High Point Owners

[DeeCee735]

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.

Noted, thank you for clarifying. I fly Jetblue

And I completely agree that everyone has a right to their opinion.

But....I still don't agree with a tiered system based on money spent. And I don't think DVC should be compared to airlines. I've been spending thousands upon thousands upon thousands with my DVC membership for many years now and for many more to come in the future. My buck is just as good as those who buy 1000 points.

I also feel a member is a member is a member, no matter how many points they own. They've made a commitment to spend their vacation dollars with Disney. That commitment is the same whether a person owns 75points or 1000+. Rewarding one over the other just doesn't seem to make sense to me and I can't understand why Disney would do that.

I think Walt would say the same thing. He built this empire for people of all ages, nationalities, beliefs and budgets to enjoy the best way they can. I don't see him favoring one guest over the other based on how much they spent on dining or membership or a hotel room.

Again, JMHO

 

[tjkraz]

@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.

Agree.

If additional "perks" are provided to all owners, they would be funded by member dues. Many members are upset with the cost of dues already--which is certainly their right. It would be wrong to assume that all owners would be willing to pay a little more even if it meant getting a little more.

If perks are to be selectively granted under specific circumstances (e.g. a VIP program), it would have to be a sales and marketing expense. And in that case, the program needs to at least pay for itself.

Generally speaking, The Walt Disney Company doesn't do loyalty / reward programs. Eons ago Disney operated the Magic Kingdom Club...which was later rebranded The Disney Club. Both have been gone for more than a decade now.

If Disney wanted to acknowledge / reward its frequent guests, that would be the way to do it. And DVC members would likely do very well with many being frequent visitors.

But apparently Disney doesn't see a need. There's even less need to reward current DVC owners who are virtually obligated to visit regardless of the costs. Not every member behaves identically, but in the aggregate...we're an easy, reliable source of revenue.

 

[tjkraz]

I think Walt would say the same thing. He built this empire for people of all ages, nationalities, beliefs and budgets to enjoy the best way they can. I don't see him favoring one guest over the other based on how much they spent on dining or membership or a hotel room.

Not to split hairs but Walt is also the one who doled-out rides on the basis of ticket purchases. Those who could afford 10 "E" tickets could ride Matterhorn 10 times. Others were left with a lesser experience. First and foremost, Walt was a businessman.

Nevertheless, Walt has been dead for over 40 years. And it's pretty clear that Iger / Staggs / Crofton have their own agenda.

Like another poster said, the Disney Parks don't really have much competition. Not on the level of an airline or grocery store. In many industries, competitors offer virtually identical experiences. You can buy the same brands of soda, cookies and frozen dinners at Publix, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Winn Dixie, etc. Delta, United and American Airlines will all get travelers to their destination in roughly the same fashion.

But the Disney parks offer a unique experience...even with Universal, Sea World and others a short drive away. In 2014, the Disney parks continue to draw record crowds regardless of pricing or reductions in quality. Until that changes, there's little motivation for Disney to alter its philosophies.

 

[tasha99]

Im not sure rewards make sense for dvc since they are able to sell all points without them. With an airline, the goal is to sell all space on a strict time limit. Also, airline passengers don't have as much built in loyalty. Airline passengers are more like hotel guests than timeshare owners.

 

[Judique]

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.

The front desk staff doesn't already know.

 

[disneynutz]

The Front Desk could care less how many points anyone owns. They are paid a fixed contracted rate with our dues to give us a room.

Bill

 

[chetcroc]

Are you guys really that naive to believe all of your information is not readily available. And even more so with the new magic bands. Disney knows where you are, where you have been, what attractions you rode, where you ate, where you shopped, what you bought, who you were with, how long you stayed in a certain area, what time you got to the park, what time you left the park, when you are in your room and when no one is in the room, if you are a pass holder, if you are a DVC member, and so on, and so on, and so on!!!! Between your smart phone and the magic bands, Disney knows and is learning your habits 24/7 while on their property. Magic Bands indeed. But, we are off topic.

Can I just get everyone to gather their pixie dust and help me sprinkle it over the DVC folks and wish for perks for all of us. Sounds simple right? Maybe I should change my strategy to the 4-P's instead of the 3-P's. Priority, Perks, Privileges and Pixie Dust.

 

[chrisaman]

The thing with this is that if Disney included a tier system it is available to anyone. If you would want to reach VIP status you could by buying more points. Now if they restricted who could buy points or who got the perks based on who they wanted to give it to, then it would not be available to anyone. Yes, the more money you spend would get u the higher tier but isn't everything like that. If you spend more at a restaurant generally you get better food. If u spend more on a hotel room don't u generally get a bigger or better room. This would be no different.

If this was brought into DVC I would just buy a ton of points and rent out what I can't afford for yearly dues and just keep 100 to 200 points for myself. Then u get the perks without paying the price

 

[chrisaman]

Also, for the record. I don't like the idea but to say it isn't fair is not a correct statement

 

[chrisaman]

Noted, thank you for clarifying. I fly Jetblue And I completely agree that everyone has a right to their opinion. But....I still don't agree with a tiered system based on money spent. And I don't think DVC should be compared to airlines. I've been spending thousands upon thousands upon thousands with my DVC membership for many years now and for many more to come in the future. My buck is just as good as those who buy 1000 points. I also feel a member is a member is a member, no matter how many points they own. They've made a commitment to spend their vacation dollars with Disney. That commitment is the same whether a person owns 75points or 1000+. Rewarding one over the other just doesn't seem to make sense to me and I can't understand why Disney would do that. I think Walt would say the same thing. He built this empire for people of all ages, nationalities, beliefs and budgets to enjoy the best way they can. I don't see him favoring one guest over the other based on how much they spent on dining or membership or a hotel room. Again, JMHO

It is still available to everyone. Just some people get a little more. U can get 50 points and someone can get 1000. Just like u can stay at AOA and I can stay at the Grand Floridian

 

[agie65]

The thing with this is that if Disney included a tier system it is available to anyone. If you would want to reach VIP status you could by buying more points. Now if they restricted who could buy points or who got the perks based on who they wanted to give it to, then it would not be available to anyone. Yes, the more money you spend would get u the higher tier but isn't everything like that. If you spend more at a restaurant generally you get better food. If u spend more on a hotel room don't u generally get a bigger or better room. This would be no different.

If this was brought into DVC I would just buy a ton of points and rent out what I can't afford for yearly dues and just keep 100 to 200 points for myself. Then u get the perks without paying the price

Currently Disney does not allows you to own more then 8500 points per person and 2500 points per resort and also restrict you to not make any more then 20 rental reservation.

to OP: More perks for high point owner does not seem like in Disney's favor, they may make little more money on MF but they will loose more on other stuff. For example a high point owner may stay in grand villa vs a low point owner may prefer studio. Now in this example Grand Villa can accommodate only 12 people for 100 pts vs 8-10 studio for same 100 points can accommodate 32-40 people. These 32-40 people will spend more money in park etc then 12 from Grand villa.

Sure I am human and want more for less, but at this time does not look like economics dictate this coming any time soon in DVC system.

 

[Sammie]

I don't see them doing it because they have never offered a frequent customer reward program for non DVC deluxe/suite resort guests.

Believe me there are many guests that spend way more money each year than DVC members regardless of how points they have.

 

[tjkraz]

Are you guys really that naive to believe all of your information is not readily available. And even more so with the new magic bands. Disney knows where you are, where you have been, what attractions you rode, where you ate, where you shopped, what you bought, who you were with, how long you stayed in a certain area, what time you got to the park, what time you left the park, when you are in your room and when no one is in the room, if you are a pass holder, if you are a DVC member, and so on, and so on, and so on!!!! Between your smart phone and the magic bands, Disney knows and is learning your habits 24/7 while on their property. Magic Bands indeed. But, we are off topic.

I hope you aren't naive enough to believe that any front line Cast Member can access such information with the touch of a button. Disney is changing its methods for tracking and using guest information, but they've barely scratched the surface today.

And like Bill said, a front desk CM does not have your DVC member profile readily available.

Can I just get everyone to gather their pixie dust and help me sprinkle it over the DVC folks and wish for perks for all of us. Sounds simple right? Maybe I should change my strategy to the 4-P's instead of the 3-P's. Priority, Perks, Privileges and Pixie Dust.

Members have collectively been discussing / requesting / wishing for perks for over 20 years now.

 

[DougEMG]

I've a bunch of points and would love some free perks, who wouldn't, but I really don't see that happening.

Disney already uses incentives when you buy direct, with a bigger discount the more points you buy. When sales are good, no incentives required.

For perks that cost money someone has to pay for that, either through higher dues or lost revenue for another division.

I'm just glad that we have the discount on the annual pass.

I don't bother with the TIW card though as I don't eat out enough. Now if they significantly reduced the price to buy it, I'd buy it and eat out a lot more, just like I bought a lot more when the premium annual pass was a 20% discount, 10% who cares, it isn't enough to make me change my spending pattern. But with the restaurants full they don't need to bother.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Having thought about this thread for the past few days, a Club 33 membership is the only tiered perk that would make me take out my checkbook.

 

[Nonsuch]

...a Club 33 membership is the only tiered perk that would make me take out my checkbook.

Disney will be happy to cash your check!
Someone needs to pay for the Club 33 remodel/expansion.

On topic: even Club 33 has tiered levels of membership.

 

[dahwolf]

Perks are great, and of course I would love this... But I don't think Disney will do it either.

I go two to three weeks a year now, but with more perks, I would probably go four or more weeks, and end up broke! LOL!

 

[Judique]

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

Stayed there in February. I saw more toiletries - not a better grade. They put the same old sea salt soap in a paper box versus a wrapper. The bath robe I can't really remember - didn't make much of an impression. The bed was nice and comfy but I didn't check the thread count.

Shampoo and conditioner were a different variety of H20 not necessarily a better one - I don't really care for all the 'sea salt' stuff.

I went from BLT to VGF to AKV - towels seemed to be the same Disney towels. They did have a tube of foot rub - nice.

Loved the tray ceilings, flooring, colors, view and I was extremely comfy in the studio. Never turned on the mirror tv - I'd seen it on the tour, but had no need for it. And the lobby is charming!

Overall, I would stay again if they make a walking path to MK. Otherwise I'll be roughing it at BLT.

 

[Disney On The Bayou]

If these are the perks you are looking for you can get them as a DVC Member...

- Visits to multiple theme parks in a day, if desired
- The ability to experience some of your favorite attractions efficiently, even repeatedly
- VIP seating for parades, select stage shows and nighttime spectaculars
- Shared insight from your highly knowledgeable VIP Tour Guide throughout your tour
- A completely customized experience based on your preferences

Plus they will pick you up at your resort and provide direct transportation to and from the parks! No waiting on a bus or other transportation...







Rates below...

Guest Type
Hourly Rate per
Guide (regular)
Hourly Rate per
Guide (holiday)
Resort Hotel $315 $355
Non-Resort Hotel $340 $380

 

[jimim]

Are you guys really that naive to believe all of your information is not readily available. And even more so with the new magic bands. Disney knows where you are, where you have been, what attractions you rode, where you ate, where you shopped, what you bought, who you were with, how long you stayed in a certain area, what time you got to the park, what time you left the park, when you are in your room and when no one is in the room, if you are a pass holder, if you are a DVC member, and so on, and so on, and so on!!!! Between your smart phone and the magic bands, Disney knows and is learning your habits 24/7 while on their property. Magic Bands indeed. But, we are off topic. Can I just get everyone to gather their pixie dust and help me sprinkle it over the DVC folks and wish for perks for all of us. Sounds simple right? Maybe I should change my strategy to the 4-P's instead of the 3-P's. Priority, Perks, Privileges and Pixie Dust.

they deff know. A cast member sent me a screen shot from thier computer to show a credit to my cc so I knew to look for it and I saw in the side in the notes where I went to the front desk cause I couldn't get in my room with a band one day. It said exactly what happened and how it was corrected. So they document everything. Just like I do at work. We call it "cya". Cover your a%#. So they document everything. So I would say be careful how u treat people cause it can come back to bite u!

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