DVC Benefits Question

[forevercruising]

Hello, all!

We are planning on sending both my parents and my husband's parents to a DVC resort for a week as anniversary presents, using our points.

Since they will be there as our "guests", will they be able to take advantage of the regular DVC benefits, such as wireless Internet access? Or, do they have to be DVC members, with their own membership cards, to get those benefits?

Thanks for your assistance!

 

[CarolMN]

Hello, all!

We are planning on sending both my parents and my husband's parents to a DVC resort for a week as anniversary presents, using our points.

Since they will be there as our "guests", will they be able to take advantage of the regular DVC benefits, such as wireless Internet access? Or, do they have to be DVC members, with their own membership cards, to get those benefits?

Thanks for your assistance!

Probably, but no guarantees.

Most stays on points receive the free internet without a problem. However, if for some reason the internet gets billed, you need to show a blue DVC membership card to get the charges removed. It's not common, but it does happen.

 

[Chuck S]

Hello, all!

We are planning on sending both my parents and my husband's parents to a DVC resort for a week as anniversary presents, using our points.

Since they will be there as our "guests", will they be able to take advantage of the regular DVC benefits, such as wireless Internet access? Or, do they have to be DVC members, with their own membership cards, to get those benefits?

Thanks for your assistance!

The WDW resorts do not officially offer wireless service. The service is wired. You may supply your own wireless router for access.

Some resort areas, especially at the convention center resorts, do have some wireless services available (and they may or may not be free for DVCers.) Most, but not all lobby areas may have wifi, but it is rare that the signal is strong enough to reach the villas.

Disneyland, Vero Beach and Hilton Head have wifi in the rooms.

 

[OhioDVC]

I thought internet service was "FREE" for members only.

If you parents are not on your contract, they would not be members and should pay for internet service, right?

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I thought internet service was "FREE" for members only.

If you parents are not on your contract, they would not be members and should pay for internet service, right?

The wired internet service is free from members. Technically they should not get the free internet but they may not be billed for it. See Carol MN's response for this.

 

[DenLo]

From the Home Resort Rules and Regulations

When a Club Member uses his or her Home Resort Vacation Points to reserve Vacation Homes on behalf of a non-Club Member, and the Club Member does not charge any rental or other fees to the non-Club Member for the reservation, the non-Club Member is eligible for all or some of the Club Member privileges and benefits that a Club Member would normally receive during his or her stay in the reserved Vacation Home. If the non-Club Member is renting, it is the responsibility of the Member to notify Member Services when making the reservation. Member privileges and benefits cannot be extended to non-Club Members who rent Vacation Homes from Club Members.

The rules definitely distinguish between guests of a member and renters. So I would expect the OPs parents or in laws to be able to get the internet for free. And if they are staying at BLT the guests should have access to TOTWL.

 

[forevercruising]

The rules definitely distinguish between guests of a member and renters. So I would expect the OPs parents or in laws to be able to get the internet for free. And if they are staying at BLT the guests should have access to TOTWL.

Thank you VERY MUCH for the excerpt!! That is great to read for clarification!

Thanks to all respondents!

 

[wdwfan1]

I was charged for internet service twice. I just called the front desk and told them I was staying on points. They checked the reservation and removed the charges. I did not have to show my membership card.

 

[dzorn]

From the Home Resort Rules and Regulations



The rules definitely distinguish between guests of a member and renters. So I would expect the OPs parents or in laws to be able to get the internet for free. And if they are staying at BLT the guests should have access to TOTWL.

But that quote is says "all or some". So really it tells you nothing definite.

Denise in MI

 

[tjkraz]

Yeah, Disney is consistently inconsistent when it comes to perks.

Most are billed as being "member perks" and even disclaimers which suggest guests would also be eligible leave enough wiggle room for exceptions.

Internet is normally not billed for any points stays. However, if it is erroneously billed (which does happen), you then have to try and get the charges reversed. Some have been successful with a phone call as another poster suggested. But if you're forced (or choose) to go to the front desk and they ask to see a blue member ID card, a guest will not be able to produce the card and may be billed.

Same with dining perks and other similar discounts. In the past all room keys for points stays had "DVC Member" printed right on them and that was often sufficient to receive all DVC discounts. But occasionally you'll get a CM that will ask for the blue member ID. No blue card, no discount.

I would say the best approach for a non-member to take is simply to realize that perks may be denied. Look at it as a bonus--rather than an entitlement--if the discounts are actually granted.