Magical Express is going away on Jan. 1, 2022

[DVCSunDevil]

Understood, but again if you use something as Disney does to heavily market their product they are selling...aka parks... it doesnt matter what some employee has you sign.

I don't know about that. You literally acknowledged that you were aware that the parks could one day not be there. If something happened where the parks were gone, I don't see how you would be able to fight that in court.

In reality, we all took that risk knowing that the likelihood of the parks being terminated was very low. If it happens, I will be gone as a Disney "fan" forever. I will sell my stock and dump my DVC, while also cancelling Disney+. I highly doubt it will ever come to that. What would Disney be without its parks?

 

[DRUMZ2B]

Disney's Magical Express®
Disney’s Magical Express Service provides transportation for Disney Resort hotel Guests between Orlando International Airport and their Disney Resort hotel via motorcoach. Reservations are required to use this service.

Disney’s Magical Express service will no longer be offered starting with arrivals January 1, 2022. The service will continue to operate for new and existing reservations made at Disney Resort hotels for arrivals throughout 2021.

Luggage delivery for those arriving to and departing from the airport and Resort Airline Check-In Service are no longer available.


Another thing bites the dust.

 

[Bing Showei]

Be careful about falling into the company line indoctrinated here for years. This is not a normal timeshare. It isn't sold or marketed as anything even resembling a normal timeshare. If it was, I wouldn't have purchased it. I would have purchased something else. I would have saved a ton of money. And I would have had, in many cases; hundreds of travel options. That's not what DVC is. I purchased DVC for what it is. When it loses that value, it has lost the only thing that differentiated it and created its value.

You frame it as though people who read, understood, and agreed to the contract when buying a Disney timeshare are Disney apologist; as if accepting the reality of our purchase is a choice; that proclaiming over and over that "This is not a normal timeshare" somehow makes it true.

There is a legal binding contract that we all signed, or assumed upon transfer of a deed on the 3rd party market, when each and every owner acquired a contract.

As a resale owner first, tracking down and reading the POS before buying was no easy task. But I did it. I discussed the language around no guarantee of hotel side amenities, spas, transportation, or the theme parks themselves, with my wife. She didn't care and said, "If Disney shuts down WDW, we'll probably have a lot more to worry about than just vacationing there." So we decided that risk, which we agreed to assume, was minimal.

This isn't your first time disparaging those who understood what they were buying into, and I would encourage you to stop. As a long time owner and veteran contributor, perpetuating the false notion that we bought anything more than what it states in the contract, you provide a false sense of "ownership" to things we have zero ownership or say in as a timeshare owner. If anything, it engenders a sense of entitlement that will only encourage directionless anger that will yield nothing but a lot of frustration with owners who start to believe that false narrative.

That contract you signed means something, and that matters because it's the same contract we go back to on the multiple communications we have with Disney's timeshare management team. It's the same contract we lean on to question the legality of point reallocations, be it O.G. 2020 or the new and improved 2022 variety.

It's not about "the company line." It's about understanding our rights so that we can save our outrage for things we can affect on the side of owners.

I hate the changes Disney is making as much as the next owner. I sent the same emails voicing displeasure, and anticipate getting the same cut-and-paste responses, but it's important to recognize that park decisions, however disproportionately affected Disney timeshare owners are, are unrelated to timeshare ownership.

As fans and park goers we can raise whatever hell we want and vote with our wallets. As a Disney timeshare owner, we should truly understand the risks we assumed buying in, and decide which hill we're willing to die on... and by that I mean call up DVCStore.com about selling.

 

[mort1331]

Wow and here i sit all along thinking that ME was owned by Mickey....that Mears was short for for Mickeys Ears..guess thats a flop

 

[4luv2cdisney]

I am 100% disappointed. And pissed.

But at least DVCers will no longer be charged for this service when it is removed.

There is no way Disney will be reducing rates hotel side. DME was built into the room rates and it will stay in the room rates. Will they maybe throw out some super promos for awhile? Yes. If they need to. But then the discounts will decline and the inflated room rates will be pure profit.

And I do hope Disney feels the repercussions of this, but they probably won't. We'll all talk the talk but few of us wiil walk.

 

[epcotized]

This is a rare example of a discussion where everyone is right.

It is true that what we have bought is a timeshare. A prepaid room for up to 50 years. That's it, everything else could be removed tomorrow and it would still be legal for Disney to do that. Disney might even decide not to give early entry to DVC members staying on points, they don't have to Grant DVC resorts any of the onsite benefits. No FP+, early restaurants reservations, magic band. They might decide not to provide transportation to parks from DVC resorts (given that is removed from dues).

All of this is true.

However it is also true that if it weren't for all those other things very few would have bought DVC. And certainly not at the current price. The lack of success for the offsite resorts sort of demonstrate that.
So it is understandable that people are upset by this change. I am a bit upset myself, and I never used it to the full extension (as an international visitor I cannot use the luggage service which I think is the coolest part).
It's not a dealbreaker for me, but I can see why it could be for others.

I agree. We may be technically on the hook for just having lodging but the DVC folks are not stupid. They do know they could not just say that and then say "Copper Creek with no benefits? That will be $220 per point please." They understand that some benefit wold be implied if they wanted to make sales at that price.

They can take away ME and it is sad. I trust (maybe it's just hope) that they are smart enough to have some other benefit to announce in the future.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

You frame it as though people who read, understood, and agreed to the contract when buying a Disney timeshare are Disney apologist; as if accepting the reality of our purchase is a choice; that proclaiming over and over that "This is not a normal timeshare" somehow makes it true.

There is a legal binding contract that we all signed, or assumed upon transfer of a deed on the 3rd party market, when each and every owner acquired a contract.

As a resale owner first, tracking down and reading the POS before buying was no easy task. But I did it. I discussed the language around no guarantee of hotel side amenities, spas, transportation, or the theme parks themselves, with my wife. She didn't care and said, "If Disney shuts down WDW, we'll probably have a lot more to worry about than just vacationing there." So we decided that risk, which we agreed to assume, was minimal.

This isn't your first time disparaging those who understood what they were buying into, and I would encourage you to stop. As a long time owner and veteran contributor, perpetuating the false notion that we bought anything more than what it states in the contract, you provide a false sense of "ownership" to things we have zero ownership or say in as a timeshare owner. If anything, it engenders a sense of entitlement that will only encourage directionless anger that will yield nothing but a lot of frustration with owners who start to believe that false narrative.

That contract you signed means something, and that matters because it's the same contract we go back to on the multiple communications we have with Disney's timeshare management team. It's the same contract we lean on to question the legality of point reallocations, be it O.G. 2020 or the new and improved 2022 variety.

It's not about "the company line." It's about understanding our rights so that we can save our outrage for things we can affect on the side of owners.

I hate the changes Disney is making as much as the next owner. I sent the same emails voicing displeasure, and anticipate getting the same cut-and-paste responses, but it's important to recognize that park decisions, however disproportionately affected Disney timeshare owners are, are unrelated to timeshare ownership.

As fans and park goers we can raise whatever hell we want and vote with our wallets. As a Disney timeshare owner, we should truly understand the risks we assumed buying in, and decide which hill we're willing to die on... and by that I mean call up DVCStore.com about selling.

From a legal standpoint, you are; of course, exactly right. I've even said it here myself in years past. But the other reality is that what I purchased is what I perceived it to be, which are many things outside the ownership of the real estate interest. And those things, are greater than the sum of their parts. To a point. I purchased knowing full well that it was in Disney's best interest to keep the major parts of this machine in place. Sure, I betted on it, and that's most certainly on me. I get that, but I stand by my (personal) conclusion that it is more. The value of this timeshare is in where it is and what surrounds and is, intentionally; a value add to it. If I sell, I sell a few square feet in a few villas. No more. No less. But the entirety of my value lies in the value of where it is, unlike most every other typical timeshare; and that alone is why DVC doesn't sell for $1 and take over payments like other timeshares on fleaBay.

What we're saying isn't different, but it is important to hold Disney accountable to the value adds that are part and parcel to what it is, especially when we pay for (many of) them anyway. We're on the same page. Believe me.

 

[Matty B13]

But at least DVCers will no longer be charged for this service when it is removed.

do you really thing we are going to see a reduction in our dues from this????

 

[DVCSunDevil]

I agree. We may be technically on the hook for just having lodging but the DVC folks are not stupid. They do know they could not just say that and then say "Copper Creek with no benefits? That will be $220 per point please." They understand that some benefit wold be implied if they wanted to make sales at that price.

They can take away ME and it is sad. I trust (maybe it's just hope) that they are smart enough to have some other benefit to announce in the future.

This. Exactly this. People are making it sound like there will be no more "extras" down the road. DVC isn't stupid. They want to keep selling their properties. They want people to keep coming back and spending money in the restaurants and stores. Just because DME is getting discontinued doesn't mean that 15 years from every "perk" will be a thing of the past.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

You frame it as though people who read, understood, and agreed to the contract when buying a Disney timeshare are Disney apologist; as if accepting the reality of our purchase is a choice; that proclaiming over and over that "This is not a normal timeshare" somehow makes it true.

There is a legal binding contract that we all signed, or assumed upon transfer of a deed on the 3rd party market, when each and every owner acquired a contract.

As a resale owner first, tracking down and reading the POS before buying was no easy task. But I did it. I discussed the language around no guarantee of hotel side amenities, spas, transportation, or the theme parks themselves, with my wife. She didn't care and said, "If Disney shuts down WDW, we'll probably have a lot more to worry about than just vacationing there." So we decided that risk, which we agreed to assume, was minimal.

This isn't your first time disparaging those who understood what they were buying into, and I would encourage you to stop. As a long time owner and veteran contributor, perpetuating the false notion that we bought anything more than what it states in the contract, you provide a false sense of "ownership" to things we have zero ownership or say in as a timeshare owner. If anything, it engenders a sense of entitlement that will only encourage directionless anger that will yield nothing but a lot of frustration with owners who start to believe that false narrative.

That contract you signed means something, and that matters because it's the same contract we go back to on the multiple communications we have with Disney's timeshare management team. It's the same contract we lean on to question the legality of point reallocations, be it O.G. 2020 or the new and improved 2022 variety.

It's not about "the company line." It's about understanding our rights so that we can save our outrage for things we can affect on the side of owners.

I hate the changes Disney is making as much as the next owner. I sent the same emails voicing displeasure, and anticipate getting the same cut-and-paste responses, but it's important to recognize that park decisions, however disproportionately affected Disney timeshare owners are, are unrelated to timeshare ownership.

As fans and park goers we can raise whatever hell we want and vote with our wallets. As a Disney timeshare owner, we should truly understand the risks we assumed buying in, and decide which hill we're willing to die on... and by that I mean call up DVCStore.com about selling.

This is so well said. I have commented on here several times now that there are multiple types of vacations: WDW, cruises, beach rentals, camping trips, European, etc. Each of them is distinct and can't be replicated. Nothing replaces the feel of WDW. Nothing. Just like nothing replaces the feel of a Caribbean cruise. DVC ownership is, in essence, the sum of what is outlined in the contract. That's it...nothing more or nothing less. The lure of being part of DVC is that you have a timeshare in the heart of WDW. Over the life of the contract, you are able to stay in premium hotels for much less than the rack rate. No other expectations should be expected other than having a timeshare in WDW. Disney suddenly offers a perk? Great. Disney suddenly removes a perk? That stinks, but it is what it is.

And I think too many DVCers are confusing this decision as a DVC one. It isn't. It's a Disney decision. And as already previously stated, DVC members shouldn't be expecting Disney "perks" as part of their contract. My grandfather used to always tell me that disappointment comes from unrealistic expectations. If DVCers expect perks as some implied part of their contract, they are bound to be disappointed if those perks are removed.

 

[Sandisw]

I am not surprised that some Disney diehards would come to its defense at every turn. But claiming "it's not guaranteed in the contract" is getting old. May I ask those of you that have spent the time to read every single word of the contract what is not EXPLICITLY guaranteed? Does that mean it's okay for Disney/DVD to strip everything down to only what's included in that contract? Many people purchase DVC because of the "magical" Disney experience. That experience is obviously different for everyone. To some, the "magic" begins when one steps off the plane and hops on ME. I honestly am not particularly upset with Disney doing away with ME, but rather its recent trend of watering down its "magical" experience by continually cutting a "little here and a little there."

If we are all honest to ourselves, I bet many bought DVC because we all want to keep getting that "magical" experience over and over again and I would argue that's ultimately what sells DVC. Is that experience "guaranteed" in the contract? Absolutely not, but we still bought because that's the hidden message conveyed by DVC marketing. If we are reminded what is exactly guaranteed in that contract and told not to expect anything more before signing the dotted line, how many would have still bought?

I totally get that perks come and go, but it's no less of a disappointment when perks disappear and not replaced, especially with continually rising prices. Can Disney/DVD not afford to keep the perks? I seriously doubt it, but it makes the business less profitable.

LAX

I only want to add though that this decision doesn’t have to do with DVC. For me, being upset about its impact to any WDW travelers, I get,

Relating it to being a DVC owner, and posting that it is somehow part of the program does not. I do agree that when things come and go, that are inherent in why DVC makes sense for magical Disney trips, it certainly changes things up.

But, It is like the APs...it’s not DVCM preventing sales...it’s another division. Mears is not going anywhere and plans to keep as many buses as they currently have devtied to getting people to/from MCO, My pick up got forgotten yesterday and so I got a trip on DME all by myself and got to talking to the driver,

He said that is the plan,,,he obviously had no idea of cost, but that other Than not being called DME and having Mickey on the bus, the employees were told the plan is to continue the service for sure, Obviously, it’s all info not yet confirmed, but the option will be there,

One thing I learned,l.which never knew..is that the luggage delivery was not done by Mears but a different company and that the rumor was that WDW was having lots of trouble and complaints with them prior to pandemic.

I do not agree that it’s deceptive to say that because WDW, the company, is changing their practices, DVD was deceptive.

 

[Sandisw]

Three offsite resorts put a bit of doubt that the park aspect would fly, if it came to that.

Agree with you. And it is sad that people think differently.

 

[Dean Marino]

Deleted.

 

[Castillo Mom]

I knew exactly what I was getting when I bought into DVC. Two add-ons later, I still understand that I purchased a real-estate interest, nothing more, nothing less. Do I like the perks, want them to continue and/or would like additional ones? Absolutely! But when they're taken away or reduced, I won't complain because I made it a point to read and understand the contract prior to signing it.

As for ME, we started going to WDW before it's existence and have skipped it a few times. I mean no disrespect to anyone who loves it, but I was never a fan. I prefer not to be herded with the masses, sit and wait on the bus for it to get going and then stop at other resorts before being able to get to my destination. Using private transport, I get there quicker and don't have to wait for my luggage to arrive because I already have it with me. Some of my adult children love ME, but also don't think that the suspension of the service is that big of a deal.

 

[New Mouse]

Why does everyone think this decision has nothing to do with dvc? Did dvc make the decision? No, but were they likely involved in the conversation? (Id hope so for the sake of the company)

Disney and dvc are under the same corporate umbrella

 

[Chuck S]

Why does everyone think this decision has nothing to do with dvc? Did dvc make the decision? No, but were they likely involved in the conversation? (Id hope so for the sake of the company)

Disney and dvc are under the same corporate umbrella

No, DVC pretty much has zero input to this type of decision, they simply contract with WDW resorts to provide the same services they provide for all other onsite guests. They may be the same corporate umbrella, they are just as different as Comcast Cable TV and Universal Studios Theme Parks.

 

[Matty B13]

No, DVC pretty much has zero input to this type of decision, they simply contract with WDW resorts to provide the same services they provide for all other onsite guests. They may be the same corporate umbrella, they are just as different as Comcast Cable TV and Universal Studios Theme Parks.

But wouldn't you think with DVC taking over more resorts and converting hotel rooms, that DVC would have some influence on ME? If you can't sell your product, then DVC/Disney will still have to cover the MF's on the points unsold.

 

[CarolMN]

But wouldn't you think with DVC taking over more resorts and converting hotel rooms, that DVC would have some influence on ME? If you can't sell your product, then DVC/Disney will still have to cover the MF's on the points unsold.

They may have had input, but I'm positive they didn't have the final say. If DVD is having trouble selling, they will figure out how to structure incentives and pricing to reach their goals. FWIW, I highly doubt the availability of ME is a major factor in most buyers' decisions. A cost/benefit analysis will surely show that the cost to provide DME to DVC Members far exceeds the benefit from any increase in sales.

 

[DVCSunDevil]

They may have had input, but I'm positive they didn't have the final say. If DVD is having trouble selling, they will figure out how to structure incentives and pricing to reach their goals. FWIW, I highly doubt the availability of ME is a major factor in most buyers' decisions. A cost/benefit analysis will surely show that the cost to provide DME to DVC Members far exceeds the benefit from any increase in sales.

I fully agree. Those who are the most upset with DME being discontinued are the loudest voices on these threads. But the reality is that those people constitute a smaller percentage of DVC owners. I didn’t even know about DME when we decided to purchase DVC. It will be interesting to see the DVC sales numbers for January when they are released. My guess is that DME isn’t going to have huge effect on the sales numbers.

 

[New Mouse]

I fully agree. Those who are the most upset with DME being discontinued are the loudest voices on these threads. But the reality is that those people constitute a smaller percentage of DVC owners. I didn’t even know about DME when we decided to purchase DVC. It will be interesting to see the DVC sales numbers for January when they are released. My guess is that DME isn’t going to have huge effect on the sales numbers.

That is correct. Odd as it may be, most consumers dont actually calculate what something will cost them in total, which is part of why consumers have so much debt!