Founding Member Program: the good, the bad...

[kerickson]

I'm interested in finding out the Pros and Cons of being a DVC Resort Founding Member. My understanding is that they've offering this status for at least 3 resorts: AKV, BLT and soon VGC.

I need help filling in the specifics for each program and let me know if there were other resorts with Founding Members? Also, correct me if I've misstated anything....

Also, if you were a Founding Member (I guess those that weren't can comment as well), was it worth it? Was the quality of the 'gift' what you expected? Did you end up getting a good deal (special add on minimum, lower price point, other incentives), or were you disappointed because better incentives were offered later and the gift wasn't that great?
******************************************************
AKV:
Elegibility = first (X number of) members to addon/purchase (x number of) AKV points
Price Point = what was price point and incentives for the Founding Members?
Gift = Name on a Tapestry hanging in the Lobby, changed to a native African neckace framed with your family information

BLT:
Elegibility = first 1000 contracts purchased for 160+ BLT points.
Price Point = $107 (includes $5 discount per point for purchasing over 160pts)
Gift = Family inscription on a tile that will be part of the Tempo Fountain

VGC:
Elegibility = purchase original or add on membership via the DL DVC office and purchase add on during Jan 25-Mar 25 '09 pre-purchase Window
Price Point = TBD
Gift/Benefit = Benefit - opportunity to purchase up to 160 points at a small 48 unit DVC resort 2mo prior to general membership/public. Gift -TBD (contract addendume states it will have value of $100.)

 

[ACDSNY]

I was wondering the same thing...hopefully some AKV & BLT Founding Members will chime in soon.

 

[lillasmom]

Signing on for more info too... Anyone???

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

I am a founding member of BLT and got my tile with matching DP, $107 per point.

Its really funny that I actually did this as I never did the leave a legacy at Epcot or the bricks at the MK. But having my name on the fountain with only 1000 other people sounding good. Plus I was buying at least 120 points anyways (I had been planning this purchase for a while) so what was 40 more. The thing that pushed me over to buy now was the matching DP. I kinda lucked out about the tile because they were only at the 850 person point when I purchased. So I think of the tile as a bonus!

How will I feel when they start giving out better incentives to purchase?
I got my TILE!!!! How many people can say that!

 

[kerickson]

I am a founding member of BLT and got my tile with matching DP, $107 per point.

Its really funny that I actually did this as I never did the leave a legacy at Epcot or the bricks at the MK. But having my name on the fountain with only 1000 other people sounding good. Plus I was buying at least 120 points anyways (I had been planning this purchase for a while) so what was 40 more. The thing that pushed me over to buy now was the matching DP. I kinda lucked out about the tile because they were only at the 850 person point when I purchased. So I think of the tile as a bonus!

How will I feel when they start giving out better incentives to purchase?
I got my TILE!!!! How many people can say that!

Thanks for your response Tink n Belle
A visible tile that you can show to future generations is special. I'm hoping they do something like that for VGC..I wonder if you will get a framed tile to keep at home as well?...

 

[disneynutz]

Founding status is marketing hype for people that like to see their name in print.

The concept seems to work well. Look at all the names you step on walking into the MK.

We are founding members at AKV by chance and could care less. What am I going to do with a framed African Necklace? I tried to put it on but it doesn't even fit my neck.

 

[NJ Mets fan]

Founding status is marketing hype for people that like to see their name in print.

The concept seems to work well. Look at all the names you step on walking into the MK.

We are founding members at AKV by chance and could care less. What am I going to do with a framed African Necklace? I tried to put it on but it doesn't even fit my neck.

I agree with you entirely about founding status! As far as the necklace, put it up on ebay. I'm sure there will be some Disney nut that will buy it!! And don't take offense anyone. I am a Disney nut myself just not as nutty as some others............

 

[CarolA]

I bought AKV the day it opened. The founding member "gift" had NO influence on my decison. I wanted to own there! I would never give Disney money for the "gift" LOL!

 

[tjkraz]

As far as incentives, AKV got better after the founding member period. They started with just a $$$ off per point. A few months later Developer Points were added and then DOUBLE Developer Points (add 160, get 320 DPs.)

BLT also got better but Disney honored the incentive increase for those who initially bought. It started with the $5 off per point and the Developer Points were added a few months later. I have read that those who bought from Day One were able to call and receive the DPs. However, I'm sure there are many who never became aware of this change. Without initiating the phone call, no DPs.

 

[CarolA]

I realize that I am in the minority, but the "incentives" for the later purchases on VAK never really bothered me. The price was actually a little lower at first and I could not have used the "extra points" anyway (and hate renting) IMHO the "incentives" should really not enter into a purchase decision. I look at TOTAL out of pocket cost LOL! So if I pay more to get "incentives" then I don't think I am getting as good a deal. Incentives go away.....

 

[toocherie]

I got GCV founding member status buying at Saratoga Springs (from a guide in Disneyland). I believe the Price per Point was $94 (original price $104 with an $8 per point discount) plus 100 incentive points (for 160 point purchase) plus two annual passes.

The ONLY reason I bought was to get the right of first refusal to buy GCV. I went to WDW for the first time last month and enjoyed it, but Disneyland will be my main park. I think I'm supposed to get a gift--but really don't care. I only wanted the first in line status at GCV.

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Thanks for your response Tink n Belle
A visible tile that you can show to future generations is special. I'm hoping they do something like that for VGC..I wonder if you will get a framed tile to keep at home as well?...

Yes, we are suppose to get a tile to keep at home too.

I hope you get something cool as well at the VGC!!! Let us know if you do!

 

[roberte114]

BLT eligibility was for both new and existing members. I'm a new member and I got the tile. My guess on the tile is that the first 1000 contracts sold got the tile whether you were a new member or an existing one. Now out of those 1000 contracts a certain amount failed to close for whatever reason. It is a timeshare after all. Those remaining tiles were opened up only for existing members. My guess is that existing members are more apt to close on a contract than new members which makes it easier on DVCs part. Also there isn't a situation where a new member doesn't get the tile but a new member who purchases after them does get the tile. The first member would be angry since the tile is for the first 1000 members.

 

[Inkmahm]

I'm interested in finding out the Pros and Cons of being a DVC Resort Founding Member. My understanding is that they've offering this status for at least 3 resorts: AKV, BLT and soon VGC.

I need help filling in the specifics for each program and let me know if there were other resorts with Founding Members? Also, correct me if I've misstated anything....

Also, if you were a Founding Member (I guess those that weren't can comment as well), was it worth it? Was the quality of the 'gift' what you expected? Did you end up getting a good deal (special add on minimum, lower price point, other incentives), or were you disappointed because better incentives were offered later and the gift wasn't that great?
******************************************************
AKV:
Elegibility = first (X number of) members to addon/purchase (x number of) AKV points
Price Point = what was price point and incentives for the Founding Members?
Gift = Name on a Tapestry hanging in the Lobby, changed to a native African neckace framed with your family information

BLT:
Elegibility = first 1000 members to add on 160+ BLT points
Price Point = $107 (includes $5 discount per point for purchasing over 160pts)
Gift = Family inscription on a tile that will be part of the Tempo Fountain

VGC:
Elegibility = purchase original or add on membership via the DL DVC office and purchase add on during Jan 25-Mar 25 '09 pre-purchase Window
Price Point = TBD
Gift/Benefit = Benefit - opportunity to purchase up to 160 points at a small 48 unit DVC resort 2mo prior to general membership/public. Gift -TBD (contract addendume states it will have value of $100.)

Where did you hear that there won't be a tapestry hanging in the lobby at Kidani for AKV? The mini-tapestry was changed to the African necklace (which I like much better and have hanging in my office at work). No where do I remember reading that the main tapestry was canceled.

 

[disneynutz]

Where did you hear that there won't be a tapestry hanging in the lobby at Kidani for AKV? The mini-tapestry was changed to the African necklace (which I like much better and have hanging in my office at work). No where do I remember reading that the main tapestry was canceled.

The announcement came with the necklace. I think it said something about our names being added to some robes or costumes that will be on display.

 

[BWV Dreamin]

The announcement came with the necklace. I think it said something about our names being added to some robes or costumes that will be on display.

I'm sure thats just what you wanted!!! You crack me up Disneynutz!

 

[DVC92]

In purchasing DVC in 1992, we got park passes through 1999. Now that is a founding member gift!