DVC Members "guaranteed" to get lowest ABD price

[silmarg]

I posted this in another ABD thread that I managed to move off its original topic.. but I think its become important enough to put in its own dedicated thread.

I have never been on an ABD, but am looking to do Italy in 2014. I happen to be on the Disney Fantasy this past February and learned about the 10% booking discount. But then learned that I could not book a "dummy dated" ABD like I could on the DCL. Wanting to learn more about ABD I hung out a few times w the ABD guide. Not knowing much about ABD pricing, I was asking if pricing on ABD changed based on capacity (like DCL) he responded that it worked similar to DCL - that prices can rise quickly on the most popular tours / dates. He then asked if I was a DVC member my immediate response was "I don't own enough points to book ABD with points". His response was that I would get introductory pricing as a DVC member no matter when I book. I was of the impression that this benefit was available on and off ship - since I was lamenting about not being able to use the 10% discount on 2014 dates (since they werent released yet and I wasnt planning on being back aboard anytime soon).

Fast forward to today... If you listen to the most recent DIS podcast 3/26/13 News,Housekeeping Rapidfire at the 39:15 mark), Kevin "annouced" / confirmed what I wrote above that... DVC members "guaranteed to get the lowest price" on ABD trips!

Hopefully this will save some of you some $ when the 2014 dates are annouced!

 

[tufbuf]

That is excellent news silmarg!! Are you aware if this is a new thing or it's been around for a while? I am kinda disappointed about them not letting members know about the ABD NY Dreams trip. I only learned about it through this forum and I only got the notice from Dis Files yesterday... and I know the dates are fully booked. Not that I am wanting to book that specific trip, but what if it was something interesting to me?

Hey, but that's a nice perk! Thanks!!!

 

[silmarg]

That is excellent news silmarg!! Are you aware if this is a new thing or it's been around for a while? I am kinda disappointed about them not letting members know about the ABD NY Dreams trip. I only learned about it through this forum and I only got the notice from Dis Files yesterday... and I know the dates are fully booked. Not that I am wanting to book that specific trip, but what if it was something interesting to me?

Hey, but that's a nice perk! Thanks!!!

The ABD guide aboard the Fantasy seemed to imply that this DVC guarantee is new. And the way Kevin described it, it sounds new. I bet this offer came about because the new head of DVC is also the head of ABD.

Not to "stir the pot" re: NYC DVC ABD but I got a postcard from DVC about the offering a while back. I live in the NY burbs. So I am not sure if the mailing was targeted for "locals".

 

[DisneyKevin]

We also just learned of the DVC New York City trips.

Please note that DVC members will be guaranteed the introductory rate when paying cash or credit only. This is not the case when using DVC points to book.

A travel agent can help book the Adventure when using cash or credit, but can be of no assistance when using points. This needs to be done through DVC member Sertvices or ABD directly.

 

[silmarg]

Please note that DVC members will be guaranteed the introductory rate when paying cash or credit only. This is not the case when using DVC points to book.

Hi Kevin.

This DVC price guarantee is new right?

Kevin. can I transfer a discounted ABD ressie that I book on the Fantasy to DU? I was reading the fine print on the fantasy and it sounded like you couldn't. I'd really like to use DU like I do for DCL.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Kevin.

This DVC price guarantee is new right?

Kevin. can I transfer a discounted ABD ressie that I book on the Fantasy to DU? I was reading the fine print on the fantasy and it sounded like you couldn't. I'd really like to use DU like I do for DCL.

I have recently found out about the DVC "guarantee".

I'm not sure how long it's been around, but it's not well publicized.

Adventures booked on board can be transferred to Dreams Unlimited Travel, but Disney has recently instituted a "no transfers after 30 days" rule.

All I can tell you is that we can try. All they can say is no...right?

This is something that you would have to do by calling ABD and asking them to put my name on the reservation as your agent.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist....and Thank You!

 

[tufbuf]

Is this only offered no the Fantasy?

 

[silmarg]

Is this only offered no the Fantasy?

My understanding is that the 10% discount is only on the fantasy.

 

[silmarg]

I have recently found out about the DVC "guarantee".

I'm not sure how long it's been around, but it's not well publicized.

Adventures booked on board can be transferred to Dreams Unlimited Travel, but Disney has recently instituted a "no transfers after 30 days" rule.

All I can tell you is that we can try. All they can say is no...right?

This is something that you would have to do by calling ABD and asking them to put my name on the reservation as your agent.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist....and Thank You!

Thanks! We'll talk in August when I get off the Fantasy!

 

[tufbuf]

My understanding is that the 10% discount is only on the fantasy.

Hmm... should try to squeeze in a Fantasy cruise this year.. not due to go back on her till the NYE cruise in 2014

 

[sayhello]

Is this only offered no the Fantasy?

At least back in December, it was only on the Fantasy (the ABD Guide who was on Podcast 4.0 told me that).

Sayhello

 

[tufbuf]

I think they should just offer the 10% discount to DVC members. Now it's under a new exec, I wonder what he will put on the table...

 

[lilpooh108]

Does this mean that DVC members get Day 1 pricing for all ABDs? I've never taken an ABD trip before.

 

[tufbuf]

Does this mean that DVC members get Day 1 pricing for all ABDs? I've never taken an ABD trip before.

Sounds like it, opening day is the lowest rate unless.... They give 10% off to members, technically, that's the lowest rate.

 

[silmarg]

Hmm... should try to squeeze in a Fantasy cruise this year.. not due to go back on her till the NYE cruise in 2014

In all seriousness, if you are a family of 4 going on the Fantasy to get an ABD discount... can basically pay for a large portion of the cruise price.

 

[silmarg]

If u think about it guaranteed DVC pricing on ABD and the NYC ABD that can only be booked on DVC points may just be the beginning of tie ins between these two related entities.

 

[DisneyCruisin']

If u think about it guaranteed DVC pricing on ABD and the NYC ABD that can only be booked on DVC points may just be the beginning of tie ins between these two related entities.

The NY trip could be paid for with points or cash. We did a combination but were told when we booked that we didn't have to use points. We were also told on the Member Cruise that the NY trip would only be exclusive to DVC members for the first year. If the trip is successful, they will offer it again next year to everyone.

 

[tufbuf]

In all seriousness, if you are a family of 4 going on the Fantasy to get an ABD discount... can basically pay for a large portion of the cruise price.

Yup, I know, just that we are booked this summer already and with the Fantasy doing 7-night cruises only, it's kinda hard squeezing it in our tight schedule. I really should consider home schooling...

 

[lilpooh108]

I really should consider home schooling...

I told my mom that we can't do the WBTA 2014 because my daughter is starting year-round kindergarten in July. We have a REALLY strict school district.

My mom (who is a major DCL fan) said, "Kindergarten? You barely went to kindergarten! Who's gonna care if she misses 10 days of snack time?" I"m like, "Well, this is true."

 

[Jendisney9]

Got off the Fantasy today. No longer offering a 10% discount. Was not told anything about DVC pricing (I am DVC member). Just told 2014 dates should be available June 1.