DVC Changes from Past to Present

[BWV Dreamin]

As a relatively new member, I am only witnessing changes since my purchase of March 2007 (and there have been alot!). Would anyone care to discuss some of the changes that have occurred over the past 15 yrs? Trying to assess if these current rapid changes are the norm. Thanks for any info!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Let's see:
free passes that ended 2000
price increases numerous times
changing discounts on restaurants
$100 discount on APs added!!!
making the exchange process easier
addition of elevator buildings at OKW
better bus service than in the begining
loss of concierge collection (no biggie, I never used them anyway)
banking window change

 

[Y-ASK]

No take out (at OKW) after implementing the DDP
No mulitple points transfers
New Slide at OKW pool

Y-ASK

 

[crisi]

Guarenteed Boardwalk View added as a category
Room assigners to room ready to whatever the heck they have going on now.
More resorts
Regular member cruises
No pool hopping to SAB

 

[JimMIA]

Limiting transfers to one per year in or out (which, as I understand it, was actually a return to a previous policy) Still a very negative change for many owners, regardless of whether it's new or old.

Availability of DDP on DVC points stays was a nice perk for a while. The changes in DDP 2008 make it unattractive for our family, but that is not a DVC change.

Bank and book by four before - mentioned above. That's a negative for us, and I'm kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop on that one. If you follow the logic of this change, how far behind can unused points inventory going to CRO four months out be?

Recent tendency for the hotels to "walk" DVC points guests with confirmed reservations so they can rent the rooms for cash.

New booking category at OKW fiasco. This was announced with great fanfare as a huge benefit. The reality is DVC points guests are currently excluded from that booking category. It's only available to CRO, which means only the cash guests can get it! Nice job!

Apparent strategic shift from some emphasis on member satisfaction to almost exclusive emphasis on sales.

 

[robinb]

BWV Standard View added
Charges for extra towels request
Charges for room change after check-in
Member services will now only speak to members about a reservation.
Discontinuation of special Holiday List
Pool hopping limited during busy times

 

[dvcdisney]

Let's see:

$100 discount on APs added!!!

I think all the changes have been said. However, I just want to join you on this one (My favourite change so far!)

But I'm also glad about the addition to DDP (even with the recent changes). At least it is now an option for us.

 

[disney54us]

Limiting transfers to one per year in or out (which, as I understand it, was actually a return to a previous policy) Still a very negative change for many owners, regardless of whether it's new or old.

Availability of DDP on DVC points stays was a nice perk for a while. The changes in DDP 2008 make it unattractive for our family, but that is not a DVC change.

Bank and book by four before - mentioned above. That's a negative for us, and I'm kinda waiting for the other shoe to drop on that one. If you follow the logic of this change, how far behind can unused points inventory going to CRO four months out be?

Recent tendency for the hotels to "walk" DVC points guests with confirmed reservations so they can rent the rooms for cash.

New booking category at OKW fiasco. This was announced with great fanfare as a huge benefit. The reality is DVC points guests are currently excluded from that booking category. It's only available to CRO, which means only the cash guests can get it! Nice job!

Apparent strategic shift from some emphasis on member satisfaction to almost exclusive emphasis on sales.

Thanks for the info! A few of those have I missed, maybe I just need things in a list form. Speaking of the emphasis on sale and CRO's. The new vacation give away on Regis and Kelly every morning is a DVC membership for the next 49 years!

 

[BWV Dreamin]

bump.....

 

[DVC Mike]

New booking category at OKW fiasco. This was announced with great fanfare as a huge benefit. The reality is DVC points guests are currently excluded from that booking category. It's only available to CRO, which means only the cash guests can get it! Nice job!

Isn't "fiasco" a rather strong word? I just saw another post where a member booked their OKW stay and was told members can start booking the HH category starting today.

 

[JimMIA]

Isn't "fiasco" a rather strong word? I just saw another post where a member booked their OKW stay and was told members can start booking the HH category starting today.

Not really. Disney does a lot of things well, but seamless implementation is not one of their strengths. They can't seem to implement anything smoothly. (Was "The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight" a Disney movie?)

CRO has apparently been booking HH for some time -- which incidentally, removes those options from those owners who would like to use them, giving preference to non-owners. For people who fly in, use DME and bus everywhere, being near HH is a big deal.

I would have thought, at a minimum, they would have made CRO hold off until MS had the capability. Frankly, I don't understand why CRO has the ability to book that category at all. The thing was billed as a huge new perk for DVC owners. But that's another thread.

Also, just because one person reports success doesn't mean a) they know what they're talking about, or b) that their success will be consistently repeated. There were people who reported a month ago they were told what specific building they'd be in, but now it turns out those were "just requests."

DVC will eventually get it worked out, and it will be a good thing, but it's aggravating if you're an owner trying to use one of your "perks," and it turns out to be a mirage.

 

[JimMIA]

This one is not actually a DVC change, but it certainly enhances our enjoyment of DVC -- the switch to 100% non-smoking at all Disney resorts.

The addition of DME, although again not a DVC initiative, has also been good for those who fly in.

Free Internet access, although not implemented yet, will be a nice perk for many owners.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I apologize that the two I'm thinking of just happen to both be negative:

1. Colder pool temperatures for "health" reasons
2. Less cleanliness in bathrooms / friendliness by CMs in the parks

Still love Disney,
Goldi