free dining offers

[rentayenta]

We see these questions and comments all the time here. I'm not sure why anyone would expect Disney to give DVC members "free" (it's not really free folks) dining, when we aren't meeting the criteria for it. We are NOT paying rack rate for a room, and frankly I don't WANT to pay rack rate for a 2 bedroom villa EVER just to get "free" dining.

I totally agree.

 

[Wenny]

I feel gypped. They only had lemonade when we went.

 

[lugnut33]

If the OP waits long enough they might offer a free upgrade from the Value resorts to Saratoga Springs or OKW plus free dining like they did last year.

 

[disneynutz]

I feel gypped. They only had lemonade when we went.

But... what was in the lemonade?

Bill

 

[wildernessDad]

We've only been DVC members for 5 years now - time flies when you're having fun. But I remember that DVC members weren't even allowed to book the dining plan, let alone get it for free. To me, that was a disappointment. It came in about a year later.

I do like the discount on annual passports. I wonder who's paying for those.

Perhaps DVC could offer "free" dining during those times when they need to spread out the points. But I am pretty sure that they won't.

I must be still drinking that kool aid as I just added on 50 points at VGC. Really, I am going to have to start acting my age.

 

[Chuck S]

We've only been DVC members for 5 years now - time flies when you're having fun. But I remember that DVC members weren't even allowed to book the dining plan, let alone get it for free. To me, that was a disappointment. It came in about a year later.

I do like the discount on annual passports. I wonder who's paying for those.

Perhaps DVC could offer "free" dining during those times when they need to spread out the points. But I am pretty sure that they won't.

I must be still drinking that kool aid as I just added on 50 points at VGC. Really, I am going to have to start acting my age.

The AP discount is not subsidized, it is a discount granted by WDW and DL, no doubt in cooperation with DVD/DVC sales & marketing But in reality, it isn't costing them any $$.

On the other hand, a free or discounted DDP would most likely be funded by dues, as it is doubtful sales & marketing would be interested in funding it. It is more cost effective to simply lower the sales price or negotiate incentives specfically for new buyers rather than the existing 400,000 members, given they already have tools to adjust demand/occupancy that don't cost anything, including reallocation and minimum stay requirements.

 

[Greysword]

If sales slump too low, I could see DVD offering free dining as a purchase incentive for the first year (or so).

 

[nukker7]

If sales slump too low, I could see DVD offering free dining as a purchase incentive for the first year (or so).

That would not be so cool for some of us. Guess we would have to add on 50pts direct.....lol

 

[Chuck S]

If sales slump too low, I could see DVD offering free dining as a purchase incentive for the first year (or so).

But why not just lower the price of points via an incentive, like a referral or "matching" downpayment?

The averag family of 4, with 2 young children, over a 7 night stay would be abou $763.00 for free dining. Add to that administrative costs of internal accounting and negotiating with WDW Travel, who owns the plans. An incentive of $7 or $8 per point would be cheaper on a 100 point contract, given that lawyers would have to draft a ne clause into the puchase agreement detailing the specifics of the "free" DDP offer, internal accounting to pay for it, etc.

 

[DebbieB]

Perhaps DVC could offer "free" dining during those times when they need to spread out the points. But I am pretty sure that they won't.

What would be in it for Disney? Would they care if points rooms went empty? They are already paid for. They would be giving away free food without any income on the room.

 

[castleri]

Anyone know which DDP the people who are upgraded to OKW or SSR from the value resorts end up with? Just curious.

 

[DebbieB]

Anyone know which DDP the people who are upgraded to OKW or SSR from the value resorts end up with? Just curious.

Since the value resorts only get quick service, it would be quick service unless they paid to upgrade. I just read a post from someone who got upgraded to OKW and they were asked about what the QS options were.

 

[doconeill]

Since the value resorts only get quick service, it would be quick service unless they paid to upgrade. I just read a post from someone who got upgraded to OKW and they were asked about what the QS options were.

Correct...they still only paid for value accommodations and therefore get the dining plan associated with what they paid.

They get the upgrades to OKW/SSR because they overbook the value rooms and OKW/SSR tend to have plenty of studios open at the time.

 

[Muushka]

There is no need to offer DVC members promotions. We already drank the kool aid.