Giving Points to a Relative to Use

[DVCDAVE]

Hi, I am a little confused and need some help in clarifying an issue.

We had 11 points for 2003 left over that we weren't going to use. My sister, husband and 11 yr. old son moved to Orlando last year, and offered the points to her. She was delighted and accepted our offer.

Yesterday, I called and made a reservation for her for the night of August 31st for a studio at BWV, standard view. I asked John the CM at MS if my sister would be entitled to all the usual perks and discounts, including use of the workout room (Muscles and Bussles ?). John said NO, that perks are for members only, and not their guests unless I am staying with them (which I am not).

Is this correct ? I was always under the impression that as long as I am not accepting money for the use of my points, the guests ARE entitled to all the discounts and perks associated with a membership stay on points.

Thank you in advance for help with this question, as I know they plan on using the workout room and are looking forward to the discount admission to one of the water parks.

 

[InstImpres]

You have asked a highly debated issue. The answer is no, they are member benefits only.

Now, I'll take cover....there room key will say DVC member and they generally are able to get all benefits (but it is not guaranteed)

Good luck
Sandy

 

[DVCDAVE]

Thank You, and I do apologize if I have asked an inflamatory question, that was not my intent.

I simply wanted to clarify my thinking on this matter, in order to give my sister accurate information to avoid embarasement to her and me.

 

[CarolMN]

While the "official" answer is that non-members are not entitiled to the DVC perks, I've never read any reports that a renter/guest was denied the perks. The only perk that may not be extended is the 10% discount on UPH tickets. Apparently, that depends on the CM at check in. Since the stay will be paid for with points, the resort IDs will say DVC member on them. This is all you need for most of the perks.

FWIW, my SIL used the BWV Health Club daily on our last visit. She always went by herself (I get plenty of exercise at WDW without adding in any more, LOL). She encountered no problems whatsoever. Even though she was staying with us (members), I don't know how the CMs could tell. Her resort ID said DVC Member just like mine. I don't think your sister's family will have any problems, either.

P.S. The question of non-members getting DVC benefits is only controversial if the non-member is a "stranger-rental". Can't believe anyone objects when family members or friends are the recipients of a member's generosity. I think your sister is lucky to have such a generous brother!

 

[DebbieB]

Here's what I found in the member guidelines dated 8/99 when I bought:

"When a Member uses his or her Vacation Points to reserve a Vacation Home on behalf of a non-Member, and the Member does not charge any rental or other fees to the non-Member for the Vacation Home, the non-Member may be eligible for some Member Privileges and benefits that a Member would normally recieve during his or her stay in a Vacation Home. Member priviledges and benefits cannot be extended to non-Members who rent Vacation Homes from Members."


The wording is ambiguous. MAY BE eligible for SOME Member Priviledges. If their resort ID has "DVC Member" on it, they will probably get the benefits.

 

[Dean]

The ones technically not available to guests are the 10% discount on UMP and the member room discount. There may be others I'm not thinking of but otherwise I'd think they'll be entitled. Their key will say member and the truth is they can get everything except the member cash room discount. I guess the free valet parking would be questionable.