Do you feel short changed by buying DVC?

[boettj]

I don't think I have wasted any money. Here is how I rationalize what I paid:

15,000 Starting Cost
+ 895 MF
-------
15,895
- 3,504 1 Bedroom Rack Rate equivalent for 1 week at SSR (Our Home.) If I stay somewhere else, then I get the equivalent rack rate.
-------
12,391 End of First year total.
+ 895 MF
-------
13,286
- 3,504 1 Bedroom Rack Rate equivalent for 1 week at SSR (Our Home.)
-------
9,782 End of second year total.
+ 895 MF
-------
10,677
-1,200 Rental year at $10/point renting 120 points.
-------
=9,477


What I am not taking into account is whether you financed it our not. We did not finance it. As a result we do not need to add interest into this equation. If you did finance it, then you would add interest paid for each year into it. The end result will be at some point you are making out on the deal. I aslo added a year of renting points. This demonstrates that you get the most value out of using your points.

 

[famsen]

We are here at AKV Jambo House right now.
We have been treated like second class citizens compared to the cash paying guests.
First off there was no "Welcome Home". I know it's not a big deal but it's nice to be recognized. We wait in the same long lines as everyone else to check in. I really got the cold shoulder from the manager at the front desk when I told him I was using online check in.
Nearly the entire 5th floor of DVC was not cleaned when guests got into their rooms. It was disgusting! I talked to housekeeping management about it.
I don't like that we can not check in earlier than 4:00pm when other guests can get in by 3:00pm or even sooner.
This trip has made me rethink our purchase. I feel like if I am getting the same, or in our case, less enthusiastic service by the staff as those that are cash customers, I might as well just pay as I go for my trips and take advantage of the special deals. I just feel that we were treated much better when we were cash paying guests during the previous 7 trips.
One more observation: It looks like the AKV rooms are in need of rehab. Things are a bit run down, ie: caulk by the tub cracking, nail polish stains on the desk, curling iron burns on the bathroom vanity, televisions not working properly, lamps that don't work. Things just look dingy now. I can't wait until October to try Kidani, although it looks HUGE!

 

[tjhsr]

Have never felt short changed. Joined 5 yrs ago and never looked back. Our 3 DGC will visit the this year and we won't have to worry about finding some deal on a 2 or 3 bdr. villa. Just the way we planned it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

We are here at AKV Jambo House right now.
We have been treated like second class citizens compared to the cash paying guests.
First off there was no "Welcome Home". I know it's not a big deal but it's nice to be recognized. We wait in the same long lines as everyone else to check in. I really got the cold shoulder from the manager at the front desk when I told him I was using online check in.
Nearly the entire 5th floor of DVC was not cleaned when guests got into their rooms. It was disgusting! I talked to housekeeping management about it.
I don't like that we can not check in earlier than 4:00pm when other guests can get in by 3:00pm or even sooner.
This trip has made me rethink our purchase. I feel like if I am getting the same, or in our case, less enthusiastic service by the staff as those that are cash customers, I might as well just pay as I go for my trips and take advantage of the special deals. I just feel that we were treated much better when we were cash paying guests during the previous 7 trips.
One more observation: It looks like the AKV rooms are in need of rehab. Things are a bit run down, ie: caulk by the tub cracking, nail polish stains on the desk, curling iron burns on the bathroom vanity, televisions not working properly, lamps that don't work. Things just look dingy now. I can't wait until October to try Kidani, although it looks HUGE!

The "after 4" check in is DVC policy because it takes longer to clean the villas than the non-villas.

I certainly hope the AKV in Jambo House are not in need of a rehab already. They've only been opened for about a year. It's pretty disgusting that the guests aren't taking care of the villas and trashing them. But, if you find a lamp out or a television not working, report it to maintenance immediately and they should be there to fix it very quickly.

 

[Tara]

No way, no how.

 

[boettj]

We are here at AKV Jambo House right now.
We have been treated like second class citizens compared to the cash paying guests.
First off there was no "Welcome Home". I know it's not a big deal but it's nice to be recognized. We wait in the same long lines as everyone else to check in. I really got the cold shoulder from the manager at the front desk when I told him I was using online check in.
Nearly the entire 5th floor of DVC was not cleaned when guests got into their rooms. It was disgusting! I talked to housekeeping management about it.
I don't like that we can not check in earlier than 4:00pm when other guests can get in by 3:00pm or even sooner.
This trip has made me rethink our purchase. I feel like if I am getting the same, or in our case, less enthusiastic service by the staff as those that are cash customers, I might as well just pay as I go for my trips and take advantage of the special deals. I just feel that we were treated much better when we were cash paying guests during the previous 7 trips.
One more observation: It looks like the AKV rooms are in need of rehab. Things are a bit run down, ie: caulk by the tub cracking, nail polish stains on the desk, curling iron burns on the bathroom vanity, televisions not working properly, lamps that don't work. Things just look dingy now. I can't wait until October to try Kidani, although it looks HUGE!

I agree with Deb & Bill. If AKW is in disrepair, then something is very very wrong. Maybe the animals are partying until 3pm on the day of checkout in the rooms. I would hope that your room is a one off, and that management would resolve it immediately. Also, I've never felt that the CM's treat me any different. In fact at SSR, they went above and beyond.

Please talk to management to resolve this.

 

[Sammie]

I don't feel short changed but I do at times lately feel taken for granted. I think DVC members should qualify for every discount that a Florida resident gets. We are close on the AP and that is great but there is room for improvement.

I think the DVC resorts should get the same care and quality of service that the deluxe resorts get and I have not seen that lately especially at the shared resorts. There is a marked difference in the upkeep of say BCV and the Beach Club and Yacht Club. And please do not say our dues would have to be raised to do this, I am not buying that excuse, as they did raise them.

And truly if you only stay in a DVC resort and never experience a deluxe resort not on points, you can't be aware of the differences.

I think as DVC members instead of us being glad we are members, DVC should be glad we are members. Not feeling that so much lately.

So while I think that if you want or need lodging larger than a hotel room then DVC offers a good value, I just think they could do more to show appreciation to the membership.

I think the problem is Disney has to constantly and more so now due to the economy keep coming up with ways to attract customers.

DVC has to come up with ways to attract members for sales, therefore alot of money is going into Sales presentations and advertisements and enticements. If DVC was actually showing some of the these run down rooms to perspective members instead of the pristine model rooms, sales would not be as good.

However unlike Disney who will keep trying to keep a repeat customer coming back I feel DVC knows it has us and our money and the focus is more on Sales and less on Member Appreciation.

 

[movie77]

Do I think they should offer a discount on park ticket and DDP's? YES!!! We are not planning on going every year so the Annual Pass is not worth it for us. Maybe if enough DVC guests put their two cents in they will listen someday.[/QUOTE]

I agree with this. A little love would be nice.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Not at all. We've never stayed at a value or moderate. We the option of the extra space if needed, so DVC made sense for us. I'm very happy with my purchase.

 

[corpcomp]

Nope - glad we did it. We spent 13 years staying at values and mid range hotels . The first year at BCV we felt we were living in comfort and found ourselves slowing down and enjoying the location / SAB and the restaurants as well as the parks. Prior, we would rush 10 hours a day - now we don't stay in the parks more than 5 hours before returning to BCV , resting and then going out later. Sure it would be cheaper to stay at a low end value resort but no where near as relaxing.

 

[stopher1]

We don't feel shortchanged. We did extensive research before buying in, and fully understood what did and did not come with our purchase, and took the plunge, and have enjoyed it. We used to be once per year folks to both coasts, but thanks to DVC we've been able to go at least twice per year now, and have 7 trips in the planning stages. The next one is just 3 weeks away. The one thing I wish would change (read improve for DVC members), is the AP discount at DL...but even if it doesn't, we're still good with our DVC membership.

 

[hitthebids]

Maybe short changed is not the right phrase. What I meant is that being a DVC member, we are never offered any incentives to return to Disney. If I was offered a free dining plan or park passes, lets say for a Sept/Oct/Nov stay I might consider it, rather then go during a high season. I hear you when you are saying that we are getting upgraded resorts and rooms, but we have payed for that. Our initial payment (more if you financed it) and annual dues. Maybe it is just a case of The Prodigal Son, but I think the only time Disney thinks of DVC owners is when they have more points for sale. Oh and if anyone brings up the current offer, the free pass for you birthday, that is akin to giving ice in the winter. If you don't think so i will explain later.

 

[Lynne M]

There's no business case for Disney to offer DVC members incentives to visit. There's a built-in incentive....we lose money if we don't use our points. We've essentially prepaid for our lodging for the next several decades; they know we're coming every year. They don't need to spend money providing 'bait' for us, when they can spend that money offering incentives to guests that wouldn't otherwise visit.

I knew when I bought DVC that there were minimal discounts and incentives. I ran the numbers and decided that financially, it was a good enough deal that I wouldn't miss them. So far, Disney has provided exactly what I paid for in the contract, and I don't expect things that I didn't pay for. When I buy a car, I don't expect the dealer to provide free gas. When I buy a home, I don't expect to get free landscaping or free food.

I think it's sort of a hotel mindset vs a timeshare mindset. As consumers, we're used to hotels competing for our business with deals and discounts. As a timeshare owner....well, we're the owner. The deals and the discounts don't apply anymore.

 

[stopher1]

Maybe short changed is not the right phrase. What I meant is that being a DVC member, we are never offered any incentives to return to Disney. If I was offered a free dining plan or park passes, lets say for a Sept/Oct/Nov stay I might consider it, rather then go during a high season. I hear you when you are saying that we are getting upgraded resorts and rooms, but we have payed for that. Our initial payment (more if you financed it) and annual dues. Maybe it is just a case of The Prodigal Son, but I think the only time Disney thinks of DVC owners is when they have more points for sale. Oh and if anyone brings up the current offer, the free pass for you birthday, that is akin to giving ice in the winter. If you don't think so i will explain later.

Disney uses those various offers as enticements to lure people in and stay on property who otherwise might not be planning a trip. Suddenly, by using the word "free" or "buy this and get that", people start to think, "oh yeah, we CAN go to WDW this year". That's why so many of these offers appear during the traditionally non-peak times. It helps to get heads in the beds and butts in the seats at a time that might otherwise have low occupancy - those low occupany times really aren't anymore thanks to the various "deals".

Conversely, DVC is designed to sell accomodations for up to 50 years. How an owner uses those points is up to him/her - and if for whatever reason points don't get used, oh well, Disney doesn't really mind. The enticement for DVC'ers is/was that we've pre-paid our accomodations - so why not go back again? Disney doesn't really need to entice DVC members regularly to go back again... they did that already. Even if we bank a year and stretch it out til the next trip, if we don't go we'll lose our points. And then of course, while we're using our pre-paid accomodations, there just happen to be a few theme parks, shops and restaurants that we might like to enjoy while we're there and spend some money. And even if we all used the kitchens and didn't dine in the actual restaurants, there's always an outdoor vending cart to grab a quick snack.

I hear what you are saying, but these "free" deals really aren't free. We enjoyed them ourselves a few years back, but it's a marketing strategy, plain and simple. While it may appear so for a while, Mickey really isn't as altrusitic and generous as it might appear with these offers. They are simply running a business ( a great big fun one, sure, but still a business) and as such, sometimes they need to put stuff on sale. Target, Wal-Mart, Barnes & Noble, McDonald's - they all put stuff on sale from time to time to move some merchandise or a particular product that's either new or hard to sell - and so does Disney, and this is how they choose to do it.

 

[Tara]

Maybe short changed is not the right phrase. What I meant is that being a DVC member, we are never offered any incentives to return to Disney. If I was offered a free dining plan or park passes, lets say for a Sept/Oct/Nov stay I might consider it, rather then go during a high season. .... Maybe it is just a case of The Prodigal Son, but I think the only time Disney thinks of DVC owners is when they have more points for sale.

At the end of the day, a question anyone purchasing DVC should ask themselves is "would I buy this if all I ever got were my points?" If the perks matter, then buying DVC is probably not the wisest choice because the perks can change or be eliminated at any time.

I hear you when you are saying that we are getting upgraded resorts and rooms, but we have payed for that. Our initial payment (more if you financed it) and annual dues.

Well, let's look at this one. Say you buy enough points at BLT for a week mid-September, LV. You buy under the current incentives, so you pay $96/pt. You would need 223 (under the 2009 chart, not looking at 2010) points. That's $21,408. Fees sit at $3.67 per point, so that's another $41,700. (not calculating the average annual increase here, but I also won't calculate any increase on cash room price, which I assume will rise at least as fast, if not faster, than the fees will, so that should cancel out at worst)

That same 1br LV room during that season is $470 cash per night. That's $3290 per week. Multiply that times 51 years of ownership and you come out to over $167,000.

So what exactly have you "paid for"? You have paid for your ownership, which represents a significant cost savings. But you have not paid the going rate for your accommodations, by a long shot.

This is why the arguments that "DVC ought to ____" as pertains to extra perks make no sense to me. We all like to attach a lot of emotion and sentiment to our Disney experience (I do too, believe me!) but we like to forget that Disney is still a company looking to earn profit, and that gets harder with each passing year as competition increases, costs rise, and customers grow more sophisticated. A cash customer, if unsatisfied, simply takes their cash elsewhere. A DVC customer, if unsatisfied, doesn't have the same choice. Sure, they can sell their points - but IF they get a buyer, they've replaced themselves as a customer without DVC having to lift a finger.

I simply don't see where there's any incentive to sweeten the perks pot. In my mind, we got the ultimate incentive of that price advantage when we signed the papers. Anything else is just icing. IMO, anyway.

 

[DVC Grammy]

My late DH and I bought into DVC almost 12 years ago. At that time, we knew we'd plan 3-4 trips/year to WDW, which we did. Other than 2008 (the year he passed away) that's exactly how DVC has worked out, and as long as I'm still enjoying those trips, I plan on carrying out that original plan.

So, given all those trips, plus the initial cost for the majority of my points (BWV), I have more than gotten my money's worth. In fact, even with the airfare (using SW or JetBlue "deal" fares), a trip to WDW is the cheapest vacation I could take!

 

[littlestar]

I wouldn't say I feel short changed exactly, but I do worry a bit that DVC doesn't have their refurbishing resort skills down pat like some of their offsite competition does - Marriott Vacation Club and Sheraton (Starwood). That worries me and I'm not buying anymore DVC points because of it. I do think DVC has become more sales driven than member satisfaction driven since we first joined over seven years ago.

I would definitely like to see more ticket discounts for members. It would be nice if members qualified for the same discounts as Florida residents.

 

[mmcguire]

We've been members about a year; taking our 1st trip "home" in June.

I admit feeling some resentment toward all the 4/3, pin codes and free dining deals flying around, BUT then I remind myself that this economic downturn is temporary, as are the deals.

When things start improving and people have more disposable income, the killer discounts will go away, room rates will rise, and dining plans won't be free. DVC members will still be paying only our maint. fees while non-DVC members are paying out the nose for their WDW rooms again.

 

[boettj]

I put this on another thread, but it would also fit here:

DVC members are a large portion of income for Disney. Rather than dream here, and hope Disney is paying attention. We could select just one or two logical perks, and then as a whole present that to DVC. Then we could actually see something happen.


Current DVC members are the cheapest advertising that DVC receives. We can be a voice if united to a comon goal. (Sounds corney, but is accurate.)


If I had my drothers, I like the following suggestions. Again, to make this happen, we'd need to select no more than two perks.

1. Discount on Park Hopper Passes
2. ADR's more than 90 days. You don't need 30, but you need enough days to make sure all DVC members have an opportunity to call. So call it 120.
3. Merchandise discount of 15-20% at all WDW shopping.
4. Fastpass selection such as 1 or 2 fastpasses per member's party. Honestly, just 1 member of your party would be better than nothing.

I have included more than 2. This is to provide options. Is there a group that represents DVC members? If not, then one should be formed. That would be the first step in our ability to achieve better perks.


Just my 2 cents

 

[rkwier]

We have only been members since October, so perhaps our perception is a bit limited, but we have been extremely pleased with our decision to purchase DVC. As others have said, we feel that we got exactly what we paid for - excellent prepaid lodging.

The last time that I stayed in the Yacht Club for a conference, I went back to the room during my break and found that a man had come into my room, used the toilet, left the lid up and did not flush it - gross and scary since I was a woman traveling alone. I reported it to Management and changed rooms. They never could give me an explanation as to what happened and I felt uneasy for the rest of my stay. We decided to purchase DVC on that trip. After that incident, I am more than happy that mousekeeping does not come into our villa every day.

Incentives honestly were not even factored into our equation to purchase - if we get them, fine, but if not that is fine also. As far as special promotions go, they seem to be geared for families of 4 and it is only DH and I. Whenever I have priced a special incentive being offered, we end up with the same price for 2 that a family of 4 would get. So, for us at least, those deals are really no deals at all.