Free upgrades from Value Resorts to OKW or SSR, incl free dining!

[wilma-bride]

I guess I have to chime my two cents in since I've been reading the resort boards.
First, let me say sincerely that I am happy for those who received the upgrade who wouldn't normally have been able to stay at a DVC resort in this economy - they will never forget this trip.
But...we are staying at the same time these upgrades are being offered at OKW in a 2 bedroom with friends. We had tossed around the idea of paying cash somewhere and getting the free dining to save some money, because our friends had to rent points to be able to stay with us. Now they have technically paid cash for a room and can't get free dining. People who paid even less cash for a room now have the same accommodations as us, but also have free dining!? Needless to say, our friends are a little miffed, but still excited about our trip.
I realize it's not everyone that booked free dining at a value that got an upgrade (looks like whatever was available went pretty quick). And there are many who didn't get the offer at all.
To sum it up, yes a lot of us are jealous and feeling put out, but we know how much we love our DVC and now others will get to feel the love who might normally never get that chance.
Thanks for letting me run off at the keyboard!

We are in the exact same situation. Our friends were going to stay at Pop Century and ended up renting some points so they can stay in a studio at AKv while we are in a 2-bed. I just feel bad that I more or less sold it as a great deal to our friends as paying a little extra for much nicer accommodation but they could have ended up in a 1-bed at OKW or SSR with free dining also. Stinks

 

[mousygirl]

I got an email yesterday that was an offer for friends and family. (We are DVC members) I think it was for Aug 30- Oct. 1 and it was $199/night at SSR/OKW, if they were willing to go to a DVC presentation.
Did anyone else get that?

Also, I think wear and tear issues are not really relevant. Would it concern you if it were full due to DVC ressies?

 

[Greysword]

It is great that some are able to get upgraded to a deluxe when they were not considering it. If it helps DVC or makes someone's stay more magical, then I am pleased. As mentioned, I would prefer Disney to upgrade someone from a moderate or another deluxe (if they want) instead of the values, as these vacationers are likely to be more closely related to the demographic for DVC ownership. Does Disney upgrade Value resort guests to their other deluxe properties?

However the biggest concern I have, as a SSR owner, is the facilities wear-and-tear as well as the expense of any possible damage the upgraders may cause. I don't mean to say the people who come from the All Stars will break things, rather if something does get damaged, it is our dues that replace/repair damages. In addition, our dues pay for the transportation and staffing (mousekeeping, front desk, grounds, etc) at the resort, and I wonder if they will appreciate that. I guess I'm more concerned with someone taking a laisez-faire attitude with the property (and their rooms) rather than the ownership we (at least the DISers) do.

Just my thoughts, please feel free to let me know what you think about this.

- Chris

 

[Zane_Anthony]

It is great that some are able to get upgraded to a deluxe when they were not considering it. If it helps DVC or makes someone's stay more magical, then I am pleased. As mentioned, I would prefer Disney to upgrade someone from a moderate or another deluxe (if they want) instead of the values, as these vacationers are likely to be more closely related to the demographic for DVC ownership. Does Disney upgrade Value resort guests to their other deluxe properties?

However the biggest concern I have, as a SSR owner, is the facilities wear-and-tear as well as the expense of any possible damage the upgraders may cause. I don't mean to say the people who come from the All Stars will break things, rather if something does get damaged, it is our dues that replace/repair damages. In addition, our dues pay for the transportation and staffing (mousekeeping, front desk, grounds, etc) at the resort, and I wonder if they will appreciate that. I guess I'm more concerned with someone taking a laisez-faire attitude with the property (and their rooms) rather than the ownership we (at least the DISers) do.

Just my thoughts, please feel free to let me know what you think about this.

- Chris

You make some very valid points. They are going to DVC only resorts (SSR and OKW) so do I understand correctly that all the expenses at these resorts come from DVC funds? I know that some rooms go to CRO to make up for tades etc but since these are free upgrades does WDW pay DVD for these rooms? Just curious as to how all of that works.

 

[nunzia]

I do say good for them and it will be quite a wonderful experience for them. My only concern, and I have this about renters also, is that everyone who stays at any DVC property take care of it. Remember that it's our dues that maintain and fix these units. I'm not saying that all DVCers take care of things and I'm certainly not saying that renters and upgraded people won't, but we do have a vested interest in how people treat the units..it isn't just a wash for us.

 

[bumbershoot]

I don't think it will devalue DVC, we may not ever see this promotion again and DVC not an investment.

It's happened before, it's happening again, I'm sure it will happen in the future.

Exact thing happened a couple of years ago during free dining and the majority of us weren't overly happy about it then. Does anyone remember that?

BUT, I specifically know of one family that after enjoying that kind of an experience - they bought into DVC. Score one for Disney.

I remember it, and was so jealous that we hadn't booked a free dining trips!

We weren't even members of DVC yet but we were so happy for those people, and I'm so happy for those people now.

I don't mean to say the people who come from the All Stars will break things, rather if something does get damaged, it is our dues that replace/repair damages. In addition, our dues pay for the transportation and staffing (mousekeeping, front desk, grounds, etc) at the resort, and I wonder if they will appreciate that. I guess I'm more concerned with someone taking a laisez-faire attitude with the property (and their rooms) rather than the ownership we (at least the DISers) do.

I can't get into that line of thought. People are people, and who people are isn't reflected in where they stay. People who stay in fancy places trash rooms too.

I think that anyone who stays at a hotel-type-place knows that if they overly damage something, they'll get a bill.

We would have stayed at a Value resort, and we wouldn't have damaged anything, so I just can't get into the idea that if you're not an owner, you're not going to care.

 

[DebbieB]

One lady said $80 which who knows because most were saying $2-$3.

She had 3 adults, so the extra adult charge was refunded.

You make some very valid points. They are going to DVC only resorts (SSR and OKW) so do I understand correctly that all the expenses at these resorts come from DVC funds? I know that some rooms go to CRO to make up for tades etc but since these are free upgrades does WDW pay DVD for these rooms? Just curious as to how all of that works.

That's a good question. If they are breakage rooms, there probably is not much profit to go back to member dues.

 

[La2kw]

Wouldn't it be nice if they upgraded DVC members first? Why not upgrade all the members staying in a studio to a one bedroom. Then they can upgrade the value guests into to the studios. Instead, members are staying in studios on points that cost them a ton of money and someone paying for a glorified motel room is getting a better unit than them! Isn't DVC wonderful?

 

[Lynne M]

So, the Disney resorts folks (not DVC) finds itself with a glut of expensive villas that nobody's booking. Not surprising, since a cash reservation for a villa costs a ridiculous amount of money, and the economy's not so hot.

Hm, what to do? They could just let them sit empty.

Or, they could spread some major pixie dust, make some families really happy, and incidentally maybe convince some of them to buy into DVC, so there's at least a chance of these villas bringing in some money.

But apparently some of you would argue that CRO/WDTC should have just let them sit empty, to avoid offending the tender sensibilities of some DVC members.

Sorry, but that's not the way a capitalist economy works.

And I would love for someone to explain, in mathematical terms, how a couple of hundred people getting offered a discount on a DVC villa, twice in two years, somehow devalues my membership. I get huge discounts on villas every time I book a stay at a DVC resort. Every year. For the next several decades. I don't have to hope that I'll be in some tiny group of people that gets blessed with a rare-as-a-lightning-strike upgrade.

 

[maroo]

I feel a little like I am in someone else's home...

Like I should bring you guys flowers...gifts...peace offerings?

I am one of the lucky ones who was given a PIN today and got to upgrade from POP Free Dining to SSR.

Good news is I have checked into getting DVC and am on the DVC email list...so maybe they targeted us? I truly am interested in DVC - if Disney would stop letting me save so much with my AP/Free Dining, then I would be a lot more easily convinced to take the plunge and buy in!

I do think staying at SSR will certainly give me a taste of the good life!

I have a few questions...

The Studio - I understand it has one Queen bed and one sofa bed. Is the sofa bed comfortable? Should I bring a topper of some kind?

Is the bed already made when we get there? Is it hard to get out and back in, etc?

Is there a good place to get an overview of the areas of SSR?

I am not planning on making any requests from Disney for this stay. I don't think it is fair to the SSR "paying" guests and owners. But I would like to get an idea of what areas you guys like, how the bus system works, etc.

Also...how is SSR Magical Express Service? I am getting in very late on my first night and was just wondering.


And sincerely...thank you for allowing us to stay at your resort. I know you don't have much choice and I don't know how I would feel if the tables were turned! But in a few years, they certainly may be! Who knows! I may just have to buy into DVC after 5 nights at SSR!

 

[Maistre Gracey]

So, the Disney resorts folks (not DVC) finds itself with a glut of expensive villas that nobody's booking. Not surprising, since a cash reservation for a villa costs a ridiculous amount of money, and the economy's not so hot.

Hm, what to do? They could just let them sit empty.

Or, they could spread some major pixie dust, make some families really happy, and incidentally maybe convince some of them to buy into DVC, so there's at least a chance of these villas bringing in some money.

But apparently some of you would argue that CRO/WDTC should have just let them sit empty, to avoid offending the tender sensibilities of some DVC members.

Sorry, but that's not the way a capitalist economy works.

And I would love for someone to explain, in mathematical terms, how a couple of hundred people getting offered a discount on a DVC villa, twice in two years, somehow devalues my membership. I get huge discounts on villas every time I book a stay at a DVC resort. Every year. For the next several decades. I don't have to hope that I'll be in some tiny group of people that gets blessed with a rare-as-a-lightning-strike upgrade.

Yikes... That sounds like a gentle dig.

MG

 

[Sammie]

I feel a little like I am in someone else's home...

Like I should bring you guys flowers...gifts...peace offerings?

I am one of the lucky ones who was given a PIN today and got to upgrade from POP Free Dining to SSR.

Good news is I have checked into getting DVC and am on the DVC email list...so maybe they targeted us? I truly am interested in DVC - if Disney would stop letting me save so much with my AP/Free Dining, then I would be a lot more easily convinced to take the plunge and buy in!

I do think staying at SSR will certainly give me a taste of the good life!

I have a few questions...

The Studio - I understand it has one Queen bed and one sofa bed. Is the sofa bed comfortable? Should I bring a topper of some kind?

Is the bed already made when we get there? Is it hard to get out and back in, etc?

Is there a good place to get an overview of the areas of SSR?

I am not planning on making any requests from Disney for this stay. I don't think it is fair to the SSR "paying" guests and owners. But I would like to get an idea of what areas you guys like, how the bus system works, etc.

Also...how is SSR Magical Express Service? I am getting in very late on my first night and was just wondering.


And sincerely...thank you for allowing us to stay at your resort. I know you don't have much choice and I don't know how I would feel if the tables were turned! But in a few years, they certainly may be! Who knows! I may just have to buy into DVC after 5 nights at SSR!

A gift, flowers, naaaa...... money is always nice. Just kidding, at least you are being very appreciative and understanding which is nice. I am glad for those that got the upgrade until they get greedy, a few were upset they could not get a 2 bedroom in the upgrades.

Now to your questions, the sofa bed is better than most but not as comfortable as a bed, it is a different style in that it has an attached mattress of memory foam.

Hard to say whether you will need a topper, personal choice and all.

Sometimes they are made with the sheets, extra pillows and such are in closest.

It can be kinda difficult to open and close because it is different, more like a drawer you pull instead of a mattress you unfold. There are instructions on the beds.

As to requests, that is probably a good idea, you could request a certain area but never a guarantee. I like all the areas actually. Each area there are 5, has bus stop centrally located.

For a map of SSR go to the Resorts forum here at DIS and you will find one.

Enjoy your trip.

 

[Cajun28]

The Studio - I understand it has one Queen bed and one sofa bed. Is the sofa bed comfortable? Should I bring a topper of some kind?

Is the bed already made when we get there? Is it hard to get out and back in, etc?


And sincerely...thank you for allowing us to stay at your resort. I know you don't have much choice and I don't know how I would feel if the tables were turned! But in a few years, they certainly may be! Who knows! I may just have to buy into DVC after 5 nights at SSR!

Can't say about the sofa beds from personal experience, but some friends stayed with us a couple of years ago at SSR and they said the sofa beds were comfortable. If memory serves me, the bed was already made up and it was very easy to open and close. Sorry, I can't help with your other questions.

BTW, congratulations on your great deal and welcome to DVC. Hopefully your stay will convince you that DVC is for you. No peace offerings needed for me, just have a great time. I am one member that has no problems with you getting the deal you did.

 

[Alexander]

Well, okay--I have a one bedroom booked at OKW on points--AND have paid cash for a room at All Star Sports for the same week--it was a great deal--cheaper than paying for the meal plan and tickets, etc.

Think I'm not a bit irked?

Oh well, all I know is those people who have been upgraded better take good care of our resorts!

 

[Sammie]

Wouldn't it be nice if they upgraded DVC members first? Why not upgrade all the members staying in a studio to a one bedroom. Then they can upgrade the value guests into to the studios. Instead, members are staying in studios on points that cost them a ton of money and someone paying for a glorified motel room is getting a better unit than them! Isn't DVC wonderful?

And what do the members who booked during this time frame with points for a 2 bedroom get???? Or those in a Grand Villa, are they going to give them points back.

Now you see why this can never happen.

 

[Sammie]

Well, okay--I have a one bedroom booked at OKW on points--AND have paid cash for a room at All Star Sports for the same week--it was a great deal--cheaper than paying for the meal plan and tickets, etc.

Think I'm not a bit irked?

Oh well, all I know is those people who have been upgraded better take good care of our resorts!

Well some would say it is karma, I am sorry, but I just had to laugh when you posted this, because this is the kinda of thing that would happen to me if I tried to get a deal.

 

[logan115]

I feel a little like I am in someone else's home...

Like I should bring you guys flowers...gifts...peace offerings?

I am one of the lucky ones who was given a PIN today and got to upgrade from POP Free Dining to SSR.

Good news is I have checked into getting DVC and am on the DVC email list...so maybe they targeted us? I truly am interested in DVC - if Disney would stop letting me save so much with my AP/Free Dining, then I would be a lot more easily convinced to take the plunge and buy in!

I do think staying at SSR will certainly give me a taste of the good life!

I have a few questions...

The Studio - I understand it has one Queen bed and one sofa bed. Is the sofa bed comfortable? Should I bring a topper of some kind? Was fine for us, not too picky, slept on it for a week without any issues

Is the bed already made when we get there? Is it hard to get out and back in, etc? Again, no issues for us

Is there a good place to get an overview of the areas of SSR? There's a SSR owners thread that should help.

I am not planning on making any requests from Disney for this stay. I don't think it is fair to the SSR "paying" guests and owners. But I would like to get an idea of what areas you guys like, how the bus system works, etc.If I were you I'd make the same request - you're entitled to that. I love the Grandstand section, 1st bus stop (both ways), nice "quiet pool" right there, and only a 5 min walk to the Carriage House (where the restaurants are) and the Springs (feature) pool. I believe Congress Park is closest to Downtown Disney if that's your thing, but you're a few bus stops in.

Also...how is SSR Magical Express Service? I am getting in very late on my first night and was just wondering. We've used it our last two trips and it was great, but we go in around 10am both times, others will be able to help on the late night arrival question


And sincerely...thank you for allowing us to stay at your resort. I know you don't have much choice and I don't know how I would feel if the tables were turned! But in a few years, they certainly may be! Who knows! I may just have to buy into DVC after 5 nights at SSR!

Enjoy your stay, you're going to love it, but be careful, staying at a DVC once can make it hard to go back. After renting points twice we recently took the plunge !!

Welcome (to the dark side ), my responses above.

Chris

 

[Alexander]

Oh something else just made me a little ticked off too--

Are they going to get housekeeping cleaning their rooms everyday? Fresh towels etc?

That will be coming out of our dues correct?

 

[Sammie]

I understand the 60 day situation and that these rooms were going to sit empty etc, etc. but do they ever put these rooms back into the DVC inventory for members to book last minute trips.

If not I guess DVC is really not the thing if one wants to take a last minute trip.

Just wish there was some flexibility with that.

I also wish when they get in a situation like this with excess inventory they would offer members a better deal on cash reservations, I mean a one bedroom at value rates is a heck of a deal. They might be surprised at how many members would take advantage of it.

 

[brianheather]

Wouldn't it be nice if they upgraded DVC members first? Why not upgrade all the members staying in a studio to a one bedroom. Then they can upgrade the value guests into to the studios. Instead, members are staying in studios on points that cost them a ton of money and someone paying for a glorified motel room is getting a better unit than them! Isn't DVC wonderful?