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

[DebbieB]

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?

They will get daily housekeeping, just like any DVC room that is booked through CRO. Where the cost comes from is a good question. If they are breakage rooms, members should get a dues reimbursement for them, the question is how much, there probably is not much profit.

 

[disneynutz]

They will get daily housekeeping, just like any DVC room that is booked through CRO. Where the cost comes from is a good question. If they are breakage rooms, members should get a dues reimbursement for them, the question is how much, there probably is not much profit.

I don't think that members will be paying for their full cleaning, but I do see so many cash rooms with full cleaning taking up our Mousekeepers time. That means additional rooms not cleaned properly and that's unacceptable.

 

[Greysword]

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.

Hi Molly. I'm sorry if this is how my comment was interpreted. I tried to go to lengths to indicate that any replacements or services used would be paid by the resort owners (members) instead of Disney. I was not trying to imply guests from other resorts are not careful. I apologize if it came over that way

So, the Disney resorts folks (not DVC) finds itself with a glut of expensive villas that nobody's booking...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.

I must have touched a pretty big nerve, Lynne, and I apologize to you as well. To your point, if the rooms being upgrade are owned by CRO or are rooms traded into by members (those who use the Disney collection or Adventure collection), then I agree they should not sit empty if Disney is able to fill them in any manner they choose. They are their rooms, after all.

However, rooms coded for DVC member use, that were not traded to Disney, should remain empty if no other member asks for it, and here is my thinking why. First, these rooms are not Disney property. They legally belong to the members via granted deed (rental agreement). We as owners allow (and pay for) Disney to act as the management company by contract, and as owners, we are obligated to pay for all of the maintenance and services conducted at the resort, not the Disney Hotel branch. An analogy may be an apartment complex who sublets my apartment for a week to a business traveler; because, they know I'm out of town during that time and can entice the sublet to rent a unit if they relocate. I wouldn't like this without being asked. In addition, if no member chooses to stay in the room, then there is no extra wear and tear on the carpet, appliances, furniture, etc and it lasts longer.

However in all this, I would be happy to have others stay at our resorts, such as Maroo, as she would seem to be a great guest and it would make her time magical without "expecting" such a privilege. If it truly makes someone's stay that much more magical, I'm in!!

I hope this helps everyone understand where I'm coming from. Maroo, Congrats on your stay at SSR!!! I hope you get a 1 bedroom, as those are truly awesome!! There are maps on Allears.net, wdwinfo.com, and all the planning books. Don't worry about stepping on any toes, just concentrate on having a good time and enjoy the space!

 

[Lynne M]

Yikes... That sounds like a gentle dig.

MG

I didn't mean it as a dig, just a reality check.

CRO/WDTC has DVC villas in their inventory all the time. They often discount them, sometimes even with a 40% off code. This is just another discount, and I'm not getting why people are getting themselves so upset. They're not taking villas out of our inventory. The villas being used for the upgrades are the ones that normally get booked for cash through CRO every day, for the usual reasons: breakage inventory, exchanges, small percentage owned by DVC. It's a creative way of packaging a discount, offloading rooms they can't get people to book, and getting in a little DVC marketing while they're at it.

And as for worrying about the villas being damaged or abused by these 'outsiders'....there are non-members staying in the villas all the time. What's the difference, really?

 

[hakepb]

I didn't mean it as a dig, just a reality check.

CRO/WDTC has DVC villas in their inventory all the time. They often discount them, sometimes even with a 40% off code. This is just another discount, and I'm not getting why people are getting themselves so upset. They're not taking villas out of our inventory. The villas being used for the upgrades are the ones that normally get booked for cash through CRO every day, for the usual reasons: breakage inventory, exchanges, small percentage owned by DVC. It's a creative way of packaging a discount, offloading rooms they can't get people to book, and getting in a little DVC marketing while they're at it.

And as for worrying about the villas being damaged or abused by these 'outsiders'....there are non-members staying in the villas all the time. What's the difference, really?

I think there's the initial fear that the average Motel 6 occupant "trashes" a room more than a Ritz suite occupant. - those people would rather, at least, have a Moderate upgraded to DVC than a "dreaded Value" customer.

On the other hand, there are too many (including a few DVC owners) that think "We paid hundreds a night for this room (or we paid tens of thousands for DVC) so we already paid enough to abuse the room however we want", so perhaps it is not so bad that Value folks are staying here.

(I stayed in Values before owning DVC, although what "forced me" to upgrade was the PIN offers at values kept getting higher and higher priced.. not sure I would of left Values if I kept getting great deals and incredible, free upgrades)

 

[Nikisha421]

Here's an example of an excited family...http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2237810

They seem happy and I am happy for them...

I just want to add that last night when @ the Mara...there was such a crowd of people...some who "illegally pool hopping," some sneaking in, maybe even some upgrades...I personally dont care how ppl get where they are but I wish they could just behave accordingly, what I am saying is when in Roman do like the Romans...URGHHH

 

[mikeandkarla]

I'm happy for the guest. I'm looking at the situation like this, DVC can cost a lot, families might not be able to afford it. Maybe a value resort is all you can afford, and you got the email stating you can upgrade for free. What a blessing Disney has made some families very happy. I'm not upset becuz I know our family can afford to take many DVC trips. It's great more people will enjoy OKW or SSR, maybe the ones that can afford it might buy.

I think this is a great attitude to have about this. DVC members should feel proud of the fact that they can have the luxury of these types of accomodations all the time, not just through an upgrade. This does not make me envious in the least, except for the fact they will be in WDW and I won't. Good for them! This may be the only time one of these upgraded families will get to experience a deluxe resort.

 

[DebbieB]

However, rooms coded for DVC member use, that were not traded to Disney, should remain empty if no other member asks for it, and here is my thinking why. First, these rooms are not Disney property. They legally belong to the members via granted deed (rental agreement). We as owners allow (and pay for) Disney to act as the management company by contract, and as owners, we are obligated to pay for all of the maintenance and services conducted at the resort, not the Disney Hotel branch. An analogy may be an apartment complex who sublets my apartment for a week to a business traveler; because, they know I'm out of town during that time and can entice the sublet to rent a unit if they relocate. I wouldn't like this without being asked. In addition, if no member chooses to stay in the room, then there is no extra wear and tear on the carpet, appliances, furniture, etc and it lasts longer.

However in all this, I would be happy to have others stay at our resorts, such as Maroo, as she would seem to be a great guest and it would make her time magical without "expecting" such a privilege. If it truly makes someone's stay that much more magical, I'm in!!

I hope this helps everyone understand where I'm coming from. Maroo, Congrats on your stay at SSR!!! I hope you get a 1 bedroom, as those are truly awesome!! There are maps on Allears.net, wdwinfo.com, and all the planning books. Don't worry about stepping on any toes, just concentrate on having a good time and enjoy the space!

It's in the DVC contract that any unreserved rooms at 60 days can be sent to CRO for rental, with profits going back to the members as breakage income. So it's legal for them to do that.

 

[Rose&Mike]

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!

Hope you have an awesome trip!!!!
Rose

 

[bsusanmb]

Please pardon me for saying this but I don't believe this should make anyone feel bad about their purchase. In fact, I don't think it is a very good idea in general to base how you feel about your own stuff upon whether or not you have more than others. There will always be someone with more or with a better deal. Make a decsion based on your wants and needs and then enjoy.

The reality is that these lucky few who have taken advantage of a good deal and got upgraded do not have things "better off" than a true DVC owner. My DVC stays in a 2BR cost me roughly the price of a value. DVC is a long term purchase, these sales events are a very limited, singular event, not to mention that surely only a lucky few got upgraded. Plus, they bring in fresh money and owners to DVC resorts which helps us all out as a profitable DVC is what we all want.

I wouldn't feel bad at all if just for once it happened to ME...LOL...like, say, using points for a studio and getting upgraded to a one bedroom so that the Pop ressies could have the studio. But that will never happen. I don't look at the big picture of money and DVC being profitable...I just sometimes think, hummm, does Disney really value me as a DVC member? Do they even know how we saved and saved for this lifelong vacation? Doubt it. Even with the DVC member cruise, they still have not told us what the theme is...do they even have a theme, do they have anyone lined up for the cruise? Oh, well, even when I feel myself getting a little steamed when I see posts like these, in a few minutes it is gone and I just think of my wonderful vacations...and in Sept going to DL and using my points on the new villas there...so that is my perk, wonderful vacations anytime I want them..well, as long as I have the points, that is!!!

 

[rentayenta]

Please pardon me for saying this but I don't believe this should make anyone feel bad about their purchase. In fact, I don't think it is a very good idea in general to base how you feel about your own stuff upon whether or not you have more than others. There will always be someone with more or with a better deal. Make a decsion based on your wants and needs and then enjoy.

I couldn't have said this better myself! Maybe DVC needs to add self-esteem counseling for buyers before purchasing.

 

[maroo]

Thank you all for your help, kind words and well wishing!

I called my friend who is going with me on this trip. She is a teacher in FL and is also completely excited to stay at SSR!

This is her first time to stay on Disney Property - I told her she can't get used to it!

We are going to have a great time! Thank you all for your help!!!

 

[IggyLans]

you can take the hillbilly out of the trailer park (and move him to a DVC resort), but you can't take the trailer park out of the hillbilly.

Part of owning at DVC is knowing that you will be among like minded and respectful people. Courteous, polite, hard working, well mannered.

Next they'll be renting those unused rooms by the hour...

Wow, really?

 

[chalee94]

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.

DVC (or any other timeshare) is really not the thing if one wants to take a last minute trip. even if DVC can pull back rooms out of breakage inventory if members request a last minute stay, this is absolutely true.

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.

this seems like a pretty practical idea to me. maybe add a link to available last minute inventory on the member site...

 

[lugnut33]

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!

Congrats on being one of the chosen.

I highlited the part of your post that most interested me. We are recent DVC owners (small resale contract) and one of the most difficult things for me to overcome before buying was exactly what you posted: There will always be great deals on rooms and packages, so why buy DVC. When I see people getting a great deal (you are getting a great deal there's no doubt about that) I question why I bought in. And I understand why you wouldn't buy in. You'll probably get another great deal next year.

I'll be honest, I'd be pretty upset if I was paying points to stay in a 1 bedroom at SSR knowing somebody else is getting a free upgrade to the same room. Not upset with you or whoever else gets the upgrade, but upset with DVC/Disney.

Instead we are staying in a Tree House Villa, so I feel like I'm getting something special for my points that I purchased and for the dues I pay.

 

[wrighter]

Add me to the list of UNHAPPY DVC owners, who pay a lot of money for maintenance and upkeep at DVC resorts - only to have Disney GIVE those rooms away to others.

VERY, VERY, VERY unhappy with you, Disney. Grrrrrrrrr!!!!!

 

[Cmbar]

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?

Don't forget they are eating free too!

 

[IggyLans]

Unbelievable. You consider yourself "respectful, courteous, polite and well mannered"????? Wow. This has to be one of the UNclassiest posts on the Dis in a long time.

Sorry. Usually don't respond to this kind of garbage post but..........

Another post on another thread stated this person got married to have 24hr maid service. Sounds like a winner!

 

[LBelle]

Another post on another thread stated this person got married to have 24hr maid service. Sounds like a winner!

Ooooh! When does THAT start???? I've been waiting 16 years!!!


Are you serious? That was posted???? Wow! This just blows my mind!

 

[alamode]

Just my opinion, but these free upgrades don't upset me in the least. Disney has a certain number of rooms at SSR that they can rent out as they see fit, and obviously have a glut of value customers.

How does this effect you at an owner? Not at all. These people got a great deal, this is true, but that's where it ends. I'd hate to hear if any DVCers treat the upgraders as second class citizens. Seems very petty to me.

Remeber, it's not YOUR park, just because you purchased a timeshare. Everyone deserves to have the best vacation possible. The people that were upgraded just got an extra special treat from Disney, which is great for them, but to think that you as a DVC member deserve something because these "value people" are coming into "your" resort is to me very petty and childish.

Just enjoy your vacation and treat everyone with the respect they deserve.