DVC Plans More Exclusive Spaces for Members **UPDATE - New Member Lounge Coming to MK in 2024**

[CarolynFH]

I'm sorry. I truly wish I could agree with you, but I feel DVC members are treated like second class citizens. When we purchased, members got free tickets, free valet parking, daily room servicing, the incredi-pass for $300, etc. The rooms had more amenities. My daughters went on the 4th of July and bought a retail room at the Coronado. Though the room was $300, they got mouthwash, an amenities kit, shower cap. Seems petty, but it annoys the heck out of me. As you said, we have stood by Disney thru thick and thin. The itty bitty perks they throw our way now are insulting.

I think in that post I was comparing now to the pre-2016 years, say 2005-2016, when the free tickets (a sales incentive, not a perk) and valet parking were gone, we hardly got any discounts (lunch only, at a few Epcot restaurants?), and there were no special events for DVC members at all. As far as the amenities your daughters found at CSR, I’m not sure I want to pay for those things in my dues, knowing how some people will take advantage of them by getting extras to take home.

 

[karen4546]

I'm sorry. I truly wish I could agree with you, but I feel DVC members are treated like second class citizens. When we purchased, members got free tickets, free valet parking, daily room servicing, the incredi-pass for $300, etc. The rooms had more amenities. My daughters went on the 4th of July and bought a retail room at the Coronado. Though the room was $300, they got mouthwash, an amenities kit, shower cap. Seems petty, but it annoys the heck out of me. As you said, we have stood by Disney thru thick and thin. The itty bitty perks they throw our way now are insulting.

When did you purchase?

 

[Lisa01]

When did you purchase?

Not sure of exact year. I'd have ask my husband. 2000 maybe

 

[Lisa01]

I think in that post I was comparing now to the pre-2016 years, say 2005-2016, when the free tickets (a sales incentive, not a perk) and valet parking were gone, we hardly got any discounts (lunch only, at a few Epcot restaurants?), and there were no special events for DVC members at all. As far as the amenities your daughters found at CSR, I’m not sure I want to pay for those things in my dues, knowing how some people will take advantage of them by getting extras to take home.

I totally agree that people would take extra items home. I've seen many in the past load up on things in the housekeeping carts. But, that's not the point to me. We paid a lot for our contracts and continuing maintenance dues. I just sick of feeling like we get the short end of the stick. And I know some will say sell then. We are definitely considering it, sadly.

 

[karen4546]

Not sure of exact year. I'd have ask my husband. 2000 maybe

We were 2019. We would not have been able to buy in in 2000 even if we had known about DVC. Kids, college, and theee weddings before we could make the purchase. But one of the top five purchases we have ever made

 

[WxKristin]

It's just like the people who haven't been over to Tom Sawyer Island since middle school in 1983.

Hi! It's me. I'm the problem. (1992 - I think. Has anything changed on the island?).

I did make my kids visit the shooting arcade last trip in May since I knew it was closing and everyone had more fun than I expected. We would probably do it again if it stayed open. But I never would've paid quarters for the experience. Shaded balcony parade and people watching would be fabulous though.

 

[cep101]

I wonder if that space is big enough to be a DVC lounge for MK. In Epcot we have seen where the lounge is full, and I would think MK would be even more popular.

 

[Sandisw]

I totally agree that people would take extra items home. I've seen many in the past load up on things in the housekeeping carts. But, that's not the point to me. We paid a lot for our contracts and continuing maintenance dues. I just sick of feeling like we get the short end of the stick. And I know some will say sell then. We are definitely considering it, sadly.

The only thing about all those little things in the rooms is that it adds to our dues….like daily housekeeping would…cost of contract doesn’t fund those.

Now, if a lot of owners at a resort wanted to have daily housekeeping funded, they could certainly ban together to see if they can get it added…but, I would have to bet that many owners would rather not have to pay for it.

I joined in 2009 and the perks we have now are so much more than back then. The only one gone is valet parking which we didn’t use but once…as it was gone after our first trip.

I really make sure of the Sorcerer Pass and the food/merchandise discounts, plus do enjoy the special events that happen…it may not be a lot but I see them as a bonus that we didn’t expect.

 

[mrsap]

Thought I’d add this…

Disney Vacation Club Model Rooms Open at Disney Springs Preview Center​

Back in March 2024, Disney Vacation Clubopened a new preview center at Disney Springs. Dubbed "Gateway to Discovery" the walk-in outlet features a variety of information regarding Disney's timeshare program include displays showcasing different destinations, a tabletop model of The Villas at Disneyland Hotel, a photo-ready Mickey Mouse statue and more.

Now the venue has expanded to the second floor with model rooms for Disney's Riviera Resort. Both a Deluxe Studio and One Bedroom Villa are showcased--which combine to represent a lockoff Two Bedroom Villa.
Disney Vacation Club made the announcement via its Instagram account, claiming that the model is open to both current and prospective members. The video claims that guests can "relax and recharge" during their visit to the preview center with light refreshments offered, comfortable indoor seating, an outside balcony overlooking Disney Springs and a free gift for visitors.

Pictures found on Facebook.

 

[RWeThereYetJJ]

The DS Preview Center looks nice. I'll have to stop in to check it out on my upcoming trip.

 

[DonMacGregor]

The DS Preview Center looks nice. I'll have to stop in to check it out on my upcoming trip.

Yeah, I'm on a solo business trip this weekend for a meeting in Orlando Monday morning, so I'm going to stop by either Sunday or Monday afternoon.

 

[zackiedawg]

Cool news about the Disney Springs Preview Center - sort of like a DVC lounge, but for prospective members too. Hopefully the upstairs sample rooms will change regularly as new resorts start to come around - Riviera is the 'new kid' now, but would be nice to see the Poly renderings as that gets closer, and when new resorts aren't under construction, could show the latest refurbed rooms at existing resorts. That would make it useful for current DVC members too.

I'll be there in September and at Disney Springs on 9/13, so looking forward to checking out this space.

 

[muppets3d]

Are you expected to sit down and talk "numbers" with a representative in exchange for visiting the Springs tour center for drinks and a bag of pretzels?

 

[Judique]

Not usually unless the protocol has changed recently. Talking numbers usually means an appointment with a guide. Walking in or approaching a DVC booth usually is friendly and polite conversation with an offer of assistance in setting you up with someone who can do sales.

I try to visit a display of anything new before I use my points to stay, with the exception of the Cabins at Fort Wilderness which I have booked but have not previewed. I have no intention to buy any future points but you never know what may come to pass as you move through life.

 

[DaveNan]

Are you expected to sit down and talk "numbers" with a representative in exchange for visiting the Springs tour center for drinks and a bag of pretzels?

I believe in order to speak "numbers" they need to be a licensed real estate agent. The staff at the booths and centers typically are not agents. They can only get you an appointment with an agent. They speak in generalities and how it is such a good deal, but they can't get into too much detail. The booth staff are measured by how many appointments they get scheduled, and guides (the actual agents) are measured by sales.

 

[DonMacGregor]

I believe in order to speak "numbers" they need to be a licensed real estate agent. The staff at the booths and centers typically are not agents. They can only get you an appointment with an agent. They speak in generalities and how it is such a good deal, but they can't get into too much detail. The booth staff are measured by how many appointments they get scheduled, and guides (the actual agents) are measured by sales.

That's correct. I believe they are referred to as "Advanced Sales Associates" or ASA's. They are not licensed real estate brokers.

 

[zavandor]

I totally agree that people would take extra items home. I've seen many in the past load up on things in the housekeeping carts. But, that's not the point to me. We paid a lot for our contracts and continuing maintenance dues. I just sick of feeling like we get the short end of the stick. And I know some will say sell then. We are definitely considering it, sadly.

To clarify, if DVC started adding a shower cap in the room, and it costs $1, your dues would increase by $1 to pay for it. Everything in the rooms is not free, you're paying for it. Whatever you paid for your contract went into the Mouse's pocket, now you also pay for everything you get in the room. More amenities or services mean higher dues.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm sorry. I truly wish I could agree with you, but I feel DVC members are treated like second class citizens. When we purchased, members got free tickets, free valet parking, daily room servicing, the incredi-pass for $300, etc. The rooms had more amenities. My daughters went on the 4th of July and bought a retail room at the Coronado. Though the room was $300, they got mouthwash, an amenities kit, shower cap. Seems petty, but it annoys the heck out of me. As you said, we have stood by Disney thru thick and thin. The itty bitty perks they throw our way now are insulting.

Actually, no. The free park passes ended in 2000, and the purchase incentive itself ended in the mid-1990s, and we never got daily housekeeping, it was always limited housekeeping. There was no AP or major ticket discounts. Annual passes for everyone in the early 2000s were quite reasonable, and there were no tiered passes like there are today. The DVC Annual Pass discount started much later.

 

[mrsap]

New Branding for Disney Vacation Club Lounge at EPCOT

The DVC member space on the second floor of EPCOT's Imagination Pavilion remains closed for repairs to the space's elevator. But when it re-opens, it will go by the new formal name. Disney Vacation Club ImaginAtrium - A Member Loungejoins other exclusive members-only spaces like Star View Station - A Member Lounge and Top of the World Lounge - A Villain's Lair atop the DVC building at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

There is also a small lounge space and model rooms for Disney's Riviera Resort located on the 2nd floor above Disney Vacation Club's welcome center in Disney Springs.

According to the new issue of Disney Files Magazine, ImaginAtrium will also receive a new paint scheme courtesy of Disney sponsor PPG Paints. The lounge will also be home to "an engaging new exhibit of archival photos and images, and more."

Another member lounge is currently under construction in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. Per Disney Files, the new lounge will draw inspiration from boarding houses in the American frontier.

 

[Cfabar1]

When we purchased, members got free tickets, free valet parking, daily room servicing, the incredi-pass for $300, etc. The rooms had more amenities. My daughters went on the 4th of July and bought a retail room at the Coronado. Though the room was $300, they got mouthwash, an amenities kit, shower cap.

A couple of thoughts about this.

1. I had not heard that DVC used to have free daily room servicing. When did that change? I had always thought it was standard timeshare cleaning schedule.

2. I believe VGF gives you mouthwash, an amenities kit, and shower cap. I had assumed that was because they were the flagship. (We never stayed cash in a DIS resort prior to joining DVC). I wonder why they have the money for that at VGF but not the other resorts and if you could request one "on demand".