High Point Owners

[littlestar]

Preferred views, etc., for elite members made me think about the time I was waiting to check in at Old Key West and a DVC member was throwing a tantrum aimed at the front desk clerk saying they owned "a lot of points" and they deserved their preferred room number. They were insisting that the current people in the room they wanted be moved immediately so they could have "their" preferred room.

 

[chetcroc]

This is a tantrum free thread. I think I was checking in a couple of weeks ago and the same guy you encountered was at Kidani. I find a pleasant, but focused complaint, usually works best. Plus, you do not have to remind them how many points you have. They already know.

 

[DeeCee735]

I am a brand new member. Sure, I'm a peon with only 75points, but this is my opinion: Before increasing perks I hope they get the basics up to par. 30 minutes to talkg to a rep is ridiculous.

Hi Tasha,

Welcome Home!

Just want to say, you are not a "peon", you're a member just like everyone else who owns points. And all of us here on the DISBOARDS welcome you

DVC is happy to have every single one of us....I mean our money....I mean every single one of us

Enjoy your membership

 

[chetcroc]

Nicely stated Diane. Welcome Home Tasha. I hope you are finding your DVC experience a great one. Most of the time it is. But, like all things, their are always some issues. You found one right off the bat - lengthy wait times on the telephone with DVC. To me, this seems to have gotten worse, even since I became a member in 2010. Not sure why. And thank you for being part of this thread. I am finding all replies to be of great interest. As an almost 4 year DVC member, I am very interested in what the long-time owners have to say as well as what the brand new owners think. Plus, I feel we are all here to offer support and advice, so please chime in often. I have offered my opinion on this topic and I will continue to push for the 3-P's for DVC members.

 

[disney54us]

The problem I see with a tiered system would be what is that saying to someone who purchased VGF at $100+ p/point and bought 200 points? Thank you but this other person bought 400 so they get priority. We appreciate your money but those who wanted and could afford more are better than you. Even though you both own in the same resort. We have 520 points, others have more and some have less. My deeds on my resorts are no better than another who owns 100 points.
Not surprised to read that Jim Lewis brought this to the table, where is he now??

 

[disneynutz]

The problem I see with a tiered system would be what is that saying to someone who purchased VGF at $100+ p/point and bought 200 points? Thank you but this other person bought 400 so they get priority. We appreciate your money but those who wanted and could afford more are better than you. Even though you both own in the same resort. We have 520 points, others have more and some have less. My deeds on my resorts are no better than another who owns 100 points.
Not surprised to read that Jim Lewis brought this to the table, where is he now??

In life people with more get more, sad but true. People who can afford to stay in deluxe resorts get more than people stay in value resorts. People who stay club level get more than people staying in deluxe. People who stay at VGF get more than people staying at SSR.

That's business and life, if a VIP system brings more money to Disney, they will find a way to implement one.

Bill

 

[DeeCee735]

In life people with more get more, sad but true. People who can afford to stay in deluxe resorts get more than people stay in value resorts. People who stay club level get more than people staying in deluxe. People who stay at VGF get more than people staying at SSR.

That's business and life, if a VIP system brings more money to Disney, they will find a way to implement one.

Bill

Just curious, how do people who stay at VGF get more than those who stay at SSR? It's a relative decision, isn't it?

If someone staying at SSR chose to stay there for perhaps, the spa, the direct access to DTD and the atmosphere, and someone else chose to stay at VGF for that spa, and the monorail access and that atmosphere, how is one getting more than the other?

I know people who've purchased at each resort based on what they personally wanted out of each resort, so I'm not understanding how VGF guests get more than SSR guests? Or any other resort for that matter.

 

[disney54us]

In life people with more get more, sad but true. People who can afford to stay in deluxe resorts get more than people stay in value resorts. People who stay club level get more than people staying in deluxe. People who stay at VGF get more than people staying at SSR.

That's business and life, if a VIP system brings more money to Disney, they will find a way to implement one.

Bill

But we are talking about people who purchase at the same DVC resort paying the same price per point. Yes if paying $425 p/night for a room vs $100 p/night you are paying for more amenities. I don't think throwing WDW resorts into the mix works, since the OP was asking about a tiered system base on points.

Just curious, how do people who stay at VGF get more than those who stay at SSR? It's a relative decision, isn't it?

If someone staying at SSR chose to stay there for perhaps, the spa, the direct access to DTD and the atmosphere, and someone else chose to stay at VGF for that spa, and the monorail access and that atmosphere, how is one getting more than the other?

I know people who've purchased at each resort based on what they personally wanted out of each resort, so I'm not understanding how VGF guests get more than SSR guests? Or any other resort for that matter.

 

[disneynutz]

Just curious, how do people who stay at VGF get more than those who stay at SSR? It's a relative decision, isn't it?

If someone staying at SSR chose to stay there for perhaps, the spa, the direct access to DTD and the atmosphere, and someone else chose to stay at VGF for that spa, and the monorail access and that atmosphere, how is one getting more than the other?

I know people who've purchased at each resort based on what they personally wanted out of each resort, so I'm not understanding how VGF guests get more than SSR guests? Or any other resort for that matter.

I guess it depends on how you look at it. VGF has a better grade of linens, towels, toiletries and bath robes for their guests.

Bill

 

[rock_doctor]

It will happen and i suspect it will be a paid for service, independent of points amounts or resort. The more you spend the more you get.

Otherwise what are the parameters? Resales vs. direct, older resorts (cheaper points) vs. newer resorts (more expensive points) plus initial buy-ins (cheaper points at first offering) vs. late buy-ins (purchases close to the end of point availability).

Disney is not a company that likes to pass up a quick buck.

 

[disneynutz]

But we are talking about people who purchase at the same DVC resort paying the same price per point. Yes if paying $425 p/night for a room vs $100 p/night you are paying for more amenities. I don't think throwing WDW resorts into the mix works, since the OP was asking about a tiered system base on points.

People who bought SSR points paid less than people who bought VGF points.

People who bought VGF early paid less that people who bought later.

I don't know how the VIP system would be set up but I do know that if it will increase sales, Disney will come up with some type of system just like they did for people who bought direct.

Bill

 

[chetcroc]

I understand somewhat what Bill is saying. Those who bought more points and/or stay in the 2 bedroom villas or the Grand Villas do have more "cash" in the game than someone who stays at a moderate or value resort. The reason I suggested the tiered system is that it provides a positive for the buyer and for DVC. In theory, if you are considering purchasing 220 points, but 300 points gets you a perk, most people will move-up to the 300 level if the perk has value to that customer (fast passes for example). Disney Cruise Line uses the fast pass incentive all of the time to get folks to buy into DVC. Seems to work pretty good. This approach, in theory, gives DVC and Disney more business, thus making the offer of perks worthwhile for Disney. If it is worthwhile, then the perks should not affect real estate contracts or dues. The perk itself pays for itself by increasing point purchases. And buyers with more points, in theory, will visit Disney more often, utilize the cruise and obviously spend money on park passes, food and merchandise.

Once again, I believe all DVC members should get the 3-P's. But historically, companies offer perks to those who spend the most with their company. Therefore, the tiered system would be logical. Remember, if you own 100 points, you will be spending much less on Disney products and services than someone with 2000 points. This does not minimize any DVC point holder, it is simple economics. A large point holder will spend 2-3 visits a year in a 2-3 bedroom villa and visit the parks more often and maybe even 1-2 cruises a year, depending on family size. If you have 100-200 points, you will not be able to do this.

Again, I am for perks for all DVC members. But if that is not attractive enough to Disney and DVC, a tiered system should be considered.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

We own at 5 resorts and just under a 1000 points and I would be very disappointed if they began a tiered system. I expect to be treated with the highest class service regardless of the points I own. We began with a 200 point VWL contact that was an affordable option for me at that time and as time has gone forward we added points and resorts because we gat a lot of value in what we own. Had a tiered system been in place I'm not so sure I would have began my membership, if I thought each trip I would always have the dumpster view and would have to eat at after 10pm at Artist Point so the "Diamond" could eat at 6:00pm. I have traveled enough, and I'm in those clubs for Hilton and Delta, they are nice perks and I do look forward to my free breakfast and first class tickets occasionally, but that's not what I want for DVC. Just my opinion...

 

[disney54us]

So people who bought years ago like me paid less in 97 then in 2014, the person who buys now is more special and deserves better perks. Like anything else prices go up, those who bought VGF during the initial buy in phase, well they got a better price.
If someone can afford to purchase 300 vs 200 then maybe that would be incentive. If someone can only afford to purchase 200 points and is paying the same price per point but is not getting the same membership and benefits. Sorry I think it would backfire. Remember many who have multiple contracts and carry above the stated average may have started with a couple of hundred plus points and added on through the years.

 

[disney54us]

We own at 5 resorts and just under a 1000 points and I would be very disappointed if they began a tiered system. I expect to be treated with the highest class service regardless of the points I own. We began with a 200 point VWL contact that was an affordable option for me at that time and as time has gone forward we added points and resorts because we gat a lot of value in what we own. Had a tiered system been in place I'm not so sure I would have began my membership, if I thought each trip I would always have the dumpster view and would have to eat at after 10pm at Artist Point so the "Diamond" could eat at 6:00pm. I have traveled enough, and I'm in those clubs for Hilton and Delta, they are nice perks and I do look forward to my free breakfast and first class tickets occasionally, but that's not what I want for DVC. Just my opinion...

Exactly!

 

[chetcroc]

We own at 5 resorts and just under a 1000 points and I would be very disappointed if they began a tiered system. I expect to be treated with the highest class service regardless of the points I own. We began with a 200 point VWL contact that was an affordable option for me at that time and as time has gone forward we added points and resorts because we gat a lot of value in what we own. Had a tiered system been in place I'm not so sure I would have began my membership, if I thought each trip I would always have the dumpster view and would have to eat at after 10pm at Artist Point so the "Diamond" could eat at 6:00pm. I have traveled enough, and I'm in those clubs for Hilton and Delta, they are nice perks and I do look forward to my free breakfast and first class tickets occasionally, but that's not what I want for DVC. Just my opinion...

I used the airline and hotel tiered example in my first post and some have said there is a difference. This proves there is not. How many times have you boarded the plane early because you have priority seating based on the amount of money you have spent with the airline, only to have those boarding last complain that they paid the same amount for there ticket but have to board last. And usually, all of us priority boarders have taken all of the overhead space, so now those last to board are forced to check their bags. This sounds oddly familiar when I read some of the posts concerning tiered perks. Just say'in. Great post though

 

[DeeCee735]

I used the airline and hotel tiered example in my first post and some have said there is a difference. This proves there is not. How many times have you boarded the plane early because you have priority seating based on the amount of money you have spent with the airline, only to have those boarding last complain that they paid the same amount for there ticket but have to board last. And usually, all of us priority boarders have taken all of the overhead space, so now those last to board are forced to check their bags. This sounds oddly familiar when I read some of the posts concerning tiered perks. Just say'in. Great post though

Again, I gotta say it....it's not how much you spend with an airline that brings you up the tiered ladder...it's how often you fly. A frequent flyer could still be buying their tickets at rock bottom prices if they watch the flight prices carefully, paying $100 bucks for a flight to Florida, over the next person who only flies once a year and may have paid $400 for the same ticket. I fly often enough to know and have experienced this.

I think length of ownership, loyalty (going to Disney instead of trading out) and frequency of visits (spending more in the parks, restaurants, shops and shows) would give any idea of a tiered membership based on price paid or amount of points purchased, a real challenge for implementing such a program.

Again, JMHO

 

[DeeCee735]

I guess it depends on how you look at it. VGF has a better grade of linens, towels, toiletries and bath robes for their guests.

Bill

Good point, but with all due respect, there isn't a bathrobe in the universe or a linen or towel that would get me to buy "up" in my points purchase.

Just sayin....

 

[chetcroc]

Diane. Not sure which airline you fly, but Delta changed their program this year to include "amount of money spent" as a component of qualifying for the different tiers. The way I understand the new system is that you must hit certain number of trips (segments), miles flown and money spent to qualify for the 3 different tiers. And obviously, each level requires more and more money spent, miles flown and segments. Delta recognizes the concerns you outlined and made the program a more fair program. This could easily be utilized with DVC.

 

[supersnoop]

@chetcroc: What is Disney's incentive to provide a higher level of service to existing members?

Airlines and hotels want those customers to keep coming back. DVC members are already locked in. Disney's interest is getting people into the parks. DVC members, by virtue of their real estate interest, are already incentivized to visit the parks. DVD wants to sell more real estate. While there may be some up-sell opportunity, I just can't imagine it would cover the costs of the additional perks. Remember, they already provide perks to direct buyers.

I just don't see the business case here. Remember, DVC cannot discriminate on the services they provide, as they're funded by members' maintenance fees. Only the Walk Disney Co. or DVD could fund those perks.