Do you feel short changed by buying DVC?

[CarolA]

First let me say we love DVC and enjoy almost every year, but i do feel sometimes that I may have done better if we just booked a regular Disney vacation when we wanted to go. It seems that every time we go, Disney is offering some discount or freebie that DVCers can never take advantage of. Last year it was free dining plans, this year seems to be 3 nights free when booking 4 or more nights. I know that the orig. DVC members got a 10% discount on park tickets for 10 years or something like that but other then store purchases we have to pay the full ride for everything else. I know it is a good value that we got but we still have annual dues and when all is said and done a week at WDW is costing me a lot more then $1599 a week for a family of 4. Just want to know if anyone else feels the same.

Disney is like the local carpet store that's been 'going out of business" for 10 years.

Disney marks up the rooms so that they can give you a deal. IMHO the "rack rates" for Disney rooms They want that for a three star hotel with so so amenties, BASIC service etc. Well since they are asking TWICE the value of course they have to give "discounts" to make it look affordable.

So no, I don't enjoy being ripped off by Disney. And marking something up to "put it on sale" is a rip off IMHO.

And would you STAY at a value resort in low season to get the $1599 deal. If not, then you aren't comparing apples to apples.

I also don't want to be a part of a "group" that represnets DVC owners. I am not sure what folks THOUGHT they were buying, but I was buying lodging. Not freebies (that have to be paid for LOL!) or "Disney love"
I don't know why this board thinks Disney should pay us to come? I don't know why based on reading this board Disney gives us ANY perks, it only seems to make us greedy for what we didn't get. And no matter WHAT they do, a group will be unhappy!

 

[robinb]

Yes, I have felt "short changed" by Disney.

We bought AKV when it was first available. I didn't buy enough for the Tapestry but we were excited to buy at AKV during the preview period which was only open to current members. We felt special. I was given the impression that the price that I paid (including incentives) as an existing DVC owner during that presale period would be the very best.

Well, I felt not-so-special when I found out that others were able to purchase later with a better incentive. When I found out that people got double Developer's Points a couple months after I purchased I initially felt "grumpy" about it. I really didn't think that I could officially object to Disney's pricing structure so I did not contact DVC. I filed it under "Live and Learn": Disney may offer non-members and late comers a better deal.

Now, to compare regular Disney resort specials with DVC. Nah. I do them both! I will book a week with DVC and another week at a different resort using a promo like Free Dining.

 

[Monorail Purple&Gold]

Never felt short-changed, even with the "aisle end cap" deals Disney is offering to get bodies over there now. I had this conversation with my DMil just this past weekend.

In 30 years, a value room might cost $175/night and a moderate might cost $250/night. We usually take 8-10 nights per year, and that would be a sizeable amount of $$$ if costs would creep up to that. Beauty of it is I'll be paying MFs only, which would amount to way less on an 8-10 night basis, considering I'll be in Deluxe rooms!

Also, those folks have to pay full rack rates for free nights/dining.

Example:

My DSis is at the World right now. They did the "buy 4, get 3 free." Hmmm, last she told me, her trip for 2 Ad, 1 Ch, and 1 Inf was $1800 for the package at PC, with PH tix and CS meal plan, plus travel and incidentals/spending. So I'm thinking total is about $2100-$2300 when all said and done.

We also currently have 2 Ad, 1 Ch, and 1 Inf. We visited for Nov.--total trip costs with AP's was about $2200 at SSR for 5 nights (Rack rate for this trip was about $1900 alone).

Still with me???

We are also going back this July, 5 nights at AKV. This one will cost us right at $1000. (Rack rate for this one is $2500). Both trips included the TS DDP. Total, I've spent about $700 more than her, gone 2 times for 3 more nights, had higher end meals, and stayed in a deluxe vs. value accommodation. Her total cost/day comes to about $290/day, mine is about $270/day, and they don't even get a ceiling fan. Also realize, if I wanted to stay in my DVC accommodations paying cash, I'd be shelling out $4500 just for the rooms!

In the end, DVC will work for us, by my example the accommodations are sacrificed (IMHO) to make the deal. These deals do not upset me in the least bit. My DSis is fine with staying at PC, heck, I like it there too. But...I'll be staying at DVC's in deluxe rooms for the next, oh, 48 years, and THAT DEAL suits me just fine! Those other deals will come and go, but I'll still be where I want to be, with the W/D and jacuzzi tub at AKV, thank you very much!

 

[logan115]

Not to be cold, but what "incentive" does DVC have to give anyone more perks ? From a business stanpoint, does it make sense to give someone something else for free after you've already closed the sale ? And believe me, you're not getting anything for free - you just may not realize that you're paying for it if you're not charged directly. Is keeping your customers/owners happy good business, absolutely, but probably not as profitable as attacting new customers.

Would I like more discounts - sure, who wouldn't ? But I certainly am not expecting anything. I'm a new owner (so new I'm not even in the system yet ), did my homework, knew what the "other" benefits were (such as AP discounts, a few dining discounts, etc), and I doubt I'll ever be able to use any of them - but I bought DVC for the lodging - that's it. Want to give me $20 off my $300 PH, great - but please don't do it at the expense of the upkeep at the resort.

I feel warm and fuzzy enough knowing that I now own a piece of the mouse, look forward to my first official "Welcome Home" as an owner and years of great vacations and priceless memories that my ownership will provide.

And while I realize that times are tough and money is tight I find it a bit odd that lots of folks that have spent $15-$30K on their memberships are going nuts about not getting a $10 canvas bag that says DVC on it, or perhaps another discount that may save them $20-$50 per trip. Sure I'll take freebies, but I'm not expecting them - at least not based on my DVC membership that is.

I can sympathize with those that bought in at the beginning, only to see better incentives down the road, but you'll drive yourself crazy if you do that - the only thing that SHOULD matter is whether you were happy with the deal you got when you got it. Like everything, DVC has to lower prices when sales are weak, so unfortunately some people bought in at higher prices than others.

Sorry if it sounded a bit cold, but if I go to the store and buy some lunchmeat, I don't expect them to give me a loaf of bread and some cheese to go with it to make my sandwich.

Chris

 

[Chuck S]

II can sympathize with those that bought in at the beginning, only to see better incentives down the road, but you'll drive yourself crazy if you do that - the only thing that SHOULD matter is whether you were happy with the deal you got when you got it. Like everything, DVC has to lower prices when sales are weak, so unfortunately some people bought in at higher prices than others.

Actually, those of us that bought in "at the beginning" should be pretty happy

We bought in for about $50 per point, and got free length of stay park passes through 1999.

 

[Anal Annie]

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.

Personally, I despise the entire need for making ADR's and was so glad they recently dropped them back to 90 days. I wish they'd hold some back for "last minute" (like 24-48 hrs) or walk-ups. But it makes absolutely no sense to try to make a dinner reservation somewhere when they no longer publish the park hours until 90 days out. They must go together. They're obviously waiting until they can anticipate attendance before they release the park hours. You can't plan an 8:00 dinner somewhere if they're going to close the park at 7:00. Likewise, now that they've cut back on the Fantasmic shows you can't plan that either. Safest thing if you want to plan further than 90 days is to plan your meals at DTD 'cuz at least you know they won't close it at 7:00.

I think a special FP bonus of some sort for DVC Members would be a HUGE point seller for DVC. I mean, what a sales promotion that could be if they could "push" that as a DVC benefit!!! I think people would eat that up!

 

[Claire L]

We have found DVC to be veyr good so far especially now the £ has weakened and we bought when the £ was strong. So far we have stayed at SSR twice, AKV and VB. Both SSR and AKV were lovely and clean plus new looking, VB was great and due for a slight refurbishment in the Inn rooms.

I agree a Fast pass incentive for DVC members when staying on points would be good

Claire

 

[tjkraz]

The problem with freebies and discounts is that every group feels they are entitled to something.

FL resident: "Lots of amusement options in this area--give me something to earn my business."

Frequent cash guests "I spend XXX to stay Poly Concierge year after year and I deserve something extra."

Occasional cash guest: "I spent thousands of dollars on this once-in-a-lifetime trip and deserve some discounts...especially if you want my business again!"

DVC Member: (Well, that one is obvious.)

I guess I subscribe to the "it is what it is" mindset. I knew what I was getting before I bought. Disney hasn't taken anything noteworthy away from me since I bought DVC--in fact they've added quite a bit (free DME, free Internet, AP discount, etc.)

I knew there would be package discounts and other promotions offered to the general public, but I don't want my vacations to be subject to Disney's whims. (Example: Free dining is useless to me because we have school-age kids who aren't getting pulled for a week just so we can save a few bucks on a vacation.)

People who have greater flexibility in their travel schedules may be better served chasing discounts rather than buying DVC. But I'm at peace with my decision.

 

[going/again]

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

But can't paying guests get the villas, if so do they have 3 or 4 check in if it's 3 then that's wrong surely.

 

[Chuck S]

But can't paying guests get the villas, if so do they have 3 or 4 check in if it's 3 then that's wrong surely.

I doubt the housekeepers know a cash guest from a DVC Guest. I'm pretty sure it is "after" 4pm for everyone.

 

[disneynutz]

Not to be cold, but what "incentive" does DVC have to give anyone more perks ? From a business stanpoint, does it make sense to give someone something else for free after you've already closed the sale ? And believe me, you're not getting anything for free - you just may not realize that you're paying for it if you're not charged directly. Is keeping your customers/owners happy good business, absolutely, but probably not as profitable as attacting new customers.

Chris

It's obvious that Disney feels the same way too! (90% focus towards sales and 10% towards members). The DVC resorts need better maintenance attention and MS needs more training and a better computer system. If they can't adequately support the existing membership, then they should stop selling until they can. (Fat chance)

I would also like an accounting of day to day operations. Too many times members are treated different depending upon who they talk to.

Are wait-lists truly administered fairly?

How are the rooms loaded into the reservation system? Are how many 2 bedroom lock offs are split into a one bedroom and a studio?

Can MS Advisers hold inventory while working on a point problem. Some Managers say yes, and some say no?

Why did the DVC and DVD move into new custom built offices last month?

How is our dues spent on common costs and who decides the formula. What does bus and boat service cost at BWV, compared to BW. Who pays for the entertainment on the Board Walk?

How much is spent on maintenance at the BW verses the BWV?

We seem to put a lot of trust in Disney and assume that everything is up and up. I don't think that they would deliberately do anything dishonest but if there isn't any accountability, bad things can happen.

 

[chalee94]

Maybe short changed is not the right phrase...I hear you when you are saying that we are getting upgraded resorts and rooms, but we have payed for that.

if you are complaining that all you are getting is what you paid for, then "short changed" is definitely not the right phrase. i like getting what i paid for...and i'll like it even more in 5 years when the economy cycles back into the good and 4/3 offers are ancient history.

if you feel like the "prodigal son", then i am concerned you have misunderstood your relationship to disney...

 

[logan115]

Actually, those of us that bought in "at the beginning" should be pretty happy

We bought in for about $50 per point, and got free length of stay park passes through 1999.

Chuck - wasn't meaning that far back to the beginning Was thinking more along the lines of someone who might have bought BLT @ $107 only to see others now pay $96.

Chris

 

[tjkraz]

I would also like an accounting of day to day operations. Too many times members are treated different depending upon who they talk to.

Are wait-lists truly administered fairly?

How are the rooms loaded into the reservation system? Are how many 2 bedroom lock offs are split into a one bedroom and a studio?

Can MS Advisers hold inventory while working on a point problem. Some Managers say yes, and some say no?

Why did the DVC and DVD move into new custom built offices last month?

How is our dues spent on common costs and who decides the formula. What does bus and boat service cost at BWV, compared to BW. Who pays for the entertainment on the Board Walk?

How much is spent on maintenance at the BW verses the BWV?

Have you taken any steps to get these questions answered?

 

[Tara]

and they don't even get a ceiling fan.

 

[stopher1]

Sorry if it sounded a bit cold, but if I go to the store and buy some lunchmeat, I don't expect them to give me a loaf of bread and some cheese to go with it to make my sandwich.

And even if they DO just happen to then decide to throw in some bread and cheese - don't expect them to toast that bread for you or give you lettuce and condiments on top of it all

 

[YourEveryDayAdam]

Chuck - wasn't meaning that far back to the beginning Was thinking more along the lines of someone who might have bought BLT @ $107 only to see others now pay $96.

Chris

When I bought BLT at $107 per point, I also got developer points.

I used all 225 of my developer points for a reservation that would have cost me $3504.

225 x $107 - $3504 = $20,571

if I paid $96 per point, I wouldn't get the Developer Points. Therefor, I can't deduct that cost from my total:

225 x $96 = $21,600



I guess you could say, as members, I get the 25% discount on cash reservations, so instead of $3504, the reservation would've cost me $2,628:

225 x $107 - $2628 = $21,447

I'm still $153 ahead by paying $107 per point, versus paying $96 per point.

 

[logan115]

When I bought BLT at $107 per point, I also got developer points.

I used all 225 of my developer points for a reservation that would have cost me $3504.

225 x $107 - $3504 = $20,571

if I paid $96 per point, I wouldn't get the Developer Points. Therefor, I can't deduct that cost from my total:

225 x $96 = $21,600



I guess you could say, as members, I get the 25% discount on cash reservations, so instead of $3504, the reservation would've cost me $2,628:

225 x $107 - $2628 = $21,447

I'm still $153 ahead by paying $107 per point, versus paying $96 per point.

Agreed with your figures Adam, and I guess that the BLT example was my 2nd bad example

Perhaps the 3rd time will be the charm.

I just bought an SSR resale for $68 per point and am thrilled with that price. I've also seen SSR pass ROFR at lower than that, and while paying less is obviously better, I will drive myself crazy if I get obsessed about thinking that someone else out there got a "better deal" and paid less than me.

The deal I got was one that worked for me, and if others get something better more power to them.

Chris

 

[CastMember&DVCMember]

I basically gave up my Cast Member room discount to join DVC. In the short term it may cost more, but over time it's a really good deal.

 

[gkrykewy]

I basically gave up my Cast Member room discount to join DVC. In the short term it may cost more, but over time it's a really good deal.

And new record holder for longest user name to boot! Should have gone all the way: "CastMemberAndDisneyVacationClubMember"

Welcome home!

When I bought BLT at $107 per point, I also got developer points.

I used all 225 of my developer points for a reservation that would have cost me $3504.

This assumes of course that you would have paid that much for a cash reservation . We were in a similar position though. I was hoping to snatch a 50 point AKV add-on via resale at somewhere close to the current going rate (~$88), but when I realized that the direct contracts still included 2008 points, I was happy to pay $102 - I essentially had 100 extra points to use starting in August, which allowed me to cancel the $600 cash reservation I'd made, plus have points left over to bank.