How can they do this?

[needtogomore]

Just seen, Virgin UK offering upgrade from one bedroom to two bedroom for £9.98
how is this possible, or even fair to owners.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

I may be behind the times.. But what exactly is Virgin UK?

MG

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Are you talking about a travel package through the airline?
If so, I would think they can offer any size villa they can get access to.

MG

 

[needtogomore]

Are you talking about a travel package through the airline?
If so, I would think they can offer any size villa they can get access to.

MG

yes virgin is a uk travel agent, virgin planes, but how can they have an upgrade from 1 br to a 2 br for £9.98 thats the cost of 1/2 points, what price is DVC giving these rooms away for. its not fair to owners.

 

[TisBit]

yes virgin is a uk travel agent, virgin planes, but how can they have an upgrade from 1 br to a 2 br for £9.98 thats the cost of 1/2 points, what price is DVC giving these rooms away for. its not fair to owners.

First, there is commission that might be making up some of the difference with the travel agent, second most people understand that DVC rooms that sit empty because the member traded out hurts the membership more then just renting them for a cheaper price......most likely the 1 bedrooms were getting booked up, but the 2 bedrooms are not.

 

[CarolAnnC]

First off, there are U.K. packages that are only available to U.K. residents. Really, I see no reason why this would be "unfair" to owners. Many owners rent their points out, some for $14, some for $10 and some for $5 or even free. None of this impacts any one owner unfairly. Nothing to get riled up over, for sure.

 

[vicki_c]

Fair to owners should never enter the equation when you're talking about cash rooms. It has nothing to do with the owners, other than Disney as the owner of the unsold properties or traded-out points.

 

[Sammie]

as Vicki said this is from the Disney inventory of cash rooms and really does not affect DVC members.

I would advise that unless you can take advantage of the UK offers, as in being from the UK, I would not even look at them. They are fantastic compared to what they offer in the US, but they do have to spend all that money to get to Florida.

 

[TisBit]

Fair to owners should never enter the equation when you're talking about cash rooms. It has nothing to do with the owners, other than Disney as the owner of the unsold properties or traded-out points.

Well, this is only partly true. Cash rooms do have impacts on owners MF's. Breakage inventory that is rented out for cash offsets dues and points that are traded out to DCL and other Collections if left unrented will have a negative affect on DVC and members, which could result in higher point costs for trade outs or elimination of certain options, etc.

Truthfully, unrented inventory has a big impact, while a discounted room has a positive impact if it fills the room.

 

[vhm672]

Actually to be accurate Virgin Holidays (a uk travel company which owns the airline virgin Atlantic) is actually upgrading guests free of charge from moderate resorts to DVC resorts (SS and OKW). In some cases the upgrade is to a one bedroom villa. It has been getting an interesting reaction from UK DVC members on our local forums.

 

[Chuck S]

Cash room inventory and DVC Room inventory are separate. Cash room inventory is controlled by Disney, not DVC. And as others have said, UK travelers have been getting phenomenal cash specials. Those specials are not available to US domestic travelers. But UK guests have to pay a lot in travel expenses, and often vacation for much longer periods of time during a single vacation.

 

[TDC Nala]

If Disney can get the Brits into the DVC rooms by offering discounts or even upgrading them for free, they can resell the mod and value rooms (which are very popular right now).

British guests get what appears to be such good deals because they stay longer (I think they generally stay up to 3 weeks).

 

[marynvince]

With a package price the actual costs of components are hidden. They can offer "Free" or discounted upgrades, but are in fact getting that money from somewhere....airline, booking fees etc.

I doubt this is DVC giving away rooms.

 

[Lynne M]

I doubt this is DVC giving away rooms.

Correct. DVC can't give away rooms in the member inventory. The villas being used for this offer belongs to WDTC/CRO. Unsold inventory, inventory that's being rented to pay for exchanges by members, breakage inventory.

 

[Maistre Gracey]

Correct. DVC can't give away rooms in the member inventory. The villas being used for this offer belongs to WDTC/CRO. Unsold inventory, inventory that's being rented to pay for exchanges by members, breakage inventory.

Isn't it possible that Virgin UK is paying for the two bedroom villa, but charging the customer the reduced rate?

MG

 

[Chuck S]

Isn't it possible that Virgin UK is paying for the two bedroom villa, but charging the customer the reduced rate?

MG

Virgin is likely making up the difference between the 1 bedroom and 2 bedroom cost with the cost of airfare, or another package component. Plus, I'm sure Disney is giving a good discount for overseas guests.

 

[Lynne M]

Isn't it possible that Virgin UK is paying for the two bedroom villa, but charging the customer the reduced rate?

MG

Sure, very possible, and/or Disney is giving Virgin a special rate on the villas to attract UK visitors.

I'm still thinking that the OP's concern is that Virgin was somehow getting access to member inventory villas for this promotion. Just trying to emphasize that this Virgin deal isn't taking anything away from a DVC owner.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

British guests get what appears to be such good deals because they stay longer (I think they generally stay up to 3 weeks).

True, whatever deal they are given to get them here, makes it worth it for Disney and all of Orlando. I have friends who come over from the UK every two years, and stay at Disney for 3 weeks. They rent a car, they do Disney, Universal, Vero. No matter if it's discounted rooms and/or free dining, they spend a small fortune during those 3 weeks! Go Florida Tourism!

In the end, it takes nothing away from me!

 

[needtogomore]

as Vicki said this is from the Disney inventory of cash rooms and really does not affect DVC members.

I would advise that unless you can take advantage of the UK offers, as in being from the UK, I would not even look at them. They are fantastic compared to what they offer in the US, but they do have to spend all that money to get to Florida.

I do live in the uk. im sure if they offered the same deals in the US as they do in the Uk, US owners would be just as annoyed as some UK owners are