DVC Member Lounge in other parks

[BaybeeYoda]

So, is sales and marketing paying for the lounge or is it part of our maintenance fees?

 

[CarolynFH]

So, is sales and marketing paying for the lounge or is it part of our maintenance fees?

Sales and marketing pays. If MFs paid it wouldn’t be restricted to blue card owners.

 

[DebbieB]

Huh, never knew that. Seems like an odd marketing and sales strategy as you have to be a member to use it and I can't recall ever having been approached about an add-on while in the lounge. But hey, what do I know, I'm not in the marketing business.

ETA: Agree 100% on not wanting to pay higher dues to support the lounge.

A non-member friend and I got talked into the tour in December 2019. She was offered a $75 gift card plus we both got 3 free fastpasses. We didn’t have other plans that afternoon so we did it. A van picked us up at Beach Club to go to SSR.

 

[Sandisw]

So, is sales and marketing paying for the lounge or is it part of our maintenance fees?

Yes, its covered by DVD as a membership perk. All membership extras, if there is a fee for DVD to offer them is covered by them. It is why they can make them restrictive to some as they are incidental benefits and not part of the actual product being sold.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

Yes, its covered by DVD as a membership perk. All membership extras, if there is a fee for DVD to offer them is covered by them. It is why they can make them restrictive to some as they are incidental benefits and not part of the actual product being sold.

Oh thank you!

 

[gharter]

I always thought it was either paid by marketing and sales or it was paid from new sales, just like Moonlight Magic nights are.
Knew it couldn't be from dues by law.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I gotta ask… waiting in line for a free soda and a bag of Fritos…

What is the draw here?? I’m thinking it’s a “I can do it” moment so I will. I really do not see the hub-bub about the lounge.

What am I missing?

 

[BeachClub2014]

I gotta ask… waiting in line for a free soda and a bag of Fritos…

What is the draw here?? I’m thinking it’s a “I can do it” moment so I will. I really do not see the hub-bub about the lounge.

What am I missing?

Great question!

Given that Florida sits approximately one mile from the surface of the sun, the member lounge is an air-conditioned oasis with comfy chairs and few people. It is a haven in a sea of chaotic madness. And the fact that the soda and Fritos don't cost $18.99 out of pocket doesn't hurt!

The only other space in Epcot that even nears the Lounge for a little in-park rest and relaxation is the American Adventure show. Dark, air-conditioned theater with a little background music. I close my eyes and catch a nap every time.

 

[zavandor]

I gotta ask… waiting in line for a free soda and a bag of Fritos…

What is the draw here?? I’m thinking it’s a “I can do it” moment so I will. I really do not see the hub-bub about the lounge.

What am I missing?

Getting something for free from the Mouse is the most thrilling attraction at WDW.

 

[xdan0920]

If our dues paid for lounges, then white card members would be entitled to access. But given that the Epcot lounge is a DVD marketing tool, I guess my point is moot.

White Card members should be entitled to access. They are members too, after all.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I gotta ask… waiting in line for a free soda and a bag of Fritos…

What is the draw here?? I’m thinking it’s a “I can do it” moment so I will. I really do not see the hub-bub about the lounge.

What am I missing?

And from a marketing perspective, it is FOMO.

 

[gharter]

Given that Florida sits approximately one mile from the surface of the sun, the member lounge is an air-conditioned oasis with comfy chairs and few people. It is a haven in a sea of chaotic madness. And the fact that the soda and Fritos don't cost $18.99 out of pocket doesn't hurt!

That's the draw for us. Our last trip, just as we entered the pavilion, it started to pour. Having a dry, cool area to be able to sit, wait out the downpour and have free snacks and drinks was greatly appreciated.
While not likely to happen, would love to see this in the other parks as well.

 

[DonMacGregor]

A couple of months ago (in the cool, cool springtime of Central Florida), my son and I headed over to Savi's Workshop for a lightsaber build, while my wife stayed back at the villa. After the build, we hopped back over to Epcot to wait for her to grab a bus over from BRV. The lounge was a welcome space to relax, enjoy a soda, and charge our phones (and take a nice look at the new lightsaber) away from the crowds of the Festival of the Arts, and after walking back from HS (Skyliner line was YUGE at park hopping time). While I'll admit it is often a novelty we'll visit "just because we can", there are times when it does offer a very welcome respite.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Getting something for free from the Mouse is the most thrilling attraction at WDW.

That's about it for me, too. Especially the Fact that it's free SODA. Wow! Soda's now up to at least $4 a cup now. I remember talking to one Mom with 3 kids who told me that the kids are only allowed to drink water when in the parks. Otherwise, it's $20 a meal extra for the soft drinks. That's a big chunk after several meals.

 

[10CJ]

I gotta ask… waiting in line for a free soda and a bag of Fritos…

What is the draw here?? I’m thinking it’s a “I can do it” moment so I will. I really do not see the hub-bub about the lounge.

What am I missing?

My kids love it and often ask to go up. They get snack and drinks in a temperature controlled environment. It is a nice break from the weather (heat/rain).