DVC Perks slowly disappearing....What do you miss ?

[mac_tlc]

I remember them modifying the deal to include 2 passes for the studio rooms, not sure when, but it was early on.

Just looked back to the July 1992 edition of "Vacation Magic" and in the Q&A it says :

Q - As a new member of the Disney Vacation Club the only problem I have is with the number of tickets a family receives through the Park Admission Plan. My family consists of six members. Four tickets for the Parks do not accomodate our family.

A - In the first few months of operation, we received many requests to enhance the Park Admission Program. Members told us that our original allocation of passes wasn't adequate to meet their needs. We reviewed the program and based on comments from members, determined what allocation of passes would meet the needs of the majority of our members, most times they visited. As a result, in January we enhanced the Park Admission Plan to provide even more park passes. The re-allocation was as follows:

Studio --- original plan 1 pass ---- new plan 2 passes
1 Bedroom --- original plan 2 passes ---- new plan 2 passes
2 bedroom ---- original plan 3 passes ---- new plan 4 passes
Grand Villa --- original plan 4 passes ---- new plan 6 passes

 

[jagson]

I get your idea........... However, I personally don't like it. I mean - a "perk" in my opinion is something you get for "free" - I wouldn't consider it a "perk" if I were paying for it.

I can't see DVC giving anything away for free. I suspect a portion of MFs goes to "perks". Logic, or illogic, indicates they offer different perks from time to time; and withdraw other perks to break even cost-wise (without a significant increase in MFs, that would tick off Members, and discourage sales). I suspect they substituted free internet for valet parking, just overlapped the 2 perks by a year to cover up the obvious exchange. I just haven't figured out why they cut the golf promo, which I didn't take advantage of; possibly for another perk down the road, ie online reservations?
I'd like to know the actual portion of MFs that go towards perks (or promos), along with the cost of the individual perks; and then let me select, or not select, the perks I wish to purchase. That seems fair to me, rather than charge us all the same for things we don't use. You get what you pay for, Economy vs First Class.

 

[dmoore22]

I feel we have more perks now than when we joined- love the little "Perks" book with specific discounts listed. My most-utilized perk is the free internet access. I never used valet parking so I don't miss it. Also love the Merry Member Mixer which is fairly new ( 4 years?) and consider it a perk to be able to enjoy such a fun event at no cost.---Kathy

I am also in your camp. Over the years it seems that the perks that have been lost have always been replaced with another perk we previously didn't have. The perks lost we really didn't use. The ones gained we always use. The AP perk is a multiple perk if you factor in the discounts and TIW AP discount.

 

[Chuck S]

I can't see DVC giving anything away for free. I suspect a portion of MFs goes to "perks". Logic, or illogic, indicates they offer different perks from time to time; and withdraw other perks to break even cost-wise (without a significant increase in MFs, that would tick off Members, and discourage sales). I suspect they substituted free internet for valet parking, just overlapped the 2 perks by a year to cover up the obvious exchange. I just haven't figured out why they cut the golf promo, which I didn't take advantage of; possibly for another perk down the road, ie online reservations?
I'd like to know the actual portion of MFs that go towards perks (or promos), along with the cost of the individual perks; and then let me select, or not select, the perks I wish to purchase. That seems fair to me, rather than charge us all the same for things we don't use. You get what you pay for, Economy vs First Class.

The only "perk" that I can think of that may be member funded through dues is the internet...overall an extremely inexpensive perk.

Discounts, like the AP discounts and shopping discounts, are not funded through dues. Other perks, like pool hopping also are not member funded, and are offered at the sole discretion of Disney Resorts.

The free valet was not member funded, it was provided originally by Disney (remember it originally was free for ALL resort guests), and continued for DVC when the service was contracted out. The contractor decided to discontinue the perk.

 

[dmann]

The most incredible perk in the early days was free admission to the parks. They used to provide 2 park passes for each bedroom rented for the entire duration of your trip. My family of 4 would stay as long as 10 days and explore the parks in a great leisurely pace.

 

[Chuck S]

The most incredible perk in the early days was free admission to the parks. They used to provide 2 park passes for each bedroom rented for the entire duration of your trip. My family of 4 would stay as long as 10 days and explore the parks in a great leisurely pace.

That really wasn't a "perk" it was a contractual purchase incentive. It was only available if staying on points at OKW, even after BWV opened.

 

[FOXFIELDZOO]

It's the DVC World of Golf Program. If you go to the member website, under member benefits, click the member benefits guide - there is an entire section that explains it in detail.

DH is planning on getting it on our trip in May!!!

Thank you so much

 

[eliza61]

What if, just what if, DVC gave its members the choice of perks they'd prefer. Let us make our own individual perks' selection; select from a menu of perks, ie ME, Internet access, Annual Pass discounts, Valet Parking, etc.; select all, or none, and pay for those you select, in MFs. Who'd prefer this option? It would effect your MFs, depending on the number of perks selected; could save money for MFs for those that didn't want the perks, and cost those that select perk(s). What's the problem with this, ie pay for the perks selected, over and above the base MFs?

Not a bad idea. I loved the valet parking and was really upset when it left. we used it every day.

 

[Chuck S]

What if, just what if, DVC gave its members the choice of perks they'd prefer. Let us make our own individual perks' selection; select from a menu of perks, ie ME, Internet access, Annual Pass discounts, Valet Parking, etc.; select all, or none, and pay for those you select, in MFs. Who'd prefer this option? It would effect your MFs, depending on the number of perks selected; could save money for MFs for those that didn't want the perks, and cost those that select perk(s). What's the problem with this, ie pay for the perks selected, over and above the base MFs?

What do you mean "pay for the ones you use?" Shopping, dining, and ticket media discounts are not member funded, they are discounts offered by the respective business to encourage us to buy the product...just like those "Senior Early Bird" dinners are meant to encourage dining during a slow time frame in the restaurant.

The only current member perk that is likely dues funded is the internet service, and that is an extremely inexpensive cost compared to valet. Plus the added accounting cost to charge some member dues more than others who own at the same resort would add accunting costs across the board for everyone, whether they chose a perk or not. And how would the valet (or other perk provider) know if you had paid through your dues or not? Would DVC need to issue new membership card to every member? And re-issue if someone changes their mind? No, lots of problems with pick & choose.

 

[TLSnell1981]

I miss the free valet parking.

BTW The Disney Stores do offer a 10% discount. I use it quite frequently.

 

[dmoore22]

I miss the free valet parking.

BTW The Disney Stores do offer a 10% discount. I use it quite frequently.

Never used it. Don't miss it. I miss the free fishing excursions on Bay Lake.

 

[dis2cruise]

valet parking very upset about this

 

[mwmuntz]

Another vote for Valet Parking!