DVC - upgrades/downgrades

[tomandrobin]

I was reading Doc's thread from the DVC annual meeting and other members feedback/opinions. It seemed that opions were mixed on DVC's direction/performance to its members. Some feel DVC is downgrading again, some feel that DVC is improving.

I think we've been getting more upgrades, then downgrades overall. What do you think?

Downgrades

1. Fee for non-DVC Disney resort stays.

Upgrades

1. Extension of OKW contracts
2. Free Internet
3. Continuation of AP discount
4. Participation of DDP, even if not at DVC resort
5. New resorts AKV, GCV and Hawaii
6. Online banking
7. Expanded MS hours
8. Free Giclee for 15 year anniversary
9. Movies at the pools
10. Continuation of DVC parties (dummer,Christmas)

Continuation of special DVC events (preview openings, Christmas parade taping, etc)

Room for improvement

1. More online booking options
2. Better trading out options with II
3. Housekeeping (but this is a management issue, not a DVC benefit/perk)

 

[Chuck S]

I think that over the years (having joined in '92) that it is a wash.

Some things I miss were disconintued for legitmate reasons, including the simple logistic of offering it to the ever growing number of members.

Yet some other perks, like the AP discount, continue to be added, as the years pass.

 

[Caskbill]

There are some things I consider downgrades, while others may consider them upgrades.

1. The new banking rules: We gain 2-months of a 100% window, but overall lose 2 months of total banking windows.

2. Vacation Magic: It use to be a DVC magazine.

3. Loss of the personal pontoon boat transportation from OKW to DD. While the new boats hold more people, they feel more like regular Disney transportation. The old boats felt more like 'family'.

4. The little things, such as the loss of many of the items that use to be in the units.

I applaud the positives such as the AP discount, the MS hours, and such.

Guess I'm just sentimental for when we first purchased, and Disney Vacation Club resort (now named OKW) really felt more like family. Unfortunately, like everything else in life, continued growth turns a nice home in the woods to a large housing development.

I'm not saying it's more good or bad, just different.