Does Anyone Else Feel Like DVC Members Just Lost Another Perk?

[Maleficent's Dad]

Sure there will be some flames here...

But now that all the deluxe resorts have free wifi, available to everyone, does anyone feel like DVC members have lost yet another perk? That being free internet access.

Sure I know wifi is different from the wired up cable connection, but it was something we had that now everyone gets.

More of our "perks" are becoming things of the past. And that $100 discount on the AP? Sure, it was great - when it came out (what was that, about 8-10 years ago?). I just feel like we (the DVC members) are constantly taken for granted.

 

[JimmyJam838]

I don't as we own at VGC and as long as we have been going internet has been free at the Disneyland Resort.

 

[TDC Nala]

Perks are not the reason I bought the DVC, so no it doesn't bother me that much.

I think somehow the OP was saying the $100 off the AP isn't great anymore - I know as long as I buy APs I am glad to have it.

And I don't have to carry my router to use my iTouch anymore - awesome

 

[twinklebug]

Perks are not the reason I bought the DVC, so no it doesn't bother me that much.

I think somehow the OP was saying the $100 off the AP isn't great anymore - I know as long as I buy APs I am glad to have it.

And I don't have to carry my router to use my iTouch anymore - awesome

Agreed on all points! And hey - we're getting WiFi out of this change!

I think it's about time Disney offered free internet to Deluxe guests. Look at the prices paid and what they get back for it... not much more than DVC. I think the moderate resorts should have it too.

 

[agottl2]

I thought exactly that when I read the news...we lost another perk.

Little perks like this make you feel special about having membership. Disney has continued to curtail or eliminate these perks and have done little to introduce new perks that keep member interest. I'm happy for all the people who are now enjoying free internet. It should have always been complimentary.

I am disappointed that my own DVC membership has once again lost a bit of its luster.

 

[agottl2]

Of course perks are not the reason ANYBODY buys into DVC. Perks make having membership more enjoyable though.

 

[eliza61]

Nah, this was one "perk" that I thought was ridiculous that wdw did not have. I mean come on, I was in a motel 6 that had free wifi for it's guest. I could never understand how disney deluxes especially got away with not having it.

 

[crisi]

Other people getting what I was getting does not strike me as the "loss" of a perk. I haven't lost anything, unless I'm choosing to compare my goodie bag with that of a cash guest.

 

[DVCconvert]

But now that all the deluxe resorts have free wifi, available to everyone, does anyone feel like DVC members have lost yet another perk? That being free internet access.

No feeling of loss here...dvc members will continue to have free internet when staying on points.

 

[Lynne M]

I always assumed we weren't being made to pay an additional charge for internet access because we were paying for it in our dues, as part of the operational costs of the resort.

Now the deluxe resort guests are paying for it in their room rate. Seems fair enough to me.

I don't think too many resorts or hotels (or businesses) eat the cost of providing internet service, which is quite significant in resorts the size of Disney's. It's in the room rate, or in the case of Starbucks and McD's, in the cost of the food. You're paying for it somewhere along the line.

 

[tjkraz]

No feel of loss here...dvc members will continue to have free internet when staying on points.

All I know is that I have MORE today--as in, free wireless--than I did yesterday. Whatever means Disney is using to justify the loss in revenue from hotel guests is not really on my radar.

Incidentally, one of the stories I've heard is that Disney is considering multiple tiers of service with only very basic wireless bandwidth for free and higher speeds for free. In other words, you might be able to receive an email or book an ADR on the "free" system but streaming video or app downloads will require some higher level of service. If that happens, it's conceivable that DVC members will get the higher bandwidth at no charge.

 

[agottl2]

I just spent nine nights at Kidani a few weeks ago and used my laptop. I was pleased that I saved $90 on internet service by being a DVC member. I thought it was crazy that others had to pay for this service, but still I was saving money. I can't say that anymore. Whether you care or not, DVC members have lost a little bit of value from their memberships.

 

[quirty30]

I, for one, am thrilled I no longer have to fiddle with the router immediately upon arrival to appease my kids so they can access the internet with their iPods. It's a win/win situation for me and it sure as heck doesn't matter to me that cash guests can do the same.

 

[jekjones1558]

My internet glass went from half full to full. It is fine with me if someone else's went from empty to full. We both win!
P.S. I do wish I had not invested in a 2nd travel router for our upcoming family vacation.

 

[DVCconvert]

algottl2 wrote:

Whether you care or not, DVC members have lost a little bit of value from their memberships.

Meaning all due respect..but that's nuts!
DVC ownership is not a 'keeping up the jones's' thing!....you have, and continue to get a valueable service without being charged for it....if the fire department puts out the fire at your house, and then later does the same for the house down the street, how have you suffered a loss?



jekjones1558 wrote:

It if fine with me if someone else's went from empty to full. We both win!

Exactly!

 

[ftballfan7]

I am pretty happy with the free internet access becoming free wireless internet access. It doesn't bother me that others get it too. An increase in the AP discount would be nice though.

 

[Deb & Bill]

At least it puts an end to renters asking if they will get free internet at DVC resorts when they rent a reservation. I call that a plus!

 

[BobNed]

According to our very own DIS, it is only free until October 24:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Walt_Disney_World_resorts_testing_free_wi-fi.htm

 

[Sammie]

Does not bother me at all. If they had given free wifi to the Deluxe resorts and excluded DVC, then yes that would stink.

But why would anyone care if someone gets something, as long as they get it too.

I don't have to have DVC perks to feel special.

 

[lasob]

According to our very own DIS, it is only free until October 24:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/news/General_Disney_News/Walt_Disney_World_resorts_testing_free_wi-fi.htm

The page you are referring to says that WIRED internet is free until Oct 24. It says nothing about when free wireless ends and the tech person I talked to assured me that is was not a test but rather the new internet system. He did not say that it would be free forever, but he did say that he knew of no plans to charge for it.