Free internet question

[iluveeyore]

Hi all - I'm a DVC member and have used the free internet access on previous trips. Question is, in a few weeks we are going on rented points from another member, will I still get my free internet???? I know the ressie is in my name, but it's using another member's points (not transferred, rented), so will it be free, and if not, can I get the charge taken off if I show my own DVC member card???? Thanks all!

 

[Brian Noble]

A definite maybe. Members are entitled to it only when staying on their own points (or those transferred to them). Guests of a Member, booked on the Member's points, are also eligible.

So, if your "landlord" identifies you as a renter, your reservation is supposed to be coded in such away that you are not eligible for it. In that case, you might (or might not) be able to talk your way out of it, but they are not supposed to waive it. In practice, it probably depends on the mood of the Cast Member you speak with.

However, if your landlord "forgets" to identify you as a renter (and most do "forget"), you will be treated as a guest, and this perk will be extended.

So, technically you aren't entitled to it, but your odds are good anyway.

 

[kristenrice]

I stayed on rented points at AKV back in October. We became members in September and I had my DVC member card when I checked in. I explained to the CM that the reservation was rented since we weren't members when it was made. She told me that I was absolutely entitled to free internet. (I am not trying to contradict the policy, I'm just restating what this particular CM told me) When I received my express check out invoice, I saw that I had been charged. Since I did not know the official policy at that time and the check in CM assured me that it was free, I went to the desk. I politely showed them my member ID card and pointed out that I had been charged for the internet access. I also re-stated that this was not my own reservation but a rental and if I was not entitled to the free access, I would pay for it. This CM also told me that it is free for members. Again, I am not trying to argue what the policy is or is not. I am just relaying my own experience.

As Brian pointed out, your experience may vary. It never hurts to ask.

On a side note, I am a little confused as to who gets free internet and how they determined it.

FREE: Members staying on THEIR points; Members staying on TRANSFERRED points; GUESTS (not renters) of members booked on points

NOT FREE: Renters, Members staying on RENTED points, any guest staying on cash

So, what confuses me is why members staying on rented points are treated differently than members staying on transferred points. I would think that if you are a member and staying on points, it should not matter where those points came from, right? I must be missing something. Wouldn't it just be easier to say that any DVC member staying at a DVC resort is entitled to free internet? Points, cash, my points, your points, Mickey's points...what is the difference and why does it matter? I am .

 

[Brian Noble]

NOT FREE: Renters, Members staying on RENTED points, any guest staying on cash

...and inbound exchange guests, who are also staying on someone's points.

As to why? I've long since given up asking why Disney does anything. As they say on The Prisoner: "Questions are a burden unto others; answers a prison for oneself."

 

[PEPE THE PRAWN]

Stayed @ BCV in Oct. 08 on rented points. Free valet and free internet must be the luck of the draw. Cheers