they’d ever do an exchange fee to allow restricted resale points the ability to book where you want. Kind of like the TOT over at VDH and Aulani so you have an additional charge/pt to use resale. It’s just free money for them at that point and gives some flexibility back to owners but it’s expensive enough that direct is still the better option to not derail direct sales again. Don’t know if that’s even allowed tbh but could be an interesting option.

I think other timeshares allow this but the ToT is a tax it doesn’t go to Disney they are just collecting it before passing it on to Anaheim or HI.

 

[Sandisw]

I wonder if they’d ever do an exchange fee to allow restricted resale points the ability to book where you want. Kind of like the TOT over at VDH and Aulani so you have an additional charge/pt to use resale. It’s just free money for them at that point and gives some flexibility back to owners but it’s expensive enough that direct is still the better option to not derail direct sales again. Don’t know if that’s even allowed tbh but could be an interesting option.

I actually think this is something that we will see down the road.

Think about it, Pay an exchange fee of say, $20 a point plus your points to trade into the restricted resorts!

It would be a win for those who want to do it occasionally and who don’t want to rent their points and then rent someone else’s.

Look at the AP trade…it’s not as good a value if I rented and then used cash, but the convenience of it is is worth it in the end!

Definitely see a per reservation type exchange than a washing of points program.

 

[eticketplease]

I actually think this is something that we will see down the road.

Think about it, Pay an exchange fee of say, $20 a point plus your points to trade into the restricted resorts!

It would be a win for those who want to do it occasionally and who don’t want to rent their points and then rent someone else’s.

Look at the AP trade…it’s not as good a value if I rented and then used cash, but the convenience of it is is worth it in the end!

Definitely see a per reservation type exchange than a washing of points program.

Perhaps a booking fee for the reservation but $20 for each point needed for the reservation plus giving up your points? At that point I would just book at Rack rates.

 

[CVG]

I'm (a recent) resale only. I'm not loyal to DVC or WDW. I only bought to fix (allowing for dues) accommodation prices for a future "dream" holiday for my grandchildren. Once that's done, I'll be off.

The more DVC like to make my life difficult by withholding Direct perks, the more I withhold my business from WDW - no dining, no tourist tat, no FOMO purchases of LL (or whatever they call it now) and the more I enjoy the challenge of getting those perks on any milk, etc I buy from the shop. I don't feel guilty if they check my "card" and find I'm not entitled. We're all Disney nuts on Disboards - most DVC people are not - and many of those won't even realise there is any membership difference between Direct and Resale (despite it saying so in the contracts - who reads 'em?).

Last week, as I cruised to Burano in Venice, I thought to myself that this is the real "Seven Seas Lagoon" and half the price of the fake one. In Ascona, I saw the real Riviera's (well the vibe, I mean!). I'll be doing more of this and funding it from the sale of my DVC contracts.

We're all different and all have different motivations and desires. And that's fine.

 

[Girlstar30]

I'm (a recent) resale only. I'm not loyal to DVC or WDW. I only bought to fix (allowing for dues) accommodation prices for a future "dream" holiday for my grandchildren. Once that's done, I'll be off.

The more DVC like to make my life difficult by withholding Direct perks, the more I withhold my business from WDW - no dining, no tourist tat, no FOMO purchases of LL (or whatever they call it now) and the more I enjoy the challenge of getting those perks on any milk, etc I buy from the shop. I don't feel guilty if they check my "card" and find I'm not entitled. We're all Disney nuts on Disboards - most DVC people are not - and many of those won't even realise there is any membership difference between Direct and Resale (despite it saying so in the contracts - who reads 'em?).

Last week, as I cruised to Burano in Venice, I thought to myself that this is the real "Seven Seas Lagoon" and half the price of the fake one. In Ascona, I saw the real Riviera's (well the vibe, I mean!). I'll be doing more of this and funding it from the sale of my DVC contracts.

We're all different and all have different motivations and desires. And that's fine.

What do you say when they scan it and see your not entitled

 

[Sandisw]

Perhaps a booking fee for the reservation but $20 for each point needed for the reservation plus giving up your points? At that point I would just book at Rack rates.

Not saying it’s a great value for trading, but it would t be about that. It would be about the ease and giving a restricted resort owner the ability to stay somewhere else if it was an occasional occurrence.

That was just an example…I didn’t do the math…lol

The point was more that I can see them doing it on a per reservation basis…but it still wouldn’t be cheap but offer owners the convenience

 

[atthebeachclub]

I agree with you and I think Disney is very smart to "punish" resale members because it does result in direct sales. Most people that own dvc and resale have at least 150 points direct so they can get these membership benefits.

You are treated differently as resale only and if you're a huge Disney fan like I am it does make you feel some type of way when people post about MM and reading about dvc parade viewings and meetups with Disney historians for DVC members when you are a DVC member, will be at the location, but you can't go.

Being blocked out of hotels you love sucks. Asking for swag and them looking you up and seeing that you are "resale only" and giving you something not as good sucks.

Not being able to access a lounge for DVC members when you are once again a DVC member sucks.

Cast members asking if you are dvc for a discount and you saying yes because you are and then them asking to see your membership and hoping they dont scan the card sucks. Usually they dont scan it, but the one time they do you feel like you're doing something wrong which of course you are because you know you're not entitled even though you are a dvc member and they asked that.

You cant be excited like everyone else for any new hotels they are building because you know you're out. And then there's the gray areas such as the Halloween party tickets where they let us purchase it through the app and it doesn't SAY you need DVC Y to purchase anywhere on the app so you truly are confused if youre eligible, but on some Google searches it says you do need to be DVC Y so now you have to weigh if you should risk it because its letting you or else what will happen, SUCKS. I can go on with more stuff (2042, prices going up later when u need direct etc)

My point is DVC has made it very clear how they feel about resale. I've seen guides face change when they find out im all resale, almost like they're wasting their time or you did Disney wrong

I would never buy direct if it wasnt for all these little leaving you out of things, gray areas to worry about and different treatment. Resale is still paying thousands of dollars. An extra $9000 to have 1 direct contract on sale with incentives is worth it imo after my short experience as resale only. As much as I've tried to convince myself it doesn't bother me, it does period.

With all these little slights there is no way they are going to reward resale with anything imo. Quite the opposite.

Having just gone to a villa tour with a guide yesterday their sales tactics are more than good enough to pull people in with direct.

They did all the old tricks with us, telling us we will get extra points if we buy direct with our December UY, telling us we will be able to trade points for cruises and world travel, showing us how cheap it is with a 15 year loan we would only have to pay $200 something to stay in this gorgeous room. Hell, I know all the bs and I was still tempted to sign on the dotted line I fully expect the current trends to continue.

I have absolutely no regrets doing things the way we have and if I could do it over again I wouldnt change a thing. But we will be buying direct within the next two years because of how Disney has structured things unfortunately.

As resale only, I really only am bummed about not having access to the Sorcerer's Pass. Plus it would be nice to go to the top of a location where I own.

A lot of the DVC benefits I miss out on I’ve mitigated by getting myself (and only myself) an Incredipass. Which feels just about as good, other than the cost. Still saves me money. Still gets me some extras.

If they ask if I have DVC, I just tell them since I only own resale I’m likely not eligible for most discounts, BUT maybe my Annual Pass or my Disney credit card can get me a discount. Saves any awkward discussion!

 

[CVG]

What do you say when they scan it and see your not entitled

They never have scanned it yet (in the shops). Just for the avoidance of doubt, I never lie. The convo goes like this ....

CM: Are you a DVC member?
Me: Yes
CM: Can you show me on the MDE app?
Me: Of course .... here's my membership number.
CM: That's great . Thanks

But If they ask if I am entitled to a discount then I say no (with a scowl - lol).

I'm not responsible for ensuring that DVC policies are applied correctly. Even better, I know that some Disboarders are furious that us dirty members will avail ourselves of their benefits.

 

[eticketplease]

What do you say when they scan it and see your not entitled

I have never had them scan anything at WDW.

When I was grabbing some waters in HS the cast member had me use the MDE app and click on my profile and then memberships and passes to see the DVC/AP for the discount.

That might be the loophole you need.
Usually I have to go into the Apple Wallet and then click on the i to show dvc-by

The MDE just has several Visa cards, d23, dvc and AP listed. AP is the only thing that has extra info as it shows the expiration date.

 

[atthebeachclub]

The MDE just has several Visa cards, d23, dvc and AP listed. AP is the only thing that has extra info as it shows the expiration date.

Yours shows several Visas too? For the longest time I just had the debit card and it showed 2 Visas. Now I also have the credit card and it shows 3. No idea why.

 

[eticketplease]

I'm not responsible for ensuring that DVC policies are applied correctly. Even better, I know that some Disboarders are furious that us dirty members will avail ourselves of their benefits.

I have no issues with you getting a discount but if you were to somehow take a moonlight magic reservation then I would care.

 

[eticketplease]

Yours shows several Visas too? For the longest time I just had the debit card and it showed 2 Visas. Now I also have the credit card and it shows 3. No idea why.

Yes I have 3 showing and apparently I didn’t see Disney+ is showing as well.

 

[atthebeachclub]

CM: Are you a DVC member?
Me: Yes
CM: Can you show me on the MDE app?
Me: Of course .... here's my membership number.
CM: That's great . Thanks

But If they ask if I am entitled to a discount then I say no (with a scowl - lol).

My spouse might not know much about our DVC, but has definitely tried to work the discounts, unashamedly. I'm constantly like "you can't do that; you are going to get them in trouble!" but there have been way more successes than failures. I finally said, "look, just buy things when I'm there with my pass discount."

 

[Girlstar30]

As resale only, I really only am bummed about not having access to the Sorcerer's Pass. Plus it would be nice to go to the top of a location where I own.

A lot of the DVC benefits I miss out on I’ve mitigated by getting myself (and only myself) an Incredipass. Which feels just about as good, other than the cost. Still saves me money. Still gets me some extras.

If they ask if I have DVC, I just tell them since I only own resale I’m likely not eligible for most discounts, BUT maybe my Annual Pass or my Disney credit card can get me a discount. Saves any awkward discussion!

Since I won't be able to purchase direct responsibily until next year, I think I will do a little treat yourself thing like you where I buy something that doesn't come with direct and still save money. I kind of did that buying SSR resale for better rooms and longer stays.

With the amount of money i spend shopping, Incredipass may make sense. I need to look up the discount savings compared to other passes. I do tell them i have dvc and chase visa and if they ask to scan the dvc, I just tell them im paying with the chase visa. Same discount.

 

[Girlstar30]

They never have scanned it yet (in the shops). Just for the avoidance of doubt, I never lie. The convo goes like this ....

CM: Are you a DVC member?
Me: Yes
CM: Can you show me on the MDE app?
Me: Of course .... here's my membership number.
CM: That's great . Thanks

But If they ask if I am entitled to a discount then I say no (with a scowl - lol).

I'm not responsible for ensuring that DVC policies are applied correctly. Even better, I know that some Disboarders are furious that us dirty members will avail ourselves of their benefits.

So far no one has asked me if im entitled so I say yes to when they ask if im a member. It is easier for me to just use my chase disney visa and not have to pull up my digital membership card so if they try to go the scanning route I just pay with that card.

 

[CVG]

I have no issues with you getting a discount but if you were to somehow take a moonlight magic reservation then I would care.

You're safe. I have no interest in that.

 

[atthebeachclub]

Since I won't be able to purchase direct responsibily until next year, I think I will do a little treat yourself thing like you where I buy something that doesn't come with direct and still save money. I kind of did that buying SSR resale for better rooms and longer stays.

With the amount of money i spend shopping, Incredipass may make sense. I need to look up the discount savings compared to other passes. I do tell them i have dvc and chase visa and if they ask to scan the dvc, I just tell them im paying with the chase visa. Same discount.

Weren't you getting a Pixie Pass anyway when you move to FL? That will also get you discounts!