Dvc non perks

[La2kw]

A little disgruntled here,

I keep seeing great Disney vacation deals advertised every where, FREE NIGHTS, FREE DINING PLANS and so on.

When I questioned DVC about what current DVC Holders could expect as perks for being Members and some of us paying monthly loans along with maint. fees? The answer was a big fat so sorry!

So Disney also moved the ADR (advanced dining reservations) to 90 days out instead of 180. Now when you try ( I called at day 90) to get your favorite restaurants its "not available". Again another GREAT PERK for being a paying member. I am guessing all those free plans get to beat MEMBERS?

Think about it Disney-when you have 10,000 calling over a 180 day period vs a 90 day period its much better. How about DVC members get 120 days out and the others 90 days?

Maybe its time to dump DVC.

Your guide should have told you not to buy DVC for the perks. Ours did repeatedly, and we bought 15 years ago. I like the 90 days ressie period. I have no idea what I want to eat 180 days before my vacation, at least 90 days is a bit closer to my trip. Not to sound harsh, but DVC is about prepaying vacations at a lower cost than current and future prices. That's it. Expecting anything more just means you don't have a complete understanding of what DVC is.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I wish they would go to 30 days out and no +10 for dining ADRs. I think the +10 is what makes it harder to get ADRs for the popular places.

 

[Dean]

I think it's a mistake for owners all to keep saying that "we didn't buy in for the perks" and "if you care about the perks then DVC is wrong for you".

If we keep saying that we don't care about them and they're not important to us, then Disney's going to take them all away!

They're probably reading this going, see, those DVC'ers won't bail if we get rid of ADR's, pool hopping, AP discounts, etc.

Look at how they pounce on those that DO complain.

Posting that they should not be a core part of the reason you buy will not affect whether the perks will continue. The truth remains if DVC doesn't make sense for anyone without the perks, it didn't make sense with the perks. I know there are a few specific exceptions but they are those that are very savvy and know the risks they're taking such as those that bought ONLY a small package mostly for the perks.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

To me the "perk" is being able to vacation at wdw multiple times per year for many years to come (and many, many already having past thanks to DVC).

I bought my DVC for accommodations at great resorts with the intention of going more and more as time as goes on. I never consideed perks as part of the package and am greatful for what I do get ($345 for my AP this year - cant beat that!!!). If they want to offer me perks, great. If not, thats also great as DVC isnt about perks to me. To me, it's about vacationing at the happiest place on earth and spending quality time with my family and friends at wdw. To me, thats the magic...

 

[DebbieB]

I think it's a mistake for owners all to keep saying that "we didn't buy in for the perks" and "if you care about the perks then DVC is wrong for you".

If we keep saying that we don't care about them and they're not important to us, then Disney's going to take them all away!

They're probably reading this going, see, those DVC'ers won't bail if we get rid of ADR's, pool hopping, AP discounts, etc.

Look at how they pounce on those that DO complain.

I am typing this in my studio at AKV Kidani with the FREE internet that members get. Another perk that has not been mentioned. Add it to $100 off AP's, free valet parking at DVC resorts, various restaurant discounts, pool hopping.

DVC could take the attitude that nothing seems to make them happy, they still complain, so why give more perks. It's not that I don't "care" about them, it's just that I don't feel "entitled" to them. I'm happy for everything we get beyond what we signed for.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

I'm happy for everything we get beyond what we signed for.

My opinion as well...

 

[Dean]

DVC could take the attitude that nothing seems to make them happy, they still complain, so why give more perks. It's not that I don't "care" about them, it's just that I don't feel "entitled" to them. I'm happy for everything we get beyond what we signed for.

Given what we see on this BBS, it'd be hard to blame them. Plus that's essentially the approach they've now taken to on unit assignments.

 

[Inkmahm]

Just wanted to say that I love my DVC membership and I am aware of the savings and quality of the accommodations. While I am not disgruntled about CRO and free dining, I am a little worried about the change in the ADR booking.

I am worried about not getting what I want for our planned well in advanced vacations. I think it would be a great perk to DVC members if given even a 120 day booking window. DVC members are usually planners. It is the nature of DVC.

As DVC members most of us know 7-11 months in advance when we are going to visit WDW. That is very different than those booking CRO who may be on the fence of when and where they may like to eat.

A lot of DVC members have been going to WDW for years sometimes many times in one year and know without a doubt where they would like to dine. Thus cutting down on the multiple booking problem that changed the ADR booking window.

I for one would really appreciate even a 120 day booking window for ADRs. I have always made my ADRs at 190 days. I never made more than one ADR for the time I wanted to dine and if I knew I was not going to use my ADR, I always canceled it. I really think I am able to do this because, as DVC a member I feel I know enough about the place to know where and when I want to eat.

JMHO

I totally agree with this post.

 

[logan115]

I don't profess to know much about other timeshares, but in my limited time over on TUG I have yet to run across any threads talking about all of the "freebies" that people get owning non-DVC timeshares. So why should we expect DVC to do something different ?


We recently bought into DVC for the "deal" we get on discounted lodging. Since we aren't able to make multiple trips with a 365 day period the AP discount is no good for us and outside of a few dining discounts I'm not sure that there are really any "perks" that we'll really ever use - and I'm 100% fine with that.

That being said, although we're owners we can still do "free dining" if we choose, as being an owner doesn't stop us from booking with CRO. I also like knowing that when the economy eventually recovers and there's no "free dining" or 40% discounts that my cost of lodging doesn't increase and that I'm not forced to plan my trip around any discounts, but can vacation when I want to.

Chris

 

[HayGan]

I am typing this in my studio at AKV Kidani with the FREE internet that members get. Another perk that has not been mentioned. Add it to $100 off AP's, free valet parking at DVC resorts, various restaurant discounts, pool hopping.

DVC could take the attitude that nothing seems to make them happy, they still complain, so why give more perks. It's not that I don't "care" about them, it's just that I don't feel "entitled" to them. I'm happy for everything we get beyond what we signed for.

I completely agree! Personally, I don't get the uproar over perks or special offers. As DVC members, we are still free to book a free dining vacation just like anyone else.

When I purchased DVC, it was a way to prepay for future deluxe Disney vacation accomodations. I never looked at it as a way to get all kinds of perks. Sure, we enjoy some of the perks but we realize that they are an added bonus - they aren't what we paid $20K+ for!

 

[brianheather]

I just feel that DVC is such a great savings for us. I mean when we decide to have a family, our children will always get to stay in A deluxe,a villa, right on the Monorail, or within walking distance to Epcot. How cool is that?
We decided to finance through Disney... so after our loan is paid off, then It's almost like we get the room for free. (not including the dues). SO if you wanted to go to Disney and not go to the parks, your only expense is travel, and food. Gotta love it

 

[alady89]

HI,

We are new owners and reading the posts with much interest. While I can agree you should not "buy" for perks, I can't understand where they hurt.

Much of the revenue generated by Disney comes from sales within park on merchandise and food. So if you encourage DVC members to use their points more frequently you increase revenue overall. It is simply good customer service.

As for me, the one "perk" I find lacking is a discount of any kind on regular passes or a "free" non-expiration option.

While the $100 off for annual passes is good for some. It does not work for us as we live in Indiana and can't alway get in 2 visits in 12 months. Or even a 14 day ultimate pass similar to the UK pass for DVC members only would be great. We have stayed 14 days before on site and would love the option of a longer ticket.

While not "owed" it would be a nice though, condusive to attracting new members and ultimately increasing revenue.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

A little disgruntled here,

I keep seeing great Disney vacation deals advertised every where, FREE NIGHTS, FREE DINING PLANS and so on.

When I questioned DVC about what current DVC Holders could expect as perks for being Members and some of us paying monthly loans along with maint. fees? The answer was a big fat so sorry!

So Disney also moved the ADR (advanced dining reservations) to 90 days out instead of 180. Now when you try ( I called at day 90) to get your favorite restaurants its "not available". Again another GREAT PERK for being a paying member. I am guessing all those free plans get to beat MEMBERS?

Think about it Disney-when you have 10,000 calling over a 180 day period vs a 90 day period its much better. How about DVC members get 120 days out and the others 90 days?

Maybe its time to dump DVC.

When one decides whether or not to purchase DVC, they must assume there will be deals on hotels from time to time. They also know they already agreed to a purchase price.
I don't see the problem here. If you buy a car and a month later there is a dealer rebate, should you demand compensation? Of course not.

As far as the dining reservations, I never understood the gripe here.
I mean, as long as everyone has to wait until 90 days why should it be harder to get a ressie??
Besides.. In 50+ visits to WDW I have never been shut out of a restaurant, and we book our dining well into the booking period.

MG

 

[yitbos96bb]

I'm not a "sell if you don't like it" sort of guy. But it may be that DVC doesn't make sense for you at present, if so, it may never really have. If you think the reason behind the specials, I think you'll understand why DVC members shouldn't be entitled to free dining or reduced room rates just for being a member. We might see times when they will offer reduced points for certain situations, specific times of the year, reserving a full week at a time, certain resorts (HI comes to mind). And you can take advantage of those specials by using cash and holding on to your points or using them in another way, ?DCL.

I would also add... depending on the resort you want to stay at... GOing with DVC and Paying for dining is cheaper than just paying rack rates and getting the free dining. Free dining is a decent perk, but you are getting Deluxe caliber rooms for Moderate to Value pricing. THAT'S why I bought DVC... And the AP perk is awesome as well.

 

[yitbos96bb]

When one decides whether or not to purchase DVC, they must assume there will be deals on hotels from time to time. They also know they already agreed to a purchase price.
I don't see the problem here. If you buy a car and a month later there is a dealer rebate, should you demand compensation? Of course not.

As far as the dining reservations, I never understood the gripe here.
I mean, as long as everyone has to wait until 90 days why should it be harder to get a ressie??
Besides.. In 50+ visits to WDW I have never been shut out of a restaurant, and we book our dining well into the booking period.

MG

You have been fortunate. I have definately locked out... I guess the only thing I can say is many DVCers are advanced planners and usually had better luck getting Ressies at 180 days... at 90 more people call. But I agree... I don't see why Disney would give DVC extra days or anything.

 

[Pete W.]

So if you encourage DVC members to use their points more frequently you increase revenue overall. It is simply good customer service.

How would discounts on dining or park tickets encourage members to use their points more frequently? Members have a finite number of points.

As for me, the one "perk" I find lacking is a discount of any kind on regular passes or a "free" non-expiration option.

And yet you still bought into DVC, so doesn't that mean you saw the value of DVC without ticket discounts?

While not "owed" it would be a nice though, condusive to attracting new members and ultimately increasing revenue.

If additional perks definitely led to increased revenue, don't you think Disney would do it? Not that they're infallible, but don't you think they are already offering exactly the amount/level of perks they feel will maximize revenue? Why would they intentionally do otherwise?

 

[yitbos96bb]

HI,

We are new owners and reading the posts with much interest. While I can agree you should not "buy" for perks, I can't understand where they hurt.

Much of the revenue generated by Disney comes from sales within park on merchandise and food. So if you encourage DVC members to use their points more frequently you increase revenue overall. It is simply good customer service.

As for me, the one "perk" I find lacking is a discount of any kind on regular passes or a "free" non-expiration option.

While the $100 off for annual passes is good for some. It does not work for us as we live in Indiana and can't alway get in 2 visits in 12 months. Or even a 14 day ultimate pass similar to the UK pass for DVC members only would be great. We have stayed 14 days before on site and would love the option of a longer ticket.

While not "owed" it would be a nice though, condusive to attracting new members and ultimately increasing revenue.

The annual pass with the DVC discount is about the same price as the 14 day ticket is. It doesn't include the waterparks, but obviously that's a trade off for the multiple days.

It would be incredibly dumb for Disney to give away non-expiration... It could potentially hurt them financially... that's why they raised the Non-expiration costs on MYW. Now, I could see Free Park hopper, but I'm not sure what their incentive would be.

 

[DVCJones]

When one decides whether or not to purchase DVC, they must assume there will be deals on hotels from time to time. They also know they already agreed to a purchase price.
I don't see the problem here. If you buy a car and a month later there is a dealer rebate, should you demand compensation? Of course not.

As far as the dining reservations, I never understood the gripe here.
I mean, as long as everyone has to wait until 90 days why should it be harder to get a ressie??
Besides.. In 50+ visits to WDW I have never been shut out of a restaurant, and we book our dining well into the booking period.

MG

Because, at 180 days out there are fewer people who know their travel plans enough to make ADRs. By the 90 day mark, there are many more people trying to call in their ADRs. There has been a real problem recently for people trying to book ADRs under the 90 day policy. Until now, I never had a problem getting what I wanted for ADRs either, However, I always called 180 days out. I am not so sure that this will be the case next time.

 

[kaffinito]

You are free to take advantage of the "free" perks anytime you wish. You just have to book a room at rack rate and a package thru CRO!

The loan or no loan is a personal choice. If you have a loan for your DVC that's not Disney's problem. Some do, some don't....

Even before we went to Disney on our own points, we rented points because it was ALWAYS cheaper for us to do so than book a rack rate room + tickets + tax+ this + that.... they get you somewhere. And I can travel when I want. And I don't need length of stay passes to add dining plan. In fact I don't even need a one day ticket to add dining and eat wherever I choose. I love our DVC!

I agree with your remarks about why you chose to buy DVC and your remark on a loan being a personal decision.

We just stayed at the Poly in April on the 4/3 deal. I didn't want to use points for a stay and I wanted to take advantage of the 4/3 deal for a "quickie" vacation. DVC members can definitely book through CRO if they so desire.

How would discounts on dining or park tickets encourage members to use their points more frequently? Members have a finite number of points. And yet you still bought into DVC, so doesn't that mean you saw the value of DVC without ticket discounts?

If additional perks definitely led to increased revenue, don't you think Disney would do it? Not that they're infallible, but don't you think they are already offering exactly the amount/level of perks they feel will maximize revenue? Why would they intentionally do otherwise?

I agree with you also. Disney is not perfect, but they are one of the best run companies I have ever come across. They have a bunch of smart cookies running the resort end of things, and will use whatever trick they can find to increase revenue.

Think of the "going green" campaign and how it applies to your towel usage and the Disney Corporations overhead, eh?

 

[thelionqueen]

I don't understand how it would benefit Disney to have DVC members at the 90 day ADR mark. Most DVC owners are (some would call obsessed) pre-planners. Making reservations at the 180 day mark for DVC owners should not be considered a "perk" in my opinion.
I have yet to make a reservation as a DVC owner, but I can tell you without any doubt, when I request LeCellier, I will be locked out at 90 days. I called at the exact 180 day mark for our trip this year, as a "regular" guest and even then many (I'd estimate about 60%) of the times I requested were already gone (thanks to the 180 + 10 rule). Just my .02